Made the Grade: Martin's Crossing Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: 324 KB | Expected Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : Love Inspired | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Rancher for Christmas" [Martin's Crossing Series, Book 1] by Brenda Minton

Author's Book Description : A Family for Christmas

Raised on the run, free-spirited Breezy Hernandez has never stayed in one place too long. But now that she has joint custody of her late brother's twin daughters, she's determined to give them a stable home. Even if it means cooperating with the twins' bossy uncle. Texas rancher Jake Martin learned the hard way that women can't be trusted. But as he and Breezy care for the orphaned girls, Jake begins to open his heart. Is Breezy ready to put down roots in Martin's Crossing, or will she run from the one thing she's always wanted: A family?

Martin's Crossing: In this small Texas town, every heart finds a home

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, a man (Jake) who has raised his siblings ever since their mother ran out on them now has joint custody of his twin toddler nieces with a woman (Breezy) who has a history of being a drifter after the parents of his nieces unexpectedly die. Will they be able to find a way to raise the girls in a loving home even if they aren’t together or will their hearts show them what is waiting for them if only they are willing to trust one another?

This intriguing suspenseful contemporary romance will charm you from the beginning. I liked how Breezy & Jake came together while trying to overcome their pasts and dealing with what seems like someone trying to tear them apart. In addition, the parts with the twins (Rosie & Violet) in them were very sweet and I thought the part where Breezy tries to corral a herd of cattle by herself was pretty funny too!

The only thing that I wish could have been better was if this novel could have held my interest more. It wasn’t that the plot was bad or that the characters weren’t interesting as it all was good but there is a lot of back-story and sub-plots that look to be building up for other novels, which while usually can be helpful, I found at times it made my mind wander instead of keeping my attention. Therefore, I hope if you read this, it’ll hold your interest more then it did mine.

Nevertheless, I still recommend this novel to those who like contemporary romances based around the holidays!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series/Connected Series Here :

Book Teaser(s) :

"Back in the field. If you please, Sir Loin."
She shooed him with her hands. He shook his massive head. She started to run at him, slipping a little on the frosty glass.
"Listen, hamburger, I was giving you the benefit of the doubt when I thought you were a gentleman, now go." She charged at him, waving her arms.
He snorted and took a few quick steps away from her before turning back to face her again. It clicked in her city-girl brain that she wasn't going to win a battle against a one-ton animal. ~ within Chapter 4

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Brenda, then please check out her website.