Gage Cooper is back in Oklahoma after a winning bull ride and a busted knee. Driving in pouring rain he spots a lady he knew at school and offers her a lift; she grudgingly accepts. Gage isn't her favourite person, and it seems there is nothing he can do about it.

THE COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP sees Layla Silver wishing her life wasn't so complicated. She doesn't resent the responsibility of looking after her young brother Brandon, which she took on at an early age, but now he's turning into a wild teen. She'd once hoped that Gage would be the man for her but he was determined not to be the marrying kind, and she can't seem to forgive him.

With Christmas fast approaching Gage has to participate in family traditions - he enjoys the wagon ride in the cold, but the community centre dinner his mother helps to serve is more work. Cooking and baking are expected of everyone and Layla turns up to contribute. Her tearaway brother is dragged along but gets into an argument with her... Gage can't help but step in, and both Layla and Brandon dislike it.

Gage is a practical kind of man, knee brace or not he gets on with work, and I found myself warming to him. He has the good idea of asking Brandon to help him on his family ranch. While the Coopers have money, Layla has twenty acres, one mare, a diner job and a mortgage. She thinks Gage could only be amusing himself if he wanted her company. As for his plan to start young Brandon bull- riding, how irresponsible is that! I did see her point.

Christmas can bring family issues to the fore and some people dislike being obliged to enjoy the holiday and its trappings. However it can also be a time for meeting old friends and making new ones, and romances can be kindled. I enjoyed the understated romance which was all the more powerful for being slow to develop. This is an inspirational tale which shows that attending church services helps isolated people to meet, and that it's easier to have your faith when life is going well than when you're in difficulties and the weather is bitter.

THE COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP is my favourite Brenda Minton book to date.