I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I LOVE this book!!!! I read the first book of this series when it first came out (so I had to re-read it before reading this one.) It wasn't necessary to re-read but it was a great book as well and helped to set the stage.

I have to give a word of warning, TISSUES ARE NEEDED. At least if you are a tender-heart and for me the scene that made my cry brought back some memories of loss.

This story is told in a dual POV format. I love that. Getting that glimpse into the character's thoughts really help me to better understand and connect to that character.

J. T. Rushford (Rush) now lives on the Christmas Tree Ranch with his two partners. He is a veterinarian that travels to the patients as he no longer has an office to work out of. He came to Texas from Arizona after his divorce. He has lost his precious little girl (Clara) in the divorce once it was revealed that his isn't her biological father.

Tracy is a judge in the small town of Branding Iron, Texas. She is a young widow who is still grieving over the loss of her husband. Tracy has to call Rush when a sickly stray cat appears on her doorstep. Rush had previously appeared in her court for ranch business and was immediately smitten with the judge. But as she had just lost her husband at the time, he wouldn't make a move out of respect.

Now Rush goes to her aid and immediately informs her that her "new" cat is pregnant! To make life even more complicated, Rush is contacted by his ex-wife's staff (a married middle-aged couple) to inform him that he is needed to look after Clara. The couple have to make an emergency trip to take care of the wife's father. The ex-wife and father are on a 5 week cruise over Christmas. Rush is looking forward to seeing Clara but he knows that losing her again will just break his heart all over.

It was a joy to see Rush and Tracy come together while looking after a small child, a pregnant cat, Tracy's elderly dog and a very busy time for the Christmas Tree Ranch. Of course the author doesn't stop there. There are a few more twists and turns to this wonderful Christmas story.

This is a sweet, clean romance with just some kissing and a lot of little girl loving to go around.

IT’S A CHRISTMAS THING is guaranteed to win your heart immediately. In IT’S A CHRISTMAS THING we are introduced to some new characters and have a chance to visit with some friends from previous stories.
There is definitely a star in this seasonal saga and that is little four year old Clara. If Clara doesn’t make you laugh out loud then I can’t imagine what will. Clara is in a very unique situation. She lives with her biological mother and father and hasn’t seen her daddy in over a year. Yes you heard correctly. Clara’s mother became pregnant during her marriage to Rush, Clara’s daddy, but it wasn’t by Rush. DNA tests proved that her ex-boyfriend, now husband, is the father.
Legally Rush has no rights and has respected the wishes of his ex-wife. However it seems as if Clara did not agree to the legal documents that separated her from her daddy. And Clara is not shy.
So in IT’S A CHRISTMAS THING we are faced with two people who are afraid of getting hurt and so they have shied away from becoming involved with anyone. Rush is still working on learning to live without his Clara in his life. Tracy is very slowly coming out of her gray world of grief after her husband died. Rush and Tracy have settled into a life that does not allow them the joy of a future filled with love and family. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t some figment of wishful-ness hidden in the recesses of their minds and hearts.
What better season than Christmas to reignite the hope for something more. So in IT’S A CHRISTMAS THING we are all about hope even when there are insurmountable hurdles in the path. Rush has no legal say in his relationship with Clara and no real hope to spend time with this little girl who is the daughter of his heart. Spending this holiday season with Clara is a miracle gift to Rush.
Tracy is realizing that it is time to get out from under the gloomy cloud of grief. She needs friends and perhaps more if really lucky. Tracy needs her own Christmas miracle.
IT’S A CHRISTMAS THING is book number three in the Christmas Tree Ranch series. Each one in this series has been a joy to read and review. The series fits into the type of books Janet Dailey had been known for. Heartfelt and joyous stories about love and family.

Reminds me of the old romances where it more about the love than the sex... beautifully written story that captures the spirit of Christmas as well as the tenderness of love and being a good parent.

Thanks to Kensington for the opportunity to review**

Title: It's A Christmas Thing
Series: n/a
Stand alone: yes
Author: Janet Dailey
Genre: Romance
Blurb: The best gifts last a lifetime . . .

