A Lawman’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Title: A Lawman’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 256 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The sudden death of the town marshal leaves Blue River, Texas, without a lawman…and twenty-five-year-old Dara Rose Nolan without a husband. As winter approaches and her meager seamstress income dwindles, she has three options. Yet she won’t give up her two young daughters, refuses to join the fallen women of the Bitter Gulch Saloon and can’t fathom condemning herself to another loveless marriage. Unfortunately she must decide—soon—because there’s a new marshal in town, and she’s living under his roof.

With the heart of a cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn’t interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship—and passion. And when they say “I do” to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman’s Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife….

The Review:

Take a step back in time with Linda Lael Miller’s latest novel A Lawman’s Christmas. Dara Rose Nolan is struggling to put food on her table and keep a roof over her head when Clay McKettrick moves to Blue River. Leaving the family ranch to begin a legacy of his own, Clay McKettrick accepts a temporary position as town marshal while he waits to build a house on the site of his future ranch. When Dara Rose is about to lose her home, Clay proposes a marriage of convenience. Desperate for security for her daughters, Dara Rose reluctantly accepts.

Clay is a McKettrick through and through. His boyish charm and giving spirit are immensely appealing and it is no wonder Dara Rose finds him impossible to resist. Dara Rose is a strong heroine who determinedly passes her strength on to her two precocious and utterly adorable daughters, Edwina and Harriet. Throw in Ms. Miller’strademark rescued dog, and you have the perfect combination for an endearing and heartwarming novel.

A Lawman’s Christmas is a sweet old fashioned romance that just melts your heart. Linda Lael Miller perfectly captures the essence of Christmas with this magical story of love and family. A truly delightful read that any fan of historical westerns is sure to enjoy.

This review is also posted at The Readers Roundtable