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The Cowboys #7
A Texas Holiday Miracle
CHRISTMAS IS FOR REAL
Moving to Horseshoe, Texas, to become guardian of her half sister has been rewarding for Lacey Carroll. But raising a six-year-old--especially one who has stopped believing in Santa Claus--has its challenges. Lacey's goal is to bring holiday wonder back into the child's life, which isn't going to be easy with a grinch like Gabe Garrison next door. The man is mean, rude...and hurting.
After losing his son, Gabe shut out the world. But his privacy is invaded by the quirky, dynamic blonde and her kid sister, who are single-handedly filling his solitary life with love. When Lacey enlists him in a holiday campaign for Emma's sake, he can't resist. Will Lacey's unique brand of healing magic make this a season of second chances--for all of them?
Moving to Horseshoe, Texas, to become guardian of her half sister has been rewarding for Lacey Carroll. But raising a six-year-old--especially one who has stopped believing in Santa Claus--has its challenges. Lacey's goal is to bring holiday wonder back into the child's life, which isn't going to be easy with a grinch like Gabe Garrison next door. The man is mean, rude...and hurting.
After losing his son, Gabe shut out the world. But his privacy is invaded by the quirky, dynamic blonde and her kid sister, who are single-handedly filling his solitary life with love. When Lacey enlists him in a holiday campaign for Emma's sake, he can't resist. Will Lacey's unique brand of healing magic make this a season of second chances--for all of them?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
About the author
Linda Warren
151 books333 followersLinda Warren loves happy endings. The Rita® nominated and award-winning author has written 26 books for Harlequin, including SuperRomance, American, and Everlasting Love. Drawing upon her years of growing up on a farm/ranch in Texas, she writes about sexy heroes, feisty heroines, and broken families with an emotional punch all set against the backdrop of Texas. She lives in College Station with her husband and spends her days doing what she loves—creating unforgettable love stories—with happy endings.
Linda Warren was born Linda Siegert in Brazos County, TX, on July 2, 1945. She passed away on November 8, 2023, in Bryant, TX. Warren is survived by her husband, several children, and grandchildren.
Linda Warren was born Linda Siegert in Brazos County, TX, on July 2, 1945. She passed away on November 8, 2023, in Bryant, TX. Warren is survived by her husband, several children, and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 12, 2020
WARNING FOR READERS: BOOK CONTAINS CHEATING. AND THE DEATH OF A DOG. SEE "ROMANCE CATEGORIES" AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS REVIEW FOR MORE DETAILS.
After she left Emma at school on Monday, she put on her sweats and grabbed her iPod. Gabe had started running every morning and she planned to join him. She really needed the exercise.
Gabe walked out of his house and she met him in the front yard. He gave her a quick glance in the sweats. "What are you doing?"
She jogged in place. "I'm running with you this morning."
"I go fast and I don't stop for anything."
"I go slow and stop for everything. My attention span is not that great."
He lifted an eyebrow. "Mmm."
"I'll hang with you until I drop." pg 156
This book was really cute. I was surprised how cute this book was, and how many adorable moments were in here.
Lacey is a 28-year-old who gained guardianship of her 6-year-old half sister (Emma), after her father died. She lives next door to a dark-cloud recluse named Gabe.
The man was tall, six foot or more. He wore jeans and a dark flannel shirt. He looked foreboding. A chill slid through her that had nothing to do with the temperature. His hair was long and his face unshaven, as if he didn't care, which Lacey knew he didn't. His jeans and shirt seemed to hang on his thin body. He probably ate very little, but he was still a very handsome man in a roguish sort of way. pg. 15
Gabe's son was killed in an ATV accident that he blames himself for. His wife divorced him. He's consumed by grief. He left his job and just hides out in this house, he barely eats. The only thing keeping him hanging on is his son's geriatric dog.
Emma loves the dog and frequently disobeys Lacey and annoys Gabe by running onto his property to pet and snuggle it.
After some arguing - for days and weeks - Lacey and Gabe slowing start becoming closer to each other. It's not even sexual or romantic at first. Lacey tries to get Gabe to eat more regularly, and soften up towards her younger sister. Gabe tries to isolate himself and convince everyone to leave him alone. Gabe doesn't even realize Lacey is attractive until page 89.
The book could have been terrible. For one thing, there's a child prominently featured in it. Luckily, I found Emma to be pretty realistic and not too annoying. Oftentimes books - and I'm not talking just romance novels here - tell you a kid is a certain age but then makes them act wildly older or younger than the age they are supposed to be. It's also hard not to make children very annoying in novels aimed at adults. I should point out that children are also frequently used as props - and not characters in their own right. But Warren does a great job of avoiding these major issues. I was relieved.
Then there's our surly hero. He's grieving for his dead son. This is difficult to navigate as an author. A lot of men who are romance heroes who are grieving end up being real assholes to the heroine, but we are supposed to forgive it because 'he's in pain.' Not so here. Gabe retains his angst but also starts - slowly, slowly - showing his sense of humor and his caring nature. Nor is Lacey too annoying or too pushy with Gabe. Oftentimes with grieving heroes, the heroine - who is supposed to 'push' the hero into 'choosing to live again,' - comes off as horrible, pushy, and without compassion. I feel like Warren walked the fine line between being JUST interested enough in Gabe moving on without being gross and inconsiderate about it. This is a delicate balance, and I appreciated Warren's finesse with this topic.
There were a lot of really cute scenes. The leads had chemistry with each other. This is rare. Romance novels - surprisingly - are not always on point with convincing me that two people are falling in love. But these two sparked. Lacey has a more fun, playful, roll-with-the-punches nature. Even though some horrible things have happened in her life, she is - for the most part - a sunny optimist. Gabe is dark and brooding, and more pessimistic and pragmatic. But as they talk and talk, and get to know each other better, and start hanging out together - you realize they actually share the same sense of humor. Gabe plays the perfect (knowing) straight-man to Lacey's goofiness. It's adorable. There are a lot of cute parts in the book where Lacey gets to be enthusiastic or spazzy or silly about something and Gabe is there to say something deadpan or react stoically. It's a good dynamic. They just click.
I can imagine this book getting someone in the Christmas spirit. It would be perfect to read about during Christmastime.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
This book isn't really about sex. Or sexual attraction. I mean, sure, the leads make out more than once and do end up having sex. But the book is more about love, healing, and caring for children. That may or may not be your jam.
The characters are attracted to each other, and I believe it. But they're not lighting the pages on fire. The sex is also - as is typical in this line - vague and undescribed. I actually have no idea how good Gabe is in bed.
Don't read this for the sex. You'll be disappointed.
TL;DR A surprise win for me. Touching story. Not too schmaltzy, IMO. Leads had sparks, and I was actually cheering for them to live Happily Ever After. Good Christmas read, if you are into that sort of thing. Big on "Cute." Big on "Adorable." If you don't like those types of adjectives to describe your romance novel, skip this one. If you are in the mood for a feel-good, heart-warming, not-stupid love story, this is a good place to be. Not too sappy IMO. Just the right amount of sappy.
Please ignore the awful cover they chose for this novel. Ugh. Just ignore it.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Contemporary Romance
Holiday/Christmas Romance
Non-Virgin Heroine
Cheating
Lawyer Romance
He's an Attorney; She Doesn't Work for Most of the Book, but Owns a Flower Shop by the End.
Takes Place in Texas, the United States of America, near Temple.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
After she left Emma at school on Monday, she put on her sweats and grabbed her iPod. Gabe had started running every morning and she planned to join him. She really needed the exercise.
Gabe walked out of his house and she met him in the front yard. He gave her a quick glance in the sweats. "What are you doing?"
She jogged in place. "I'm running with you this morning."
"I go fast and I don't stop for anything."
"I go slow and stop for everything. My attention span is not that great."
He lifted an eyebrow. "Mmm."
"I'll hang with you until I drop." pg 156
This book was really cute. I was surprised how cute this book was, and how many adorable moments were in here.
Lacey is a 28-year-old who gained guardianship of her 6-year-old half sister (Emma), after her father died. She lives next door to a dark-cloud recluse named Gabe.
The man was tall, six foot or more. He wore jeans and a dark flannel shirt. He looked foreboding. A chill slid through her that had nothing to do with the temperature. His hair was long and his face unshaven, as if he didn't care, which Lacey knew he didn't. His jeans and shirt seemed to hang on his thin body. He probably ate very little, but he was still a very handsome man in a roguish sort of way. pg. 15
Gabe's son was killed in an ATV accident that he blames himself for. His wife divorced him. He's consumed by grief. He left his job and just hides out in this house, he barely eats. The only thing keeping him hanging on is his son's geriatric dog.
Emma loves the dog and frequently disobeys Lacey and annoys Gabe by running onto his property to pet and snuggle it.
After some arguing - for days and weeks - Lacey and Gabe slowing start becoming closer to each other. It's not even sexual or romantic at first. Lacey tries to get Gabe to eat more regularly, and soften up towards her younger sister. Gabe tries to isolate himself and convince everyone to leave him alone. Gabe doesn't even realize Lacey is attractive until page 89.
The book could have been terrible. For one thing, there's a child prominently featured in it. Luckily, I found Emma to be pretty realistic and not too annoying. Oftentimes books - and I'm not talking just romance novels here - tell you a kid is a certain age but then makes them act wildly older or younger than the age they are supposed to be. It's also hard not to make children very annoying in novels aimed at adults. I should point out that children are also frequently used as props - and not characters in their own right. But Warren does a great job of avoiding these major issues. I was relieved.
Then there's our surly hero. He's grieving for his dead son. This is difficult to navigate as an author. A lot of men who are romance heroes who are grieving end up being real assholes to the heroine, but we are supposed to forgive it because 'he's in pain.' Not so here. Gabe retains his angst but also starts - slowly, slowly - showing his sense of humor and his caring nature. Nor is Lacey too annoying or too pushy with Gabe. Oftentimes with grieving heroes, the heroine - who is supposed to 'push' the hero into 'choosing to live again,' - comes off as horrible, pushy, and without compassion. I feel like Warren walked the fine line between being JUST interested enough in Gabe moving on without being gross and inconsiderate about it. This is a delicate balance, and I appreciated Warren's finesse with this topic.
There were a lot of really cute scenes. The leads had chemistry with each other. This is rare. Romance novels - surprisingly - are not always on point with convincing me that two people are falling in love. But these two sparked. Lacey has a more fun, playful, roll-with-the-punches nature. Even though some horrible things have happened in her life, she is - for the most part - a sunny optimist. Gabe is dark and brooding, and more pessimistic and pragmatic. But as they talk and talk, and get to know each other better, and start hanging out together - you realize they actually share the same sense of humor. Gabe plays the perfect (knowing) straight-man to Lacey's goofiness. It's adorable. There are a lot of cute parts in the book where Lacey gets to be enthusiastic or spazzy or silly about something and Gabe is there to say something deadpan or react stoically. It's a good dynamic. They just click.
I can imagine this book getting someone in the Christmas spirit. It would be perfect to read about during Christmastime.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
This book isn't really about sex. Or sexual attraction. I mean, sure, the leads make out more than once and do end up having sex. But the book is more about love, healing, and caring for children. That may or may not be your jam.
The characters are attracted to each other, and I believe it. But they're not lighting the pages on fire. The sex is also - as is typical in this line - vague and undescribed. I actually have no idea how good Gabe is in bed.
Don't read this for the sex. You'll be disappointed.
TL;DR A surprise win for me. Touching story. Not too schmaltzy, IMO. Leads had sparks, and I was actually cheering for them to live Happily Ever After. Good Christmas read, if you are into that sort of thing. Big on "Cute." Big on "Adorable." If you don't like those types of adjectives to describe your romance novel, skip this one. If you are in the mood for a feel-good, heart-warming, not-stupid love story, this is a good place to be. Not too sappy IMO. Just the right amount of sappy.
Please ignore the awful cover they chose for this novel. Ugh. Just ignore it.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Contemporary Romance
Holiday/Christmas Romance
Non-Virgin Heroine
Cheating
Lawyer Romance
He's an Attorney; She Doesn't Work for Most of the Book, but Owns a Flower Shop by the End.
Takes Place in Texas, the United States of America, near Temple.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
December 7, 2016
Hero Gabe is having a hard time moving on after the death of his son. Heroine Lacey recently lost her father, and she is now guardian to her 6-year-old half-sister, Emma. Lacey is determined to make this a wonderful Christmas for Emma. Lacey also sets out to help next door neighbor Gabe move on past his grief.
This was an enjoyable enough read although a bit of a downer at times for a Christmas read. Lacey, Gabe, and Emma were all likable characters but I did think that it took Gabe way too long to come around and realize what it was that he really wanted and that he loved Lacey. Still, the story did have some lovely and magical moments and it kept me entertained.
This was an enjoyable enough read although a bit of a downer at times for a Christmas read. Lacey, Gabe, and Emma were all likable characters but I did think that it took Gabe way too long to come around and realize what it was that he really wanted and that he loved Lacey. Still, the story did have some lovely and magical moments and it kept me entertained.
October 8, 2014
I knew I shouldn't have started to read this book late in the evening. Something told me I made a huge mistake. By the time I was done in the wee hours of the morning, I had cried, gotten angry and smiled. Well I couldn't put the book down until I could smile!
Since her father died from cancer, Lacey Carroll has taken up the responsibility of taking care of her step-sister Emma. Lacey leaves her life behind and moves into her father's home so Emma won;t have so much upheaval in her life. Losing both mother and father in her short life was quite enough. Lacey does all she can, except cook well. Almost everyday the smoke detector blares, an effect of her cooking. Still mourning for her loss, but determined to give her sister a good life she puts on a good face, except when she sees the sadness in her next door neighbor.
In another life, Gabe Garrison was a successful lawyer, but since the tragic death of his young son in a four wheeler accident, he has thrown his life away, left his wife and returned to the hometown where he grew up. Gabe barely survives. He doesn't eat regularly, he doesn't sleep and her barely showers. He mopes and attempts to keep himself busy by doing things around the house and take care of the ailing dog his son loved.
When Emma constantly disobeys Lacey and runs into Gabe's yard to comfort the dog, Gabe calls Lacey out for the trespassing on his property, leaving Lacey thinking Gabe rude and angry aside from his apparent sadness. When little Emma goes into his yard one time too many, he nails the gate between the properties closed bringing Lacey to her boiling point. She goes over to Gabe's house and has it out with him, spewing some things that may have been uncalled for, but in the process making Gabe finally think.
Little by little, Gabe begins to emerge from the haze of his sadness. When thanks to Lacey, he finally comes to the understanding that his son's beloved pet is suffering, he accepts her assistance in helping put the dog to sleep. Oh yes, you will cry, for this entire book is filled with so much emotion, there is no way not to feel.
While Lacey helps Gabe overcome his sadness and mourning, she helps herself at the same time. When their new-found friendship evolves into a romance, both Lacey and Gabe are able to finally be themselves and open up, but there are things that threaten to tear the two apart and those things might be just too much for Lacey to take.
Well can you tell I loved this book? A Texas Holiday Miracle by Linda Warren is a virtual fount of emotion that will have you hugging your loved ones and your pets a little more than the usual. Lacey is one of the strongest characters I have ever come across, taking the weight of the world on her shoulders but still holding her head up high. At first, when we meet Gabe, I couldn't come to terms with him being the hero. He seemed beyond help, but with Lacey's overbearing push he changes into the man worth cheering for. I love how he calls Lacey the Crazy Lady next door. I love his interaction with Emma and his hard working personality. This story could have been set at any time of year and it would still be exceptional, but making it happen over the holidays just gave it an extra bit of magic. For those who love a well written holiday romance, A Texas Holiday Miracle by Linda is a keeper, even if it has you sobbing first, the end is worth the tears.
~KIMBERLY~
December 23, 2014
Very emotional book. Lacey gave up her carefree single life in Austin to care for her six year old half sister Emma. Their father died six months ago and both of them are still feeling the effects of their grief. Every day Lacey wonders if she's doing the right things for Emma. When Emma comes home from school in tears, Lacey finds out that an older boy has told her that there is no Santa Claus. Emma is devastated and now wants nothing to do with Christmas. Lacey is desperate to find a way to fix the holiday for her sister.
Next door, Gabe is hiding from the world. Two years earlier his son died in an accident with his ATV. Gabe holds himself responsible, since he gave it to his son. All he can do is think about his son and how much he misses him, and care for the boy's dog Pepper. But Pepper is sick with cancer and in a lot of pain. Gabe is having trouble accepting what he needs to do because that would sever the last link with Zack. To make things even harder, the little girl next door keeps coming to his yard, no matter how hard he tries to keep her away.
In the latest confrontation, Lacey has had enough of Gabe's surly attitude toward her sister. She says some things to him, including that his son would be ashamed of his father's behavior. She feels badly about it later, and goes over to apologize, only to discover that what she said actually made an impression on him. From there begins a story of two people who are suffering from their losses, but find that together they can make a start on healing.
