Christmas Kiss from the Sheriff (Heroes of San Diego) Mass Market Paperback – November 22, 2016

This story has a healthy dose of suspense which kept me guessing and reading. Genna had her secret, and she worried the problem she left behind followed her out west. But d I d it explain the threats against her and the school where she taught? The author developed her characters well. Great sweet romance for Christmas.

My goodness what a wonderful story, so many twists and turns but so exciting.I really liked reading this book! I'm glad I got it. I'm sure if you get and read it, you too will enjoy it as much as I did.Starr as Ruby Slippers

For a woman determined to protect a secret, Ms. Starling really chatters a lot. She keeps telling herself not to reveal too much to the sheriff who interrogates her and then winds up spilling her guts anyway. While respecting her independent streak and strong nature, Sheriff Parker has no problems with telling her what to do, to the point of threatening to handcuff her to a post. We’re meant to excuse his behavior because he is a lawman and used to getting his own way. We’re also meant to excuse his gruff way of acting sometimes because he’s a rugged outdoorsman who doesn’t know how to talk sometimes—and that includes making a woman a proper marriage proposal.The people of Clear Springs seem to want a schoolteacher—to the point of hiring new ones whenever the previous ones get married. But you have to wonder just how much value they attach to it. The ability to skin animals, use them for meat, sell their hides for money, track your position by the stars and shoot a firearm are all shown to have their uses. But there lies a faint denigration of so-called book learning that keeps cropping up (although the townspeople never voice it). Sheriff Parker seems especially prone to such blinkered thinking, wondering how a woman can grow up and never learn astronomy or how to fire a gun.The novel gets its happily-ever-after ending by having Miss Starling give up her dreams of being a Boston lawyer and settle down to being a small-town schoolmarm—no, wait. She abandons that work as well to being a lawman’s wife (as if she couldn’t do both). So much for being independent and strong willed.This is just another generic entry in a long line of romantic heroines giving up their lives to wait on men. If that’s what lights your fire, you’re welcome to it.

Very good book about two people who are looking for fresh starts in their lives. Gemma is a well educated and beautiful young woman who fled west after shooting a man in self-defense. She has put her education to use by becoming a teacher in the small mining town of Clear Springs. Craig is the new sheriff, who is looking for his own new beginning after his fiancee threw him over and married his brother instead. He plans to steer clear of entanglements for a good long time.Gemma and Craig are first brought into contact by a difference of opinion over how she handles a fight between two of her students. They agree to disagree, but neither is able to forget their encounter. They're brought together again when Gemma receives a threatening note and Craig is determined to investigate.Craig is impressed, and frequently frustrated, by Gemma's independence and reluctance to rely on his protection. I loved seeing him insist and use her own intelligence to show her what she needs. As he provides protection for her and they get to know each other, feelings begin to grow in spite of their intentions. But the more Craig gets to know her, the more he gets the feeling that Gemma is hiding something from him. Gemma knows she has to tell him what happened, but she's afraid of what his reaction will be. I liked seeing the way that she finally faced her past, knowing that it could have far reaching effects. Craig's reaction was understandable, though somewhat disappointing, but his actions redeemed him.The mystery of who was threatening Gemma was very well done. It started slow with just a couple notes, but escalated quickly. From thinking it was a disgruntled student or parent to her past catching up with her, Gemma was afraid of what would happen next. The injuring of a harmless old man and the burning down of the school, made Craig and Gemma realize that whoever it was would not give up easily. The identity of the villain during the final confrontation was unexpected, and I loved how Gemma saved herself.

Gemma Starling a young woman running from her past and the pain of being alone after her beloved father's death . An act of self defence has her running from the authorities and from everything and everyone she has known. As an educated woman she took a teaching position in Clear Springs, surely the offer was a sign for a new beginning .Sheriff Craig Parker had sworn off matters of the heart after his ex fiancé threw him over and married his brother. He knew it would take a woman strong in character to be the wife of a sheriff -until he saw Gemma-! He knew she was special but something didn't add up, after certain threats and attempts to scare her away brought them close, feelings of more than friendship were blossoming he was puzzled at how guarded she was on her background, and one thing he loved solving was a puzzle!Will the secrets once exposed be the end? Or will Gemma's past finally catch up with her?This was one awesome read you have mystery a budding romance with one uptight gorgeous sheriff, a prim and proper educated wealthy teacher, enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat. One definitely doesn't expect the villains identity or the way the mystery unfolds! Great cast of characters , wonderful story of trust and new beginnings!I received an ARC from the author for my honest review. The opinions are my own and not influenced in any way by the author or the publisher.