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The Bennetts #1
A Cowboy Under My Christmas Tree (Center Point Platinum Romance (Large Print)) by Janet Dailey
It's just four weeks until Christmas and Sam Bennett has left a snowbound Colorado ranch for the glittering steel canyons of Manhattan. He's setting up Christmas trees all around the city and finding that hard work has never been so much fun. And now that he's met Nicole Young, a gorgeous window designer, he wonders if four weeks will be enough time to romance her properly. With Christmas around the corner, every day together feels like a blessing to Sam and Nicole. And as the spirit of the season takes hold, playing Santa and helping out a small boy with a big holiday wish is a joy Sam and Nicole can't resist. Neither of them imagines that they'll be rewarded with the kind of love that can last a lifetime . . .
Unknown Binding
First published June 26, 2012
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About the author
Janet Dailey
394 books1,843 followersJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
November 29, 2012
This was cute, but about 100-150 pages in all of a sudden either the writing went downhill fast or I suddenly gained an awareness of how mediocre it was. Not BAD bad, just sometimes repetitive, sometimes awkward... Right where it suddenly goes down hill is when the leads have the obligatory fight about a misunderstanding, and I found myself flipping back a few pages going "Did I miss something? Where are they suddenly mad at each other?" It seems like both characters all of a sudden started getting mad at each other for no reason, which made them both seem petty and shallow. It's almost as if the author went "Oh no! Things are going too well! How do I make this book longer?!"
The ending was also VERY sudden. As in, I turned the page and was surprised to see a blurb about a different book by this publisher. What the heck? There were a few cute sort of side storylines/romances going on, which I would have liked to see more fully developed, especially when the author spends several chapters (again, starting well into the book, which was odd) focusing on these side characters. Perhaps there will be another book about Doug's mother and her romantic and life developments?
I did really like the descriptions of the trees and the window displays in New York City. I felt they were beautifully detailed - I just wish the author had done as good of a job at developing the characters and plot.
This book left me pretty confused, but it was cute and sweet and made me smile. No really steamy bits (which I like but will turn some people off), just fluff. Worth a quick Christmas read if you're in the mood for some Cowboy holiday fluff.
The ending was also VERY sudden. As in, I turned the page and was surprised to see a blurb about a different book by this publisher. What the heck? There were a few cute sort of side storylines/romances going on, which I would have liked to see more fully developed, especially when the author spends several chapters (again, starting well into the book, which was odd) focusing on these side characters. Perhaps there will be another book about Doug's mother and her romantic and life developments?
I did really like the descriptions of the trees and the window displays in New York City. I felt they were beautifully detailed - I just wish the author had done as good of a job at developing the characters and plot.
This book left me pretty confused, but it was cute and sweet and made me smile. No really steamy bits (which I like but will turn some people off), just fluff. Worth a quick Christmas read if you're in the mood for some Cowboy holiday fluff.
December 31, 2021
This will be my last review for 2021, what a year! Happy Reading!
Janet Dailey's Christmas books are by far my favorite. Tell me you can't resist a Christmas book with a handsome cowboy on the cover. I loved this story way more than I thought I would. Janet Dailey has a way of engaging her readers with the story and has you hooked from the very first page. This novel definitely doesn't disappoint, it was so good!!
"The sweetest gifts are the ones you don't expect".
Sam Bennett left his Colorado ranch for a trip to Manhattan so he can set up and decorate Christmas trees for the city. Sam never thought hard work can be so much fun. Sam is planning on staying in Manhattan for four weeks to help out with setting up Christmas trees. Sam is helping out his friend Greg with all the decorating. Sam meets so many people while he's helping with the tree decorating, but one particular person caught Sam's attention, Nicole Young. Sam was going down the block to get coffee for his buddies, when he was looking for a Christmas present for his sister Annie when he noticed Nicole up in a window.
Nicole Young is a window designer. Nicole decorates stores windows for the Christmas spirit to grab shoppers attention walking past to pull them into the store. Sam meets a little boy, Douglas. Sam soon learns that Douglas and his family lost his father. So, Douglas is stepping up to be the man of the family. Douglas notices a Christmas tree where Sam is decorating but he doesn't have enough money to buy it, so, he asks them to save it for him until he can find money. Douglas offers to walk his neighbor's dog so he can earn money.
Janet Dailey's Christmas books are by far my favorite. Tell me you can't resist a Christmas book with a handsome cowboy on the cover. I loved this story way more than I thought I would. Janet Dailey has a way of engaging her readers with the story and has you hooked from the very first page. This novel definitely doesn't disappoint, it was so good!!
"The sweetest gifts are the ones you don't expect".
Sam Bennett left his Colorado ranch for a trip to Manhattan so he can set up and decorate Christmas trees for the city. Sam never thought hard work can be so much fun. Sam is planning on staying in Manhattan for four weeks to help out with setting up Christmas trees. Sam is helping out his friend Greg with all the decorating. Sam meets so many people while he's helping with the tree decorating, but one particular person caught Sam's attention, Nicole Young. Sam was going down the block to get coffee for his buddies, when he was looking for a Christmas present for his sister Annie when he noticed Nicole up in a window.
Nicole Young is a window designer. Nicole decorates stores windows for the Christmas spirit to grab shoppers attention walking past to pull them into the store. Sam meets a little boy, Douglas. Sam soon learns that Douglas and his family lost his father. So, Douglas is stepping up to be the man of the family. Douglas notices a Christmas tree where Sam is decorating but he doesn't have enough money to buy it, so, he asks them to save it for him until he can find money. Douglas offers to walk his neighbor's dog so he can earn money.
December 15, 2012
There is nothing more festive than New York at Christmas. Sam Bennett is enjoying every minute of his time there, while he works a seasonal gig setting up Christmas displays around the city. Any kind of work will help his family’s Colorado ranching operation squeak through another hard winter. When he is offered a side job helping set up a window display, he jumps at the chance.
Nicole Young dreams of being a window dresser for one of the large chain stores in New York. The cutthroat business of window art means long hours in cramped spaces, but Nicole is willing to do whatever it takes. When a cowboy tips the brim of his Stetson to her, she is intrigued. Even if she does not desperately need the help, it will be impossible to resist his offer.
A native New Yorker, Nicole has never met anyone like Sam. He is hardworking, honest and more of a man than anyone she can imagine. As she rediscovers New York Christmas holiday joy with Sam, Nicole begins to wonder if there is any chance for more. In the end, there is only one thing she wants under the tree on Christmas morning.
Ms. Dailey paints a thorough and captivating picture of New York during the holidays, and the fascinating world of window dressing in the big city. While the characters are complex and engaging, the story moves slowly. Readers may find themselves in a hurry to rip open the paper and get to the good stuff.
Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Nicole Young dreams of being a window dresser for one of the large chain stores in New York. The cutthroat business of window art means long hours in cramped spaces, but Nicole is willing to do whatever it takes. When a cowboy tips the brim of his Stetson to her, she is intrigued. Even if she does not desperately need the help, it will be impossible to resist his offer.
A native New Yorker, Nicole has never met anyone like Sam. He is hardworking, honest and more of a man than anyone she can imagine. As she rediscovers New York Christmas holiday joy with Sam, Nicole begins to wonder if there is any chance for more. In the end, there is only one thing she wants under the tree on Christmas morning.
Ms. Dailey paints a thorough and captivating picture of New York during the holidays, and the fascinating world of window dressing in the big city. While the characters are complex and engaging, the story moves slowly. Readers may find themselves in a hurry to rip open the paper and get to the good stuff.
Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
February 10, 2013
Handsome Sam Bennett journeys to New York City to deliver Christmas trees, bringing a little holiday cheer to the busy city folk. However, blending into the Manhattan landscape takes a few adjustments. Not only does Sam’s manly physique and Stetson stand out like a beacon, his common sense and mountain man demeanor seem a little out of place.
Nevertheless, pretty Nicole Young can’t resist Sam’s charming appeal. Sam helps Nicole decorate a few shop windows and she finds herself falling under his wonderful spell. Little wonder that she misses him terribly when Sam is forced to return to Colorado to help his injured father. Will Sam ever return to the city? When he does, will he be changed or can Nicole and Sam simply pick up where they left off? A sweet romance seems all too possible in the city where dreams really can come true.
Nevertheless, pretty Nicole Young can’t resist Sam’s charming appeal. Sam helps Nicole decorate a few shop windows and she finds herself falling under his wonderful spell. Little wonder that she misses him terribly when Sam is forced to return to Colorado to help his injured father. Will Sam ever return to the city? When he does, will he be changed or can Nicole and Sam simply pick up where they left off? A sweet romance seems all too possible in the city where dreams really can come true.
December 19, 2023
Although Sam and Nicole were well developed and easy to connect with, the plot not so much.
I loved Nicole's interesting job as a window dresser. However, the meetings with her team were confusing and incomplete. I kept waiting for the action or some conflict that never took place. Unfortunately, that seemed to be the case throughout the book.
September 1, 2014
A Cowboy Under My Christmas Tree is not something that I usually read but it fell in line with a criteria for a book challenge that I participate in, so I read it.
Having said that, I can say that the challenge I participate in has indeed challenged me. I did not like this book and only finished reading it in order to complete my challenge.
The heroine of A Cowboy Under My Christmas Tree Nicole, a window designer in NYC, is not a likable character. While the hero Sam, a cowboy from Colorado, seemed sweet and down to earth, Nicole almost seemed to be the villain character that usually gets dumped before the sweet hero falls for the shy, nice girl.
The last stage of the book didn't pick up and the climax was non-existent, so the book dragged on. The end was blah and the title of the book doesn't fit at all.
All in all, I wouldn't waste my time or money on this book and I will probably never read another Janet Dailey book.
I gave it two stars because there were a few characters I did like.
Having said that, I can say that the challenge I participate in has indeed challenged me. I did not like this book and only finished reading it in order to complete my challenge.
The heroine of A Cowboy Under My Christmas Tree Nicole, a window designer in NYC, is not a likable character. While the hero Sam, a cowboy from Colorado, seemed sweet and down to earth, Nicole almost seemed to be the villain character that usually gets dumped before the sweet hero falls for the shy, nice girl.
The last stage of the book didn't pick up and the climax was non-existent, so the book dragged on. The end was blah and the title of the book doesn't fit at all.
All in all, I wouldn't waste my time or money on this book and I will probably never read another Janet Dailey book.
I gave it two stars because there were a few characters I did like.
September 24, 2012
I usually don't read Chrsitmas books except during December but I loved the cover of this one and have been reading other Janet Dailey books recently. It is a light-hearted story of a Coolrado man that brought a blue spruce tree to New York City for the holiday season. He works for a college friend who's business is to set up trees for the city and to keep them decorated. Sam has never been to the big city and is learning alot about the city. He meets a window dresser,Nicole. who needs help setting up some window displays. Sam and Nicole develop an attraction even though she doesn't plan on leaving the city and he knows he is going back to the family ranch in Colorado. I enjoyed all of the dynamics of these two people with their unlikely attraction and outcome of it. I recommended for anyone who is ready for a feel good story of the season.
September 2, 2012
Hadn't read any of her books since the Caulder series many years ago. This is definitely not in that class. I'm sure if I had read this book first I never would've read more of her books. No real story line, flat characters, I was very disappointed.
November 17, 2012
it was okay... kind of sorry I spent the time reading it when there are so many books and so little time.
April 14, 2015
If you want to read a happy ending Christmas Story that takes place . In NY. This book is for you. Sometimes it is nice to just read about people doing good things!!
December 13, 2022
Cheesy little Christmas romance!!
December 28, 2025
Got this for $2 at half price books, and it read exactly like that
December 8, 2012
Sam Bennett is working the Christmas season in New York setting up Christmas trees. He meets Nicole Young a window designer. Sam works for Nicole setting up a beautiful Christmas window display and there are sparks flying while they work together. They spend time getting to know each other between Sam working on setting up trees and Nicole working on fabulous window displays.
I enjoy watching these two stumble into love without really knowing it was happening.
This book really shows you that there are families out there having a hard time a Christmas and what can happen when people take the time see what is really needed. This book leaves you with a true meaning of Christmas spirit.
I have always been a Janet Daily fan and this is another great Christmas story from her.
I enjoy watching these two stumble into love without really knowing it was happening.
This book really shows you that there are families out there having a hard time a Christmas and what can happen when people take the time see what is really needed. This book leaves you with a true meaning of Christmas spirit.
I have always been a Janet Daily fan and this is another great Christmas story from her.
May 6, 2020
When I was in in my early 20's I loved Janet Dailey's western romances. This month I had to read a book with a Christmas tree on the cover for one of my challenge groups so I found this one available at the library.
Sam Bennett, a handsome and gallant cowboy comes to New York in December to help a college friend install seasonal decorations and falls hard for Nicole Young, a busy window designer trying to create enticing Manhattan storefronts.
The characters were wooden and there was nothing exciting about the relationship. I consider it one of the least interesting books I've read all year. But it did have a Christmas tree on the cover.
Sam Bennett, a handsome and gallant cowboy comes to New York in December to help a college friend install seasonal decorations and falls hard for Nicole Young, a busy window designer trying to create enticing Manhattan storefronts.
The characters were wooden and there was nothing exciting about the relationship. I consider it one of the least interesting books I've read all year. But it did have a Christmas tree on the cover.
September 5, 2012
A Cowboy Under My Christmas Tree, is the story of Sam Bennett and Nicloe Young. Sam, who lives in Colorado, is in Manhattan to help set up Christmas trees. Nicole, a city girl, is a window dresser, who is creating Christmas-themed store windows. Quite by accident, Sam and Nicole meet...and sparks fly, or maybe I should say snowflakes fall. It is a wonderful book.
The story is a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas: a season to help others.
The story is a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas: a season to help others.
December 29, 2012
Janet Dailey works her story telling magic in this warm hearted and sweet romance about a Colorado cowboy who takes a temporary job installing Christmas trees in New York City and a window fashion designer. Sam and Nicole not only enjoy their time together in the Big Apple but the holiday spirit has them playing Santa for a small boy whose wish is to cheer up his family. Good reading even after the holiday tree and gift wrapping is tucked away!
October 26, 2012
I liked this storyline. A cowboy in the big city to earn extra money for his family gets involved with a big city girl. The girl is a window designer and it's Christmas time and she's busily doing windows in a small but fashionable store. The cowboy jumps in to help out with setting up the window and the story goes from there. This was definitely one of the better Christmas stories I've read this year.
November 19, 2019
Overall, this was just fine. I thought it was kind of cute until the ending. It just felt so dumb and trite to me.
Sam and Nicole were fine; I thought the best part might have been Nicole's job. A window dresser/designer is not something I've read of much before. And quite a bit of the dialogue, especially the tech stuff, was so dated.
Sam's side trip towards the end of the story felt like an unnecessary plot point. Sigh. This just wasn't the best.
Sam and Nicole were fine; I thought the best part might have been Nicole's job. A window dresser/designer is not something I've read of much before. And quite a bit of the dialogue, especially the tech stuff, was so dated.
Sam's side trip towards the end of the story felt like an unnecessary plot point. Sigh. This just wasn't the best.
May 4, 2021
I couldn't get into these characters very well. The story seemed all over the place with what the H and h were doing and with all the extra people in the story.
