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A Cowboy Christmas #1
Long, Tall Christmas
This Christmas, wrap yourself in love…
Facing foreclosure on her California home, widowed Kylie Wayne is grateful to accept her aging aunt Muriel’s offer to come back to small-town Branding Iron, Texas, and help out on the ranch. But when an early storm rolls in, Kylie’s dream of a perfect Christmas for her kids is blown away with the unexpected snow. Comfort and joy seem unlikely, unless a certain long, tall Texan with a bad boy’s charm can rope some holiday cheer…
No one imagined restless, independent Shane Taggart would work his parents’ ranch all these years. But with his father gone, Shane is ready to sell his land and see the world—until sweet, sexy Kylie shows up. The dutiful good girl he remembers has turned into a spirited woman, and Shane wants to give her the warm family future she longs for, puppy and all. One kiss under the mistletoe may not convince her, but Shane knows that love is a gift that will last forever…
Facing foreclosure on her California home, widowed Kylie Wayne is grateful to accept her aging aunt Muriel’s offer to come back to small-town Branding Iron, Texas, and help out on the ranch. But when an early storm rolls in, Kylie’s dream of a perfect Christmas for her kids is blown away with the unexpected snow. Comfort and joy seem unlikely, unless a certain long, tall Texan with a bad boy’s charm can rope some holiday cheer…
No one imagined restless, independent Shane Taggart would work his parents’ ranch all these years. But with his father gone, Shane is ready to sell his land and see the world—until sweet, sexy Kylie shows up. The dutiful good girl he remembers has turned into a spirited woman, and Shane wants to give her the warm family future she longs for, puppy and all. One kiss under the mistletoe may not convince her, but Shane knows that love is a gift that will last forever…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2015
918 people are currently reading
1135 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dailey
394 books1,844 followersJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
February 2, 2021
LONG, TALL CHRISTMAS is a slow burn contemporary story that I was pulled in to from the very first page. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I love Janet Dailey, but the cover really pulled me in. I mean, a cowboy and a puppy? What more could you want?🤗 I loved everything about this beautiful story and I’m excited to recommend it to my reading friends. Janet Dailey always has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go.
LONG, TALL CHRISTMAS really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Shane and Kylie are looking for a relationship, but they can’t seem to ignore their growing feelings. Janet Dailey writes some amazing, cowboy, all the feels stories! Kylie is getting over her husband’s death and Shane is just what she needs! He just needs to convince her of that!💕.
Like Shane, Kylie’s life was turned upside in an instant, the day she was notified that her husband was killed in Afghanistan. That was 19 months ago. Reeling that first year, Christmas wasn’t even much of thought for any of the three. But now, things just might be different. She’s coming to town, he is leaving, but what if they were supposed to be here together?? This holiday season may just change the course of both their lives.
LONG, TALL CHRISTMAS is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Janet Dailey was taking us and what would happen to Shane and Kylie. I really loved how the whole community came to Kylie and Shane’s aid and only wanted them to feel loved and realize that they were home. Its a cute story. Kylie is only back for a few days before she runs over Shane’s motorcycle and they start to get closer by Christmas Day. They are all bonding as a family. I did enjoy that the story had many details that made their time together seem longer. There is so much heart in Janet’s writing that I’m always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a very long time. I love how Janet does that to me each and every time.
LONG, TALL CHRISTMAS really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Shane and Kylie are looking for a relationship, but they can’t seem to ignore their growing feelings. Janet Dailey writes some amazing, cowboy, all the feels stories! Kylie is getting over her husband’s death and Shane is just what she needs! He just needs to convince her of that!💕.
Like Shane, Kylie’s life was turned upside in an instant, the day she was notified that her husband was killed in Afghanistan. That was 19 months ago. Reeling that first year, Christmas wasn’t even much of thought for any of the three. But now, things just might be different. She’s coming to town, he is leaving, but what if they were supposed to be here together?? This holiday season may just change the course of both their lives.
LONG, TALL CHRISTMAS is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Janet Dailey was taking us and what would happen to Shane and Kylie. I really loved how the whole community came to Kylie and Shane’s aid and only wanted them to feel loved and realize that they were home. Its a cute story. Kylie is only back for a few days before she runs over Shane’s motorcycle and they start to get closer by Christmas Day. They are all bonding as a family. I did enjoy that the story had many details that made their time together seem longer. There is so much heart in Janet’s writing that I’m always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a very long time. I love how Janet does that to me each and every time.
August 12, 2015
Kylie Wayne and her two children leave the West Coast to return to the little town in Texas where she grew up after her husband is killed in combat. It’s only a few weeks until Christmas and her kids are missing their dad and their friends in California. But with her house in foreclosure, Kylie knew moving her family back to Branding Iron to take care of her elderly aunt was the only sensible choice.
The one person she doesn’t expect to run into is Shane Taggert, the long, tall Texan she had a crush on back in school. She thought he’d be long gone travelling the country like he’d always wanted. But life had other ideas for Shane and he stayed on his family’s ranch, always planning to leave after his dad passed away and he could sell the place. But after seeing Kylie again and meeting her family, he’s not so sure he wants to go after all, especially when he knows he’s already falling for Kylie and her little family.
Another sweet holiday story by Janet Dailey. If you’ve always been a fan, you won’t be disappointed! And if you haven’t read her books before, you need to!!
