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Covering Christmas

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He wants a gold buckle. She needs a fresh start. But love—and a little girl—have other plans. When the reigning world champion bareback rider retires, Keller Drake finally has a clear shot at claiming the title he’s chased for years, until an attorney corners him at a rodeo with life-altering news. Keller has a five-year-old daughter he never knew existed, and Ella’s late mother named him guardian in her will. Suddenly, the man who can ride the rankest broncs in the world is terrified of something far more dangerous—fatherhood.

As Keller fumbles his way through parenting, he discovers he’s not alone. Cobie Quinn, a sharp-witted reporter for All Things Rodeo, jumps in to help. What begins as a professional connection quickly deepens into a friendship filled with laughter, late-night talks, and a growing attraction Keller didn’t see coming.

After walking away from a broken engagement and a high-pressure job, Cobie thought covering rodeos across the Northwest would be nothing more than a temporary assignment. She didn’t expect to enjoy it—let alone lose her heart to a rugged cowboy and his sweet little girl. Then a new opportunity arises, forcing her to choose between long-held ambitions and a future she never imagined.

With the holidays approaching and Christmas joy in the air, Keller and Cobie must decide if they’re willing to take a chance on a future wrapped in faith, family, and the magic of the season.

Fall in love with this wholesome holiday romance sparkling with western charm, healing hearts, and Christmas cheer.

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2025

64 people are currently reading
9 people want to read

About the author

Shanna Hatfield

164 books1,322 followers
A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.

In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield

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5 stars
173 (85%)
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24 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Nari.
1,255 reviews11 followers
January 2, 2026
sweet tender heartfelt Christmas romance

I loved this book. It was a heartfelt story of love. I really enjoyed how the story wove the hearts of Conor, Keller and Emma together. It is a beautiful story.
Profile Image for Dustin Carpenter.
2 reviews
December 19, 2025
Wonderful Story

I have read and enjoyed this book, and it's tie ins to Shanna Hatfield's other series. Now I have to wait a year for the next book, I will re-read this one many times as I wait. Thank you Shanna Hatfield for a wonderful book.
168 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2025
Covering Christmas was a real page turner, a totally sweet Western Christmas romance read. I always look forward to Shanna Hatfield's Rodeo Romance Christmas books and this one was exceptional. The characters were well developed, the story was entertaining and there were all the old friends tagging along with the story.

Keller has been part of the rodeo circuit for years and is having a great year as a bareback rider. Following one awesome win he is tracked down by a lawyer who bears life changing news. In mere seconds Keller's world is turned upside down as he learns he has a daughter, Ella, and now has sole custody of her. Cobie, the rodeo reporter, hears the news and is happy to lend a helping hand as Keller learns to navigate life with a 5 year old. Lots of time together, becoming friends builds to greater attraction but it's hard to do anything when you are always chaperoned. Ultimately both Keller and Codie have to focus on what is important to them and make choices based on that. But will these choices divide them?

I love the rodeo world portrayed by Shanna. I always look for Cooper's antics and the way he always has the characters doing something funny. I loved the way the families wrapped around Keller when he needed help - that community spirit is always so amazing. I loved the way Keller put what Ella needed first - walking out of the arena after a big crash when he really hurt. And the sweet romance draws you in and had me wishing Keller and Cobie together. This is a great read to remind of the joy and hope of Christmas.
Profile Image for Lana Burton.
318 reviews16 followers
December 15, 2025
A beautiful story to read at Christmas time, and any time, of course. The world champion bronc rider is retiring and Keller Drake will finally get to step in to that title role himself! He’s so excited! He’s worked hard and has earned this spot in the rodeo world. After one of his fantastic rides, an attorney comes up to him and asks to speak to him alone. Keller keeps telling him to just tell him whatever he needs to say. There just happened to be the lady from a rodeo magazine there to interview him and the attorney kept nodding his head toward her. Keller insisted, “just tell me”. So, the attorney tells him he is the father of an almost 5 year old little girl. The mother just passed away and named him guardian of his child. Keller remembers that woman and that night, because it was the one and only time he had gone for drinks with some buddies. The attorney said he noticed that she resembled her daddy quite a lot. Why did she not tell him? What is he going to do? Will the reporter have this news plastered all over the news by morning? He asked her to please keep it quiet. And, this is how Keller and Cobi begin a new relationship with his little daughter, and how they all fall in love with each other! It’s a very stirring story, filled with love and faith.
I was on the arc team, and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Joyce Marion.
509 reviews7 followers
January 3, 2026
Keller is a bareback rider. He lived with his grandmother who wasn't very loving. He had always worked hard, but he was a good person. He has been on the rodeo circuit for 6 years and hopes to win the national title this year. After one rodeo, he is approached by an attorney who informs him he has a 4 yr old daughter. Ella's mother has died and he has full custody. Keller is shocked. When he was a rookie on the tour some "friends" talked him into going to a party. He got drunk and woke up next to a girl. He was ashamed and never did that again. He goes to OR to get his daughter. He works out an arrangement for her to go on the rodeo tour with him. He has to have a permanent location by the end of the year. Such a sweet book. He has to learn to do her hair. He has so many men and women who give him helpful hints and help him out. Ella is a sweetheart. Cobie is the rodeo reporter. She is taken with Cobie. He is just an upright man who is full of integrity, but she was hurt before and wants to focus on her career. Keller realizes he needs to leave the sport that he loves to be the father he needs to be to his daughter. Cobie must decide whether she loves them or her career more.
2,688 reviews19 followers
December 11, 2025
This was such a sweet story filled with Christmas cheer and surprises.  This book touched my heart.  It made me cry when I first started reading it and it made me laugh and smile at other times, The author made me feel like I was right there watching the story unfold. 
I especially liked the characters.  Keller was so special, and I enjoyed watching him love his sweet little girl, Ella with all of his heart that grew during the story.  She was four years old and Keller had not known that he had a little girl that looked just like him.  It was so much fun watching Keller learn to be a dad for Ella.  Loved how he had to learn about little girls, sparkles, and hair detangler spray.

I also liked Cobie, who worked as a reporter for All Things Rodeo.  She got to follow the rodeo circuit, and it was fun watching the sparks ignite between Cobie and Keller.  She seemed to really like his little girl too.  Keller competed in bareback riding.  Both of the characters were faced with different tough decisions to make, and it was fun reading to find out how everything would turn out.  I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda R.
489 reviews
December 7, 2025
A professional bareback rider for six years, Keller Drake is now aiming for the world championship title since Gage Taggert retired. After winning his latest ride, Keller is stopped by Cobie Quinn, a new rodeo reporter, for an interview. With Cobie still nearby, Keller is then confronted by an attorney, who informs him that he has a four-year-old daughter who needs him after the death of her mother. Cobie and the other rodeo participants, and their wives, all join in as he navigates this new world.

Covering Christmas is the fourteenth Rodeo Romance book by Shanna Hatfield. Keller (and Ella) and Cobie's story was great! I loved the bond father and daughter shared and the sacrifices he was willing to make for her. As always, I enjoy catching up with the other families in this series and how they are always there for each other. Including characters from Summer Creek and the recently released Silver Bell Sweethearts was a treat. I'm already looking forward to next year.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
54 reviews
December 16, 2025
In this book, we venture back to Lovely Oregon, the small town we go to in the first book in this series. I have loved meeting the different generations of the Birke family who are silver artists. It all starts with a bell in book one. In this book, we meet silver artist Bo Birke. She has been globe trotting and has lots of acalades for her work, but she is most at home in Lovely with her grandfather Baylor and her Birke cousins. restores her spirit. She wants to find purpose and then she has a chance encounter with rancher Rafe Judson. He works with horses but isn't sure he belongs there, until he meets Bo. Follow this romance through as they both find the life theey have been searching through.

