THE COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP by Brenda Minton

Layla Silver once spun dreams, back in high school, about someday settling down with Gage Cooper, but Gage wasn't a 'settle-down' kind of guy. He broke her heart and left Dawson to compete in the bull riding circuits. Layla had to grow up quick after her folks died and she's now alone trying to raise her rebellious brother, has a loan on the house she can barely pay working two jobs plus all the chores at home. It's getting to be to much. People would like to help but Layla has a hard time allowing people in. When Gage has an accident, he heads home to recover, over Christmas, with a whole new perspective on life. He knows he's done wrong in the past, and would like to make amends; a good place to start is with Layla Silver. Layla is stubborn about letting Gage help. She knows her heart could easily fall for the handsome cowboy once again and reminds herself that he's only in Dawson temporarily. Gage only wants to help Layla but finds she has him wishing for more than just lending a hand.

I've read quite-a-few in the Cooper Creek Series and have thoroughly enjoyed each one but I have to say that this is one of my favorites. I've wondered about Gage through the other stories and was looking forward to getting better acquainted. So, what's he really like? You'll have to read the story to find out. I loved all the interaction between Layla and Gage; especially the romantic tension, which is very appealing to me. As always, we get lots of family interaction complete with Cooper bantering, which I love. The Coopers are a warm and loving family and you just wish you could go to Dawson and enjoy one of Angie Cooper's great Sunday dinners. Yum! I appreciated the spiritual message of peace. The author reminds us that God gives us peace, not as the world gives it, so we're not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. That was a big encouragement to Layla and Gage and to me as well. Something that's always a joy when visiting the Coopers is Granny Myrna. She is a great lady who is always exercising her matchmaking skills on the family but will she be successful with Gage and Layla? If you're looking for a great get-away, I highly recommend a trip to Dawson. Get to know the Coopers, you'll be very glad you did!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Publisher: Love Inspired (September 17, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373878435
ISBN-13: 978-0373878437

For more information about this book or Brenda Minton's other books, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.brendaminton.net/