A rugged Western setting, small-town neighbors, and the uplifting magic of the holidays combine for a season to remember—and maybe even a Texas-sized love—in New York Times bestselling author Janet Dailey’s latest Christmas Tree Ranch novel . . .
For Cooper Chapman, moving next door to his newlywed sister in Branding Iron, Texas, is the biggest gift he could ask for this Christmas. The divorced single dad knows his troubled teenaged son only needs the healing balm of big skies and family ties. But soon after settling into their new home, Trevor falls in with some wild friends at his new school, leaving Cooper leaning hard on youth counselor Jess Graver. With grace and wisdom, Jess soothes Cooper’s worries over his son, even as the elusive beauty stirs romantic feelings to life . . .
With the holiday growing closer, young Trevor finds an unexpected mentor in a local farmer, helping him build a horse-drawn sleigh for the Christmas parade. Now the only thing that could make Cooper’s New Year brighter would be making warm-hearted Jess his own. But when he stumbles upon a secret from her past, it will take more than mistletoe to bring them back together and keep her at his side for all the sweet seasons to come . . .
Janet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
SOMEBODY LIKE SANTA was a sweet conclusion to the Branding Iron, Texas series. Cooper moves home to Branding Iron and takes custody of his teenage son, who had some problems back home in Washington. His behavior continues to be a problem even in small town Branding Iron. Jess is the youth counselor he’s working in and Cooper takes an interest as well. This is another one that was a flashback book from some of the previous books in the series. The first four books in the series were available in KU, and I wish this one had been, too. I almost didn’t read it, but was able to get it at the library. 5/5 stars.
This is a Cowboy Romance, and this is the 5th book in the Christmas Tree Ranch series. I have read and reviewed the other books in this series, but I do think this book can be read as a standalone without any problems. I loved all the characters in this book, and I loved getting to know the two main characters. There was a lot going on in this book, but I feel it was done really well. I did see the ending happening how it did, but I still really enjoyed the ending. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zebra) or author (Janet Dailey) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Hopefully this one is better than book 4, with more christmas joy!! This goes back in time too so I love that!!🥰
I really enjoyed this one actually!! This is my second favorite couple of this series! I had a lot of fun! I still think the very first book was the best. Characters, plot, Christmas feel, it was really the best one but I have one more book to read!
I really loved the secret our FMC had! And I also love how that secret came into play at the very end! Speaking of end, this books conclusion was RUSHED. We had more Christmas joy in this one compared to the one before this one but it still wasn’t a lot. I am loving the back in time we’ve got going on here. I loved seeing Maggie as a kid!
These books are so easy to read and super quick! We may just have stopped after the first three books though 😬 I only have one more book till I am finished with the series so yay! 😌😌
Small town romance set in 1997 Texas. Squeaky clean with charming main characters. Does touch on the serious issues of domestic violence and hostage situations.
This is the fifth book in the Christmas Tree Ranch series. Branding Iron, Texas is the home of Cooper Chapman's newlywed sister and her husband, it's convenient that there is a rental next to her for him and his young teenaged son to move into for their new start. Moving to the middle of nowhere in this "redneck hell of Branding Iron, Texas" is not Trevor, the thirteen-year-old son's idea of a good time, he desperately misses Seattle with his friends and where he fit in. School counselor Jess Graver more than once comes to the aid of Cooper Chapman, calming his worries when his son falls in with a wild crowd at school trying to prove himself worthy. Jess and Cooper have an immediate attraction to each other, but I wouldn't call this book a romance as each of them seems to keep pulling away from the other one emotionally for one reason or another. There are a lot of side stories that could have taken on a book of their own, a hidden secret discovered, working as redemption to right a wrong as an older man gives the teen a chance to make things right, a Christmas parade, violence and abuse, kidnapping. I did not particularly like the female lead character in this book, in my opinion she is standoffish and not willing to listen to reason. My favorite characters would have to be Trevor the troubled teen who gains confidence and turns his life around and even goes out of his way to show empathy and help a troubled friend. Another favorite character is Maggie, that firecracker of a little girl, the take charge kind who is everyone's friend. For a novella length book, I think there was too much packed into it and some of these side stories should have explored the possibility of their own book.
Pub Date 27 Sep 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
❄️ Small Town 🎅 Single Dad ❄️ Cowboy/Rancher 🎅 Slow Burn ❄️ Clean Romance
This was such a sweet romance between Cooper who is a single dad who just moved into the area from Seattle and Jess who is a ex-fbi agent living the small town life after a horrible hostage situation went south!
This is clean, no spice but it was super cute. It's quite slow burn and Jess isn't too sure about getting into a relationship with Cooper.
This is set around October through December and speaks here and there of holiday things but not set heavily around Christmas.
I really enjoyed everyone coming together to set the Christmas parade up and getting a real sleigh built and ready to go.
This does take a shocking twist but it was done so well and really loved how it ended!
Definitely recommend picking this up for a quick paced read!
Oooh la la, I love a good small town country Christmas book!!! Somebody Like Santa is the fifth book in The Christmas Tree Ranch series written by Janet Dailey. I remember reading this series last year, and loving it, so when I saw the fifth book was coming out, I knew I had to grab it quickly. I mean, come on, what's not to love about a Christmas book with a cowboy on the cover? Somebody Like Santa was just, so so so perfect. Janet Dailey passed away in 2013, I recently just found out, but i'm so happy someone is continuing her work. I loved every minute of this story, and getting to know these wonderful characters. I devoured this book like a big ole Hershey chocolate bar. I hope there is a sixth book in the future, because I don't want this series to end anytime soon. I love how eventually all the characters came together and formed a big family. If you ever get the chance to read this amazing series, I highly recommend you do, because you won't be disappointed.
THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND KENSINGTON BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK!!!!!
Cooper Chapman is recently divorced, and now a single father to his son, Trevor. Cooper and Trevor are from Seattle, Washington, but Cooper decided to relocate to Texas. Trevor's mom choose her new husband over her own son because they didn't want to have Trevor around. After reading about this, my heart just automatically shattered for this young boy. Trevor had a troubled past in Seattle, from hanging with the wrong crowd of friends, being on probation, and being in juvenile detention. Cooper is hoping this move to Texas will help Trevor get out of his rut. Moving next door to his newlywed sister Grace in Branding Iron, Texas is the biggest best Christmas blessing Cooper could have ever asked for. When Cooper and Trevor first move in, Maggie, Cooper's niece and Trevor's cousin comes over and invites them over for dinner, but Trevor thinks Maggie is one annoying little girl. I absolutely adored Maggie and her enthusiasm.
After attending his first day at his new school, Trevor starts falling in line with the wrong crowd again, but he soon realizes they're not his friends. Soon, Cooper meets, Jess Graver. Jess is pretty good friends with Cooper's sister, Grace. But, Jess is also a school youth counselor. The minute Trevor meets Jess, a reg flag instantly goes up: she sounds like a cop. Cooper believes he has seen Jess somewhere before, but he can't remember where. Jess has a secret past, but not even her close friends know about it. As Cooper starts falling for Jess, he stumbles across Jess's past. Jess starts telling Cooper about her past slowly, but Cooper goes behind her back and does some research on her. After Jess catches Cooper snooping behind her back, she is determined that she doesn't want to fall for Cooper. Also, kudos to Cooper for stepping up and being the best parent for Trevor.
As the Christmas season grows closer, Trevor finds himself forming a bond with the local farmer. Trevor and Abner met when Trevor was hiding in Abner's barn when he was hanging with the wrong group of friends. Abner gives Trevor some very potential information on staying with the right group of friends. As Trevor is hiding, he finds a sleigh in Abner's barn. With the Christmas parade coming up, Maggie, Abner, and Trevor start building a horse drawn sleigh. Cooper starts realizing that his son is doing better and is more happier, but now the only thing that would make Cooper's new year better would be making Jess his. I love the bond that Trevor built with his cousin Maggie but also getting closer with his neighbor, Abner. I thought Jess was sweet, but I just wish she would have told Cooper about her past sooner. All in all, I just loved this book so much. It was so heart warming and beautiful.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book. It is the 5th book in the Christmas Tree Ranch series by Janet Dailey. I enjoyed the first four books and I also enjoyed this book. It was a heartwarming story dealing with many issues that are prevelent in today's society, While the main characters were forced to deal with many uncomfortable issues the story and the characters managed to work through those issues and end happily like you expect holiday romance books to do. If you are looking for a good holiday roomance then pick this book up.
Cooper Chapman is a freelance writer and moves is teenage son to Branding Iron, Texas to get him out of Seattle. Trevor has been running with the wrong group and already has a record. Jess Garver moved to Branding Iron a few years ago and is the guidance counselor for the school system. Cooper's sister is trying to help everyone by having everyone to dinner. Jess has no desire to date Cooper and his son is not cooperating with her at school either. Jess is a very private person and Cooper feels he knows her from somewhere even if it just a news article. Cooper buys a farm and Trevor meets the older next-door neighbor and finds instant connection with him. Can everyone get a Merry Christmas? I have read all the Branding Iron series and love to read about Texas.
