Return to Mill Ridge for a special Christmas romance filled with hope, healing, and unexpected love.Erin Steel comes to Mill Ridge determined to live quietly and alone. Once connected to the Teachers Association and never fully welcomed by the townsfolk, she prefers distance over disappointment. Hiding behind plain dresses and guarded manners has kept her safe. She has no intention of letting anyone see the woman beneath the surface, especially not a rugged former Ranger with an unsettling gaze.Captain Gray Randall, a retired Texas Ranger marked by both injury and experience, has little patience for pretense. Though a man of few words, he finds himself drawn to the reserved newcomer. When family concerns and the needs of elderly loved ones bring them together, they must learn to set aside pride and suspicion for the sake of something greater.As Christmas approaches, two guarded hearts discover that grace, compassion, and community may offer more than either expected. In a town built on second chances, even the most unlikely pair may find the true spirit of the season.This wholesome Western holiday romance touches gently on themes of aging, memory loss, and the strength of families who stand together. Cyndi Raye writes mostly historical western romance except when she comes up with an idea for a contemporary romance, then she writes both. She loves the old West and the feel of small town togetherness, which is found in all of her series.Creating worlds where everyone is considered family, if not by blood, but from friendships, heartaches and sometimes mistakes made right again is what she loves to read. So, it was important to create such a world for her own readers to indulge in.Cyndi lives in Eastern PA and loves to travel and enjoy life with her hubby of 40+ years. She has 3 grown children and loves to spend time with her grands whenever possible.Don't forget to sign up for the mailing list to get a free copy of the exclusive short read: Miss Addie, the Beginning. The story behind the Brides of Wichita Falls. (This will not be sold, exclusive for reader's only).
