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Cowboy Crossing Romances #6
Show Me a Family for Christmas
A previous cover edition for this ASIN can be found here
A brokenhearted widower with a sad daughter. A secret bodyguard working as a nanny. Can they become an unlikely family this Christmas?
Since his wife died, all Conner Strauss wants is a big family, other children who might put a smile back on his little girl's face. His wish might come true when his mother finally tells him who his biological father was. To get close to his new siblings and their children without giving himself away, he starts courting the family nanny.
Once jilted, Gwendolyn Meyers concentrated on her career as a bodyguard, eager to prove she's just as good as her late father was. Now, as a simple favor to a friend, she's working undercover as a nanny to protect the Clark family's children after strange things started happening on their ranch. But when a stranger in town sparks her interest and his lonely daughter rouses her compassion, she might be given the chance at happiness where she least expected it. When she starts seeing shadows of her past, she's determined to find the truth behind her father's death. However, someone close to her is even more determined to keep secrets hidden forever…
Can love and a big noisy family heal two broken hearts this Christmas?
A brokenhearted widower with a sad daughter. A secret bodyguard working as a nanny. Can they become an unlikely family this Christmas?
Since his wife died, all Conner Strauss wants is a big family, other children who might put a smile back on his little girl's face. His wish might come true when his mother finally tells him who his biological father was. To get close to his new siblings and their children without giving himself away, he starts courting the family nanny.
Once jilted, Gwendolyn Meyers concentrated on her career as a bodyguard, eager to prove she's just as good as her late father was. Now, as a simple favor to a friend, she's working undercover as a nanny to protect the Clark family's children after strange things started happening on their ranch. But when a stranger in town sparks her interest and his lonely daughter rouses her compassion, she might be given the chance at happiness where she least expected it. When she starts seeing shadows of her past, she's determined to find the truth behind her father's death. However, someone close to her is even more determined to keep secrets hidden forever…
Can love and a big noisy family heal two broken hearts this Christmas?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
571 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Verde
121 books311 followersAlexa Verde writes feel-good small-town romances with a smile. She'd love it if you subscribed to her newsletter https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gitieu15ex. Every subscriber gets a free Christian romance after confirming the subscription as a thank-you gift.
She penned her first literary "masterpiece" (a rhymed poem) at the ripe age of eight, and since has had over forty books and 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. Over 60 million pages of her books have been read worldwide. She has bachelor's degrees in English and Spanish, a master's in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters from diverse cultures. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, assistant, model (even one day counts!), and caretaker, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best. She hopes and prays that her stories will bring joy to her readers. Heartfelt thanks for your interest in her books!
She penned her first literary "masterpiece" (a rhymed poem) at the ripe age of eight, and since has had over forty books and 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. Over 60 million pages of her books have been read worldwide. She has bachelor's degrees in English and Spanish, a master's in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters from diverse cultures. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, assistant, model (even one day counts!), and caretaker, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best. She hopes and prays that her stories will bring joy to her readers. Heartfelt thanks for your interest in her books!
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March 21, 2021
Show Me A Family for Christmas ( Cowboy Crossing Romances #6 )
By: Alexa Verde
Show Me A Family for Christmas is book six in the series Cowboy Crossing Romances. Verde has did it again. She weaves another Cowboy Crossing filled with mystery, suspense, faith , family and love. Loved the story and the characters, both are well written and well developed. This is Gwendolyn and Conners story. Both have had a painful childhood. There is a cold case of twenty-five years that needs some answers. Is it to late for answers? I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
By: Alexa Verde
Show Me A Family for Christmas is book six in the series Cowboy Crossing Romances. Verde has did it again. She weaves another Cowboy Crossing filled with mystery, suspense, faith , family and love. Loved the story and the characters, both are well written and well developed. This is Gwendolyn and Conners story. Both have had a painful childhood. There is a cold case of twenty-five years that needs some answers. Is it to late for answers? I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 18, 2021
Delightful Romance Chocked FULL of Mystery & Suspense
I LOVE the Cowboy Crossing Romances! In Show Me a Family for Christmas, Connor and Gwendolyn get more mystery, mayhem, and romance than either ever anticipated. Of course, mayhem kind of follows the Clark family! (They are the kind of family that you are blessed if you happen to belong - by blood, or because they have a habit of absorbing people into their family.) And the kids! They are all so hilarious. They will keep you entertained while they steal your heart.
It was a joy to watch Connor and Gwendolyn fall in love and grow in faith while solving mysteries. I can’t wait for the next book!
I LOVE the Cowboy Crossing Romances! In Show Me a Family for Christmas, Connor and Gwendolyn get more mystery, mayhem, and romance than either ever anticipated. Of course, mayhem kind of follows the Clark family! (They are the kind of family that you are blessed if you happen to belong - by blood, or because they have a habit of absorbing people into their family.) And the kids! They are all so hilarious. They will keep you entertained while they steal your heart.
It was a joy to watch Connor and Gwendolyn fall in love and grow in faith while solving mysteries. I can’t wait for the next book!
March 9, 2021
Another great book in this series. Gwendolyn and Conner’s story is about second chances, trust, faith, and family.
April 9, 2021
Wow! Such a stunning read! Alexa combines romance, mystery, intrigue, murder, family, heartache, sweet children and pets, and Faith - to deliver a thoroughly entertaining and inspirational love story! A double thumbs-up!
March 6, 2021
Great characters, both the newly introduced and the ones we've come to know in previous stories in this series.
The kids are all well written, too!
This one has another mystery to unravel and it was awesome to see I unfold along side the reluctant romance!
The kids are all well written, too!
This one has another mystery to unravel and it was awesome to see I unfold along side the reluctant romance!
March 19, 2021
Gwendolyn and Connors story is sweet and poignant with a healthy dollop of mystery and suspense. Both had painful childhoods that have left scars on their hearts, and suffered the tragic and far too early loss of loved ones. In Gwendolyn’s case, her father was murdered when she was a teenager and she has strived to make him proud of her by taking on his chosen profession in personal security (bodyguard). Currently, she is the nanny/bodyguard for the Clark children after a series of unsettling and rather threatening incidents have occurred around the family. In Connor’s case, he has suffered numerous losses, but the most recent and most painful was the loss of his beloved wife in a car accident. He is in Cowboy Crossing with his shy young daughter to meet the family of his birth father, the father who abandoned him and his mother and refused to help them when they were in dire circumstances. A recent health scare in his family has spurred him to meet his half-siblings in order to find out more about the family health history.
When he meets Gwendolyn and her young charges, Connor thinks it is a godsend. He can try to get more information about the Clark family before he introduces himself to them and his daughter can meet her cousins. He doesn’t expect to be attracted to her or to feel a new stirring in his heart after several years of grieving his late wife. The children all become fast friends and matchmakers, and Gwendolyn and Connor are both drawn to each other, feeling something they never expected to feel for anyone else. Seeing each other often becomes a necessity, but both are also dealing with the shadows of the past and lingering guilt. The revelation of Connor’s relationship to the Clark’s shakes Gwendolyn’s trust, but that is only one of the things that is weighing on her mind. Twenty five years after her father’s murder, someone is sending threatening messages and reminders to Gwendolyn, and she strives to keep everyone around her safe. Who is behind the threats? Will Connor and Gwendolyn choose love and try to make a future together? Read this captivating and wonderfully complicated story to discover how it all unfolds.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
When he meets Gwendolyn and her young charges, Connor thinks it is a godsend. He can try to get more information about the Clark family before he introduces himself to them and his daughter can meet her cousins. He doesn’t expect to be attracted to her or to feel a new stirring in his heart after several years of grieving his late wife. The children all become fast friends and matchmakers, and Gwendolyn and Connor are both drawn to each other, feeling something they never expected to feel for anyone else. Seeing each other often becomes a necessity, but both are also dealing with the shadows of the past and lingering guilt. The revelation of Connor’s relationship to the Clark’s shakes Gwendolyn’s trust, but that is only one of the things that is weighing on her mind. Twenty five years after her father’s murder, someone is sending threatening messages and reminders to Gwendolyn, and she strives to keep everyone around her safe. Who is behind the threats? Will Connor and Gwendolyn choose love and try to make a future together? Read this captivating and wonderfully complicated story to discover how it all unfolds.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 2, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. I found myself rooting for Connor and Gwendoline, hoping that despite the difficulties in their past they would be able to trust each other and accept love (back) into their lives.
That last twist was unexpected, even though I suspected who the murderer might be.
Loveable characters, interesting storyline. Enjoy reading this book
That last twist was unexpected, even though I suspected who the murderer might be.
Loveable characters, interesting storyline. Enjoy reading this book
March 18, 2021
Can two broken hearts become whole?
Conner Strauss will never meet his biological father and that is fine by him. The wealthy man never wanted him anyway and that neglect still stings. Since Conner’s wife died the only relative he has left is his dysfunctional mother and that leaves no one to take care of his young daughter if anything should happen to him. If his half-siblings are better people than their father was they might be the family he is looking for to support him and Daisy. A big family with lots of children might finally bring his daughter out of her emotional shell, but he needs to get closer to check them out before he will be willing to reveal his identity. The family nanny can provide the opportunity to do that but it is hard to take advantage of such a nice woman.
Gwendolyn Meyers learned her bodyguard skills from her father but they were not enough to prevent his murder. Now, twenty-five years later, she is in Cowboy Crossing masquerading as a nanny for the Clark family to provide protection in case of another threat. She never thought she would enjoy children so much and the extended Clark family makes her yearn for the family she can never have with her chosen profession. The father and daughter she met on an outing with the children seemed safe and the little girl’s sad eyes pulled at her heart.
I really enjoy the Show Me series by Alexa Verde. This is another nice, clean cowboy romance with some good messages of faith and hope. Better yet, it is a happily-ever-after; my favorite kind of story. I received an advance review copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Conner Strauss will never meet his biological father and that is fine by him. The wealthy man never wanted him anyway and that neglect still stings. Since Conner’s wife died the only relative he has left is his dysfunctional mother and that leaves no one to take care of his young daughter if anything should happen to him. If his half-siblings are better people than their father was they might be the family he is looking for to support him and Daisy. A big family with lots of children might finally bring his daughter out of her emotional shell, but he needs to get closer to check them out before he will be willing to reveal his identity. The family nanny can provide the opportunity to do that but it is hard to take advantage of such a nice woman.
Gwendolyn Meyers learned her bodyguard skills from her father but they were not enough to prevent his murder. Now, twenty-five years later, she is in Cowboy Crossing masquerading as a nanny for the Clark family to provide protection in case of another threat. She never thought she would enjoy children so much and the extended Clark family makes her yearn for the family she can never have with her chosen profession. The father and daughter she met on an outing with the children seemed safe and the little girl’s sad eyes pulled at her heart.
I really enjoy the Show Me series by Alexa Verde. This is another nice, clean cowboy romance with some good messages of faith and hope. Better yet, it is a happily-ever-after; my favorite kind of story. I received an advance review copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
March 28, 2021
What a delightful story with all the love and caring of the strongly bonded Clark family who have God's love central in their lives. This story of Conner, Daisy and Gwendolyn is one that just grabs your heart from the first pages and carries you through all the tumultuous things occurring from one chapter to the next. Both Conner and Gwendolyn are carrying around enough guilt for an entire community, but with the love and caring from each other and their acceptance by the Clark family, their lives eventually take a turn for the better. Precious Daisy comes out of her shell thanks to her friendship with the total precocious Danica and her two trusted bestie males, her cousin and boyfriend! A story that will leave you with happiness as this family finds their HEA!
March 24, 2021
My review today is on the romance, Show Me a Family for Christmas. This is book six is the Cowboy Crossing Romance series. I really enjoy Alexa's books. This is a sweet clean book and I know you are going to love it.
Gwendolyn Meyers is a bodyguard and has been hired to care for the Clark children. She poses as a nanny. She is out to prove she's as good a bodyguard as her father was. Her time with the Clarks is about over when she meets a new man and his daughter. She has been jilted before, her heart can't take another blow.
Conner Strauss is a widower with a young child. He is told who his true father is and sets out to meet his family. Will they accept him? Will he have his heart's desire, a large family for his little girl? Then he meets a their beautiful nanny.
A lovely story of love and loss and how God can turn things around. God has a plan for you a plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life
Gwendolyn Meyers is a bodyguard and has been hired to care for the Clark children. She poses as a nanny. She is out to prove she's as good a bodyguard as her father was. Her time with the Clarks is about over when she meets a new man and his daughter. She has been jilted before, her heart can't take another blow.
Conner Strauss is a widower with a young child. He is told who his true father is and sets out to meet his family. Will they accept him? Will he have his heart's desire, a large family for his little girl? Then he meets a their beautiful nanny.
A lovely story of love and loss and how God can turn things around. God has a plan for you a plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life
March 25, 2021
This is the story of Conner, the half-brother to the Clarks in Cowboy Crossing, and Gwendolyn, the bodyguard/nanny to Vera and Maverick Clark. Conner has a big secret and Gwendolyn has trust issues. Will they find love in Cowboy Crossing?
I have enjoyed the Cowboy Crossing series created by Jessie Gussman and continued through Alexa Verde. Each book is a stand-alone novel and brings us a complete story. This one has an adorable little girl named Daisy who quickly stole my heart. I loved the primary characters as well as the appearances of other secondary ones whose stories have been previously shared. Show Me a Family is a clean, Christian romance with a side of mystery and suspense. It is written well and engaged my interest all the way through the end. The epilogue is used to introduce the reader to the next book in the series. I can't wait to read Tara's story!
I have enjoyed the Cowboy Crossing series created by Jessie Gussman and continued through Alexa Verde. Each book is a stand-alone novel and brings us a complete story. This one has an adorable little girl named Daisy who quickly stole my heart. I loved the primary characters as well as the appearances of other secondary ones whose stories have been previously shared. Show Me a Family is a clean, Christian romance with a side of mystery and suspense. It is written well and engaged my interest all the way through the end. The epilogue is used to introduce the reader to the next book in the series. I can't wait to read Tara's story!
March 20, 2021
Another great book by an amazing author Alexa Verde who never disappoints. I had a hard time putting this book down once I started reading it. I have fallen in love with this family and everyone connected to them as well as this delightful small town. This story is full of twists and turns, loss, grief, fun, adventure, suspense, love lost and love gained and so much more. Come along with a bodyguard turned nanny who finds her true calling in life and an art gallery manager who would rather be outside working on a ranch. She is trying to live up to her father in his chosen profession and trying to find his killer after so many years and he is trying to keep his deceased wife's memory alive for their daughter in a place that isn't right for either of them. Will he find a place in this new family he has discovered that is not what he expected? Can she move past her past pain and disappointments accepting what she truly has to offer and not run away from life again? Read this amazing new book in this outstanding series and find out. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
I received an ARC copy of this book and his is my honest opinion.
I received an ARC copy of this book and his is my honest opinion.
March 21, 2021
Just when I think there couldn't be any more siblings in the Clark family, another one comes along, one that they have no idea exists. I have loved this series and, especially, the precious little kids that are part of the stories.
Gwendolyn is serving as a nanny for the family when Conner arrives, wondering whether he should share his relationship with the Clarks. A sweet romance ensues with a few nudges from the younger section. But both will have to make sacrifices if they're going to make it last. Is it worth it?
Read it and see what you think!
Thanks for another clean, Christian book, Alexa!
Gwendolyn is serving as a nanny for the family when Conner arrives, wondering whether he should share his relationship with the Clarks. A sweet romance ensues with a few nudges from the younger section. But both will have to make sacrifices if they're going to make it last. Is it worth it?
Read it and see what you think!
Thanks for another clean, Christian book, Alexa!
March 23, 2021
When Connor decided to go to Cowboy Crossing his life will change. Gwendolyn is a amazing woman. She is remarkable with the children in this story. Can Connor and Gwendolyn have more than a friendship. Alexa will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. This book is filled with inspirational stories. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review.
March 22, 2021
Sweet story with lovable characters and their struggles through faith, perseverance, and acceptance.
“Apparently, guilt and grief were best buddies who’d often hang out together…”
“Then she whispered, “As for the legacy... The best legacy we can give to the people who came before us and would come after us is the legacy of love and happiness.”
“Apparently, guilt and grief were best buddies who’d often hang out together…”
“Then she whispered, “As for the legacy... The best legacy we can give to the people who came before us and would come after us is the legacy of love and happiness.”
March 23, 2021
Wow, this kept me riveted from the beginning. I really didn’t expect what happened in the end. Gwendolyn and Conner are well developed characters with a lot of depth. Daisy and Danica are delightfully adorable. Just love returning to Cowboy Crossing.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
March 19, 2021
The Cowboy Crossing Romances are an inspiring series - part romance, part mystery. Show Me a Family is a page turning romance with descriptive details, imperfect characters, relatable themes, and a satisfying resolution. As a Midwesterner, I enjoyed how Alexa Verde included the Missouri State Motto - The Show ME State. Nice attention to detail. Delightful name of the town - Cowboy Crossing. Alexa Verde is a master, who incorporates and describes contemporary issues, second chance for a family, German Christmas traditions and more.
March 19, 2021
I hate when reviews don't get saved and I have to redo them! I feel like I can never get the same feelings across when I have to rewrite the words. I really enjoyed this installment. There is some overlap with the previous book. I don't think it detracted at all from the story. I loved these characters, their personal hurdles, and the adventures they went on together. I loved the suspense aspect. I can't wait for more!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 20, 2021
Trust and abandonment issues
This book not only contains romance but also suspense. Gwendolyn is a bodyguard nanny for the Clark family. Her father was murdered 25 years earlier and was considered a cold case. Someone is wanting her to discover who murdered him. Connor is a half brother to the Clark siblings. He was told he and his mother were abandoned by his father. Read to find out if they can overcome their past. Can they find a future together?
This book not only contains romance but also suspense. Gwendolyn is a bodyguard nanny for the Clark family. Her father was murdered 25 years earlier and was considered a cold case. Someone is wanting her to discover who murdered him. Connor is a half brother to the Clark siblings. He was told he and his mother were abandoned by his father. Read to find out if they can overcome their past. Can they find a future together?
March 21, 2021
Touches your Heart
I absolutely positively love this book, series and author‼️Alexa Verde does it again. More ~ More! I rate it 5⭐️’s
I absolutely positively love this book, series and author‼️Alexa Verde does it again. More ~ More! I rate it 5⭐️’s
March 18, 2021
Great Series
I'm really enjoying the characters of Cowboy Crossin. I loved Gwendolyn and Connor's story and anxiously await the next book. Gwendolyn and Connor need each other and it takes them a little while to figure it out. A captivating read.
I'm really enjoying the characters of Cowboy Crossin. I loved Gwendolyn and Connor's story and anxiously await the next book. Gwendolyn and Connor need each other and it takes them a little while to figure it out. A captivating read.
March 19, 2021
Alexa Verde has written a story that contains mystery, intrigue and lots of emotion. Love this series, feels good to visit with the Clark family again. Great characters and great storyline make for a great read! I couldn’t put it down until the very end.
June 4, 2021
Too many gaps
Not Christmas books just occurred during Christmas season. Some observations about Christianity.
Major jumping forward without the reader being given pertain info.
Not Christmas books just occurred during Christmas season. Some observations about Christianity.
Major jumping forward without the reader being given pertain info.
December 22, 2023
📚THE STORY📚
After a rough childhood made worse by an estrangement from his wealthy father, single dad Conner decides to seek out the half-siblings and cousins that could have helped him out - if they’d known about him.
As he works out how to get closer to the family, he meets Gwendolyn, a bodyguard and nanny for the Clark family. She’s great with the children, including Conner’s shy daughter Daisy, but there’s a guardedness to her.
Because Gwendolyn has her own secrets as well. Both characters come from complicated and troubled pasts, and they’re both hiding dark truths. As their relationship deepens during the Christmas season, will the skeletons in their closets keep them trapped in loneliness, or will they help each other find peace and hope for a new kind of future?
💕THE ROMANCE💕
Connor and Gwendolyn are into each other from the start, but there are both internal and external forces keeping them apart. Secret identities, grief, family drama, and professional obligations mean that they have a hard time just falling into a sweet romance. Plus, both characters have wounded hearts and misguided beliefs that they’re better off alone.
That means that the romance is intertwined with the rest of the plot. Other situations have to be resolved and certain mysteries can be solved before the two can be together. They partner on making this happen, and their shared efforts to right the wrongs of their family’s pasts are what draws them together.
🎄CHRISTMAS🎄
The story takes place during Christmas time, with snow-woman building and horse drawn sleigh rides. The trappings of the holiday provide a way for Conner and Daisy to be included in the family celebrations of the Clark family. However, most of the focus is on other elements of the plot, with the Christmas theming sprinkled in as part of the setting.
✝️FAITH ELEMENTS✝️
Conner has lost his faith after dealing with a lot of pain and loss in his life. He believes he can only rely on himself and that no loving power could possibly be looking out for him. Gwendolyn, though she has also suffered significant heartache, has maintained a Christian faith. She prays and reflects often on the way certain family members influenced her beliefs. Through their relationship, Conner grows closer to God and finds healing.
📝MY THOUGHTS📝
This book has a lot going on! There are secrets and mysteries in the backstories of both the hero and the heroine, and there’s plenty of plot that unfolds around the romance. It’s also intertwined with the other books and characters in the “Show Me” series, which was fun to revisit.
I liked the way both characters have to figure out how to be honest with themselves and each other, and how the revelation of various truths is how the romance ultimately blossoms. Some things are discovered via self reflection, while others are uncovered as part of an effort to solve various mysteries.
After a rough childhood made worse by an estrangement from his wealthy father, single dad Conner decides to seek out the half-siblings and cousins that could have helped him out - if they’d known about him.
As he works out how to get closer to the family, he meets Gwendolyn, a bodyguard and nanny for the Clark family. She’s great with the children, including Conner’s shy daughter Daisy, but there’s a guardedness to her.
Because Gwendolyn has her own secrets as well. Both characters come from complicated and troubled pasts, and they’re both hiding dark truths. As their relationship deepens during the Christmas season, will the skeletons in their closets keep them trapped in loneliness, or will they help each other find peace and hope for a new kind of future?
💕THE ROMANCE💕
Connor and Gwendolyn are into each other from the start, but there are both internal and external forces keeping them apart. Secret identities, grief, family drama, and professional obligations mean that they have a hard time just falling into a sweet romance. Plus, both characters have wounded hearts and misguided beliefs that they’re better off alone.
That means that the romance is intertwined with the rest of the plot. Other situations have to be resolved and certain mysteries can be solved before the two can be together. They partner on making this happen, and their shared efforts to right the wrongs of their family’s pasts are what draws them together.
🎄CHRISTMAS🎄
The story takes place during Christmas time, with snow-woman building and horse drawn sleigh rides. The trappings of the holiday provide a way for Conner and Daisy to be included in the family celebrations of the Clark family. However, most of the focus is on other elements of the plot, with the Christmas theming sprinkled in as part of the setting.
✝️FAITH ELEMENTS✝️
Conner has lost his faith after dealing with a lot of pain and loss in his life. He believes he can only rely on himself and that no loving power could possibly be looking out for him. Gwendolyn, though she has also suffered significant heartache, has maintained a Christian faith. She prays and reflects often on the way certain family members influenced her beliefs. Through their relationship, Conner grows closer to God and finds healing.
📝MY THOUGHTS📝
This book has a lot going on! There are secrets and mysteries in the backstories of both the hero and the heroine, and there’s plenty of plot that unfolds around the romance. It’s also intertwined with the other books and characters in the “Show Me” series, which was fun to revisit.
I liked the way both characters have to figure out how to be honest with themselves and each other, and how the revelation of various truths is how the romance ultimately blossoms. Some things are discovered via self reflection, while others are uncovered as part of an effort to solve various mysteries.
December 21, 2025
Show me a Family for Christmas by Alexa Verde is a 2024 publication.
This is a short, fast-paced story about Conner, a widower, and his young shy, fragile daughter looking to infiltrate his own estranged family hoping for answers. Instead, he meets Gwendolyn, an undercover bodyguard posing as a nanny. Thinking she could be a segue into the family, he makes an intentional effort to get to know her, getting in way over his head when both he and his daughter fall in love with Gwendolyn.
Here are a couple of quick FYI’s- the story is #6 in the series, but you can definitely read it as a standalone. The categorization for the book does not list the suspense/mystery elements, and they are such a big part of the story.
That said, the story is both sweet and suspenseful. Gwendolyn is trying to follow in her father’s footsteps, but something about his death keeps niggling at her.
Deciding to launch her own investigation, Conner gets wrapped up in helping her find out what really happened to her father.
My experience with romantic suspense goes way back, and I’ve read every type of book in that category imaginable, but this one blended a sweeter side with an evil side that somehow worked. The holiday elements are not prominent, but the story still has a warm holiday feeling in the end.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It is clean with gentle Christian elements but also has a suspenseful edge with a nice surprise twist you won’t see coming. It’s balanced well between romance and mystery, which is often hard to pull off, but the author did it impressively.
4 stars
This is a short, fast-paced story about Conner, a widower, and his young shy, fragile daughter looking to infiltrate his own estranged family hoping for answers. Instead, he meets Gwendolyn, an undercover bodyguard posing as a nanny. Thinking she could be a segue into the family, he makes an intentional effort to get to know her, getting in way over his head when both he and his daughter fall in love with Gwendolyn.
Here are a couple of quick FYI’s- the story is #6 in the series, but you can definitely read it as a standalone. The categorization for the book does not list the suspense/mystery elements, and they are such a big part of the story.
That said, the story is both sweet and suspenseful. Gwendolyn is trying to follow in her father’s footsteps, but something about his death keeps niggling at her.
Deciding to launch her own investigation, Conner gets wrapped up in helping her find out what really happened to her father.
My experience with romantic suspense goes way back, and I’ve read every type of book in that category imaginable, but this one blended a sweeter side with an evil side that somehow worked. The holiday elements are not prominent, but the story still has a warm holiday feeling in the end.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It is clean with gentle Christian elements but also has a suspenseful edge with a nice surprise twist you won’t see coming. It’s balanced well between romance and mystery, which is often hard to pull off, but the author did it impressively.
4 stars
December 3, 2025
I like the idea behind the book, but it didn't fully work for me at times. I have not read the previous books in the series, and maybe that played a part in how I felt about this book. My biggest issue is that there were several places where huge events happened, and instead of us actually experiencing the huge event with the characters, we were just told about it. I just felt like there were huge gaps in the narrative. I'm assuming at least some of these events were covered in the previous book in the series, and the author didn't want to be repetitive. Because of that, she skimmed over the events rather than going into detail. As someone who hasn't read the previous books, though, I was just confused, and I wanted more.
Even after finishing the book, I'm not exactly sure how some of the characters fit into the family. He has some half-siblings, but I'm not even sure how many. Also, is the dad dead? As far as I know, we never meet him in the story, but it's also never said that he's died (unless I missed that somewhere). I also felt like the mystery parts of the story were a little too predictable.
This is a clean novel. There's no swearing, sexual content, or graphic violence. There's some mild kissing, and there's some milder violence, mostly behind-the-scenes. It's a 3.5-star book for me. I nearly rounded up, but ultimately, I feel the author skimmed over too many important elements in the story.
Even after finishing the book, I'm not exactly sure how some of the characters fit into the family. He has some half-siblings, but I'm not even sure how many. Also, is the dad dead? As far as I know, we never meet him in the story, but it's also never said that he's died (unless I missed that somewhere). I also felt like the mystery parts of the story were a little too predictable.
This is a clean novel. There's no swearing, sexual content, or graphic violence. There's some mild kissing, and there's some milder violence, mostly behind-the-scenes. It's a 3.5-star book for me. I nearly rounded up, but ultimately, I feel the author skimmed over too many important elements in the story.
March 13, 2021
It’s been so fun to read these “Show Me” stories. I loved how this one actually had the stepbrother, no one knew about. Well, I think Jenna, in the last Show Me story, had an idea, but that’s a different story.
These stories have all had interesting plots and twists to them. I love how BIG of a family The Clarks are, and how they are willing to welcome others into their community.
In this story, we find a bit of suspense and mystery, along with love and romance. I truly enjoyed reading a story where the main female character is on the larger size. Many women know the struggles of self-esteem and comparison that happens when they are not the “Twiggy” like so many models bombarding media today.
Alexa Verde brings characters who are real and situations that we can all relate to. Plus, she gives us wonderful words of God’s amazing love.
I highly recommend picking this book up. It will be an added blessing to your collection.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
These stories have all had interesting plots and twists to them. I love how BIG of a family The Clarks are, and how they are willing to welcome others into their community.
In this story, we find a bit of suspense and mystery, along with love and romance. I truly enjoyed reading a story where the main female character is on the larger size. Many women know the struggles of self-esteem and comparison that happens when they are not the “Twiggy” like so many models bombarding media today.
Alexa Verde brings characters who are real and situations that we can all relate to. Plus, she gives us wonderful words of God’s amazing love.
I highly recommend picking this book up. It will be an added blessing to your collection.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 5, 2025
I wouldn’t call this a Christmas read, ut didn’t give me any Christmas feels.
The kids seemed cheeky and cute but the storyline didn’t make sense whatsoever. Connor went to tell his family about himself and his daughter as they didn’t know about him, but it didn’t go into this fact, he wanted to make sure they were kind people which I totally get, what I didn’t get was we did t see him engage with any of them and didn’t read him telling them whom he was it was just oh Connor told us last night he was our half brother, so very disappointing.
Gwendolyn was a bodyguard to the Clarks children but when one of the kids was kidnapped she stayed behind looking after the others whilst the family went to rescue him, again that was all behind the scenes and we saw none of it.
For me there was to many times of well pray for you and talking to God.
There was so much of the same over and over yet nothing happened.
Several errors throughout, wrong name used, wrong word used etc…
I wouldn’t recommend unfortunately.
The kids seemed cheeky and cute but the storyline didn’t make sense whatsoever. Connor went to tell his family about himself and his daughter as they didn’t know about him, but it didn’t go into this fact, he wanted to make sure they were kind people which I totally get, what I didn’t get was we did t see him engage with any of them and didn’t read him telling them whom he was it was just oh Connor told us last night he was our half brother, so very disappointing.
Gwendolyn was a bodyguard to the Clarks children but when one of the kids was kidnapped she stayed behind looking after the others whilst the family went to rescue him, again that was all behind the scenes and we saw none of it.
For me there was to many times of well pray for you and talking to God.
There was so much of the same over and over yet nothing happened.
Several errors throughout, wrong name used, wrong word used etc…
I wouldn’t recommend unfortunately.
November 26, 2025
A sweet, faith filled Christmas story.
“the most heroic thing people can do is to have the courage to do what they love and offer a few acts of kindness along the way.”
“the easiest way to feel better ourselves is to help someone else.”
“Gwendolyn wanted to have a cat. Wanted to be needed, to stroke smooth fur, to elicit happy purrs, to feel that overwhelming tenderness when the cat settled on her lap to snuggle during the long winter nights. A pet wouldn’t betray her like people had.”
“Spending time with young children was so much better than with adults. Children hadn’t learned to lie yet.”
“the Lord often showed us the things we needed to learn.”
“Sometimes we don’t get answers. Sometimes we just need to move forward.”
“the Christmas season was about the birth of Christ, the most amazing gift from God”
“braided horses were once a status symbol, but it also helped keep the reins from tangling up.”
“Before she could trust God and people, she needed to trust herself.”
“the most heroic thing people can do is to have the courage to do what they love and offer a few acts of kindness along the way.”
“the easiest way to feel better ourselves is to help someone else.”
“Gwendolyn wanted to have a cat. Wanted to be needed, to stroke smooth fur, to elicit happy purrs, to feel that overwhelming tenderness when the cat settled on her lap to snuggle during the long winter nights. A pet wouldn’t betray her like people had.”
“Spending time with young children was so much better than with adults. Children hadn’t learned to lie yet.”
“the Lord often showed us the things we needed to learn.”
“Sometimes we don’t get answers. Sometimes we just need to move forward.”
“the Christmas season was about the birth of Christ, the most amazing gift from God”
“braided horses were once a status symbol, but it also helped keep the reins from tangling up.”
“Before she could trust God and people, she needed to trust herself.”
October 24, 2023
Loved Conner and Gwendolyn's story! Conner and Gwendolyn meet when Conner decides to he needs to get to know his half-siblings. He thinks he can use Gwendolyn to find out about them, and that it'll be ok when he reveals who he is and why he did it the way he did. However, the more time he spends with Gwendolyn, the more he realizes he's really messed things up with her and his siblings. He's not sure she can forgive him for keeping the secret, as she has huge trust issues. However, when push finally comes to shove, Gwendolyn realizes that she doesn't even fully trust God to do what He says He will do, so how she can trust herself or anyone else? Once she realizes, and chooses to trust God, Conner, and others, things finally work out, and she finds the family she's longed for, as do Conner and Daisy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
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