This is a wonderful feel good Christmas story that will have your heart feeling like sugar cookies and warm hot chocolate. You will love meeting and hearing about characters from the earlier books that is just so fun! The characters are heartwarming and you won't want this book to end!
Profile Image for Diane Jewell.
505 reviews21 followers
December 11, 2025
Covering Christmas by Shanna Hatfield ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is book 14 in the Rodeo Romance series. I realized that this should be read in order. It was a complete story as a stand alone but the people you read about here were in previous books. The characters cross over.

Keller A bareback rodeo cowboy. He sold his late grandparents home, brought a camper for his truck and hit the rodeo circuit. On the day of a big win he was pulled aside by an attorney, who informed him he had a 4 year old little girl (Ella) from a one night stand. Who had recently passed away.

Both Keller and Ella have a lifetime to learn and grow about each other. They are both what each other needs, they just don't know it.

Shanna has done an excellent job writing this book. I felt like I was right there tagging along on their journey.
I'm excited to find out what/who the next book is about. Hopefully I don't have to wait to long.
236 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2025
This is another delightful rodeo romance from Shanna Hatfield. The star of this story though is a beautiful, precocious 5 year old surprise daughter. At the height of his career and looking to win a old buckle, Keller is blindsided when a lawyer appears and tells him he is a father and his daughter's mother has died leaving him custody of a 5 year old girl. One night of a severe lapse in judgement has produced a child and Keller is the kind of man who will do the right thing. As he tries to navigate this new role of father, he learns to rely on his rodeo family and Cobie, a reporter who falls in love with Ella and Keller. This is such a beautiful story of God using our mistakes to bring about His blessings and they build a wonderful family centered on love and sacrifice.


I received a copy of this book from the author, but a positive review was not required, and this is my honest review.
386 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2025
Keller is a rodeo cowboy who suddenly discovers he is the dad of a four-year-old daughter. Cobie is a reporter for a rodeo station. Cobie is nearby when Keller hears his news for the first time. Both instantly fall in love with the sweet child, and Cobie is frequently nearby to help with Ella’s care. Will they fall in love with each other and create a new family?

This is a really sweet story with wonderful, endearing characters, especially Ella. I enjoyed the peripheral characters from other stories by Shanna Hatfield. Many Christian aspects were shown, such as prayer for protection and guidance.

Favorite quote: “But that wasn’t all that attracted her to him. It was the sense of kindness she got from him.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
Profile Image for April Wilson.
399 reviews18 followers
December 7, 2025
A Christmas wish come true!

Keller and Ella’s story is an endearing one of overcoming hardships and finding your forever home together. They learn together how to make their new family work. Keller is a great dad, making Ella his top priority, even at the expense of his career and dreams.

Cobie is a great addition to their lives but she had to learn where her true heart’s desire lay. I wanted to shake her for walking away the second time, but she finally got it right.

This is a great Christmas novel with a sweet ending. Little Ella made the story extra sweet, especially with her Christmas wish! I enjoyed reading it. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
352 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2025
Another great Rodeo Romance! Keller is focused on becoming the next World Champion bareback rider—until he finds out he has a five-year-old little girl that needs him. Quickly his focus shifts to becoming the best Dad that can give her the love, nurturing, and security that he never had. As he tries to complete the season and win that champion title he and Ella find their new normal. When Cobie, a rodeo reporter comes into the picture they hope she will become a part of their new family. But what about her career?? Shanna Hatfield has a writing style that will have you right in the middle of the action and laughing at the personality and antics of a typical five year old. This is a wonderful heartwarming story of faith, friendships, and family. Don’t miss it!
378 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2025
Covering Christmas