The one person she doesn’t expect to run into is Shane Taggert, the long, tall Texan she had a crush on back in school. She thought he’d be long gone travelling the country like he’d always wanted. But life had other ideas for Shane and he stayed on his family’s ranch, always planning to leave after his dad passed away and he could sell the place. But after seeing Kylie again and meeting her family, he’s not so sure he wants to go after all, especially when he knows he’s already falling for Kylie and her little family.
Another sweet holiday story by Janet Dailey. If you’ve always been a fan, you won’t be disappointed! And if you haven’t read her books before, you need to!!
September 15, 2015
A very sweet holiday read proving that love can change the direction of anyone's life. It's wonderfully written with great characters and I enjoyed every page.
Kylie Wayne has had one hell of a year. She's back in Branding Iron, TX after losing her husband and their home. She has two not so happy children and Christmas is right around the corner. Trying to make it a great Christmas for them is proving to be more than difficult. When an unexpected early snowstorm rolls through town it seems that all is lost.
Shane Taggert has been counting the days until he can leave Branding Iron in his rear view mirror. He's cared for his father for a number of years. His father is now gone and Shane is ready to climb on his motorcycle, say goodbye to this little town, and head off on an adventure cruising the country. When his motorcycle is involved in a little, umm... mishap, it appears those plans will be slightly delayed.
She's coming, he's going but what if they were suppose to be here together?? This holiday season may just change the course of both their lives.
I definitely recommend this one.
Kylie Wayne has had one hell of a year. She's back in Branding Iron, TX after losing her husband and their home. She has two not so happy children and Christmas is right around the corner. Trying to make it a great Christmas for them is proving to be more than difficult. When an unexpected early snowstorm rolls through town it seems that all is lost.
Shane Taggert has been counting the days until he can leave Branding Iron in his rear view mirror. He's cared for his father for a number of years. His father is now gone and Shane is ready to climb on his motorcycle, say goodbye to this little town, and head off on an adventure cruising the country. When his motorcycle is involved in a little, umm... mishap, it appears those plans will be slightly delayed.
She's coming, he's going but what if they were suppose to be here together?? This holiday season may just change the course of both their lives.
I definitely recommend this one.
December 2, 2017
After her husband died in Afghanistan and the lost of her house in California, Kylie came to Branding Iron, Texas, with her two kids (Hunter is 13 and Amy 11) to live with her great aunt. She wants so much to give her children a great Christmas this year, but fate doesn't seem to be on her side. Having to deal with sullen tweenies who's not happy about the move and the lost of their friends, wrecking the bike of a sexy cowboy, said cowboy being her old-crush from high school and trouble with the law are some of the things our heroine will have to deal with.
Shane was the bad-boy every girl dreamed about. He had plan to leave Branding Iron after graduation and see the world, but fate decided otherwise for him too. When his father got sick, our hero stayed to take care of the ranch. Now that his father is gone, he intend to put his project back on track so the last thing he need is to get tied-down in a relationship with a widow and her two kids, no matter that she tempt him like no other before.
I read book 3 and 2 before reading this one and I had a great time reading this series. It's the perfect feel good romance to put you into the Christmas spirit :)
Shane was the bad-boy every girl dreamed about. He had plan to leave Branding Iron after graduation and see the world, but fate decided otherwise for him too. When his father got sick, our hero stayed to take care of the ranch. Now that his father is gone, he intend to put his project back on track so the last thing he need is to get tied-down in a relationship with a widow and her two kids, no matter that she tempt him like no other before.
I read book 3 and 2 before reading this one and I had a great time reading this series. It's the perfect feel good romance to put you into the Christmas spirit :)
July 30, 2015
This was a sweet Christmas read and it just made me wish it was that time of the year.
Shane was the bad boy in high school and had a crush on Kylie but because she was so perfect he never told her. Now Kylie is back in Texas. She is a widow with 2 children and she is trying trying to have the best Christmas for her kids. Although she has been down on her luck this might be the best Christmas of all.
This was a cute and predictable story. Kylie is only back for a few days before she runs over Shane's motorcycle and they start to get closer by Christmas Day they are all bonding as a family. I did enjoy that the story had many details that made their time together seem longer.
I wish their was more of a heat factor in this story. These two share some kisses but I didn't feel chemistry. I also didn't picture these two around 33 years old, for some reason they felt older.
I enjoyed the epilogue and how we got to see them a year later after being with one another. If you love the holidays this would be a quick sweet read for you.
Shane was the bad boy in high school and had a crush on Kylie but because she was so perfect he never told her. Now Kylie is back in Texas. She is a widow with 2 children and she is trying trying to have the best Christmas for her kids. Although she has been down on her luck this might be the best Christmas of all.
This was a cute and predictable story. Kylie is only back for a few days before she runs over Shane's motorcycle and they start to get closer by Christmas Day they are all bonding as a family. I did enjoy that the story had many details that made their time together seem longer.
I wish their was more of a heat factor in this story. These two share some kisses but I didn't feel chemistry. I also didn't picture these two around 33 years old, for some reason they felt older.
I enjoyed the epilogue and how we got to see them a year later after being with one another. If you love the holidays this would be a quick sweet read for you.
February 21, 2022
I really wanted to like this, but by the end I just wasn't feeling the romance. There's basically no romance at all unless you count a few kisses and then a profession of love after having no dates whatsoever or any real significant alone time (10 mins here and there it seemed was all they got). I guess we were supposed to just go with it because of the label?
The heroine isn't very likable either. Kylie is super judgmental of Shane. She still views him as the same troublemaker he was 15 years ago when they were in high school. Yes, high school. I don't know about you, but I'm nothing like I was in high school, thankfully. Even Kylie had changed in that time, yet she didn't think the bad boy Shane had? This was even after knowing he had to care for his father after a stroke and had to take care of the family farm all those years instead of traveling the world on his motorcycle like he had planned. And her lack of trust in him was a continued theme for at least half the book. She eventually apologizes for judging him, but I was over her by the time that happened.
Then there are the kids. They're bratty. I get that they're still grieving the loss of their father who died in the war 18 months ago. And now they've been uprooted from their home and are living in the middle of nowhere with no friends or anything to do. I truly understood the loss and how that could impact them at that age. But Kylie admits that they always got what they wanted growing up, so that privilege and entitlement stayed with them throughout most of this book. Eventually they grow up and learn to appreciate what they have and the family they spend time with. But their 180 in attitude seems to be sudden. And their faith in Shane and love of him seems a bit hasty as well, but they're kids and they can rebound quickly, so I guess it's not too far-fetched.
I did like Shane. He was a former bad boy that wasn't able to pursue his dream after his dad had the stroke. He jumped right into the responsibility of running the family ranch without question. And he stopped by to visit Muriel, his neighbor and Kylie's aunt, nearly every day to make sure they were doing okay. And when he met Kylie and her kids, he was there for them too, even though it went against his better judgment. I loved how he treated the kids with compassion and kindness, even when they were being difficult. He really was a great guy!
The epilogue was cute, I'll give the author that. It took place a year later and gave us an update on the happy family. I probably won't continue the series since this one lacked the romance and I have my doubts about the rest of the series.
The heroine isn't very likable either. Kylie is super judgmental of Shane. She still views him as the same troublemaker he was 15 years ago when they were in high school. Yes, high school. I don't know about you, but I'm nothing like I was in high school, thankfully. Even Kylie had changed in that time, yet she didn't think the bad boy Shane had? This was even after knowing he had to care for his father after a stroke and had to take care of the family farm all those years instead of traveling the world on his motorcycle like he had planned. And her lack of trust in him was a continued theme for at least half the book. She eventually apologizes for judging him, but I was over her by the time that happened.
Then there are the kids. They're bratty. I get that they're still grieving the loss of their father who died in the war 18 months ago. And now they've been uprooted from their home and are living in the middle of nowhere with no friends or anything to do. I truly understood the loss and how that could impact them at that age. But Kylie admits that they always got what they wanted growing up, so that privilege and entitlement stayed with them throughout most of this book. Eventually they grow up and learn to appreciate what they have and the family they spend time with. But their 180 in attitude seems to be sudden. And their faith in Shane and love of him seems a bit hasty as well, but they're kids and they can rebound quickly, so I guess it's not too far-fetched.
I did like Shane. He was a former bad boy that wasn't able to pursue his dream after his dad had the stroke. He jumped right into the responsibility of running the family ranch without question. And he stopped by to visit Muriel, his neighbor and Kylie's aunt, nearly every day to make sure they were doing okay. And when he met Kylie and her kids, he was there for them too, even though it went against his better judgment. I loved how he treated the kids with compassion and kindness, even when they were being difficult. He really was a great guy!
The epilogue was cute, I'll give the author that. It took place a year later and gave us an update on the happy family. I probably won't continue the series since this one lacked the romance and I have my doubts about the rest of the series.
October 5, 2015
Long, Tall Christmas is a sweet and delightful Christmas read. It has been a while that I read one of Janet Dailey books and when I won this on Goodreads, I was delighted. I absolutely adored this book. Fast read and a good book to read anytime especially around the holidays. You will love this story.
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway.
December 13, 2015
What a perfect Christmas story. This one could be a Hallmark Channel Movie. I loved it and the great lessons taught in the book. Janet Dailey's books are very special and she knew how to write outstanding books. This one is a MUST!!!
January 3, 2016
A brilliant novel, the most moving and thought provoking book I have read this year. Long, tall Christmas is destined to be a literary classic that will be valued for years to come. The depth of the novel's characters are matched only by the exquisitely unique and creative plot. A must read!
September 19, 2015
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Janet Dailey book, but as a teen and young adult I devoured her work. I still have more than a shelf full of her books!
Dailey’s “Long, Tall Christmas” is a story of people learning to appreciate and accept the family and blessing they have, and not what doesn’t work out despite their best efforts.
Shane, or Cowboy as his elderly neighbor Muriel calls him, was the town “bad boy” growing up, sullen, not sure how to express his grief at his mother’s death but willing to pick a fight with the biggest guy in school just to let something out. When he got expelled for a week, he rode his classic motorcycle to a store, stole a six pack of brewer, and went on a bender. He even got arrested for stealing too. His life goal was to shake the dust of that town as sped off on his bike, ready to ride around the country drifting.
But, those days came to a crashing halt not long after when his dad had a stroke. He stayed on took on the mantle of the family farm and caring for his father until he died. After his father died years later, he decide to put the farm up for sale and finally chase his dream as a drifter — he’d have money from the sale for a while so that wasn’t an issue. He could even driver across the border to neighboring countries if he wants.
Although they grew up in the same town, Kylie and Shane couldn’t have been more different. She was “Miss Perfect,” or that’s how Shane remembered her, no someone likely to go out or associate with a loser like him, even if she was nice. She was the smart girl, Most Likely to Succeed.
