RANCHER’S SNOWED IN CHRISTMAS made me think that Maisey Yates has a deep-seated desire to be a songwriter, specifically of a country ballad. So much of the dialogue between her characters' throughout this festive novel would make great lyrics for a country music writer. The stars of this latest work of literary art are a retired rodeo cowboy and a barrel rider turned county music star. The rodeo cowboy is described as  "bad decisions wrapped in denim and dust." See what I meant about country music lyrics just begging for a melody to make it a real song?

Maisey Yates is definitely one of my favorite authors and I rarely, if ever, miss one of her stories. We share a love of cowboys, family, traditions, and risky relationships. Not all traditions are filled with sweet memories and dreams... 

Flint and Tansey had a fling--one that wound up inspiring the heart and soul of her biggest hit. Every time that song played it seemed to carve another notch into Flint, who prided himself on the fact that he was able to divorce his feelings. Or at least carefully sort out those he decided were worth it. Obviously, his past with Tansey wasn’t worth any feelings of remorse or care. And yet when she was truly honest with herself, it was the care Flint had given to her when she was just a barrel rider that pushed back out of her memories.

RANCHER’S SNOWED IN CHRISTMAS also takes a look back at the best moments these two had spent together in flashbacks. And then we are back in the present with a front-row seat, graciously provided by Maisey Yates, watching a drama unfold. Both of these marvelous characters are indeed having a warring conflict with their own memories. It’s truly impactful and graceful in its own way. The past left so many jagged edges. We can only hope for a way for those edges to finally smooth out and leave these two better and healed.

Note: the final version of this book includes another story entitled, CLAIMING THE RACHER'S HEIR, which was not included in the review copy.