The Deputy's Holiday Family

Rocky Mountain Heroes #2

by Mindy Obenhaus

In this inspirational romance, a single mom is reunited with her high school crush, a local cop who may be the father of her orphaned niece.Lacie Collier is determined to give her niece, Kenzie, the best Christmas! But Lacie’s got her work cut out for her when they spend the holidays at her Christmas-averse mother’s home. With his focus on keeping his own mother’s holiday traditions alive, sheriff’s deputy Matt Stephens is surprised to see his old friend Lacie back in Ouray. He’s always regretted that their friendship became strained after he started dating her sister in high school. But it’s pure shock he experiences when he sees Kenzie, whose uncanny resemblance to Matt is undeniable. This Christmas will bring new memories for Lacie and Matt . . . if they can open themselves to the possibility of love.

Genres: Romance, Love Inspired, Christmas, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian Romance

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

About the author

Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deputy's Holiday Family

Mindy Obenhaus

THE DEPUTY'S HOLIDAY FAMILY is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series and I can't believe I waited so long to read this collection of funny and romantic stories. The story takes place in Ouray, Colorado and Mindy Obenhaus describes it so beautifully that I am ready to pack my bags and go see it for myself. Each book in the series deals with one of the five Stephens brothers. All unmarried and very very hot! What more could you ask for right?


Lacie Collier is a now a single mom who has just arrived back in town to raise her niece, Kenzie after her mom's death. Lacie is determined to give her five year old niece the best Christmas ever, but they live with Lacie's mom, and she is totally anti Christmas. When Lacie almost hits a pedestrian crossing the street, she is reintroduced to Matt Stephens, the local deputy and a boy who crushed Lacie's heart when he started dating Lacie's sister. THE DEPUTY'S HOLIDAY FAMILY deals with so many different emotions that one minute I was giggling and the next tearing up. I love when an author can do that to their readers! Don't you just love second chance romance stories?


THE DEPUTY'S HOLIDAY FAMILY will surely pull at your heart strings and make it very hard for you to put down. If you are like me, you won't be able to stop until you know what happens to all of these beautiful people in Ouray. Reading how Lacie and Matt responded to each other is very funny since both are so stubborn. Is it possible for them to get a second chance at love if they would just stop and listen to the other? I'm not going to tell you, but I will say that you really should read THE DEPUTY'S HOLIDAY FAMILY, which can be read as a stand alone, and get to know this lovable small town. Also, a big secret is revealed that shocks both Matt and Lacie to their cores. That's all I can say!


THE DEPUTY'S HOLIDAY FAMILY is an awesome way to spend the afternoon or evening. I'm so excited to continue with the Rocky Mountain Heroes series and learn more about my new found friends. Once you start THE DEPUTY'S HOLIDAY FAMILY you won't be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Matt and Lacie and little Kenzie too as they try to navigate their way through a very different and unique situation. Be prepared to have Kenzie steal your heart! Mindy Obenhaus will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go!

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series set in Ouray,Colorado. It's beautiful here nestled in the valley with the towering mountains above. This series revolves around five brothers and this is Matt and Lacie's story. Lacie is back in town to raise her niece, Kenzie after her mother's death. Kenzie is a real sweetheart at only five years old. This book is so Christmasy. Lacie wants to give her niece the best Christmas ever but her mother whom she lives with is anti-Christmas since her husband passed away at that time of year. Lacie and Matt grew up together but the friendship fizzled out after he started dating her sister. When Matt realizes something that will change his and Kenzie's life he realizes all he has been missing. I really enjoyed Matt's character, a true gentleman and law enforcement to boot, wow! Matt has always felt like his father didn't appreciate him and he felt like a failure in his eyes. This hurts him more than he lets on and it affects him in his adulthood making him not want to be around him as he doesn't measure up he believes.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year for miracles and they are in this sweet, feel good book.
I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Published November 21st 2017 by Love Inspired.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully Christmasy. In fact the holiday is practically its own setting. And this is the feel-good-believe-in-Christmas-miracles kind of read that tugs at your heartstrings but ultimately leaves you basking in the glow of all the hopes of the season. Truly scrumptious.

And a certain deputy plays a huge role in readerly enjoyment. You can't go wrong with a hero grimly trying to put the past aside. Poor Matt has a difficult relationship with his father and it's colored his entire adult life. It's time for him to see beyond the hurt and appreciate the awesome guy he is and I know just the the people to help him with that.

Cue the Christmas music because Lacie is determined to make this the best Christmas ever for her grieving niece and somehow Matt ends up helping out...a lot. Blissful sigh. There are so many cute big tough deputy going all marshmallow soft over a certain little princess scenes that I'll issue this warning: be prepared to become mired in swoons.

A sublimely toe-curling, heart-warming and Christmas-celebrating romance. Hope y'all find a copy of The Deputy's Holiday Family in your stocking!

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacie Collier is a Denver interior designer, raising her young niece, Kenzie. When Lacie's job lets her go, she decides to go back to her hometown to spend Christmas with her mom. On her way home, she gets pulled over, by Deputy Matt Stephens, who is surprised to see his old friend back in town.



Lacie is helping with the local Christmas Program, but when she has an accident, Matt is asked to take over. Matt goes to Lacie for help with the program, he meets Kenzie and is shocked that she looks just like he did at her age.



As past secrets are revealed will Lacie and Matt be able to give Kenzie the family she's always wanted?



Matt has always had a troubled relationship with his father, he joined the Navy, and then came home taking a job as the deputy. He is shocked to learn about Kenzie's existence, and he wants to make up for lost time, and be a part of her life. As he and Lacie work together, he starts to have feelings for her, but she's been looking for a job and he doesn't want to get attached if she is leaving. I really admired how he makes the effort to mend things with his father, and be a role model for Kenzie.



Lacie has always like Matt, but he always liked her sister. She is responsible and dedicated to her family, she doesn't want Matt to take Kenzie away from her. She loves her niece and has leaned on her faith to sustain her. Kenzie is so adorable, and I love how Lacie has also discipled her young niece.



Great interaction, I loved the whole Stephen's family and how Matt and his father, Clint, find new understanding. I love how the author blends the faith so integrally into the story, Lacie and Clint live their faith, and it is very important in their life. A great story about faith, family, and starting over, definitely recommend!





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series. In this book, we once again meet up with the Stephens' family. This book has the middle boy, Matt Stephens having his second chance romance story. Lacie Collier is a Denver interior designer, raising her young niece, Kenzie after the death of her sister. When Lacie is let go from her job, she heads home to Ouray, Colorado, to spend Thanksgiving and maybe Christmas with her mother. As she returns to town, she almost hits a pedestrian and is pulled over by the local police. Imagine her surprise and humiliation when she realizes it is her old friend Deputy Matt Stephens, the man she had a huge crush on growing up. Matt is just as surprised to see her back in town. Lacie has promised her high school drama teacher that she would perform in the local Christmas presentation. When she shows up for her first meeting with the director, she is surprised to see it is Matt directing. The more they are thrown together, the more Lacie's feelings grow. As secrets are revealed and feelings are rekindled, can Lacie and Matt move forward on their feelings, or are they too afraid that the other does not feel the same way.

This is a swoon worthy story. The relationships between Matt and Lacie, Matt and Kenzie, Kenzie and her grandmother and Lacie and her mother are all developing, they are sweet and heart tugging. Kenzie is adorable. She is sweet, loving, smart and melts everyone's heart. Once again the Stephens family plays a huge role in helping these two move forward toward one another. This is a wonderful Christian story about sweet love that takes place at Christmas time. I love the Christmas traditions, and all that goes with them. I definitely recommend this book to romance lovers, especially Christian romance or second chance romance. I received a copy of this book from Just Read Tours upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deputy’s Holiday Family is a heartwarming love story, perfect for Christmas or any time of year. In book #2 of the Rocky Mountain Heroes series, I loved returning to the awesomely beautiful area of Ouray, Colorado, and I doubt that even five books will give me enough time with the Stephens family (five brothers and their dad).

I felt for Matt, whose day-to-day life is clouded by a difficult relationship with his dad. Then Lacie, a sweet friend from his past, enters his world and nothing is the same. Kenzie, Lacie’s niece, is a five-year-old thief of hearts, and I loved the scenes between this sheriff’s deputy and sweet Kenzie. The Christmas season adds a special touch to this story of family relationships, but its heartwarming message is for all seasons. Recommended.

I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the small town theater and law enforcement elements of this story! There's just something special about tight-knit communities and the friendships that are formed within them.

Obenhaus rocks the Christmas cheer like a shining star and I'm ready to pack my bags for Ouray, Colorado! Lacie and Matt each deal with their unique situation and family drama in an authentic manner and the adorable little girl at the center of the story simply stole my heart.

This is the first series I've had the opportunity to read by this author and I'm looking forward to future stories! I definitely recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there anything better than a Love Inspired holiday romance read? Very few things top these heartwarming reads.

There is a lot to like about The Deputy’s Holiday Family. Christmas celebrations? Check. Cute kid? Check. Family, community, and plenty of conflict for the hero and heroine? Check, check, and check. Plus a slow building romance that kept me up way past my bedtime to get to the HEA at the end.

And Mindy Obenhaus’s book is one of the many reasons Love Inspired books are…well, loved. The people of Ouray, Colorado draw you in and invite you to stay a while and enjoy the magic of Christmas and falling in love. Plus, I’m a bit of a sap when it comes to the friends-to-more romance, so this one just hit all the right high notes for me.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series, which follows of a family of brothers. However, this book can definitely stand alone if you have not read the first book in the series, Their Ranch Reunion.

Although Lacie and Matt were once friends, this is not your typical friends to more romance plot. Lacie and Matt’s friendship fell apart years earlier when Matt started dating Lacie’s sister. This is more of a reunion story with a twist.

I really enjoyed the way these two were brought together in this small town, and watching as Matt became convinced that Lacie’s niece, Kenzie, was his daughter. I liked the way Matt and Lacie worked together to try to make things great for Kenzie, even as both of them worried what the future might bring.

The Deputy’s Holiday Family was a sweet story and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Another awesome sweet romance from author Mindy Obenhaus! I really love this Rocky Mountain Heroes series that is set in Ouray. Colorado. Ouray is a peaceful small town with loving people, just like a town I would love to live in! I’m glad this book is Lacy and Matt’s story, to learn more about their lives. Lacie decides to take her niece Kenzie to her mothers home in Ouray for the holidays. She is surprised to see Matt Stevens when he pulled her over forced to bad driving. Being in Ouray will not be easy because of her bad crush in Matt when she was younger. But as circumstances keep throwing them together, and as they spend more time with each other, a major secret surfaces, as well as attraction between the two grows, tensions seem to run ragged as the holidays keep them busy.

Love this sweet story by Mindy Obenhaus as well as the other two I have read! I grew to love some of these characters in the first two books I read in this series. After loosing her sister, Lacie is raising her sisters daughter Kenzie. Lacie is helping with the Christmas program, and discovers that Matt as well, forcing them to spend even more time together. And with Matt being around Kenzie and getting a good look at her, it has him asking many questions. I love the interaction with the characters in this story. Lacie is trying her best to give her five year old niece the best Christmas, but with her anti-Christmas mom, it’s a challenge. But as it is with kids during Christmas, Kenzie seems to pull everyone together, and the result is amazing at how the love is so sweet. And with Lacie and Matt, a second chance at love and a chance to make a family for sweet Kenzie makes this story one of the sweetest romances I’ve read. My heart still warms when I see a picture of this book. As with the other book by Ms. Obenhaus, I love and appreciate the way she weaves the Christian life and the Gospel into the lives of her characters. And in such a suptle way.

I feel like I’ve been all over the place with this review but there is a lot of good stuff chunked into this amazing little book. I love every bit of it And this one is sure one I will have on my reading list again during the Christmas holidays this year! I sure hope you will check out “The Deputy’s Holiday Family” for a few hours of pure fun abscond enjoyment!

I received this book from JustReads Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah.... I am blazing through this Rocky Mountain Heroes series! At the rate I’m going, I’ll likely be finished with all of Mindy Obenhaus’ published books by the end of the month ;)! This second installment in the series does not disappoint. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone, though I’m sure you’ll want to read about Andrew and his wife from the first book after you’ve read this one, if you haven’t already. The author’s easy-to-read writing style, her well-paced plot, vulnerable and lovable characters, and well-balanced integration of faith into the storyline all make this book an enjoyable contemporary romance read.

Matt, the middle Stephens son in a line-up of five, is tender, self-sacrificing, loyal, and protective. He battles guilt over his mother’s death from cancer and also battles his father with whom he’s never seen eye to eye. Lacie is a friend from high school who returns home with her niece after her sister’s death. She’s a soft-hearted decorator who loves with her whole heart but can’t get over her insecurities. A child brings them together and their relationship blossoms as Matt bonds with Lacie’s niece Kenzie.

Next up is Noah’s story and I can’t wait to read about the firstborn of the five brothers! I was given a copy of the book by the author/publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[Inspirationalfictionreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Deputy’s Holiday family by Mindy Obenhaus is the second book in this series. I think I’m in the minority here because I thought this book, which could’ve been a 5 star, was just okay. Why? In a word Lacie. Here’s a quote from the story that pretty much sums up how I felt about her. “Matt was growing weary of Lacie’s stubbornness.“ Me too!!! Lacie was really hard for me to like. She was very giving in changing her life to raise her niece. But, when it came to Matt, who was the kindest most giving guy, she was kind of mean to him in word, thought, and action. She did get nicer as the story progressed.

So why did I think it could’ve been a 5 star story? I really liked the writing style and loved the Christmasy feel.
I also loved Matt’s family and I am looking forward to Noah’s story. I am just not a fan of prickly female characters. They just take me right out of the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deputy's Holiday Family is by far the best book of the series. I loved seeing relationships healing and the damage from the past fixed. The characters were delightful and the story transports you into the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Kenzie is such a fun character with all of her antics and leading people to Christ. (I mean, she is very young!) Seeing her interactions with the other characters added a lighter mood to the book in the midst of all the struggles that the adults were going through.

The author carefully weaved together the relationship between Lacie and Matt to form a perfectly crafted story.


Personal Rating: 4 Stars

Content Rating: 4 Stars

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required and all thoughts are my own.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story! I enjoyed the second chance/friends to more in the story. The subplot with Lacey’s mom was also a nice addition to the story. Mindy’s stories are always fun reads for me.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mindy Obenhaus has written an excellent second book to her Rocky Mountains Heroes series in The Deputy’s Holiday Family. This story is focused on family and the holiday season. It’s about being reminded about the importance of traditions even when it feels like you can’t move on from a tragedy in the past. It’s about a renewed friendship and the blossoming of a sweet romance. This is a sweet holiday contemporary romance that readers will delight in.

Series: Rocky Mountain Heroes
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication date: November 21, 2017
Number of pages: 216

Other books in the series:
1-Their Ranch Reunion
3-Her Colorado Cowboy

A review copy of this book was provided by JustRead Publicity Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rocky Mountain Heroes series takes you to the small town of Outay where you are immediately immersed into the lives of the townspeople. In "The Deputy's Holiday Family" the focus is on Matt & Lacie. Matt is a younger brother who has been cameoed in several other books in the series. Now he's in for the shock of his life when Lacie comes to town with her niece in tow for Christmas break. Lacie is facing job decisions, the loss of her only sister, gaining custody of her niece, & a mother who no longer celebrates Christmas. I enjoyed that this book approached a difficult subject in a very tasteful way. A home for the holidays read:-)

I received a copy of this book as a gift. All opinions expressed are entirely my own:-)

[Lila Diller · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was set in Ouray, Colorado, contemporary. To me, the name of the town was inconsequential. It could have been in any small town in the Rockies. But then again, setting matters the least to me in a story.

Lacie and Matt have a history, so this is really a second-chance story, but with a twist. The twist is that Matt had a daughter with Lacie's sister. Now that her sister has died, Lacie is named the guardian. She's suspicious of Matt's true intentions almost right up to the end. But she would sacrifice anything to be a good mother figure to her niece, Kenzie, who's as cute as a five-year-old with no schooling can be.

I found the intentional grammatical errors on Kenzie's part cute at first but by the end, they were a little distracting. Especially when I've never heard a child use the option that's much more difficult to pronounce, “tasteses” instead of “tastes” (p.176).

It was interesting that both Lacie's mother and Matt's father were grieving and hard to get along with. I'm not sure the story needed both subplots, but I did enjoy the characters' growth, especially of Lacie's mom Barbara.

I liked the perspectives from both Lacie and Matt, which is usual in contemporary romance. The author did a great job of keeping the point of view and psychic distance consistent. No head-hopping in the middle of chapters or sliding to any other character's perspective. Well-done. There is also some humor, mostly in Kenzie's funny comments.

The writing was good, and the editing was great. I loved the characters, though there were some obvious tropes and expected events. But it was just what I would want in a cozy, Christmas, Christian romance.

I was pleasantly surprised that even though the title only mentioned “Holiday,” it was definitely a Christian's spin on Christmas, mentioning the birthday of the baby Jesus and even the cutest sermonette by a five-year-old. :)

I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a sweet, clean, cozy, Christian romance, especially near the holidays. The only two categories of readers who may not enjoy this book that I can think of are 1) non-Christians who are offended by the mention of Jesus and examples of personal prayer, and 2) suspense readers. If you're looking for a more suspenseful, on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller, this is not for you.

I'm adding this to my Christmas list of books to re-read every year. :)

Favorite quotes:
- (When ordering pizza) “I'm a supreme kind of girl.” “A woman after my own heart.” If only things that were that simple.
- “Did you tell her you loved her? That it wasn't just about Kenzie? That you wanted to spend your life with her?” Matt scrubbed a hand over his face. “No, I did not.” How could he have been so stupid?

(I received this book for free in a contest. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

Beginning her Rocky Mountain Heroes series and introducing the Stephens brothers, Mindy Obenhaus delivers two sweet romances in Their Ranch Reunion and The Deputy’s Holiday Family. Readers of the genre will not be disappointed with the stories.

Their Ranch Reunion reunites Andrew Stephens with his high school sweetheart, Carly Wagner. The cause of their rekindling relationship is a house they both inherited, which naturally leads to complications and drama. Will this second chance be just what they need to move on from the past and add romance to the mix?

The Deputy’s Holiday Family offers another second chance at romance as old friends Matt Stephens and Lacie Collier cross paths around Christmastime. Past events strained their friendship, but now, the pair has the opportunity to rekindle what they lost—and more.

So, take a trip to Ouray, Colorado and spend some time with lovable characters and their charming community. It’s a trip worth taking.

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

I received a complimentary copies of these books and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Deputy's Holiday Family
Rocky Mountain Heroes #2
By Mindy Obenhaus

Lacie Collier's life has once again been upended. Since her sister's death, she has been caring for her 5-year-old niece Kenzie. And now she finds herself in search of a new job - not that it should difficult to find a new one with her experience in interior design. But first, she needs to give Kenzie the best Christmas she can but with her mother's ban on all things Christmas Lacie has a problem if she plans on spending Christmas in Ouray.

