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Coffee Creek, Montana #4
Big Sky Christmas: Holiday Romance on a Montana Ranch
Since the accident that killed his foster brother Brock Lambert, Jackson Stone has kept his distance from Coffee Creek Ranch—and from the family who might never forgive him. Especially the foster mother who still blames him for that tragic night.
Jackson blames himself too.
When Brock’s former fiancée, Winnie Hays, returns to town with her young son, the resemblance to Brock is a constant reminder of everything Jackson lost. And everything he never allowed himself to want. Because from the moment Brock brought Winnie home, Jackson has fought a forbidden attraction he had no right to feel.
Winnie needs help settling back into life in Coffee Creek, and Jackson can’t turn her away. As friendship deepens into something neither of them expected, loyalty and guilt threaten to tear them apart. Falling for his brother’s widow feels like a betrayal… yet walking away feels worse.
With Christmas approaching and the Lambert family gathered once more, forgiveness may be the only gift that makes room for love.
Jackson blames himself too.
When Brock’s former fiancée, Winnie Hays, returns to town with her young son, the resemblance to Brock is a constant reminder of everything Jackson lost. And everything he never allowed himself to want. Because from the moment Brock brought Winnie home, Jackson has fought a forbidden attraction he had no right to feel.
Winnie needs help settling back into life in Coffee Creek, and Jackson can’t turn her away. As friendship deepens into something neither of them expected, loyalty and guilt threaten to tear them apart. Falling for his brother’s widow feels like a betrayal… yet walking away feels worse.
With Christmas approaching and the Lambert family gathered once more, forgiveness may be the only gift that makes room for love.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
C.J. Carmichael
114 books1,285 followersUSA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 30, 2012
We met Winnie and Jackson way back in book one. Kind of. Winnie was standing waiting at the church and wondering why Brock and his brothers hadn't arrive. Sadly, the only person who arrived was the Sheriff (see book 3 I think). Jackson was driving Brock and his brother into the wedding when a moose caused a tragic accident. Since then, Winnie has been staying with her parents out of town while she recovers from her loss and also giving birth to Brock's son seven months after his death.
Jackson has also left the ranch where he lived with the family but Olive, Brock's mother has always blamed him for her son's death and made it impossible to stay, so he's at a neighboring ranch, run by Olive's estranged sister.
Now Winnie is back in town with her son, living above the bakery/cafe and having to attend a wedding.
The last thing she expected was for Jackson to sit beside her but somehow the two of them connected.
It was really nice to see how Jackson managed to help out Winnie without being too pushy and allowing his long hidden feelings to create problems. He an Winnie might have bonded over hating weddings and being treated as not worthy by Olive, but they soon discover there's more to the attraction.
I was happy that there was a good year between Brock's death and Winnie finally seeing Jackson as an attractive man. Of course Olive would have a problem with it but she would have a problem with anything. Brock's son is the only thing that would bring her to the table.
The side story about Olive's sister and the history between them was a nice tie up for the end of the series.
An enjoyable series and I'm surprised I didn't come across them back when originally published by Harlequin, though the American Romance series books weren't easily available here in Australia. Thanks to Tule for making them available again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I noticed there was a review here for another book from the Harlequin American Romance brand in 2012 but it's been put in the wrong place so I deleted it.
Jackson has also left the ranch where he lived with the family but Olive, Brock's mother has always blamed him for her son's death and made it impossible to stay, so he's at a neighboring ranch, run by Olive's estranged sister.
Now Winnie is back in town with her son, living above the bakery/cafe and having to attend a wedding.
The last thing she expected was for Jackson to sit beside her but somehow the two of them connected.
It was really nice to see how Jackson managed to help out Winnie without being too pushy and allowing his long hidden feelings to create problems. He an Winnie might have bonded over hating weddings and being treated as not worthy by Olive, but they soon discover there's more to the attraction.
I was happy that there was a good year between Brock's death and Winnie finally seeing Jackson as an attractive man. Of course Olive would have a problem with it but she would have a problem with anything. Brock's son is the only thing that would bring her to the table.
The side story about Olive's sister and the history between them was a nice tie up for the end of the series.
An enjoyable series and I'm surprised I didn't come across them back when originally published by Harlequin, though the American Romance series books weren't easily available here in Australia. Thanks to Tule for making them available again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I noticed there was a review here for another book from the Harlequin American Romance brand in 2012 but it's been put in the wrong place so I deleted it.
Review of advance copy
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Big Sky Christmas is the fourth title in the Coffee Creek, Montana series, and finally we get Jackson’s story… which is, in many ways, still heartbreaking, but it eventually becomes a hopeful promise for the future. Do you know how huge a moose actually is? It’s not a random question, because the accident that killed Brock was unavoidable, and Jackson has dealt with the loss and the guilt over it as a daily reminder for him of his inability to save his best friend/his foster brother. It doesn’t help that his foster mother (Olive) has been extremely vocal about placing blame as well. Olive isn’t a nice person by any stretch of the imagination; she might have reasons buried in her past… but I’ve never been able to view her in a positive light throughout this series. She’s… something.
It’s been a year since the accident that changed lives forever. Winnie and her baby boy have resettled in Coffee Creek, rebuilding their lives bit by bit. A chance encounter at a wedding will change their lives. But not before each has to deal with their shared past, their grief over the loss of a man who was such a vital part of both of their lives. I don’t like to use the word “forgiveness” because Jackson did nothing wrong except drive… in a situation that would have had the same result no matter what anyone thought. Yet, Jackson does need to let the guilt go, to put his grief in perspective and move on with his life now, with a woman he has loved for so long, even though he kept that fact hidden.
Big Sky Christmas isn’t an easy story to read; it has real heartbreak, unnecessary guilt, and a future to figure out amid others’ constant verdict of guilt. It’s well-written, emotional, and realistic in so many ways. I loved this story years ago, and rereading it now hasn’t changed that opinion one bit. It’s the perfect way to end the Coffee Creek, Montana series. If that sounds like your kind of Modern Western Romance, then you’d love Winnie and Jackson’s story.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. I chose to leave a review sharing my personal opinion of this book.*
Big Sky Christmas is the fourth title in the Coffee Creek, Montana series, and finally we get Jackson’s story… which is, in many ways, still heartbreaking, but it eventually becomes a hopeful promise for the future. Do you know how huge a moose actually is? It’s not a random question, because the accident that killed Brock was unavoidable, and Jackson has dealt with the loss and the guilt over it as a daily reminder for him of his inability to save his best friend/his foster brother. It doesn’t help that his foster mother (Olive) has been extremely vocal about placing blame as well. Olive isn’t a nice person by any stretch of the imagination; she might have reasons buried in her past… but I’ve never been able to view her in a positive light throughout this series. She’s… something.
It’s been a year since the accident that changed lives forever. Winnie and her baby boy have resettled in Coffee Creek, rebuilding their lives bit by bit. A chance encounter at a wedding will change their lives. But not before each has to deal with their shared past, their grief over the loss of a man who was such a vital part of both of their lives. I don’t like to use the word “forgiveness” because Jackson did nothing wrong except drive… in a situation that would have had the same result no matter what anyone thought. Yet, Jackson does need to let the guilt go, to put his grief in perspective and move on with his life now, with a woman he has loved for so long, even though he kept that fact hidden.
Big Sky Christmas isn’t an easy story to read; it has real heartbreak, unnecessary guilt, and a future to figure out amid others’ constant verdict of guilt. It’s well-written, emotional, and realistic in so many ways. I loved this story years ago, and rereading it now hasn’t changed that opinion one bit. It’s the perfect way to end the Coffee Creek, Montana series. If that sounds like your kind of Modern Western Romance, then you’d love Winnie and Jackson’s story.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. I chose to leave a review sharing my personal opinion of this book.*
December 6, 2017
If you are looking for a great romance story, one that holds your interest from the beginning of the book til the end, then you have come to the right place. I couldn't put it down. It was so good.
I really felt sorry for Jackson, he was confused and torn between what he thought he should do and what he wanted to do. But in the end he made the right decision.
Winnie is a strong determined woman who has been through a lot in her years and is an awesome mother to Bobby.
Just loved the book and think you will too
I really felt sorry for Jackson, he was confused and torn between what he thought he should do and what he wanted to do. But in the end he made the right decision.
Winnie is a strong determined woman who has been through a lot in her years and is an awesome mother to Bobby.
Just loved the book and think you will too
January 21, 2020
Read these awhile ago. Comments and review to follow.
You can find me over on Facebook at My Open Book at the Dragonfly. Come over and say hello.
You can find me over on Facebook at My Open Book at the Dragonfly. Come over and say hello.
July 7, 2013
4 STARS
Coffee Creek, Montana series book 4
This was the last book in the Coffee Creek series. I thought it ended on a good note. Somehow I missed reading book 3. I have given the three I have read all 4 stars.
Big Sky Christmas is a feel good story. Some tender moments, some funny moments and just joy of a mother enjoying her son. I have been waiting to see Winnie Hays back in Coffee Creek.
Winnie in book 1 of the series it was her wedding day but her groom Brock never made it to the chapel. He was killed on the way in an accident. His older brother almost died too. His foster brother Jackson was driving.
Winnie had stayed with her parents and almost lost the baby she was carrying. Winnie tried to tell her almost mother-in-law that her son was going to be a father. Olive refused her calls. After Bobby was born she was too stubborn to let her know she was a grandma. Olive did not think Winnie was good enough for her son.
Jackson Stone never knew his father. His mom got sent to prison when he was a teenager. He came to the Coffee Creek Ranch as a foster son. Bob treated him like his own. His wife Olive never really warmed up to him.
Brock became his best friend Corb also accepted him. In fact all 4 Lambert children welcomed him into their lives and treated him like another brother. He feels so guilty for not seeing the moose come out and hit his truck. He also feels guilty because when Brock first brought Winnie to the ranch he fell in love with her. He tried to stay away from her.
Jackson has left the Coffee Creek Ranch and is now working for Olive's sister Maddie that she has not spoken to for 40 years. Olive made her family have nothing to do with Maddie.
Maddie is dying of lung cancer and she told Jackson that if he came and lived at the ranch she would leave it to him. She was not a good business woman and the ranch was down on its luck. Before Brock died he had been coming and helping Maddie take care of some of hard ranch work for her. Jackson had tried to step in Brock's shoes and help Maddie when he was done with his work.
This book dealt a lot relationships, forgiveness and what makes a family. What was best for Bobby. This had some twists I was not expecting. It was a quick read. Bobby at 11 months is a cute kid.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give a honest review of it when finished by Netgalley and Harlequin.
publication: October 1st 2013 by Harlequin Romance 224 pages ISBN:0373754744
July 15, 2013
Big Sky Christmas was a great, short romance. I absolutely loved Jackson and Winnie. A couple of years prior to the beginning of the story, Winnie’s fiancé, Brock, died in a car accident on the way to their wedding. Winnie was pregnant at the time and later gave birth to their son. Brock’s foster brother, Jackson, was the one driving and blames himself even though it wasn’t his fault. Jackson had always had a crush on Winnie, but of course, didn’t do anything about it because Brock was his best friend. After sitting next to each other at a double wedding, Winnie finds herself attracted to Jackson. At first, neither wants to act on their feelings because they feel they would be betraying Brock. Also, Brock’s mother Olive is a very difficult person who wants to control every one – especially Winnie since she is the mother of her grandson. Olive also blames Jackson for Brock’s death.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t just a romance. There were a lot of family issues in this book. Olive seemed like a horrible person at first, but there were reasons why she was the way she was. I loved the romance, family issues, and surprises. The side characters, like Vince and Maddie, also added a lot to the story.
*I received my copy from Netgalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t just a romance. There were a lot of family issues in this book. Olive seemed like a horrible person at first, but there were reasons why she was the way she was. I loved the romance, family issues, and surprises. The side characters, like Vince and Maddie, also added a lot to the story.
*I received my copy from Netgalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2013
4.5 Stars
In Big Sky Christmas by C.J. Carmichael, Jackson Stone has always been grateful to the Lamberts for taking him in and giving him a family when he most needed it. But after the death of Brock, for which he still blames himself, he can’t be near them for the guilt kills him. Not only the guilt that he was driving in the accident that killed him, but also that he always coveted his fiancé, Winnie Hayes, even if he never acted on it. Which I why he left Coffee Creek to go help and works with Olive Lambert’s sister Maddie.
Now after a year and a half, Winnie return to town with her and Brock’s son Bobby. But things won’t be easy for her. Olive never wanted her as a daughter-in-law and made it well known, but since Winnie kept away with Bobby for so long, it just added to the reason why Olive dislikes her. To make matters worst, she arrives for a Lambert family wedding. Which only brings back memories of her own wedding day and being informed of Brock’s death in the chapel. Read More...
In Big Sky Christmas by C.J. Carmichael, Jackson Stone has always been grateful to the Lamberts for taking him in and giving him a family when he most needed it. But after the death of Brock, for which he still blames himself, he can’t be near them for the guilt kills him. Not only the guilt that he was driving in the accident that killed him, but also that he always coveted his fiancé, Winnie Hayes, even if he never acted on it. Which I why he left Coffee Creek to go help and works with Olive Lambert’s sister Maddie.
Now after a year and a half, Winnie return to town with her and Brock’s son Bobby. But things won’t be easy for her. Olive never wanted her as a daughter-in-law and made it well known, but since Winnie kept away with Bobby for so long, it just added to the reason why Olive dislikes her. To make matters worst, she arrives for a Lambert family wedding. Which only brings back memories of her own wedding day and being informed of Brock’s death in the chapel. Read More...
September 28, 2013
I think that this is the final book in The Coffee Creek Series, and though the author does a great job of summarizing the series so the book stands alone, I think I would have felt a more emotional connection had I read the others as well. It was a good story focused on family, hearth and home, and is well set for Holiday reading. All in all , I found it a sweet, well written read.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2013
I just finished reading Big Sky Christmas by C.J. Carmichael. The fourth book in the "Coffee Creek Of Montana" Series. Three brothers and one sister stories. "Promise From A Cowboy", "Her Cowboy Dilemma" and "Remember Me, Cowboy". All were excellent books. All the books were tied together. I would recommend the series to everybody who enjoy romance books. Big Sky Christmas was a tear-jerker at times. Happy ending.
Read
October 2, 2013"The final of four connected Coffee Creek stories does well showing the struggle the hero has overcoming his feelings of guilt and embracing love. It's a pleasure to visit this small town one more time." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars
Miniseries: Coffee Creek, Montana
Miniseries: Coffee Creek, Montana
November 8, 2026
For Jackson Stone, it was love at first site. The only problem was that Winnie Hays was Brock, his best friend/brother’s girlfriend. So he kept his distance. To make matters worse, Jackson was driving Brock to the church to marry Winnie when their car was hit by a moose and Brock was killed. What nobody knew at the time was that Winnie had already been pregnant. Now it’s eighteen months later and after having lived with her parents since Brock’s funeral, Winnie and her son Bobby have returned to Coffee Creek. Olive Lambert, Brock’s mother, has been vocal about wanting time with her grandson, and demands Winnie’s presence at family events, not the least of which is BJ and Cassidy’s double wedding. Of course, despite his best efforts, Jackson often finds himself in Winnie’s presence. She realizes that she has feelings for him, and his history with Brock and the Lamberts complicates things. Jackson still feels guilty about the accident and although Olive is the only one who holds him responsible for Brock’s death, he balks at what feels like taking Brock’s place. Add to that Maddie Turner’s terminal illness and her declaration that she is leaving her ranch to him, and Jackson’s life is filled with emotional turmoil. As the author wraps up this series, there are several surprising revelations, as well as a few repaired relationships. Winnie and Jackson find their way to each other, and the prominent characters from the previous books all make an appearance. Although it was quite an emotional experience for me, I thought this story was a fitting conclusion to a well written series, while leaving each character with a hopeful future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Big Sky Christmas by C.J. Carmichael is such a heartwarming story about love, grief, forgiveness, and finding the courage to begin again. Winnie Hays returns to Coffee Creek, Montana, eighteen months after losing her fiancé, Brock, in a tragic accident, determined to give their little son, Bobby, a connection with his father’s family. What makes her journey so touching is the strength she shows while carrying her own sadness and trying to build a happy future for her child. Jackson Stone’s story touched my heart just as deeply. Haunted by guilt over the accident and his feelings for the woman his foster brother loved, he struggles to believe he deserves happiness. Watching Winnie and Jackson slowly grow closer, through small acts of kindness, honest conversations, and moments of tenderness, made their relationship feel especially meaningful. I also loved the warmth of the Coffee Creek community and the family drama surrounding Olive and her estranged sister Maddie, which adds another beautiful layer to the story. The snowy Montana setting, family gatherings, and Christmas traditions create a cosy atmosphere that is perfect for a holiday read. What I appreciated most was the reminder that loving someone who is gone does not mean we must stop living, and that forgiveness can open the door to a new beginning. The romance is tender, emotional, and full of hope, with characters who feel human in their struggles and choices. This is a lovely choice for readers who enjoy small-town romance, cowboy charm, close-knit families, and stories that leave the heart feeling a little lighter. I finished this book with a warm smile and a renewed appreciation for second chances. ❤️
October 16, 2026
Big Sky Christmas by C. J. Carmichael is the fourth and final book in her heartfelt Coffee Creek Montana series. Coffee Creek is a western town built day by day, year by year, by hard working families that paid the price that ranchers always do. Their lives are full of wonder and love, but they also hold pain and tragedy.
Olive Lambert, the matriarch of the Lambert family, controls Coffee Creek Ranch... the largest ranch in Bitterroot County. Olive is a hard woman. She always gets her way. Eighteen months prior, her son BJ was seriously injured, and her son Brock was killed, when a moose destroyed their truck. Her adoptive son, Jackson Stone, was driving... and she has never forgiven him. Neither can Jackson forgive himself.
The three "brothers" were en route to Brock's wedding to Winnie Hays. Now, Winnie has returned to Coffee Creek, with Bobby... her and Brock's baby son. Olive tries to dominate Winnie and Bobby, but Winnie won't allow it. Jackson comes to her aid. He has long held a torch for Winnie... feelings that he held secret. Developments occur as Winnie and Jackson become closer. Jackson never had his birth father, but he wants better for Bobby.
Will Winnie and Jackson proclaim their love? Will Jackson discover the identity of his father? Will Olive stop blaming Jackson for Brock's death? Will Olive and her terminally ill, estranged sister Maddie reconcile? Big Sky Christmas holds the answers!
Big Sky Christmas is a wonderful book! C. J. Carmichael is my favorite author! She writes truthful words about almost real people and places. Her characters always burrow deep in my heart... starting on page 1.
My rating: 5+ Stars!
Olive Lambert, the matriarch of the Lambert family, controls Coffee Creek Ranch... the largest ranch in Bitterroot County. Olive is a hard woman. She always gets her way. Eighteen months prior, her son BJ was seriously injured, and her son Brock was killed, when a moose destroyed their truck. Her adoptive son, Jackson Stone, was driving... and she has never forgiven him. Neither can Jackson forgive himself.
The three "brothers" were en route to Brock's wedding to Winnie Hays. Now, Winnie has returned to Coffee Creek, with Bobby... her and Brock's baby son. Olive tries to dominate Winnie and Bobby, but Winnie won't allow it. Jackson comes to her aid. He has long held a torch for Winnie... feelings that he held secret. Developments occur as Winnie and Jackson become closer. Jackson never had his birth father, but he wants better for Bobby.
Will Winnie and Jackson proclaim their love? Will Jackson discover the identity of his father? Will Olive stop blaming Jackson for Brock's death? Will Olive and her terminally ill, estranged sister Maddie reconcile? Big Sky Christmas holds the answers!
Big Sky Christmas is a wonderful book! C. J. Carmichael is my favorite author! She writes truthful words about almost real people and places. Her characters always burrow deep in my heart... starting on page 1.
My rating: 5+ Stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winnie Hays has come back to Coffee Creek with her baby son to start over after the tragic death of her fiancé' who died just hours before the wedding. She has a lot of people who will be in her corner and one of those is Brock's foster brother Jackson Stone. And even though he wants to help her and her baby, there is a part of him that wants to stay away from her and his feelings for her because he after all was to blame in his mind for the death of Brock.
But help her he will and give his friendship to her and her child but at a cost. With the holidays coming up will the the heart of the season heal broken hearts and will forgiveness be under the Christmas Tree and bring the beauty and magic of the gift of Love for Christmas for those who need it the most.
This book was so wonderful and heartwarming that brings the joy of the holidays to the heart of these two people. It shows just what Christmas in your heart is all about. It's not about the gifts we buy and give, it is the gift friendship and love that make it a true holiday. With each page you read you will be waiting for Santa to bring that one special gift to Winnie and Jackson and of course to the Lambert family to have the gift of peace and forgiveness and most of all Love for each other.
This book is a must read for your holiday reading shelf.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But help her he will and give his friendship to her and her child but at a cost. With the holidays coming up will the the heart of the season heal broken hearts and will forgiveness be under the Christmas Tree and bring the beauty and magic of the gift of Love for Christmas for those who need it the most.
This book was so wonderful and heartwarming that brings the joy of the holidays to the heart of these two people. It shows just what Christmas in your heart is all about. It's not about the gifts we buy and give, it is the gift friendship and love that make it a true holiday. With each page you read you will be waiting for Santa to bring that one special gift to Winnie and Jackson and of course to the Lambert family to have the gift of peace and forgiveness and most of all Love for each other.
This book is a must read for your holiday reading shelf.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Big Sky Christmas: Holiday Romance on a Montana Ranch Book 4 of Coffee Creek Montana by CJ Carmichael
This story starts out with Winnie and her son Bobby. She runs a bakery with others and it all works for them. Her best girlfriend also works there, Laurel who was her intended husbands brother. They also a little girl.
Story also follows Jackson who is rather adopted family member> Olive is still the one in charge of everything and she learns of her grandsons existence and wants them all to move to the ranch and take over where the son would've been. They are expected at Christmas also.
Jackson still has a thing for her but he still doesn't think it's proper to make it public. He T night...
Jackson is involved with Olive's sister who has cancer and she leaving her ranch to Jackson. We find out who his father is and how it all went down.
Love family times together but they are hard also on everybody.
Never see this turning out happy for everybody involved.
Love Christmas festivities and the whole family get togethers.
Love all the surprises and hard working people. Super love all the different age groups of characters in this one. Love catching up with the families in town.
Great holiday read.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
This story starts out with Winnie and her son Bobby. She runs a bakery with others and it all works for them. Her best girlfriend also works there, Laurel who was her intended husbands brother. They also a little girl.
Story also follows Jackson who is rather adopted family member> Olive is still the one in charge of everything and she learns of her grandsons existence and wants them all to move to the ranch and take over where the son would've been. They are expected at Christmas also.
Jackson still has a thing for her but he still doesn't think it's proper to make it public. He T night...
Jackson is involved with Olive's sister who has cancer and she leaving her ranch to Jackson. We find out who his father is and how it all went down.
Love family times together but they are hard also on everybody.
Never see this turning out happy for everybody involved.
Love Christmas festivities and the whole family get togethers.
Love all the surprises and hard working people. Super love all the different age groups of characters in this one. Love catching up with the families in town.
Great holiday read.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
January 10, 2018
This is a heartwarming story about two people dealing with the death of someone they both loved--Jackson's foster brother and Winnie's fiance. Jackson was always attracted to Winnie, but he would have never made a move toward Brock's fiance. And after the accident that killed Brock, Jackson felt so guilty he wanted to avoid Winnie at all costs.
Winnie was devastated after Brock's death and she had to deal with having a baby without him there. After time off to recuperate and regain her confidence, Winnie is back to run her cafe and let her son's family get to know him. She had always been friendly to Jackson, but she didn't really know him that well. When they start spending more time together, Winnie starts to have feelings she never thought she'd have again. Would it be wrong to fall for her late fiance's foster brother? And if it's not, can she convince Jackson of that?
I liked how Jackson and Winnie tried to do all they could for their family and friends, and how those people supported Jackson and Winnie. Even Olive, the prickly matriach of the Lambert family, was a great character. This was a story of healing and second chances for many of the characters, not just Jackson and Winnie. I'd recommend this for a cozy read at Christmas or any time of year.
Winnie was devastated after Brock's death and she had to deal with having a baby without him there. After time off to recuperate and regain her confidence, Winnie is back to run her cafe and let her son's family get to know him. She had always been friendly to Jackson, but she didn't really know him that well. When they start spending more time together, Winnie starts to have feelings she never thought she'd have again. Would it be wrong to fall for her late fiance's foster brother? And if it's not, can she convince Jackson of that?
I liked how Jackson and Winnie tried to do all they could for their family and friends, and how those people supported Jackson and Winnie. Even Olive, the prickly matriach of the Lambert family, was a great character. This was a story of healing and second chances for many of the characters, not just Jackson and Winnie. I'd recommend this for a cozy read at Christmas or any time of year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Big Sky Christmas!
This was a sweet Christmas romance with a little bit of everything—love, guilt, family drama, forgiveness, and second chances.
Jackson has carried so much guilt since the accident that killed his foster brother, Brock. He has stayed away from the family because he feels responsible, and Brock’s foster mother hasn’t exactly made him feel welcome. Then Winnie, Brock’s former fiancée, comes back to Coffee Creek with her young son.
Of course, Jackson has always tried to ignore his feelings for Winnie, but now that she’s back, that’s getting harder and harder to do! And with Christmas bringing the whole family together, there are a lot of old feelings and painful memories that have to be dealt with.
I really liked Jackson and Winnie together. Their relationship develops slowly, and I enjoyed watching them figure out what they really wanted while dealing with all the guilt and family issues surrounding them.
It was a nice Christmas read with plenty of emotion and a good reminder that sometimes forgiveness—including forgiving yourself—is exactly what you need to be able to move forward.
I enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Christmas romances with a little more emotional depth.
This was a sweet Christmas romance with a little bit of everything—love, guilt, family drama, forgiveness, and second chances.
Jackson has carried so much guilt since the accident that killed his foster brother, Brock. He has stayed away from the family because he feels responsible, and Brock’s foster mother hasn’t exactly made him feel welcome. Then Winnie, Brock’s former fiancée, comes back to Coffee Creek with her young son.
Of course, Jackson has always tried to ignore his feelings for Winnie, but now that she’s back, that’s getting harder and harder to do! And with Christmas bringing the whole family together, there are a lot of old feelings and painful memories that have to be dealt with.
I really liked Jackson and Winnie together. Their relationship develops slowly, and I enjoyed watching them figure out what they really wanted while dealing with all the guilt and family issues surrounding them.
It was a nice Christmas read with plenty of emotion and a good reminder that sometimes forgiveness—including forgiving yourself—is exactly what you need to be able to move forward.
I enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Christmas romances with a little more emotional depth.
Review of advance copy
Jackson Stone has blamed himself for the accident that killed his foster brother, Brock Lambert. Winnie Hays, Brock’s former fiancée, has come back to Coffee Creek with her toddler son, Bobby. From the first moment Brock introduced Winnie to his family, Jackson had strong feelings for her. But it was wrong and he vowed to keep his distance. His foster mother, Olive, still blames him and is a controlling person. She wants Winnie to move into Brock’s cabin and live on the ranch, but that’s not what Winnie wants. Jackson steps in and offers to make another bedroom for Bobby in her small apartment above the coffee shop she owns. The more time they spend together the feelings develop for both sides. This is a great finish to the Coffee Creek Montana series. We find out the reason Olive and her sister Maddie have been estranged for 40 years and Jackson also finds out who is biological father is. I loved every book in this series and this one is awesome too. An emotional read with incredible characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I have been waiting for Winnie to come back to Coffee Creek since she lost her fiancé on their wedding day. Now she's back, to take over her diner and introduce her son to his father's family.
