Cowboy Christmas homecoming

Blending Christmas spirit with a cowboy-inspired fairy tale, Faver's bland fourth Dark Horse Cowboys contemporary (after When to Call a Cowboy) falls short. Zach Garrett has family connections to the ranching dynasty of Big Jim Garrett (think Daddy Warbucks in cowboy boots) in Langston, Tex. After serving in the Army, he comes home to Big Jim's ranch, burdened by a nasty case of PTSD. Stephanie Gayle is a decorated and respected firefighter whose heart has been stolen by two small children who were orphaned by the murder of their mother. As she pursues adopting them--stymied by prejudice against single parents with dangerous jobs--the man who murdered their mother comes after her. The tiny, scrappy firefighter and strong, silent sergeant meet in the midst of a storm of Christmastime family togetherness, click immediately, and stumble toward their happily ever after. Despite a charming concept, the story suffers from a lack of credibility, plot holes large enough to accommodate Santa's sleigh, and spotty characterization. Readers drawn in by the promising opening chapters will find the rest a disappointment. Agent: Rachel Brooks, BookEnds Literary. (Oct.)