Matt Stephens is surprised when Lacie Collier arrives in Ouray with her young niece in tow. But he's even more surprised when he discovers that she's going to be in the play that he's just agreed to direct. And her experience is just what he needs if he doesn't want to fail or further prove his father's less than positive assessment of him as true.

When Matt meets Kenzie there is something about her that is familiar and it's not that she looks like her mother Marissa. But when he stumbles upon the truth he and Lacie will have to work past the tension and past hurts to provide Kenzie with a Christmas she'll never forget. But Lacie's sure of one thing she's not about to lose her heart once again to Matt Stephens and maybe if she keeps telling herself that she'll succeed. But how do you tell your heart to stop caring?

Matt's determined to be in Kenzie's life after missing out on the first 5 years. But with Lacie searching for a job on the other side of the state he has some serious thinking to do. Could he convince Lacie that Ouray has everything she could ever need or want, with him at the top of the list? It may take a Christmas miracle to bring these holiday wishes true.

This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series and it is just as enjoyable as the first book Their Ranch Reunion. Matt is living with the pressure of just never quite measuring up to his father's standards and he wants more than anything to earn his father's respect and pride. Lacie is determined to be the best mother she can for her niece but doing it all on her own comes with its own issues and she's just not sure how to do it all on her own. This is a second chance for two people who took a wrong turn along the way. I liked how this book seems to pick up fairly close to where the first book ends. For those who are wondering this is a clean gentle read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Scarlet Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacie Collier was the guardian of her niece Kenzie, after her sister died in a car accident with her current boyfriend. She lost her designer job in Denver because of all the times Kenzie demanded her attention. Returning to her hometown to live with her mother while she looked for her next just, she is stopped by a deputy -- who turns out to be Matt Stephens, her childhood best friend and who broke her heart when he dated her younger sister instead of her.

Lacie joins the local theater group, since she was active in the Denver theater. However, the director turns out to be Matt Stephens. He has never directed a play, but wants to save the theater group his mother started

Family drama plays a part in this novel. Lacie's mother stopped celebrating Christmas when her father died. Matt has been estranged from his father, since his mother's death. Kenzie plays a part in healing both of these relationships. She also plays a part in bringing Lacie and Matt back together, when it is discovered that Matt is Kenzie's father instead of her sister's last boyfriend.

Touching story of how two people of faith turn to God to heal past hurts and discover a future of love and family.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may be spring in Tennessee but it’s always a good time to read a delightful Christmas story. The Deputy’s Holiday Family fits the bill with a cute kid and a second chance romance.

Lacie, now guardian of her deceased sister’s child, has returned to her home town to spend Christmas with her mother. Surprised by an encounter with her former crush, Matt, Lacie is determined to avoid him since he had always been more interested in her sister. Circumstances throw them together and both are surprised by secrets from the past that are revealed.

Loved this story, especially family reconciliations and the spiritual growth in more than one character. Matt was the perfect hero for Lacie and Kenzie with his unwavering support and caring nature. It was encouraging to read about how his relationship with his dad was resolved.

Mindy Obenhaus is an excellent author who keeps her plots interesting and right on track with a perfect blend of drama, romance, and faith. I will be reading more of her books in the future for sure.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can count on Love Inspired to turn out great holiday reads. It may be April right now, but I was wrapped in Christmas spirit for this story. One aspect that I enjoyed was the character development in the main characters and the secondary characters as well. While you can read this as a stand alone novel, I did like that some wounds hinted at in previous stories were addressed, drawing me further into the series.

I admire the way Lacie stepped up to care for her nice. I also like the way that there wasn't a premise of either of the main characters trying to hide the fact that Kenzie is Matt's daughter as the big tension in the story (as opposed to a storyline where it's the main point - those bug me). This was a refreshing change in the find-out-I-had-a-kid-years-later genre. Matt steps right up to build his relationship with his daughter and Lacie. He was patient and kind. Swoon-worthy.

I received a copy of this story from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lacie comes home to Ouray, Colorado, to get back on her feet, the last thing she's expecting is to run into her high school crush Matt Stephens. When Matt sees Lacie's niece, Kenzie, he's struck by her strong resemblance to his family. The daughter of his high school girlfriend, Kenzie is now under Lacie's guardianship. With their friendship having fizzled out after Matt started dating Lacie's sister, he must overcome her distrust toward him. Complicating matters is the tension that both Matt and Lacie each have with one of their parents. As Christmas draws closer and Matt spends more time with both Lacie and Kenzie, they start to feel like a cozy little family, but Lacie is unsure of Matt's motives and must learn to open her heart to the possibility of a happy future.

This was a very sweet Christmas story, and even though we're a few months past the season I really loved the joyous feeling of this book! I received a copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours and am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Christmas stories and this one was wonderful and easy to read!

This story followed Deputy Matt Stephens, one of the Stephens boys mentioned in book 1 of the Rocky Mountain Heroes series. His friend Lacie returns back to her hometown with her niece to spend the holidays with her mom. I loved how caring Lacie and Matt were to niece Kenzie and how they tried to make it a good Christmas even though her mom was gone.

I love reading about the close friendships and family dynamics of the Stephens family and the other families in town. I was happy that I got to read more about the characters from book 1 as well, including Dad Stephens. A story about second chances, hope, love and healing at Christmas time.

I have read both books in this series and highly recommend! Clean romance, christian, holiday fiction. I can’t wait to read more!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely and entertaining story! I really enjoyed The Debuty's Holiday Family Reunion by Mindy Obenhaus. I love how Mindy delivers beautiful storytelling and fluid writing without fail. After having read two books by her, that's what I have come to expect from her books, and she certainly did not disappoint for this one! I think out of her complete Love Inspired trio, this one's my favorite.

Although I would like more originality in her stories, because, once again, the romance is an insta love (except the main characters have already met before), I did enjoy the overall plot of Lacie and Matt fighting over Kenzie, and I think it made for a good story.

Overall, I would recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the first book in the Rocky Mountain series, this was a quick read and beautifully written.
It's the holiday season in Ouray. Lacie is her niece's guardian since her sister passed away, and this holiday they are spending it with her mother. She wants to try and give Kenzie the best Christmas. But after losing her job things seem to be a little difficult.
Matt is surprised to see Lacir back in town. And imagine his surprise when he sees Kenzie, and the resemblance she has to the Stephen's family. No doubt about it, Kenzie is his daughter.
I don't want to go much into detail because that would just spoil the story. It's a Christmas Miracle and a heartwarming book. Thank you to Just Read Tours for a free ebook of this book!

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series set in Ouray,Colorado. I love the way that this author writes. The way that she describes the town, characters, and events it feels like you are there. This series revolves around five brothers and this is Matt and Lacie's story. Lacie is back in town to raise her niece, Kenzie after her mother's death. Matt is a likeable, relatable character. Lacie and Matt had grown up together - however, Matt dated/talked to Lacie's sister. This is a great second chance story.

I received a copy of the book of this book through the Just Read blogging program. All thoughts are my own.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! There were several well-developed storylines that all blended together very nicely. There was the story of Lacie being thrown into the role of a single mom. There was the story of Matt and his issues with his father. There was the story of Lacie's mom and why she wouldn't celebrate Christmas. And of course, there was the story of Matt and Lacie's relationship and how it evolved. This book is part of the Rocky Mountain Heroes series but can easily be read as a standalone.

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kept my attention but I didn’t care for the last few chapters.

[Sandra Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book....love this series!