In ANY GIVEN CHRISTMAS, the second book in Candis Terry's Sugar Shack series, Dean Silverthorne is the second sibling to receive special treatment from their deceased mother who haunts her old Cadillac and won't go into the white light until she is sure all her children are happy. When Dean, an NFL Quarterback, is injured he returns to his hometown of Deer Lick, Montana for his baby sister's wedding and then a quick Christmas celebration. He finds himself extending his stay to recuperate and think about his future which may or may not include football given the current state of his shoulder.

Dean, a confirmed bachelor, is surprised to find himself also drawn home due to his instant attraction to Emma Hart, kindergarten teacher and the only one who seems less than excited to see him back. First, she turns him down for a dance at the wedding then seems unhappy to see him after a near collision on a snowy, dark road. Emma's history with Dean makes her wary of him and his jock arrogance. Can one meddling spectral mama bring these two together?

I have really enjoyed the two books in the Sugar Shack series and look forward to seeing what's in store for the third sibling. Ms. Terry has crafted a small town with a strong sense of community, warmth that draws you in, and captivating characters. I can see why the Silverthorne siblings would find themselves happy to be home (though it takes a little convincing). The ghostly mom twist could seem contrived but in fact works well, due to the fact that she's honest and funny and the siblings take her appearance in stride. Emma and Dean make a great couple who face real challenges to their happy ending. ANY GIVEN CHRISTMAS is a must read for fans of contemporary romance.

Book Summary

Dean Silverthorne’s mother may be dead, but she still has matchmaking to do.

When an injury dashes NFL Quarterback Dean Silverthorne's Super Bowl dreams, he heads back to Deer Lick, Montana with a chip on his wounded shoulder, more determined than ever to get back in the game. He loves his kooky family, but this trip home is going to be a very brief Christmas visit.

His game plan doesn't include an instant attraction to Emma Hart, a feisty kindergarten teacher who seems to be the only person in Deer Lick not interested in the hometown hero. Or his dearly departed mom popping up with mistletoe in hand and meddling on the mind. Now Dean can't help but wonder if there’s more to love than life between the goal posts.