While I’ve been listening to Christmas music for a couple weeks now (don’t judge. I love it and one month just isn’t enough), I have held off a bit on the Christmas book reviews. But, if you want to read them before December 25, I figure now’s the time to start sharing them with you! Today’s Christmas story is brought to you by Harlequin Heartwarming (sweet romance) and author Karen Rock.

About the Book

James Cade has one priority: keep the family ranch running smoothly in the wake of his younger brother’s death. With Jesse’s ex, Sofia Gallardo, and her young son, Javi, stranded at Cade Ranch over Christmas, this task just got a lot harder. The longer Sofia and Javi stay, the harder it is to imagine the ranch without them. James couldn’t save his brother from his inner demons, but he can give his nephew a secure future. Maybe more—if he can figure out how to trust Sofia, and stop feeling like he’s betraying Jesse. Because trying to stop thinking about beautiful, determined Sofia is impossible.

Amazon // Goodreads

In My Opinion (Review)

Sophia Gallardo is determined to carve a happy and filling life for her and her son in spite of her poor decisions of the past. When a stop in Colorado leads to a delay in those plans, Sophia least expects to find the family she’s longed for her entire life.

The Cade family’s grief over the death of a son and brother has shadowed the ranch for too long. James is determined to keep everything running smoothly and make as few waves as possible in their already fragile existence.

When Sophia and her son—a boy she claims belongs to Jesse—show up at the ranch, James’s structure and schedule are challenged at every turn. Can Sophia and James find the balance to give the family and little Javi a Christmas they deserve?

I loved the tension between Sophia and James. They challenged one another while driving each other crazy at the same time. They both have huge regrets in their past—ones that cannot be undone but that also make them the people they are now. Sophia is stronger than she gives herself credit for and willing to do the hard work to succeed but it takes a family that comes around her in support to draw that strength out of her.

James is overbearingly protective but in a sweet instead of a domineering way. Add in an adorable four-year-old boy who only wants to please the people around him, who is intent on helping others whenever he can, and who is easy to fall in love with, and Christmas at Cade Ranch becomes a fantastic holiday read.

This book delicately handles some difficult subjects—controlling men, drug abuse and addiction, grief, and death—while offering the hope of a future free from all of that. A future bathed in the love—both romantic and that given by family.

Readers get a good idea of the personalities of the other Cade siblings and a feud with a neighboring ranch family. The hints of things to come have me looking forward to the next Cade Ranch book.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.