A Cowgirl's Christmas by C.J. Carmichael

For years Callan Carrigan has been her father’s right hand man, so when her dad’s will names city slicker Court McAllister the new owner of The Circle C Ranch, Callan feels betrayed on every level.
Then she and her sisters find their mother’s diaries, hidden from them by their father since their mother’s accidental death 18 years ago, and the shocking revelations explain a lot. Reeling, Callan seeks refuge in the local saloon, where it seems no one can reach her, until Court offers her a challenge.
If she agrees to be foreman at the Circle C for one year, he’ll deed the ranch back to her and her sisters. The deal seems too sweet at first—until Callan realizes Court has his eyes on something she protects even more than her family’s land—her heart.

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I had no idea this story was part of a series, I had read before until I started the book! What a lovely surprise.
Callan and Court's path to relationship is difficult one. Callan has a long way to go, to accept the pain of lose, on so many different levels. Her tough and stubborn exterior hides the tender heart so well, as over the fall, she tries to find her place again in the world. It is rather heartbreaking, and sad, the sorrow and growth she has to go through, to accept the truth about her family's past.
Court's patience with her, his understanding of the situation is commendable. I was cheering for him, and them, the whole way through.
Intriguing conclusion of this family saga
~ Four spoons