Review: A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise by Maggie McGinnis

May Contain Spoilers

Review:

I decided to read A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise because both protagonists are veterinarians. Hayley is a big city vet, tending to pampered show cats, while Daniel is a large animal vet in rural Montana. Hayley really wanted to be an equine vet, but obligations to her uncle changed her focus to small animals instead. One of the things I enjoyed about the book was Hayley’s enthusiasm for Daniel’s line of work. He’s an overworked vet, the only animal caregiver for hundreds of miles. Even though he has two young daughters, he finds solace in his busy workload. Since the death of his wife, he’s been trying to cope with his grief and be a loving father, but there are times when he’s overwhelmed juggling his work and home schedules.

Hayley is a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of girl; she has no intentions of ever settling down, and her longest relationship lasted a record two months. Visiting Montana for her friend’s wedding (Kyla from Accidental Cowgirl), Hayley realizes that she needs to stay far, far away from Daniel. Daniel doesn’t do casual, and Hayley doesn’t trust enough in love to risk a commitment. Daniel is also fighting with his mother-in-law over custody of the girls, and it’s obvious that she disapproves of both Daniel’s work and the sudden appearance of Hayley in his life.

I loved the humor, and immediately wanted to read the first book in the series (which is in my Terrifying Tower of TBR, so there are hopes that I will get to it yet!). The setting was also a huge plus, as was Daniel’s work. I am fascinated when the vets come out to the barn, and like to watch them work on the horses, as well as ask questions about the procedures they are performing. There’s a feeling of that in the book, as Hayley pitches in to assist with the equine care. She desperately comes to love Montana, treating larger animals, and Daniel and the girls, but she doesn’t see a way to leave her own practice in Boston to take a chance on a permanent relationships with Daniel.

After she returns home from her vacation, she and Daniel stay in contact, calling and Skyping. This part of the story felt very real, too. Their long-distance relationship blossoms into something much deeper than friendship, and I found that their period of separation strengthened their ties to each other. They really listened to what the other said, and used the information gained to do thoughtful things. Usually I’m bored when the protagonists are apart, but that was never a complaint here.

Though Christmas plays a part in the story, it isn’t until the end of the book. I mention this because when I told my mom how much I enjoyed A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise, she said that she didn’t care for holiday themed books. Most of the story takes place during Hayley’s summer vacation, so even if you don’t like Christmas reads, download the sample from Amazon and give this a try. I don’t think you’ll be sorry.

Grade: B

Review copy provided by publisher

From Amazon:

In a captivating novel spiced with holiday magic—perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe—a rugged Montana man mends a Northeast girl’s jaded heart.

Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance.

Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in.

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