She went off to college, then got married — and for 14 years was mostly happily so, and didn’t mind being a mom to two kids. Of course, the idealistic dream is just that. Her husband was in service, which meant he was often away on tours, leaving her home to do most of the day to day raising of the kids, even if he reinforced her with as regular Skyping as possible.
But, like Shane, her life was turned upside in an instant, the day she was notified that her husband was killed in Afghanistan. That was 19 months ago. Reeling that first year, Christmas wasn’t even much of thought for any of the three. Since then, she’s tried to get by on his pension when they got it, but it just didn’t make ends meet. They lost the nice house the kids knew as home, but were saved from homelessness by Kylie’s elderly aunt Muriel, her only other relative.
So Kylie and her two kids pack up their station wagon with as much as they could load of their possessions and travel by car from California to stay with Muriel in the tiny Texas town in December. They arrive a few days before Christmas, the kids are morose, put out to be in such a tiny place with no place to meet people or go and do things, to move away from all of their friends.
Determined to make up for the previous year, Kylie just wants her kids to have a “real Christmas,” complete with a tree, presents, family and smells of Christmas. But, no matter what she tries, it all seems to go wrong. Trying to lift their spirits, she burns the Christmas cookies in Muriel’s quirky 60 year old oven, and decides to head to town on Dec. 22 to look for a tree, get stuff for Christmas and in advance of an impending snow storm, and supplies to try to make more cookies.
Things get even worse when there are no real trees much less artificial to be found much less bought. She tries to back out only to find the older man waiting to get her spot has stopped too close, not allowing enough room for her to adequately back straight out, so she starts finagling back and forth to try to wedge her way out without hitting any other vehicles. Meanwhile, honking traffic is backed up behind the stopped car and, well, after a couple of reverses, she doesn’t see what’s behind her. She hits a classic motorcycle, causing damage. The owner comes out and is none other than Shane, the former school bad boy she’d always secretly wished would invite her for a wild ride.
Shane is mad and lets her know it. That bike represents a lot to him. Not only has a lot of work gone into it over the years, but it’s his constant reliable. It also represents his future freedom from Branding Iron, Texas. So seeing the damage, he’s understandably not a happy camper. He gets the traffic tangled and instructs her to get his bike untangled from her car. Then she has to take him home to get his truck so he can go back and get the bike, with the hope that maybe, just maybe he can repair it.
The storm rolls in quicker than expected, so after depositing his bike’s remains in Muriel’s barn for Henry to look at and try to help restore, Shane is stuck. He can’t get his truck out of the driveway the snow is so thick. So, he has to stay the night at Muriel’s with Kylie and clan.
The situation devolves when the power goes out. When Shane crashes into Kylie in the dark, the chemistry between them ignites as swiftly as the flames dancing in the fireplace. Memory of the whole bike episode puts a damper on things. Nevertheless, circumstances keep throwing them together, rekindling those smoldering embers of attraction.
He genuinely likes Kylie and her kids, but they’re a threat to his long sought dream so he vows to stay away, not be more than polite. But, he can’t help himself.
After a few kisses, reminders that the grass isn’t always greener and pleas from the kids, Shane falls hard. With only a very old bedraggled fake tree, cookies without colored icing, no presents because the parcel service can’t deliver them, Kylie finding herself in a most unsettling predicament on Christmas Eve after losing her wedding ring, Shane is determined to turn the small family’s bad luck around. He decides, upon returning Kylie home, to ensure their Christmas is happy. And, Kylie realizes just how much she has to be thankful for.
I really enjoyed this story. Dailey does a delightful job painting the many maladies that before single parent Kylie and the struggle a man has between a possible future and the promise of fulfilling a past dream.
Dailey’s “Long, Tall Christmas” is a story of people learning to appreciate and accept the family and blessing they have, and not what doesn’t work out despite their best efforts.
Shane, or Cowboy as his elderly neighbor Muriel calls him, was the town “bad boy” growing up, sullen, not sure how to express his grief at his mother’s death but willing to pick a fight with the biggest guy in school just to let something out. When he got expelled for a week, he rode his classic motorcycle to a store, stole a six pack of brewer, and went on a bender. He even got arrested for stealing too. His life goal was to shake the dust of that town as sped off on his bike, ready to ride around the country drifting.
But, those days came to a crashing halt not long after when his dad had a stroke. He stayed on took on the mantle of the family farm and caring for his father until he died. After his father died years later, he decide to put the farm up for sale and finally chase his dream as a drifter — he’d have money from the sale for a while so that wasn’t an issue. He could even driver across the border to neighboring countries if he wants.
Although they grew up in the same town, Kylie and Shane couldn’t have been more different. She was “Miss Perfect,” or that’s how Shane remembered her, no someone likely to go out or associate with a loser like him, even if she was nice. She was the smart girl, Most Likely to Succeed.
She went off to college, then got married — and for 14 years was mostly happily so, and didn’t mind being a mom to two kids. Of course, the idealistic dream is just that. Her husband was in service, which meant he was often away on tours, leaving her home to do most of the day to day raising of the kids, even if he reinforced her with as regular Skyping as possible.
