Terrific book. Bailey is one of the older Stockton brothers who left town right after their parents died in a drunk driving accident, with no intention of ever coming back. But after a dozen years, he decided it was time to try to reconnect. He showed up in Rust Creek Falls just in time for brother Dan's wedding (The Maverick's Return). He made it clear that he didn't intend to stay, but a year later he was still there. However, he is still cynical and grumpy, and truly lacking in Christmas spirit, to the point where his sister-in-law calls him "Grooge," a combination of Grinch and Scrooge. Bailey wasn't too happy when Annie shanghaied him into filling in as Santa when her husband came down with the flu. The only thing that saved him was the presence of "Mrs. Claus," vet tech Serena.

Serena was more than happy to help out her friend Annie. She likes all the hoopla surrounding Christmas, from the tree decorating to the Candlelight Walk to helping with the Presents for Patriots drive. She likes to stay busy because it keeps her mind off the less pleasant parts of her past.

I liked the first encounter between Serena and Bailey. They've met briefly before, but this was their first time spending any time together. I loved how Serena's knowledge of most of the kids made it easier for Bailey to pull off his Santa gig. There were also some serious sparks between the two of them, though both tried to resist. Bailey was married before, with the marriage not ending well, which left him believing that he was not cut out for relationships. He also still carried a lot of guilt over his parents' deaths, adding to his feelings of not deserving happiness. Serena's had a few unsuccessful relationships and was wary of risking her heart again. I liked seeing the two of them commit to friendship first. I loved how easy they found it to talk to each other, sharing things they hadn't discussed with anyone else. Neither one could stop thinking about the other, and they found many reasons to spend time together.

I liked how Bailey and Serena's relationship progressed from friendship to more. The attraction that simmered between them came to a boil pretty quickly. Their connection was deeper than either was comfortable with at the beginning, but neither could find the willpower to pull back. I liked how well Bailey did at sensing when Serena had a hard day. He really won my heart the day he provided comfort and support when one of her animal patients died. There was a very caring man under that Groogey exterior. I also liked how Serena was tuned into Bailey. She gave him some excellent advice about dealing with his feelings about his marriage. I ached for her as she realized that she was falling for him and tried to keep her heart safe. In the meantime, Bailey fought hard against his growing feelings for Serena. There was a painful scene on Christmas Eve, as a secret came out and ran up against Bailey's issues of not having control of his life. I ached for him and his feelings of being manipulated, but I also wanted to shake him for the things that he said. I cried for Serena as she ran from her heartbreak. I loved Bailey's big moment as he admitted his insecurities and confessed his feelings.

I loved all the fun and confusion of Christmas Day at Sunshine Farm. The overflowing love was fantastic, and I loved catching up with earlier couples. There was a surprise for the Stockton family that I hope will be expanded on in the next Montana Mavericks series. I ached a bit for Serena and the loss she and her mom still feel during the holidays. I would love to see that get a happy resolution too. ( )