Cowboy Christmas Redemption

She’s his best friend’s widow, but Caleb Dalton has loved Ellie Bell and her daughter Amelia for years, so when he discovers that she has a Christmas wish list – he’s throwing his hat into the ring. Ellie’s finally decided that it’s time to make some changes, but she never expects the biggest change to the heart-stopping she shares with Caleb.

This holiday romance is a very moving and sweet romance that produces a few tears as Caleb and Ellie figure out how to untangle their friendship and move it into a happily ever after. This hero and heroine are strong and easily capture the hearts of the readers as all of the emotional turmoil flows from the pages and readers can’t help but feel that Caleb and Ellie along with Amelia would make a great family, especially at such a special time of the year.

The plot proceeds at a steady pace and keeps readers engaged with this topsy turvy romance that has a couple struggling over some turbulent issues over moving forward when they have lost someone so close to them. The holiday setting and of course the growing Dalton family adds to the wonderful spirit of reaching for a happily ever after that warms the heart and captivates readers from the very beginning.

Cowboy Christmas Redemption by Maisy Yates is part of her Gold Valley series. Ellie Bell has been a widow for five years. She was married to Caleb Dalton’s closest friend Clint. Clint was a firefighter who died doing his job. Unbeknownst to Ellie Caleb has had feelings for her for years. After Clint’s death Caleb stepped up to do everything he could for Ellie because he was her best friend and because he cared for her. He kept his feeling to himself until Ellie made her Christmas list which contained a Christmas kiss and then some.

Maisey Yates has drawn these two characters with emotionally charged, poignant words. The way she tells their story is so very beautiful. I really enjoyed reading about Ellie and Caleb’s journey to a HEA. Once again author Maisey Yates has treated her readers to a truly lovely love story.

There are books, and then there are BOOKS! This one blew me away! I had to read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Yates was able to put such complex feelings and emotions into words, that had me feeling everything. I shed more than a few tears while reading this book. I’m still in awe, the next day after finishing it, of the feelings Yates conveyed in this book. Ellie and Caleb both had more grief and loss than most people can handle in a lifetime. Discovering truths about themselves and each other brought both love and sadness. Yates showed all the sides of love in this book. It just pulls you in! The steamy love scenes add depth to the story because it adds the physical power of love in addition to the emotional one both Caleb and Ellie are going through. Something that started out simple and fun, a Christmas List, turned into much more than either could have imagined! Highly recommend! You won’t regret reading this one!

Cowboy Christmas Redemption is a wonderful book that–at times–was tough to read. Ellie and Caleb have so many things in the way of their HEA–the former existence of Clint, Ellie’s first husband and Caleb’s best friend, constantly hanging over them is just the beginning. So many more of their obstacles are internal–her fear of turning into her mother, which turns into a fear of intense emotion; his belief that he could never be the man that Clint was and that he therefore doesn’t deserve as much as his friend had, along with plenty of guilt over his past actions and feelings–as a result, there’s almost as much going on in their heads as there is on the page. The constant pushing and pulling in their relationship and the conversations they have with each other (and with friends and families) weren’t always easy to read, though they were necessary for them to come through to the other side.

Intense doesn’t even begin to cover it!

If you’re looking for a light-hearted holiday read, this definitely isn’t it. But if you’re looking for realistic characters who have genuine problems to work through that will do so in a way that feels true-to-life–and still manage to get to a HEA and a Merry Christmas for Ellie, Caleb, and Amelia, then give this one a try.

