Janet Dailey, Santa In A Stetson

On a Texas ranch, model Diana Mills and cowboy Elijah "Lije" Masters meet during a shoot there. They are attracted to one another, but seem worlds apart. Yet they fall in love and marry.

The newlyweds go to live on his New Mexico ranch. However, Diana is stunned by the isolation after several years working runways in big city shows. There is no one for miles except Lije and his friend Jim Two Pony who seems to censure the new wife as not belonging here. Although not enchanted by the land, she decides to give her marriage until Christmas to work or else she leaves for the lights. Lije is over the top with rage when he spots Diana with another man; Jim Two Pony intercedes with wisdom.

This throwback to a gentler writing style is fun to follow although the path to happiness is straight and narrow. Fans of the author and anyone who relishes a sweet sensuous story starring two likable protagonists and a stereotype Native American sage will want to read Janet Dailey's latest Christmas offering even though there is not a Calder for miles.

Harriet Klausner