There is so much dimension in any Carolyn Brown book. You should never be fooled by the seeming simplicity of the concept or storyline. Carolyn Brown writes about everyday things that happen to all of us and she does it with panache, class, empathy and humor. In MERRY COWBOY CHRISTMAS she once again reminds us of the humanity that surely surrounds us during the holiday season but then hits home with the fact that this should continue all year round. There is so much story in MERRY COWBOY CHRISTMAS that trying to review it and provide a snapshot view is difficult. And as always you will not find any spoilers in my review. You need to experience MERRY COWBOY CHRISTMAS for yourself. Consider it Carolyn Brown's holiday gift to her readers.

MERRY COWBOY CHRISTMAS is the latest addition to her Lucky Penny Ranch series. Each of the preceding books concentrates on difficulty gaining the towns acceptance for the new owners of the Lucky Penny ranch which had fallen on bad times -- hence the name of the ranch is an oxymoron -- pure Brown humor. The Dawson cousins -- each a hunk of cowboy with a heart of gold -- purchase this ranch with the dream of developing their own land and hopefully establishing a home. All confirmed bachelors but in truth they know that when the right woman comes along their wandering days are over. Two Dawson cousins have already met that woman and each married one of the Logan sister. Their stories are fabulous so don't hesitate to catch up.

MERRY COWBOY CHRISTMAS is Fiona Logan and Jud Dawson's story. Fiona was brought up in Dry Creek at the family home affectionately remembers as Audrey's Place -- yes -- it was the town's brothel but now it is the Logan's home. Three sisters and their mother have lived there and now Fiona finds herself reluctantly returning home after losing her job and her fiancé all in one fell swoop. To say she is down on her luck would be an understatement. The first person she meets up with is Jud Dawson who rescues her from a car incident and brings her home. Jud is the newest Dawson cousin to arrive in Dry Creek and he is ready, willing and able to help his cousins ramp up their ranch.

Jud is always up for a challenge and you might say Fiona represents his most difficult challenge ever. But Jud is nothing if not patient and while Fiona is fiery and somewhat antsy about being back in their small town Jud's interest has been piqued. You might say he is setting the stage for the most important play of his life. Fiona on the other hand is doing all she can to stay away from anything remotely resembling a commitment that would keep her at Audrey's Place. This is just a bump in the road for Fiona. She has a plan and it absolutely does not include a gorgeous, heart stopping cowboy who is quickly becoming her very best friend. Well perhaps Fiona needs to rethink her plan.

Family is so important to Carolyn Brown and in MERRY COWBOY CHRISTMAS Brown treats us to her vision of what could be called an unorthodox family. The Logan's and Dawson's both share a very heartwarming attitude toward family and friends -- one of inclusion. Perhaps that's what makes them such a good match. Nasty gossipers, interfering scrooges, contemptuous challengers are just part of the supporting cast of characters and in the end even these curmudgeons win your heart. Carolyn Brown reminds us that life hands all of us crosses to bear and in MERRY COWBOY CHRISTMAS Brown handles these issues with kid gloves and a strong heart.