Cordie, newsbroadcaster, who covered the rodeos, met Keller Drake. At the same time, Keller was informed by a lawyer that Keller has a daughter, 4yrs old. Her mother Jane died several months. The lawyer had a difficult time finding Keller because of his travels to rodeos and competition. Ella, A very beautiful and intelligent and high energy daughter, took awhile to accept Keller then she loved him as her father.
Loved this story's perfect for the holiday season. So full of love and family. This one of my favorite stories by Shanna. Although all her stories are my favorites. She is on top if my list as an author. Thanks, Shanna for writing this fabulous story. I will read it several times I'm sure.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,505 reviews27 followers
December 11, 2025
Ella is the heart of this story, stealing every scene with her charm. Keller is going about his life when a lawyer drops the bombshell that he’s the father of an almost 5-year-old girl. He has no idea how to raise a child, especially a little girl, and even Ella will tell you he’s clueless. Her mother has passed away and didn’t want her to end up in foster care, so Keller steps up the only way he knows how—by taking care of his daughter and learning as he goes. Cobie was there when Keller got the news and feels deeply for his situation. The more she spends time with Keller and Ella, the more she realizes how amazing they both are. Cobie has her career planned out and isn’t sure a handsome cowboy and his sweet daughter fit into it. Keller knows what he wants, but does Cobie? He must put Ella first, but he’s not ready to let Cobie go. Can they make it work?
108 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2025
The Story of Keller, Do if and Ella

I choose five stars because this is a well written book that doesn't smooth over the hard stuff. Keller is a rodeo athlete and doesn't ave a clue he's about to get the shock of his life. I really liked the way Ella comes into Killer's life with all the worry, meltdowns and joy that a surprise daughter would bring.
Another thing I really enjoyed was Cobie's character. She didn't just fall in love and not consider the cost. She prayed and ask for counsel from her sister. It came right down to what was going to make her happiest in the long term.
101 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2025
Such a wonderful book and a fine ending to the Rodeo Romance series

