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The Cowboy's Christmas Wish

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Is it too late to want what he gave up decades ago—or is this second chance the greatest Christmas gift not under the tree?

Prodigal son Matt Marshall has finally found his way home this Christmas—temporarily. He couldn’t leave his family in a lurch when the ranch’s cattle is threatened. And with his veterinary license practically in hand, he needs the opportunity to work with one of the country’s keenest practitioners.

Established vet Tessa Young turns out to be the perfect partner. She not only devises a genius solution, she pulls off the help they need by turning a community barn-raising into a holiday celebration. There’s just one flaw in this she’s making Matt rethink his plans to hit the road again.

Can he live with the memories lingering around the ranch? And while a life with the sexy cowboy sends tingles down her spine, Tessa would need to give up her greatest promise to her grandfather to stay with Matt.

It will take more than listening to their hearts—they have to trust the miracle taking place this December.

322 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2024

54 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

About the author

Kristine Lynn

57 books17 followers

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Sue.
1,753 reviews29 followers
October 8, 2024
The Cowboy’s Christmas Wish is the final book in Kristine Lynn’s fabulous series, The Marshall Brothers of Texas. The series revolves around the Marshall brothers and their mom who live on the family ranch outside Austin. Book three features the oldest brother, Matthew Marshall. He has been away for many years. Their father was abusive and took out his anger on Matt. As soon as he could he left the ranch and never returned. He worked as a rancher and moved around the country. He also was working on completing his Veterinarian studies and getting his license. The Marshall ranch had gotten in bad shape after the dad died a few years after Matt left. The middle son was able to bring it back and improve it and got the youngest brother to return and help. They recently contracted a veterinarian, Tessa Young, to assist in trying to rid their cattle of the deadly PPH. The book is set during the Christmas season and everyone is decorating and wearing crazy holiday sweaters.

As the book opens, Tessa is struggling to determine what caused the disease and how she can fix the problem on the ranch. Matt’s brother reaches out and asks him to return to the family ranch and take his position as part of his brother’s company. When Matt arrives, he is overwhelmed seeing his mom, brothers and meeting his nephew. He learns what is happening with the cows and is introduced to his partner Tessa. The two initially butt heads over their ideas on how to tackle the disease problem. Matt is struggling with his feelings about being back home and whether or not he wants to stay on the family ranch. Tessa has big dreams of starting her own company using her ideas for different machines and processes for the ranch animals and medical care. The two talk about their pasts as they try to come up with a solution to the problems that are getting worse. Tessa enjoys his family, their ranch and the town. However, she and her grandfather had made a plan for her future that she wants to follow. This will mean leaving the ranch.

After studying the numbers on the sick cows and Tessa’s past research, they formulate a plan involving having the townspeople participate in a barn raising. This would house the sick cows so they could get rid of the disease. The two help get the barn built. Tessa and Matt become closer during all this and act on their strong feelings and chemistry. They realize they have fallen in love. Unfortunately, Matt and Tessa aren’t sure what the other plans to do about their job and location after Christmas. There’s alot of angst and suspense for the couple’s future and Matt’s plans with his family.

This is a heartwarming story with genuine characters and fun holiday moments. I love hearing about the various sweaters everyone is wearing. The inclusion of the family members and their significant others from the prior books is a wonderful touch. I loved the book. Kristine has created a lovely family with an interesting history and some fun people and places in the town. I highly recommend the book and the series. It is a five star book.

I was fortunate to receive an ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
783 reviews36 followers
September 25, 2024
Matt Marshall has been called back to his family ranch after swearing he would never come back when he left 15yrs ago. It's Christmas time and he could not say no when his family needed him. He almost has cull credentials for being a Veterinarian and he finds out he will be working with a collogue who has excellent skills with innovative techniques in the field. But can they work together to help the ranch...
Tessa Young is working her way to be one day having her own ranch and she takes this temporary job with the Marshall Ranch. They have asked her to work with their brother and son to help with the ranch animal needs. What neither of them was looking for was the strong attraction they felt from the beginning and they were both working hard to fight it....

This was my first book by this author and I had not read any other other books in this series, but I soon knew all the players and loved the family and community of Deer Creek. It's Christmas and when the Marshall family needs help the town comes out and gives them what they need and the spirit of Christmas is hard at work. And I loved Matt and Tessa. The chemistry between them was amazing. This is a book to be sure to put you in the holiday spirt.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mia.
559 reviews5 followers
October 4, 2024
The prodigal son/brother has returned to the fold on the Marshall Brothers Ranch. Matt Marshall left the family ranch long ago when he and his father had some issues. Matt saw leaving as the only option available to him despite this meaning he was leaving behind his wo younger brothers and his mom. Since leaving the ranch, Matt has continued his studies of veterinary medicine and bovines.

