Christmas in Painted Pony Creek
A Holiday Romance Novel
-
-
4.3 • 67 Ratings
-
-
- $11.99
Publisher Description
Can a Christmas miracle mend her broken heart?
Tessa Stafford will do anything for her daughter, Isabel…even stay on the run to protect Isabel from her narcissistic grandmother. But when her car breaks down in Painted Pony Creek, Tessa gets caught up in the warm embrace of the town and feels safe enough to build a home—and a life—for them both. Love is the last thing on her mind until rugged cowboy and lawyer Jesse McKettrick’s sexy smile and easy way tempt her into imagining more. But can she trust this handsome stranger with her heart?
When Tessa and her adorable daughter blow into town, Jesse McKettrick is smitten—by both the little girl and her beautiful mother. He’s always wanted a family of his own. Maybe this Christmas, his wish will finally come true. But the walls around Tessa are impenetrable, and when Tessa’s past threatens their newfound future—and the family he’s come to love—Jesse won’t let them go without a fight.
Discover bestselling author Linda Lael Miller's latest masterpiece, Where the Creek Bends, a mesmerizing tale where age-old secrets and poignant journeys unravel the deepest truths of family and the path to self-discovery.
Discover more by Linda Lael Miller Book 1: Country Strong Book 2: Country Proud Book 3: Country Born Book 4: Christmas in Painted Pony Creek
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A single mother on the run finds solace in a handsome cowboy in bestseller Miller's heartfelt fourth Painted Pony Creek romance (following Country Born). After a rough upbringing as a foster child, Tessa Stafford is determined to protect her five-year-old daughter, Isabel, from her ex's stepmother's maniacal obsession with gaining custody. Used to being continually on the move, Tessa and Isabel land in Painted Pony Creek, Mont., after their car dies. There, mother and daughter are welcomed into a supportive community that becomes an unexpected home. As the close-knit town prepares for the holidays, Tessa finally allows herself to relax a bit—and to explore her chemistry with cowboy lawyer Jesse McKettrick, who's nursing his own heartbreak. As their feelings deepen, Isabel comes to view Jesse as a father figure. But what happens when the wicked stepmother comes to town? Though this archetypal villain feels a little far-fetched, Miller's protagonists demonstrate her skill for crafting empathetic characters and she puts forth a fast-paced and dramatic plot. The subtly Christmassy backdrop and folksy supporting characters ("These were country people, and they enjoyed holidays and gatherings like this one to the fullest") up the charm factor. Longtime readers will be thrilled to revisit this small town with a big heart at the most wonderful time of the year.