Cooper Chapman and his son Trevor both have trust issues after wife and mother left them both. Cooper has moved them to small town, Branding Iron Texas, in hopes for a new start since Trevor had been running with a bad crowd in Washington and getting into trouble. Cooper touches base with Jess Graver, the school counselor, before Trevor begins school in hopes of Trevor having a new start in a new place. Little does Cooper know that Jess will play a major role in their lives even though she has a trust issue as well.
This Christmas story focuses on trust and what a role it can play in making lives complete or causing them to derail. All 3 of the main characters had such a huge change in their lives when they learned to trust. Cooper's niece, Maggie, was a delightful addition to the cast with her bubbly personality and all out enthusiasm and honesty. With a touch of romance, a twinkling of Christmas, a hidden sleigh, and a bit of mystery, this was a good Christmas read.
I have loved this entire series. This is book #5 of The Christmas Tree ranch series. Cooper can work from anywhere, so he moves his very troubled son to Branding Iron, Tx hoping a small town will keep him from getting into more trouble. But trouble seems to find Trevor. Jess is the school counselor. It's her job to help Trevor. She doesn't want to be attracted to his very handsome father and the universe seems to continually throw them together. How long can a person resist! This one has it all - romance, mystery and danger! Janet Dailey creates fabulous characters. I love her books! Thank you to NetGalley and Zebra Books for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Somebody like Santa by Janet Dailey . Heartwarming and enjoyable read. Just the right touch to get into the Holiday spirit. And yes, everyone does need a Maggie in their lives.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. What's not to love in a Christmas book based in a small town in Texas with hunky cowboys? This one has it all - small town, cowboys, romance, a sleigh with Santa and a little intrigue. Cooper Chapman decides to take the plunge and move to the small town of Branding Iron, Texas where his sister lives in order to get his troubled teenage son away from the big city, and hopefully his juvenile issues. He hopes that living in a smaller town will give his son an opportunity to grow and have less opportunity for trouble. It is very obvious that his son, Trevor, is just scared young man looking for a place to fit in and be a part of something, although Trevor thinks he has landed in the middle of nowhere. They even have pay phones! Jess Graver is the school counselor, and she really cares about the kids in the school and wants to help them in any way possible. Jess has a secret that she has no intention of giving away, and Cooper is an inquisitive journalist who knows he has seen her somewhere before. This could be a disaster for all involved. I loved the setting of this book. There is nothing more romantic than a small town Christmas romance. I also enjoyed the feeling of community. I loved Maggie. She is the precocious stepdaughter of Cooper's sister. This girl could sell ice to a snowman. She provided a little comedy to the story, as no topic was off limits for her. If you enjoy a fun Christmas romance, you will love this one.
I enjoyed this small town, wholesome holiday story. Jess and Cooper have a push-pull relationship, they're drawn together but they keep pushing each other away for one reason or another. Maggie, Cooper's niece, is adorable and smart as a whip. Trevor, Cooper's son, is a typical teenager.
One note - I did get the feeling that it was written a long time ago and parts were updated to fit into current times. For instance, one of the main characters drives a Taurus, I don't even think they're made anymore. There are no cell phones mentioned, other than a brief statement that while they might work in Seatlle they don't work in Branding Iron. One other thing, the female main character, Jess, gets unnaturally upset when she catches Cooper, the main character "researching" her on the internet. No mention of the typical search engines, or the fact that pretty much everyone "Googles" everything these days!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
Somebody like Santa is a nice, sweet holiday romance novel. It is the story of struggling single father (Cooper) and a school counselor who is hiding from her past (Jess). Their lives become connected due to Cooper's son Trevor and a variety of other circumstances that keep bringing them together. This is a holiday story about healing, trusting, family, and love. Believe it or not, this is the first book by Janet Dailey I've ever read. Overall it is good, but Cooper is an idiot- I mean can one man be that naive in real life? (probably). Somebody like Santa is a perfect feel-good, HEA, holiday read to snuggle up with.
I was given this book by the publisher. I thought it would be a cute small town romance, but it was so much more. I have not read any of the other books in the series but it seems this book could be read as a stand alone. First of all, it takes place in the 90s so I had to keep remembering that as I was reading. So Cooper wants to take his teenage son out of a big city and they move to a small town in Texas. His son has gotten into some trouble and he hopes the move will help. Cooper moved in next to his sister and her new husband. Hopefully having family around will be good too. Cooper's sister has a friend she wants her brother to meet, Jessica. Jessica has a mysterious past and Cooper would love to know all about her, but she is very guarded. Needless to say, Cooper's son gets into some trouble and bad things happen in this book. As far as the romance, it is only kissing that happens.
I really love Christmas books and this one has to be marked as my favorite so far this year. It was really good.