The blurb mentions that they are playing Santa to help out a little boy, but in truth, that really doesn't happen until the last few chapters. And the ending, where Sam and Nicole finally decide they can be more than just friends, happens really quickly
Not my favorite Janet Dailey book, by far.
The blurb mentions that they are playing Santa to help out a little boy, but in truth, that really doesn't happen until the last few chapters. And the ending, where Sam and Nicole finally decide they can be more than just friends, happens really quickly
Not my favorite Janet Dailey book, by far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2012
Well anybody that knows me,knows that I love Christmas stories!This was a delightful book! The people and the story were something that could really happen.The way they met was so random and could have happened to just about anybody.This is a sit back and enjoy the story kind of book.All you need is a comfortable chair,gentle snowfall and a cup of hot chocolate.
August 16, 2015
A pretty good book that can be ready anytime. Great for the holiday season. I loved the characters, the personalities, the emotions, the overall feel to the book, and the ending. I would like to see what happens with the others, friends and family, and get to know them better. A good read with plenty of variety and a feel good time. Enjoy
October 8, 2012
It was a good Christmas story. A little slow in some parts and it seemed like it ended but there should still be more to the story.
January 14, 2013
library book. a sweet holiday story. it's good to come back to reading a author I read long ago.
January 17, 2013
I liked this book a lot. It was a very quick read. Very joyful and full of Christmas spirit even though I read it in January.
November 3, 2013
I really connected with the characters, but the plot escalated too quickly in the end:/ overall good book
January 5, 2019
This book is about country boy Sam meeting city girl Natalie. Sam is from Colorado. He was chosen by the family to escort the tree to Rockefeller Center. The family remembers when that tree was planted. Natalie is a window designer. Christmas is a busy time of the year. Little did they know that a sign looking for some help, would bring these two together. There is a time limit as Sam is going back to the ranch. A family emergency draws their time short. Both are miserable. Who will be the first to give in? It is a time of meeting new people, of struggles for some and the miracle of Christmas.
December 23, 2025
I decided this year to do an all Christmas December and snagged this one at a thrift store. I am VERY glad I didnt pay full price as this for sure wasnt for me. There is no concrete plot to this book. Sam is a rancher in New York working on Christmas trees and Nicole is a window dresser. Sam is a really flat boring character and Nicole is kind of a stuck up snot. I really didnt like either of them.
Being set in New York at Christmas time sort of adds an ambiance to it all but yikes the writing isnt good and this pocket sized book dragged on. I have not read anything from this author before this and probably wont go out of my way to read anything else from her.
Being set in New York at Christmas time sort of adds an ambiance to it all but yikes the writing isnt good and this pocket sized book dragged on. I have not read anything from this author before this and probably wont go out of my way to read anything else from her.
January 26, 2018
Good book. I gotta admit I've never read a book were a girl was a window designer, it was interesting. When Douglas climbed up on the truck to look at his tree, I would have done the same thing, totally would have fought him for it. Glad that dude got arrested! I was really shocked at the end! The proposal, I was like really? And I wished there was an epilogue and talked about them got to Times Square for New Year's Eve. And did Sam ever give his present to his sister? I wonder what it was?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this cute, sweet Christmas romance set in NYC about a cowboy from Colorado who meets a window dresser around the holidays. It has just the right amount of cheese with believable characters and romance with a happy ending that will warm your heart. I had been reading a lot of unhappy books, so this was just what I needed to get out of my sad slump.
I found this book in my library's Christmas section and am so glad I picked it up.
I found this book in my library's Christmas section and am so glad I picked it up.
January 28, 2018
I was disappointed with the swearing and the petting scene even though it was discreetly handled. The past 3 years I have enjoyed reading other Christian authors. I have laughed and cried and been uplifted with their stories. I was disappointed with this and honestly I am not sure I'll read any more of this authors books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews