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A Cowboy Christmas: Snowbound Christmas / Falling for the Christmas Cowboy

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Second chances at love

A duet of Christmas cowboy romances


Rancher Caleb Girard never thought he deserved Kristen Andrews. But when his ailing foster father brings her home as his nurse, Christmas blessings could surprise them all in Snowbound Christmas.

After a tragic loss, Ty Carrington tries to hide from the world on his Idaho ranch...until Jessica Lambert and her adorable daughter sneak into his life and his heart in Falling for the Christmas Cowboy.

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published November 20, 2018

30 people are currently reading
78 people want to read

About the author

Linda Goodnight

223 books522 followers
NY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels of faith and family that point to hope through Christ. Her emotional stories have won the RITA , the Carol, the Reviewer’s Choice, and numerous other industry awards. Her two great passions are faith in Jesus and her large extended family. (And pie. she loves pie.)
Readers may connect with Linda through her website at www.lindagoodnight.com or on Facebook.

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5 stars
55 (52%)
4 stars
34 (32%)
3 stars
9 (8%)
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7 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
1,504 reviews206 followers
August 8, 2024
Please don’t judge me, but I’m one of those weird people who read Christmas stories all year long. A COWBOY CHRISTMAS has been hanging out on my Netgalley list for six years so I knew it was time to get it read! Wow, why did I wait so long to read these heart warming stories? They both tugged on my heart strings and gave me all the feels. Both of these stories are very sweet and have wonderful story lines. Both of these authors always have a way of grabbing their readers and they never lets us go

If you’re looking for a heart-warming Christmas read, you really should read A COWBOY CHRISTMAS! While both of these are shorter stories, they really pack a punch. A COWBOY CHRISTMAS shows how when we let go of the past, anything is possible. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy clean reads with true to life characters. Linda Goodnight and Ruth Logan Herne grabs their readers by the heart and never lets them go. Love Inspired books are so perfect when you want to escape the real world.

If you are looking for a heart tugging read that is filled with troubling times, but still fills you with hope, please take a chance and read A COWBOY CHRISTMAS. It is so real that you need to keep the tissues close by because your emotions are going to be on one crazy roller coaster ride. Once you finish devouring this beautiful story you are going to be wanting more of these crazy and devoted families.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,676 reviews580 followers
June 28, 2022
I love Christmas stories and will read them any time of year! This is a great duo of stories and I enjoyed the warm spirit of the season in them. They both had great plots and characters, and while the romantic tension wasn't as strong as I usually like, I still appreciated the gentle sweetness of the connection between the leading couples. I enjoy the writing style of both these authors and recommend this book to fans of inspirational holiday stories for a quick and pleasant read.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
3,941 reviews1,764 followers
October 9, 2018
Christmas + Cowboys + Second Chance Romance? Yes please! Bring it on!!!!

Snowbound Christmas by Linda Goodnight -- There's something about the holidays that puts an extra strain on the vulnerable. While Caleb is all closed off and stoic in a manly I-don't-need-any-help kind of way, he's definitely vulnerable. His dad is critically ill and Caleb is fast losing hope. What good will any kind of Christmas cheer do them? And the tragedy of his childhood (before his foster father took him in) has left some deep scars - feelings of abandonment he can't shake. That's what stood between Kristen and him in high school and it's a chasm between them now as they become reacquainted. But she's all about faith and hope and being a light to those around her. And she believes in miracles. And that can be contagious...even among the most curmudgeonly. A stirring, warmhearted second chance romance full of Christmas spirit!

Falling for the Christmas Cowboy by Ruth Logan Herne --

A hero and heroine who have survived tragedies in their past are ripe for a second chance at finding romance...even if that's not on either of their agendas. Jessica has a cute-as-a-button four-year-old to take care of and a new future (free from drama and pain) to build for them both. Ty's spent five years grieving. He has put up boundaries around himself that even his family hasn't been able to breach. And he's good with that -- until a beguiling widow with an adorable little girl show up in town. Confusion, chaos, and sweet yearnings for a happily-ever-after suddenly turn his world upside down and make this Christmas one that might just offer up a second chance at happiness...if he finds the faith to finally put the past to rest!

Book provided courtesy of author Ruth Logan Herne.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews273 followers
November 4, 2018
I found this to be a delightful duet of Christmas cowboy stories. And very inspirational, too. I had never read Linda Goodnight before and surely enjoyed her contribution. Ruth Logan Herne is a favorite and the little girl in her story, Dovie, totally stole my heart right away! Very enjoyable read.

*My thanks to one of the authors for a copy of this book. The opinion here is completely my own.
581 reviews
November 19, 2018
Two incredibly good Christian inspirational books in one! These two authors bring us stories full of hope, faith, and love. Along with characters that have obstacles to overcome & struggle with their faith (or lack of) and come face to face with circumstances that force them to change. I fell in love with each hero & heroine and rooted for their hard-earned happily-ever-afters. All topped off with a valuable lesson learned that God can take whatever brokenness you've had in your life and make something beautiful of it.

If you're looking for a heart-warming Christmas read, look no farther than A Cowboy Christmas ! While these may be shorter stories, they still pack a punch and never felt rushed or lacked a depth of detail. I felt both were well-written by two authors who are well known in the world of Love Inspired novels!

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own. *
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,270 reviews
November 29, 2018

A Cowboy Christmas brought tears and smiles with the beautiful inspirational message from each author. These short stories are filled with family, friends, faith and forgiveness.

A Cowboy Christmas with a dying father without a transplant and disgruntled adoptive son gave readers insight to how forgiveness, second chances and miracles still happen.

Falling for the Christmas Cowboy gave way to hero and heroine having to overcome stumbling blocks and discovering that new opportunities wait when you set aside from your own plans and letting God control the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from one of the authors. I was not required to write a review but have expressed my sincere thoughts.
Profile Image for Kay Garrett.
600 reviews93 followers
December 14, 2019
A COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Linda Goodnight and Ruth Logan Herne is a book with two delightful second chance love stories that happen during the Christmas holiday. They will fill your heart with love and hope while leaving you all warm and aglow with the holiday spirit.

SNOWBOUND CHRISTMAS by Linda Goodnight is the story of Caleb Girad, who having been abandoned as a child always felt looked down on and never good enough, and Kristen Andrews, always had feelings for Caleb but felt he never returned those feeling.

After a broken foot and failed relationship, Kristen finds herself back in her hometown to heal both her foot and her heart. She finds herself facing her old crush when her profession as a nurse takes her to his home in order to care for Greg, his adoptive father.

Will they find a kidney for Greg, the man that means the world to Caleb – the only person who found him worthy enough to invite into their home and their heart? Can their time together tending to Greg and trying to find him a kidney donor bring them closer together or shatter their young attraction? Can Kristen be a part in bringing Caleb back to his faith? Can a Christmas miracle bring them the healing and the love they have both desperately hoped for but never dreamed would come true?

FALLING FOR THE CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Ruth Logan Herne is the story of Ty Carrington and Jessica Lambert. Ty lost his world and his faith the day his wife and unborn child was killed in an accident. He retreated from his profession and the world by working on his parent’s ranch. There all he has to contend with were a few occasional escaped cows from a broken fence line. Jessica and her sweet daughter, Dovie, move into the house she inherited from her aunt only to find out that Ty’s family had bought it for unpaid taxes. After the past few years, after marrying someone who turned out not to love her a way a woman should be, his death, and then having to deal with his relatives trying to take her daughter away from her, this is the last thing she needs to hear.

Ty’s determination to “deal” with the squatter fast turns to sorrow for a single Mom and her adorable child especially at Christmas time when no one should be homeless. Now all he wants is to work to resolve the problem where everyone comes out on top. Jessica is determined to make it on her own and is willing to accept whatever will be know that it’s the way it’s meant to be. She doesn’t need anyone but her Lovie-Dovie - her number one priority, but she has to have a home for them to live in. Her faith is what holds her up that all will work out.

Can Dovie’s smile and charming ways weave herself around and into Ty’s heart? Is he ready to make peace with the past, and embrace his faith once again? Will Jessica’s never failing faith show him the way? Can Jessica open her heart again to another man after her past? Will Ty’s kindness and treating her like a woman should be treated prove to her that not all men are the same? Can they enjoy Christmas through the eyes of a child? Can giving Dovie the Christmas she only dreams about bring them all together as a family?

Both stories in A COWBOY CHRISTMAS will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. What better time than Christmas to remember that with Christ all things are possible! This would be a great book to read year round for such a reminder. I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone that loves a great Christian book that is bound to please whatever genre you love to read.
Profile Image for Sherida Stewart.
Author 2 books40 followers
November 19, 2018
A double treat of warm Christmas stories by award-winning authors!

I just love reading books filled with the Christmas spirit of love and hope....and these stories by two amazing authors offer all the wonderful “feel goods” of the season.

SNOWBOUND CHRISTMAS by Linda Goodnight
When nurse Kristen Andrews returns to Refuge, Oklahoma, her unexpected reunion with rancher Caleb Girard leads to the warming of old feelings between the couple. Many years ago, Caleb was saved by a good man, Greg Girard, who opened his home years to the troubled youth. Greg now needs help as he deals with kidney failure. Kristen has been hurt by past rejection, so doesn’t want to risk being hurt again. She finds herself together with Caleb every day as she provides dialysis treatment for his dad.

I enjoyed the building attraction between Kristen and Caleb. She takes charge, but is vulnerable. He is quiet, but strongly protective. Their developing romance is tender and sweet. A lovely faith thread is woven beautifully through out the story. The Christmas season finds a unique tree gracing the ranch house, and many prayers for miracles are lifted up in the community. A special story!

Favorite quote: “Fact is, faith isn’t even about getting what we want from God. It’s about trusting Him no matter what.”

FALLING FOR THE CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Ruth Logan Herne
In delightful Ruth Logan Herne style, Falling for the Christmas Cowboy touches hearts as difficult situations are overcome by grace, hope, and a sweet romance. Graphic designer Jessica Lambert meets rancher Ty Carrington when she attempts to restart her life in tiny Shepherd’s Crossing, Idaho. But it’s an awkward meeting for them both. They each have experienced loss, but they handle the grief in different ways.

Jessica’s enthusiastic four-year-old daughter, Dovie, brings joy to the pages with her positive attitude. Then there’s the complicating twist I didn’t expect. I love when an author surprises me with a turn of events. And there’s a beautiful Christmas celebration, so full of the spirit of the season with a heartwarming gathering of the townsfolk and a moving candlelit church service. If you like stories of faith and second chances, you’ll be blessed by spending Christmas with the people of Shepherd’s Crossing.

A favorite quote: In the space of five minutes, conditions had changed from needy to blessed, and not by her hands. God’s hands. And the kindness of strangers.

*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m honored to offer my honest review.
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
1,398 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2024
It's actually three stars for the Linda Goodnight story, and one star (and a DNF) for the Ruth Logan Herne story.

The first story is well written, which bought it a star, but at the same time? It was eye-rolling-ly cliche, and hit every wrong button with me. Guy has a crush on girl since high school, she went away to be a nurse and date a wealthy jerk. She's back in town after a break-up, doing dialysis on Guy's foster dad, and they fall for each other.

BUT...!! Cliche #1 - he can't forgive God for his foster dad's dying condition. Cliche #2 - he's from the wrong side of the tracks and doesn't think he's worthy. Cliche #3 - jerk shows up and guy gets all shades of jealous and backs off and rejects HER, for overdone 'Love, Inspired' literary drama. BTDT a zillion times in these. I'd really like to read something unique and interesting, for once.

In the second story, we're hitting *ALL* of the correct buttons to please the masses. Heroine is Native American, her four year old daughter salutes flags she passes, the hero is tortured by them because (I'm guessing) he lost a wife/child... and he happens to own the deed to the house she thinks she inherited, but actually lost to non-payment of taxes.

You can imagine where this is going. I... do not want to read anymore of it. have I mentioned I'd like something unique and interesting? I'd also like something that doesn't 'nod' at all the proper groups in order to win points with the reader. This isn't about pleasing me, it's about telling a story, and I don't like race/politics/creeds to supercede actual decent writing. And yeah, that's me cranky about what I saw, here. Your mileage will probably vary.

