Colorado Country

by Diana Palmer

Meadow Dawson is struggling to manage the enormous ranch she just inherited. Too bad she’s not on speaking terms with the one man who can help her out. Cattleman Dal Blake wishes Meadow’s dog would quit digging under his fence—and that his pretty neighbor wasn’t just as good at getting under his skin. . . .

Widowed schoolteacher Katy is starting over with her young daughter, and she knows the perfect place—her grandmother’s Colorado ranch. A runaway Palomino brings reclusive horse wrangler Parker to her door. Parker knows all there is to know about horses, but with Katy, he’s learning about the gift of family.

Genres: Romance, Westerns

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.

(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.

She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.

Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.

In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book with two Romance short stories. The first short story in this book is The Snow Man which I did not love at first, but once I really got into the story I really loved it. The next short story in this book is Mistletoe Cowboy, and I had already read this story because it was in Christmas Kisses with My Cowboy. I remember this story from the very beginning, and I really loved this story and the characters in it so much. The little girl was so cute and sweet. I really loved the fact we got to see the story from both the busy Mom's view and the little girl's view. I think there is so much more than just a romance going on in this story. The only thing I wish that is changed about this book is the fact there was no snow on the cover because the first book took place when it was so cold, and the other book had a little Christmas in it. I just wanted more of a winter feel to the cover of the book to really fit the stories in the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Books) or author (Diana Palmer) 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.

[Barbara Lack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both these books have been previously released before. I enjoyed reading them again.
The Snow Man
Dal has always been hard on Meadow. She’s been infatuated with Dal since she was 16 years old and he was much older than her. I felt bad for Meadow. She has such a huge heart but things always go sideways for her. Dal is sexy and cranky. I love Diana Palmer’s writing.

Mistletoe Cowboy

Parker had a rough childhood after his mother passed away. He’s extremely smart and great with horses. Katy’s husband has passed away and she’s raising her daughter as a single mother. Teddy is a cute little girl. Katy has difficulty expressing her emotions. I enjoyed this book a lot.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorado Country is a collection of two novellas by Diana Palmer. In the first novella, The Snowman, Meadow Dawson has moved to her father’s ranch upon inheriting it. While her parents divorced when she was young and she was forced to live with her mother, she had remained close to her father and visited him as often as she could. Saddened by his loss, Meadow is also at a loss as to how to manage a ranch. Luckily, the cowboys that work on the ranch are loyal and experienced.

On the neighboring ranch lives Dal Blake, a good friend of her father’s yet an enigma for Meadow. Although only 10 years older than Meadow, Dal had always treated her as a child and with much disdain. This continues when Meadow comes back to the ranch as well as when she uses her FBI background to become an investigator for the local sheriff.

In a story that addresses differences, theft of priceless antiques, and pets who won’t stay home, Ms. Palmer has delivered a lovely story with interesting characters and great messages.

In the second novella, Mistletoe Cowboy, the reader is reintroduced to characters from Ms. Palmer’s novella collection Kiss Me Cowboy. This story introduces Crow astrophysicist and horse whisperer Parker to his neighbor Katy and her daughter Teddie and their rescue horse, the Palomino Bartholomew.

With growing feelings between Parker and his neighbors, the fight over retaining the rescue horse from his brutal owner comes between them all. But the strength of young Teddie may be the saving grace for them all.

These are lovely stories! I very much enjoyed reading them and I do recommend this anthology!

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorado Country by Diana Palmer is a “twofer”. There are two novels within this book: The Snowman and Mistletoe Cowboy. Both are older novels that are represented in a single novel. Obviously the tie between the two stories is the setting of Colorado and cowboys - hot, moody cowboys.

The Snowman features Meadow Dawson and Dal Blake. Meadow inherited her father’s ranch, but she doesn't know a lot about how to run a ranch. It was suggested that she contact Dal Blake to help her, except she doesn’t really like him. Then there is the pet that won’t stay home and the missing antiques. This is an opposites attract type of story. I did enjoy it but it was a bit slow starting.

The Mistletoe Cowboy includes a widow and her daughter (Katy and Teddie). There is a rescue horse who had been abused who decided to go for a run and runs into Parker. Parker is a bit of a recluse who is an astrophysicist and a horse whisperer. Once he meets Katy and Teddie, he is all in, however as always there are severe obstacles and some mistakes on both Katy and Parker’s parts. The novel included some interesting elements with the abused animal and a small town. I enjoyed this story as well.

Both novellas were fun to read and I enjoyed them. I do suggest you double check that you haven’t read them before as they are older stories. Colorado Country by Diana Palmer was a good read.

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars overall for me

The Snowman was a difficult story for me. I didn’t warm to the hero at all and that made it hard for me to wish for their HEA. The highlights of this story for me were the hilarious pets & Gil.

Mistletoe Cowboy
I enjoyed this story much more. I’m a sucker for a single mum story and this one being a widow made it even better. I loved all the aspects of the hero’s personality and the way he changed/grew after spending time with Teddi. Super sweet HEA.

I received an arc of this book

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

DP

I enjoyed the first story more than the second
The first the H was such a SOB it angered me a lot which is the exact reason I pickup DP’s books. She has such an art with her H’s.

Book 2 was a lot more mellow and dare I say Parker was kind of swoon worthy.

[Irma R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two cowboy stories in one. 💕
Who could ask for anything more!

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meadow has inherited her father's ranch and doesn't know how to run it. Dal is next door, but he hates her so he's not any help. Meadow goes to work for the local police department and gets herself into trouble. Will Dal finally admit he is really attracted to her and stop being a bully?
Katy has moved to her MIL ranch after her husband dies. Parker lives close by training horses. Teddie's is Katy's daughter and new horse runs away with her and Parker saves her and the horse. Can Katy and Parker find their way to each other?

[Madoka Kamimura Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diana Palmer brings us two novellas in one book. "The Snow Man" brings us the story of Meadow and Dal. Meadow has returned home to her father's ranch and in direct contact with her childhood crush Dal. Read as they circle around each other where the past keeps them apart. See if they can get past that hurdle as they fight their feelings for each other while hurling hurtful words at each other and getting stolen kisses. Will they be able to let go of their past encounters and be able to move forward, or will they keep getting in their way?

"Mistletoe Cowboy" brings us the story of Katy and Parker. Parker meets Katy's daughter as she tries to catch up with her runaway horse. As they get used to life in Benton, Colorado, Parker becomes more ingrained in their lives. When the former owner of the horse demands it back, actions lead to misunderstandings. Will they be able to get past it in order to build a future?

Diana Palmer brings us back to Benton, Colorado. We get to return back and see who else has come to visit this town. As you read and discover the new residents, you also get to check in with the other residents. They are short stories, so they are short and sweet. 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 for this privilege.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a reissue of two previously published novels. Both take place in Colorado in the winter, when the weather makes it hard for the cows. Both have animals named Snow. They are both clean romance with HEA and Palmer's excellent writing. I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.com, but I had read them previously.

The first story is about a young woman, Meadow Dawson, an only child to a divorced couple. She only saw her father on his ranch at vacation times and didn't take any interest in the running of the ranch, even though it would be her inheritance. Instead she decided to go into law enforcement, but she is a klutz, and after several fails, is put on desk duty, where she and everyone else will be safer. After her father passes, she comes home to the ranch, where she fortunately has a good and honest foreman. Both of the owners on either side of her ranch would like hers and hope she will give up and sell, but she promised her father, she would keep it. On one side is Dale Blake, 10 years her senior, a man who is a cruel, arrogant jerk, who she had had a school girl crush on. On the other side is Sheriff Jeff Ralston, who offers her a job as he is short handed and could use her investigation skills. Personally, I liked her with Gil, the undersheriff, but she didn't ask my advice, lol. There is a love triangle, as Dale is dating Jeff's ex. The best characters are Meadow's dog and Dale's cat.

The second story goes back to Benton Colorado and this is Parker's story. He is a half Crow, horse whisperer and an astrophysicist . He has appeared in several other Benton stories. He had loved and lost his fiancee, when she died, with their unborn child while he was in the military. He finally meets a woman that he could see future with, Katy and her adorable daughter Teddie. She recently lost her husband who was a military doctor, and moved to the home that her husband had inherited. So two people get a second chance of love.

[Vonn Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 novellas in one from the series Colorado Country

1. The Snow Man
⭐️ out of 5.
Trigger: bullying/verbal abuse towards the FMC by the MMC

Dal Blake has issues and Meadow seems to be the recipient of his insults. It was plain bullying and then going around town telling everyone what happened….I did not like him.

When after weeks of insults and kisses, Dal asks the sheriff for someone to watch his antique table over night, because there were break-ins in town for priceless antiques. Meadow is voluntold to stay at his house, but she can bring her dog.
The break-in happens, her dog gets hurt and even though she’s being payed to watch the table and if necessary, catch the thief….she drags her hurt dog to the vet. Yes, it’s an animal, but she has a job to do!! At first Dal is furious, but later hears that her dog was hurt and all is forgotten.
Side plots are added, to add to the 180 turn for Dal suddenly being a good guy.
The declaration of love and marriage was way too quick and I wished Meadow would have let Dal grovel. For weeks. Months. Like….bring flowers and woo her!!


2. Mistletoe Cowboy
⭐️⭐️/5
Parker meets Katy through her daughter Teddie, when Bartholomew, a palomino horse comes running past his cabin with Teddie on his heals.

I’m just a bit weirded out by how trusting these women are, opening up immediately and telling half of their life story to people.

We see how Parker teaches Teddie about horses. The original owner wants the horse back he abused, so in comes the slimy lawyer that wants Katy…

I had to stop at 92%. The men all seem stuck in the 1950’s and the women are weak. Nope. Can’t finish this.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Zapora · Rating 1 out of 5]

What on earth am I reading?
The way the book starts, you think the main character is some meatloaf of a woman. Although none of the direct descriptions about her give any indication of this, many comments are made about how unattractive she is (and I’ll quote my absolute fave example below). She is called a “manly woman” several times. The main man Dal even bullies her about it. What changes his mind?

He hears about how she was attacked by a criminal while working in the FBI.
His reaction: “That didn’t sound like any manly woman he’d ever heard of.”

Oh good. Attacked by a man? She must be feminine! What follows is an insane internal dialogue where he is deciding that he does find her attractive. “She had a sensitivity he hadn’t expected” before he realized a man had hurt her. Her dad must have “exaggerated some of her [manly] characteristics” to prevent Dal from finding her appealing and taking advantage of her. Because “If he’d known what Meadow was really like under the mask she showed the world, he might have found her even more attractive than his florist.” What mask? Her job at the FBI??

My last complaint is that despite continually belittling her and making her feel small and ugly and/or slutty, Dal has forced kisses and his hands on her twice so far. No wonder she is so confused about her feelings and attachment to him. He is legit employing classic emotional manipulation tactics. Add all this weirdness to the relatively mediocre writing? No thanks. DNF.

Quote 1
“Don’t worry, Dad, I know he’s not my type. Besides, his date was beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful inside, honey, where it really counts,” he said solemnly.

Quote 2
“Now, change your clothes and come have coffee in the kitchen like we used to when your mother was alive” lmao

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorado Country by Diana Palmer consists of two books, one new to me, one not. The Snow Man was the first book and was an unanticipated loved story between Meadow Dawson and Dal Blake, a man on whom she’d had a crush for years. She had made a thinly veiled attempt to interest him when she’d been seventeen and that alerted he father so he actively started to discourage anything between them. He and her mother were divorced and so she came to the ranch only sporadically so it was not a huge problem. Dal was ten years older so that also kept anything from happening. He had embarrassed her so she kept her feelings to herself and now she hated him. He was always so condescending and she was tired of it. Her mother had died, then her father. Now she owned the ranch and was ill-prepared to run it. She had been in law enforcement for several years, two years with the FBI, and that hadn’t really worked either. Until Sheriff Jeff Ralston appeared at her door and offered her a job as an investigator for his office. He didn’t laugh at her, even when she got into fixes. He asked her to dinner and she enjoyed herself but there had been no spark. Everywhere they went, Dal and his girlfriend showed up. The whole situation was ghastly.

The second story was Mistletoe Cowboy and was a romance between a half-Crow horse wrangler/ mathematical/physics genius and Katy Blake, who was a new arrival and a teacher at the local elementary school. She had a daughter named Teddie who had adopted an abused horse, but was having trouble with it. Parker jumped in to help. He really liked Teddie and grew to like Katy. Things progressed nicely until the previous owner of the horse insisted he be given back. Then sparks started to fly.

Palmer had a handle on cowboy romance. Both had good plots, The Snow Man especially could have been developed into a longer novel. Her characters are good, sympathetic people who know what they need, with just a little prodding. The plots, although thin, were compelling enough to convince a reader to keep reading. The men are strong, good-looking, and knowledgable. The women are not particularly needy but both had some self-esteem problems, especially Meadow. Both lived on ranches without the first clue how to take care of them. Despite how it sounds they were pretty different stories. I enjoyed them. Palmer writes a good romance.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Colorado Country by Kensington, though Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions were mine. #Netgalley #Kensington #DianaPalmer #ColoradoCountry

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoy two previously released stories by Diana Palmer, a master of small town romance.

The Snowman

Having just returned home to her father's ranch, Meadow Dawson is the newest investigator on Benton's sheriff's department. Her first task, is to solve a series of antique thefts that have plagued her small town. Her investigation is complicated by the fact that she has to contend with her long time nemesis (and an old crush) Dal Blake. Meadow does her best to keep her distance from Dal. Each time they're together he's insulting and defensive. What Meadow doesn't know is his attitude hides an attraction he doesn't want to feel. When her investigation brings danger to her door, Dal is forced to re-examine his opinion about - and his feelings for Meadow.

Mistletoe Cowboy:

It isn't every day horse wrangler Parker sees a little girl running after a fleeing horse. Jumping into action, he steps in to rescue the little girl and coral her horse. After her husband is killed in action in Afghanistan, Katy Blake and her daughter, Teddie, head to Katy's grandmother's ranch for a fresh start. Parker is taken with Teddie and offers to teach her how to train and care for the horse. While he's there, he takes it upon himself to help Katy with some much needed repairs on the old ranch house. Working together, brings Parker and Katy close. Parker is surprised to find he and Katy have a lot in common - and maybe even a future..

Enjoy these two heartwarming tales of strong women and stubborn men that will leave a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your hearth.

[Pamela Devereux · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two novellas in this book. The first is about Meadow Dawson who has inherited her father's ranch. From the moment she set eyes on Dal Blake, she was in love. At 17 she was to young for him. Now she is grown, been a police officer and an FBI agent. Still those two are like oil and vinegar. When Snow, her Siberian husky, was badly injured during the process of a crime, her dog came first. Snow was like family and she felt that if anything happened to her, she would just break. It isn't until Dal gets chewed out by Gil, that he faces his true feelings. Now to convince her to marry him and have a family together.
The second novella is about Katy and Teddie Blake. They moved to a ranch her husband inherited from his grandmother when she died. Only he was in the Army and died also. They've come here to start over with new memories. It seems an abused Palomino was left for them to care for. The county wanted to put the horse down. Only Teddie got attached to the horse. Parker is a horse whisperer and saw her chasing the horse. It was the start of a friendship. He was teaching Teddie to ride and care for a horse and she opened up to tell him all the things she would be telling her Dad. Katy was starting to have feelings for him also. It was all crashing down when the man who abused the horse was let go from jail and wants the horse back. When all the words were said, all the hurts lanced did Katy, Tddie and Parker become the family they were meant to be. The animal abuser was found and went to jail. Best end.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley.
These two novellas by Palmer are included in the same volume. Each takes readers to Benton, Colorado to meet new and remembered characters. Yes, Palmer has a formula for her stories, and I enjoy her style.
Readers first meet Meadow Dawson and Dal Blake in "The Snow Man." They have a long history with each other and finally realize how connected they are. This is a classic romance - he pushes her away because she is too young; she is wounded and pushes back. He figures out how he really feels about her and pursues her. She accepts him. This works as readers want to see the tension and resolution in romance.

Then, readers walk with Katy and Parker as they both learn to trust others in "Mistletoe Cowboy." Katy does not know how to show affection and this affects her relationship with her daughter, Teddie. She is a recent widow who moved here to get away from the city. Parker loved once and has shut himself off from a serious relation ever since she died. Both wounded souls explore their emotions and make a decision to be together. Then, a major glitch happens and Parker walks away. As expected, he realizes his mistake, and Katy also admits her errors. A tender story that also focuses on Teddie interacting with Parker and gaining a new dad.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colorado Country contains two stories previously published by Diana Palmer.
The Snow Man is one I read as a teen or early 20’s woman . At the time, time it didn’t bother me so much how Dal Blake treated Meadow Dawson. Reading it now in 2022, I’m not impressed by the man and I can’t say much for a heroine that happily makes a relationship with a man who has treated her badly for more than 10 years. I think in this edition the author may have added to the ending to show how things turned out for the couple years on from them getting together. Heat level - barely described sex

Mistletoe Cowboy was in a Christmas anthology a couple of years ago. I love Parker as a hero. He is kind and he stand for right actions. Katy is a sweet troubled heroine with a terrific daughter. I enjoyed reading this story again. This book was in Christmas Kisses With My Cowboy. I would recommend that anthology over this one. Heat level - kisses

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
I’d suggest an anthology that has Mistletoe Cowboy, The Rancher’s Wedding and Colorado Cowboy together as the stories are directly related with the same cowboys.

[Cindy Vernon · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 previously released stories that were very much on the sweet side. The first was the Snow Man. Meadow inherits her father's ranch after he passes. She had a short but unsuccessful stint in the FBI and knows nothing about ranching. She does not get along with her neighbor Dal, older and much more experienced, he is a little mocking and mean to Meadow as she had a huge crush on him when she was a teenager. Usually, Palmer's stories have a bit more heat and intimate moments but this barely had even a heated kiss so it seemed to lack the passion in her past stories.
In Mistletoe Cowboy, Katy is newly widowed and is starting over with her young daughter at her grandmother's Colorado ranch. When her daughter finds a runaway Palomino, horse wrangler Parker comes to her door. They get involved but Katy's cold affectation turns him away and alienates her daughter. This one was slightly better but it missed the mark on the connection and heat between the two main characters.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

Cowboys and Christmas…

I started to read this author’s stories years ago when rummaging through mom’s harlequins hiding in the closet. After a time, and many books read, the stories felt quite pattern-like with a grumpy older man (who didn’t believe in love) eventually falling for the plucky but down (and sometimes out) young woman. Don’t get me wrong, I gobbled them up then. And now, I’m always up for a nostalgic trip where good always wins…

Cowboys, cute kids and even cuter animals – it’s hard to resist a small-town romance especially around the holidays. These classic, re-published stories remind me of a simpler time where circumstances were less grey, the ‘bad’ guys were easy to spot and love still prevailed… Who doesn’t cheer when the heart of gold heroine is chosen by the prince? I enjoyed the stories even as I wished for more from them…

*I happily reviewed this book
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher

[Miriam Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This is a set of two books with Colorado cowboys as the main attraction!

I enjoyed the Mistletoe Cowboy more than I did the Snow Man. I just could not get beyond the nasty things that Dal kept throwing at Meadow. She was kind of annoying as she was always trying to defend herself and should have just taken the high road and ignored him. I guess what really gave me bad feelings for Dal was that he even ridiculed her in front of others and would repeat embarrassing stories from her youth to others.

The Mistletoe Cowboy was more to my liking, and had a great mix of romance and drama going. How can you not love a cowboy and a horse in a good romance! Loved the chemistry between Katy and Parker and there was a great HEA. Now, I have to go back and read the book with Cassie and J.L.

[*CJ* · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Colorado Country" has two stories.

In "The Snow Man", we see the tumultuous relationship between Meadow and Dal.
She's the clumsy law enforcement officer, he is the brooding and judgemental neighbor she's always had a crush on. There's a lot of back and forth, with some weird political commentary, the heroine realizing her place (aka career isnt for her and she wants to be a housewife), lots of misunderstandings and hero being a jerk, followed by a HEA. The only thing I liked was their pets, this was very regressive.

In "Mistletoe Cowboy", a widowed Katy moves to a new town, only to meet the sweet cowboy Parker.
This is a pleasant romance between a confused single mother and a very tolerant hero. The heroine in this one was barely nice, but her daughter and her relationship with the hero made the story.

Overall an average duology.

Safe..ish/ SWE
2/5

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two stories in this book, the first being about Meadow taking over her father’s ranch after leaving the FBI she has a history with a neighbor Dal Blake who is a cattleman and owns a bigger ranch and is just a pain throughout this story. Did not really care for his character all that much. The story itself was okay but ended kind of quickly for me.
The second book has a widow who is a teacher along with her ten-year-old daughter moving from the East to the West. she and her daughter save a horse and then meet a horse wrangler from a nearby ranch who helps them with the horse and around the house. This turns out to be a really good story and I liked all of the characters. Giving the book 4 stars mainly because of the second book and for the characters in the first story but not Dal. I received this book from Netgalley.com

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both novellas have been released before but are combined to make a nice book. The first story is a more traditional formula for the author with Dal being older and grumpy and Meadow being younger and innocent. Dal is not a particularly likeable character but does redeem himself in the end. Meadow has gumption and keeps working despite setbacks. The humor part of the story is his cat keeps escaping to her house and her dog keeps going to his. A good story. The second story is much more interesting. A little girl, Teddie, convinces her mom to save a horse. The story revolves around Parker, a horse trainer from the neighboring ranch, who comes to help. Parker and Katy dance around each other as each have issue to overcome. My favorite of the two.

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Holiday Cowboy Romances!!

The Snow Man
FBI special agent Meadow Dawson has inherited her father's ranch. As her parents were divorced, she did not live there, and does not know much about ranching. Dariell Blake owns the ranch next door - and always has a scathing remark for her. Sheriff Jeff Ralston shows an interest - but is it for her or the land's water rights?

Mistletoe Cowboy
Parker is a horse wrangler and mathematical genius. New neighbor Katy is a widow with a whipper-snapper daughter. A rescue horse pulls them together, until trouble looms. Caring, family and romance.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Moira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Snow Man but had already read the second novella. It's disappointing when publishers republish and put two stories touting the book as new.

I didn't care for Dal much. As the older, more experienced man in the relationship he should know how to deal with his feelings for a younger woman. Instead of insults and put downs he should have been mature enough to just walk away instead of belittling the woman he was attracted to. He comes around, but not soon enough so hence the rating of 3.5 stars out of 5

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Diana Palmer's for quite a while, and this two book set did not disappoint. Both books were well-written, in the signature style that Ms. Palmer is known for, and while the content may seem somewhat misogynistic to some readers, those of us that grew up in that type of atmosphere will find it familiar, if not what is completely acceptable by today's standards. I enjoyed both stories, and will continue to pick up any new offerings by this author whenever possible.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bundle of two books already released alone or in another bundle. Mistletoe Cowboy I know this one and enjoyed reading it. Katy and Parker were lovely. The Snow Man is a lovely story but I did have a problem with Dal and his attitude.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

[Nancy Ku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorado Country by Diana Palmer

This book has two novellas “The Snow Man” and “Mistletoe Cowboy,” and I enjoyed both of them they are heart warming and touched my heart.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Romantic Great world building Wonderful characters Page-turner Happily Ever After easy-to-read Entertaining Tear-jerker Funny.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story of Meadow - an earnest person who tries so hard to be good at her job as an FBA investigator and then with the local police station.

Hated Dal Blake the next door ranch owner who kept putting her down from the time she was a teen.

Loved the second book with Teddie - her rescue horse - Bart, her mom Katy and the friendship which developed with Parker next door

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy Country is a slow burn romance. Dal is a contentious, alpha male. Meadow is an innocent, independent woman. Their combative relationship slowly grows into more. They have quite the bumpy ride to their happy ending, but they do get there. This was an enjoyable read.