A troubled teen is forced to move from a big city to live with his Dad in a small town. His Dad buys a ranch to give his son something to do. They lease out the land so they only have a dog and a few horses. Just a few things to keep him busy. He has long hair and doesn't really fit in with the other kids in this area so two boys decided to pick on him.
It's a great cast of characters, the storyline is really good and I read the book in one afternoon I just could not put it down. Check out this if you want a great Christmas book to read.
This book is about Cooper moving to Texas with his teenage son; who is missing his friends and his mom. He hopes that bringing here to a small town will help him heal. He finds friends at the school that turn out to not be so friendly. But he does meet someone special on his Halloween disaster. The old man who runs the farm , who's barn he is hiding out in is Abner. Abner is quiet the interesting man. He has a sleigh hidden under a tarp in the barn. So Abner and Trevor decide to work on the sleigh in hopes that it will be ready for Christmas. He finds out that the boy that tried to be his friend is facing issues at home. The two together and his cousin work on making the Christmas Parade come true. This book has a great plot and is very interesting. I love the mix of Christmas and love being in the air. Santa is a special treat well.
Cooper is a divorced single father trying to raise his teenaged son, Trevor, who has been getting into trouble at school. Cooper makes the decision to move them both to Branding Iron, Texas, to be closer to his sister and her family in hopes that it will turn Trevor’s life around. However, things don’t start out well for Trevor until he meets a local farmer.
Jess is a youth counselor who was notified about Trevor before his enrollment in school in Texas. Jess is also a friend of Cooper’s sister. The three of them meet at his sister’s house.
There are other issues going on in the small town. Twists, turns, danger, secrets, hope, new beginnings, and a HEA. I enjoyed this story very much.
At the end, it seems as though there’s a hint of something regarding Ruth and Judd but why tease us if this is book 5 of 5?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Janet Dailey brings us the story of Cooper and his son Trevor. When Trevor starts hanging out with the wrong crowd and getting in trouble, Cooper knows it is time for a change. Luckily for him, his sister lives with her family in the town of Branding Iron, Texas. With his sister, he finds school counselor Jess at their welcome dinner with obvious reasons for both Chapman men. As Trevor tries to find his way and place in a new school and neighborhood, Cooper finds himself drawn to Jess. Similar choices leads Trevor to an unexpected gift while past secrets are discovered which tear apart the fragile relationship Cooper has created with Jess. Will these two Chapman men be able to overcome life's obstacles, or will they fall prey to past mistakes?
Janet Dailey brings us a story of family and love. She draws us into the lives of Cooper and Trevor as they find their way in their new home of Branding Iron with support from his sister and her family. You want to see what they do next. I enjoyed reading about Cooper, Trevor, and Jess. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books Zebra for this privilege.
I can read Christmas stories at any time of year and this one did not disappoint with tree trimming, a Santa Parade with a sleigh, gift giving and wrapping along with the Christmas Ball. Young Maggie once again is involved in all things Christmas and wants everyone around her to embrace it as well. It doesn't hurt that her dad is the acting mayor for their small town and she has lots of ideas she wants implemented.
There are many stories being told and they are woven together nicely. We reconnect with characters we've met before along with many new ones and see where life is taking them. This is Cooper and Jess's story as well as his teenage son, Trevor. There are periods of darkness and people who are hurting and scared. There are tears, anger, fear, friendships, secrets, many animals, and lots of love. There are also people there for each other whether family, friends or even acquaintances. There's a good flow to the story and nice closure but the ending seemed rushed to me for the potential of the happily ever after. I wish the epilogue had gone on a little longer. I hope we get to return again to Branding Iron, Texas.
Janet Dailey always writes such wonderful and heartfelt Christmas stories and when you finish reading one of her books, you just feel all toasty warm inside:) I really loved Cooper and Jess' characters but I must say, it's the kids in the story that really had my heart.
Cooper has his work cut out for him when he moves with his son to a small Texas town, hoping to steer his son on the straight and narrow after being in trouble with some city school kids. When he meets Jess, it's instant attraction but she's keeping secrets that she has no intentions of telling him. As Christmas approaches and more problems arrive, it's up to love, trust and understanding to make a stand!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Now this is what I call a Janet Dailey book - so well written, you just keep on, keep on reading until, before you know it, you’ve finished the whole book in one sitting! It’d make a really pleasant way to spend a day around Christmas, especially if you like good clean and sweet romances and family stories in a small town cowboy setting.
I wish the ending was more well developed though, and I spotted a story between Ruth and Judd that doesn’t seem complete and this is already book 5 of 5.
This was really good. I love reading Janet Dailey books. They are heartfelt and romantic. I am grateful that netgalley let me read this in exchange for an honest review.