Review: Christmas at Copper Mountain by Jane Porter

Summary
Since the loss of her family in a plane crash, Harley Diekerhoff has led a quiet life and keeps to herself. Taking the temporary job at the Copper Mountain Ranch as widower Brock Sheenan’s housekeeper seems perfect for her. But her calm cocoon is invaded with the arrival of Brock’s pre-teen twins, Mack and Molly who’ve never experienced a proper Christmas and before she knows it, Harley’s determined to make their holiday perfect. 

Annoyed at first by Harley’s interference, Brock is secretly pleased she’s changed Mack and Molly’s world. It doesn’t hurt that he finds Harley incredibly attractive, fierce, smart and passionate. It’s also an added bonus that she’s not afraid to challenge him and get his blood heated! But when sparks fly and the attractions sizzles between them, Harley’s not so sure she can handle something permanent with this dark, taciturn cowboy who doesn’t know how to let her in. But Brock is determined to hold on to her and praying for a Christmas miracle…

Review
Have you ever had one of the moments that seemed so surreal that fate marked your destiny? Well, if you are open to the possibility that there is a plan for our lives and what is meant to be will happen when it is supposed to, than the right time will come on schedule. Well, that time came for two people in this heart pulling novella that will make your heart swoon while grabbing for the Kleenex. 

Life for Harley Diekerhoff has been full of solitude since the loss of her husband and children in a terrible accident. Not wanting to spend the holiday around her family, she sought out a temporary job for a couple of months in a place that seemed unfamiliar home. She didn’t want to think or wasn’t going to let the past absorb her in this place where she could completely escape. Taking a job as a housekeeper was the perfect thing to keep her mind focused and considering the beautiful winter surroundings of Montana, it was the perfect escape to make peaceful new memories. 

Her boss, Brock Sheenan, is all too familiar with loss. Spending his days here in on here ranch has brought comfort and healing to a life of what was.  Things started to change when Harley arrived on the ranch. There was something that couldn’t be explained but was a welcomed surprised for his life and his workers. Not expecting her to be so beautiful, there was something special about her that made her seemed like she belonged there. Even though Harley was only there for a short time, her presence was making an unexpected impression. Feeling at home and more comfortable than she had been, Harley was finally enjoying some happiness until one day everything came crashing down. This led her to make a decision that might cost her more than she anticipated.

When Brock’s two children unexpectantly arrived one evening, it brought back everything that Harley was trying to not think about. Trying to work through her pain, spending time with his kids was a blessing and a curse simultaneously. Determined to make the best out the situation, the kids told her how much they wished for but never experienced a real Christmas. Determined to make it as wonderful as possible, that wasn’t the only the only wish that was in the hopes of becoming true.

This was one of those books that your mind just simmers through to the end. It was cozy, warm and just had the right pace to keep you interested. Everything about this book makes you feel so good that you didn’t want to put it down. It’s one of those stories that make you believe the impossible, especially if you have ever experience loss and never thought you could love again. Harley and Brock stories individually really make you fall in love with them.

What I love is how the author told the story in a way that didn’t give you too much and when it came down to their story, there was a tenderness to it that connected to the reader. They made you feel for them. This is not just a warm story for the holidays but that anyone can appreciate and read anytime.

Harley is the type that just like almost every woman I know. When you experience loss or tragedy, all you want to do is throw yourself into whatever will take your mind away. She has a tough exterior that on the outside is in control but inside is soft and compassionate whose got such a big heart. Brock, is one of those big, strong men that just make you swoon. Not Magic Mike but that rugged, dreamy take charge sort of guy that you just want to melt right into his arms. He has overtime retreated inward but deep down in that closed heart there is this compassionate guy that would give himself to any woman who would take the chance.  

This novella has all the sweetest you could want for the holidays. It’s a story about hope, miracles, love and finding that path that will make your heart open and smile. Make sure you grab a box of Kleenex because this is definitely going to make you tear up. This is definitely one to add to your reading list.

Review by Michelle Bowles

Publisher: The Tule Publishing Group
Publication date: 11/29/13
Pages: 119 pages