A word of caution: there is a continuing plot line here with Caleb’s family that has been going on for several books now and looks to continue for a few more–those new to the series may feel a bit lost at times, not knowing all the details of the complicated relationships there. The focus here really is with Caleb and Ellie, though; as long as you don’t get too bogged down in understanding all of the Dalton family drama, this wouldn’t be a bad place to pick up the series. Just don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel the need to add the first 7 books to your TBR, though 😉

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Raw and real emotions, turbulent inner conflict, sorrow, guilt, and pain, exhilaration, passion, and adoration… As the story is told mostly by the fervent inner monologue of the protagonists, every feeling and all the turmoil in their hearts and minds are palpable forces that shape their characters, makes them grow and change them to be the people they were always meant to become.
I knew the story of Caleb Dalton and Ellie Bell was going to be an emotional roll-a-coaster, only this tale dived into such deep, dark storms of the mind and heart that it blew me away. There is no doubt that these two best friends loved each other, but were they ever going to be able to grow into the profound (romantic) emotions they awoke in each other, that was left to be found out in this unique tale of life, loss, and love, of family, friends, and lovers.
From sweet and adorable to ardent and heartwrenching, I felt all the feels and textures of the turmoil and mayhem in their minds and hearts. Yet, there is redemption, there is deliverance, there is hope eternal, and there is faith for the future. There is growth and maturing from the loss, there is peace from the childhood drama, and there are even those delightfully lovely holiday moments that will your heart to overflowing.
A beautiful, unputdownable emotion-filled, fervent and heartfelt tale that took my breath away.
~ Five Spoons

This was an intense and emotional book. Caleb has been in love with Ellie since he first saw her, but she was already with his best friend, Clint, so he buried his feelings deep. When Clint died, Caleb stepped in to be the support he knew Clint would want him to be, and still kept his feelings to himself. As a result, he and Ellie became best friends themselves. So when he found out that Ellie had a very unusual Christmas list, he was ready to help fulfill it.

Ellie loved her husband and grieved for him for four years. But she’s tired of being that pitiful widow that everyone feels sorry for, so she’s ready to make some changes. Her Christmas list for herself is short, but powerful, starting with buying herself a new dress and getting kissed under the mistletoe, and moving on to making out by the fire and more.

I loved both Caleb and Ellie. Caleb is a good man with a kind heart, who doesn’t see himself as worthy of good things. Caleb had a rough childhood with his father constantly comparing him to Clint, leaving him convinced that Clint was always the better person. I loved how he stepped up to be the support that Ellie needed, from holding her through her grief to being there when Amelia was born. There were also times when he frustrated me because of his inability to see his own worth. Ellie is sweet and a lot stronger than she thinks she is. She also has some deep-seated fear of intense emotion thanks to her mother’s wild emotional swings in her own love life.

I loved the development of the relationship between Ellie and Caleb. It has an excellent start with the depth of their friendship and that they have an undeniable trust in each other. While their bond is strong, Ellie has no idea that Caleb has stronger feelings. When he shows up the first night she puts her plan into motion, she is shocked by the feelings he stirs up in her. She is further stunned by his reaction to her Christmas list. The chemistry between them is explosive and starts crumbling the walls both of them have around their hearts. I did get a bit frustrated with Ellie at times because she was so oblivious to Caleb’s feelings for her. He would say something that made it evident that he felt more than friendship, and she would completely miss it, or misunderstand what he said.

Just when I had high hopes that they were both finally going to “get it,” everything fell apart. Caleb was ready to propose but was so afraid of being compared to Clint/not measuring up to Clint that he left out an essential point. Ellie knew that there was something that didn’t feel right, but she couldn’t admit what it was. And when she finally faced the truth of her feelings, she allowed her fears to send her running, devastating Caleb and reinforcing his fears. Thank goodness for family members who helped each of them see the truth and find the courage to go after what they wanted. I loved their big moment at the end and seeing both of them finally let go of the past and embrace the potential of the future. I loved the epilogue and seeing that they both gave themselves time to get to know who they are now.

I loved the secondary characters. The most adorable one was Amelia, Ellie’s little girl. She was such a sweetheart. I loved how big a part of Caleb’s life she was, and the depth of her love for him. She just about broke my heart when she told him her Christmas wish. Caleb’s parents were interesting people, and the storyline about Hank’s past coming home to roost is intriguing. I must admit that the more I heard about how he treated Caleb as a kid, the harder it was to like him, but he did redeem himself somewhat at the end. Caleb’s mom was more forgiving than I expected, though she had made some egregious mistakes too. I’m looking forward to reading more of the series and finding out more. I also hope that West gets his own story because he needs to find someone to give him the love he deserves.

When Clint passes away, Caleb is determined to be there for his best friend’s window, Ellie and her daughter, Amelia. Caleb has always had feelings for Ellie but he is holding himself back because of his respect for Clint. When Ellie decides she is ready to move on, there is NO WAY another man is going to win her. He just will NOT stand for it!

Well! Caleb just stole my heart. He is strong and kind! The best type of cowboy there is! When he and Ellie FINALLY get together…it is no holds barred! I fell in love with both of these characters. They both struggle through their grief and with the help of each other, they find their way to true love. It’s not all peaches and cream…there are a few obstacles in the way. But that is just the tantalizing part of the story!

Don’t miss this sweet, tear jerker!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

COWBOY CHRISTMAS REDEMPTION (Gold Valley Book 8) by Maisey Yates is a new Christmas cowboy contemporary romance in the Gold Valley series. Even though this is the eighth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

Ellie Bell is not ready for another Christmas without her husband. Clint died four and a half years ago in a tragic accident and never got to meet his daughter, Amelia. His best friend has been there for Ellie, but she feels it is time to make some changes. She writes a Christmas wish list.

Caleb Dalton has loved Ellie Bell for years and made it his mission to always be there for her when she needed him, but he has always believed she was off-limits. When Clint died, Caleb was there to morn with her, be present for the birth of Amelia, be her best friend and her rock. When Ellie shows Caleb her Christmas wish list, he knows he is the only one to fulfill her wishes.

This Christmas, can Caleb prove he is the man for Ellie’s and Amelia’s future? And is Ellie ready to stop mourning and willing to give herself completely to a new and different love?

This is a Christmas romance that delves into emotional and deep relationship issues. Caleb and Ellie both have had troubled childhoods. Caleb was never diagnosed with his dyslexia and Ellie was never loved by her single mother. When Ellie loved and married Clint, it was an easy love without issues. Caleb offers a more mature and deeper love that demands more than Ellie thinks she is capable of giving. She is afraid. The back and forth between Caleb and Ellie felt realistic based on their pasts, but it was also frustrating and a major portion of the plot. I do wish their final coming together would have been less abrupt. The sex scenes are smokin’ hot and explicit, but not gratuitous. The HEA makes the frustration and wait worthwhile and will make you cry, so have those tissues ready.

Overall, an enjoyable Christmas HEA, but not a light and fluffy Christmas read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cowboy Christmas Redemption, by Maisey Yates, became available at booksellers on 9-24-19. Part of Ms Yates Gold Valley series it works quite well as a stand-alone story. I’ve given only 3 stars as there were parts of the plot that didn’t ring true. For me, a little unbelievable but there’s so much more that I flew through the tale. I became invested in the characters, and that’s always the sign of a good story.

Ellie Bell is a widow with a small daughter. Her husband was a part of the Dalton family and they took her into the fold too. They’re all still close, which is nice for the sake of Amelia, she has loads of people who care for her. Her struggles seem real, her insecurities real. Her rough childhood makes her appreciate the Dalton’s and she doesn’t want to endanger that in any way. She’s begun to think about moving on, she’s mourned enough. I felt that too, it’s hard to be brave.

Caleb Dalton is the character I had trouble with. On one hand he’s a great, thoughtful guy, but on the other hand he’s screwed up pretty bad. He’s held onto guilt, his sense of duty, and his love for Ellie for way too long. He tortures himself like there’s a penance he has to pay forever. He’s unlikable until he snaps out of it and acts like a man, not a mouse.

All in all I liked the book and it ended well. Happy Christmas reading.

#Netgalley #MaiseyYates #CowboyChristmasRedemption #GoldValley #HQNBooks

Cowboy Christmas Redemption is the eighth novel in Maisey Yates’ Gold Valley series, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting Caleb and Eillie’s story and it was certainly worth waiting for, since Maisey Yates pulls out all the stops in this one, it’s deeply felt, highly emotional, hot, sexy, and dramatic, and it gets 5+++ stars from this reader.

For Caleb Dalton, it was love at first sight the moment he first set eyes on Ellie Bell, more than 10 years earlier. The problem was that she was engaged to marry his best friend, Clint, whom he’d befriended early on and whom he considered his brother, and Caleb had scruples, so he stuffed his feelings, was best man at their wedding, and stayed a loyal friend throughout their marriage, although he deeply wished that he’d been the one to see her first.

Caleb and Clint were both firefighters, and 5 years earlier, Clint died in a freak helicopter crash, one that was carrying him and other firefighters to the scene of a raging forest fire. Ellie, who was, at the time, pregnant with their first child, was devastated and drowning in grief. It was Caleb who remained her stalwart companion, her friend and protector. He was there when Ellie gave birth to her daughter, Amelia, and Caleb was always there for both of them. Ellie, still grieving the loss of her beloved husband, was the only one who didn’t see that Caleb was in love with her, but his family sure knew.

When Ellie got to the point of wanting more than just widowhood and motherhood, and was willing to do more than grieve, she made a Christmas wish list that included things like dancing, dating, a kiss under the mistletoe, making out by the fireplace and sex–but with whom? Completely oblivious to Caleb’s feelings for her, she models some sexy dresses for him when he stops by unexpectedly, and the short, skintight red one was Caleb’s favorite. When he learns that she and Caleb’s sister-in-law, Vanessa, have headed into town to fulfill wish #1, Caleb finds her in that red dress and in the arms of another man, and drags her out of his arms and into the street. Ellie wasn’t at all attracted to her dance partner, but realizes that she’s not a one-night-stand kind of gal, and eventually asks Caleb to fulfill her wish list, he’s her best friend, after all, and she trusts him, but Caleb goes ballistic at her request. He doesn’t want to just scratch her itch, he wants her forever, and understands that Ellie isn’t thinking long term with him and makes it clear that if they do this, it will be by his rules, not hers, and the heat these two “friends” generate is incendiary.

Ellie thinks love is just fun and laughs because what her marriage to Clint was like. She’s not even close to ready for Caleb’s intensity, his sexual prowess, or his passion. Ellie had a horrible childhood with a mother who was so busy chasing men that she had no time for Ellie, and Clint too, had a rough childhood, which is why the Dalton family practically adopted him when Caleb brought him home. What Ellie is slow to learn is that although Caleb’s family had problems, they all loved one another and still do. She doesn’t trust the kind of intensity Caleb finally lets her see, and she’s afraid of becoming just like her mother. And then, there’s her 4-year-old daughter, adorable Amelia, who loves Caleb and even asks him to be her daddy. Get out the tissues, because if the emotions in this novel don’t move you to tears (more than once in my case), or make you turn on your air conditioner or electric fan, I’ll be shocked, because this story certainly got to me on every level imaginable, and was as gripping a read as I’ve come across in some time.

While this novel works just fine as a standalone, I highly encourage you to read these novels in the order written to fully appreciate this amazingly vivid place Ms. Yates has created in Gold Valley. If you’re looking for a novel with lots of angst, family drama, relationship drama, characters who you come to feel you’ve known forever, steamy sex, and admiration for just what a decent, complex man Caleb Dalton is, you’ll find that and more in this heartfelt, deeply moving friends-to-lovers romance that I found impossible to put down. In this reader’s opinion, it’s the best novel in the series so far, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.