COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
By: Pat Pritchard

ISBN: 0821777920
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pub. Date: October, 2005.
Imprint : Zebra
Format : Paperback

THIS CHRISTMAS HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Putting his wild ways behind him, Jedediah Stark became a sheriff, ranging the frontier to uphold the law and the tin star he wears. It's a solitary life but it suits him well enough—Jed was orphaned as a child and he's made his peace with loneliness. Yet one woman has loved him as long as she can remember: beautiful Sadie Johanson. Jed grew up on the Johanson's farm and he has Sadie's parents to thank for setting him on the right path. But he's convinced he's not good enough for her . . .

Then Jed rescues a young boy and Sadie takes the orphan under her wing, just in time for a season of unexpected blessings and reawakened love. Nonetheless, the dedicated sheriff must leave and ride out as he always does. Yet when a fierce snowstorm bears down, Jed comes home at last, vowing to spend this and every Christmas where he truly belongs: in Sadie's arms . . .

Sadie shoved the last few dishes onto the shelves. "I'm going to take a walk outside." She walked out without looking back.

Jed was tempted to follow after her but decided that she likely needed some space. Their talk last night had left both of them feeling out of sorts with each other. The whole incident had changed their relationship completely, and neither one of them was comfortable with their new roles.

His one big fear was that if she decided not to follow him to the river, that she'd no longer feel at ease with just being his friend. Of course, he also worried about the same thing should she decide to take him for a lover.

He should be shot for even thinking such a thing, but he knew he wouldn't have the strength to turn her away again. He'd wanted her for too long. He was feeling as edgy as Sadie was, but he'd had years more practice of hiding his thoughts from others. If he starting pacing outside, Ole and Hawk would wonder what had both him and Sadie upset. That was a question he wasn't about to answer. So rather than risk it, he walked out to the barn, forcing himself to take his time. But each step of the way, he prayed the remaining time before sunset would pass quickly.

The crickets were chirping, the cicadas were droning, and Sadie's hands were shaking. She sat on her bed, dragging a brush through her hair and wishing she were somewhere else. Anywhere else. But she wasn't, and the time had come to make her decision.

In the next five minutes, she needed to either blow out her lamp and crawl into her big, lonely bed or else walk upstream to where Jed waited for her. She stood up and then just as quickly sat down again, determined to make her final choice. Again. For the hundredth time in the past hour. She'd never thought of herself as indecisive, but this time she sure enough was.

Giving herself to a man for the first time was something could never be undone. And Jed, determined to be honest at all costs, had told her to think about that. He'd made it most clear that while he was willing to be her first lover, he wouldn't be her last. He would leave because he had to. She would stay and try to build a life without him. It was time to go, before he gave up on her and came back. How could she face him if she turned coward and hid up here in her room? He'd understand and forgive her, but she wouldn't. Yes, it was time to go.

Available now at:
Amazon.com!

The Best Reviews:
THIS TERRIFIC WESTERN ROMANCE COMBINES A FINE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE WITH A DELIGHTFUL FAMILY LOVE STORY BOTH INSIDE A FABULOUS LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATIVE STORY LINE. Harriet Klausner

Romance Junkies:
COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is a heartwarming story that is the perfect read for the holidays. All the characters in this story are so memorable and together they bring this story to life. This is the first book that I have ever read by Pat Pritchard but it will definitely not be the last. I am hunting down the others as we speak. COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is a definite must read for the holiday season and all year long. Dina Smith

Romantic Times: 4 stars
Pritchard's heartwarming story will melt the ice in anyone's heart. This is just what a Christmas romance should be—a gift that warms your heart and makes you believe in the miracle of love. Kathe Robin.

top