A Family for Christmas Lacie Collier is determined to give her niece, Kenzie, the best Christmas! But Lacie’s got her work cut out for her when they spend the holidays at her Christmas-averse mother’s home. With his focus on keeping his own mother’s holiday traditions alive, sheriff’s deputy Matt Stephens is surprised to see his old friend Lacie back in Ouray. He’s always regretted that their … that their friendship became strained after he started dating her sister in high school. But it’s pure shock he experiences when he sees Kenzie, whose uncanny resemblance to Matt is undeniable. This Christmas will bring new memories for Lacie and Matt…if they can open themselves to the possibility of love.
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Ah…. I am blazing through this Rocky Mountain Heroes series! At the rate I’m going, I’ll likely be finished with all of Mindy Obenhaus’ published books by the end of the month ;)! This second installment in the series does not disappoint. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone, though I’m sure you’ll want to read about Andrew and his wife from the first book after you’ve read this one, if you haven’t already. The author’s easy-to-read writing style, her well-paced plot, vulnerable and lovable characters, and well-balanced integration of faith into the storyline all make this book an enjoyable contemporary romance read.
Matt, the middle Stephens son in a line-up of five, is tender, self-sacrificing, loyal, and protective. He battles guilt over his mother’s death from cancer and also battles his father with whom he’s never seen eye to eye. Lacie is a friend from high school who returns home with her niece after her sister’s death. She’s a soft-hearted decorator who loves with her whole heart but can’t get over her insecurities. A child brings them together and their relationship blossoms as Matt bonds with Lacie’s niece Kenzie.
Next up is Noah’s story and I can’t wait to read about the firstborn of the five brothers! I was given a copy of the book by the author/publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I really liked this book! There were several well-developed storylines that all blended together very nicely. There was the story of Lacie being thrown into the role of a single mom. There was the story of Matt and his issues with his father. There was the story of Lacie’s mom and why she wouldn’t celebrate Christmas. And of course, there was the story of Matt and Lacie’s relationship and how it evolved. This book is part of the Rocky Mountain Heroes series but can easily be read as a standalone.
Such a great book I give this a 5 star because I like books like this it is a great book and I would recommend this book if you like reading great books!
I love the small town theater and law enforcement elements of this story! There’s just something special about tight-knit communities and the friendships that are formed within them.
Obenhaus rocks the Christmas cheer like a shining star and I’m ready to pack my bags for Ouray, Colorado! Lacie and Matt each deal with their unique situation and family drama in an authentic manner and the adorable little girl at the center of the story simply stole my heart.
This is the first series I’ve had the opportunity to read by this author and I’m looking forward to future stories! I definitely recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
It may be spring in Tennessee but it’s always a good time to read a delightful Christmas story. The Deputy’s Holiday Family fits the bill with a cute kid and a second chance romance.
Lacie, now guardian of her deceased sister’s child, has returned to her home town to spend Christmas with her mother. Surprised by an encounter with her former crush, Matt, Lacie is determined to avoid him since he had always been more interested in her sister. Circumstances throw them together and both are surprised by secrets from the past that are revealed.
Loved this story, especially family reconciliations and the spiritual growth in more than one character. Matt was the perfect hero for Lacie and Kenzie with his unwavering support and caring nature. It was encouraging to read about how his relationship with his dad was resolved.
Mindy Obenhaus is an excellent author who keeps her plots interesting and right on track with a perfect blend of drama, romance, and faith. I will be reading more of her books in the future for sure.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Another awesome sweet romance from author Mindy Obenhaus! I really love this Rocky Mountain Heroes series that is set in Ouray. Colorado. Ouray is a peaceful small town with loving people, just like a town I would love to live in! I’m glad this book is Lacy and Matt’s story, to learn more about their lives. Lacie decides to take her niece Kenzie to her mothers home in Ouray for the holidays. She is surprised to see Matt Stevens when he pulled her over forced to bad driving. Being in Ouray will not be easy because of her bad crush in Matt when she was younger. But as circumstances keep throwing them together, and as they spend more time with each other, a major secret surfaces, as well as attraction between the two grows, tensions seem to run ragged as the holidays keep them busy.
Love this sweet story by Mindy Obenhaus as well as the other two I have read! I grew to love some of these characters in the first two books I read in this series. After loosing her sister, Lacie is raising her sisters daughter Kenzie. Lacie is helping with the Christmas program, and discovers that Matt as well, forcing them to spend even more time together. And with Matt being around Kenzie and getting a good look at her, it has him asking many questions. I love the interaction with the characters in this story. Lacie is trying her best to give her five year old niece the best Christmas, but with her anti-Christmas mom, it’s a challenge. But as it is with kids during Christmas, Kenzie seems to pull everyone together, and the result is amazing at how the love is so sweet. And with Lacie and Matt, a second chance at love and a chance to make a family for sweet Kenzie makes this story one of the sweetest romances I’ve read. My heart still warms when I see a picture of this book. As with the other book by Ms. Obenhaus, I love and appreciate the way she weaves the Christian life and the Gospel into the lives of her characters. And in such a suptle way.
I feel like I’ve been all over the place with this review but there is a lot of good stuff chunked into this amazing little book. I love every bit of it And this one is sure one I will have on my reading list again during the Christmas holidays this year! I sure hope you will check out “The Deputy’s Holiday Family” for a few hours of pure fun abscond enjoyment!
I received this book from JustReads Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
When Lacie comes home to Ouray, Colorado, to get back on her feet, the last thing she’s expecting is to run into her high school crush Matt Stephens. When Matt sees Lacie’s niece, Kenzie, he’s struck by her strong resemblance to his family. The daughter of his high school girlfriend, Kenzie is now under Lacie’s guardianship. With their friendship having fizzled out after Matt started dating Lacie’s sister, he must overcome her distrust toward him. Complicating matters is the tension that both Matt and Lacie each have with one of their parents. As Christmas draws closer and Matt spends more time with both Lacie and Kenzie, they start to feel like a cozy little family, but Lacie is unsure of Matt’s motives and must learn to open her heart to the possibility of a happy future.
This was a very sweet Christmas story, and even though we’re a few months past the season I really loved the joyous feeling of this book! I received a copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours and am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 Stars
Is there anything better than a Love Inspired holiday romance read? Very few things top these heartwarming reads.
There is a lot to like about The Deputy’s Holiday Family. Christmas celebrations? Check. Cute kid? Check. Family, community, and plenty of conflict for the hero and heroine? Check, check, and check. Plus a slow building romance that kept me up way past my bedtime to get to the HEA at the end.
And Mindy Obenhaus’s book is one of the many reasons Love Inspired books are…well, loved. The people of Ouray, Colorado draw you in and invite you to stay a while and enjoy the magic of Christmas and falling in love. Plus, I’m a bit of a sap when it comes to the friends-to-more romance, so this one just hit all the right high notes for me.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series, which follows of a family of brothers. However, this book can definitely stand alone if you have not read the first book in the series, Their Ranch Reunion.
Although Lacie and Matt were once friends, this is not your typical friends to more romance plot. Lacie and Matt’s friendship fell apart years earlier when Matt started dating Lacie’s sister. This is more of a reunion story with a twist.
I really enjoyed the way these two were brought together in this small town, and watching as Matt became convinced that Lacie’s niece, Kenzie, was his daughter. I liked the way Matt and Lacie worked together to try to make things great for Kenzie, even as both of them worried what the future might bring.
The Deputy’s Holiday Family was a sweet story and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Lacie Collier is a Denver interior designer, raising her young niece, Kenzie. When Lacie’s job lets her go, she decides to go back to her hometown to spend Christmas with her mom. On her way home, she gets pulled over, by Deputy Matt Stephens, who is surprised to see his old friend back in town.
Lacie is helping with the local Christmas Program, but when she has an accident, Matt is asked to take over. Matt goes to Lacie for help with the program, he meets Kenzie and is shocked that she looks just like he did at her age.
As past secrets are revealed will Lacie and Matt be able to give Kenzie the family she’s always wanted?
Matt has always had a troubled relationship with his father, he joined the Navy, and then came home taking a job as the deputy. He is shocked to learn about Kenzie’s existence, and he wants to make up for lost time, and be a part of her life. As he and Lacie work together, he starts to have feelings for her, but she’s been looking for a job and he doesn’t want to get attached if she is leaving. I really admired how he makes the effort to mend things with his father, and be a role model for Kenzie.
Lacie has always like Matt, but he always liked her sister. She is responsible and dedicated to her family, she doesn’t want Matt to take Kenzie away from her. She loves her niece and has leaned on her faith to sustain her. Kenzie is so adorable, and I love how Lacie has also discipled her young niece.
Great interaction, I loved the whole Stephen’s family and how Matt and his father, Clint, find new understanding. I love how the author blends the faith so integrally into the story, Lacie and Clint live their faith, and it is very important in their life. A great story about faith, family, and starting over, definitely recommend!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising.”