Jackson Stone, her fiancé's foster brother who was driving when Brock was killed, has had feelings for Winnie since before she and Brock were engaged. Now, she is back and he is torn between his feelings for her and his feelings for the Lambert family who took him in when he was a child.
As Winnie and Jackson become closer, Olive, Brock's mother, is apoplectic about their relationship, although the others in the family are supportive of Winne and Jackson. Olive does love her grandson though.
I had a bit of a problem with how quickly the reveal of Jackson's parentage was glossed over and the reconciliation between Olive and Maddie, after 30 years of no contact, just came together seemingly effortlessly.
This is the last book in the Coffee Creek Montana series. I think there might be interest in a book a few years after this one, talking about what is going on within the family...but maybe that's just me!
Jackson Stone, her fiancé's foster brother who was driving when Brock was killed, has had feelings for Winnie since before she and Brock were engaged. Now, she is back and he is torn between his feelings for her and his feelings for the Lambert family who took him in when he was a child.
As Winnie and Jackson become closer, Olive, Brock's mother, is apoplectic about their relationship, although the others in the family are supportive of Winne and Jackson. Olive does love her grandson though.
I had a bit of a problem with how quickly the reveal of Jackson's parentage was glossed over and the reconciliation between Olive and Maddie, after 30 years of no contact, just came together seemingly effortlessly.
This is the last book in the Coffee Creek Montana series. I think there might be interest in a book a few years after this one, talking about what is going on within the family...but maybe that's just me!
Review of advance copy
Big Sky Christmas by CJ Carmichael was a sweet, emotional romance filled with love, family, forgiveness, and second chances. Set in the beautiful Montana ranch country, this story brings together the warmth of Christmas and the challenges of moving forward after heartbreak. I really enjoyed the emotional depth of the characters, especially Jackson and Winnie. Their complicated history, lingering feelings, and struggles with guilt and grief make their journey toward love meaningful and heartfelt. The small-town atmosphere and family dynamics added even more charm to the story. What I loved most was the message that healing takes time and that everyone deserves a chance at happiness, even after making mistakes or experiencing loss. Overall, Big Sky Christmas is a lovely addition to the Coffee Creek, Montana series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book four of "Coffee Creek Montana". I've been waiting for these two to get their happily ever after since book one. Enjoy! Winnie Hays had struggled over the last eighteen months. The morning of her wedding, an accident had taken away her whole world when Brock was killed. She had just found out they were pregnant when it all fell apart, so she headed home to her parents and spent the remainder of her pregnancy on bed rest. Jackson Stone had been taken in by the Lamberts at thirteen, but had always kept himself a little apart. He had been driving the car that morning when the moose had stepped into the road. He would always feel responsible and not just because he was driving, but because of the secret that he had held from everyone, especially Brock. The first day they were introduced, Jackson had fell in love with Winnie Hays.
October 15, 2026
Winnie and her baby, Bobby, have moved back to Coffee Creek, her son needs to get to know the Lamberts, his father's family. Jackson is the foster brother of the Lambert brothers, he was driving the car when Brock was killed in an accident with a moose, he's felt guilty ever since.
Winnie and Jackson meet again at the double wedding of a couple of the Lambert siblings, he's always been attracted to her but Brock started going out with her first, he's trying very hard to not to act on it, he's very good with Bobby and tries to act as a distraction to Olive, the matriarch of the family.
This is the last of the series so there are lots of loose ends to tie up, some unexpected things come to light.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great emotional end to the series
Winnie and Jackson meet again at the double wedding of a couple of the Lambert siblings, he's always been attracted to her but Brock started going out with her first, he's trying very hard to not to act on it, he's very good with Bobby and tries to act as a distraction to Olive, the matriarch of the family.
This is the last of the series so there are lots of loose ends to tie up, some unexpected things come to light.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great emotional end to the series
October 26, 2026
Need a quick, cozy, romancy Christmas read? Add this one to your list! 🎅🏻❄️
This is the fourth and final book in the series, and somehow, I managed to jump in at the very end! 😂 The good news? You can absolutely read this one as a standalone or out of order. The author does a great job of catching you up on the characters and their histories, so you’re not left wondering what in the world you missed.
Set in the charming little town of Coffee Creek, Montana, this was such a believable, well-written story. The characters pull you in, the romance delivers those warm holiday feels, and before you know it, you’re wishing you could stay in town just a little longer.
📖 Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this book through BookSprout in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️ A cozy Christmas romance that made me wish I’d visited Coffee Creek sooner! ❤️
This is the fourth and final book in the series, and somehow, I managed to jump in at the very end! 😂 The good news? You can absolutely read this one as a standalone or out of order. The author does a great job of catching you up on the characters and their histories, so you’re not left wondering what in the world you missed.
Set in the charming little town of Coffee Creek, Montana, this was such a believable, well-written story. The characters pull you in, the romance delivers those warm holiday feels, and before you know it, you’re wishing you could stay in town just a little longer.
📖 Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this book through BookSprout in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️ A cozy Christmas romance that made me wish I’d visited Coffee Creek sooner! ❤️
October 23, 2026
I have enjoyed each book in the Coffee Creek Montana series and this is no exception. I like the setting, the plot, and the characters. The two main characters struggle with their feelings with one another. Jackson has past which has him holding back. Winnie struggles with feelings of betrayal. A very emotional and well done read. I do enjoy a character that I do not “like” or who is a miserable person. Olive is that character in this series and she was her usual nasty self to the DILs and to Jackson, as well as the decades old feud with her sister, but we get to see why she is the way she is. Highly recommend this book as well as the series.
NOTE: Can be read as a standalone but you will benefit reading in order so you have the family background.
NOTE: Can be read as a standalone but you will benefit reading in order so you have the family background.
November 9, 2026
Big Sky Christmas (Coffee Creek Montana Book 4) by C.J. Carmichael is a Christmas story but even more it is a story of forgiveness, healing, acceptance, and an appreciate of every day. By the end of this final book in the series it is easy to see the influence that a parent’s action has on a child. Still some children use the negative to become better than their parents as Jackson did some allow it to make them unforgiving, bitter, controlling people such as Olivia. This a character driven story with a strong focus on relationships. Yet it also gave hope that anyone could change for the better. Jackson and Winnie deserved happiness with me being glad that they found it along with several other relationships beginning to heal.
Review of advance copy
Winnie lost her fiancée Brock in the first book and Jackson continues to blame himself and be ashamed about his attraction to Winnie. She had to be strong for the baby boy Bobby she carried who makes his adorable appearance in this book. Winnie is ready to open her heart again and it wants Jackson but can he overcome his guilt to let her and Bobby in? Brock’s mother Olive started out with her usual managing barbed ways but can she open herself up to forgiveness before it’s too late in this holiday romance? It was great to catch up with the characters from the previous books. I would have liked an epilogue.
Review of advance copy
In this book Winnie who was to marry Brock but he was killed in an accident while on his way to the church and now Winnie and the son she was pregnant with are returning to Coffee Creek. While she is busy running her coffee shop and caring for Bobby she realizes that she is attracted to Jackson who is a foster brother to the Lambert children. Jackson has to deal with his guilt about his feelings for Winnie because he was driving when Brock was killed. This is another wonderful book about the Lambert family and with a few surprises that makes for a memorable Christmas.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
A bittersweet story heavy with grief and guilt. These feelings for the hero complicate his ability to move on and build a relationship with the one he loves. When sparks fly between both protagonists, no one can extinguish them. As the heroine begins to develop romantic feelings, getting to know him better and finding he is a good man worth loving, perhaps it is acceptable for them to be together.
There's a secret to be uncovered, sorrow surrounding one character, and happiness found in this new little family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There's a secret to be uncovered, sorrow surrounding one character, and happiness found in this new little family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2026
An emotional and heartfelt romance.
I had a hard time putting this book down. My heart went out to Winne and Jackson. Winnie is a widow raising a baby on her own. Jackson feels responsible for the death of Winnie’s fiancé. He was driving Brock to the church, where he was to marry Winnie, when they had an accident that killed Brock. There is a strong pull between Winnie and Jackson, but both hold back for different reasons. It is right for them to hook up or should they keep their distance? I enjoyed seeing how the story played out and how Winnie and Jackson got their happily ever after.
I had a hard time putting this book down. My heart went out to Winne and Jackson. Winnie is a widow raising a baby on her own. Jackson feels responsible for the death of Winnie’s fiancé. He was driving Brock to the church, where he was to marry Winnie, when they had an accident that killed Brock. There is a strong pull between Winnie and Jackson, but both hold back for different reasons. It is right for them to hook up or should they keep their distance? I enjoyed seeing how the story played out and how Winnie and Jackson got their happily ever after.
Review of advance copy
Winnie is back in town! She has been through a lot in the last 18 months and is finally ready to get back to the life she left. Jackson was the driver of the car that hit the moose and killed Winnie’s fiancé. He feels guilty for what happened and fights his attraction to the single mom.
Trauma hits different ways, ways that can’t be predicted sometimes. I really liked that issues aren’t glossed over or have Hallmark endings; life takes work.
I loved all the moments with the characters and the great writing revealing their feelings, fears and family issues.
Trauma hits different ways, ways that can’t be predicted sometimes. I really liked that issues aren’t glossed over or have Hallmark endings; life takes work.
I loved all the moments with the characters and the great writing revealing their feelings, fears and family issues.
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