McKettrick's have the option to stay on the Triple M and ranch with their extended family but as the generations expand several chose to seek out their own future, as ranchers, lawmen, and in a variety of other professions. Clay McKettrick had a plan starting with becoming marshal in a very small town in Texas, Blue River. The job came with a meager salary, not an issue for Clay, and a town owned house of his own during his tenure as marshal. That's all he needed for the moment, he really had his sights set on something more concrete for his future. His plans included building his own home on ranch land procured in Blue River and then finding a woman to become his wife and mother of a brood of children that at this time were only a dream. Clay was a deliberate man -- one step at a time -- but upon his arrival in town his prescience was going to be short circuited. He fell in love. No, he hadn't found his future wife -- at least not yet -- but he was immediately smitten with this little bit of a girl, with the vocabulary and poise of an adult, who quickly filled him in on what his arrival meant for her family.

Edrina, blunt to say the least and only six years old, lacked the ability to temper what she said so Clay was treated to her family's story in a matter of minutes. Clay took an instant liking to this little spitfire and realized he needed to see her safely home before anyone worried over her absence. That's when the second cog to his plan came to a screeching halt. If he was enthralled by Edrina, Clay was not prepared for his instant attraction to her lovely mother who was obviously not happy to see him at all.

Dara Rose dreaded the day knowing that it meant they would have to vacate the marshal's house with no viable option of where to go and no real means to support her little brood. But she wasn't prepared for the mayors decision that they be out right after the holidays. She knew the Christmas holiday didn't hold any special treats for her girls -- it was all she could do to supply meager necessities. She had given up any pretense of believing in miracles. Even Edrina was adamant in warning her sister Harriet against getting excited about Christmas. Clay was equally intent on doing all he could to bring a bit of believing in miracles to this household filled with delightful females. And we all know that once a McKettrick sets his mind to something -- well hold on for the ride of your life.

We are again treated to another tale involving one of my favorite families by the amazing Miller who just steals your heart with good stories about good people. Her overall theme of strength in family never fails to grab your attention and keep you coming back for more.