I loved seeing the way that Lacey was aware of Gabe's pain, but also that he needed help. She was determined to help him learn to live again. Because she too was suffering it made her more aware of his feelings. It was kind of fun watching her bully him into doing things like eating and taking a shower. But she was also able to be the support he needed when taking care of Pepper. Gabe was confused by Lacey. First he had trouble just remembering her name, but he also didn't understand why she was bothering with him. When she called him on his behavior and used his son, it made him angry, but then it made him think. He found that he had a great deal of trouble telling her no when she would find another way to drag him back to the living.
There was also an attraction that built between them, but neither thought that doing anything about it was a good idea. Lacey sees herself as having to concentrate on her sister too much to have a relationship with any man. Gabe has been so lost in his grief that he doesn't know who he really is anymore, and can't see asking Lacey to be with a man who is so broken. But their feelings can't be stopped, and each of them must decide what to do with them. I went through several tissues as they worked through their issues.
Emma was pretty darn adorable. What I liked best about her was that she seemed real. Like all kids that age she can go from happy to sad to mad in the blink of an eye. She's trying to cope with the loss of her father and having her sister suddenly becoming her parent rather than her buddy. That's hard enough, but when her friend's big brother tells her there's no Santa, she's heartbroken. The only thing that seems to help is petting the dog next door. Even though she's been told to stay away, she "forgets" often. I really felt for Lacey as she tried to bring happiness back to Emma, while attempting to maintain the discipline that was needed. I loved the way that Emma would succumb to Lacey's teasing and giggle and tell Lacey "You're weird." For such a little girl, she also had a sweet way of being with Gabe and helping him deal with his pain. I love the Christmas scene with the Santa sighting and the effect it had on her.
Next door, Gabe is hiding from the world. Two years earlier his son died in an accident with his ATV. Gabe holds himself responsible, since he gave it to his son. All he can do is think about his son and how much he misses him, and care for the boy's dog Pepper. But Pepper is sick with cancer and in a lot of pain. Gabe is having trouble accepting what he needs to do because that would sever the last link with Zack. To make things even harder, the little girl next door keeps coming to his yard, no matter how hard he tries to keep her away.
In the latest confrontation, Lacey has had enough of Gabe's surly attitude toward her sister. She says some things to him, including that his son would be ashamed of his father's behavior. She feels badly about it later, and goes over to apologize, only to discover that what she said actually made an impression on him. From there begins a story of two people who are suffering from their losses, but find that together they can make a start on healing.
I loved seeing the way that Lacey was aware of Gabe's pain, but also that he needed help. She was determined to help him learn to live again. Because she too was suffering it made her more aware of his feelings. It was kind of fun watching her bully him into doing things like eating and taking a shower. But she was also able to be the support he needed when taking care of Pepper. Gabe was confused by Lacey. First he had trouble just remembering her name, but he also didn't understand why she was bothering with him. When she called him on his behavior and used his son, it made him angry, but then it made him think. He found that he had a great deal of trouble telling her no when she would find another way to drag him back to the living.
There was also an attraction that built between them, but neither thought that doing anything about it was a good idea. Lacey sees herself as having to concentrate on her sister too much to have a relationship with any man. Gabe has been so lost in his grief that he doesn't know who he really is anymore, and can't see asking Lacey to be with a man who is so broken. But their feelings can't be stopped, and each of them must decide what to do with them. I went through several tissues as they worked through their issues.
Emma was pretty darn adorable. What I liked best about her was that she seemed real. Like all kids that age she can go from happy to sad to mad in the blink of an eye. She's trying to cope with the loss of her father and having her sister suddenly becoming her parent rather than her buddy. That's hard enough, but when her friend's big brother tells her there's no Santa, she's heartbroken. The only thing that seems to help is petting the dog next door. Even though she's been told to stay away, she "forgets" often. I really felt for Lacey as she tried to bring happiness back to Emma, while attempting to maintain the discipline that was needed. I loved the way that Emma would succumb to Lacey's teasing and giggle and tell Lacey "You're weird." For such a little girl, she also had a sweet way of being with Gabe and helping him deal with his pain. I love the Christmas scene with the Santa sighting and the effect it had on her.
December 3, 2014
Take a pass unless you really love to suspend your disbelief to an extent that will amaze you!
I found this to be a difficult novel to get through. Not because of the subject matter; but because this was such a formulaic book. I realize that for books in this particular genre, published by this particular publisher formulaic is a critical issue. So readers of this author/publisher, this is a good thing. You will be relieved to find that this book sticks to the 'rules'. I couldn't deal with the stilted, cardboard characters - who for no reason at all would break out of character. It almost seemed as if this book was written in the 60's but modernized with a few words and actions, but not enough. For example: in one instance Lacey breaks out into 'twerking' in her kitchen and gets caught by the miserable hero Gabe who quips that he thought that Lacey was having a seizure. Hmmmm.
Take on ditzy, nearly clueless young woman, toss with a darkly brooding, tragic and hopelessly miserable yet very handsome man. Add a precocious child who at six, speaks and think like an adult. Unless it suits the author to do differently.
Blend in something that angers the child, something else that makes the man even more tragic and a huge dose of perky ditzyness and solemn advice from the heroine-shake well.
Now whisk in the Christmas holidays, the death of a beloved pet, a tiny bit of religion, optimism and some sexual heat (which seems quite inappropriate in this book).
Bake at 350 degrees - what you get is a nice toasty brown romance book.
I found this to be a difficult novel to get through. Not because of the subject matter; but because this was such a formulaic book. I realize that for books in this particular genre, published by this particular publisher formulaic is a critical issue. So readers of this author/publisher, this is a good thing. You will be relieved to find that this book sticks to the 'rules'. I couldn't deal with the stilted, cardboard characters - who for no reason at all would break out of character. It almost seemed as if this book was written in the 60's but modernized with a few words and actions, but not enough. For example: in one instance Lacey breaks out into 'twerking' in her kitchen and gets caught by the miserable hero Gabe who quips that he thought that Lacey was having a seizure. Hmmmm.
Take on ditzy, nearly clueless young woman, toss with a darkly brooding, tragic and hopelessly miserable yet very handsome man. Add a precocious child who at six, speaks and think like an adult. Unless it suits the author to do differently.
Blend in something that angers the child, something else that makes the man even more tragic and a huge dose of perky ditzyness and solemn advice from the heroine-shake well.
Now whisk in the Christmas holidays, the death of a beloved pet, a tiny bit of religion, optimism and some sexual heat (which seems quite inappropriate in this book).
Bake at 350 degrees - what you get is a nice toasty brown romance book.
December 8, 2014
This book had a lot of potential, I liked the characters, the setting was okay. The problem was, the follow-through did not realize any of the potential. The story telling was very 2 dimensional, especially in the descriptive area. My mental image of the locations used in the book is very stark and colorless, because we were not given details. The author also came very close to breaking my 'more than 2 characters' rule. Where a book, even (or especially) a romance, needs to have more than just the two main characters in the book, to be readable. Warren does have more characters in the book, but she can barely deal with more than 2 at a time. Personally, I don't feel inclined to read any more of her writing.
September 28, 2014
Enjoyed this one - super cute - Miracle on 34th Street feel to it.
Content: some mild language, one short sex scene
Content: some mild language, one short sex scene
December 19, 2018
Real tear jerker! Have tissues ready before starting.
October 22, 2022
Grief is a powerful thing. Helping a child understand is an especially powerful experience. Some of my own experiences were helped by the story of Gabe, Lacey and Emma.
December 29, 2023
I am so surprised at how charmed I was by this book! MC is very likable and witty and I found myself genuinely enjoying the coziness of the story
December 11, 2014
What’s the first thing that a child associates with Christmas, Santa Claus but what happens when that is crushed? No matter whether Santa Claus is a real person or not it’s all in what we believe just like I believe there is a heaven where beloved ones go it’s this peaceful beautiful place. The little girl in this story lost her mother, lost her father then lost the dog that she loved but if she believes enough she will know that they are in heaven that there is a Santa Claus but the most important thing is that no matter what their memories are in her heart.
I love, love Christmas stories and this is a story that touched my heart. First I have to say that through out this story I touched my heart profusely, I could not stop crying because you have three characters that were will grieving for a loved one. You have Lacey and Emma they both have lost their father. Emma is a six year old child that lost the person that took care of her, that loved her but the sad thing about that was that she was never able to tell her father that she loved him before he passed away. Then you have Lacey she is a strong, silly woman that is trying to adjust to motherhood. When her father asked her to take care of her sister of course she didn’t hesitate but now she doesn’t know what to do. She has a six year old little girl that misses her father and rebelling and she has no idea what to do about it. Emma is acting up in school; she is hitting kids and no matter what Lacey tells Emma she insists in going to the next door neighbor’s property. Then last but not least you have Gabe a man that feels responsible for the death of his son, Zack. He didn’t want anyone to interrupt him or talk to him but it seemed that the crazy lady and the child next door didn’t know what that meant. Gabe slept enough and ate enough to sustain him but then something happened, the crazy lady next door yelled at him and made him open his eyes to what or what was not happening in his life. He left Austin when his son died; he didn’t answer his phone he actually didn’t know where he was going all he knew what that he had Pepper, Zack’s dog, and knew he had a part of his son. Only that Pepper was sick, cancer, and he knew he needed to put the dog to sleep it was the crazy lady that made him make the decision it had to happen soon and she even offered to be with him.
Before you know it Gabe, Lacey and Emma are having meals together they are even having s’mores and just having fun. Only that the more time that Lacey and Gabe spend together the more that the chemistry between them grows stronger. Gabe knows that he is not ready for a relationship but he is being pulled by this crazy lady and before you know it they are kissing. Lacey knows that he is going to run but like Emma said if you believe enough a miracle can happen.
A Texas Holiday Miracle was a read that was a miracle in itself. I loved the morale of the story and how it touched my heart. I am one to believe in miracles they might not come today, tomorrow or in a month from now but they will come. Ms. Warren’s writing is vivid and flawless. The emotions that I felt while reading this story were intense and of course there was lots of crying just when I thought that I was all cried out more tears would come. I’m not saying that’s all I did, there places where I laughed and there aww moments.
This story is full of hope, full of miracles and some of them were unexpected but they were beautiful. The one miracle that will stay with me was when Emma believed once again that there was a Santa Claus and that she saw her father and was able to tell him I Love You.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
I love, love Christmas stories and this is a story that touched my heart. First I have to say that through out this story I touched my heart profusely, I could not stop crying because you have three characters that were will grieving for a loved one. You have Lacey and Emma they both have lost their father. Emma is a six year old child that lost the person that took care of her, that loved her but the sad thing about that was that she was never able to tell her father that she loved him before he passed away. Then you have Lacey she is a strong, silly woman that is trying to adjust to motherhood. When her father asked her to take care of her sister of course she didn’t hesitate but now she doesn’t know what to do. She has a six year old little girl that misses her father and rebelling and she has no idea what to do about it. Emma is acting up in school; she is hitting kids and no matter what Lacey tells Emma she insists in going to the next door neighbor’s property. Then last but not least you have Gabe a man that feels responsible for the death of his son, Zack. He didn’t want anyone to interrupt him or talk to him but it seemed that the crazy lady and the child next door didn’t know what that meant. Gabe slept enough and ate enough to sustain him but then something happened, the crazy lady next door yelled at him and made him open his eyes to what or what was not happening in his life. He left Austin when his son died; he didn’t answer his phone he actually didn’t know where he was going all he knew what that he had Pepper, Zack’s dog, and knew he had a part of his son. Only that Pepper was sick, cancer, and he knew he needed to put the dog to sleep it was the crazy lady that made him make the decision it had to happen soon and she even offered to be with him.
Before you know it Gabe, Lacey and Emma are having meals together they are even having s’mores and just having fun. Only that the more time that Lacey and Gabe spend together the more that the chemistry between them grows stronger. Gabe knows that he is not ready for a relationship but he is being pulled by this crazy lady and before you know it they are kissing. Lacey knows that he is going to run but like Emma said if you believe enough a miracle can happen.
A Texas Holiday Miracle was a read that was a miracle in itself. I loved the morale of the story and how it touched my heart. I am one to believe in miracles they might not come today, tomorrow or in a month from now but they will come. Ms. Warren’s writing is vivid and flawless. The emotions that I felt while reading this story were intense and of course there was lots of crying just when I thought that I was all cried out more tears would come. I’m not saying that’s all I did, there places where I laughed and there aww moments.
This story is full of hope, full of miracles and some of them were unexpected but they were beautiful. The one miracle that will stay with me was when Emma believed once again that there was a Santa Claus and that she saw her father and was able to tell him I Love You.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
April 12, 2015
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Another sad Christmas book, well sad with some happy upswing as well. Both the hero and heroine in this book have experience death in their lives, and its seriously impacting their lives and their holiday season. Gabe lost his son, and to say he has taken to being a hermit and a bit of a grouch, which frankly is more than understandable. Lacey has given up her life to become a guardian to her younger sister after her father's death. It's not an easy job, but Emma is a great kid, although not always the best listener.
Its Christmas season, and Emma doesn't really seem like she wants to celebrate the season. So Lacey makes it her mission in life to bring happiness to Emma and to make sure that she is experiencing Christmas the way every child should. The only thing that seems to be putting a damper on things is her grumpy neighbor who really doesn't appreciate Emma coming into his backyard to pet the mans sick dog. Lacey and Gabe have some confrontations over the matter, but Lacey doesn't give up, she stands up for her sister, and more than that she doesn't let Gabe off the hook. Before you know it Gabe reluctantly starts letting these two girls into his life.
There is a lot of pain going on for Gabe, and sometimes it is really hard to read. I mean his grief is all consuming and he just isn't ready to deal with the loss. He feels responsible for the accident, and he is just really not capable of moving on from it. Honestly it seems like he is barely getting from day to day. And the scenes with Gabe's dog, wow, let's just say, I'm a dog person so these scenes had me wanting to cry.
I loved Lacey though, she is such a hard position, and she's doing everything she can to keep it together. I have to respect someone who would be willing to give up their young lifestyle and move to a small town to take care of a sibling. There are some funny scenes with Lacey and Emma as she stumbles in some of her attempts to be a good parent. And there are also some really great scenes with the two of them bonding and Lacey really being a good caregiver. I also really loved that how Lacey doesn't give up on Gabe, she keeps trying to reach him, even when he pushes her away.
There are some really great moments at the end, and I totally don't want to give them away, but they are really great. While there is a lot of grief in this book, there is also a lot of hope, so don't think this book is all doom and gloom, because I promise it isn't. These two people are such good hearted people, that it made pulling for them getting their happy ending so easy. It was definitely a good read, so you should check it out.
Another sad Christmas book, well sad with some happy upswing as well. Both the hero and heroine in this book have experience death in their lives, and its seriously impacting their lives and their holiday season. Gabe lost his son, and to say he has taken to being a hermit and a bit of a grouch, which frankly is more than understandable. Lacey has given up her life to become a guardian to her younger sister after her father's death. It's not an easy job, but Emma is a great kid, although not always the best listener.
Its Christmas season, and Emma doesn't really seem like she wants to celebrate the season. So Lacey makes it her mission in life to bring happiness to Emma and to make sure that she is experiencing Christmas the way every child should. The only thing that seems to be putting a damper on things is her grumpy neighbor who really doesn't appreciate Emma coming into his backyard to pet the mans sick dog. Lacey and Gabe have some confrontations over the matter, but Lacey doesn't give up, she stands up for her sister, and more than that she doesn't let Gabe off the hook. Before you know it Gabe reluctantly starts letting these two girls into his life.
There is a lot of pain going on for Gabe, and sometimes it is really hard to read. I mean his grief is all consuming and he just isn't ready to deal with the loss. He feels responsible for the accident, and he is just really not capable of moving on from it. Honestly it seems like he is barely getting from day to day. And the scenes with Gabe's dog, wow, let's just say, I'm a dog person so these scenes had me wanting to cry.
I loved Lacey though, she is such a hard position, and she's doing everything she can to keep it together. I have to respect someone who would be willing to give up their young lifestyle and move to a small town to take care of a sibling. There are some funny scenes with Lacey and Emma as she stumbles in some of her attempts to be a good parent. And there are also some really great scenes with the two of them bonding and Lacey really being a good caregiver. I also really loved that how Lacey doesn't give up on Gabe, she keeps trying to reach him, even when he pushes her away.
There are some really great moments at the end, and I totally don't want to give them away, but they are really great. While there is a lot of grief in this book, there is also a lot of hope, so don't think this book is all doom and gloom, because I promise it isn't. These two people are such good hearted people, that it made pulling for them getting their happy ending so easy. It was definitely a good read, so you should check it out.
December 2, 2014
4 STARS
Need tissue handy! Linda in front of her book warns that it deals with some sadness and hang in their for the happy ending. Well I cried a lot the first 40% of the book. I personally identified a lot with the characters, I mourned with them and was rooting for them. Lots of drama, trials & tears. Lots of love and miracles that leave you feeling good but wiped out. Their is one love scene that I skipped over.
Lacey Carroll is raising her six year old sister by herself in a new town for her. She gives up her friends, job to take care of her after her father looses the battle to cancer. Her mother does not want Lacey to take her half sister in.
Emma is six. She lost her mom when she was a baby. Now her father lost the battle to cancer. She is scared that she will lose Lacey too. Someone told her Santa is not real. Now she has lost that too.
Gabe Garrison is dealing with the lost of his son. All he does is take care of his son's dog pepper. He gets angry when Emma keeps coming over to his yard and playing with Pepper. Pepper is really sick with cancer.
Lacey is trying her best to be everything for Emma. She is so scared. Lacey wants Emma to get over her anger and have the joy again in her life. Lacey gets angry at Gabe and gets him to look at what he is doing with his life. She is also willing to help him with Pepper.
If you can handle the sadness this book does bring out the joy, helping them to deal with their problems and reach out to others. I liked watching them heal. I would read more books from Linda Warren in the future I just hope they are not so sad. I know I was too close to this book. I lost my husband when my girls were 2 1/2 and 11 months and the anniversary is tomorrow. My dog is 15 years old and I would be surprised if she made it too 16. We all have loved ones that we mourn especially around the holidays. May we help others to heal too.
I was given this ebook to read from Net Galley and Harlequin. I agreed in return to give honest review of A Texas Holiday Miracle.
Need tissue handy! Linda in front of her book warns that it deals with some sadness and hang in their for the happy ending. Well I cried a lot the first 40% of the book. I personally identified a lot with the characters, I mourned with them and was rooting for them. Lots of drama, trials & tears. Lots of love and miracles that leave you feeling good but wiped out. Their is one love scene that I skipped over.
Lacey Carroll is raising her six year old sister by herself in a new town for her. She gives up her friends, job to take care of her after her father looses the battle to cancer. Her mother does not want Lacey to take her half sister in.
Emma is six. She lost her mom when she was a baby. Now her father lost the battle to cancer. She is scared that she will lose Lacey too. Someone told her Santa is not real. Now she has lost that too.
Gabe Garrison is dealing with the lost of his son. All he does is take care of his son's dog pepper. He gets angry when Emma keeps coming over to his yard and playing with Pepper. Pepper is really sick with cancer.
Lacey is trying her best to be everything for Emma. She is so scared. Lacey wants Emma to get over her anger and have the joy again in her life. Lacey gets angry at Gabe and gets him to look at what he is doing with his life. She is also willing to help him with Pepper.
If you can handle the sadness this book does bring out the joy, helping them to deal with their problems and reach out to others. I liked watching them heal. I would read more books from Linda Warren in the future I just hope they are not so sad. I know I was too close to this book. I lost my husband when my girls were 2 1/2 and 11 months and the anniversary is tomorrow. My dog is 15 years old and I would be surprised if she made it too 16. We all have loved ones that we mourn especially around the holidays. May we help others to heal too.
I was given this ebook to read from Net Galley and Harlequin. I agreed in return to give honest review of A Texas Holiday Miracle.
December 7, 2014
A Texas Holiday Miracle is a beautiful book with a dark beginning building towards a hopeful ending. People tend to think of Christmas as the happiest time of the year but for many it is the hardest and for most there is some sadness related to the holidays. So it is for Lacey, Emma and their neighbor Gabe. Not only are Lacey and her 6 year old half-sister Emma facing their first Christmas without their father, but a neighborhood boy has taken Santa away for Emma too. Next door Gave is refusing to face life because that means facing the loss of his son and now the boy's dog needs to be put to sleep. Lacey feels lost in guiding her sister through the tough times but she has that something special that reaches not only Emma but Gabe as well. I am not sure that I would have chosen this book for Christmas reading but the sadness that the main characters face is familiar on some level to too many of us. Definitely keep tissues handing but know that things get easier. Hope sparkles even though the beginning and shines by the end. We know sorrow does not magically disappear but how we deal with can make a world of difference and that is what Lacey helps Emma and Gabe do.
Please note that other than the element of hope that one would expect from a Harlequin American Romance, the information I shared is provided near the beginning of the book so should not spoil the book for anyone. If you read the book and feel that I have provided spoilers, please l let me know.
I won this book from the author during an online celebration. Thank you LInda Warren; I loved it in spite of the tears.
Please note that other than the element of hope that one would expect from a Harlequin American Romance, the information I shared is provided near the beginning of the book so should not spoil the book for anyone. If you read the book and feel that I have provided spoilers, please l let me know.
I won this book from the author during an online celebration. Thank you LInda Warren; I loved it in spite of the tears.
May 8, 2015
Lacey is in a new town to take care of her six years old stepsister, Emma after her father passed away. Emma’s biological mother has also passed away which leave her as the immediate kin to take care of her. Lacey’s mother disagree with her involvement in Emma. Emma is a lost child having lost both her parent and she is clinging onto Lacey and is scare she will lose her too. Emma believe in Santa but her kindy friend told her that Santa is not real which make her feel at lost and angry too. Lacey want Emma to move on and to get over her anger over her lost and find joy again. The only solace that Emma seems to have found is in the company of Pepper who is the dog that belong to Gabe’s son who has also passed away. Gabe is immersed in his own pain over his son passing and doesn’t seems to move on. So much so that he hold on to Pepper and doesn’t want to let her go even though the dog is suffering from sickness. He doesn’t like Emma who goes over to his yard to talk to Pepper too many times, he nailed the gate which makes Lacey furious. She confronted him and have passed remarks that was uncalled for and it was later that she knew the reason behind his action. Through her uncalled remark, though it is hurtful, but it begin to dawn on Gabe.
This book filled with sad emotion that it makes me want to hug my loved ones close. It is one of the only sad story plot that I read this year under the holiday season and though it is filled with grief and sadness from the beginning, there are some really great moments at the end.
This book filled with sad emotion that it makes me want to hug my loved ones close. It is one of the only sad story plot that I read this year under the holiday season and though it is filled with grief and sadness from the beginning, there are some really great moments at the end.
