kimbacaffeinate
Written on Sep 12, 2017
- First Date: Widow Maddie McLendon, a famous writer, has relocated with her family, as her son makes his dreams of owning a ranch under the open skies of Montana come true. Her son, now thirty-five is divorced and the father of a tall, lanky sixteen-year-old boy named Caleb. They've set up makeshift quarters on the land they own. His mother in a trailer and Cameron and his son in raised tents. Our story begins when Cameron meets Kirstin and the two connect. Only she is the daughter of millionaire rancher Sam Conacher. After his wife died, Sam has become quite cantankerous and will ruin any man who looks at his daughter. Oh boy, things are about to get interesting. Cameron's first instinct is to run, but he and Kirstin strike up a friendship and before you know it they are sneaking off for picnic lunches.
- Second Date: I love the enemies to lovers trope and we discover it within the pages of The Christmas Room. Sam Conacher soon learns about Kirstin and Cameron and sets about giving that hillbilly a piece of his mind and maybe a fist, but when he arrives at their campsite he comes "horse to face" with Maddie. I loved the back and forth bickering and snark between them. Maddie is a woman who speaks her mind, and Sam might just have met his match. We get to know Maddie, Caleb, Cameron, and Kirstin, who is at her wits end when it comes to her father. I loved the simple conversations, the building of friendships and acclimating to life in Montana. Hilarious moments ensue involving flashlights, and no trespassing signs. I adored Maddie, despite her flaws, and have to admit Sam grew on me. Cameron was adorkable and honorable.
- Third Date: A mishap has the McLendon's and the Conacher's getting cozy, and poor Sam had some adjustments to make. I was completely swept up in the developing friendships, romances and daily life of living on a cattle farm. Anderson weaved healing, faith and the power of family into this tale reminding all of us of the true meaning of the season. Flawed characters and a special young man restore our faith and left me grinning.