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The Burlesons of Texas #2
A Family For Christmas
He never thought he’d have a real family Christmas…
For the past eight years, Bill Smith has been unable to set down roots. But he never forgot the magical night he spent with an auburn-haired beauty in Last Stand, Texas. When she finally tracked him down, he was more than happy to donate a kidney to AJ, the son he never knew he had. But now that AJ is better, Bill wants more time with him and his mother. He wants a family.
Annie Burleson can’t help but be grateful to this almost-stranger for saving AJ’s life. Still, she’s a little wary. AJ has already been through so much—what if Bill leaves again? And with Christmas in full swing, it’s difficult to discern which emotions are festive and which are forever.
As Annie and Bill’s lives collide, their mutual love for AJ makes this more than a marriage of convenience. But is it enough to give them the family Christmas they all deserve?
For the past eight years, Bill Smith has been unable to set down roots. But he never forgot the magical night he spent with an auburn-haired beauty in Last Stand, Texas. When she finally tracked him down, he was more than happy to donate a kidney to AJ, the son he never knew he had. But now that AJ is better, Bill wants more time with him and his mother. He wants a family.
Annie Burleson can’t help but be grateful to this almost-stranger for saving AJ’s life. Still, she’s a little wary. AJ has already been through so much—what if Bill leaves again? And with Christmas in full swing, it’s difficult to discern which emotions are festive and which are forever.
As Annie and Bill’s lives collide, their mutual love for AJ makes this more than a marriage of convenience. But is it enough to give them the family Christmas they all deserve?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2020
495 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Nola Cross
7 books123 followersI grew up on the West Coast. As a child I was fascinated with the idea that people could make up stories and those stories could become books. I knew I wanted to be an author too. It was a long road, but I finally made it, and now it's my full time career.
I love to hear from readers. Please don't be shy about reaching out.
I love to hear from readers. Please don't be shy about reaching out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 11, 2020
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A truly enjoyable story with down-to-earth, complex characters – including a precious little boy - “A Family for Christmas”, by Nola Cross (Tule Publishing), shows how a marriage of convenience can translate to love.
There’s such warmth in this story, and unspoken love, too; also, a familiarity born from doing chores and things together and finding hidden affinities.
I really liked how Bill and are Annie slowly falling for each other, and how the heroine is not even realizing it. Bill has such a big, altruistic heart beneath the easy-going demeanor; and Annie is a romantic strong heroine.
Family and family life play a big role in this story, where the characters show an engaging authenticity and matter-of-factness. The story and characters are interesting and different from the norm in romantic fiction but very true to life.
The hero with his non-Alpha posture, the patience waiting for the heroine to melt and proactive attitude doing things in the ranch and in the kitchen is remarkable, and a rarity in recent reads. The fact he’s so head over heels for the heroine but also so patient and his relationship with AJ makes him even more attractive. And with his lonely past and bad childhood, he surely deserves a HEA.
AJ steals the show with his heart and smartness.
A truly enjoyable story with down-to-earth, complex characters – including a precious little boy - “A Family for Christmas”, by Nola Cross (Tule Publishing), shows how a marriage of convenience can translate to love.
There’s such warmth in this story, and unspoken love, too; also, a familiarity born from doing chores and things together and finding hidden affinities.
I really liked how Bill and are Annie slowly falling for each other, and how the heroine is not even realizing it. Bill has such a big, altruistic heart beneath the easy-going demeanor; and Annie is a romantic strong heroine.
Family and family life play a big role in this story, where the characters show an engaging authenticity and matter-of-factness. The story and characters are interesting and different from the norm in romantic fiction but very true to life.
The hero with his non-Alpha posture, the patience waiting for the heroine to melt and proactive attitude doing things in the ranch and in the kitchen is remarkable, and a rarity in recent reads. The fact he’s so head over heels for the heroine but also so patient and his relationship with AJ makes him even more attractive. And with his lonely past and bad childhood, he surely deserves a HEA.
AJ steals the show with his heart and smartness.
August 31, 2020
What a sweet book to put me in the Christmas mood. This is the time of year I look forward to the most. Fall is and has always been my favorite of the four seasons. Christmas is my favorite holiday and each year I anticipate all the amazing Christmas romances to come. Once I start reading the holiday novels, I don't stop until sometime in January. So far, this past month I've read a handful of them and each one was a breath of fresh air. I am not a first-time reader to this author so I knew I was going to love this book. A Family For Christmas was endearing, heartwarming and not only did I enjoy the book, I am excited for Christmas this year. 2020 has been a horrible year for so many of us with the Covid-19 virus affecting so, so many of us. My family, including myself were sick. In fact, I was sick with Flu for weeks starting in early January and then we all came down with Coronavirus in March/April, each of us affected with similar AND different symptoms. It left a mark on my family we will never forget. And because of months of illness, I could not read much. As a result, catching up on my reading has been a God send.
This book has amazing characters and an interesting, engaging story. While this book is the second in the Burleson's series it can be read as a stand-alone. I actually did not read book one yet. That said, while I fully enjoyed this book, I believe that had I read book one beforehand, A Family For Christmas would have been even better given the characters from book were a part of the story.
