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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
This was absolutely lovely. Such a detailed backstory for these families and the main characters and a whole lot of Christmas miracles.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Carolyn Brown is one of those authors that is my guilty pleasure - I love sitting down and reading her books with a cozy blanket and a cup of tea. Her books are typically all warm and fuzzy and just feel all around good. We don't have enough of good feelings in this world, so these books keep me sane. Finding her many books in my city can be an issue though. I swear people don't know how good this genre is...
So, Christmas time! Because I have to read some kind of Christmas book every year around December. That just feels right.
Nash Lamont was in the army, and how he is "home" and living in a family house. Right next door is Kasey Dawson, a widow with three young children. These two are connected and end up becoming friends. But things go awry when Nash has a head injury and suddenly believes Kasey is his wife... all around Christmas!
The kids are adorable, the passion is wonderful, and there's just so many heartfelt moments. There's also some hot scenes that Carolyn is known for, so you might be blushing.
I really liked this book. I need to read the rest in this series though because I am totally invested in these characters. No surprise there.
Four out of five stars!
So, Christmas time! Because I have to read some kind of Christmas book every year around December. That just feels right.
Nash Lamont was in the army, and how he is "home" and living in a family house. Right next door is Kasey Dawson, a widow with three young children. These two are connected and end up becoming friends. But things go awry when Nash has a head injury and suddenly believes Kasey is his wife... all around Christmas!
The kids are adorable, the passion is wonderful, and there's just so many heartfelt moments. There's also some hot scenes that Carolyn is known for, so you might be blushing.
I really liked this book. I need to read the rest in this series though because I am totally invested in these characters. No surprise there.
Four out of five stars!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas (Happy, Texas) by Carolyn Brown
Scrumptious. Serious subjects, tender sweet moments and new beginnings are packaged inside this heartbreaker of a read. Life has not been kind to Nash or Kasey. Trapped in his own personal hell, Nash keeps to himself, grieving the man he used to be and despising the one he has become. Until a couple sweet faces and a beautiful woman turn this beast into a family man. Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas resonates, because we all have regrets and painful memories that litter our life. The key is to not let fear dictate our choices and hold us back, but push for something better.
Scrumptious. Serious subjects, tender sweet moments and new beginnings are packaged inside this heartbreaker of a read. Life has not been kind to Nash or Kasey. Trapped in his own personal hell, Nash keeps to himself, grieving the man he used to be and despising the one he has become. Until a couple sweet faces and a beautiful woman turn this beast into a family man. Long, Tall Cowboy Christmas resonates, because we all have regrets and painful memories that litter our life. The key is to not let fear dictate our choices and hold us back, but push for something better.
The cover proclaims that the author is a New York Times Bestselling Author, but as you may know, making the NY Times list is arbitrary, at best, and it does not have ANYTHING to do with the quality of the writing. It's a good thing for this author that it doesn't. How this book got a Goodreads average of 4 1/2 stars is wa-a-ay beyond me.
For one thing, the writing is amateurish. The author even uses authorial viewpoint several times, a HUGE no-no! She tells rather than shows in many instances.
The plot point that gets the male & female protags together and keeps them together for a month is contrived and stretches believability.
There are the usual typos (more, rather than less) and typos drive me crazy! But in this book, what's worse are blatant errors. In one instance, the male protag saves a newborn lamb, but in the next sentence, it's a newborn calf! And then, in the next sentence or so, it's a lamb again! (I wonder if the author knows how to do a search and replace.)
In another instance, there are canned beers on the coffee table, but then, they magically turn into mugs, and then, back into cans!
The female protag's toddler, of course, talks like a toddler. At least in most instances. But on one occasion, he says that he's "hungee," but right after, he says, "hungry." So, which is it, please?
Most of the characters are nice enough, but that's not enough to save the book.
Most of the books I read, especially by my two favorite writers--Nora Roberts and Jill Shalvis--I hate to see them end. This one, when I finished reading it, I said to myself, "Thank God that's done!"
And speaking of God, though not heavy handed, this book is somewhat preachy. If I wanted to read about church-going Christians, I'd read Debbie Macomber. But I've been there, done that--once--and I won't be reading anymore of Macomber's books because of the holier-than-thou preaching!
Long story short, I've got too many books on my to-read list to waste my precious time reading anymore of this author's books!
For one thing, the writing is amateurish. The author even uses authorial viewpoint several times, a HUGE no-no! She tells rather than shows in many instances.
The plot point that gets the male & female protags together and keeps them together for a month is contrived and stretches believability.
There are the usual typos (more, rather than less) and typos drive me crazy! But in this book, what's worse are blatant errors. In one instance, the male protag saves a newborn lamb, but in the next sentence, it's a newborn calf! And then, in the next sentence or so, it's a lamb again! (I wonder if the author knows how to do a search and replace.)
In another instance, there are canned beers on the coffee table, but then, they magically turn into mugs, and then, back into cans!
The female protag's toddler, of course, talks like a toddler. At least in most instances. But on one occasion, he says that he's "hungee," but right after, he says, "hungry." So, which is it, please?
Most of the characters are nice enough, but that's not enough to save the book.
Most of the books I read, especially by my two favorite writers--Nora Roberts and Jill Shalvis--I hate to see them end. This one, when I finished reading it, I said to myself, "Thank God that's done!"
And speaking of God, though not heavy handed, this book is somewhat preachy. If I wanted to read about church-going Christians, I'd read Debbie Macomber. But I've been there, done that--once--and I won't be reading anymore of Macomber's books because of the holier-than-thou preaching!
Long story short, I've got too many books on my to-read list to waste my precious time reading anymore of this author's books!
I love Happy, Texas! I love the Dawson family and all of their extended friends. To make this book even better, it is Christmas in Happy, Texas, the time for love, laughter, and above all else, miracles. I love the way that this story unfolded, and was so happy for a Christmas HEA. This is the story of Nash and Kacey
Kacey Dawson has experienced loss in her life. Two years ago her husband was killed while on a military mission, leaving her with 3 little babies to raise, one that he never even had the chance to meet. Back in Happy, Texas with her family, she has shut down her heart and is resolved to be happy with her life the way that it is now, the thought of a relationship or another man in her life is frightening, that is until Nash Lamont.
Nash Lamont is riddled with guilt. Suffering from PTSD and the knowledge that he survived when 3 of the members of his team died is too much for him to bare. He never thought that he would end up in Happy, Texas, and he certainly never thought that he would ever meet the woman that haunted his dreams, the wife of his best friend, Adam, the man that took his place and died instead of him.
When Nash falls off a ladder and ends up not remembering anything, thinking that Kacey and her kids are his family, Kacey has no choice but to move on to the Texas Star and help Nash heal. When his memory comes back, and as Kacey and the kids make themselves at home on the ranch, Nash knows a peace that he has not felt in a long time. But things might just blow up in his face, because he is hiding the truth from Kacey, a truth that could not only make her run back to Hope Springs, but it might just take what is left of his battered heart with her.
What I loved about Nash and Kacey is that they understood each other on a deep level. Her being an army wife, him being a soldier, they understood that there were things that they could not speak of, had to keep secret. I love that Nash felt the need to tell Kacey everything, even though he knew that it could push her away. I loved that Kacey was patient and understanding, no don't get me wrong she was madder than a wet hen, but when she realized that what happened, happened and it was not for her or anyone to blame Nash. She helped him heal and he helped her live and love again.
Rustin, Emma and Silas made me laugh at their little antics. They opened their little arms and hearts and sucked Nash right in, loving him and including him and wanting to be where ever he was. They made this story even more magical. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and cannot wait to come back to Happy to visit all of my favorite cowboys again.
Kacey Dawson has experienced loss in her life. Two years ago her husband was killed while on a military mission, leaving her with 3 little babies to raise, one that he never even had the chance to meet. Back in Happy, Texas with her family, she has shut down her heart and is resolved to be happy with her life the way that it is now, the thought of a relationship or another man in her life is frightening, that is until Nash Lamont.
Nash Lamont is riddled with guilt. Suffering from PTSD and the knowledge that he survived when 3 of the members of his team died is too much for him to bare. He never thought that he would end up in Happy, Texas, and he certainly never thought that he would ever meet the woman that haunted his dreams, the wife of his best friend, Adam, the man that took his place and died instead of him.
When Nash falls off a ladder and ends up not remembering anything, thinking that Kacey and her kids are his family, Kacey has no choice but to move on to the Texas Star and help Nash heal. When his memory comes back, and as Kacey and the kids make themselves at home on the ranch, Nash knows a peace that he has not felt in a long time. But things might just blow up in his face, because he is hiding the truth from Kacey, a truth that could not only make her run back to Hope Springs, but it might just take what is left of his battered heart with her.
What I loved about Nash and Kacey is that they understood each other on a deep level. Her being an army wife, him being a soldier, they understood that there were things that they could not speak of, had to keep secret. I love that Nash felt the need to tell Kacey everything, even though he knew that it could push her away. I loved that Kacey was patient and understanding, no don't get me wrong she was madder than a wet hen, but when she realized that what happened, happened and it was not for her or anyone to blame Nash. She helped him heal and he helped her live and love again.
Rustin, Emma and Silas made me laugh at their little antics. They opened their little arms and hearts and sucked Nash right in, loving him and including him and wanting to be where ever he was. They made this story even more magical. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and cannot wait to come back to Happy to visit all of my favorite cowboys again.
I enjoyed the first book in this new series. Happy, Texas is a nice place. Bash and Kasey were good. They both were healing and could relate to one another. Kasey from losing her husband in the war and Nash suffering from PSTD as an effect of the war. Because Kasey was married to a military man, she really did have great insight into what Bash was going through. This was nice as she was able to be a shoulder for Nash to lean on.
As far as the romance went, it was sweet. It felt real and believable but it was not a scorcher. More like mild heat level. However, they were good together. Nash and Kasey may have been the main characters but there were others that stole some of the lime light. There were Kasey's three children: Rustin, Silas, and Emma; as well as Kasey's two brothers, Brody and Jace and Brody's wife Lila. They all brought the charm as well as fun. The only thing that I missed from the prior novel to this one is more of the wittiness. Overall, I did enjoy this book. Although, I can't wait to read Jace's story in The Luckiest Cowboy of All.
As far as the romance went, it was sweet. It felt real and believable but it was not a scorcher. More like mild heat level. However, they were good together. Nash and Kasey may have been the main characters but there were others that stole some of the lime light. There were Kasey's three children: Rustin, Silas, and Emma; as well as Kasey's two brothers, Brody and Jace and Brody's wife Lila. They all brought the charm as well as fun. The only thing that I missed from the prior novel to this one is more of the wittiness. Overall, I did enjoy this book. Although, I can't wait to read Jace's story in The Luckiest Cowboy of All.
You might have noticed I liked my Brown books, I have only read about 21 *coughs*. I like them because...
1. Cowboys. Honestly what is it with me and some guy in jeans, boots and his hat. Damn. They love their animals, their farm and are not afraid to get their hands dirty.
2. Small towns. Yes there are the gossipy small minded folk there too, but most often it is a close knit community where people can rely on each other.
3. The country music. Ok so this one is weird, but it just makes me feel like I am in Texas when I am told there is some country music playing on the radio and the character drums their fingers and sings along.
4. The food. For some reason they are always eating pie, yummy cookies, burgers, cinnamon rolls, you name it. Everything sounds delish.
5. The sweetness of it all. These are sweet books, sure they have a few passionate moments, but mostly these are cute books where they meet, fall in love and it's sweet you know.
And all those things happened in this book ;)
Kasey was a mother of 3 and do wants more kids (wow...3 is crazy many in my book already. Sp many births ;) She is sweet, hard working and loves her kids beyond all.
Nash suffers from PTSD and there is a reason he is in happy. This was one hero for the books, he is really messed up. Poor guy is in a black hole at times. I am glad he met someone to help him out.
And they kids are the sweetest and it takes place before xmas. Awww, and everyone lived happily ever after.
1. Cowboys. Honestly what is it with me and some guy in jeans, boots and his hat. Damn. They love their animals, their farm and are not afraid to get their hands dirty.
2. Small towns. Yes there are the gossipy small minded folk there too, but most often it is a close knit community where people can rely on each other.
3. The country music. Ok so this one is weird, but it just makes me feel like I am in Texas when I am told there is some country music playing on the radio and the character drums their fingers and sings along.
4. The food. For some reason they are always eating pie, yummy cookies, burgers, cinnamon rolls, you name it. Everything sounds delish.
5. The sweetness of it all. These are sweet books, sure they have a few passionate moments, but mostly these are cute books where they meet, fall in love and it's sweet you know.
And all those things happened in this book ;)
Kasey was a mother of 3 and do wants more kids (wow...3 is crazy many in my book already. Sp many births ;) She is sweet, hard working and loves her kids beyond all.
Nash suffers from PTSD and there is a reason he is in happy. This was one hero for the books, he is really messed up. Poor guy is in a black hole at times. I am glad he met someone to help him out.
And they kids are the sweetest and it takes place before xmas. Awww, and everyone lived happily ever after.
Read my whole review at https://novelsalive.com/2021/04/22/4-star-review-long-tall-cowboy-christmas-by-carolyn-brown/