cover image Christmas in Snowflake Canyon

Christmas in Snowflake Canyon

RaeAnn Thayne. HQN, $7.99 mass market (384p) ISBN 978-0-373-77815-7

Thayne’s sixth Hope’s Crossing contemporary (after Willowleaf Lane) is a sometimes heartbreaking tale of love and relationships in a small Colorado town. Former Army Ranger Dylan Caine returns to his tiny hometown minus an eye, part of an arm, and a lot of confidence. Genevieve Beaumont is the woman he remembers as the spoiled-rotten daughter of the town’s pompous mayor. After a bar fight, the two are thrown together in court-ordered community service at A Warrior’s Hope, the facility Dylan’s sister Charlotte has founded for injured members of the armed forces. Dylan and Genevieve soon realize that stereotypes can often be misleading. As Genevieve tries hard to prove that she’s not the brat she once was—an uphill battle, considering the short tempers and long memories of some of the town’s residents—Dylan falls hard for the plucky hometown girl. But will he admit it to her, or reject her because he feels damaged and unworthy? Poignant and sweet, this tale of second chances will appeal to fans of military-flavored sweet romance. (Nov.)