RaeAnne Thayne - The Holiday Gift

A Cowboy for Christmas

With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He’s always been “good ol’ Chase,” her faithful friend. Until he kisses her under the mistletoe...

Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he’s loved since childhood. Now he’s determined to step out of the friend zone...and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won’t let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.

Praise for New York Timesand USA TODAYbestselling author RaeAnne Thayne Contents Cover Back Cover Text Praise Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Epilogue Extract Copyright

“Romance, vivid characters and a wonderful story; really who could ask for more?”

—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Blackberry Summer

“This quirky, funny, warmhearted romance will draw readers in and keep them enthralled to the last romantic page.”

—Library Journal on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon

“Entertaining, heart-wrenching, and totally involving, [Evergreen Springs] is a sure winner.”

—Library Journal

“A sometimes heartbreaking tale of love and relationships in a small Colorado town.... Poignant and sweet.”

—Publishers Weekly on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon

“RaeAnne Thayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors... Once you start reading, you aren’t going to be able to stop.”

—Fresh Fiction on Snow Angel Cove

“Plenty of tenderness and Colorado sunshine flavor this pleasant escape.”

—Publishers Weekly on Woodrose Mountain

“Thayne, once again, delivers a heartfelt story of a caring community and a caring romance between adults who have triumphed over tragedies.”

—Booklist on Woodrose Mountain

“Thayne pens another winner... Her main characters are strong and three-dimensional, with enough heat between them to burn the pages.”

—RT Book Reviews on Currant Creek Valley

Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Praise Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Epilogue Extract Copyright ,

I’m so excited to bring you the story of Faith Nichols Dustin and Chase Brannon, at long last. I introduced them two years ago in The Christmas Ranch, the first book in my current Cold Creek miniseries. I loved Chase and Faith from the beginning. Faith had just suffered a great tragedy and the world seemed a bleak place. Chase was not only her neighbor but her best friend—caring, loyal and fiercely protective of her.

I knew a few basics about their lives and the journey they would have to find happiness again together, but uncovering the details of their story has been a true delight.

I’m always so happy when I have the chance to return to Pine Gulch and visit old friends! It’s been ten years since I wrote my first book based in Cold Creek Canyon (I know! I can’t believe it, either!) and the people who live here almost feel like family.

Wishing you and your loved ones the very best this holiday season.

RaeAnne

The Holiday Gift

RaeAnne Thayne

www.millsandboon.co.uk

RAEANNE THAYNE finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains, where the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author lives with her husband and three children. Her books have won numerous honors, including RITA® Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. RaeAnne loves to hear from readers and can be contacted through her website, www.raeannethayne.com.

Before you start reading, why not sign up?

Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

SIGN ME UP!

Or simply visit

signup.millsandboon.co.uk

Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

To Lisa Townsend, trainer extraordinaire, who is gorgeous inside and out. And to Jennie, Trudy, Karen, Becky, Jill and everyone else in our group for your example, your encouragement, your friendship, your laughter—and especially for making me look forward to workouts (except the burpees—I’ll never look forward to those!).

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A Cowboy for Christmas With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He’s always been “good ol’ Chase,” her faithful friend. Until he kisses her under the mistletoe... Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he’s loved since childhood. Now he’s determined to step out of the friend zone...and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won’t let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.

Praise Praise for New York Timesand USA TODAYbestselling author RaeAnne Thayne Contents Cover Back Cover Text Praise Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Epilogue Extract Copyright “Romance, vivid characters and a wonderful story; really who could ask for more?” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Blackberry Summer “This quirky, funny, warmhearted romance will draw readers in and keep them enthralled to the last romantic page.” —Library Journal on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon “Entertaining, heart-wrenching, and totally involving, [Evergreen Springs] is a sure winner.” —Library Journal “A sometimes heartbreaking tale of love and relationships in a small Colorado town.... Poignant and sweet.” —Publishers Weekly on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon “RaeAnne Thayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors... Once you start reading, you aren’t going to be able to stop.” —Fresh Fiction on Snow Angel Cove “Plenty of tenderness and Colorado sunshine flavor this pleasant escape.” —Publishers Weekly on Woodrose Mountain “Thayne, once again, delivers a heartfelt story of a caring community and a caring romance between adults who have triumphed over tragedies.” —Booklist on Woodrose Mountain “Thayne pens another winner... Her main characters are strong and three-dimensional, with enough heat between them to burn the pages.” —RT Book Reviews on Currant Creek Valley

Dear Reader Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Praise Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Epilogue Extract Copyright , I’m so excited to bring you the story of Faith Nichols Dustin and Chase Brannon, at long last. I introduced them two years ago in The Christmas Ranch, the first book in my current Cold Creek miniseries. I loved Chase and Faith from the beginning. Faith had just suffered a great tragedy and the world seemed a bleak place. Chase was not only her neighbor but her best friend—caring, loyal and fiercely protective of her. I knew a few basics about their lives and the journey they would have to find happiness again together, but uncovering the details of their story has been a true delight. I’m always so happy when I have the chance to return to Pine Gulch and visit old friends! It’s been ten years since I wrote my first book based in Cold Creek Canyon (I know! I can’t believe it, either!) and the people who live here almost feel like family. Wishing you and your loved ones the very best this holiday season. RaeAnne