November 7, 2014
Love doesn’t always come along when it’s a ‘good time’ or in any way convenient. It’s not something you can plan and you’d best not avoid.
I love romance and I love Christmas so I practically overdose on Christmas romance novels.
Christmas seems like a time when anything can happen so if you can somehow block out the crazed shoppers, the Christmas music in October and November, the lying ads, the mass marketing mania, the frenzied traffic…ok, now that I say it, it sounds impossible, but if you’re lucky enough to live in a place not ruled by Christmas you can enjoy what the season is supposed to be. Baking; carols; sappy movies and romance novels; gifts; baking (oops, did I mention that already); the lights; people being friendly; if you so choose, celebrating what has been deemed the birthday of the baby Jesus and of course, Christmas miracles. I regard people finding other people to love who love them in return a wonder at any time of the year.
This holiday romance checked all the boxes.
Sweet, check.
Heart-warming, check.
Romantic, sigh, check.
Conflict finally resolved, check.
Obstacles overcome, check.
A happy ending, best check of all.
Love may sneak up on you, return to you or find you right next door, in any case, don’t forget it’s the real miracle.
I love romance and I love Christmas so I practically overdose on Christmas romance novels.
Christmas seems like a time when anything can happen so if you can somehow block out the crazed shoppers, the Christmas music in October and November, the lying ads, the mass marketing mania, the frenzied traffic…ok, now that I say it, it sounds impossible, but if you’re lucky enough to live in a place not ruled by Christmas you can enjoy what the season is supposed to be. Baking; carols; sappy movies and romance novels; gifts; baking (oops, did I mention that already); the lights; people being friendly; if you so choose, celebrating what has been deemed the birthday of the baby Jesus and of course, Christmas miracles. I regard people finding other people to love who love them in return a wonder at any time of the year.
This holiday romance checked all the boxes.
Sweet, check.
Heart-warming, check.
Romantic, sigh, check.
Conflict finally resolved, check.
Obstacles overcome, check.
A happy ending, best check of all.
Love may sneak up on you, return to you or find you right next door, in any case, don’t forget it’s the real miracle.
November 3, 2014
Sweet, hopeful and enjoyable are just a couple of words that describe this book. This book is about getting beyond death of a loved on and learning how to heal, love and get by. I thought it was interesting seeing the different perspectives of how people dealt with death. I loved seeing how Lacey and her younger sister helped heal Gabe to live beyond the death of his son and dog. I loved watching the connection between the two. I loved that things weren't too rushed. I thought that this book was very well written and a great book to get into the holiday mood. I had read a previous review for this book and it is very much like that movie Miracle on 34th Street.
March 15, 2015
"3 out of 5 stars! Two sisters help their neighbor overcome his grief while getting through their own and dealing with the holiday season.
I found this novel to be very sweet and touching. Especially with the way, Lacey goes about helping Gabe get over his debilitating loss of his son while Emma keeps them both in the present with her views about Santa. I liked them all together."
Read more of this review and a teaser here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/03/made-grade-texas-holiday-miracle-by.html
I found this novel to be very sweet and touching. Especially with the way, Lacey goes about helping Gabe get over his debilitating loss of his son while Emma keeps them both in the present with her views about Santa. I liked them all together."
Read more of this review and a teaser here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/03/made-grade-texas-holiday-miracle-by.html
March 22, 2015
This one is essentially a Christmas Hallmark movie in book form. Cute perky blonde drives grief-stricken next door neighbor crazy but eventually wears him down with her relentless sunshiny Christmas cheer. Throw in a cute kid, an ex-wife who shows up with talking points prepared (seriously that was the quickest "let's move on" discussion in history), and some dog drama...and BAM, Hallmark movie. It wasn't terrible, but there wasn't anything that will stay with me.
Favorite awkward romance novel quote: "They kissed as if it was their last time. Because it was." My husband and I LOL'd pretty hard at that one.
Favorite awkward romance novel quote: "They kissed as if it was their last time. Because it was." My husband and I LOL'd pretty hard at that one.
June 4, 2016
Linda Warren pulls at heart strings in this story of family loss and the healing process that comes through love. Our hero has suffered what no parent should – the loss of a child. Gabe feels his own life is over, too. Lacey is dealing with the loss of her father, but she’s got a six-year old half-sister to rear, one who’s mourning terribly from the loss of their father. And little Emma is a handful. I loved this smart, charming, and hurting little girl. Ms. Warren always makes me think about the blessings of family, and the pain that comes when you love that completely. I read late into the night to finish, and so loved the outcome.
January 20, 2015
The story begins with the characters in a dark, hard place, but Lacey is doing all she can to hold it together for the sake of her small half-sister. Gabe is completely lost, shutting out the world, but Lacey sees his pain and can't help but respond. Real characters, doing the best that they can, and slowly, slowly they are able to help one another.
A real tear-jerker, deep and emotional, and rewarding. Especially during the Christmas season when so much glitter and merriness paints the surfaces, it's refreshing to go a little deeper. Highly recommended.
A real tear-jerker, deep and emotional, and rewarding. Especially during the Christmas season when so much glitter and merriness paints the surfaces, it's refreshing to go a little deeper. Highly recommended.
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June 30, 2016"This is a wonderful holiday story about how the power of love can help us go on after tragedy. The heroine is delightful and the little girl and hero are characters the reader will root for" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).
December 29, 2014
What a wonderful story. It restores your faith in believing in the magic of the season.
January 2, 2015
WOnderful book, just read it at wrong time. I had to stop reading I was crying so hard. It dealt with loss of a pet and I lost 2 this past year. Not a good year
February 19, 2015
Beautiful story. One of my favorite holiday reads.
March 23, 2015
A true tear-jerker in the best way, with a love and redemption theme. Very good.
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