But, like Shane, her life was turned upside in an instant, the day she was notified that her husband was killed in Afghanistan. That was 19 months ago. Reeling that first year, Christmas wasn’t even much of thought for any of the three. Since then, she’s tried to get by on his pension when they got it, but it just didn’t make ends meet. They lost the nice house the kids knew as home, but were saved from homelessness by Kylie’s elderly aunt Muriel, her only other relative.
So Kylie and her two kids pack up their station wagon with as much as they could load of their possessions and travel by car from California to stay with Muriel in the tiny Texas town in December. They arrive a few days before Christmas, the kids are morose, put out to be in such a tiny place with no place to meet people or go and do things, to move away from all of their friends.
Determined to make up for the previous year, Kylie just wants her kids to have a “real Christmas,” complete with a tree, presents, family and smells of Christmas. But, no matter what she tries, it all seems to go wrong. Trying to lift their spirits, she burns the Christmas cookies in Muriel’s quirky 60 year old oven, and decides to head to town on Dec. 22 to look for a tree, get stuff for Christmas and in advance of an impending snow storm, and supplies to try to make more cookies.
Things get even worse when there are no real trees much less artificial to be found much less bought. She tries to back out only to find the older man waiting to get her spot has stopped too close, not allowing enough room for her to adequately back straight out, so she starts finagling back and forth to try to wedge her way out without hitting any other vehicles. Meanwhile, honking traffic is backed up behind the stopped car and, well, after a couple of reverses, she doesn’t see what’s behind her. She hits a classic motorcycle, causing damage. The owner comes out and is none other than Shane, the former school bad boy she’d always secretly wished would invite her for a wild ride.
Shane is mad and lets her know it. That bike represents a lot to him. Not only has a lot of work gone into it over the years, but it’s his constant reliable. It also represents his future freedom from Branding Iron, Texas. So seeing the damage, he’s understandably not a happy camper. He gets the traffic tangled and instructs her to get his bike untangled from her car. Then she has to take him home to get his truck so he can go back and get the bike, with the hope that maybe, just maybe he can repair it.
The storm rolls in quicker than expected, so after depositing his bike’s remains in Muriel’s barn for Henry to look at and try to help restore, Shane is stuck. He can’t get his truck out of the driveway the snow is so thick. So, he has to stay the night at Muriel’s with Kylie and clan.
The situation devolves when the power goes out. When Shane crashes into Kylie in the dark, the chemistry between them ignites as swiftly as the flames dancing in the fireplace. Memory of the whole bike episode puts a damper on things. Nevertheless, circumstances keep throwing them together, rekindling those smoldering embers of attraction.
He genuinely likes Kylie and her kids, but they’re a threat to his long sought dream so he vows to stay away, not be more than polite. But, he can’t help himself.
After a few kisses, reminders that the grass isn’t always greener and pleas from the kids, Shane falls hard. With only a very old bedraggled fake tree, cookies without colored icing, no presents because the parcel service can’t deliver them, Kylie finding herself in a most unsettling predicament on Christmas Eve after losing her wedding ring, Shane is determined to turn the small family’s bad luck around. He decides, upon returning Kylie home, to ensure their Christmas is happy. And, Kylie realizes just how much she has to be thankful for.
I really enjoyed this story. Dailey does a delightful job painting the many maladies that before single parent Kylie and the struggle a man has between a possible future and the promise of fulfilling a past dream.
December 17, 2021
What did this lady do with her husband’s life insurance money? This might be the only mystery in the whole book since the rest of it was perfectly predictable. I feel bad for making my friend waste time reading this. Also, I can see why lil Janet got busted for plagiarism in the 90s – sis needed some serious help writing!
This was definitely a bad Christmas book. But it wasn’t bad in the good way. It was just bad! The last sentence though… Almost made me give it two stars!
This was definitely a bad Christmas book. But it wasn’t bad in the good way. It was just bad! The last sentence though… Almost made me give it two stars!
December 2, 2025
Typically would just close a book this bad, but this one adds insult.
A '15-year army wife', foreclosed house, unhappy children. Decides to BAKE cookies to cheer things up. NOT spend time with them, not go for a walk or play a game, not visit the library together, but ... bake.
Not bake WITH them, just do it herself. Only she doesn't use an oven thermometer with a 60-year-old stove. Doesn't 'notice' a hole in an old oven mitt.
So she's not capable to manage day-to-day life, even. And this is the caretaker heroine MC.
Oh she can't BUY cookies, 'the smell of fresh-baked'. So again, married 15 years, and doesn't know the smell of warming up in the oven is pretty much the same smell as 'fresh' baking? The trick every realtor who lasts a month knows, this MC doesn't. (Substitute a whiny "because I WANT to" for that whole first dialogue?) Oh, but she's an army WIDOW, apparently the army and family offer zero support for KIA?
And the 'mystery' is the first name of the MMC?
This is the intro, the plot is obvious, so the writing or the details need to merit reading. A book filled with 'poor, poor me' cardboard characters doesn't cut it for this reader.
A '15-year army wife', foreclosed house, unhappy children. Decides to BAKE cookies to cheer things up. NOT spend time with them, not go for a walk or play a game, not visit the library together, but ... bake.
Not bake WITH them, just do it herself. Only she doesn't use an oven thermometer with a 60-year-old stove. Doesn't 'notice' a hole in an old oven mitt.
So she's not capable to manage day-to-day life, even. And this is the caretaker heroine MC.
