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Calder Saga #11
Santa In Montana
A lonely widow’s second chance at love isn’t the only surprise this family is getting for Christmas in this romance by a New York Times bestseller.
Montana winters are harsh, but bad weather won’t get in the way of the Calders’ Christmas reunion. Patriarch Chase Calder is determined to make this holiday the happiest yet—especially for his daughter, Cat. And Chase knows the best gifts aren’t always done up in paper and ribbon . . .
It’s high time for widowed Cat to have a man in her life again, whether she’ll admit it or not. But Chase has more than one ace up his sleeve—he’s been thinking long and hard, and this secret Santa will bring joy to the whole clan. As the magical season begins with a glorious snowfall, the Calders share a host of surprises—including a mystery solved, a special visitor, and the greatest gift of love, the forever kind.
Praise for Janet Dailey and her Christmas novels
“The spirit of Christmas permeates this charming holiday romance.” —RT Book Reviews on Merry Christmas, Cowboy
“In what has become a delightful annual tradition, Dailey creates a lovely Christmas romance.” —RT Book Reviews on A Cowboy Under My Christmas Tree
“A definite stocking stuffer.” —Library Journal
“A surefire winner.” —Publishers Weekly
Montana winters are harsh, but bad weather won’t get in the way of the Calders’ Christmas reunion. Patriarch Chase Calder is determined to make this holiday the happiest yet—especially for his daughter, Cat. And Chase knows the best gifts aren’t always done up in paper and ribbon . . .
It’s high time for widowed Cat to have a man in her life again, whether she’ll admit it or not. But Chase has more than one ace up his sleeve—he’s been thinking long and hard, and this secret Santa will bring joy to the whole clan. As the magical season begins with a glorious snowfall, the Calders share a host of surprises—including a mystery solved, a special visitor, and the greatest gift of love, the forever kind.
Praise for Janet Dailey and her Christmas novels
“The spirit of Christmas permeates this charming holiday romance.” —RT Book Reviews on Merry Christmas, Cowboy
“In what has become a delightful annual tradition, Dailey creates a lovely Christmas romance.” —RT Book Reviews on A Cowboy Under My Christmas Tree
“A definite stocking stuffer.” —Library Journal
“A surefire winner.” —Publishers Weekly
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
390 people are currently reading
1140 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dailey
396 books1,846 followersJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 21, 2017
It's not that this book was bad, it's just that I found it uninteresting. Maybe it's my bad, I didn't know it was part of a series and would be about all the couples from the Calder's series. So I was lost with all the people and who is who. I usually have no trouble with sweet romance where there's not that much action so maybe if I had read the previous books I would have been able to take an interest in what happened with theses characters but I guess I'll never know.
January 21, 2011
Good book, Have read almost all of Janet Dailey's books. I really enjoy her Calder series.
June 21, 2018
I have loved the Calder Saga from the first book. This book is a good wrap up to the series, but still left me wanting more of this family. This book has four generations in it living their life. From Chase Calder being the oldest down to young Jake who is never still.
December 10, 2023
I've never been to Montana
December 28, 2010
This book is like attending a family reunion and talking about kids and fixing food. I kept waiting for something to happen.
THE MAIN CHARACTERS:
Chase: widower, great grandfather, owns a million acres in Montana and elsewhere with cattle ranching and an airplane. A number of his offspring live on the family ranches and work for him.
Jessy: widow, Chase’s daughter-in-law, grandmother, has boyfriend Laredo who lives and works on the ranch.
Laredo: is hiding something from his past and is probably on the run from the law. The family likes having Laredo around and doesn’t ask questions – lets him have his secrets.
Trey: Jessy’s son, Chase’s grandson, will take over the empire after Chase dies. He’s married to Sloan. They have a son Jake (maybe 4 or 5 years old) who has a lot of dialogue in the book.
