Christmas Eve Cowboy
Once There was a Lawman
Diana Palmer
Tom and Annalisa
Tom is with the FBI and is in the small town investigating a kidnapping turned murder. He’s a cold man, was dumped by a woman he thought he loved years ago and doesn’t do long-term relationships. Annalisa is a nurse in the small town who’s ‘hero’ of a father was the chief of police but who verbally abused her and her mother. She’s not been in any long term relationships. She’s gun shy. And she’d never get involved with someone with a badge! Or with a man who lives in the big city of Chicago.
But, of course they become attracted to each other, knowing that Tom will leave after his investigation is over. Can the wide gulf in lives be overcome?
I was disappointed in this short story. I didn’t feel much of a pull for Tom, his going from the cold aloof man to falling in love with Annalisa just didn’t feel real emotionally. Annalisa’s character was a bit more sympathetic but I just couldn’t make an emotional connection with Tom.
Christmas Creek Cowboy
Delores Fossen
Calen and Emmy
Calen is the sheriff of the small town, Christmas Creek in Texas. Just last year at Christmas he caught his fiancé getting it on with the mayor. He hates Christmas. Emmy is the local book shop owner and was the fiancé of the mayor caught with Caleb’s intended. She hates Christmas too.
They get together regularly to commiserate. But this year will they realize they are more than just friends?
This was a delightful friends to lovers read. You root for Calen and Emmy, laugh over the quirky townspeople and sigh over the appearance of an unexpected relative. A lovely book to enjoy.
Coming Home for Christmas
Kate Pierce
Caleb and Lucy
Lucy has been crushing on Caleb for years- ever since she was the annoying little sister of his best friend. When Caleb’s truck breaks down on his way to see his father at Christmas, he ends up at the local B&B. He is surprised to find that it is now run by Lucy. Will Lucy’s dreams become a reality for Christmas?
This was a sweet little tale. There is a lot of tension between Caleb and his father with which Lucy helps. And Caleb helps get her and her family work through their familial tension.
A different type of tension, the sexual/love kind, develops naturally and satisfyingly between Caleb and Lucy. The story is hot and steamy as well! Although he falls in love in a pretty short frame of time, she has loved him forever so it sounds plausible. Altogether a fun read.

In all, I would not normally recommend this collection of short stories since the featured story was not appealing. However, we have many fans of Diana Palmer so that if this is included in ebook selection I would recommend it to them. The last two authors were very nice.

Guilty pleasure for sure. I have very eclectic taste in reading and music for that matter. I like some country, love the Beatles, ABBA and Mommas & Poppas but also absolutely adore Meatloaf. Well in books and authors I have developed quite an interesting range of favorites. Some folks don’t understand my delight in reading Harlequin novels. In brief, let me say I’ve never met a Diana Palmer story that I haven’t fallen in love with. She is an unabashed romantic. And Diana Palmer books always pair up some dainty female with a larger-than-life guy. Swoon worthy.
CHRISTMAS EVE COWBOY is a compilation of seasonal tales written by three authors. Diana Palmer is first at bat with ONCE THERE WAS A LAWMAN. And she paired up two lovely characters that needed pairing more than anyone can imagine. Tom and Annalisa live pretty much alone for most of their time. Tom as an investigator travels too much to allow for much of a home life. Annalisa works evenings as a nurse and so her down time doesn’t allow for much of a social life. Neither feels as if they are missing out on much, until they meet. They share a common love – taking care of people. Just different approaches. Bottom line both are weary of involvement or relationships. Annalisa likes her friends and small town. Tom is used to the almost impersonal nature of the big city. They develop a unique friendship while Tom investigates a kidnapping and murder. Both know this will expire soon.
Second tale is CHRISTMAS CREEK COWBOY by Delores Fossen which takes place in a town that is like a Christmas postcard. Everything in Christmas Creek has a decidedly seasonal reference. No bah humbug, with two notable exceptions who just happen to be the central characters. Emmy and Calen, best friends forever who spent the last year recovering from failed relationships. There is some mystic concerning bags of mail never distributed by Calen’s dad. Discovered in his dad’s attic by new owner Emmy. Dilemma. What to do with mail that has been sitting there for years. Waiting for the postal service to provide directions is causing problems with some town folk. Gossip spreads quickly in small towns and Calen, as sheriff, find himself in a slew of awkward situations.
Third in line, COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is by Kate Pearce. This is Caleb and Lucy’s story. Pretty darn cute if you ask me. And perfect for a sweet homecoming tale. Caleb left to make his own way in the world – well that and to escape from an emotionally draining relationship with his father. His mom had been the go between but now that she is gone there remain too many unresolved issues. Lucy, on the other hand, came back home to run the B&B she inherited from her grandmother. Lucy was the annoying little sister of Caleb’s best friend Dan. But time has changed a lot of things including the fact that Lucy was no longer annoying. You get the picture.
So if you are looking to sit back and relax with three wonderful heartwarming stories than look no further than CHRISTMAS EVE COWBOY. The stories are written by the best romance authors around. The stories are guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face. Enjoy.