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The Cowboy's Christmas Deadline: A Small Town Christmas Romance
A burned-out ranch. A ticking clock. And one cowboy who just might be her last chance—or her greatest heartbreak.Stephanie Gilroy never expected to inherit Starling Hollow, especially not just days before Christmas. With the ranch in shambles and a ruthless developer circling like a vulture, she’s running out of time and options. The will is clear—sell by New Year’s Eve or forfeit everything.
Enter Nate a rugged, quietly loyal cowboy who’s stayed behind to care for the land, the livestock, and the legacy. He’s everything Stephanie didn’t plan for—gritty, grounded, and far too good at seeing past her defenses.
As winter storms threaten, old family wounds surface, and the pressure to sell mounts, Stephanie must decide what’s worth her future, her heart, or the ranch her uncle built with his bare hands.
But Nate has a secret plan of his own—and it might just be the miracle Stephanie needs.
A tender, slow-burn romance set against the beauty of a Texas Christmas, The Cowboy’s Christmas Deadline is a heartwarming cowboy romance of faith, hope, and love—set against a backdrop of snow, stars, and second chances.
Enter Nate a rugged, quietly loyal cowboy who’s stayed behind to care for the land, the livestock, and the legacy. He’s everything Stephanie didn’t plan for—gritty, grounded, and far too good at seeing past her defenses.
As winter storms threaten, old family wounds surface, and the pressure to sell mounts, Stephanie must decide what’s worth her future, her heart, or the ranch her uncle built with his bare hands.
But Nate has a secret plan of his own—and it might just be the miracle Stephanie needs.
A tender, slow-burn romance set against the beauty of a Texas Christmas, The Cowboy’s Christmas Deadline is a heartwarming cowboy romance of faith, hope, and love—set against a backdrop of snow, stars, and second chances.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
21 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Debra Chapoton
148 books106 followers With over 100 books to her name, Debra Chapoton is a master at writing Christian fiction and non-fiction. Writing under the pen name Marlisa Kriscott, she crafts heartwarming second-chance teacher romances, while under her own name, she transports readers into swoon-worthy Highlander tales (Loved by a Highlander series) and rugged cowboy love stories (Unbridled Hearts, Faithful Hearts, and Broken Spur Ranch series).
But her imagination doesn’t stop at romance—Debra's young adult novels plunge into the thrilling worlds of sci-fi, paranormal mysteries, time travel, dystopian futures, and parallel realities. She also pens insightful non-fiction works such as Sunday School lessons and delightful children’s books, making her a true literary chameleon.
Raised with a love for codes and intricate puzzles, Debra’s passion for storytelling goes beyond words; she seamlessly weaves secrets and hidden clues into her novels, adding layers of intrigue. With a career as a high school Spanish and English teacher, she draws inspiration from her students’ personalities, bringing authentic voices to her characters.
But her imagination doesn’t stop at romance—Debra's young adult novels plunge into the thrilling worlds of sci-fi, paranormal mysteries, time travel, dystopian futures, and parallel realities. She also pens insightful non-fiction works such as Sunday School lessons and delightful children’s books, making her a true literary chameleon.
Raised with a love for codes and intricate puzzles, Debra’s passion for storytelling goes beyond words; she seamlessly weaves secrets and hidden clues into her novels, adding layers of intrigue. With a career as a high school Spanish and English teacher, she draws inspiration from her students’ personalities, bringing authentic voices to her characters.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 26, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
The Cowboy’s Christmas Deadline is the second title in the A Cowboy for Christmas Collection series, yet each story can easily be read as a standalone, so if you’re not in the mood to commit to a long series, these Christmas Romances would be a perfect fit.
Stephanie has learned of an uncle’s death, a man with whom she lost contact when her family all but imploded years ago, with her parents ending up divorced. She’s pretty much on her own now since she rarely, if ever, speaks to either parent (or has forgiven them). She’s successful in her career and doesn’t really want to travel back to her past again, but she has inherited her uncle’s ranch with some provisions, so returning really is a necessity.
Once back on her Uncle Henry’s now rundown ranch, Stephanie will be overrun with memories from a happier time in her life when she and her parents spent so much time here. The ranch’s manager/sole occupant, Nate, isn’t what she expected. An awareness of the man, silent and contained but willing to do anything to help her do what’s best for her, will soon bloom into an attraction that neither can deny. Of course, we have a sleazy villain to loathe… wouldn’t mind seeing him covered in cow dung! As both Stephanie and Nate, in their own ways, work to put the ranch back together for the needed sale, they’ll soon be working side by side to save the ranch and Stephanie’s inheritance, if at all possible.
The Cowboy’s Christmas Deadline by Debra Chapoton is a lovely romance, set during the Christmas season. Yet, it’s far more than a faith-filled romance. It’s a story about coming home, finding home, giving forgiveness, and even finding redemption in some ways. It’s about mending fences, the personal kind, and finding that right person to love for a lifetime. I loved everything about this story. It’s well-written, so emotional, with characters who are believable, even relatable in their choices in life. If that’s your kind of Christmas romance, then you’ll love this one.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
The Cowboy’s Christmas Deadline is the second title in the A Cowboy for Christmas Collection series, yet each story can easily be read as a standalone, so if you’re not in the mood to commit to a long series, these Christmas Romances would be a perfect fit.
Stephanie has learned of an uncle’s death, a man with whom she lost contact when her family all but imploded years ago, with her parents ending up divorced. She’s pretty much on her own now since she rarely, if ever, speaks to either parent (or has forgiven them). She’s successful in her career and doesn’t really want to travel back to her past again, but she has inherited her uncle’s ranch with some provisions, so returning really is a necessity.
Once back on her Uncle Henry’s now rundown ranch, Stephanie will be overrun with memories from a happier time in her life when she and her parents spent so much time here. The ranch’s manager/sole occupant, Nate, isn’t what she expected. An awareness of the man, silent and contained but willing to do anything to help her do what’s best for her, will soon bloom into an attraction that neither can deny. Of course, we have a sleazy villain to loathe… wouldn’t mind seeing him covered in cow dung! As both Stephanie and Nate, in their own ways, work to put the ranch back together for the needed sale, they’ll soon be working side by side to save the ranch and Stephanie’s inheritance, if at all possible.
The Cowboy’s Christmas Deadline by Debra Chapoton is a lovely romance, set during the Christmas season. Yet, it’s far more than a faith-filled romance. It’s a story about coming home, finding home, giving forgiveness, and even finding redemption in some ways. It’s about mending fences, the personal kind, and finding that right person to love for a lifetime. I loved everything about this story. It’s well-written, so emotional, with characters who are believable, even relatable in their choices in life. If that’s your kind of Christmas romance, then you’ll love this one.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
October 1, 2025
Debra Chapoton’s The Cowboy’s Christmas Deadline is the kind of story that reminds you why holiday romances are pure magic. With a ranch on the brink, a looming deadline, and the weight of family legacy, Stephanie Gilroy’s world feels as stormy as the Texas skies. I instantly connected with her—caught between practicality and hope, torn between letting go and holding on.
And then there’s Nate. Steady, selfless, and quietly strong, he’s not just a ranch hand—he’s the heart of Starling Hollow. Watching Stephanie’s guarded walls crumble in his presence made me ache in the best way. Their slow-burn romance is tender, full of unspoken longings, subtle faith, and the kind of moments that steal your breath without needing grand gestures.
The setting is just as much a character—snow swirling around weathered barns, stars blazing over quiet nights, and the hush of Christmas reminding us of miracles. Chapoton weaves a tale of love, redemption, and belonging that lingers long after the last page.
If you’re looking for a cozy, heartfelt cowboy romance that pairs holiday warmth with genuine emotion, The Cowboy’s Christmas Deadline is a must-read. It’s about more than saving a ranch—it’s about saving yourself, and finding love right where you least expected it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And then there’s Nate. Steady, selfless, and quietly strong, he’s not just a ranch hand—he’s the heart of Starling Hollow. Watching Stephanie’s guarded walls crumble in his presence made me ache in the best way. Their slow-burn romance is tender, full of unspoken longings, subtle faith, and the kind of moments that steal your breath without needing grand gestures.
The setting is just as much a character—snow swirling around weathered barns, stars blazing over quiet nights, and the hush of Christmas reminding us of miracles. Chapoton weaves a tale of love, redemption, and belonging that lingers long after the last page.
If you’re looking for a cozy, heartfelt cowboy romance that pairs holiday warmth with genuine emotion, The Cowboy’s Christmas Deadline is a must-read. It’s about more than saving a ranch—it’s about saving yourself, and finding love right where you least expected it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2025
Stephanie's uncle Henry has passed away and left her his ranch, Starling Hollow but there is a clause in the will. She hasn't seen her uncle since she was a teenager and feels very sad about that. Nate Cotter is the ranch foreman at Starling Hollow. As soon as he and Stephanie meet, they feel a connection which grows as they get to know each other. Uncle Henry also left $100,000 to Nate. After a couple of weeks, Stephanie realizes she wants to keep the ranch but isn't sure how to go about doing that. Stephanie also hasn't seen her parents since they divorced. This Christmas is a Christmas of healing for Stephanie and her parents as well as Nate. This is a wonderful, sweet romance that I highly recommend. You won't be sorry you read it.
October 3, 2025
Okay picture this. You are home alone and have nothing important to do so you grab your kindle and this fun romance book by Debra and enjoy your day reading this wonderful romance book. I adored the characters and storyline immensely. This is a fun as well as heartwarming book I just read from cover to the HEA ending.
October 2, 2025
Can be read as a standalone.
She received an inheritance but the conditions are a problem.
Meddling from beyond?
Family drama
Multiple Christmas miracles.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She received an inheritance but the conditions are a problem.
Meddling from beyond?
Family drama
Multiple Christmas miracles.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2025
Clean, sweet, emotionally satisfying. (Cover has changed.)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews