Somebody like Santa
A Heartwarming Texas Christmas Love Story
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4.6 • 30 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
Lovers of Hallmark and fans of Diana Palmer, Robyn Carr, and RaeAnne Thayne will adore the rugged Western setting, small-town neighbors, and the uplifting magic of the holidays in this Texas-sized love story from the New York Times bestselling author.
“A satisfying combination of intrigue and romance…sure to melt hearts.” – Publishers Weekly
For Cooper Chapman, moving next door to his newlywed sister in Branding Iron, Texas, is the biggest gift he could ask for this Christmas. The divorced single dad knows his troubled teenaged son only needs the healing balm of big skies and family ties. But soon after settling into their new home, Trevor falls in with some wild friends at his new school, leaving Cooper leaning hard on youth counselor Jess Graver. With grace and wisdom, Jess soothes Cooper’s worries over his son, even as the elusive beauty stirs romantic feelings to life . . .
With the holiday growing closer, young Trevor finds an unexpected mentor in a local farmer, helping him build a horse-drawn sleigh for the Christmas parade. Now the only thing that could make Cooper’s New Year brighter would be making warm-hearted Jess his own. But when he stumbles upon a secret from her past, it will take more than mistletoe to bring them back together and keep her at his side for all the sweet seasons to come . . .
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Dailey's fifth Christmas Tree Ranch novel (after Santa's Sweetheart) offers a satisfying combination of intrigue and romance. Journalist and divorced single father Cooper Chapman moves to Branding Iron, Tex., eager to reconnect with his sister, Grace, and precocious niece, Maddie, and separate his teenage son, Trevor, from unhealthy influences. To that end, Grace introduces Cooper to youth counselor Jess Graver, a retired FBI agent traumatized by a failed mission. Though attracted to each other, both Jess and Cooper resist romantic developments, focusing on mutual concern for Trevor. After Trevor falls prey to bullies, Cooper buys a ranch house outside of town complete with horses, an elderly neighbor who happens to own a Santa sleigh, and an extra room that comes in handy when a tree falls on Jess's house. Dailey sensitively handles a subplot involving domestic violence, which ultimately forces Jess to confront her demons. The roadblocks impeding Cooper and Jess's developing romance, particularly her sense that his journalistic curiosity violates her trust, feel a bit flimsy, but, thankfully, Dailey doesn't belabor their rifts. Meanwhile, Maddie's insistence on a Christmas tree and Trevor's enthusiasm for fixing up the old sleigh gradually break down the grown-ups' resistance to getting into the holiday spirit. The result is sure to melt hearts.
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Great story with several likable characters.
I recommend this beautiful novel.
Pepper Rose
Freeport New York
Somebody like Santa
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to fully understand and enjoy this one. I would highly recommend that the one prior to this one, Santa's Sweetheart, should be read first as the characters are interconnected. You would have a better understanding of the dynamics involved.
I adore the multiple POV format here. Not only the two main protagonists but Cooper's son, Trevor as well. This made for some very highly fascinating scenes.
Cooper moves him and his son, Trevor, to Branding Iron, Texas to be near his sister and new brother-in-law, Sam. Their story was Santa's Sweetheart. Trevor's mom just remarried and the new husband doesn't want Trevor around. Cooper meets Grace's BFF, Jess and he is immediately attracted to her but he knows he needs to focus on his unhappy son. Jess is a school district employee who looks after the kids in the district. She is hiding a secret from everyone regarding an event from her past. She prefers to keep the secret. Cooper, a freelance journalist, is naturally intrigued with Jess. Will his curiosity kill any chance of romance with Jess?
Cooper frustrated me at times with his need to keep discovering Jess' background. But that really made for a more interesting read.
This is a clean romance that anyone would enjoy.
Another winner!
Great to be back in Branding Iron, TX! This is #5 in the series but can be read as a standalone. There is so much packed into this book and yet just over 200 pages. The main characters Cooper, his son Trevor and Jess are very realistic. Plus characters from previous books are interwoven throughout. Cooper wanting a new start for is trouble son moves to Branding Iron, also a plus he will have his sister and her family as support. Unsure if the move from Seattle to small town USA was a right move for Trevor, he is relying on Jess the school counselor for the district for insight.
There is trust issues, bullying, spouse abuse, learning to forgive and falling in love. Just to name a few topics that the story address and done very well. And the adorable Maggie shares the Christmas spirit. Thank you Goodread, #Kensington books and #Zebra Books for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #SomebodyLikeSanta #JanetDailey #ChristmasTreeRanchSeries