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Callahans of Copper Creek #3

Christmas with a Cowgirl

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A cowgirl with a big heart. A single father with an autistic son. And a little boy who just wants Santa to bring him a mom for Christmas.

Dianna Callahan is different than other people, but she never lets it get her down. She enjoys her horses, books, and family on their ranch in Copper Creek. When she agrees to help an autistic boy for Christmas, has she taken on more than she can handle?

Tristan Wood brings his autistic son to the Equine Therapy Center in Copper Creek over Christmas. Maybe someone there can get 7-year-old Mathew to talk and act normally. Lord knows he’s tried everything else.

Little Mathew Wood wants only one thing from Santa this Christmas—a mom. Maybe the pretty cowgirl helping him will make his wish come true.

When Dianna and Tristan clash over how to help Mathew, will it result in broken hearts or a Christmas miracle?

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2022

773 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

About the author

Natalie Dean

111 books218 followers

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5 stars
702 (70%)
4 stars
213 (21%)
3 stars
60 (6%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
578 reviews
November 30, 2022
Christmas With A Cowgirl is the chance of a lifetime for Dianna to work with a child that has autism and she feels her inner secret will allow her to help Mathew find his fullest potential in life. Horse therapy has proven to work on people with various medical issues and Dianna living on a farm and riding her horse she knows the peace that comes from it. But she sees the father, Tristan and she just hopes she don't follow her heart and fall in love with him.

Shane has allowed his friend Tristan to come stay for free in one of the cabins at the Country Club and let Mathew take the 10 week equestrian therapy course. He assigned Dianna as he thought she was so patient that she would be perfect for Mathew. The first thing Dianna does is get down at eye level with Mathew to speak to him. Tristan tells her he does not speak much to anyone. He listened to Dianna and seen she was not asking any questions that Mathew could not nod with an answer. Tristan says he has so many meltdowns it is very hard to get him to act like a child his age should act. Dianna tells Tristan Mathew is not like other children his age and never will be. Autism makes Mathew a special child and she will try to work at his level. Tristan doesn't like being told his parenting is wrong. He even tells Dianna his ex wife left when Mathew was young as she couldn't handle all his meltdowns. As the weeks go on, the meltdowns are few and far between as long as Dianna is around. Tristan feels the missing piece of him is Dianna. And when they hear Mathew speak, Dianna knew she could help his life be better. When he tells her he asked Santa for a Mom is that too much for Dianna? Or will her secret ruin her chance at love and having Tristan and Mathew?

I received an advanced copy for my honest review. I give this Christmas story 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
Profile Image for Bruce Dinsman.
1,537 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2025
Excellent story for this trilogy. Dianna is hired to be a facilitator for horse therapy for an autistic boy who has a single father. She challenges him but brings out the best in Mathew. As he works toward good outward behavior, his father starts to fall for Dianna. Why is Dianna best suited to understand Mathew? Because she is herself on the spectrum. As she tries to tell Tristan what is best for his son, he feels that he isn't to trust her because she doesn't listen to him. But as he sees Mathew come out of his shell, he sees that she is right. Now what? She pulls back from the relationship because she doesn't do well with change just like Mathew.
4,720 reviews40 followers
November 22, 2022
Dianna, Tristan, and Mathew
This book looked at an issue that many people sweep under the rug. Two of the characters have the same condition one is young and the other is older. The author did a really awesome job of showcasing these two characters she also showed how even those that care for and love a person can be blinded to what society expect instead of what the person is able to do. It is a good love story too. I hope you give this one a chance it is so worth reading. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
2,223 reviews12 followers
November 27, 2022
Christmas with a Cowgirl

This is a magnificent book dealing with a prominent issue of our day. A father, Tristan, brings his son, Matthew, to work with the new Equine Therapy Center in Copper Creek. Dianna, the fourth of the Callahan girls has signed on to help with the therapy program. She did not count on falling for the small family. Being on the spectrum herself makes it easier for Dianna to connect with Matthew but harder to keep her heart separate from her work. Will working with this child and his dad be more than Dianna can handle?
117 reviews
September 8, 2025
Wht is it you want?

I did know how to critique the book before this one but now I see where the writer is going with this. It had to take a lot.of work and research to write this story. I think I understand where she is going with this set of stories. There are a lot of autistic people living among us and we.don't see them because we don't understand what or who they are. Many with unbelievable skills a knowledge. This story open your eyes to who is around yea the problems they are you may have.
1,405 reviews16 followers
November 22, 2022
dianna is hired by shaun to work the the therapy horses , his friend travis and his autistic son mathew. she getts along with the boy and thinks it is becouse she is like him in some ways . travis and her start to like each other and mathew wants to keep dianna around all the time. this is a great story about family and sometimes we have to change how we think a person should act and help them be themselves i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review
4,507 reviews38 followers
November 23, 2022
Christmas with a Cowgirl is a clean, heartwarming, inspirational romance. I love this story of an autistic young woman being able to help an autistic boy. Dianna is a sweetheart and Mathew is a cutie. I love that Dianna can help Mathew like no one else has been able to. Tristan is in shock when he sees how much his son opens up to Dianna. I love this story of their journey to an HEA. As always, I a m looking forward to Ms. Dean's next book.
74 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2022
I love this series; this story blew me away!

So, I have two autistic kids. Never has a book resonated with me more when it comes to SEEING them. Natalie has either done her research with input from autistic adults, or has a personal connection with someone autistic. I am so glad it played out the way it did! How she was able to get the father to see his son…and accept him for who he is…is wonderful. I highly recommend this story, even without the autistic connection.
4,572 reviews31 followers
December 6, 2022
The Callahan family is very interesting. Natalie Dean has written this incredible story dealing with children and adults on the autism spectrum. I honestly wanted to cry for Dianna, Tristan and Matthew. Dianna for feeling like no one understands her struggles, Matthew for his struggles and Tristan for trying to do his best for his son, but just missing understanding what he really needs. We also get romance, humor and understanding. I really enjoyed this book.
9,375 reviews140 followers
December 14, 2022
Book three in the series brings Diana and Tristan's story. The author does a great job developing their story and Diana dealing with the challenge with autistic children and working with Tristan's son Matthew. I enjoyed watching them come together and becoming a family. It's well written with perfectly painted scenes, moves fluidly and is a wonderful story. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
391 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2023
Tristan, brings his son, Matthew, to work with the new Equine Therapy Centre in Copper Creek as Matthew has autism.
Dianna, the fourth of the Callahan girls has been employed help with the therapy program.

Mathew responds to Dianna more quickly than he has ever responded to anyone before.

This is a lovely story dealing with this issue.

I really enjoyed reading this story.
I received a free copy of this book and freely and honestly leave my review.

Profile Image for Anna Marie Leffew.
389 reviews19 followers
March 20, 2023
A special person with a special need

I so loved this book! If you know of anyone who is autistic, then this book is a MUST read! It explains so much and a way to approach someone with such needs. Even autistic people need to find love ❤️ and be able to recognize that love ❤️ and be able to know how to return that ❤️. I highly recommend this book! Well researched and the characters are well developed. I fell deeply connected with each one and felt apart of their family.
146 reviews
November 16, 2023
Very Informative

So many questions concerning autism. Natalie did a great job in helping the reader understand better how different autism is from one person to another. What made it even more enjoyable to read was not only a child had autism but the therapeutic trainer assigned to him was also born with a spectrum of autism. There definitely needs to be more learned about acceptance of others who are a little different.
Profile Image for Jill.
462 reviews
December 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was very well-written with great character development and not too predictable. I thought the portrayal of both a child and an adult on the spectrum was great! I work with special needs children, and it's great to see that theme included so eloquently in a mainstream novel.

Profile Image for Babs Wenk.
1,027 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2023
Christmas with a Cowgirl

I loved the subject matter of the spectrum of autism. I know 6 who are it and vary in their abilities. 3 are highly intelligent and 2 have outgoing personalities the others are less personable and one is non speaking. Kudos for writing about this and can’t wait to read your next in series dealing with PTSD!
Profile Image for E. Lee.
11 reviews
December 16, 2024
This is a 3.5 for me, but I'm rounding up for overall quality writing.

The issue of autism was handled with compassion and grace. I enjoyed the development of the characters and the romance. I had no complaints right up until the typical 3rd act break up. The FL's doubts and feelings are written well, but it quickly got tiresome and seemed to drag on. Perhaps it was too realistic and made getting to the resoultion a slog.


I was also expecting a bit more cowgirl action from the FL considering the title, but alas. Overall, the story is a nice Hallmark-ish holiday romance (in a nice way)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
850 reviews
December 12, 2022
Tristan and Dianna

Callahan their mother died and they were raised by a strict father. Dianna has lived with former of autism and knows helping children. She falls in love with Matthew father. Loved the family all characters in the town.
Profile Image for Raine .
246 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2023
representation

This book is an adorable love story that majorly represents autism. While books with different conditions are becoming more popular this is the first I’ve read regarding autism and I quite enjoyed it.
762 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2023
Tristan and Mathew

Tristan’s son has autism and is very very very stubborn. In walks Grace whom can be just as stubborn but knows how to help Mathew see it from another direction. You can’t put it down once you start reading it. Enjoy.
395 reviews7 followers
May 1, 2023
Christmas with a Cowgirl

Really enjoyed some useful tips on how people who are on the austic spectrum react to situations and how you might help them deal better. Glad Dianna was able to Matthew's special needs and also found love for herself.
17 reviews
May 18, 2023
Good read

This was a wonderful book I like how the author deals with some hard subject. Helping with understanding of a person on the spectrum. Every person has their own way of handling life as it come

160 reviews
July 7, 2023
The Spectrum

I have had the pleasure of unlocking a child with Asperger‘s. All children and adults in the spectrum are incredible people. They can be unlocked by just finding the common denominator. It’s easier than you think
Profile Image for Ellen.
711 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2022
A clean welwritten romantic sweet story with nice karakters. A lovely read for a relaxing few hours.
214 reviews
January 31, 2023
Excellent

What a different, well written, story. I could hardly close the kindle. It is written about unsure love with passion in every word.
3,585 reviews16 followers
April 14, 2023
Great writing!

I really enjoyed this story! What a great storyline to turn into a beautiful romance! All of this series has been great reading!
427 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2023
Recommend

Tristan and Diannas story Is a really good book. I know that if you read this book you will enjoy it also
20 reviews
July 30, 2023
lynlea

Very good read good theme and story line. Really enjoyed the characters can’t wait for next book. Thank you much!
Profile Image for Rebecca White.
1,558 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2023
Beautiful

This was a beautiful love story that sheds light on Autism and so many different features of it. I really enjoyed the honest interactions between the characters.
1,110 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2023
great book

This was a great book. I love this author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this author.


Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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