Daisy feels conspicuous due to the pinned-up right sleeve of her dress. An accident - an overturned wagon, followed by infection - caused the loss of her arm and ruined her prospects of a happy life. Apart from looks, what use is a wife who cannot cook, write and do housework? Daisy's embarrassed when a cowhand eyes her across the room. She doesn't know it but recent hire Rick White has done a lot of growing up lately. He blames himself for her accident, and while he can never make it up to her, surely there must be something he can do to help the lovely girl. Daisy's not ready to face anyone, though, and she's finding her new stepmother less than sympathetic.

Author Lacy Williams wins my admiration for tackling this difficult subject head-on. Amputations and basic medical care would have been more frequent in the past, so how did these people live, and what were their prospects? By engaging our interest and sympathy for Daisy - with her terrible new step-brothers, her devoted dog and gentle horse which helps her to ride again - the story makes us understand the girl's feelings and despair. Platitudes such as God having a plan, have been uttered to both Daisy and Rick, but neither has really listened. Now Rick decides that this plan must be followed, however long it takes to help Miss Daisy.

I enjoyed this rewarding and well-written romance. A major theme of the story is not to give up trying. Another theme is not to be afraid, or ashamed, to ask for help. We can all be glad of help at some point in our lives and in turn we should give help when we are able. Daisy becomes determined to decorate with evergreen boughs for Christmas, and the small achievement gives her confidence. I also liked the animals being a major part of life, and the variety of characters. Blizzard, fire and illness are among the challenges Daisy faces - can she cope? I found A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS an exceptionally good sweet romance with much food for thought. Well done, Lacy Williams.

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