Cat: widow, Chase’s granddaughter. Cat would like to date again, but there aren’t any interesting bachelors around.
STORY BRIEF:
The story takes place during the few weeks before Christmas. People are talking about having all the family members home for Christmas and what gifts people will be giving to each other. Cat spends time cooking and waiting on Chase. There is a lot of conversation time with little Jake, hearing his cutesy talk. He calls Laredo Redo. He asks if Longhorn cattle are astink like dinosaurs. He frequently says can I, and his mother and others correct him saying may I, but he misinterprets not knowing they are correcting him. He is in the Christmas play as a shepherd, but doesn’t want to wear sandals, he wants to wear his cowboy boots.
There are two mysteries. Wade visits the ranch for the first time. Chase meets with Wade and gives him a check. Cat and Wade are interested in each other. On Wade’s second visit he invites Cat to go to dinner. Sloan is worried that Wade might be a confidence man stealing money from Chase. Chase doesn’t tell anyone the nature of his activities with Wade.
The second mystery: Laredo hears something and tells Chase he may have to leave the ranch. The reader is curious about Laredo’s past and need to hide.
REVIEWER’S OPINION (with a sort of SPOILER):
A couple meets and starts to date. Another couple is already together but have a problem which gets solved. I’m reluctantly labeling this romance, but it lacks relationship development.
This reminded me of my own family reunions – little kids running around saying cutesy things and the grownups fixing food, cleaning up, and talking about the kids. But the reunions I attended were more interesting. Or at least some of them were – with debates, discussions, and fun playing Charades. The characters in this book had NO interesting discussions. I was bored listening to them. I felt a need to skim, and I wanted it to be over.
The mysteries get solved in the last three pages, but it was not satisfying. I wanted to know a lot more about the main problem. It was told with no details – like make this go away and be done with the book. This book would be better if you cut out all the family interaction and just tell a short story about the one main mystery.
I haven’t read any other books by this author. This is book 11 in the Calder series. I suppose it might be pleasant for readers who have liked other Calder books and want to revisit. As a stand-alone I find it lacking. It’s shorter than a typical romance book, fewer pages, and the print is slightly larger.
DATA:
Story length: 279 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual content: none. Setting: current day Montana. Copyright: 2010. Genre: contemporary romance.
THE MAIN CHARACTERS:
Chase: widower, great grandfather, owns a million acres in Montana and elsewhere with cattle ranching and an airplane. A number of his offspring live on the family ranches and work for him.
Jessy: widow, Chase’s daughter-in-law, grandmother, has boyfriend Laredo who lives and works on the ranch.
Laredo: is hiding something from his past and is probably on the run from the law. The family likes having Laredo around and doesn’t ask questions – lets him have his secrets.
Trey: Jessy’s son, Chase’s grandson, will take over the empire after Chase dies. He’s married to Sloan. They have a son Jake (maybe 4 or 5 years old) who has a lot of dialogue in the book.
Cat: widow, Chase’s granddaughter. Cat would like to date again, but there aren’t any interesting bachelors around.
STORY BRIEF:
The story takes place during the few weeks before Christmas. People are talking about having all the family members home for Christmas and what gifts people will be giving to each other. Cat spends time cooking and waiting on Chase. There is a lot of conversation time with little Jake, hearing his cutesy talk. He calls Laredo Redo. He asks if Longhorn cattle are astink like dinosaurs. He frequently says can I, and his mother and others correct him saying may I, but he misinterprets not knowing they are correcting him. He is in the Christmas play as a shepherd, but doesn’t want to wear sandals, he wants to wear his cowboy boots.
There are two mysteries. Wade visits the ranch for the first time. Chase meets with Wade and gives him a check. Cat and Wade are interested in each other. On Wade’s second visit he invites Cat to go to dinner. Sloan is worried that Wade might be a confidence man stealing money from Chase. Chase doesn’t tell anyone the nature of his activities with Wade.
The second mystery: Laredo hears something and tells Chase he may have to leave the ranch. The reader is curious about Laredo’s past and need to hide.
REVIEWER’S OPINION (with a sort of SPOILER):
A couple meets and starts to date. Another couple is already together but have a problem which gets solved. I’m reluctantly labeling this romance, but it lacks relationship development.
This reminded me of my own family reunions – little kids running around saying cutesy things and the grownups fixing food, cleaning up, and talking about the kids. But the reunions I attended were more interesting. Or at least some of them were – with debates, discussions, and fun playing Charades. The characters in this book had NO interesting discussions. I was bored listening to them. I felt a need to skim, and I wanted it to be over.
The mysteries get solved in the last three pages, but it was not satisfying. I wanted to know a lot more about the main problem. It was told with no details – like make this go away and be done with the book. This book would be better if you cut out all the family interaction and just tell a short story about the one main mystery.
I haven’t read any other books by this author. This is book 11 in the Calder series. I suppose it might be pleasant for readers who have liked other Calder books and want to revisit. As a stand-alone I find it lacking. It’s shorter than a typical romance book, fewer pages, and the print is slightly larger.
DATA:
Story length: 279 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual content: none. Setting: current day Montana. Copyright: 2010. Genre: contemporary romance.
January 2, 2012
Santa in Montana by janet Dailey
Another book for the Calder series! This one is about Christmas time and the whole family is to travel home to be together.
That ranges from Texas, England and places nearby. Chase has decided Cat needs a husband maybe then she'll stop nagging him about his health. This was brought on by a local cop stopping by to ask for their help in Toys for Tots drive which they will gladly contribute to.
Ah the memories of the whole family. Who they are, what they stand for. Glad I came across this book as I thought the series had ended. What a treat! This year chase will shop for a special gift for each of them rather than handing the list to somebody else to buy the gifts.
The ranchers wives buy gifts for the Marines' toys for tots program.
An old friends son stops by and there is so mystery as to why. Cat needs a husband is one of them. Some are trying to fix her up with him. Others say he's got a deal going with Chase.
The house has been deckked out in holiday attire and the annual Christmas ball in the barn is ready.
A lot of other mundane ranch life is talked about-bringing us up to date with the others in the series and what is new with their lives. Also those who have passed on, leaving their legacy to others. Tara's old house: what to do with the monstrosity of it.
A lot of secret things going on: $10,000 check, a cowboy has to leave the ranch for 2 weeks time, lot of mysteries.
Super finish, didn't see that coming and there's openings for the series to continue.
Another book for the Calder series! This one is about Christmas time and the whole family is to travel home to be together.
That ranges from Texas, England and places nearby. Chase has decided Cat needs a husband maybe then she'll stop nagging him about his health. This was brought on by a local cop stopping by to ask for their help in Toys for Tots drive which they will gladly contribute to.
Ah the memories of the whole family. Who they are, what they stand for. Glad I came across this book as I thought the series had ended. What a treat! This year chase will shop for a special gift for each of them rather than handing the list to somebody else to buy the gifts.
The ranchers wives buy gifts for the Marines' toys for tots program.
An old friends son stops by and there is so mystery as to why. Cat needs a husband is one of them. Some are trying to fix her up with him. Others say he's got a deal going with Chase.
The house has been deckked out in holiday attire and the annual Christmas ball in the barn is ready.
A lot of other mundane ranch life is talked about-bringing us up to date with the others in the series and what is new with their lives. Also those who have passed on, leaving their legacy to others. Tara's old house: what to do with the monstrosity of it.
A lot of secret things going on: $10,000 check, a cowboy has to leave the ranch for 2 weeks time, lot of mysteries.
Super finish, didn't see that coming and there's openings for the series to continue.
December 11, 2016
When I came across this book in my "to read" list, my immediate reaction was to move on to something else. I knew that this was part of a series and, given the number of holiday related choices, I thought that might be wise. But it is such a short book that I decided to start it and see if I wanted to continue.
Family patriarch Chase Calder is trying his best to encourage a romance between his widowed daughter, Cat, and a longtime acquaintance, Wade Rogers. Cat is certainly attracted to Wade, but the overheard conversations between Wade and her father give her pause. Other family members are getting ready for the big family reunion planned for Christmas day.
Strange as it sounds, it's not the plot that kept me reading; in fact, the connection between Cat and Wade is really not much of a connection at all, but rather an attraction which could lead to romance down the road. I don't really care one way or the other, though I might change my mind if I read the series in order. For me though, I fell in love with the warm and wonderful people who populate the pages of this book. Somehow, their simple, day to day interactions kept me reading. I can definitely understand why this series is as popular as it is. In fact, I may very well decide to come back to it in the future; it may provide some nice light reading.
Family patriarch Chase Calder is trying his best to encourage a romance between his widowed daughter, Cat, and a longtime acquaintance, Wade Rogers. Cat is certainly attracted to Wade, but the overheard conversations between Wade and her father give her pause. Other family members are getting ready for the big family reunion planned for Christmas day.
Strange as it sounds, it's not the plot that kept me reading; in fact, the connection between Cat and Wade is really not much of a connection at all, but rather an attraction which could lead to romance down the road. I don't really care one way or the other, though I might change my mind if I read the series in order. For me though, I fell in love with the warm and wonderful people who populate the pages of this book. Somehow, their simple, day to day interactions kept me reading. I can definitely understand why this series is as popular as it is. In fact, I may very well decide to come back to it in the future; it may provide some nice light reading.
December 15, 2010
"Montana winters are harsh, but bad weather won't get in the way of the Calders' Christmas reunion. Patriarch Chase Calder is determined to make this holiday the happiest yet-especially for his daughter, Cat. And Chase knows the best gifts aren't always done up in paper and ribbon-
It's high time for widowed Cat to have a man in her life again, whether she'll admit it or not. Chase has been thinking long and hard, and he's got a plan-one he's far too wise to reveal to his stubborn little darling. And as the magical season begins with a glorious snowfall, the Calders share a host of surprises-including a mystery solved, a special visitor, and the greatest gift of all: love, the forever kind."
I enjoyed this novel more than most of Janet Dailey's Calder Series. Her characters seemed less harsh - more feeling might be a better description - and there were fewer of the person to person nastiness that consumed her earlier books. This was a pleasant book about people I had met before and enjoyed catching up on their lives.
It's high time for widowed Cat to have a man in her life again, whether she'll admit it or not. Chase has been thinking long and hard, and he's got a plan-one he's far too wise to reveal to his stubborn little darling. And as the magical season begins with a glorious snowfall, the Calders share a host of surprises-including a mystery solved, a special visitor, and the greatest gift of all: love, the forever kind."
I enjoyed this novel more than most of Janet Dailey's Calder Series. Her characters seemed less harsh - more feeling might be a better description - and there were fewer of the person to person nastiness that consumed her earlier books. This was a pleasant book about people I had met before and enjoyed catching up on their lives.
December 21, 2017
So I bought the book Santa in Montana at Walmart. There was no indication on the cover that it was part of a series. So when I got home and added it to my Goodreads realized it was but I figured I'd try anyways because I was in the mood for a book set at Christmas.
My main issue with the book so far is the four-year-old great grandson Jake. The child is much to articulate and understands way too much for four-year-old. If he had been written a few years older then he’d be fine. Or if some of his speech dropped would de lie to and the then yes more like a three year old. So far his only grammar issue is saying can I instead of may I. Usually focused on when child is a little older. I get writing young children is difficult but yes it’s a pet peeve of mine.
Lastly the book just ended without great closure. It really needed a few more pages or even one more chapter to help with the ending. It was lacking in several ways especially the sudden ending.
My main issue with the book so far is the four-year-old great grandson Jake. The child is much to articulate and understands way too much for four-year-old. If he had been written a few years older then he’d be fine. Or if some of his speech dropped would de lie to and the then yes more like a three year old. So far his only grammar issue is saying can I instead of may I. Usually focused on when child is a little older. I get writing young children is difficult but yes it’s a pet peeve of mine.
Lastly the book just ended without great closure. It really needed a few more pages or even one more chapter to help with the ending. It was lacking in several ways especially the sudden ending.
July 7, 2024
Montana winters are harsh, but bad weather won’t get in the way of the Calders’ Christmas reunion. Patriarch Chase Calder is determined to make this holiday the happiest yet—especially for his daughter, Cat. And Chase knows the best gifts aren’t always done up in paper and ribbon . . .
It’s high time for widowed Cat to have a man in her life again, whether she’ll admit it or not. But Chase has more than one ace up his sleeve—he’s been thinking long and hard, and this secret Santa will bring joy to the whole clan. As the magical season begins with a glorious snowfall, the Calders share a host of surprises—including a mystery solved, a special visitor, and the greatest gift of all: love, the forever kind.
It’s high time for widowed Cat to have a man in her life again, whether she’ll admit it or not. But Chase has more than one ace up his sleeve—he’s been thinking long and hard, and this secret Santa will bring joy to the whole clan. As the magical season begins with a glorious snowfall, the Calders share a host of surprises—including a mystery solved, a special visitor, and the greatest gift of all: love, the forever kind.
January 6, 2018
This is book #11 in the Calder Saga by author Janet Dailey. This entertaining story is not really about Christmas at all but it does take place during the holidays in December and involves a Montana blizzard, a mystery man, finding love, and a special gift to the family. A family reunion is in store for the Calder clan. The theme centers around the family patriarch, Chase Calder, who sets out to find a husband for his widowed daughter Cat, who in his mind has been alone for far too long. Chase and his four year old grandson Jake, band together to take on the challenge!
December 27, 2024
(Christmas Book 2010) Chase Calder, patriarch of the Calder family was happy that all 3 generations of Calders would be there for Christmas. Chase hires Wade Rogers, the son of a good friend, to secretly clear Laredo of things in his past, so Laredo and Jessy Calder can get married. Cat, his daughter, was running the Triple C Ranch now. She has been a widow for 3 years and when she meets Wade at the ranch, she becomes attracted to Wade. Soon they go dancing and out to dinner as well. Another great Chrismas read by Janet Dailey.
February 9, 2019
My low rating justified: It may have been because this was the first book of Janet Dailey's I'd read and didn't realize it was part of a series (my copy wasn't marked as such). It may have been because of the abrupt end. It may have been too many moving pieces. I don't know what the "it" factor was for my low rating, I just know it wasn't one of the best books I've ever read and was a bit disappointing after what I considered to be a significant build up.
December 29, 2016
It has been years since I read the other books in the Calder Saga and I finally got around to reading this final book that was published some years after the previous books in the series. I really enjoyed revisiting the Calder family for their Christmas reunion and now I'm thinking that I would love to read this series again.
September 29, 2019
2019 Book Hoarders Challenge--Beautiful Cover
Chase Calder believes in giving what a person needs for Christmas. His daughter Cat needs a husbands, and his foreman Laredo Smith needs to be freed from whatever past he has hidden. But what do the others need, including Chase? He will do his best to make it the best Christmas ever
Cute story
Chase Calder believes in giving what a person needs for Christmas. His daughter Cat needs a husbands, and his foreman Laredo Smith needs to be freed from whatever past he has hidden. But what do the others need, including Chase? He will do his best to make it the best Christmas ever
Cute story
November 11, 2020
3.6 Stars:
A sweet story about a close-knit family that own and operate a huge ranch. I love kids and the four year old Jake confirmed the saying; "from the mouth of babes," which made the book touch my heart. It reinforced my believe that family is everything.
I look forward to reading more books in this series.
A sweet story about a close-knit family that own and operate a huge ranch. I love kids and the four year old Jake confirmed the saying; "from the mouth of babes," which made the book touch my heart. It reinforced my believe that family is everything.
I look forward to reading more books in this series.
December 1, 2024
The Calders own a ranch in Montana. Chase is the grandpa / cat his daughter and Jesse his daughter in law. Jesses kids are Laura and Trey . Cats is Quint. Complicated cast and trite story as they all prepare to come home and grandpa wants to get the perfect gift for everyone! Treys little boy Jake is cute and funny, grandpa is bit of a curmudgeon - ok story.
January 3, 2019
Always good
I have been reading Janet's books since the mid to late 70's you can't beat that type of style. I didn't realize there were that many Calder series. This series has always been my favorite.
I have been reading Janet's books since the mid to late 70's you can't beat that type of style. I didn't realize there were that many Calder series. This series has always been my favorite.
January 13, 2021
This is not normally my type of book, but I did enjoy it. Even with a confusing list of characters ... but I jumped in at #11, so probably having read 1-10 would have helped. Very Christmas appropriate, which is exactly what I wanted..
June 14, 2021
Wow..
Here it is June. But I knew I had to read this. The Calder family feel like my family. From the First book. Starting with A long horn named Captain. To be able to bring these babies to adults is amazing. .. Now I'm on to the next book. Five stars.!
Here it is June. But I knew I had to read this. The Calder family feel like my family. From the First book. Starting with A long horn named Captain. To be able to bring these babies to adults is amazing. .. Now I'm on to the next book. Five stars.!
November 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, but if anyone could answer one question for me that would be amazing—-what the hell was Laredo in trouble for with the Mexican government?! I don’t think the book ever says and it’s driving me crazy!!!
May 30, 2022
Love the Calder Series!
As soon as I saw that the next book in the series came out I had to read it! I will miss reading about this family. Tears, laughter and sighs all accompanied this book. Enjoy!
As soon as I saw that the next book in the series came out I had to read it! I will miss reading about this family. Tears, laughter and sighs all accompanied this book. Enjoy!
September 6, 2022
I really did not enjoy the slow pace of this book. It was a short story that ends the saga but it was entirely too slow. It told a story of a Christmas in Montana when the entire Calder family was finally together and ended with Cat getting her husband as a present.
November 1, 2022
Nothing Better!
There's not much better than a Calder Book. I have to say, when I got it I didn't know it was a continuation of the calder family. Once I started reading it I was thrilled.
This is one story I'd love NOT to end.
There's not much better than a Calder Book. I have to say, when I got it I didn't know it was a continuation of the calder family. Once I started reading it I was thrilled.
This is one story I'd love NOT to end.
October 13, 2024
Wonderful
As the last book of this series I cannot express how good it made me feel. The Calder Clan from first to last are definitely a breed of people that stand apart.
I enjoyed the happy times they experienced in this volume.
As the last book of this series I cannot express how good it made me feel. The Calder Clan from first to last are definitely a breed of people that stand apart.
I enjoyed the happy times they experienced in this volume.
June 7, 2017
A Lovely Calder's Tale
It was lovely to read about the Calder family members, first and second generation all settled in this short story.
It was lovely to read about the Calder family members, first and second generation all settled in this short story.
December 1, 2017
Was a good book.
December 15, 2017
Boring. I think this book is best left to die-hard Calder fans.
The most interesting fact for me was that their house was 40 miles beyond the point where their land started !! Imagine that !
The most interesting fact for me was that their house was 40 miles beyond the point where their land started !! Imagine that !
December 19, 2017
Easy and quick read. Don't understand significance of ending. Guess this isn't a series to start on book #11.
January 5, 2018
Fun Christmas read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews