Handsome, rugged cowboy Zachary Bennett finds more than he
bargained for as he heads to Denver from his family's ranch
to pick up seasonal work. Arriving in time for the Parade
of Lights, displayed at Christmas time, and the opening of
the Christmas House, a turn of the century mansion
transformed for the holidays, Zach is pulled over coming to
town by the hot little cop. Paula Lewis intercepts Zach
heading down a street now closed for the activities. Paula
feels a little twinge of interest at the new arrival.
Both are taken by surprise when Zach is doing
carpentry at the Christmas House and confronts none other
than little Miss Paula, providing some of the nighttime
security. Both end up keeping an eye on Edith Clayborne's
grandson, Brandon. Edith heads the Christmas House and her
grandson, 15 and on the edge of trouble with the wrong set
of friends, is also helping at the House. Between the
investigation of a theft and suspicions of Brandon, Zach and
Paula carry their attraction beyond what either intended.
Towards the end of the holiday season, Paula is reluctant to
face the fact Zach is going to return to the ranch and
getting attached is not a good idea.
Janet Dailey's tale is a heart- warming version of
family values and unexpected romance at the most romantic
time of the year, Christmas. Full of suspense and mystery,
the story keeps the reader interested and, at the last page,
gives a warm fuzzy feeling of comfort and love. Her
characters are full of life and certainly amusing. I read
every book by this author that I can get my hands on. She
never fails to deliver exactly what I am seeking.
On the Denver streets, Officer Paula Lewis is as tough as
she needs to be. But away from skyscrapers and suspects,
Paula gives back to the community she loves. This holiday
season she's moonlighting at the Christmas House, a
turn-of-the-century mansion transformed into a festive
wonderland to delight local children thanks to volunteers
like Paula - and Zach Bennett. Zach left his family's
Colorado ranch to sign on as a carpenter at the Christmas
House. Freewheeling Zach hopes to make this holiday the
merriest yet-from coaxing Paula onto the bunny slopes to
filling in as a last-minute Santa. And as she and Zach are
drawn together to keep one young boy out of harm's way,
Paula realizes that the best gifts are second chances, happy
endings, and the kind of love that makes every day warm and
bright...