This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

What a great Christmas romance! Cooper moved to help keep his son away from the bad influence of a gang but when they get to the little town of Branding Iron, his son, Trevor, manages to find two more teens that are a bad influence!

It also doesn't help that his sister tries to set him up with Jess, the school counselor! What I did like was that there was a kind of redemption for one of the bullies and a happy ending for him.

A couple side stories with the older man and his sleigh and the abusive husband and his family that bring so much to the story along with little Maggie who was a mini-mayor!

Wow, what action and drama, a kidnapping, a budding romance and such a great wrap up with a wonderful HEA! I had a hard time putting the book down as I wanted to get to the end.

I also can't wait as I hope the next book features Ruth and Judd - you just know there is a story behind her leaving the parade so quickly when she saw him!

Cooper Chapman has just moved into a rental in Branding Iron, Texas with his teenage son that is conveniently located next door to his sister. Cooper is hoping that this move will be a new start for he and his son after his ex-wife chose her new husband over her son. Travis makes a few friends at his new school but quickly realizes that they aren’t really his friend at all. Cooper looks for guidance from his sister’s friend and school counselor, Jess Graver.

Trevor finds an unlikely mentor in an older farmer and an unfinished sleigh he stumbles upon. Cooper notices an old ranch for sale and with approval from Trevor, he believes it might be just what they need. With Christmas just around the corner, new connections are made, and friends become like family.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. #NetGalley #Kensington #SomebodyLikeSanta

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.

This is another book in The Christmas Tree Ranch series set in Branding Iron, Texas. If you’re looking for a Christmas story to read, you won’t be disappointed with this book. Cooper Chapman moves to town with his son Trevor, after Trevor got in with a bad group of friends in Seattle. Well, looks like he’s repeating his bad choices here. No, he’s being smarter this time. He becomes friends with a farmer, Abner, and spends time with him and his cousin, Maggie, fixing up a sleigh. Cooper is attracted to the school counselor, Jess, but thinks he knows her from somewhere. Is she keeping secrets? Why, yes she is. No spoilers here, so grab your copy and see hat happens in this terrific Christmas story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

I was sad to see this one end. I would love to visit Branding Iron, Texas again.

This is the first chance I have gotten to read a title by Janet Dailey in years.

I was so glad to see it offered on Netgalley.

Not only is this a sweet love story there are underlying stories that kept me turning the pages.

There are a lot of characters that I feel in love with.

Maggie the young daughter of the new Mayor stole the show! Not only did she petition for a Christmas Parade she managed to help save her cousin Trevor who she adores and another boy when they are held hostage.

The budding romance between Jess and Cooper was on again off again at least on Jess's side since she had a hard time with trust.

As Christmas draws close everyone is worried and speculating who was going to play Santa at the parade. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. And I hope to learn a little more about Santa.

I loved the ending of course a happily ever after is expected. And we got one but not exactly as I expected.

I loved ever turn of the page and hope for the chance to visit Branding Iron again.



I received a copy from NetGalley.

My review will appear on Amazon, Good Reads by and Netgalley.

Somebody Like Santa is a new novel by Janet Dailey. Single father Cooper Chapman and his son Trevor have relocated from Seattle to Branding Iron, Texas, to be near Cooper’s sister Grace and her new family. Trevor has had a tough time: his parents’ divorce some years back, his mother’s remarriage to a man that didn’t want him around, his new life with a father he barely knows, and his acting out with the wrong kids as the new kid at school. After scrapes with the law, freelance writer Cooper makes the decision to move his troubled son to the small Texas town where they will have family support.

On their first night in Branding Iron as they settle in the rented home next door to Grace, young Maggie, Grace’s lovely stepdaughter, marches over to Trevor, introducing herself and inviting them to dinner. But dinner is also an opportunity to introduce Jessica Graver, who works with the school system to assist troubled youth. However, Jess has a past of her own that is also fraught with pain.

This is such a well plotted story with such depth in each character. Must admit a few times my eyes misted over. So many different interwoven tales with such heartfelt outcomes. This story, part troubled kid, part relationship, part holiday, part thriller, is so well done. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

I thought this was a cute and sweet Christmas read. I think I particularly liked it because I could relate to the working with "troubled youth" so I found it very sweet. I loved the characters and everything about it. The only thing that I would say was a little much for me was the insta love but other than that a very sweet and cute Christmas read to start off the season!

I’ve been a reader of Dailey’s books for awhile and this series has been a joy to read. Early in the series we met Maggie as an adult but later we get more of her backstory as a little girl, when her Dad marries Grace and this book. She’s a bit of a handful and instigator of all things fun and interesting. When Trevor and his Dad, Cooper, move to be closer to his Aunt Grace it’s a big adjustment. We follow Trevor, Cooper and a new friend, Jess. This is where I got a bit frustrated with the story. The connection between Jess and Cooper just wasn’t there and seemed forced by Grace, Jess’s friend too, and Dailey. Their communication was awkward and disjointed by the author’s writing not because of their characters flaws. I just never saw the spark or any kind of reason for a relationship, except he found her beautiful. The rest of the story was interesting and all the clues, and foreshadowing, fell into place. It’s not necessary to read the other stories to enjoy this one, but it’s nice to make connections to the puzzle. I received my copy through NetGalley and wrote this review voluntarily.

3.5 stars

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.

Cooper moved, with his son out of Seattle and closer to his sister, after his son's brush with a gang. He meets Jess, who's a school mediator for troubled teens, at his sister's, She looks familiar but he can't place her and she says she's never met him.

Time passes and her past is revealed to him but he's curious as his feelings grow and ends up alienating her. When an emergency situation occurs, her secret past is revealed and she's fighting for the lives of children.

An intense but enjoyable story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There is hope for teenagers, sometimes it is just connecting different generations to give them direction. 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. Working together they work to make 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. The setting in a small town and the kindness of others is prevalent.

Thank you to the author, Kenningston books the publisher and Netgalley.

Cooper Chapman, a journalist and divorced single father, decides to move to small town Branding Iron, Texas to live next to his sister after son Trevor starts hanging with the wrong sort of friends. After his mother left him for her new boyfriend, he's been acting out. Having full custody of a troubled thirteen-year-old is a struggle and Cooper's hoping the country life and family will help. Trevor struggles to make friends but finds a purpose when he starts helping a neighbor fix up an old sleigh for the Christmas parade. But when his dad starts showing an interest in school counselor Jess, all of Trevor's fears of abandonment come back.
This was a sweet small town holiday story. It's part of a series but can be read as a standalone. If you like Hallmark movies you'll love this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Somebody like Santa is the fifth book in the Janet Dailey Christmas Tree Ranch series. However, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. This heartwarming story has a troubled youth a worried dad and family and a small town community helping to turn the young man around.

Having moved near to his sister in Branding Iron, Texas, Cooper Chapman has high hopes that this will be just the place for his son Trevor to find his way in life. That does happen but not without some downfalls along the way. Youth counselor Jess Graver s just one of several who care and concern for Trevor helps me see the error of his ways.

I liked how the story progresses with a natural development in Cooper’s and Jess’ relationship. I especially liked the others who came along to help Trevor. This was a heartening story that is perfect for holiday season reading. You will cheer Trevor, Cooper, and Jess as they find a true Christmas gift of love.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a book about second chances and learning to open your heart. The main couple is Cooper and Jess, but each side character has just as much to do with the outcome as they do. Cooper moves him and his son, Trevor, to Texas. He is hoping that Trevor can have the opportunity to make better choices and succeed in life. Trevor is choosing the wrong option because he is hurt and afraid that his dad will choose a new woman over him (since his mom picked her spouse over him). Jess is living a quiet life who keeps her past to herself. She is drawn to Cooper and slowly opens up to him, but time and again she believes he is going behind her back.
When Trevor meets Abner, they both help each other by working on a sleigh. Maggie is adorable and a force to he reckoned with. Skip is a friend of Trevor’s, whose home life is bad. All of these side stories meld together to weave a fantastic story about friendship, second chances, hope and love.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

Somebody Like Santa is the fifth book in The Christmas Tree Ranch series. To be honest, I actually didn't realize that it was part of a series until I started to write this review... though looking back there were a few hints that suggested perhaps some side characters may have been introduced previously. That said, I definitely think this read just fine as a standalone.

If you'd have asked me even just a few short months ago if I enjoyed cowboy romances, I likely would have said no--- or not too much anyway. The more I read of them though, the more I find myself enjoying them. Especially when they are as well written as this one was. In many ways, this was a feel good Christmas story--- similar to what you'd see on a Hallmark movie, and just the type of story I absolutely adore. However, it did also broach some more difficult subjects (such as domestic violence) and had a bit of suspense to the story as well. That worked together to create a story that I truly enjoyed and wanted more of.

There was some language in the story, but not overwhelmingly so. While I personally prefer no language at all in a book, I also found I was still able to enjoy this story despite it.

Overall, this was a good holiday read and one that I would recommend to fans of contemporary romance.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

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.

This story was very touching. Several typographical errors and name changes. Next story should have Ruth and Jared?

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. A little Christmas magic will warm your heart!

Somebody like Santa by Janet Dailey.

Janet is a new to me author, but I am obsessed with Christmas romances, especially ones set in a small town, so took a chance.

Somebody Like Santa was a lovely read. I enjoyed getting to know all of the wonderful characters. This is the fifth book in a series, and while I haven’t read any of the others, I found it didn’t detract from the overall story at all.

I really enjoyed how the characters come together to form a big family. As a foster mum, books that showcase chosen families and love-made families will always have an instant draw for me.

A great Christmas read, if you get the chance, I recommend you treat yourself to a copy.

The blurb reads:
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 . . .

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in return for my honest review.

Children, dogs, troubled pasts and present issues all contribute to a satisfying story. Not sure whether I have read any of the previous ones. I do hope I noticed a clue as to whom the next one will involve. Clean romance. Heart-wrenching and heart-warming events. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.