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Catoctin Creek #4

Christmas at Catoctin Creek

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A romance born from a mystery, as the holidays arrive in Catoctin Creek.

When reporter Kelly O'Connell arrives in Catoctin Creek, the last thing on her mind is falling in love. She's here for answers about a missing hiker, and just maybe to get away from her dissatisfaction with the way her life has turned out. But when she runs into the small town's newly returned prodigal son, the sparks between them are undeniable - and quick to kindle into romance!

Meanwhile, the residents of this big-hearted town are pulling together this holiday season, helping one another deal with some surprise twists of their own, and planning a Christmas carnival to remember.

Slip into someplace more comfortable! The little town of Catoctin Creek, Maryland is waiting for you. With storylines including memorable characters from the rest of the Catoctin Creek series, you'll love every minute you spend here!

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2021

42 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Natalie Keller Reinert

53 books537 followers
Natalie Keller Reinert is the award-winning author of more than twenty books, including the Eventing series and Briar Hill Farm series. Drawing on her professional experience in three-day eventing, working with Thoroughbred racehorses and mounted patrol horses, therapeutic riding, and many other equine pursuits, Natalie brings her love of equestrian life into each of her titles. She also cohosts the award-winning equestrian humor podcast Adulting With Horses.

Natalie lives in north Florida with her family, horses, and cat.

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5 stars
86 (58%)
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45 (30%)
3 stars
14 (9%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
865 reviews8 followers
November 2, 2021
Mystery of the Found Horses

I found this a mesmerizing story, with TWO separate mysteries to solve. One is the missing hiker; the other is the history of twelve unknown horses found in the barn of a deceased elderly Catoctin Creek couple. I got totally swept up by word pictures of love for the mountains of western MD & VA which the author paints the landscape of this story.

If Catoctin Creek had originally been a dying community, it is rapidly becoming gentrified and revitalized. The young adults are creating businesses or learning trades that preserve historic skills, like that of a farrier. The girls boarding school, the equine rescue center, the diner and bakery/cafe are the start of a thriving community that will attract additionsl new residents to become part of this warm and welcoming place to call home, with horses. Because everyone should have a horse to love.

I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Profile Image for Charlene.
66 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2021
Christmas at Catoctin Creek was the first book I read in this series and I'm so glad I did! I received the book as an ARC as I've read several others by Natalie Keller Reinert. I love all things equine and support several rescues so the storyline is near and dear to my heart. The book takes place in Catoctin Creek, Maryland. I live in Maryland and could picture the area in my mind. Natalie describes the location and characters wonderfully. I felt like I could pick them out on the street. There are two mysteries to be solved and the spirit of Christmas is showcased beautifully. I can't wait to go back and visit Catoctin Creek and the people and horses I met there in this book.
Profile Image for Dale Leatherman.
Author 1 book2 followers
November 22, 2021
I am addicted to Natalie's racing, eventing and show jumping series. The Catoctin Creek books have horsey elements but aren't about competition. That said, I've enjoyed each one more than the last. The town and the characters have grown on me as Natalie has skillfully developed them and let readers watch their evolution.

I live near the (fictional) setting in Western Maryland, and quite often drive through small towns that could be Catoctin Creek. I actually think about that, and wish some of the communities had Nikkis, Rosemarys and all the rest of the books' characters to bring them to life. And I always appreciate the beauty of the area, as Natalie so accurately describes it.

Back to Christmas at Catoctin Creek. This was the best of the series, in which the characters really come into their own in positive ways, thank goodness. It has a couple of intriguing mysteries and some interesting challenges, like 12 horses suddenly in need of rescue. But most of all it was an incredibly feel-good story in which people who were emotionally lost found their way, and the whole town came together for a worthy cause.

Is the story too "sweet?" I don't think so. It's just what we all need at a time when there is so much misery in the world. I was thrilled to "live" in Catoctin Creek for awhile, and I came out of it humming Christmas tunes and believing good things could happen in the real world. We can hope, can't we?
Profile Image for Peni.
4,825 reviews1 follower
Want to read
December 12, 2021
A romance born from a mystery, as the holidays arrive in Catoctin Creek.

When reporter Kelly O'Connell arrives in Catoctin Creek, the last thing on her mind is falling in love. She's here for answers about a missing hiker, and just maybe to get away from her dissatisfaction with the way her life has turned out. But when she runs into the small town's newly returned prodigal son, the sparks between them are undeniable - and quick to kindle into romance!

Meanwhile, the residents of this big-hearted town are pulling together this holiday season, helping one another deal with some surprise twists of their own, and planning a Christmas carnival to remember.

Slip into someplace more comfortable! The little town of Catoctin Creek, Maryland is waiting for you. With storylines including memorable characters from the rest of the Catoctin Creek series, you'll love every minute you spend here!
Profile Image for Elaine.
Author 29 books29 followers
January 12, 2022
A story about some women's love for horses. Rosemary rescues horses that are no longer wanted and in her town, another woman who runs a riding school is one of her friends.
A hiker goes missing and the entire town is upset. Nothing like that had ever happened before.
Interesting characters show how the residents of the town gather to help one another.
72 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2022
I kind of want to go to Catoctin creek. The town and all of its inhabitants are charming and visitors seem to fall in love and find their happily ever after. Sounds good to me! In this final book love is also joined by mystery and intrigue. A great conclusion to the 4 book series. I enjoyed them all
1,230 reviews6 followers
September 17, 2024
Christmas at Catoctin Creek

This is a fantastic story. I loved this communities contagious love for horses and each other. The characters are very friendly, loyal and like family. I wish there was more in this series but all good things must come to an end. A must read series. Enjoy
807 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2021
Beautiful story

I guess we can all remember our childhood Christmas this was such a good story of several good childhood friends. I highly recommend for a little suspense and a lot of feel good.
Profile Image for Mary Pagones.
Author 17 books104 followers
December 24, 2021
Super-sweet, low-angst romance that caps off the adorable conceit of the same town, same characters in different seasons. Reminds me of the Windy Foot series or Doty’s Sumner/Winter Pony, only with adult humans.
178 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2022
Mystery horses discovered

This was a heartfelt story of a simple neighborhood that covered a Christmas story and included happy endings for some of the neighbors. A good story within one!
Profile Image for Shelby Graft.
54 reviews
November 27, 2024
Missing person, mystery, horses and romance. What more can you ask for?

Absolutely loved this series. Rosemary, Nikki, and Nadine meet journalist Kelly and the relationships just blossom. Such a light and fun Christmas read.
Profile Image for Laurel .
1,349 reviews5 followers
December 15, 2021
Nice story about farms that give riding lessons, provide community service for students, and rescue horses. Then you have the small town community members and their stories.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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