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Cooper Creek #1
The Cowboy's Holiday Blessing
Reformed rebel Jackson Cooper thinks he can handle anything—until a sullen teenage girl appears at his ranch, claiming the impossible. Even though he's not Jade's father, he can't turn her away, knowing she's in need. But he's going to need the helping hand of compassionate schoolteacher Madeline Patton. An unlikely duo with their own secret fears, Jackson and Maddie certainly don't expect the Christmas surprise of instant parenthood. Yet as they work toward giving a foster child a home, they might just discover the most wonderful gift of family.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2011
63 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Minton
116 books213 followersBrenda Minton lives, procrastinates, writes, drinks coffee, raises her kids and is wife to her husband, in the Ozarks.
Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.
I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.
The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.
Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.
The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.
Okay, now to first person because a third person bio sounds like someone else wrote it about me, and is just license to create flowery prose about myself.
I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks. It was long ago and far away, in a land before cable TV, video games and the internet. To pass the time we read books, watched (gasp) network TV that rarely came in clear, and had friends over on weekends to play music on the front porch, or card games in the dining room.
The result of growing up 'country' was an active imagination. For fun I wrote stories to entertain myself and I dreamed of being an author. Oh, but first, before writing, I wanted to be a jockey.
Writing won out over being a jockey. In the spring of 2006 I got the call that made those dreams come true: the call that welcomed me into the Steeple Hill family of authors.
The moral of this story, never stop dreaming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 24, 2017
Such a great story! There are layers of depth and the way Jackson and Madeline work together to take care of Jade is heart-warming. I love the sweet romance that develops between them too :)
October 1, 2015
Being awoken by a loud knocking on his door and a slobbering dog while trying to nap is not exactly what, Jackson would call fun. On the other side of the door is the town's schoolmarm and a teenage girl claiming to be his daughter. This is a shock to him since he barely remembers the teens mother from long ago. Her mother did list him on the birth certificate as the father. Him being a single man and all he asks the school teacher to take her in until he can figure out what to do. The teen's name is Jade and he orders a dna testing to see if he really is the father.He and the school teacher, Madeline start a relationship and both bond with, Jade. She is very defensive because she thinks no one wants her around like her mother doesn't want her. She ran away from home because,Jackson was listed as his father and she wants a happy Christmas . Her mother, she says is always high and there is no food in the house. The results of the dna testing are unexpected. With the mother's permission, Jackson gives, Jade a chance at a new life with him and, Madeline after they marry.
November 1, 2019
I just recently discovered Brenda Minton’s books and I am so very thankful I did. This book is from 2011, but it is still available and I highly recommend it. Jackson and Madeline are wonderful characters who have been given life by this author. The banter between them is so sweet. The wit from Jackson is just pure fun. The themes here touched me deeply as well. I purely loved this book. It just downright made me happy! It is so worth the read. I loved everything about it.
November 1, 2018
4.65 stars - mild pg13 (no details, but reference to his younger “player” days & her harsh childhood)
What an engaging, well-written story; I loved it! There are funny bits, and sweet bits and good faith bits. I loved Jackson and his big family who live-out their faith in God. His grandmother has got some spunk! The author has Jackson and Maddie talk things through instead of festering and providing melodrama for a book. And they stop and pray together in the midst of a crisis. What a refreshing change!
Probably one of the best Love Inspired books I’ve read, so far. This was the first book I read by this author and I really liked her writing style (and bought more books based on my enjoyment of this one). I found this book by snooping through Heidi's "Love Inspired" book shelf; she gave it 5 stars and I thoroughly agree with that assessment; so "thank you" to Heidi!
”When had he started sounding like his parents? He’d kind of thought if he didn’t get married and have kids, it wouldn’t happen.” <-- Hah!! It’s amazing how quickly we “become” our parents!
”She thought of all the times God had held her. Through the toughest times of her life. Held and kept her anchored in faith.” <-- Yes!!
”It took faith, learning to rely on faith.”
What an engaging, well-written story; I loved it! There are funny bits, and sweet bits and good faith bits. I loved Jackson and his big family who live-out their faith in God. His grandmother has got some spunk! The author has Jackson and Maddie talk things through instead of festering and providing melodrama for a book. And they stop and pray together in the midst of a crisis. What a refreshing change!
Probably one of the best Love Inspired books I’ve read, so far. This was the first book I read by this author and I really liked her writing style (and bought more books based on my enjoyment of this one). I found this book by snooping through Heidi's "Love Inspired" book shelf; she gave it 5 stars and I thoroughly agree with that assessment; so "thank you" to Heidi!
