Marcus & Wynter

by Natalie Dean

Once upon a time, they were inseparable. Then one sizzling mistletoe kiss blew their friendship apart. This Christmas, Marcus wants a do-over… if he can get her to stay.

Marcus Palmer has always wanted the simple things… faith, family and forever. He’s the steady cowboy who can fix almost anything with his hands, from broken steps to drafty windows. But this time, the only way to fix what’s between them is to show Wynter that staying isn’t a cage, it’s the life she deserves to have.

Wynter Delaney is an expert at goodbyes. Returning to Copper Creek was supposed to be temporary—check on Grams, help out, and move on. But seeing Marcus again, the boy who knew all her secrets and stole one unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe, shakes the walls she’s built around her heart. She promised herself she’d never lean on anyone… until Marcus.

Under Christmas lights and small-town coziness, peace begins to settle where panic used to live… and Marcus feels less like a risk and more like home. But after one very public proposal, will Wynter walk away again? Or will she finally trust the man who’s always been there…

Fall for a heartfelt, wholesome cowboy Christmas filled with small-town charm, family mischief, and second-chance sparkle.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2025

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus & Wynter is the story of the final Palmer sibling to get engaged.  He finally talked Wynter into thinking about them getting married.  She did give Marcus the best thing she could while getting therapy to help her not push Marcus away because she thinks he will leave her too, be it by abandonment like her father did her or by dying like her mother and grandfather did.  She did tell him she loved him about a week after he proposed to her.   For Christmas she gave him a copy of her letter accepting the job in Cooper’s Creek which was one thing she had been holding off on.  And For Christmas he gave her a spider.  Now that is true love!  But, Nora did the surprising by signing over the house, shop, and property to Marcus and Wynter.  They both love Nora and Wynter had already asked Nora to move with her if she went back to California.  This gives them the opportunity to make changes to the house before they marry.

 

At the barbeque at Rose’s farm, Wynter had decided to ask Marcus to marry her.  But, Marcus seen what was coming and would not allow Wynter to propose to him.  He took the opportunity to propose to Wynter instead.  He had the engagement ring he had offered her earlier in his wallet and Wynter brought a silver band for Marcus to wear.   She had planned the proposal at the barbeque so his family and their friends could celebrate with them the same as what Marcus had planned back before Christmas.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic, and I loved getting to read it. This book is the last one in the series, and I am going to miss these characters. But I know that you have something else new and exciting to share with us, and I cannot wait to see what it is. If you are looking for a great, wholesome love story that will leave you crying you have found it--"Marcus & Wynter" is the book for you. I highly recommend that you all get this book and make sure to let us know what you think please.

This is the story of Marcus Palmer and Wynter Delaney and the love that they share and the obstacles they have had to overcome to get to their love. At one time they were inseparable and then her grandmother planted some mistletoe in the doorway and that kiss derailed their friendship for 6 long years. Now Wynter is home to help her grandmother, Nora get back on her feet after an injury to her wrist. When Marcus gets wind of her being home he wants his second chance to make their love right. He wants her to stay here in Copper Creek and not go back to California. But he has to be careful with his plans, so she does not feel trapped. Wynter is very independent and does not want to lean on anyone, including Marcus. But seeing him again might just change all of that.

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so loved this series and the whole Copper Creek saga. Marcus is the youngest Palmer and the last without a mate. He and Wynter were best friends since they both moved to Copper Creek . He was a jock during high school and she loved bugs. They had beautiful friendship. Tension came to a head when they kissed under mistletoe when she was home from college for Christmas break. They both felt a “ zap” of emotions. It scared her so she ran. It took 5 years of ghosting Marcus and Copper Creek before she came back to help her grandmother. This started a series of emotional events for them both. A lot of people tried to help get them back together . Wynter had issues with marriage because of her past. Marcus was very persistent in his pursuit of Wynter until she quit running. This is a poignant and emotional story for them. The ending is perfect. I can see another book or two for the residents of Copper Creek in the future. I would give this book and the author more than 5 stars if possible . The characters are very believable . The storyline keeps you engaged in their journey.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the end of the Palmers of Copper Creek series, and that makes me sad. I have loved every one of these books, and this one is no exception! The characters are great - very real and believable - and the writing is smooth; the story flows very well. While this could work as a standalone book, I believe it's best to be read as a part of the series to get the full effect of the characters and storyline.

I won't recap the story or include spoilers, but I will say that it is very emotional at times, and I did find myself "tearing up" a bit. If you love good Christian romance with a "real feel" to the characters, I think you will enjoy this book tremendously.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of us guys have been in Marcus' position where you tell your gal you love and respect her, but somehow get the cold shoulder or retreat from us, leaving us in the cold. Poor Marcus had no clue what was needed since Wynter would run away or shut him out when he tried to talk to her. Until the truth comes out and real communication takes place,all anyone in that position, male or female, can do is blindly grope in the dark until you get answers. Natalie writes in such a way that you can not help but feel for Marcus. Excellent book!

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus & Wynter

Marcos and Wynter have a volatile but heartwarming story. They had been best friends until they kissed under the mistletoe years before. Then she left for college and a career far away from Copper Creek. When she returns to help her grandmother, he forgives her and seeks to further their friendship to something more permanent. I truly did not want to like her character because of the way she seemed to lead him on with no promise of a future. I highly recommend you read their story to determine your own thoughts on that subject matter.

[Loreli Jessee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will grab you with all the emotions flowing throughout. I loved how many matchmakers were involved with them. These characters will pull you in and not let you go with all the tension, drama, wonderful side characters, richly detailed scenes and so much more. I couldn’t put it down.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of an interconnected series that's best if read in order. Can be read as a standalone. Characters overlap
Second chance
Meddling matchmaking family
He's all in
She's afraid of committing
Hints of a spin-off

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

marcus and wynter were friends and maybe more. she left and he went on with his life then she comes back to help her grandmother . this is a wonderful story about second chances and taking that chance that is handed to you. i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review

[Katie Muldoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Palmers of Copper Creek is a Winner

I really enjoyed the whole series about the Palmers. I liked continuing to read about family members as the series continued. I'm looking forward to the next series.

[Deborah. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

I have read all your copper creek-books so far I have really enjoyed every one thank you I may even read again keep them coming

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus & Wynter is a Christian, second chance, small town romance. Marcus has been all in with Wynter since she ran away from him six years ago. Now she is back for three months to help her grandmother. Her fear of being left is completely paralyzing her future with anyone. Will Marcus and Nora, Wynter's grandmother, be able to make her see that she needs to let go of that fear?