Veterinarian J.T. "Rush" Rushford isn't looking forward to Christmas. It'll be his first without his beloved four-year-old daughter, Claire. A year ago, Rush's wife divorced him for another man--then broke his heart further by revealing that Claire was her lover's child. The final blow was Rush losing all parental rights. Now he's in Branding Iron, Texas, with his mobile vet practice, just hoping to get through the season--until something like a Christmas miracle happens . . .

Turns out Claire's parents are going on an extended cruise, leaving Rush to take her for the holidays. It's bittersweet, knowing that he and Claire will have to part again, maybe forever. . . . Until a smart, not to mention beautiful, lady judge with a pregnant cat and an aging mutt takes a liking to the vet and his little girl and gets involved. With her on their side, and love in their hearts, this Christmas just might be the most joyous of all . . .
Favorite Quote(s)/Excerpt(s): "I've never told you how I feel, because you've said you weren't ready for anything serious," he said.  "But I've tried to show you how much U care about you, Tracy."
Thoughts: After years of writing romance novels, Janet Dailey still has the touch.  I couldn't have asked for a better read at Christmas.  This book is one of those slow, sweet love stories...the classic ones like the ones I read as a teenager.  A good basic story with raw emotion and sweet, tender romance.  What can I say?  Loved it!  It's harder and harder to find these types of books nowdays!
Rating: A

Such a feel-good Christmas story! Perfect read for those who love animals and want to be reminded that family is everything during the holidays, and the sweet romance is right on point. Plenty of emotional investment in the plot and an ending sure to satisfy! Great holiday read (or right after the holidays if you're like me and still have a backlog of Christmas stories!)

Rush, a local veterinarian isn't looking forward to Christmas since his wife divorced him and took their 4 year old little girl, Claire away. Tracy is the judge in town and has adopted a pregnant cat. As Rush and Tracy get to know each other Claire is dropped off by the nanny who hasn't been paid. Vintage Janet Dailey with true love winning over adversity. Book 2 in the Christmas Tree ranch series and can be read as a stand alone. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Complementary copy given for honest review.

What a wonderful story of seeing through the ashes and becoming something that you thought was completely out of reach. If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. Janet Dailey delivered AGAIN! Thank you for warming my heart during this cold December.

It’s a Christmas Thing by Janet Dailey is a love story between a child, her daddy and a friend. A veterinarian, Rush Rushford doesn’t want to spend Christmas without his four year daughter, Claire. Rush was crushed when his wife filed for divorce and informed him that Claire was her lover’s child and not his. He loses all his parental rights and joy at the same time. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Claire needs someone to watch her as her mother deals with a crisis and Rush is more than happy to see Claire again. While caring for her, a friend who happens to be a judge gets involved and is determined to help Rush be near his “daughter” always. Sometimes it takes more than genetics to determine who really loves you. I couldn’t put this beautifully written book down. Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced reader’s copy for review.

This is a wonderful Christmas romance. It is about taking a chance on love. Christmas miracles really do happen!

It's a Christmas Thing is the first book by Janet Dailey that I have read in a while. She has not missed a beat with this new small town Christmas romance. The characters and the setting are so real. The rescued animal storyline us perfect for the holidays. I am a new fan all over again

Rush is trying to regain his life after his ex-wife betrayed him and tore his world apart. He has moved to Texas and partnered with 2 friends on a farm. He is a Veterinarian by trade and is helping supplement the farm income . He receives a call from Tracy a local Judge about a stray cat. Turns out the cat is pregnant with kittens due anytime. Rush is attracted to Tracy but her heart is still attached to her husband who passed away.
Rush receives a call from the couple caring for his ex wives daughter Claire. He had raised her the first few years of her 4 years until his ex sprang the news she wasn't his. She is on a cruise with her new husband and the care givers have an emergency they need to take care of. He will get to care for Claire until her mom returns.
While she is at the farm a lot of changes will happen to better their lives.
This is a sweet story. It gives a view of healing and love.

IT'S A CHRISTMAS THING by Janet Dailey is a sweet small town romance. Tracy is a young widow not yet ready to move on. Rush the town veterinarian, divorced and heartbroken over the little girl he raised. Clara was just as heartbroken not understanding why her Daddy had to leave her. Clara's mother refused Rush visitation after revealing he wasn't really the father. Due to a series of unplanned events Rush gets to spend time with Clara at Christmas time. Clara wishes for the seemingly impossible.

IT’S A CHRISTMAS THING is a romance that will pull at your heartstrings as it gives you a taste of a beautiful country Christmas celebration. What you need to know before deciding to pick up this story can be found in the Cover Description. What you won’t find there is the emotional tug that Claire will have, the heartbreak that Rush and Tracy both have faced for different reasons and the healing that happens when Rush has the chance to spend time with the little girl who will always be his daughter in his heart.

I enjoyed returning to Janet Dailey’s writing after many years away. I know that Ms. Dailey passed away several years ago, so I do not know if this is an earlier release that’s been reprinted that I missed, or if her writing name is ghostwritten by another writer now. A very frustrating search gave me no true answers to those questions. Nonetheless, IT’S A CHRISTMAS THING is an enchanting, tender romance that will bring out the emotions in even the most hardened heart – Claire, puppies, kittens and second chances will do that very nicely, in my opinion. I had fun, and if the thought of a country Christmas, reuniting loved ones, and the chance at happiness, a love for a lifetime tempts you then you’ll enjoy this story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

Oh how I loved this story. This is a great book to snuggle up with on the couch and fall into the Holiday season.

Rush was madly in love with his daughter just to find out that he is not Claire’s dad, breaking his heart. When Claire’s mom and her new boyfriend go on vacation they have to leave Claire with Rush. But there is still sadness for Rush and Claire knowing they have to part soon. And then Rush’s new girlfriend brings the fun back into the holidays.

What a delightful story. I loved Claire and her world of an old dog and a pregnant cat and of course Rush, her favorite cowboy. To me this was Claire’s story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of Janet Dailey. Her books are well written and this one is no exception. I love how the characters come together. It was very sweet and loving with a great HEA.

My Review: I am a complete sucker for cowboy romances, and of course holiday books, so when I saw this one I knew I had to read it! I really enjoyed the characters in this story and the way the single parent trope was twisted in a slightly different way. While it still reads like a familiar story it is still fresh and intriguing. I do find that a bit of backstory was left out and I want to know more about how Rush and his partners decided to go into business with one another. It reads as if it is part of a series with other characters having open ended but promising story lines, but it doesn't appear (at least on Goodreads) that it is part of a series. With all that said, this is certainly that warm and cozy, feel good holiday romance I love to read!

It was ok. A little predicable in place and just not believable in others. Tried too hard to tug on the heart strings

What a delightful story. It is a wonderful story about family love, a father’s love, and the love of a smart woman. The writing and character depth that Janet Dailey weaved in her story was intriguing and a real page turner. I loved the emotions of Veterinarian Rush as he heartbroken over losing his parental rights to his young daughter, and then his utter happiness to have a little time at Christmas with her. Throw in the mix his strong attraction to the lady judge in his town, and the right tone and balance is granted to this story. I loved it and recommend it.

Janet Dailey is one of my favorite authors and she has another great success in my opinion with this Christmas story. I love the setting of a Christmas tree ranch and the fact that Janet includes rescues of animals others don't want. Don't miss this heartwarming Christmas story.

This book is a fun read. Rush is a vet whose little girl was taken from him when his wife informed him that she loved someone else and that person was the biological father of the child he thought was his own. He moved to Branding Iron Texas and went into business with two of his buddies and also began running a mobile vet office. He gets a call from a female judge (Tracy) he has admired in the past. She has a stray cat she has taken in that is expecting kittens and an old dog she doesn’t want to die since he is the last living memory of her deceased husband.

It is the holiday season in Branding Iron and everyone but Tracy is getting into the Christmas spirit. When Rush gets a call from his little girl’s caretakers stating they have a family emergency and can’t care for her and that her parents are on a Cruise until after the holidays, Rush consents to keep her. The precious little girl revives Tracy’s Christmas spirit and makes Christmas extra special for Rush.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.