I have a stack as tall as I am of 'Love, Inspired' x-mess books to get thru, though, and I'm not wasting time where I'm not happy.
Profile Image for Cindy.
Author 1 book26 followers
December 1, 2018
Linda Goodnight and Ruth Logan Herne have teamed up to offer romance readers a double-delight; cowboys, Christmas and cute kids included. Snuggle up under a fuzzy blanket with a cup of your favorite hot beverage and treat yourself to this duo of holiday romances. The celebration of Christmas within the pages of these books will light your heart up in anticipation of that glorious holiday. Nothing says Christmas like snow and romance and both of these stories deliver, along with that ever important thread of faith and hope that Goodnight and Herne weave into their stories that will stay in your heart long after the books have been closed.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,210 reviews51 followers
December 3, 2018
This book is a set of two different novellas that as much as they are different they both have a common promising romance, a heart warming story, faith, and holiday setting. Since these both are short there not much I can say without spoiling so I'll stick to saying that you readers will love both of these books. Its the perfect read for this holiday season and with so much going on its tough to read a book with little time and these stories were pretty short but packed just enough to come out pretty great alone. I really enjoyed this book and recommend you holiday readers to check this book out.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,636 reviews
December 21, 2023
Two sweet Christmas romances in one book? Yes, please! Snowbound Christmas was a story I enjoyed. I liked the storyline and Caleb, Kristen and Greg. Falling for Christmas was another fabulous Ruth Logan Herne story. Ruth is one of my favorite authors and her stories pretty much never miss for me and this one is no exception. Jessica, Ty and Dovie were wonderful and it was so fun seeing familiar faces from Ruth’s Shepherd’s Crossing series. Loved this story!
20 reviews
November 10, 2018
Every time I read a Ruth Logan Herne book I have a new Favorite Book!! Seriously! And this one is Pure Christmas Magic!!! Full of Love, Hope, Family, & Joy! Lots of Christmas Joy! (and a very cute, funny little four year old!!)
And any book by Linda Goodnight is always Winner!! I loved them both!
92 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2018
Charmed by the Cowboy! Delighted by the exuberant four year old little girl! Inspired by the courageous faith of the widowed single mom! Thank You, Ruth Logan Herne!!! This book is Absolute Christmas Magic!!!
Profile Image for Crystal Gray.
1,088 reviews33 followers
December 10, 2018
These two heartwarming stories are just what I needed! Everyone needs a little faith. Both stories have to do with disease of some sort. Tragic events and second chances. We all need a little help sometimes. It just seems to come when you least expect it.
Profile Image for Karen Mcnicol.
701 reviews21 followers
December 19, 2018
You get 2 stories in this book, and they are both worth reading. They did not feel like "novellas" they had so much packed into just over 100 pages each that they felt like full novels. I recommend these books for anyone who likes a great story that is also Christmas based!
Profile Image for Lynnea.
618 reviews
May 27, 2020
I had no idea, based on the cover, that this was two books. And completely unrelated. But both stories were very good, although with predictable endings.
39 reviews
Read
May 27, 2024
Falling for the Christmas Cowboy is part of the Shepherd's Crossing Series by Ruth Logan Herne. It takes place after book one but before book three. I read it after book one.
Profile Image for Joann.
30 reviews
May 26, 2025
Loved this book! Two great shorter stories in one 🧡
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,285 reviews
May 16, 2019
I read it for the Ruth Long Herne story, Falling for the Christmas Cowboy. It ties in with the Shepherd's Crossing miniseries. Ty Carrington & Jessica & Dovie
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 116 books206 followers
September 26, 2018
Simple, enjoyable reads. At times too predictable, but not poorly written. Good characterization in both stories.
101 reviews
November 12, 2018
The book has two stories. The first is A Cowboy Christmas and it is about a shy cowboy (Caleb) falling in love for a second time with the heroine (Kristen). They had known each other for years, but they were unable to give the relationship a chance perhaps because they were too young to understand each other’s struggles. Caleb has had a difficult childhood, which has made him very skeptical of the people around him. The only person he trusts is his father. On the other hand, Kristen grew up in a sheltered home and there she learned the meaning of self-worth. Kristen is a very strong heroine, I quite like that she is brave enough to go after Caleb even though he keeps on retreating from her. The second story is called Falling for the Christmas Cowboy and this is the story of Ty and Jessica. Both have lost people in their lives and suffered a great deal because of it. Both stories are told around the theme of Christmas and everything that is Christmassy is mentioned like Christmas trees, decorations, food, hope, friends, family, forgiveness, and second chances among other nice ideas we like to read about during this time of the year. Great book to read on a cold evening bundle up in a blanket and with a warm drink. I received a free copy via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Pam Graber.
1,130 reviews44 followers
January 15, 2019
Linda Goodnight and Ruth Logan Herne bring readers two stories of cowboys who find unexpected love at Christmas.

In Snowbound Christmas, rancher Caleb Girard is stunned when his high school crush, Kristen Andrews, walks in as his adoptive father's home health nurse. He never felt good enough for her, so he spent years avoiding her until she finally left town. Now, she's back, and seems to be giving out "I'm available" signals. When an ice storm traps Kristen at their house, can she convince him that his abandonment as a child does not make him unworthy of her love?

Falling for the Christmas Cowboy uses Jessica Lambert, and her precocious daughter, Dovie, to drag rancher Ty Pennington back into the light. When a tragic accident stole the lives of his wife and unborn child, Ty walked away from everything he knew, including his family, and hid himself away on the family ranch. Just as he begins to open his heart to Jessica and Dovie, new revelations make it appear that the strong, beautiful woman is just using him. Can they wade through the distrust to find that their hearts have chosen each other, in spite of the circumstances?

I really enjoyed both of these stories, which was no surprise to me since both authors are among my favorite Love Inspired writers. Caleb's story was particularly poignant, as his abandonment, and subsequent struggle with self-worth has colored his entire life. When he finally realizes that he IS worthy of love, it is a beautiful thing to see.. I also really loved Dovie in the second story. Her open heart helps bind Mr. Ty's heart-wounds, and the way she talks made me snicker more than once - possibly because I had one son who embarrassed me more than once when he repeated what I'd said in the wrong place.

I definitely recommend A Cowboy Christmas if you're looking for some quick stories with broken cowboys who find love when they least expect it.
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