Mistletoe and Rodeo

$18.95 US
Kensington
24 per carton
On sale Aug 25, 2026 | 9781496749819
Sales rights: World

America's First Lady of Romance combines the cozy magic of Christmas with the relatable small town characters of a Robyn Carr novel in this heartwarming romance filled with family, love, second chances and new beginnings.

Known for its natural beauty, holiday-themed Noel, North Carolina, isn’t just the country’s second largest producer of Christmas trees, it’s a warm, welcoming community, as one visitor on a challenging journey is about to discover . . .

By the time 25-year-old single mom Nicole Vaughn pulls her RV into Noel she’s at the final stop of a momentous road trip with her daughter, Kyle. Born with a heart defect, 8-year-old Kyle is now in need of a life-saving donor heart. Nicky holds out hope, but she knows the road ahead won’t be easy. Determined to make this Christmas rich and exciting, she’s traversed the U.S. to show Kyle the country’s natural wonders. But now Nicky’s out of money and needs a job. At the Frosted Firs Ranch, she finds much more.

26-year-old bull rider and ranch co-owner, Tucker Reed, left the rodeo circuit to help his widowed brother, Nate, run the business and adjust to single fatherhood. Seven years later, Nate has found love again and will be married on Christmas Eve. Tucker is raring to return to the circuit. . . . Until an enigmatic brunette with a spine of steel enters the picture. Then Tucker’s heart is stolen a second time by Nicky’s brave little girl.

Soon Tucker is visiting the RV daily, dazzling Kyle with rodeo stories. And when he and Nicky share an unexpected kiss, it reveals an undeniable passion. But Nicky is wary, and Tucker, too, wonders if he’s good enough—or capable of supporting Nicky and Kyle through the hardest of times. Yet, love brings risks. As Christmas Eve approaches, can they find the courage to face those risks together?
Praise for Janet Dailey’s Christmas novels

“Dailey’s fifth Christmas Tree Ranch novel offers a satisfying combination of intrigue and romance…The result is sure to melt hearts.” Publishers Weekly on Somebody Like Santa

“Dailey delivers a heartwarming Christmas tale ideal for fans of sweet contemporaries…All of the love scenes stop at the bedroom door, but Dailey still ably portrays the passion between Rush and Tracy and their love for a sweet and precocious little girl. Readers fond of chaste small-town contemporaries will want to return to this charming small town often.” —Publishers Weekly on It’s Christmas Thing

“A good pick for some wholesome family-oriented romance.” —Kirkus Reviews, on Just a Little Christmas

“Dailey’s newest romance brings to life the magic of Christmas.” —Texas Tea & Travel on Long, on Tall Christmas

“A classic roadside meet cute…Dailey has always been a talented storyteller, and this latest is no exception; she breathes life into her winning characters in a holiday tale that is sure to please fans of chaste contemporaries.” —Publishers Weekly on Christmas on my Mind

“The holiday spirit permeates the story with tree picking and decorating, party planning, and other holiday traditions. This, as well as the small-town charm, add to the optimism and hopeful tone of the book…The story is sweet and charming, and it’s the perfect holiday romance to read when curled up next to the fire this winter.” —One Book More on Santa’s Sweetheart

“There’s lots of Christmas spirit in this story...I enjoyed reading how they both came to realize that honesty and trust are important in a relationship. This was a fun Christmas romance to read.” —Harlequin Junkie, Recommended Read on Holding Out For Christmas

“Simple and delightful read.” —Fresh Fiction on Holding Out For Christmas

“Cute…The festive atmosphere and charming cast—Megan’s younger brother, Daniel, who has Down syndrome, is especially well-developed—will draw readers in.” —Publishers Weekly on Holding Out for Christmas

About

America's First Lady of Romance combines the cozy magic of Christmas with the relatable small town characters of a Robyn Carr novel in this heartwarming romance filled with family, love, second chances and new beginnings.

Known for its natural beauty, holiday-themed Noel, North Carolina, isn’t just the country’s second largest producer of Christmas trees, it’s a warm, welcoming community, as one visitor on a challenging journey is about to discover . . .

By the time 25-year-old single mom Nicole Vaughn pulls her RV into Noel she’s at the final stop of a momentous road trip with her daughter, Kyle. Born with a heart defect, 8-year-old Kyle is now in need of a life-saving donor heart. Nicky holds out hope, but she knows the road ahead won’t be easy. Determined to make this Christmas rich and exciting, she’s traversed the U.S. to show Kyle the country’s natural wonders. But now Nicky’s out of money and needs a job. At the Frosted Firs Ranch, she finds much more.

26-year-old bull rider and ranch co-owner, Tucker Reed, left the rodeo circuit to help his widowed brother, Nate, run the business and adjust to single fatherhood. Seven years later, Nate has found love again and will be married on Christmas Eve. Tucker is raring to return to the circuit. . . . Until an enigmatic brunette with a spine of steel enters the picture. Then Tucker’s heart is stolen a second time by Nicky’s brave little girl.

Soon Tucker is visiting the RV daily, dazzling Kyle with rodeo stories. And when he and Nicky share an unexpected kiss, it reveals an undeniable passion. But Nicky is wary, and Tucker, too, wonders if he’s good enough—or capable of supporting Nicky and Kyle through the hardest of times. Yet, love brings risks. As Christmas Eve approaches, can they find the courage to face those risks together?

Praise

Praise for Janet Dailey’s Christmas novels

“Dailey’s fifth Christmas Tree Ranch novel offers a satisfying combination of intrigue and romance…The result is sure to melt hearts.” Publishers Weekly on Somebody Like Santa

“Dailey delivers a heartwarming Christmas tale ideal for fans of sweet contemporaries…All of the love scenes stop at the bedroom door, but Dailey still ably portrays the passion between Rush and Tracy and their love for a sweet and precocious little girl. Readers fond of chaste small-town contemporaries will want to return to this charming small town often.” —Publishers Weekly on It’s Christmas Thing

“A good pick for some wholesome family-oriented romance.” —Kirkus Reviews, on Just a Little Christmas

“Dailey’s newest romance brings to life the magic of Christmas.” —Texas Tea & Travel on Long, on Tall Christmas

“A classic roadside meet cute…Dailey has always been a talented storyteller, and this latest is no exception; she breathes life into her winning characters in a holiday tale that is sure to please fans of chaste contemporaries.” —Publishers Weekly on Christmas on my Mind

“The holiday spirit permeates the story with tree picking and decorating, party planning, and other holiday traditions. This, as well as the small-town charm, add to the optimism and hopeful tone of the book…The story is sweet and charming, and it’s the perfect holiday romance to read when curled up next to the fire this winter.” —One Book More on Santa’s Sweetheart

“There’s lots of Christmas spirit in this story...I enjoyed reading how they both came to realize that honesty and trust are important in a relationship. This was a fun Christmas romance to read.” —Harlequin Junkie, Recommended Read on Holding Out For Christmas

“Simple and delightful read.” —Fresh Fiction on Holding Out For Christmas

“Cute…The festive atmosphere and charming cast—Megan’s younger brother, Daniel, who has Down syndrome, is especially well-developed—will draw readers in.” —Publishers Weekly on Holding Out for Christmas