Matt gets a call from his brother asking him to come back to the ranch to help out. Although reluctant to return, Matt knows he has to go back and help out his brothers. Call it penance or whatever you want, sometimes the call of home is too strong.

The ranch herd is currently dealing with a very contagious disease which could wipe out the entire herd and devaste the entire community and their bovines if not contained and cured. Bennett Marshall has brought in a veterinarian who is known for her slightly unconventional methods, Tessa. Tessa knows that her unconventional methods are not accepted by most but they do work for her and the animals she treats.

Matt and Tessa have to work together to help save the herb but can they form a relationship and become a part of ranch family? You need to read this fast paced romance to find out.

I did receive a copy of this novella in exchange for a fair and unbiased review from the publisher.
Profile Image for Gwen Chester.
595 reviews10 followers
October 3, 2024
It is Christmas time, a time for forgiveness and mending old wounds and if you do this who knows what Santa might bring you this year. Matt Marshall had left the family cattle ranch 15 years ago vowing never to return. But now his family needs him, there is a cattle disease going thru the herd and if they do not find the right treatment they could lose them all. Matt almost has his Veterinarian's credentials and just needs field work with a qualified Vet to get his degree. This would give it to him plus some. They already have hired a traveling vet Tessa Young to work and live at the ranch. She has a reputation for doing excellent work and using innovative techniques. But can they work together and solve the mystery with the herd and save the ranch? They both have a strong attraction to each other upon meeting and are both working hard to ignore it.

Matt is loving being back home with the family and the gathering around the dinner table for meals. The catching up on each others lives and love they all share. With the cattle disease, Matt, Tessa and the whole family work as a team to eradicate it. They all become stronger as a family by working side by side to solve the problem.

I got this book from Book Sprout and will be happy to leave my review.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
9,243 reviews206 followers
September 6, 2024
The Cowboy's Christmas Wish by Kristine Lynn
In this story the family have hired a traveling vet Tessa who also lives at the ranch as she tries to solve why the herd is falling sick and how to eradicate it.
Family also puts in a call to Matt who is almost done with his vet degree. He's been gone for so many years but returns because they called.
He loves all the family gatherings and how he can help with the new vet also.
They get closer to one another. Adult situations.
Love hearing about Tessa's grandfather and her life with him and what he meant to her. She discloses this to Matt and he tells he some of his secrets.
They have an enormous outcome to the animal problem where the whole town could help.
Love the Christmas activities in town and her sweaters are talked about everywhere. Love catching up with the others in the family. such a treasure.
Can't wait to read more from this series, also good as a stand alone read.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
1,611 reviews22 followers
October 2, 2024
Well written, fast paced read. Full of love, emotions, pain, family, friends, intrigue and twists. Tessa is a free lancing vet who is hired to come and treat a herd of cattle. Besides the normal antibiotics, she uses other ways to treat the whole animal. Matt is the oldest brother who leaves when he has trouble with his father. Only to come back after many years as his brother calls and need help. He is working on becoming a vet but needs to talk the final test to become a vet. When the two meet up he's not sure it you can treat the cows the way she wants too or just kill the sick. Yet one of the cows is getting better and the rest are not. Together they work for a final answer. It helps when they are able to get the community to help build a barn to get the cows out of the freezing cold. She also has some great sweaters for Christmas. Lots of steamy scenes between them. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,605 reviews12 followers
October 8, 2024
The Cowboy’s Christmas Wish is the third installment in The Marshall Brothers of Texas series. The Cowboy’s Christmas Wish follows the tale of Matt Marshall and Tessa Young. Matt Marshall is a prodigal son who has found his way home for Christmas-temporarily. Matt couldn’t just leave his family in a lurch when the ranch’s cattle is threatened. Tess Young is an established vet turns out to be the perfect partner for Matt. She’s not only devises a genius solution, but she also pulls of the help they need by turning the community barn-raising into a holiday celebration. Will Matt and Tess be able to save his family’s ranch? The Cowboy’s Christmas Wish is a beautifully written, well-balanced, and perfectly executed Christmas romance story. The Cowboy’s Christmas Wish is most definitely a book that I would recommend for anyone to read this amazing Christmas romance story. I can’t wait to see what else Author Kristine Lynn comes up with for her next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Reader_for_LifeTLG.
2,808 reviews17 followers
October 9, 2024
All he wants for Christmas is her. - Matt and Tessa make a great couple from the start, even if he is a bit snarly in his delivery with her. He likes her and trips over his tongue. Teamed up to handle a crisis on Matt's family's ranch, working together brings up feelings for which neither is prepared. Both nomads of a sort, he only just returned to the ranch after over a decade away (childhood issues with his dad) and she's a contract worker. Permanence isn't in their blood. With his family and the whole town looking on, they will tiptoe their way into each other's heart to find a love they never expected.

Another wonderful story with great characters readers will love (Matt unashamedly tears up, Tessa and her wacky tacky Christmas sweaters, the absolutely amazing Marshall brood), a community that feels like family and an HEA that brings tears and smiles. A two-for-one even, as Bennett's bear finds himself a mate for Christmas too. Bear hugs all around.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,194 reviews21 followers
September 25, 2024
Kristine Lynn is a newer author for me to read so I was looking forward to reading The Cowboy’s Christmas Wish. I was not disappointed. The Marshall Brothers of Texas are the only books I have read by Ms. Lynn with book three being just as enjoyable. I do not think that you necessarily must have read the previous two books to enjoy Matt Marshall’s story. His is a wonderful, well-written and absorbing tale.

I like that while Matt has been away from the ranch, he has still been a responsible individual. Now that he’s back he can help as he is almost finished with his vet degree. The problem is one that needs a vet to correct with the sick cattle. Established vet Tessa Young is staying on the ranch already, but the problem has not been solved. I like that they tackle the problem together, forming a relationship that leads to love. This a love story as much as it is a Christmas story. That’s the best kind.
Profile Image for Elaine Coghlan .
1,515 reviews14 followers
October 5, 2024
The Cowboy's Christmas Wish ~ The Marshall Brothers of Texas #3 by Kristine Lynn.

Blurb:
Is it too late to want what he gave up decades ago—or is this second chance the greatest Christmas gift not under the tree?

I have been following this series from the start, each book gets better than the last, if that is possible.
The Cowboy's Christmas Wish is Mattew Marshall's story of who has come home after 15 years away for Christmas. The ranch needs his help, due to the cattle disease going that's is going thru the herd.
Travelling vet Tessa Young has been hired by the family, could an extra pair of hands would help, as Matt is too a qualified vet?
Can Matt put the past behind him and stay at the ranch? will Matt and Tessa get a HEA? need to read the book to find out.

I highly recommend this book to all and the rest of the series.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
Profile Image for Laura D.
1,119 reviews
October 29, 2024
Matt left home years ago at the age of eighteen because of his father. He has not been back since, not even for his father's funeral. Now he has returned after a call from his brother asking for his help with the sick cattle on the family ranch. A ranch he wants nothing to do with. He has almost completed his DVM. When he sees his mother he is hit with the quilt of all that he has missed. Although his return is temporary, he will be home for Christmas. Tessa is the staff vet on the ranch. Her position is also temporary. She has not desire to stay in one place. If Matt decides to take his place as the oldest son on the ranch what does that mean for her? The do not need two vets. The time they spend working together the sparks fly. Once they cross the line can they work together? Will Matt change his mind and stay on the ranch? Can he convince Tessa that dreams can change? Good read.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,485 reviews25 followers
October 2, 2024
Matt is the eldest Marshall, he left home as a teenager, unable to bear his father's treatment. Now he's back, after Bennett asked him to return as the ranch needs help. He's studying to be a vet and only has one exam left, then he meets Tessa, a contracted vet, she's different and he keeps getting feelings he doesn't understand, he's so odd with her she thinks she's done something wrong, and that he dislikes her, nothing could be further from the truth!
Matt thinks he has too much baggage to have a relationship with Tessa, but she really likes him too. They need to save the cattle or there won't be a ranch anymore.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A great read from Kristine
3,585 reviews42 followers
October 1, 2024
This latest story to the series takes us back to the Marshall Ranch and belongs to Matt Marshall. The son that left 15 years ago and had sworn never to return.
When the family is in need, this almost veterinarian, goes home to help, and finds himself attracted to Tessa Young, the local veterinarian currently helping at the ranch.
Determined to deal with a cattle disease, we see how Matt, Tessa and the rest of the family unity and become stronger by doing so.
This was a story about family, coming together as a unit, romance and new beginnings.
Another wonderful addition to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
3,688 reviews17 followers
October 3, 2024
Matt has been away from home for years but he’s called back to help their contract vet Tessa save their ill cattle. Both are stubborn with chips on their shoulders about how things should be done, feeling an attraction for each other that causes them to put up walls. They finally give in when she’s forced to share his cabin, but she’s still stubborn about her career dreams, never consider she could have them and love. I loved all the funny creative Christmas sweaters and how passionate Tessa was about caring for the animals, making them calm, and developing equipment that made her job easier. It was nice to catch up with the previous characters in this series in this steamy romance with funny, sweet, and a few dramatic moments.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,586 reviews29 followers
October 4, 2024
The Cowboy’s Christmas Wish is book 3 in the Marshall Brothers of Texas series by Kristine Lynn and a good addition.

Matt Marshall, eldest son returns to the family ranch after vowing to never return but since the ranch’s herd is in trouble, him being almost a veterinarian, he has come to help…what he doesn’t expect since he is a loner is Tessa Young, a traveling veterinarian who reputation preceded her. Sparks fly, animosity, small town helps each other, family dynamics and more..

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from BookSprout and Tule Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sara.
345 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2024
Matt Marshall has finally come home fifteen years after his departure. Matt is full of regrets and apologies for what he sees as abandoning his family. Tessa Young is the temporary vet trying desperately to find the perfect solution to save the Marshall’s ranch. Working together to implement Tessa’s solution, Matt and Tessa find themselves attracted to each other and work hard to push each other away.
I absolutely loved this story of family, forgiveness, love, friendships and community. I love a small town coming together and the backdrop of Christmas was just perfect.
Profile Image for Paula Pugh.
2,322 reviews11 followers
October 7, 2024
What a great story. Growing love along with crazy chemistry trying to tie Matt and Tessa together. They, however, are at odds with their careers. Matt, long missing Marshall son, returns home at his brother’s bidding. Vet Tessa is contracted to try and stop a disease plaguing the cattle. Sparks fly as they work together and they misread each other. When it comes down to the wire, who, what, and how will they choose?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Barbara .
6,876 reviews25 followers
September 6, 2024
I thought this cowboy romance book was really really good. It is the first book I have read by Kristine, and I have found that she writes so wonderfully that I had a lot of trouble putting the book down. The cover really grabbed my attention, as well as the characters which are romantic and fun to read about. This book left me with the biggest smile on my face and warmed my heart with the storyline as well as the ending.
Profile Image for Lynn.
721 reviews7 followers
September 15, 2024
Christmas on the Marshall Brothers Ranch. This is the third book in the series. Stand alone, but reading the series in order enhances each book.

Matt is back home after 15 years away. He and a vet, Tessa, are fighting to save the herd from PPH, and a record breaking cold front isn't doing them any favors.

Love reading about the Marshall brothers, and them finding love and coming home.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,615 reviews9 followers
September 29, 2024
Great addition to this series. Matt and Tessa story was wonderfully written. From the beginning I was drawn into their story. It was an entertaining, funny, and romantic read. This book will keep you reading and will for sure get you into the Christmas spirit. I am looking forward to reading more by this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,201 reviews
October 7, 2024
This is an entertaining book set on the ranch with veterinarian, helping with a family crisis of their cattle. The close proximity of these characters working together propels the relationship towards the magnetic chemistry that neither can resist. This is a fun enjoyable book to read and I highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judy.
2,061 reviews12 followers
October 19, 2024
He has been gone for 15 yrs and is only coming back because he is needed. He is having to come to grips with his past family trauma and go after his future goals. Tessa is a travelling veterinarian but wants to be able to use her inventions to make it easier to care for her patients. These two have a lot to figure out and together they make a wonderful team. Wonderful story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,042 reviews86 followers
October 3, 2024
A sweet cowboy romance. Can one go home again? Will the cattle be saved? Small town helpfulness. As I was reading I had a feeling that the other two brothers had books written about them prior to this one. Happy to see that is true. I look forward to reading them. An engaging story with lots of family feels. Thanks to Booksprout for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
1,545 reviews31 followers
October 4, 2024
I loved this story about redemption and family. Tessa and Matt make a wonderful pair who are both trying to prove they can make a difference. All the characters are well written and it was a joy to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather Gibbard.
1,141 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2024
A weird to be reading about Christmas now but a very enjoyable read. My first book by this author and I will be looking for more by her. I really loved this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
81 reviews
September 6, 2025
Great Read

This was a great read. I loved Tessa and Matt both. It is a wonderful story of two people working through their issues and finding and trusting each other. I have loved all three books in this series. I highly recommend them!
88 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2024
This book had a slow start, but I enjoyed the characters and the spirit of the town.
Profile Image for Bo.
112 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2024
If you're already in the Christmas mood, looking for a little romance, and need an easy read- this is it for you!
897 reviews
October 4, 2024
So they meet when he a Cowboy who is almost a vet comes
home to his family’s ranch to help with the cattle and she is a well established vet hired for the cattle at the ranch and to work along with him. So what could go wrong? Except some off the charts chemistry between them that makes reading between the lines so right.
Book 3 is a nice addition to this series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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