The Cowboys of Cold Creek has been a long running series but I actually came on board with the Christmas Ranch tales. Each one really delightful and THE HOLIDAY GIFT by RaeAnne Thayne was one I was eagerly anticipating. THE HOLIDAY GIFT is the story starring Faith and Chase -- finally.

An old adage of sorts -- marry your best friend. Faith and Chase have it seems always been good friends. Then Faith marries their mutual friend and has two lovely children. Life was good and then Travis dies accidentally leaving Faith to regroup and refigure her life, future and that of her kids. But the one person Faith knew she could rely on, lean on was Chase. Always Chase.

Chase has been in love with Faith for much of his life. Needless to say he would never let on. His friendship with Travis and Faith came first even if their marriage left an ache in his heart. A dull ache that didn't go away. Chase had tried and now divorced he haggled with his ex-wife for more time with their daughter. Life is complicated. Chase has been nothing if not patient and now he is beginning to realize that being Faith's best friend just isn't enough. He wants more. But Faith is constantly putting up roadblocks even to the extent of setting Chase up with potentially dates. What's a guy to do.

Well as I said previously this is Chase and Faith's story and it's going to take a strong determined man to get through to an equally strong determined woman to get her to see that they are infinitely better together as lovers than just as friends.

The burning question is just how long will Chase wait.

THE HOLIDAY GIFT is a story filled with the tugs and pulls of two people trying hard to get where they both need to be. Complicated by daily life, family and children their voyage isn't going to be an easy one. But hopefully in the end love will rule and give these two terrific characters the life they both deserve. One can only hope. RaeAnne Thayne once again delivers a story that is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. Remember it's the holiday season, the time of hope and love and faith. So have faith.