Cover Image: A True Cowboy Christmas

A True Cowboy Christmas

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A wonderful Western cowboy romance that deals with more than one family issue. While yes, it has a happy ending, it is not so over the top that it is total fairy tale. Recommend to romance readers who want at least one foot on the ground when reading to the happy ending.

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A whimsical Christmas romance that is heart wrenching yet heartwarming all in one. Gary and Abby have an adorable ending that made everything perfect! LOVED IT!

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A marriage of convenience is great for some people, but one of the couple is already in love with the other it could become trouble. It doesn't help that Gray is as Pig Headed as they come either. The family needs a Christmas miracle. The question is, is Abby up to the task?

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I pretty much loved this book. A marriage of convenience story where one of the characters has loved the other from afar for years, Crews does a great job setting up the premise in a believable way and making you understand their reasons for entering into their arrangement. Both characters have some deep seated issues after their upbringings which makes it really hard for them to trust their new relationship. I adored Abby and my heart hurt for her,. I love a taciturn hero and Gray certainly fit the bill. I wanted to throttle him sometimes but he still made me swoon. There were some things I did not like as much, Gray's interactions with his brothers for one, but overall this book hit me in the feels and I loved it.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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What an unconventional romance but still a wonderful story. And I recommend you read this book anytime if the year, not just Christmas. The holiday theme is integral to the storyline but not overbearing nor written throughout the whole book.

Gray is a rough and tough stereotypical cowboy who just buried his father. His upbringing certainly wasn't the best but he is a man of the land and wants his family legacy to continue as well as flourish. The only problem is he is a widower with a teenaged daughter and two annoying brothers. He knows he needs changes in his life. After the funeral, he walks back up to his home to find a neighbor, Abby, at the back door telling him she prepared a meal for the family. How had he never really seen her before? Can this man who was never been shown love nor taught compassion get this perfect woman?

Abby is a strong woman who has great friends and a very caring grandmother but a mother who always tries to tear Abby down. She has dealt with the abuse but unfortunately some of that has been internalized. While Abby is independent and successful in her life, she lacks a bit of self confidence.

These two embark on a life many in the modern world would drown upon. They both have issues which hold them back while also being very strong people. Can they pull this off or will it all come crashing down?

Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I am eager to learn about Gray's brothers and Abby's friends so I hope their stories will be coming. This novel has a well developed story line, nice flow, and relatable characters. It was a great start to a new series.

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There was so much to love about this story, from Abby’s light, whit, purity of nature, unfiltered innocent belief in the goodness others deserved, a propensity to tell the truth no matter the cost to herself, and her unabashed love for Gray, to the darkness of Gray’s struggles to rid himself and his family of the venom that was his father’s legacy. By the conclusion of the couple’s story, Abby’s light out shown Gray’s darkness.

The emotions this story generated swung like a pendulum resulting in heartfelt laughter, tears, heartbreak, happiness and anger. The author created a story that gives the reader the gift of taking something away from this story...which would be different for each individual.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

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Reading, and then keeping, holiday books is my favorite part of book hoarding. When I read this story, I was taken aback, at first, because it didn’t start out as a “typical” holiday read. However, as I continued, I loved how the author wove a story about the characters that will not only warm your heart but will make you care about all these characters – you’ll want to “help” them come together, and not just for the holidays.

I’m hoping that there will be more stories about the Everett brothers, however this book is about the oldest brother, Gray. Gray Everett is living in his own past – not opening his eyes to what can be an amazing future. Abby Douglas, someone who has lived next door to Gray (and his family) her entire life, doesn’t believe in herself. She does nothing to change that…until she does. There’s also a tiny matter of her having a life-long crush on Gray but you need to read about that for yourself!

No spoilers from me: Gray has always thought the best of Abby, and after a fashion, it is that “heart” that makes the story. Ms. Crews wrote so much depth in these characters that there was even one I wanted to shake until teeth rattled. Read the book – you’ll find broken heroes and heroines that will make your heart melt. You’ll meet a grandmother that is wise beyond her years. And a teenager that is really an old soul and maybe has a slightly battered heart herself.

Both Gray and Abby had much to overcome personally but when they finally decide to trust in each other, and themselves, to be a united front? Priceless! A True Cowboy Christmas is a wonderful holiday story that will be enjoyed any time of year. I received an early copy of this book through NetGalley and freely offer my opinions.

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Abby was in love with Gray her next door neighbor since she was a teenager. She saw him marry and become a father.

It takes the death of Gray’s father and the return of his two younger brothers for him to want to try his hand at marriage again and give his daughter a mother. Also he wants to save the ranch from being sold to developers.

Gray decides Abby will fit his requirements. Abby doesn’t accept his marriage proposal at first but realizes this is what she always dreamed of being with Gray.

I loved how Abby stood by her man and how Gray realized her worth (her loving, kind hearted spirit) and he didn’t want to become like his mean spirited father not knowing love. The ending was amazing.

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A Christmas story with a cowboy!, what a cute read for everyone to read at xmas time. I didn't love it, but it was enjoyable to curl up to read.
I love that there is an influx of Christmas stories for all of us to dive into.

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3.5 STARS

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love holidays stories and this was my first this year. This author was new to me and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this. I have to admit, the first 10% of the book threw me because of the proposal, but this author took her time peeling the layers of the characters which really made this a thoughtful story.

Gray and Abby are neighbors who suddenly decide to get married. Abby has loved Gray her entire life so the decision to jump in feels right, however, Gray's idea of marriage has nothing to do with love and he sets the expectations early on. Abby has spent her life on the receiving end of insecurities which has set her expectations to accept less than she deserves. As she is living her dream, she discovers that she deserves to have more, including love and wonders if Gray can live up to her fantasy.

This was an enjoyable read, and the banter and dialogue was intelligent and considerate to the characters. The Christmas theme was a perfect way to ascent to a meaningful ending.

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I received for an honest review

I love a great cowboy read but this one was just off the charts hot and a must read I loved the characters in this Christmas cowboy read I think it’s a must read holiday book

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"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

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5 Stars.....
Loved this book so much! A very well written novel with great characters.

I knew from the first chapter this book would be a breath of fresh air. And I was not disappointed in my assumption. First I'll say that this was my first book by Caitlin Crews. I really loved everything about her writing style. Her descriptive monologues and scenes brought me right there to those Colorado mountains. I will add that this book is heavy on monologue. I would have like to read more dialogue from our hero and heroine. That said, I still loved this book and I am looking forward to reading more from this author. This series has two more brothers to match off. And I can only hope they are matched with Abby's two friends. Unfortunately I was not given any hints as to what is to come and whose story is next so I'll patiently wait and see. But I can assure you this author is on my watch list.

Gray and Abby.....
I won't summarize this book. The blurb gives you great insight as to how this will play out. Marriage of convenience is not a trope I often come across unless it's a historical romance. That's not to say I don't enjoy reading them. I do. Quite a bit, actually. Gray is a bit older than Abby, who is thirty herself. He has a teenage daughter, two alienated brothers and a whole ranch to run. After his father passes away, Gray feels the need for a change in his life. He doesn't want to be lonely. He wants companionship and to find a woman he can work along side without drama. Unfortunately for Abby, Gray does not want "feelings" involved. There is quite a bit of angst. A lot of chemistry. Abby is a wonderful character. Unfortunately while I liked Gray, I didn't love him until the end. But that is okay because otherwise this book would not have been as perfect. Gray had a lot of issues and he needed to come to terms with many aspects of his life. He especially needed to learn that loving Abby and allowing her to love him was currently the best thing that could happen to him. I don't want to spoil anything for you. That said, I will say that this is a book I would like to reread each Christmas. I loved it that much!

This is my honest and unbiased opinion. Thank you for taking the time read it. :)

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This is a heartwarming story with poignant moments that made me fall a bit in love with the characters. Sometimes you get everything you wished for, but nothing like you expected. Such is Abby's life when she takes a chance on Gray. Both of them are damaged by their toxic parents, yet Gray is struggling to raise his teenage daughter to be different - but he doesn't even know what that looks like.

I loved Gray and Abby's story and how they try to fit their broken parts together to create something new and whole. Their tale was at times sweet and others painful, yet that is what made it feel real. By the time I finished this book, I felt as though I had lived in their world for a bit.

When I picked up this novel, I expected a light romance. Instead, I got a romance filled with heart and depth that made me fall a bit in love with Gray. Fans of the genre will love this book. While its the first novel I've read by this author, it won't be the last. I'm already looking forward to her next book.

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Beautiful love story, I would definitely recommend this amazing book. Fast, sweet, happy read.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book via Netgalley

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A True Cowboy Christmas was not as lighthearted as I expected, but it was a wonderful story nonetheless. Normally I wait to read Christmas books until closer to the holiday, but I simply couldn't resist this one. I am so glad I dove into it because no matter how tough the journey was for the characters, it made me smile to see them come together in the end. I am so excited to read the next book in the series when it releases!

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I thought this was going to be a bit boring but it was not at all boring, yes there are some dwelling in to the characters thoughts that was repeated but all in all this was a good book.

* The storyline in good with a slow build up and a ending that’s glorious
* Characters are well described and the way the author describes how they grow as humans is very good and clear written. I love a book that shows people in a bad place can grow and become a better person.
* No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
* Dialogues is lacking but the internal dialogues is plenty.
* The love is there from the start for Abby even if it takes Gray some time to realise or admit it for himself.

I liked this book very much. 4 stars 🌟 enjoyment

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This is the first book I have read by this author and I have to say I have mixed feelings on this book. On the one hand we have too damaged individuals trying to come together and hopefully fill a void that has been lacking in their respective lives. Both with plenty of baggage so the idea of a feel good Christmas romance is certainly appealing. However, at times I found the book to be slightly repetitive as the characters kept rehashing situations in their own head, multiple times. But then the end seemed rushed once Gray and Abbey finally made peace with their respective demons. Although I have to say sometimes despite the seriousness of the issues being discussed, there were some very entertaining moments, such as the whole idea of the practical marriage proposal. Abbey's issues however do make her an endearing character and one that you truly hope can get her HEA. Overall, it's tough to go wrong with a cowboy romance especially one set with a Christmas backdrop.

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“She was everything he wanted. She was so much more than he’d imagined.”

This is not your regular heartwarming Christmas novel. It’s emotional, deep, and sometimes heartwrenching. It’s not about Christmas traditions and all the goodness that comes during the holiday season. It will skim the holiday, but it’s more about two main characters who did not have warm, loving parents. They both were verbally/mentally abused growing up. The emotional scars come alive off the pages. Abby lacks self-esteem, Gray lacks compassion. They end up agreeing to, well basically, an old-fashioned arranged marriage. Gray is the perfect headstrong cowboy and Abby makes a perfect rancher’s wife for him. She’s strong in her own way and doesn’t change for him. Loved the characters and the secondary characters. It does have the Christmas miracle at the end but it was a struggle and a journey for them. I do have to say that what Gray does on Christmas morning makes me his biggest fan. I’m eager to read Gray’s brothers stories, especially Ty, an injured bull rider. I can see Abby playing an important role in helping heal the brothers who have drifted so far apart that they’re strangers. A True Cowboy Christmas is a fabulous cowboy romance.

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The unlikely story of a happily ever after. This book was a fairly classic concept of girl loves boy and boy comes to realize he loves her to until big things happen. I wasnt too sure about the excuse of practicality for marriage, it felt like there could have been a bit more development on this story, but overall I found it enjoyable. Quick read!

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