The Cowboys of Copper Mountain: A Christmas Collection
By: Katherine Garbera, Jane Porter, Melissa McClone
Narrated by: Loretta Rawlins
Series: Copper Mountain Christmas, Book 1-2
Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
Release date: 03-24-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Anthology, Christmas, Contemporary, Holidays, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
Publisher's Summary
Three novellas and an unforgettable short story, now available together in one festive package!
"A Cowboy for Christmas" by Katherine Garbera. Annie Prudhomme never expected to be back in Marietta, Montana, and her family is fond of reminding her that she left them and the town behind in search of better things. A humiliating divorce that cost her everything she'd gained has driven her back home, and her family isn't about to welcome her back into the fold. She's in town to rebuild the old home that she inherited and to move on once again.
"Christmas at Copper Mountain" by Jane Porter. Since the loss of her family in a plane crash, Harley Diekerhoff has led a quiet life and keeps to herself. Taking the temporary job at the Copper Mountain Ranch as widower Brock Sheenan's housekeeper seems perfect for her. But her calm cocoon is invaded with the arrival of Brock's preteen twins, Mack and Molly, who've never experienced a proper Christmas, and before she knows it Harley's determined to make their holiday perfect.
"Home for Christmas" by Melissa McClone. Ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Rachel Murphy loves the scent of gingerbread baking almost as much as she enjoys creating custom edible houses at Christmastime. But she needs a bigger kitchen if she wants to make the most of her impromptu holiday business. Enter Nate Vaughn, handsome venture capitalist turned Montana dude ranch owner - and her brother's boss.
"Mistletoe Magic" by Melissa McClone. Spending a quiet Christmas housesitting and reading novels about hot cowboys sounds perfect to Caitlin. Until a stray kitten brings her face to face with Noah, her crush from college. Watching the handsome vet in action melts Caitlin's heart and brings back long-forgotten emotion. She would be safer back at the house, lost in the pages of a book. But a toe-curling mistletoe kiss tempts her to stay. Maybe she won't be spending this Christmas...alone.
©2013 Home For Christmas 2013 Melissa McClone. Christmas at Copper Mountain 2013 Jane Porter. (P)2015 Audible Inc.
Review:
These four sweet romances are tied together by the location. I enjoyed that some of the characters were mentioned in the different stories. The writing styles have some differences, but all are easy reading/listening. There is a little bit of sexual content but nothing over the top in my opinion. I plan to read more in the series. I recommend this to fans of second chance and injured party romances.
"A Cowboy for Christmas" by Katherine Garbera.
18-year-old Annie got out of Montana and married a man who set her up in the wealthy style she wanted. But fifteen years later he was arrested as a con man and everything they owned was taken. She has returned to Montana to rebuild the family home that she bought from her sister after their father’s death. The sisters aren’t talking since Annie seemed to have abandoned the family when she left. But now she is back hoping that, somehow, she can rebuild the house and her life.
Carson, a rancher, one of five brothers, is a widower with a young son, Evan. Years ago, Carson had a relationship with Annie, before she kept her promise to get away from Montana. He doesn’t know what brought her back and resulted in her working as a waitress at a favorite eatery. But he doesn’t need to be drawn in by a woman who doesn’t want to stay in Montana.
Neither of these characters are really looking for romance. It appears they may have a second chance at love, with the approval of a sweet son and a town that hopes they both find happiness.
I enjoyed these characters, and the writing was fine. I liked the description and plot even though there was a little repetition in the conflict issues. 4.5.
"Christmas at Copper Mountain" by Jane Porter.
Harley lost her husband and three children to a tragic plane crash. She is still trying to recover her footing several years later. Rather than face Christmas with her family, she chose to take a temporary housekeeper position with Montana rancher, widower, Brock Sheenan. She understands that he is hard working and pretty reclusive, which suits her fine. The ranch crew are happy with her cooking and care.
She is settling into the routine of cooking for Brock and his crew, when Brock chooses to go out late one stormy night to find lost cattle. Concerned Harley is concerned and then shocked when a knock at the door reveals two young children who have returned early and unexpectedly from boarding school.
Harley didn’t bargain for children and wants to get away, as soon as she can get a replacement. Brock is annoyed and disgusted thinking she doesn’t like kids, especially when she seems set on telling him he isn’t listening to his kids and isn’t allowing them to be kids and enjoy the holiday.
The lack of communication between these characters is frustrating. I was glad they finally saw the potential of a future together. 4.0.
"Home for Christmas" by Melissa McClone.
Rachel has agreed to visit her brother who is a foreman on a ranch in Montana at a time when she needs to escape having her dreams pulled out from under her by a supposed business partner. She is thrilled to discover the ranch house has a state of the art kitchen and jumps right in making her delicious ginger bread and unique ginger bread building designs.
Ranch owner Nate is surprised to find yummy treats in his kitchen and then he meets the beautiful woman creating these masterpieces. He immediately orders one of his own ranch. Then he sets out to work his entrepreneurial skills by directing Rachel on how to promote her business, including encouraging her to open a local shop.
Based on her recent experience, Rachel is quick to distrust Nate’s intentions. Can she overcome her distrust to accept help from Nate? Can Nate get out of business mode long enough to share his personal feelings with Rachel?
As much as I liked these characters too, it was another instance of lack of clear communication combined with unreasonable distrust. I wasn’t pleased with Rachel’s lack of self confidence and her swing to the total distrust realm. I was glad for their final HEA. 4.25.
"Mistletoe Magic" by Melissa McClone.
Caitlin is home in Marietta house sitting and reading books. She expects a very quiet Christmas. She discovers an abandoned, half frozen kitten in the snow. When she takes the kitten to the vet for attention she is shocked to discover her college crush, Noah, is the vet.
Noah remembers Caitlin from college but he could never find her after he walked away to concentrate on his school work to become a veterinarian. He doesn’t want to let her slip away again. This is another sweet, second chance romance that is an easy listen. 4.25.
Audio Notes: Loretta Rawlins does a lovely job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and personality traits. I am very glad to have the opportunity to listen to this collection.
Source: 11/7/22 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.
