REVIEW: A Secret Christmas Wish by Cathy McDavid

A Secret Christmas Wish by Cathy McDavid  is the third book in her Wishing Well Springs series.

In addition to training for competitive trail riding, leading trail rides for her family’s Mountainside Stables business and filling in as a “date” for her sister Darla’s business, Your Perfect Plus One, Maia MacKenzie is a loving single mom to her toddler son, TJ. Maia finds it sad that TJ’s father wants nothing to do with him. She definitely dodged a bullet when she called off her marriage to that serial cheater. Maia is in a better place now but it took a while to get there. Then she meets the new hire for Mountainside Stables trail riding business. Brent Hayes is a very attractive guy but Maia senses he is a troubled man. Something to think about. Yet still attracted to him.

Brent Hayes left the rodeo circuit two years ago a broken man. He was a bronc and bull rider but just didn’t seem to have what it takes to make it to the top. When he left the circuit his slide into depression started. Now here here he is in Payson, Arizona with a job at Mountainside Stables and a part-time job with Your Perfect Plus One. He needs both jobs desperately. He owes money to an old friend and his credit card debt is out of sight. When he meets Maia MacKenzie he feels quite attracted to her. But that has to be a “no go” because their contracts with Your Perfect Plus One states in no uncertain terms that fraternization with other employees is forbidden. It’s going to be tough to ignore the attraction though.

This is an awesome star-crossed lovers story. Maia and Brent have so much going against them. The main obstacle is the no fraternization clause for their jobs with Your Perfect Plus One. Neither one can afford to quit that part-time job. They both need the money. Then there’s Brent’s struggle with depression. I found it refreshing that Ms. McDavid addressed this issue. I think she did a good job handling the subject. I greatly admired Maia’s dedication to helping Brent. She made such a difference in his reclaiming his life from depression. I loved little TJ. He is super cute.

I also loved all the Christmas spirit in this story, especially the Cowboy Christmas Jamboree at the local rodeo arena with the kids’ pony cart rides, the maze to get to Santa with the lighted reindeer along the way, the giant Christmas tree with candy canes for all to enjoy and all the Christmasy fair booths. This is a great Christmas read!

Book Info:

Publication: October 26th 2021 | Harlequin Heartwarming | Wishing Well Springs, 3

The magic of Christmas

Could make her wish come true!

A small-town Christmas wedding. What could be more romantic? Unless you’re a plus-one for hire like single mom Maia MacKenzie. Too bad handsome cowboy Brent Hayes is her new coworker—and completely off-limits! Neither of them can afford to lose their job…or invest in a relationship. But when she sees Brent’s adorable connection with her young son, Maia can’t help wishing for a Christmas miracle.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Wishing Well Springs