Oh she can't BUY cookies, 'the smell of fresh-baked'. So again, married 15 years, and doesn't know the smell of warming up in the oven is pretty much the same smell as 'fresh' baking? The trick every realtor who lasts a month knows, this MC doesn't. (Substitute a whiny "because I WANT to" for that whole first dialogue?) Oh, but she's an army WIDOW, apparently the army and family offer zero support for KIA?
And the 'mystery' is the first name of the MMC?
This is the intro, the plot is obvious, so the writing or the details need to merit reading. A book filled with 'poor, poor me' cardboard characters doesn't cut it for this reader.
December 16, 2021
Emily made me do it.
December 18, 2020
Long, Tall Christmas is a good hometown Christmas read. I always enjoy Janet Dailey's books. This is the 1st book in a 3 book series. As often happens, I'm reading them out of order. I read the 3rd book, then the 1st & I've already started reading the 2nd book. The Christmas Tree Ranch series also ties in with this series & is set in the same hometown of Branding Iron, TX.
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Can a former Miss Perfect and the town bad boy find a happy ever after this Christmas?
Kylie has returned home to Texas and her Aunt Muriel’s ranch. Widowed with two daughters who did not want to leave California, Kylie is between a rock and a hard place. But this year she is determined to put together a great Christmas for her kids. That is if she can find a tree of any kind, manage to cook something in her aunt’s ancient oven that doesn’t burn to a crisp. Out for a last minute store run before a snowstorm hits Kylie finds herself in even more trouble at the angry end of a former classmate and town bad boy, Shane Taggart.
Shane was ready to leave this town behind and ride off into the sunset on his motorcycle, the modern equivalent of a horse. He’d paid his dues, stayed and worked his father’s place until his death. Now selling and moving on were his only plans for the future. Yeah, right. That plan kinda went sideways when Kylie ran over his motorcycle on a snowy, stormy night.
With no choice but to hole up at Muriel’s place with Kylie and her daughters thanks to a winter storm, Shane is reliving a teenage crush he’d had on the one girl who would never have noticed him in a million years. But that was then and this is Christmas and miracles have been known to happen.
Reading Long, Tall Christmas was like stepping into a time warp for me. It’s been many, many years since I’ve read a Janet Dailey novel. And with her death on December 14, 2013 I didn’t expect to see anything but reprints of her novels.
Long, Tall Christmas is a classic styled novel of love, family and happy ever afters. I enjoyed it for the story and for taking me back to a time long ago when the world was much different.
If you love a fun, feel good love story with a strong tug on the Christmas heartstrings then Long, Tall Christmas is perfect reading this holiday season.
*I received an e-ARC of Long, Tall Christmas from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Can a former Miss Perfect and the town bad boy find a happy ever after this Christmas?
Kylie has returned home to Texas and her Aunt Muriel’s ranch. Widowed with two daughters who did not want to leave California, Kylie is between a rock and a hard place. But this year she is determined to put together a great Christmas for her kids. That is if she can find a tree of any kind, manage to cook something in her aunt’s ancient oven that doesn’t burn to a crisp. Out for a last minute store run before a snowstorm hits Kylie finds herself in even more trouble at the angry end of a former classmate and town bad boy, Shane Taggart.
Shane was ready to leave this town behind and ride off into the sunset on his motorcycle, the modern equivalent of a horse. He’d paid his dues, stayed and worked his father’s place until his death. Now selling and moving on were his only plans for the future. Yeah, right. That plan kinda went sideways when Kylie ran over his motorcycle on a snowy, stormy night.
With no choice but to hole up at Muriel’s place with Kylie and her daughters thanks to a winter storm, Shane is reliving a teenage crush he’d had on the one girl who would never have noticed him in a million years. But that was then and this is Christmas and miracles have been known to happen.
Reading Long, Tall Christmas was like stepping into a time warp for me. It’s been many, many years since I’ve read a Janet Dailey novel. And with her death on December 14, 2013 I didn’t expect to see anything but reprints of her novels.
Long, Tall Christmas is a classic styled novel of love, family and happy ever afters. I enjoyed it for the story and for taking me back to a time long ago when the world was much different.
If you love a fun, feel good love story with a strong tug on the Christmas heartstrings then Long, Tall Christmas is perfect reading this holiday season.
*I received an e-ARC of Long, Tall Christmas from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
August 12, 2015
After losing her home Kylie Wayne and her children pack up their belongings and head for Texas to move in with her aunt Muriel. Kylie is hoping this move will be the fresh start her little family needs, after losing her husband almost a year ago. The little town of Branding Iron Texas hasn't really changed much in the time she has been gone, well, with the exception of Shane Taggart. Shane was always Kylie's secret crush growing up, but he was a little too wild and daring for her meek and mild tastes, and also from the wrong side of the tracks. But after coming face to face with the mature Shane Taggart she is starting to rethink her tastes back then...
Shane Taggart has always wanted to leave his small town life behind, and explore the world, but his obligations on the ranch have always kept him from following his dream. Now that his father has passed, and his obligation's to maintaining the family ranch aren't an issue, he is ready to put the ranch up for sale and finally make his dreams a reality. That is until, Kylie Wayne walks back into his life... she was always the one that got away, and now that she has returned home it has him rethinking his plan to leave Branding Iron. Is he ready to give up his dream and finally get the girl he's always wanted...
This was my first book by this author, and I must say that it definitely made a great first impression, so much so, I plan to read more of her books. I always enjoy reading second chance love stories and this one is definitely one of the best ones that I have read this year! It had it all, strong alpha male character, with a equally matched heroine, heartwarming story line, and the perfect amount of sizzle!!
Definitely one you should add to your reading list, it's guaranteed to leave you with a warm heart and a smile on your face!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Kensington Books in exchange for a honest review.
Shane Taggart has always wanted to leave his small town life behind, and explore the world, but his obligations on the ranch have always kept him from following his dream. Now that his father has passed, and his obligation's to maintaining the family ranch aren't an issue, he is ready to put the ranch up for sale and finally make his dreams a reality. That is until, Kylie Wayne walks back into his life... she was always the one that got away, and now that she has returned home it has him rethinking his plan to leave Branding Iron. Is he ready to give up his dream and finally get the girl he's always wanted...
This was my first book by this author, and I must say that it definitely made a great first impression, so much so, I plan to read more of her books. I always enjoy reading second chance love stories and this one is definitely one of the best ones that I have read this year! It had it all, strong alpha male character, with a equally matched heroine, heartwarming story line, and the perfect amount of sizzle!!
Definitely one you should add to your reading list, it's guaranteed to leave you with a warm heart and a smile on your face!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Kensington Books in exchange for a honest review.
July 12, 2015
Although I enjoyed this book in muggy July from the "new releases" rack at the public library, I have to say that reading Janet Dailey's "Long, Tall Christmas" delivered an early Christmas present. If you are a sucker for a sweet Christmas read like I am, this book is one to add to your list for yourself or for a gift. No noticeable bad language or racy scenes mar this story filled with characters you will enjoy and not one, but two romances. Widowed Kylie Wayne, reconnects with an old classmate when she and her kids accept her elderly aunt Muriel’s offer to move in with her in Branding Iron, Texas. Kylie has been struggling to be mother and father to her tweenage children with mixed success. Although at times she is trying too hard (Type A personality!), the reader can sense that she is making order out of the chaos of their lives. Cowboy Shane Taggart,former "bad boy" is a loner who is working hard to make success of his late parents’ ranch. The real spirit of Christmas arrives in unexpected ways. In accepting these gifts, the lives of the characters will change forever. When you read the ending, you will join me in a heartfelt cheer!
September 29, 2015
Heartwarming Christmas tale
This Christmas story has all that is needed to make it a perfect holiday read - a beautiful mom, a handsome cowboy, two snarky adolescents, horses, puppies, two young-at-heart oldsters, romance, and the search for the perfect Christmas.
Kylie ends up moving back to Branding Iron, Texas with her two kids from California after her husband is killed in Afghanistan. Her maiden great aunt Muriel invites the family to live with her. Next door is Shane, who was the bad boy in high school and has dreams of traveling the country. The best-laid plans...
I loved each and every character in this book. They were detailed and warm. I loved the descriptions of the community and the households.
I love Christmas and this book brought a bit of Christmas spirit into my heart - even on a scorching hot 105° day in August.
NOTE: I received this book from Kensington Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
This Christmas story has all that is needed to make it a perfect holiday read - a beautiful mom, a handsome cowboy, two snarky adolescents, horses, puppies, two young-at-heart oldsters, romance, and the search for the perfect Christmas.
Kylie ends up moving back to Branding Iron, Texas with her two kids from California after her husband is killed in Afghanistan. Her maiden great aunt Muriel invites the family to live with her. Next door is Shane, who was the bad boy in high school and has dreams of traveling the country. The best-laid plans...
I loved each and every character in this book. They were detailed and warm. I loved the descriptions of the community and the households.
I love Christmas and this book brought a bit of Christmas spirit into my heart - even on a scorching hot 105° day in August.
NOTE: I received this book from Kensington Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
September 3, 2015
I was provided with an ARC copy of the book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kylie Wayne, widow with 2 kids has lost her husband to the war and then her home and has to move in with her great-aunt Muriel to get back on her feet. She is only trying to make this second Christmas special for her kids who are having trouble coping with their father never coming home again.
Muriel owns a farm in Texas she runs with the help of Henry Samuels and since they both are getting along in age Shane Taggart a neighbor stops in all the time to help out.
Shane grew up on the farm he now owns and has dreamed of traveling the roads on his Harley and has always been labeled the bad boy growing up. Kylie grew up there also but she was always the perfect one out of Shane's league which is why they are meant to be together in this story.
It is well written with plenty of details and it really lets you connect with the characters and love them all.
Kylie Wayne, widow with 2 kids has lost her husband to the war and then her home and has to move in with her great-aunt Muriel to get back on her feet. She is only trying to make this second Christmas special for her kids who are having trouble coping with their father never coming home again.
Muriel owns a farm in Texas she runs with the help of Henry Samuels and since they both are getting along in age Shane Taggart a neighbor stops in all the time to help out.
Shane grew up on the farm he now owns and has dreamed of traveling the roads on his Harley and has always been labeled the bad boy growing up. Kylie grew up there also but she was always the perfect one out of Shane's league which is why they are meant to be together in this story.
It is well written with plenty of details and it really lets you connect with the characters and love them all.
September 1, 2015
I used to wait for the latest book from Janet Dailey when I first moved to Lebanon in 1978…it has been a long time since I have read one of her books. It was as cozy as coming home to have this story to read. I have to say that my taste in books has changed over the years so though this is a well written and fun Christmas story it is predictable with a Midwestern flavor and not as much fun to read as her stories once were to me. I believe that someone who wants a clean Christmas story to read with morals of long ago though written in the present will thoroughly enjoy this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books/Zebra for the copy of this book to read and review.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books/Zebra for the copy of this book to read and review.
