Lies and secrets are at the bottom of the latest book by Sara Richardson. In WISHING ON A CHRISTMAS COWBOY we learn about a young woman’s life pretty much along with her. So many things in Kyra’s life were built on a very shaky ground. Her beloved father, Kenneth, leaves her and her mother as he basically runs off with another woman. For eighteen years, Kyra never hears from her father. He had abandoned her. And so, as a protection, Kyra learned not to trust. Her mother had built their new lives on the premise that they were doing okay on their own. They didn’t need anyone even when times were tough. Then her father passes away, with Kyra named as his heir.

Kyra is bright, tough, independent and has a dream. Her dream is to land a position as a physician assistant in a prestigious London hospital. But now finds herself in a small town, Star Valley Springs. Everyone in town loves and respects her father, Kenny. To claim her inheritance she must repair several buildings in the town. Once done she plans to sell his property and follow her dream. Sounds relatively easy. Lots of folks in town have an interest in Kyra’s plans. A warm, respectful town that depends on neighbors in times of need, they immediately include Kyra as one of their own. But is she?

Ex-military Aiden Steele took on the role of caring for his sister and her two adorable girls. Her husband, Jace, part of Aiden’s team abroad, did not make it home. Aiden is a doting uncle, but we quickly realize that Aiden hasn’t taken care of some personal issues. Aiden becomes part of the plan to help Kyra decide to stay in town. Ultimately becomes much closer than he expected, candidly too close for him to deal with. Aiden is not ready to move forward with his own life. How can he help Kyra?

How does a young woman react to all this community? She has never felt as if she belonged anywhere. Couldn’t even imagine what home looked like. Kyra learned early on to trust her head when making decisions. A sure way to avoid getting hurt. But now, in this small town, it may be necessary to trust her heart. Listen to it. Listen to the small voice of her father that appears in many different forms. Perhaps even move a step away from logic. Tough choice and difficult to switch paths after most of her life. But perhaps moving toward something instead of avoiding it.

Lots of wonderful characters to meet in WISHING ON A CHRISTMAS COWBOY. The story center on Kyra, but just as her world opens to possibilities, so does Sara Richardson's cast of folks that bring this story to life. WISHING ON A CHRISTMAS COWBOY is about taking chances and leaving logic behind in the search for a full, rewarding life. Half full instead of half empty. Hot chocolate with loads of marshmallows. The scenic splendor of this area is the backdrop to the story and is itself a character. Kenny leaves behind a legacy of family to the daughter left behind. WISHING ON A CHRISTMAS COWBOY is a journey to reconnect to a father and perhaps find a wonderful family in the discovery.