”When had he started sounding like his parents? He’d kind of thought if he didn’t get married and have kids, it wouldn’t happen.” <-- Hah!! It’s amazing how quickly we “become” our parents!
”She thought of all the times God had held her. Through the toughest times of her life. Held and kept her anchored in faith.” <-- Yes!!
”It took faith, learning to rely on faith.”
February 1, 2021
Wow, this was such an powerful journey...Brenda Minton is an excellent writer.
I felt sad, at times, for each of our main characters, Maddaline, Jackson Cooper and Jade. They went thru so such emotional heartache to secure a loving family...
I highly recommend this book.
I felt sad, at times, for each of our main characters, Maddaline, Jackson Cooper and Jade. They went thru so such emotional heartache to secure a loving family...
I highly recommend this book.
December 23, 2011
What can I say, I'm a huge fan of BRENDA MINTON. Every book I've read by her has been amazing, and THE COWBOY'S HOLIDAY BLESSING was no exception. I've read about the men from the Cooper family in previous books and hoped there'd be more. When I heard the next book was about Jackson Cooper, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.
When a teenage girl shows up on Madeline Patton's doorstep by mistake, Madeline's compelled to help her. Only problem is, that means coming face to face with the handsome Jackson Cooper.
Jackson Cooper isn't too happy when his mousey neighbor shows up on his doorstep with a teenage girl claiming to be his daughter. As agitated as he is, he can't resist the temptation to make the school teacher blush.
Jackson Cooper may have changed his rebel ways, but marriage and kids aren't in the plan. Even if he allowed himself to want those things, they weren't possible.
Madeline Patton only wants to teach and go home to her quiet place...alone. After all she doesn't need a man in her life, much less wants one.
Jackson, Madeline and thirteen-year-old Jade, discover God's amazing grace and a family they never imagined possible.
I loved the whole bad boy meets shy, mousey girl. Brenda Minton did a fantastic job with all the characters. Jackson was your classic good looking, ladies man, yet sweet and kind. Madeline is reserved, hiding under her baggy clothes and dark rim glasses, yet focused and knows what she wants.
Jackson's situation with his daughter was unique and well played out. I loved the transformation of Madeline, and her story. In THE COWBOY'S HOLIDAY BLESSING, the characters will stay with you a long time as you wait anxiously for the next Cooper Creek story.
When a teenage girl shows up on Madeline Patton's doorstep by mistake, Madeline's compelled to help her. Only problem is, that means coming face to face with the handsome Jackson Cooper.
Jackson Cooper isn't too happy when his mousey neighbor shows up on his doorstep with a teenage girl claiming to be his daughter. As agitated as he is, he can't resist the temptation to make the school teacher blush.
Jackson Cooper may have changed his rebel ways, but marriage and kids aren't in the plan. Even if he allowed himself to want those things, they weren't possible.
Madeline Patton only wants to teach and go home to her quiet place...alone. After all she doesn't need a man in her life, much less wants one.
Jackson, Madeline and thirteen-year-old Jade, discover God's amazing grace and a family they never imagined possible.
I loved the whole bad boy meets shy, mousey girl. Brenda Minton did a fantastic job with all the characters. Jackson was your classic good looking, ladies man, yet sweet and kind. Madeline is reserved, hiding under her baggy clothes and dark rim glasses, yet focused and knows what she wants.
Jackson's situation with his daughter was unique and well played out. I loved the transformation of Madeline, and her story. In THE COWBOY'S HOLIDAY BLESSING, the characters will stay with you a long time as you wait anxiously for the next Cooper Creek story.
December 3, 2011
Starting a new series is a risky venture for authors. Starting one near the location of the old series even more so. Will the readers' loyalty and emotions transition to a new cast of characters? Will previous secondary characters truly become the heroes and heroines we longed for them to become? Can the old characters appear and not steal the show from the new? With the first volume of the Cooper Creek series, The Cowboy's Holiday Blessing, Brenda Minton has proven it possible as she introduces a new series promising to be full of humor, beloved characters, serious issues, and community.
Writing a complex tale of a survivor and a scalawag who become involved in caring for a thirteen year old runaway, Minton provides a plot full of emotion and drama, growing maturity of characters, and lessons in forgiveness. Jackson Cooper and Madeline Patton make a fine hero and heroine, struggling with their own past hurts and current challenges. Jade, the runaway, is one of this readers' favorite teen characters of the year. The backdrop of the Christmas season is richly drawn and an integral part of the story. What a start! Can't wait until the next in the series.
Writing a complex tale of a survivor and a scalawag who become involved in caring for a thirteen year old runaway, Minton provides a plot full of emotion and drama, growing maturity of characters, and lessons in forgiveness. Jackson Cooper and Madeline Patton make a fine hero and heroine, struggling with their own past hurts and current challenges. Jade, the runaway, is one of this readers' favorite teen characters of the year. The backdrop of the Christmas season is richly drawn and an integral part of the story. What a start! Can't wait until the next in the series.
February 8, 2016
Where to begin? I was stuck in a rut, and no book was piquing my interest. This book seemed all right, so I got it just so I could read something. It did its job; it distracted me, but that is it. First off, Minton does a good job of making characters lovable. Jackson was a confident charmer that you wanted to befriend, while Jade and Madeline were troubled but also filled with fortitude. The background characters (mostly other Coopers) were also well used as catalysts of the plot. Tim and Gram Cooper really woke Jackson up and were the support system everyone wants. I was, however, looking for more depth. It read more like a teen novel that doesn't delve into the messiness and chaos of humans and life in general as opposed to an adult novel that doesn't dilute the struggles we face in our walk with God. The story from start to finish was clean cut and shallow. I have read love inspired stories by Winn, Sprangler, Tippens, Obenhaus, and Whren that were more adult and inspired than this. Ultimately, I will forget about this story because it is simply the book I read while waiting for a more suitable novel to buy.
November 2, 2013
"The Cowboy's Holiday Blessing" is the first Brenda Minton novel that I've read and it certainly did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line, and I thought it was quite good. I loved Jackson and Madeline's characters, especially Jackson's humor. I also liked how TCHB was a Christian romance novel that taught how to face and conquer your fears, to trust in the Lord to lead you in the right direction and that everything happens for a reason, to open up your heart and mind to love and family, and to help others in need. I thought the ending was fantastic and I love when novels have epilogues. The only problem I had with this book was the author's writing style. I felt that some things could have been a little more detailed and descriptive, but otherwise I loved it. It was a perfect holiday novel, or for any day of the year. I'm excited to read more of the Cooper Creek Series. "The Cowboy's Holiday Blessing" is book 1 in this series.
February 24, 2013
I read one of the Cooper Creek novels earlier this year and enjoyed it. I really liked the fact that the Coopers were a big family (12 kids . . . a mix of adopted and biological), and wanted to know more about the siblings.
This is Jackson's story. A confirmed bachelor, and one with a bit of a reputation for being a player, Jackson is stunned when a young teenager, Jade, shows up on his doorstep, claiming to be his daughter. Jackson knows that she's not, but promises to do right by the girl, and make sure she is not homeless for Christmas.
Jackson enlists the help of Madeline Patton, a local schoolteacher, to look after Jade. It's not long before both the girl and the woman change Jackson's life, for the better, forever.
This is Jackson's story. A confirmed bachelor, and one with a bit of a reputation for being a player, Jackson is stunned when a young teenager, Jade, shows up on his doorstep, claiming to be his daughter. Jackson knows that she's not, but promises to do right by the girl, and make sure she is not homeless for Christmas.
Jackson enlists the help of Madeline Patton, a local schoolteacher, to look after Jade. It's not long before both the girl and the woman change Jackson's life, for the better, forever.
November 21, 2017
Great Book. Enjoyable series.
December 30, 2021
From the very first chapter, I felt like I had started reading in the middle of the book. Jackson and Madeline’s relationship was not believable. Their interest/tension grew too quickly and, at the same time, didn’t have enough depth or backstory. Huge aspects of each character were revealed almost as if in passing instead of working up to the revelation or - even in the telling of their bombshell - giving much detail or greater context for the significance or further-reaching ramifications. Lots of fluff, not much substance, and not believable character interactions. Also, lots of other characters were mentioned like the reader should know them, but this was Book 1 in the series… it felt more like a bad sequel. I wanted to like it but didn’t. Thus 2.5 stars rounded up.
March 11, 2018
Great story
A story with a theme of genuine love: for family, for a stray teen & for a girl.
Gran is a wonderful character: full of fun, blunt, intent on having the best for her grandchildren & insightful. Jade is a real delight, full of enthusiasm & hope. She's also full of exuberance & fun.
An excellent story.
A story with a theme of genuine love: for family, for a stray teen & for a girl.
Gran is a wonderful character: full of fun, blunt, intent on having the best for her grandchildren & insightful. Jade is a real delight, full of enthusiasm & hope. She's also full of exuberance & fun.
An excellent story.
January 17, 2025
Loved this story and this family.
This story is wonderful. It shows how even the most perfect family can still have their struggles, but love and pulling together will get them through it. Maddie and Jade have always wanted a family like the Coopers. God had a plan for them and to give Jackson the future he thought impossible for him.
This story is wonderful. It shows how even the most perfect family can still have their struggles, but love and pulling together will get them through it. Maddie and Jade have always wanted a family like the Coopers. God had a plan for them and to give Jackson the future he thought impossible for him.
December 22, 2025
I loved this book. Good plot. Nice characters. Nice story with struggles, love and forgiveness woven in, along with faith in God.
- Jackson: cowboy who comes from a large family;
- Madeline, school teacher from rough background;
- Jade, a teenager who shows up on the doorstep with a birth certificate that says Jackson is her father.
- Jackson: cowboy who comes from a large family;
- Madeline, school teacher from rough background;
- Jade, a teenager who shows up on the doorstep with a birth certificate that says Jackson is her father.
April 22, 2018
This is the 4th book I read by Brenda Minton. I really liked this book's storyline. This book's storyline was good but sad 😢. I really liked Jackson's character. I really liked Madeline's character. I really liked Jade's character. My heart broke 💔 for Jade. I really liked the ending.
November 5, 2023
New Creation
A sweet story of family and second chances. I loved how risthe story revealed the truth of scripture in that people become a new creation when they allow Christ into their lives. Jackson falling in love with Maddie and making a home for Jade was a beautiful story.
A sweet story of family and second chances. I loved how risthe story revealed the truth of scripture in that people become a new creation when they allow Christ into their lives. Jackson falling in love with Maddie and making a home for Jade was a beautiful story.
December 8, 2025
LOVELY
What a lovely novel! This story is truly inspiring. Madeline and Jackson are such an unusual couple but they both overcome their individual baggage. With a teenage Jade in the mix, this little family is ready for a Christmas Blessing.
What a lovely novel! This story is truly inspiring. Madeline and Jackson are such an unusual couple but they both overcome their individual baggage. With a teenage Jade in the mix, this little family is ready for a Christmas Blessing.
January 16, 2020
Really good easy read
Loved this story. Captured me right from the beginning. I didn’t want it to end. First book I’ve read by this author. I will be reading more.
Loved this story. Captured me right from the beginning. I didn’t want it to end. First book I’ve read by this author. I will be reading more.
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December 12, 2020Liked this one a lot. I enjoy this series as well.
May 20, 2023
Jackson and his neighbor Madeline are thrown together when teenager, Jade, 13 announces she's Jackson's daughter. The adults work together to help her have a vacation at Christmas and sparks begin
December 4, 2023
Great Christmas love story!
December 5, 2024
great story
The characters are so well written. The story line is good and the end great just keep the Kleenex handy. There will be a smile on your face at the The End 🥰
The characters are so well written. The story line is good and the end great just keep the Kleenex handy. There will be a smile on your face at the The End 🥰
May 14, 2025
This book was slow for me, but the story was good. I liked the characters and the message of people being able to change by the grace of God. I would read more in the series if I ran across them.
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October 20, 2015Reformed rebel Jackson Cooper thinks he can handle anything—until a sullen teenage girl appears at his ranch, claiming the impossible. Even though he's not Jade's father, he can't turn her away, knowing she's in need. But he's going to need the helping hand of compassionate schoolteacher Madeline Patton. An unlikely duo with their own secret fears, Jackson and Maddie certainly don't expect the Christmas surprise of instant parenthood. Yet as they work toward giving a foster child a home, they might just discover the most wonderful gift of all: family.
January 30, 2012
Jackson thought his life was great as a bachelor, then his beautiful neighbor shows up on his doorstep with a 13 year old girl, claiming she is his daughter, and even has a birth certificate with his name on it. This story was cute. The romance was nice. The characters were fun. At the beginning of the story it was choppy and I almost gave up. Then it kicked in and was great. I would probably read other books from this author.
November 20, 2014
Best Christmas book I've ever read in a long time. Its a shame a lady doesn't want her child anymore. What heartless person would do such a thing. Glad Jackson took the girl in his care when the woman sign the paper.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: Cooper Creek
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: Cooper Creek
May 8, 2013
it was a quick reading, i had left my books at home and this book was left behind so i read it. it took me 2hours with stoping between reading. so this book is cute! i kind of like it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews