Handsome, rugged cowboy Zachary Bennett finds more than he bargained for as he heads to Denver from his family's ranch to pick up seasonal work. Arriving in time for the Parade of Lights, displayed at Christmas time, and the opening of the Christmas House, a turn of the century mansion transformed for the holidays, Zach is pulled over coming to town by the hot little cop. Paula Lewis intercepts Zach heading down a street now closed for the activities. Paula feels a little twinge of interest at the new arrival.

Both are taken by surprise when Zach is doing carpentry at the Christmas House and confronts none other than little Miss Paula, providing some of the nighttime security. Both end up keeping an eye on Edith Clayborne's grandson, Brandon. Edith heads the Christmas House and her grandson, 15 and on the edge of trouble with the wrong set of friends, is also helping at the House. Between the investigation of a theft and suspicions of Brandon, Zach and Paula carry their attraction beyond what either intended. Towards the end of the holiday season, Paula is reluctant to face the fact Zach is going to return to the ranch and getting attached is not a good idea.

Janet Dailey's tale is a heart- warming version of family values and unexpected romance at the most romantic time of the year, Christmas. Full of suspense and mystery, the story keeps the reader interested and, at the last page, gives a warm fuzzy feeling of comfort and love. Her characters are full of life and certainly amusing. I read every book by this author that I can get my hands on. She never fails to deliver exactly what I am seeking.

Book Summary

On the Denver streets, Officer Paula Lewis is as tough as she needs to be. But away from skyscrapers and suspects, Paula gives back to the community she loves. This holiday season she's moonlighting at the Christmas House, a turn-of-the-century mansion transformed into a festive wonderland to delight local children thanks to volunteers like Paula - and Zach Bennett. Zach left his family's Colorado ranch to sign on as a carpenter at the Christmas House. Freewheeling Zach hopes to make this holiday the merriest yet-from coaxing Paula onto the bunny slopes to filling in as a last-minute Santa. And as she and Zach are drawn together to keep one young boy out of harm's way, Paula realizes that the best gifts are second chances, happy endings, and the kind of love that makes every day warm and bright...