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The Peppermint Tree: A Contemporary Western Romance
A Cowboy Christmas Novella
A second-chance romance …
In high school, she had been quiet and wickedly smart, both a determined tomboy and a girly-girl, a combination that was uniquely Skye. She had always caught his eye but for his own self-preservation, he’d stayed away from her, even when she’d made a play for him.
Skye Mallory has always aspired to leave her family’s ranch, and she takes pride in having achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer. But when an unexpected inheritance draws her home for the Christmas holidays, she’s surprised by a longing to set down roots in the wide-open meadows and woodlands of southwestern Colorado. Only one thing stands in her way—a cowboy who broke her heart nine years ago.
In high school, Joe Carrigan admired Skye for her spirit and intellect, but he knew she was destined for a life beyond ranching. Turning down her romantic overture was the best course of action for them both. But now, he’s returned to their hometown, and it’s inevitable he’ll come face-to-face with his one regret in life—Skye Mallory. This time, however, he won’t be so chivalrous.
This novella was previously published in the anthology A CHRISTMAS COWBOY TO KEEP.
*****
Kristy McCaffrey writes historical western and contemporary romances from her home in the Arizona desert. THE PEPPERMINT TREE is a standalone novella with a HEA set in Durango, Colorado. It features a second-chance romance, the Christmas holidays, ’70’s music, and medium spice.
A second-chance romance …
In high school, she had been quiet and wickedly smart, both a determined tomboy and a girly-girl, a combination that was uniquely Skye. She had always caught his eye but for his own self-preservation, he’d stayed away from her, even when she’d made a play for him.
Skye Mallory has always aspired to leave her family’s ranch, and she takes pride in having achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer. But when an unexpected inheritance draws her home for the Christmas holidays, she’s surprised by a longing to set down roots in the wide-open meadows and woodlands of southwestern Colorado. Only one thing stands in her way—a cowboy who broke her heart nine years ago.
In high school, Joe Carrigan admired Skye for her spirit and intellect, but he knew she was destined for a life beyond ranching. Turning down her romantic overture was the best course of action for them both. But now, he’s returned to their hometown, and it’s inevitable he’ll come face-to-face with his one regret in life—Skye Mallory. This time, however, he won’t be so chivalrous.
This novella was previously published in the anthology A CHRISTMAS COWBOY TO KEEP.
*****
Kristy McCaffrey writes historical western and contemporary romances from her home in the Arizona desert. THE PEPPERMINT TREE is a standalone novella with a HEA set in Durango, Colorado. It features a second-chance romance, the Christmas holidays, ’70’s music, and medium spice.
118 pages, Paperback
Published January 18, 2020
20 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Kristy McCaffrey
74 books518 followersKristy McCaffrey writes historical western romances brimming with grit and emotion, as well as romantic contemporary adventures. Her work is filled with smoldering romance, compelling heroes, determined heroines, and her trademark mysticism.
Although she holds a bachelor's and master's degree in mechanical engineering, she shifted to being a stay-at-home mom and part-time writer until her four children were grown. Now she runs her writing business full-time while enjoying the perks of being the boss, which mostly entails playing with her grandchildren whenever the opportunity arises.
Her first novel, The Wren, was a CAPA winner for Best New Author Traditional, a Texas Gold finalist, and a HOLT Medallion finalist for Best First Book. The Sparrow was a 2012 Winter Rose Winner. The Blackbird won the 2015 Laramie award for Best in Western Romance. Her contemporary adventure, Cold Horizon, was a 2021 National Excellence in Romance Fiction winner, and Ancient Winds was a 2022 HOLT Medallion finalist.
An Arizona native, Kristy resides in the desert north of Phoenix with her husband and rescue mutt - an American Bulldog named Jeb. Sign up for her newsletter at http://kmccaffrey.com/subscribe/ to receive her latest book news as well as subscriber-only content.
Kristy is a member of Novelists Inc.
Although she holds a bachelor's and master's degree in mechanical engineering, she shifted to being a stay-at-home mom and part-time writer until her four children were grown. Now she runs her writing business full-time while enjoying the perks of being the boss, which mostly entails playing with her grandchildren whenever the opportunity arises.
Her first novel, The Wren, was a CAPA winner for Best New Author Traditional, a Texas Gold finalist, and a HOLT Medallion finalist for Best First Book. The Sparrow was a 2012 Winter Rose Winner. The Blackbird won the 2015 Laramie award for Best in Western Romance. Her contemporary adventure, Cold Horizon, was a 2021 National Excellence in Romance Fiction winner, and Ancient Winds was a 2022 HOLT Medallion finalist.
An Arizona native, Kristy resides in the desert north of Phoenix with her husband and rescue mutt - an American Bulldog named Jeb. Sign up for her newsletter at http://kmccaffrey.com/subscribe/ to receive her latest book news as well as subscriber-only content.
Kristy is a member of Novelists Inc.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 8, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! A very sweet western romance. I would definitely recommend this book! Kristy does not disappoint!
February 6, 2020
Review of The Peppermint Tree
This is my first book by Kristy. I enjoyed this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels.
This is my first book by Kristy. I enjoyed this book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels.
September 13, 2023
FATE WILL ALWAYS FIND A WAY
The story is a spicy-sweet second chance holiday-themed romance. Skye Mallory is returning home a little earlier than planned for the Christmas holidays, but she doesn't share with her family why. What a shock when her Prius lands her off the side of the road and none other than Joe Carrington rescues her.
I liked the story and the characters. Joe was a little bit older than Skye, and she helped him in high school to get the grades to graduate. When Skye tries to let him know she is interested, he hurts her feelings--then his family moves away.
Fast forward, Skye is an attorney in Denver and Joe and his mother have moved back to town after the death of his father. Then, for Skye to learn that Charlotte Pendleton died and left her as sole heir. She now owned five hundred acres and the Pendleton Ranch. She will have to make decisions for her life and her future.
The story will have Skye and Joe meeting again, and there is a level of angst between them. She never got over the hurt of his rejection--yet he knew they were leaving, and all he would ever be was a cowboy. Skye was destined for greater things. They reacquaint and discover that underneath, there is still chemistry between them. What will happen when they explore and see where it leads? What will happen when the truth about the Pendleton Ranch is discovered? Will it cause issues?
I love a story that has just enough mystery, suspense, and angst to stir things up, and the underlying chemistry that needs to be explored. Second chances, many years later, both now grown adults, and the sparks are flying. Best of all, the story has the coveted happily ever after that we all crave. Add in a magical tree that has brought many couples together and maybe Santa is at work!
"We were meant to be together. It just took us a while to come around to it."
The story is a spicy-sweet second chance holiday-themed romance. Skye Mallory is returning home a little earlier than planned for the Christmas holidays, but she doesn't share with her family why. What a shock when her Prius lands her off the side of the road and none other than Joe Carrington rescues her.
I liked the story and the characters. Joe was a little bit older than Skye, and she helped him in high school to get the grades to graduate. When Skye tries to let him know she is interested, he hurts her feelings--then his family moves away.
Fast forward, Skye is an attorney in Denver and Joe and his mother have moved back to town after the death of his father. Then, for Skye to learn that Charlotte Pendleton died and left her as sole heir. She now owned five hundred acres and the Pendleton Ranch. She will have to make decisions for her life and her future.
The story will have Skye and Joe meeting again, and there is a level of angst between them. She never got over the hurt of his rejection--yet he knew they were leaving, and all he would ever be was a cowboy. Skye was destined for greater things. They reacquaint and discover that underneath, there is still chemistry between them. What will happen when they explore and see where it leads? What will happen when the truth about the Pendleton Ranch is discovered? Will it cause issues?
I love a story that has just enough mystery, suspense, and angst to stir things up, and the underlying chemistry that needs to be explored. Second chances, many years later, both now grown adults, and the sparks are flying. Best of all, the story has the coveted happily ever after that we all crave. Add in a magical tree that has brought many couples together and maybe Santa is at work!
"We were meant to be together. It just took us a while to come around to it."
November 21, 2023
I love cute Christmas romances. Particularly at this time of year, I swear if everyone read a Christmas romance, even the biggest scrouge would start to believe in the Christmas spirit. In fact, I loved reading this curled up in front of the cheesiest, simplest Hallmark-esque Christmas movies. It just had a whole feel to it. With the Christmas lights on… and yeah, it was just a really nice way to spend an evening.
It was kind of weird reading a story featuring a lead character named Skye. Since that’s my name. But, once I got over the slight weirdness of that, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Particularly since it’s also a second chance romance. Everyone seems to have one what if person in their history, and Joe and Skye were the rare few who got to try again. Plus, it’s just nice to think that sometimes people are just fated to be together.
The idea of decorating a ginormous pine tree every year for Christmas is something I’d love to do. Although with a gum tree, and, lets be honest, no one actually trusts me to get up that high, so it’ll never happen. The added mysticism of fated couples meeting at the Peppermint Tree was just perfect. Christmas time, a beautiful tree, and an unexpected inheritance… it’s a kind of typical Christmas story. But one that I would definitely read again and again.
It was kind of weird reading a story featuring a lead character named Skye. Since that’s my name. But, once I got over the slight weirdness of that, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Particularly since it’s also a second chance romance. Everyone seems to have one what if person in their history, and Joe and Skye were the rare few who got to try again. Plus, it’s just nice to think that sometimes people are just fated to be together.
The idea of decorating a ginormous pine tree every year for Christmas is something I’d love to do. Although with a gum tree, and, lets be honest, no one actually trusts me to get up that high, so it’ll never happen. The added mysticism of fated couples meeting at the Peppermint Tree was just perfect. Christmas time, a beautiful tree, and an unexpected inheritance… it’s a kind of typical Christmas story. But one that I would definitely read again and again.
November 17, 2023
This was a solid short cowboy romance. I was hoping there would be a bit more Christmas element to it, but it was overall decent. Things definitely move quickly throughout as it was a novella, but if you enjoy second chance romance set around Christmas time with a hint of spice, then this one is for you. I enjoyed the story enough that I would be interested in reading more from this author and seeing how a longer novel compares to this novella.
October 11, 2020
I won this book in a contest and it was most enjoyable. Fun read about a couple who find each other after nine years apart when Skye Mallory inherits the ranch next door to Joe Carrigan’s Mom’s place. Rancher or lawyer, big city or ranch, alone or with Joe—all decisions Skye must make.
September 4, 2021
Skye, Joe
Skype has been attracted to Joe since high school, but he hasn't seemed to return the attraction. She has inherited the range neighboring his, but is reluctant to let him know.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
Skype has been attracted to Joe since high school, but he hasn't seemed to return the attraction. She has inherited the range neighboring his, but is reluctant to let him know.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
December 25, 2022
Fun Holiday Romance
This book was a fun story of a second chance at love. I like the variety of characters and how they come together in the story. The ending is good. Sometimes I am almost afraid to read the end, for fear of being disappointed. That wasn't the case here.
This book was a fun story of a second chance at love. I like the variety of characters and how they come together in the story. The ending is good. Sometimes I am almost afraid to read the end, for fear of being disappointed. That wasn't the case here.
September 27, 2023
I just finished this book and Wow! It was such a great story and held so much promise for the two main characters. Extremely well written and the characters quickly became part of me! I am looking forward to the next Christmas story by this Author! Grab a copy of this book now!
November 26, 2023
Skye is heading home for the holiday after discovering she is the sole heir to Pendleton Ranch. She is a prominent city lawyer in Denver, but her roots seem to drag her back to the small town she grew up in. Snow and windy roads unfortunately prevent her from getting home.
Joe is nice but hasn’t settled down even after buying the ranch. Running into Skylar again isn’t planned, but he handles it well. This book and romance start off pretty much on the rocks. But the characters quickly find their way back to the fate they always were supposed to have.
The story ends sweetly, and the title is the right one for the most enchanting part of it. The romance read and felt very rushed in the book. However, I did enjoy the no-nonsense or drama storyline.
Joe is nice but hasn’t settled down even after buying the ranch. Running into Skylar again isn’t planned, but he handles it well. This book and romance start off pretty much on the rocks. But the characters quickly find their way back to the fate they always were supposed to have.
The story ends sweetly, and the title is the right one for the most enchanting part of it. The romance read and felt very rushed in the book. However, I did enjoy the no-nonsense or drama storyline.
July 19, 2025
I love to read Christmas romances in July. Add a Cowboy and I'm all in.
Not really an enemies to lovers trope but close. Definitely a second chance romance. Kristy McCarffrey packed a lot into this novella.
Not really an enemies to lovers trope but close. Definitely a second chance romance. Kristy McCarffrey packed a lot into this novella.
September 29, 2023
I really enjoy Kristy's books and this one was also a good read. I do love a good second chance trope. This was a fun, easy read with a hint of spice.
October 22, 2023
Cute and sweet
November 16, 2023
Best book out of stuff your ereader day so far! Cute lil novella with a cowboy
November 30, 2023
amazing story
This is a nice short story about two people who find each other and years later realize they were ment to be. Christmas romance.
This is a nice short story about two people who find each other and years later realize they were ment to be. Christmas romance.
December 8, 2023
Hallmark meets spicy situation lol. Cute story and a little rom holiday feel
December 23, 2023
Such a cute little spicy read! And it takes place in Durango!!!
December 29, 2025
cute holiday story
Nothing like a fun quick holiday book, and this one is great. It’s such a great story with all the holiday feels
Nothing like a fun quick holiday book, and this one is great. It’s such a great story with all the holiday feels
January 2, 2024
That has to be the worst epilogue I’ve ever read.
November 24, 2023
Cute, cozy, fun. I love a great little holiday novella. It's like reading something straight from the Hallmark Channel. After an old neighbor passes away and leaves Skye her ranch, Skye returns to the life she left behind. Full of Christmas cheer and happy endings, this was an enjoyable read.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews