Home to the Cowboy’s Arms

Holt (The Texas Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle) kicks off her Destiny’s River series with this touching tale of a fiercely independent woman and the cowboy who falls for her. After Tori Parker ages out of the foster care system, she sets out to find a real home for herself and her three siblings—and ends up settling in Destiny’s River, Tex. Ten years later, Tori’s put down roots as the owner of a local bed and breakfast and the newly elected town mayor. She’s eager to succeed at her first public works project, opening up access to the town’s healing hot springs. Unfortunately, the springs are on the property of gorgeous but irritating rancher Cade Lockwood. Cade’s family has been in Destiny’s River for generations, and he’s determined to keep his property private. Though Tori and Cade initially clash, their chemistry soon ignites—but Tori, so used to taking care of everyone else, struggles to allow herself to be taken care of. While the writing sometimes feels stilted, Holt empathetically depicts the trauma of living through the foster system and delineates the admirable devotion her heroine feels to her family. Strong supporting characters—especially Tori’s widowed brother Matt, the town sheriff, and his daughter, Jillie—add charm. This series has plenty of potential. (Jan.)