3.5 stars
November 3, 2017
Shane Taggart & Kylie Wayne
Kylie has returned to her hometown Branding Iron, TX with her 2 children in order to start over. It is a few days before Christmas and things aren't going well. Things get a whole lot worse when she backs into her neighbor's motorcycle. Ouch! Shane and Kylie reconnect but it wasn't a smooth transition. She remembers the bad boy that he was and the possible influence he might have on her impressionable son. She was so wrong in that presumption. A snowstorm complicates things along with a power outage.
The story flowed nicely and was a nice read for one evening. Loved the epilogue too.
Kylie has returned to her hometown Branding Iron, TX with her 2 children in order to start over. It is a few days before Christmas and things aren't going well. Things get a whole lot worse when she backs into her neighbor's motorcycle. Ouch! Shane and Kylie reconnect but it wasn't a smooth transition. She remembers the bad boy that he was and the possible influence he might have on her impressionable son. She was so wrong in that presumption. A snowstorm complicates things along with a power outage.
The story flowed nicely and was a nice read for one evening. Loved the epilogue too.
April 19, 2018
Sweet clean romance
Kylie is a young widow with two kids, Hunter who is 13 and Amy 11, who had to move back home with her Aunt Muriel in Branding Iron Texas. Shane is the bad boy from High School that Kylie always had a crush on. Shane had always wanted to travel the world on his motorcycle, but needed to stay home and run the family ranch due to his father’s illness. When Kylie runs over Shane’s Motorcycle in the grocery store parking lot, they rekindle their past attraction. This is a cute clean romance. What kept this from being a five star were the kids. They were incredibly whiney and ungrateful.
Kylie is a young widow with two kids, Hunter who is 13 and Amy 11, who had to move back home with her Aunt Muriel in Branding Iron Texas. Shane is the bad boy from High School that Kylie always had a crush on. Shane had always wanted to travel the world on his motorcycle, but needed to stay home and run the family ranch due to his father’s illness. When Kylie runs over Shane’s Motorcycle in the grocery store parking lot, they rekindle their past attraction. This is a cute clean romance. What kept this from being a five star were the kids. They were incredibly whiney and ungrateful.
January 6, 2018
This is a really good family type romance. Kylie Lane is widowed and glad to move in with her aunt to help out on her aunts ranch. The next door neighbor is Shane Taggert a used to be bad boy that is getting ready to sell his family's ranch. He cannot wait to travel around the world on his antique motorcycle. That is until Kylie runs over it in the grocery store lot. Now Shane has to come to Aunt Muriel's ranch everyday to get help from her foreman Henry who is the best mechanic around.
As Shane spends time with Kylie and her kids he decides married life is better then traveling the country.
As Shane spends time with Kylie and her kids he decides married life is better then traveling the country.
August 20, 2015
I received this copy of Long Tall Christmas by Janet Dailey from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Take a widow with two teenagers who moved in whit her aging aunt and her handyman. Add a motorcycle riding cowboy who has finally gotten the chance to live his dream of riding his motorcycle cross country. Add a splash of a Christmas snow storm and you have a great recipe for a Christmas time romance.
Take a widow with two teenagers who moved in whit her aging aunt and her handyman. Add a motorcycle riding cowboy who has finally gotten the chance to live his dream of riding his motorcycle cross country. Add a splash of a Christmas snow storm and you have a great recipe for a Christmas time romance.
September 11, 2015
Joyous! This is a wonderful double love story with heartwarming characters. Well written and the dialogue is fantastic. Fast paced with some tension. Sweet and perfect as a holiday gift or buy it for you to sneak away from the hustle and bustle for a few hours of Christmas cheer. Absolutely perfect in every way! Enjoy! NetGalley and Kensington Books provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters, beautiful snow covered scenery. Kylie and Shane grew up in the same town. She was the girl voted the most likely to succeed. He was the bad boy when young but now he is all grown up. They reconnect in an unlikely way. She backs into his vintage motorcycle in the grocery store parking lot. Not off to the best of reunions. Circumstances keep throwing them together where they cannot keep a growing attraction under wraps. A sweet, Christmas read.
August 13, 2015
I loved this book. I really liked following the journey of sorrow and loss by the family to moving on and finding joy again. I liked the story because it showed lifelong friends who realize that the kids they were are not necessarily the adults they have become. There were many different emotions and experiences in this book.
August 8, 2015
This was not an enjoyable read. Selfish children, snarky mother and a father to be that would have to sacrifice everything he wanted to make the whiners happy. I would have given it two stars, but upped it to 2.5 stars in the Christmas spirit and rounded up from there because the book was well written. Meh.
August 13, 2015
I loved this book. I really liked following the journey of sorrow and loss by the family to moving on and finding joy again. I liked the story because it showed lifelong friends who realize that the kids they were are not necessarily the adults they have become. There were many different emotions and experiences in this book.
September 30, 2015
Well, I read this book in one day...so it is a fast read. There were good characters and situations for them to endure. Kylie, her children Hunter and Amy, Shane, Muriel and Henry are believable characters who have had some challenges. And the setting of Christmas was good. There was man versus man, man versus self, man versus nature, man versus society...all those good conflicts.
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