The synopsis gives you a very good idea where the story is going and while many aspects were predictable, I did not mind. This book grabs my interest from the very first chapter and by the end, I was wishing for more. I am looking forward to the third book in the series where I know I will revisit with past characters. This is one of those series you'll want to read. Filled with emotion, only a bit of angst, a lot of anticipation and lovable characters, A Family For Christmas found a special place in my heart.
This is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
This book has amazing characters and an interesting, engaging story. While this book is the second in the Burleson's series it can be read as a stand-alone. I actually did not read book one yet. That said, while I fully enjoyed this book, I believe that had I read book one beforehand, A Family For Christmas would have been even better given the characters from book were a part of the story.
The synopsis gives you a very good idea where the story is going and while many aspects were predictable, I did not mind. This book grabs my interest from the very first chapter and by the end, I was wishing for more. I am looking forward to the third book in the series where I know I will revisit with past characters. This is one of those series you'll want to read. Filled with emotion, only a bit of angst, a lot of anticipation and lovable characters, A Family For Christmas found a special place in my heart.
This is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
October 8, 2020
A Family for Christmas by Nola Cross
He never thought he’d have a real family Christmas…
For the past eight years, Bill Smith has been unable to set down roots. But he never forgot the magical night he spent with an auburn-haired beauty in Last Stand, Texas. When she finally tracked him down, he was more than happy to donate a kidney to AJ, the son he never knew he had. But now that AJ is better, Bill wants more time with him and his mother. He wants a family.
Annie Burleson can’t help but be grateful to this almost-stranger for saving AJ’s life. Still, she’s a little wary. AJ has already been through so much—what if Bill leaves again? And with Christmas in full swing, it’s difficult to discern which emotions are festive and which are forever.
As Annie and Bill’s lives collide, their mutual love for AJ makes this more than a marriage of convenience. But is it enough to give them the family Christmas they all deserve?
This is Annie Burleson and Bill Smith's story.
He was AJ’s biological father and he had legal rights. If Annie wouldn’t agree to sign the Acknowledgement of Paternity form he had in his pocket and work out some kind of joint custody arrangement with him, he was prepared to go to court. Winning in court was a foregone conclusion; they’d all seen the DNA test results proving he was AJ’s dad. Hopefully, the Burlesons would agree before it came to that.
Annie pulled back the drapes and scowled at the white pickup truck coming down the driveway. Now who in the world could that be? There were lots of pickups in and around Last Stand, Texas, but it wasn’t a vehicle she recognized, and the erratic way it was moving made her think about the .22 propped behind the front door. She could see the silhouette of the driver—a man—who appeared to be alone. With Cash away for the afternoon and the hired hands, Vince and Lucky, up on the ridge rounding up the last of the pregnant heifers, even a strong and capable woman had to be wary. It was probably good that AJ wouldn’t be home from school on the bus for another half hour.
Wiping her palms on her jeans, she went to the front door, pulled it open and stepped out onto the porch. She gave a short whistle, glad to see their border collie, Ranger, come bounding around the side of the house. He must have heard the truck too; he was already showing off his “big tough dog” personaChapter One
Bill Smith shifted in his seat and, from force of habit, flicked on his turn signal. Ahead of him a thirty-foot iron gate rose out of the undulating range grass, towering like a monument above the red Texas soil. Detailed scrollwork and the nearly life-sized metal image of an Angus bull above the gate told him he had finally reached his destination.
Burleson Ranch.
He made the turn into the driveway and then came to a stop, waiting for the dust to settle. For his pulse to settle. Far in the distance, at the end of the gravel road, he could just make out a grouping of ranch buildings nestled against a ridge of rock studded with scrubby pine. His heart gave an odd lurch and then settled back into regular rhythm; his belly had been knotted up like a greenhorn’s lasso since he’d pulled out of El Paso early that morning.
A Family for Christmas by Nola Cross is a 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Nola Cross.
He never thought he’d have a real family Christmas…
For the past eight years, Bill Smith has been unable to set down roots. But he never forgot the magical night he spent with an auburn-haired beauty in Last Stand, Texas. When she finally tracked him down, he was more than happy to donate a kidney to AJ, the son he never knew he had. But now that AJ is better, Bill wants more time with him and his mother. He wants a family.
Annie Burleson can’t help but be grateful to this almost-stranger for saving AJ’s life. Still, she’s a little wary. AJ has already been through so much—what if Bill leaves again? And with Christmas in full swing, it’s difficult to discern which emotions are festive and which are forever.
As Annie and Bill’s lives collide, their mutual love for AJ makes this more than a marriage of convenience. But is it enough to give them the family Christmas they all deserve?
This is Annie Burleson and Bill Smith's story.
He was AJ’s biological father and he had legal rights. If Annie wouldn’t agree to sign the Acknowledgement of Paternity form he had in his pocket and work out some kind of joint custody arrangement with him, he was prepared to go to court. Winning in court was a foregone conclusion; they’d all seen the DNA test results proving he was AJ’s dad. Hopefully, the Burlesons would agree before it came to that.
Annie pulled back the drapes and scowled at the white pickup truck coming down the driveway. Now who in the world could that be? There were lots of pickups in and around Last Stand, Texas, but it wasn’t a vehicle she recognized, and the erratic way it was moving made her think about the .22 propped behind the front door. She could see the silhouette of the driver—a man—who appeared to be alone. With Cash away for the afternoon and the hired hands, Vince and Lucky, up on the ridge rounding up the last of the pregnant heifers, even a strong and capable woman had to be wary. It was probably good that AJ wouldn’t be home from school on the bus for another half hour.
Wiping her palms on her jeans, she went to the front door, pulled it open and stepped out onto the porch. She gave a short whistle, glad to see their border collie, Ranger, come bounding around the side of the house. He must have heard the truck too; he was already showing off his “big tough dog” personaChapter One
Bill Smith shifted in his seat and, from force of habit, flicked on his turn signal. Ahead of him a thirty-foot iron gate rose out of the undulating range grass, towering like a monument above the red Texas soil. Detailed scrollwork and the nearly life-sized metal image of an Angus bull above the gate told him he had finally reached his destination.
Burleson Ranch.
He made the turn into the driveway and then came to a stop, waiting for the dust to settle. For his pulse to settle. Far in the distance, at the end of the gravel road, he could just make out a grouping of ranch buildings nestled against a ridge of rock studded with scrubby pine. His heart gave an odd lurch and then settled back into regular rhythm; his belly had been knotted up like a greenhorn’s lasso since he’d pulled out of El Paso early that morning.
A Family for Christmas by Nola Cross is a 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Nola Cross.
October 9, 2020
I received this arc from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 in the Burleson’s of Texas. This series is about the Burleson siblings who are ranchers outside of Last Stand Texas. Book 2 features Annie Burleson. We learned in the first book about her son AJ who had kidney problems. Her brothers were not matches to be donors. She had had a fling 8 years prior with Bill Smith, a sales man who visited their ranch. She later learned she was pregnant but with his name, she was unable to track him down. Her friend located him by accident using her psychic gift. Annie’s brother Cash went and brought him back to Texas to tell him about his son and the kidney problem. He was tested and was a match. After a couple of emails following the surgeries, Annie didn’t hear from him until he showed up months later at the ranch.
Cash had reached out to Bill about relocating near his son and Annie. He showed up surprising Annie and AJ. Annie was quite cold toward him as she was hurt and angry that he initially didn’t try to contact her and then again more recently. She suggests sarcastically that they get married and he takes her up on it. He was following a job lead that was a ways away and she thought it would be too hard to share visitation. When Cash hears the marriage idea, he backs it. They end up with a small ceremony at their home and he moves into the bunkhouse with the ranch hands and begins work on the ranch. Bill and AJ bond over a fishing rip and reading bedtime stories and spending time together. Annie remain aloof as she doesn’t think he’s interested in her. He is afraid to act on his growing feelings for her so the two skirt the issue.
On Thanksgiving morning Annie trips in the garden and hurts her foot. Bill takes her to the doctor and she’s put on crutches. He ends up making a large portion of the meal to help her. She has a pie fundraiser for Christmas and he offers to help her make the pies. Annie realizes Bill does know his way around a kitchen.
The 3 of them go chop down their trees and decorate them. Annie and Bill also do holiday stuff, they share details about their pasts and she watches his interactions with their son. She starts having feelings for him too and she stops holding a grudge. They confirm they have feelings for the other but won’t act on it until Annie’s foot Is better. Once the doctor clears her, they plan to spend the night together. After their initial night together he starts sharing her bed and they act like a real family. As each had issues with their families growing up, both Annie and Bill are left with trust issues. This become evident as the story continues.
The characters Nola created are so likable and genuine. I love little AJ and his interactions with Bill, both before and after he learns Bill Is his dad. It was super cute that he called Bill Dr. Smith even after he knows he’s his dad, since that was who he met him as. I liked that the characters from book one are still in the second book. My favorite genre is the secret baby plot and this book was terrific. Annie was such a sweetheart. I give this 5 stars.
Cash had reached out to Bill about relocating near his son and Annie. He showed up surprising Annie and AJ. Annie was quite cold toward him as she was hurt and angry that he initially didn’t try to contact her and then again more recently. She suggests sarcastically that they get married and he takes her up on it. He was following a job lead that was a ways away and she thought it would be too hard to share visitation. When Cash hears the marriage idea, he backs it. They end up with a small ceremony at their home and he moves into the bunkhouse with the ranch hands and begins work on the ranch. Bill and AJ bond over a fishing rip and reading bedtime stories and spending time together. Annie remain aloof as she doesn’t think he’s interested in her. He is afraid to act on his growing feelings for her so the two skirt the issue.
On Thanksgiving morning Annie trips in the garden and hurts her foot. Bill takes her to the doctor and she’s put on crutches. He ends up making a large portion of the meal to help her. She has a pie fundraiser for Christmas and he offers to help her make the pies. Annie realizes Bill does know his way around a kitchen.
The 3 of them go chop down their trees and decorate them. Annie and Bill also do holiday stuff, they share details about their pasts and she watches his interactions with their son. She starts having feelings for him too and she stops holding a grudge. They confirm they have feelings for the other but won’t act on it until Annie’s foot Is better. Once the doctor clears her, they plan to spend the night together. After their initial night together he starts sharing her bed and they act like a real family. As each had issues with their families growing up, both Annie and Bill are left with trust issues. This become evident as the story continues.
The characters Nola created are so likable and genuine. I love little AJ and his interactions with Bill, both before and after he learns Bill Is his dad. It was super cute that he called Bill Dr. Smith even after he knows he’s his dad, since that was who he met him as. I liked that the characters from book one are still in the second book. My favorite genre is the secret baby plot and this book was terrific. Annie was such a sweetheart. I give this 5 stars.
October 14, 2020
I've been reading a lot of contemporary western romances lately, and I'm happy that the holiday ones are starting to come out. This is the second book in Nola Cross's Burlesons of Texas series and is designed to work as a standalone. For the most part it does, as it focuses on the current relationship between Annie and Bill. But I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the backstory, even though a lot of it was explained briefly in the beginning.
We know that Bill and Annie had a one-night stand eight years ago, which resulted in AJ. Bill didn't know that he had a son, though Annie sort of tried to look for him. AJ was very sick and needed a kidney transplant. They finally tracked down Bill, who ended up being the donor. But then Bill disappeared again for a while, until Annie's brother encouraged him to come back around.
This is the part of the story that I want more details on, particularly why AJ needed the kidney transplant. That's the part that grabbed me with the blurb, as I've had friends who have had transplants and friends whose daughter had kidney cancer. And just I think that some of the interactions between Annie, AJ and Bill, whom he knew as only Dr. Smith around the time of the transplant, would have been filled with enough drama to warrant their own story. Perhaps there's more in the first book? I am interested in reading that one, to learn more about Clay and Jade's romance, as well as see how the interactions between this family play out back then.
But back to the book at hand. Annie steps in it when Bill returns and says sarcastically that they should get married. Bill calls her on her bluff, and two weeks later, they are married. But they are leading somewhat separate lives, as they really don't know each other well. Bill stays out in the lodge, but comes to the house to spend time with AJ. He and Annie spar a little bit, as they are each set in their own ways, but also are slowly reigniting that attraction that got them into the predicament. This time, at least, it's a slow burn and not a raging inferno in one night.
I admit that marriages of convenience often make me twitch a little bit, because they are so tricky and can easily go quite wrong. But the affection that these two have for their son, and slowly build for each other, really makes you want to root for them to work it out. They've both been hurt in the past and they really could heal each other. Naturally there's a bit of predictable, formulaic conflict. But overall, I really did enjoy reading this story. It was a quick read and started to give me hints of those warm fuzzies I like when these holiday romances start coming out. I do want to go back and read the first book and am going to be on the lookout for future installments. I think I will also enjoy those.
Thank you to the author, Tule Publishing, and Goddess Fish for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
We know that Bill and Annie had a one-night stand eight years ago, which resulted in AJ. Bill didn't know that he had a son, though Annie sort of tried to look for him. AJ was very sick and needed a kidney transplant. They finally tracked down Bill, who ended up being the donor. But then Bill disappeared again for a while, until Annie's brother encouraged him to come back around.
This is the part of the story that I want more details on, particularly why AJ needed the kidney transplant. That's the part that grabbed me with the blurb, as I've had friends who have had transplants and friends whose daughter had kidney cancer. And just I think that some of the interactions between Annie, AJ and Bill, whom he knew as only Dr. Smith around the time of the transplant, would have been filled with enough drama to warrant their own story. Perhaps there's more in the first book? I am interested in reading that one, to learn more about Clay and Jade's romance, as well as see how the interactions between this family play out back then.
But back to the book at hand. Annie steps in it when Bill returns and says sarcastically that they should get married. Bill calls her on her bluff, and two weeks later, they are married. But they are leading somewhat separate lives, as they really don't know each other well. Bill stays out in the lodge, but comes to the house to spend time with AJ. He and Annie spar a little bit, as they are each set in their own ways, but also are slowly reigniting that attraction that got them into the predicament. This time, at least, it's a slow burn and not a raging inferno in one night.
I admit that marriages of convenience often make me twitch a little bit, because they are so tricky and can easily go quite wrong. But the affection that these two have for their son, and slowly build for each other, really makes you want to root for them to work it out. They've both been hurt in the past and they really could heal each other. Naturally there's a bit of predictable, formulaic conflict. But overall, I really did enjoy reading this story. It was a quick read and started to give me hints of those warm fuzzies I like when these holiday romances start coming out. I do want to go back and read the first book and am going to be on the lookout for future installments. I think I will also enjoy those.
Thank you to the author, Tule Publishing, and Goddess Fish for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 9, 2020
A Family For Christmas (The Burlesons of Texas #2) by Nola Cross is a story I had been looking forward to reading. The Burlesons had been trying to find Bill Smith (his real name though quite a common name) for several years. At the endo f the first book they had, he jumped to help out. Now it is a few months later. Bill’s childhood had been lacking to say the least so a real family is unexpected but something he could appreciate.
Events happen quickly at the beginning when Bill comes to Texas to become involve in his young son’s life. After this it slows down to more of daily life on a cattle ranch. No matter his childhood, Bill is a stand up kind of person. It is impossible not to fall a little in love with him. Annie Burleson has the pioneer woman’s spirit and get things done without complaining or asking for help down pat. While there are not ranches where I live there are plenty of daily farms. I can name more than one older woman just like her that I know personally. These women keep the men fed, the house clean and the home fires burning. No nonsense, no nagging, and no asking for help but the first to offer help kind of women who are so, so stubborn. Annie seemed too young to fit this but having jumped into the role at a young age I could understand how her father had molded her.
.
Their story is the journey to trusting while to learning to give and take in a relationship. This story stays place in Last Stand, Texas but there is little of the community in this story. The focus is mostly on Bill, Annie, AJ and those on the ranch during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Reading of Bill and AJ together made A Family For Christmas my favorite story by Nola Cross. That it takes place during the holidays just made it more special.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 Stars
Events happen quickly at the beginning when Bill comes to Texas to become involve in his young son’s life. After this it slows down to more of daily life on a cattle ranch. No matter his childhood, Bill is a stand up kind of person. It is impossible not to fall a little in love with him. Annie Burleson has the pioneer woman’s spirit and get things done without complaining or asking for help down pat. While there are not ranches where I live there are plenty of daily farms. I can name more than one older woman just like her that I know personally. These women keep the men fed, the house clean and the home fires burning. No nonsense, no nagging, and no asking for help but the first to offer help kind of women who are so, so stubborn. Annie seemed too young to fit this but having jumped into the role at a young age I could understand how her father had molded her.
.
Their story is the journey to trusting while to learning to give and take in a relationship. This story stays place in Last Stand, Texas but there is little of the community in this story. The focus is mostly on Bill, Annie, AJ and those on the ranch during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Reading of Bill and AJ together made A Family For Christmas my favorite story by Nola Cross. That it takes place during the holidays just made it more special.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 Stars
October 16, 2020
The link for my review on NovelsAlive.com is below along with the review.
https://novelsalive.com/2020/10/16/4-...
A Family for Christmas is the second book in the Burlesons of Texas series. Even though I hadn’t read the first book, I was quickly drawn in since there was enough background information given. This was a quick read but only scratched the surface since there seems to be more story to tell. The book did end abruptly—I didn’t even realize I was at the end until I turned the page in my ebook, and instead of more story, there was The End.
Annie and Bill had a one night stand eight years before. They caught up again a few months back when the son Bill didn’t know he had needed a kidney transplant, and Annie, her brother, and his psychic girlfriend tracked Bill down to see if he was a match to AJ. Bill was, and while AJ got better, Bill didn’t keep his promise to stay in touch. When he drives from Seattle to Texas to start a new life, Annie isn’t very happy to see him. I like how things end up backfiring when she tries to scare him off and where the story went from there.
There are some twists and turns to the story, along with beautiful scenic descriptions. The ranch life was nicely portrayed, and I like how her brother and the ranch hands all ate together with Annie and AJ in the ranch house. The animals added another layer to the story and brought them all together. Bill managed to fit right in when he stuck around, although AJ didn’t know who Bill really was—he called him Doctor Smith thinking Bill worked at the hospital where AJ got his kidney transplant. As Bill and Annie’s attraction grew, neither knew how the other really felt. They definitely needed to learn to communicate. AJ seemed to be an old soul and really brought everyone together. The Christmas traditions were nicely shared, and I could feel the warmth the holidays spread. There was a better than expected happily ever after, and it seems dreams and wishes do come true.
Ms. Cross is a new to me author. I do plan to give some of her other books a try.
https://novelsalive.com/2020/10/16/4-...
A Family for Christmas is the second book in the Burlesons of Texas series. Even though I hadn’t read the first book, I was quickly drawn in since there was enough background information given. This was a quick read but only scratched the surface since there seems to be more story to tell. The book did end abruptly—I didn’t even realize I was at the end until I turned the page in my ebook, and instead of more story, there was The End.
Annie and Bill had a one night stand eight years before. They caught up again a few months back when the son Bill didn’t know he had needed a kidney transplant, and Annie, her brother, and his psychic girlfriend tracked Bill down to see if he was a match to AJ. Bill was, and while AJ got better, Bill didn’t keep his promise to stay in touch. When he drives from Seattle to Texas to start a new life, Annie isn’t very happy to see him. I like how things end up backfiring when she tries to scare him off and where the story went from there.
There are some twists and turns to the story, along with beautiful scenic descriptions. The ranch life was nicely portrayed, and I like how her brother and the ranch hands all ate together with Annie and AJ in the ranch house. The animals added another layer to the story and brought them all together. Bill managed to fit right in when he stuck around, although AJ didn’t know who Bill really was—he called him Doctor Smith thinking Bill worked at the hospital where AJ got his kidney transplant. As Bill and Annie’s attraction grew, neither knew how the other really felt. They definitely needed to learn to communicate. AJ seemed to be an old soul and really brought everyone together. The Christmas traditions were nicely shared, and I could feel the warmth the holidays spread. There was a better than expected happily ever after, and it seems dreams and wishes do come true.
Ms. Cross is a new to me author. I do plan to give some of her other books a try.
July 29, 2022
This is book #2 in The Burlesons of Texas series.
It is the story of Annie Burleson and Bill Smith.
Annie is a mother and lives on her family's ranch in Last Stand, Texas.
Bill had been a stock breeders rep when Annie met him 8 years ago.
For the last eight years, Bill has been unable to set down roots. He never forgot the night he spent with Annie, the auburn-haired beauty. When Annie tracked him down, he was more than happy to donate a kidney to AJ, the son he never knew. AJ is better, and Bill wants more time with him. He wants a family; he also wants Annie.
Annie is more than grateful to Bill for saving AJ's life. She is wary of him, though, because she and AJ have been through so much. She is worried that Bill, who is almost a stranger, might leave again. Christmas is in full swing so she can't figure out what is festive and what is forever.
Annie and Bill's lives combine, and their mutual love for AJ makes their marriage of convenience worthwhile. Both wonder if the love they have for AJ is enough to give them the family Christmas they all crave.
I really enjoyed the second book of this series. I enjoyed seeing how Bill and Annie let their feeling for each other grow and how they both loved their son. Great addition to the series.
It is the story of Annie Burleson and Bill Smith.
Annie is a mother and lives on her family's ranch in Last Stand, Texas.
Bill had been a stock breeders rep when Annie met him 8 years ago.
For the last eight years, Bill has been unable to set down roots. He never forgot the night he spent with Annie, the auburn-haired beauty. When Annie tracked him down, he was more than happy to donate a kidney to AJ, the son he never knew. AJ is better, and Bill wants more time with him. He wants a family; he also wants Annie.
Annie is more than grateful to Bill for saving AJ's life. She is wary of him, though, because she and AJ have been through so much. She is worried that Bill, who is almost a stranger, might leave again. Christmas is in full swing so she can't figure out what is festive and what is forever.
Annie and Bill's lives combine, and their mutual love for AJ makes their marriage of convenience worthwhile. Both wonder if the love they have for AJ is enough to give them the family Christmas they all crave.
I really enjoyed the second book of this series. I enjoyed seeing how Bill and Annie let their feeling for each other grow and how they both loved their son. Great addition to the series.
October 11, 2020
A Family for Christmas by Nola Cross is one of those books that brings back memories of life as a single mom and getting to know my child's father better and later marrying him. There are lots of similar but many different things in this book as well. Annie Burleson had to grow up fast and as a single mom she who takes care of her Ranch with her brothers it has not been easy. Bill was a one night stand that turned into more as AJ. We met AJ and "Dr Bill" in a past book when AJ needed a kidney transplant. Annie's family found Bill and the transplant was successful then Bill disappeared again. Now he is back and it seems to stay. He wants to be a part of AJ's life. To doing so has decided a marriage of convenience is in order. One knows how often things start out as one thing but life helps situations move along to something else. This book was touched my heart in so many ways.
October 13, 2020
We briefly met Bill in the previous book. We found out that he was AJ's biological father and he donated a kidney to save his son. Now it is Annie and Bill's story. It has been eight years since an entire day in bed with a handsome stranger gave Annie her greatest git....AJ. After the life saving surgery Bill promised to keep in touch. Two emails in eight months....not so much. When he shows up on Annie's doorstep claiming he want to be a father, not just a weekend dad but an everyday dad, Annie does not believe him. Will his moving to Last Stand be enough for Annie to give him a second chance. He never forgot her and relived their passion many times over the years. Now he has a chance to find the one thing he has never had, family. I loved this sweet story. It is a great start to this holiday reading season.
September 20, 2020
From marriage of convenience to happily ever after.
Annie Burleson and Bill Smith had a fling eight years ago and their son, AJ was the result of it. Annie kept AJ a secret from Bill until AJ needed a kidney transplant. But after the procedure was over, Annie didn’t hear from Bill until months later when he showed up at Burleson Ranch.
Bill was willing to do anything to spend time with AJ, including marrying Annie, after she sprung the question on him. He just wanted to be the father AJ deserved. Little did Annie and Bill realize the fake marriage would soon lead them to the family they all deserved.
With great characters, setting, and a wonderful story line, I was easily hooked on this story. This book is part of a series and I would recommend reading the first one, The Cowboy Comes Undone, first so you can really get to know the characters better.
Annie Burleson and Bill Smith had a fling eight years ago and their son, AJ was the result of it. Annie kept AJ a secret from Bill until AJ needed a kidney transplant. But after the procedure was over, Annie didn’t hear from Bill until months later when he showed up at Burleson Ranch.
Bill was willing to do anything to spend time with AJ, including marrying Annie, after she sprung the question on him. He just wanted to be the father AJ deserved. Little did Annie and Bill realize the fake marriage would soon lead them to the family they all deserved.
With great characters, setting, and a wonderful story line, I was easily hooked on this story. This book is part of a series and I would recommend reading the first one, The Cowboy Comes Undone, first so you can really get to know the characters better.
October 8, 2020
A Family for Christmas is the second book in the Burleson's of Texas series by Nola Cross. This book pulls you in from the first page and leaves you wanting more on the last page. You root for Bill, and hope that him and Annie can rekindle the romance they once had. An that AJ will get the family he wants for Christmas. It is a wonderful story for the Christmas season and I would definitely recommend this book. I really can not wait for the third book in this series.
Although this is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand alone, I would definitely recommend reading them in order. I received a ARC of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Although this is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand alone, I would definitely recommend reading them in order. I received a ARC of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 8, 2020
This story was super cute and I liked AJ he was super cute. I had not read the first book in this series but Jade and Cash from book one do make an appearance in this book and you can catch up with them. Bill has a huge heart but also stand offish since he has been through so much in his life. Annie also was standoffish but at some points in the book she came off very immature. The story was very predictable over all so no big surprises. There is sex in this book and may not be suitable for all, over all this book is a quick read and a cute story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 9, 2020
This is a true hallmark moment type of read wonderful and romantic and sweet perfect escapism that I thoroughly enjoyed
Bill Smith is aman without roots he just drifts through life but the one thing he does remember is the perfect night he spent with a woman in Last Stand Texes. Imagine his surprise when Annie Burleson that woman tracks him down seven years later to tell him he has a son AJ a son who needs a kidney transplant he never hesitates and helps straight away and now he is part of their life Yes they have a marriage of convenience but emotions are developing between them but is it true feelings or just the season getting to them You will have to read to see if they do get a HEA
Bill Smith is aman without roots he just drifts through life but the one thing he does remember is the perfect night he spent with a woman in Last Stand Texes. Imagine his surprise when Annie Burleson that woman tracks him down seven years later to tell him he has a son AJ a son who needs a kidney transplant he never hesitates and helps straight away and now he is part of their life Yes they have a marriage of convenience but emotions are developing between them but is it true feelings or just the season getting to them You will have to read to see if they do get a HEA
October 6, 2020
What a great second chance romance read. I loved Bill and Annie. I genuinely loved their story. This book took you on their journey from beginning to end. Although it had its up and downs it was a really sweet, refreshing story line that made me incredibly sad when it ended. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2020
Such an endearing story of how a one night stand developed into love and into building a real family.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2020
This is book two of The Burlesons of Texas and I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review.
I didn’t sob but this book touched me and I was misty eyed a few times.
Great characters I met in book one, and it was so good and this book will be better if you read book one first.
The storyline tugged at my heartstrings and just pulled me through the pages, caring for Bill and Annie and little AJ as if they were real, and I guess that is how good this author is, she made them real and real likable.
I didn’t sob but this book touched me and I was misty eyed a few times.
Great characters I met in book one, and it was so good and this book will be better if you read book one first.
The storyline tugged at my heartstrings and just pulled me through the pages, caring for Bill and Annie and little AJ as if they were real, and I guess that is how good this author is, she made them real and real likable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2020
The second book in this series.
Bill has moved to town after finding out about the son he never knew about. Will he be able to get Annie to give him a second chance and make a life for himself with his family? Love the character of AJ!
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
Bill has moved to town after finding out about the son he never knew about. Will he be able to get Annie to give him a second chance and make a life for himself with his family? Love the character of AJ!
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
October 8, 2020
I love coming back to Last Stand ,Texas and reading more of the Burleson's ,this time Annie & her son AJ.I enjoyed reading this fake marriage troupe between Annie & Bill Smith .I love this book cover with the Christmas tree in the background.
September 1, 2020
I voluntarily read a advanced reader’s copy of this book for a honest opinion.
A Family for Christmas by Nola Cross. A great getting into the holiday mood storyline.
Book two in The Burlesons of Texas series.
I recommend reading this series in order so you understand some of the background.
A Family for Christmas by Nola Cross. A great getting into the holiday mood storyline.
Book two in The Burlesons of Texas series.
I recommend reading this series in order so you understand some of the background.
October 19, 2020
I have been waiting for Annie and Bill’s story since being introduced to them and their son in the first book. It did not disappoint, it wasn’t any sort of forced romance or one where they had to overcome a ton of bad feelings, they just had to find the spark they had had on their brief fling. I absolutely adored how the characters grew personally not just as a couple and how Bill turned out to be such a great character when I wasn’t sure what to expect of him after the first book. I cannot wait to read more from the Burleson Family.
November 26, 2020
Very touching story about life on a ranch and the people who play a part in that life. Bill comes back into Annie’s life, and she is not happy about it. They have a history and it’s an unpleasant one. Annie is now a responsible mom to a super smart 7 year old. She likes life like it is and can’t possibly think of letting Bill insert himself into it. So as with any time you put humans together conflict will arise. And boy does it come in spades.
This story will pull at your heartstrings. And it’s so much more than a Christmas story. It is a story about family.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This story will pull at your heartstrings. And it’s so much more than a Christmas story. It is a story about family.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 12, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
A Family for Christmas continues The Burlesons of Texas series with a second chance romance combined with a bit of a miracle and the Christmas season. A winning combination at any time of the year but especially as we head into the Holiday season in 2020… which has been quite the year.
One of the reasons I’ll always suggest (if you can) reading a series in order is because while it might not be a pivotal moment (or it could be) there is always something that adds a bit to the overall feeling in the following books… in my opinion. We briefly met this couple and AJ, just enough to whet my curiosity as to what their story would be, and A Family for Christmas went far beyond my expectations.
I consider organ transplants to be a bit of a miracle, even today years after they first became life-saving options for so many people. What was an exciting fling years ago now holds more immediate importance as AJ needs a kidney transplant. Although Annie never considered contacting Bill while pregnant… now, with their son’s life on the line was the time to tell Bill about the son he never knew existed. His agreement to the operation shouldn’t have surprised her, but what did was Bill showing up at the ranch wanting, needing to know AJ. She could not stand in the way any longer. What she didn’t expect was to still have those strong feelings for Bill even though she’d try to talk herself out of them.
A marriage of convenience seemed so old-fashioned but it could work for them at several levels. Bill has found in Annie and AJ exactly what he’s been searching for and would have been there for them if he’d known. But now he has the chance to slowly let his lovely lady realize that she’s just as much in love with him as he is with her, and their son. I loved how Bill was portrayed. A rough childhood, but still able to open his heart, not play the Alpha male but give Annie the freedom to get to know the real man, and to acknowledge her own feelings for him. They worked so well together, and it was an emotional journey as I watched them come together as a couple, as a family, each in their own right well deserving of that happy ending. I had a blast in A Family for Christmas, and if you love a really good second chance to get it right romance, especially with a Christmas setting, then I’m betting you’d love this one, too.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
A Family for Christmas continues The Burlesons of Texas series with a second chance romance combined with a bit of a miracle and the Christmas season. A winning combination at any time of the year but especially as we head into the Holiday season in 2020… which has been quite the year.
One of the reasons I’ll always suggest (if you can) reading a series in order is because while it might not be a pivotal moment (or it could be) there is always something that adds a bit to the overall feeling in the following books… in my opinion. We briefly met this couple and AJ, just enough to whet my curiosity as to what their story would be, and A Family for Christmas went far beyond my expectations.
I consider organ transplants to be a bit of a miracle, even today years after they first became life-saving options for so many people. What was an exciting fling years ago now holds more immediate importance as AJ needs a kidney transplant. Although Annie never considered contacting Bill while pregnant… now, with their son’s life on the line was the time to tell Bill about the son he never knew existed. His agreement to the operation shouldn’t have surprised her, but what did was Bill showing up at the ranch wanting, needing to know AJ. She could not stand in the way any longer. What she didn’t expect was to still have those strong feelings for Bill even though she’d try to talk herself out of them.
A marriage of convenience seemed so old-fashioned but it could work for them at several levels. Bill has found in Annie and AJ exactly what he’s been searching for and would have been there for them if he’d known. But now he has the chance to slowly let his lovely lady realize that she’s just as much in love with him as he is with her, and their son. I loved how Bill was portrayed. A rough childhood, but still able to open his heart, not play the Alpha male but give Annie the freedom to get to know the real man, and to acknowledge her own feelings for him. They worked so well together, and it was an emotional journey as I watched them come together as a couple, as a family, each in their own right well deserving of that happy ending. I had a blast in A Family for Christmas, and if you love a really good second chance to get it right romance, especially with a Christmas setting, then I’m betting you’d love this one, too.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
October 19, 2022
Though it was a sweet shallow read, its interesting to read about a "learn as you go" method conbined with unforgettable physical attraction being the foundation for a lifetime of matrimomy. I liked parts of it: the hopefullness, the realism, and the flirty remarks. It was simply a nice holiday themed read. Thanks @bookbub for the recommendation.
October 20, 2022
Emotionally satisfying
While basically a simple story, this has particularly well-drawn characters. Even the child was a believable seven-year-old, not fluctuating from seeming to be preschool to behaving like a teenager as in another book I recently read. Nola Cross is a new author for me. I will look for her books in the future.
While basically a simple story, this has particularly well-drawn characters. Even the child was a believable seven-year-old, not fluctuating from seeming to be preschool to behaving like a teenager as in another book I recently read. Nola Cross is a new author for me. I will look for her books in the future.
October 27, 2022
BILL & ANNIE MET 8YRS AGO, HAD A ONE DAY AFFAIR RESULTING IN THE BIRTH OF THEIR CHILD. NINE YEARS LATER THEY COME TOGETHER AGAIN AND BILL LEARNS HE HAS A SON. THEIR JOURNEY TO LOVE IS WONDERFUL TO WATCH BECAUSE IT WAS GRADUAL MAKING IT MORE BELIEVABLE. BOTH ARE HOPING THIER NEW LITTLE FAMILY WILL BE FOREVER. SWEET ROMANCE NOT SEXUALLY EXPLICIT, WOULD MAKE A GOOD HALLMARK MOVIE. ;D
October 19, 2022
graphic
Story was good but the author kept injecting more and innuendo and graphic description of adult situations. Other reviews did not mention the R rated writing.
Story was good but the author kept injecting more and innuendo and graphic description of adult situations. Other reviews did not mention the R rated writing.
October 23, 2022
Good story and excellent language. Sex could have been less explicit as it was not needed.
October 23, 2022
A great story
This novel told a great story. I liked the characters and the plot. I had to keep reading it. I’m going to read more in the series.
This novel told a great story. I liked the characters and the plot. I had to keep reading it. I’m going to read more in the series.
October 28, 2022
Sweet.
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