This romance novel has some pretty serious material as the central theme. Returning vets have issues returning to civilization and fitting into the communities they left behind while doing sometimes multiple tours of duty abroad. There's no denying these returning soldiers have witnessed very violent actions. And their issues can be physical, emotional or both. Easing back to their old lives is complicated and some just can't handle facing the familiar. It is sometimes easier to just start a new life. Leanne Banks handles these issues with respect and dignity and at the same times doesn't diminish the strength of these men and women. Combining the search for survival skills for returning vets with families and kids learning to cope with family problems of various natures is just brilliant.

Forrest was seriously injured during his second tour in Iraq. His leg is badly injured and he faced more surgeries to hopefully get it close to normal so he could stop feeling like a very old man. At the same time he is learning to cope with nightmares that hopefully would lessen in frequency and strength with time. He needs therapy on both levels to achieve what will pass as his new normal.

Angie keeps her schedule pretty jam packed with work, schools and various volunteer jobs. Those activities keep her from feeling alone when returning home at the end of the day to an empty house. Both her siblings are now married and as excited as she is for their happiness she can't help but feel alone. She has boundless energy so why shouldn't she put that to good use. It is better then moping around feeling sorry for herself.

Thunder Canyon seems the ideal place for Forrest to try to find his new norm. No one knows him from before his military days and there will be less looks of pity. He immediately catches Angie's attention and is summarily sought out as a valuable resource for her ROOTS group that targets troubled teens. He is not only reluctant to work with her programs but spending any length of time with her is going to test his resolve to keep her at arm's length.

Angie has other ideas. Her immediate attraction to this amazing man surprises her. Forrest has other ideas. He is too old for this vibrant lovely young lady. Sure he is attracted and if honest with himself flattered. But this can and will go nowhere if he sets his mind to it. But it isn't his mind that is in play here. Angie is good for him and she is doing her best to let him know how good he is for her as well. Together they can accomplish so much for the teens in their community and at the same time perhaps provide some happiness for each other. They are a good team. Now maybe they will realize how good a couple they are too.

Good strong characters and storyline bring A MAVERICK FOR THE HOLIDAY so much substance. Learning to lean on others for support while getting your sea legs back is a valuable lesson indeed and love can make that transition so much easier. All you have to do is open the door and let it in. Leanne Banks gets to the heart of the matter in this lovely heartwarming story about not just learning to survive but learning how to live again and it is done with grace and class.