This is the first book in the Silver Buckle Brides series. CC Cipollini is a hairdresser with a sad history. She is an only child, her dad died, her mom left them long ago, and she was never close to her foster mom Nora. While delivering a Tesla to its new owner in Las Vegas, CC crashes into a fence and ends up stuck in the snow until Reese Brockbank comes along. He’s a rancher and discovered CC while checking the fence to find out how his cattle were getting out. They each had a difficult relationship in the past and are both “determined never to get attached to anyone again.” CC’s ex-boyfriend Devon isn’t trustworthy, and Reese’s ex-wife left him. Carlos and Emmie are a young, happily married couple that live near Reese and help with his ranch. Reese’s brothers are very briefly mentioned and will probably be featured later in this series.

I enjoyed the story and appreciated that it was clean. The first half feels like a Hallmark movie, then there’s a lot of drama and it feels more like a soap opera, but then it switches back to being sweet and romantic. I was a little confused about where it takes place. I think Reese’s ranch is supposed to be in Utah, but he talks about heading to nearby Brisbane. It would be less confusing if the location was either a real place or completely made up, not a famous city from another part of the world. Overall, it is a cute story for any time of the year, but especially during the holidays. Thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for a temporary digital copy to use for my review.

I thought this was a good book. Yes both CC and Reese struggled throughout the book but that is life. I thought the book was paced well. The characters were well written and storyline was realistic.Emmie and Carlos were great side characters. I would like to get to know Reese’s family more.

Surprising and fun opening as CC ends up on a cattle ranch. What happened? She couldn’t believe her eyes. I was hooked from the start. I couldn’t put down this heartwarming, sweet romance, that was fun to read. This author has a wonderful setting and characters to root for. I liked the natural spiritual thread in the story. I enjoyed their journey from hurting hearts, difficult times to celebrating Christmas, healing hearts, relationships, and family. This story left me with a big smile on my face and warm feelings in my heart. It’s a Win, Win.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. 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 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

4.5 stars rounded up

This is a story that I would enjoy reading anytime of year. To say that hairdresser CC Cippolini and rancher Reese Brockbank have a memorable first meeting would be an understatement. CC is driving a Tesla to its new owner in Las Vegas when it runs off the road into a cattle fence. She's only found by Reese because some of his steers escaped from the downed fence. All I'll say about it, is the scene is really funny. Sparks fly between these two from the beginning, and the banter is terrific. As CC spends time at Reese's "cattle shack" waiting for the Tesla to be towed into town and repaired, they get a glimpse into each other's hearts. They're both very caring and giving people, but both have also had their hearts deeply hurt, and still have healing to do. "So where do two crazy-about-each-other people who've sworn off love go from here?"

I liked how giving CC was. Some of my favorite parts were CC giving Emmie a makeover and decorating the cabin for Christmas--something Reese didn't do. I really liked CC and Emmie's friendship. Reese is great guy, but because of being hurt in the past, he didn't trust easily. I think it was a big step for him when he realized the issues he has with his family had affected how Carlos and Emmie viewed his family. I loved the part when Reese realized he needed to repair his relationship with his family--it wasn't broken but he had been keeping them at a distance. Oh, and the doe and baby fawn were such a sweet part of the book.

This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Just as CC and Reese are starting to open up to each other, CC's ex-boyfriend comes to town with a surprise that turns everything upside down, and CC leaves to finish her trip to Las Vegas. That's not a twist I was prepared for--these two people needed each other!! Never fear though, Laurie Lewis worked her magic and it all worked out in the end. Whew! This isn't just a romance story, it's also about forgiving yourself for past mistakes, forgiving others, healing and starting anew.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Our heroine, CC, is delivering a Tesla to its new owner when she runs it into a snowbank. She is dealing with childhood abandonment issues and is being stalked by a controlling ex-boyfriend. She's rescued by Reese, who has psychological damage from his service in Afghanistan and his subsequent failed marriage.
This may seem like a depressing read but a Cross Country Christmas is a delight! It is a clean romance with complex characters. Laurie Lewis is an award-winning author who knows how to craft a romance that engages the reader and leaves her/him satisfied. I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion

This sweet love story is perfect for getting into the cooler weather mood!! Multilayered beyond just “oh we like each other, BUT” with interesting characters and a fabulous setting, this book will keep you reading when you SHOULD be doing other things! I just felt for CC and Reese as they navigated their past hurts into finding love and repairing family. I really enjoyed how family meant something to both characters.

Cross-Country Christmas by Laurie Lewis, 245 pages. Covenant Communications, 2021. $17.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
After crashing a Tesla (that isn’t hers) through a fence (that isn’t hers) out in the country, CC ends up staying at the ranch of the man, Reese, whose fence was broken. CC and Reese resist the nudges of their hearts to explore the pull between them -- at first. Mishaps with the sheriff, some exes, and a mother seem to ruin their fragile relationship, but no one told their hearts.
Lewis created some interesting characters with deep wounds for readers to laugh and cry with. I loved how CC and Reese’s story shows readers that everyone has baggage and that baggage does not define us. However, I was disappointed by the long explanations that were used to give the backstories of the main characters; those passages were tedious and hard to pay attention to.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Reading Reese and CC's story was a true delight. Their baggage and healing was amazing to follow. I could see a little bit of me in every character. I loved this book.

I really enjoyed the premise or this story, but I was a little confused at parts. It didn't flow as well as I was expecting, but I really loved the characters and their back stories! I definitely would recommend reading this story at least once!

A sweet Christmas story that could be enjoyed anytime of the year! Lots of cowboy and Christmas vibes. Reese and CC meet after an unfortunate accident and quickly discover that not only are they attracted to each other, they both have demons in their past. Their quick friendship turns to something more as they try to trust and confide in each other and find healing to move forward.

This was a Christian fiction but was not preachy at all which I appreciated. There were a few parts where the dialogue kind of slowed things down and I wish there was an epilogue, but overall, it was a fun story and a sweet romance. I loved watching the characters find so much healing from their past. Things did move quickly between the characters but the instant attraction and fast romance did not bother me because the characters were so perfect for each other.

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.

This is a delightful Christmas romance! Full of heart, strength, courage, and Christmas spirit. If you love cowboys, Christmas, and sweet kissing, this is absolutely one to pick up!

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas romance! Very few things beat cowboys, Christmas, and kisses. I loved Cc and Reese. They both have heartache and struggles to face in their past, but together they find strength and courage. This was a wonderful story full of heart, perfect for getting in the holiday spirit.

I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance. I thought the way CC and Reese met was dangerous, yes! But really cute. The banter from the very beginning was fun and flirty. The story was believable, (this could really happen), and yet, fairytale, a sweet HEA, with a knight (cowboy) in shining armor. The story had witty humor, real life trials, and sweet romance. I felt a connection with the characters right from the beginning. I was totally invested in the story. I would drop the rating to 4.5 for the following reason. I wish there had been an epilogue. Although I believe this is the first in a series, so hopefully all questions will be answered. I am looking forward to the stories to come.

CC wanted to honour her dad's memory with this trip to Las Vegas - she never expected to be derailed by an accident along the way. Now, she's on the hook for damage to someone else's car, and stuck in a ranch house with a man she's attracted to but whose life seems closed-off from almost all relationships. Reese has stayed away from women ever since things went badly pear-shaped with his last relationship - but there's something about CC that makes him want to try again, however hard he fights it. And it's not just CC - maybe it's time to reclaim his relationship with his family. But CC never intended to stay, and she still has a promise to keep about the car. When CC's ex-boyfriend comes into the picture, will what Reese and CC have built be strong enough to last?

A touching, inspiring and heart-warming story, good for the Christmas season or all year round (I certainly wouldn't limit myself to any particular time of year!). I particularly appreciated the way that Reese started opening up to his family again - in fact, while I loved Reece and CC and their interactions, I think that for me it was the secondary characters that really made this an outstanding story (particularly Carlos and Emma). I also liked the various interesting plot twists, some of which I partly anticipated, others not - and the ending was very satisfying. All in all, a great book and I really look forward to more by the author.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I have just finished reading one of the most romantic books I think I have possibly read. Ms. Lewis writes books that touch your heart and don't leave you even after you have read, The End. In this book we get to know CC. and Reese two people who have been emotionally damaged. As we get to know them we read about the things in their lives that have made them who they are. We also learn much about life on a ranch, as we meet Emmie and Carlos the couple that help Reese with the day to day running of his ranch. This couple is amazing and they have some life lessons to learn from them. Ms. Lewis has the ability to put together sentences that have so much courage, strength and compassion behind them that the person on the receiving end can't help but be blessed. We also see the many forms that love comes in as we read and how much it can change a person. I truly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others especially those that enjoy reading a book that has truly made you feel good.
I received a free download of this book from Netgalley and the publisher., Covenant Communication. This review is totally my own honest opinion.

This was a heartwarming Christmas romance that was a joy to read. It was full of emotions and the author did a excellent job of pulling you into the story. I loved every thing about this book. I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications and Laurie Lewis via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

CC and Reese meet by accident...literally. When CC wakes up in Reese's field of cows in a snowstorm, she can hardly believe she crashed a self driving car. Neither can Reese. Both have some serious baggage but they are both undeniably drawn to each other. This is a sweet romance set during the Christmas season.

This Christmas romance was a sweet romance. I enjoyed reading about Reese and Cc's relationship development from car crash rescue to the hopelessness of their conflict. I did struggle a little bit getting through the middle as it felt like the entirety of their two weeks together was written play by play rather than just hitting the highlights. However, once the ex showed up and the drama started- I couldn't wait to find out what happened next as both characters had their own demons to conquer.

Crashing a Tesla into a snowbank in the middle of nowhere drew me into the story as I have had similar thoughts of hoping that never happens to me when I drive through the sparsely populated areas of The Great Plains. It was Providential that Reece Brockbank’s cattle discovered CC Cippolini and she was able to be rescued. Reece was a modern day knight as he helped CC in her time of need, took her in, and cared for her.

As horrible as wrecking a brand new car and running from a broken relationship are, fantastic things are in store for CC as she learns to trust Reece. The circumstances and experiences that make both of them share and be vulnerable to each other create a great love story. Taking chances is never easy, but as Reece and CC discover, it is well worth it when it comes to finding that special someone to help you realize you are loved and treasured.

If you like contemporary romances with a western setting, then you will enjoy reading this book. I found it uplifting and great for reading covered up with a blanket and a steaming cup of hot cocoa. This is the first book in the Silver Buckle Brides series, but can be read as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Reviews


I think this would be best for Christmas lovers who are also into the romance trope. Although it wasn’t the meet-cute kind of story, I think the first few chapters were intriguing. Both characters have a lot of baggage. I did like that towards the end that they were open to each other. The other guy’s move was awful, and I hope he gets what he deserves in the future. I felt terrible for the heroine, but at least there was character development towards the end.

Thank you to Covenant Communications for allowing me to give an honest review of this arc. Got this from Netgalley. :)