Covering Christmas is the 14th book in the Rodeo Romance series. It can be read as a standalone but it is so much richer if you read the entire series. I fell in love with little Ella and really liked the developing love relationship between Cobie and Keller. I loved it that old 'friends' like Cooper and Paige, Brylee and Shawn as well as others, appeared in the book from time to time. Always sweet and clean, Shanna's books are,a delight to read, and this one is no exception. I highly recommend this series as well as all her books.
Profile Image for Sharon S.
997 reviews6 followers
December 26, 2025
Tenderhearted addition to the Rodeo Romance series by Shanna Hatfield.
Keller is one of the top bareback bronc riders in the country. He’s contacted by an attorney that he has a young daughter whose mother has just died. She had never contacted him about Ella and now he’s got full custody of her.
Cobie is the reporter that is assigned to follow the rodeos and happened to be there when Keller found out about Ella.
Keller believes his biggest job is being the best dad possible for Ella. Cobie has plans to climb the ladder in her career.
How will either of them deal with the attraction between them?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
230 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2025
This was such a good book! So very sweet! I loved the way Keller jumped in and did everything he could to be there for his daughter Ella. I loved that he loved her so much and that he showed it in everything he did. I loved the friendships and how so many pitched in to help. I loved the chemistry and also the sweetness between Keller and Cobie. I loved that sweet, and sometimes sassy, little girl. There was so much to love in this story! The author did an excellent job with this western holiday romance.
Profile Image for Judy.
385 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2025
Such a moving and joyful story of Keller and Cobie and their actions together. Being a rodeo rider is a challenging occupation and Keller makes it seem easy. No time for relationships, just from rodeo to rodeo, win those accolades. See what happens when two self-starters run into each other and sparks begin to fly. Add a little girl who needs love and a daddy and you have a wonderful tale. It is fulfilling and tearful more times than once. Pick up the whole series, RODEO ROMANCE, and enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Laura Michelle.
130 reviews14 followers
December 8, 2025
I loved how Keller stepped up into his new unexpected role as a father and would put Ella first, even ahead of his dreams to give her a stable and loving childhood. I loved seeing old familiar characters and seeing how their families have grown. It was like catching up with old friends. Cobie was another great character, full of kindness and fun, though at times she frustrated me with her obliviousness to what really matters. Luckily in the end she does comes to her senses and the ending was perfect.
Profile Image for Ann.
95 reviews
December 11, 2025
Shanna Hatfield has another great book, Covering Christmas is book 14 in the Rodeo Romance Series. Side note I recommend reading the entire series. Keller Dumont Drake also known as “The Rake” is a bareback rider. Add an unknown almost 5 years old daughter, Ella Beaumont Drake and Cobie Quinn a reporter for The Things Rodeo and a host of cowboys and Cooper James and his cute skits you have an interesting story. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of Covering Christmas. All opinions expressed are my own.
1,409 reviews16 followers
December 11, 2025
this is a wonderful story that i could not put down. Keller is a bareback rider who is going for the buckle. then he finds out he is the father of a five year old little girl. he is told he needs to go get her and get custody of her , it was great to meet so many friends from some of the other stories. he takes the little girl on the road to the rodeos with him and Cobie, who is a reporter helps where she can. if you like romance and will written story you will want to read and reread i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review
4,939 reviews31 followers
December 13, 2025
While Keller is striving for the big prize in bronc riding he finds out he has a five year older daughter Ella whose mother has passed away and now he takes over as her only parent. Cobie is also striving in the news reporting of the rodeo world when she finds out about little Ella so she steps up to help Keller but she gets a opportunity for a better job but that would take her away from Keller and Ella who she has fallen for but sometimes the best decision is made with the heart. Beautiful story.
Profile Image for Marty Moore.
763 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2025
How do you choose between the dream job and the dream man?
What a sweet story. A bareback bronc rider and a brand new to the rodeo scene country reporter are attracted to each other during the course of a rodeo season. During this time Keller, found out he not only had a daughter, but, that she'd just lost her mother and he was now her permanent parent.

When she has the opportunity to become an in-studio reporter she is torn. She's fallen in love with Keller and Ella, but her dream job was hers if she wanted it.

You'll love this sweet story and the wonderful characters.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,915 reviews29 followers
December 4, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

These characters were wonderful. Both were focused on their careers until a little curly-haired dynamo sashayed into their lives.

Keller knew right away that he had to change his life and even had a plan in the works early on, but Cobie's career goals are falling into place. Will she choose love or a job promotion in another city?
Profile Image for Anita Rohn.
1,965 reviews9 followers
December 6, 2025
Keller is chasing his dream of rodeo and Cobie is the reporter covering the action. kellers life takes a twist when he discovers his daughter and knows he needs to change course. Friends and family surround him with support but one beautiful woman has his heart. A cute little girl will win you over. A wonderful Christmas tale.
289 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2025
I love the Rodeo Romance series and this book is a great addition. It has well developed characters that I really like. The glimpses of rodeo life really add to the story. Keller and Cobie’s romance is sweet and their challenges are hard. Both have to make some difficult choices that will affect them for the rest of their lives as well as Keller’s sweet daughter Ella. Covering Christmas is a heart warming, well-written story.
27 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2025
This is such a heartfelt story with deep emotion. Keller is a top level Bronc rider and Cobie is a reporter covering top rodeos. Keller really showed his integrity, love, and care with Ella. She is a precious five year old who was so loved and cared for by her late mother. In this story, it has been fun to see relationships grow in so many ways. What a wonderful story! It touched my heart.
211 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2025
What a delightful story. From the beginning, I was captivated by how Keller handled the news he was a father and his daughter, Ella, is captivating and her spunk had me laughing several times as I read this book. Cobie is a perfect match for Keller and I loved how they interacted as something professional deepens into something special.
R. Fody
12-10-25
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