Wish upon a Cowboy

Marts (Caught Up in a Cowboy) expertly tugs at the heartstrings with a holiday contemporary that’s sure to garner a tear or two from any romance reader. Widow and single mother Harper Evans landed in jail for two months thanks to one of her deceitful mother’s nefarious plans. Once released, she travels to small Creedence, Colo., hoping to wrest custody of her eight-year-old son, Floyd, from her late husband’s mother. Harper is broke and desperate, and thrilled to land a job with rancher and hockey coach Logan Rivers. His previous housekeepers were more interested in bedding him than in cleaning and cooking, and since Harper promises to work hard and shows no signs of lusting after him, he hires her. Soon, though, blistering chemistry burns away their plan of being strictly professional. The approaching holidays promise joy and closeness, but when Logan discovers that Harper is keeping two major secrets from him, she fears the Christmas miracle she’s hoping for might be just a mirage. Marts crafts deeply empathetic characters and a charming small town that readers will hope to return to. Able plotting, red-hot sex, and a large dollop of sweetness make this holiday charmer ideal all year round. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Dec.)