Silver Trail Christmas by Nik James
Caleb Marlowe 3

Caleb’s friend and ranching partner, Henry Jordan, races into chapter one carrying news that requires immediate attention quickly setting the stage for upcoming events that will impact the two of them, their friends, and their future depending on the outcome of the story. Old and new issues and enemies rear their heads with surprises, twists, turns, and hardship to face before the last page. Great addition to the series!

What I liked:
* Caleb: left abusive home at sixteen, survived on his own, met someone who changed his life, varied job history, tracker, sure-shot, quick-draw, fights for what is right, true friend, helps those in need, building a new life on his ranch, sweet on Sheila
* Henry: good friend, ladies’ man, trouble-magnet, eloquent, tease, nice guy, has potential, eager to find out what will happen next in his life
* Sheila: Doc Burnett’s daughter, raised on the East Coast, educated, adapting to the West, strong, adaptable, friend to many, openminded, sweet on Caleb
* Paddy: orphan living with the Rogers family hoping to be taken in by Caleb
* Bear (big dog) and Pirate (horse): Caleb’s friends that are more than animals
* Doc Burnett: educated, wise, helps all, war surgeon, would like for him to find someone someday, too
* Curious about Belle Constant – owner of saloon and associated businesses…think there is more to her and her story than we might realize
* Red Annie O’Neal: independent, wears men’s clothing, Sheila’s friend, carries the mail, travels a lot, strong, capable, intriguing – hope to see more of her in the futur
* Bass, Duke, and Tex: longhorn trail herders that met hard times, good men, honest, hope they show up in the next book
* The plot, character development, pacing, and writing
* That most of the bad guys were dealt with…though there are a few remaining and no doubt other troubles to be faced in the next book
* The positive hopeful ending and hoping that Karma hits a few more for what they have been up to

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like…some rather reprehensible characters and acts perpetrated by them
* Having to wait for the next book in the series

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )