The Peppermint Tree
by Kristy McCaffrey
Self-Published
Skye Mallory has always aspired to leave her family’s ranch, and she takes pride in having achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer.
But when an unexpected inheritance draws her home for the Christmas holidays, she’s surprised by a longing to set down roots in the wide-open meadows and woodlands of southwestern Colorado. Only one thing stands in her way—a cowboy who broke her heart nine years ago.
In high school, Joe Carrigan admired Skye for her spirit and intellect, but he knew she was destined for a life beyond ranching. Turning down her romantic overture was the best course of action for them both. But now, he’s returned to their hometown, and it’s inevitable he’ll come face-to-face with his one regret in life—Skye Mallory. This time, however, he won’t be so chivalrous.
Genre:
I came across The Peppermint Tree during one of those "stuff you kindle" events, and while the cover and titles was not great, the synopsis had me intrigued. Plus, Kristy McCaffrey is a new author, so I thought, why not give them a chance?
I was pleasently surprised.
The Peppermint Tree was a sweet, second chance romance, with lots of small town feel. It's pretty simple. Not a whole lot in the way of these two, but considering it's a short story, that makes sense.
It kinda reminds me of a cheesy Hallmark movie, but with some steam thrown in.
Which is the only way I would ever watch one of those awful movies. haha.
I don't have a lot to say! I'm keeping it short and sweet, much like this book. If you like a cowboy in your romance, you will like The Peppermint Tree.
Skye: “Fine. I’ll just let my mom know that I’m heading out to commit a Class 3 Misdemeanor, so she’s not surprised when the cops show up at her door.”
She stood.
Skye: “Get the horses ready and I’ll be right out.”
His voice trailed after her as she headed to the stairs.
Joe: “If we go to jail, I’ll expect you to be my attorney.”
Joe: “That night when you kissed me—”
Skye: “We don’t need to relive the past.”
He placed his other hand against the wall, boxing her in.
Joe: “I told you that night that I wasn’t interested.”
Her eyes flashed.
Skye: “I know. I was there.”
Joe: “It wasn’t the truth.”
She cast her eyes downward, pinching her lips in an angry line.
Joe: “I did want you, Skye. But there were so many reasons why it wasn’t a good idea.”
Skye: “I’m so glad we’re clearing this up.”
She tried to leave but he pressed closer, stopping her.
Joe: “You were my best friend’s sister, I was about to move away, and I didn’t want to treat you like the other girls.”
Skye: “You mean the ones that you did kiss.”
He stared at her mouth.
Joe: “And you were so out of my league,”
he admitted, the truth slipping through the last of his defenses against her. He had never admitted this to anyone, least of all himself, until this moment.
Skye: “You don’t have to justify to me why there was no spark between us.”
He cupped her face with his hands.
Joe: “There was most definitely a spark and now it’s a full-blown inferno, and I’m done being careful around you.”
Skye: “We’ll be neighbors. And if our relationship has already crashed and burned, then we’ll be forced to watch the other one shack up with somebody else.”
His face downshifted from stone-cold granite to fiery beast.
Joe: “Like hell. If anybody’s shacking up with you, it’s me.”
Skye: “Then why haven’t you returned any of my calls?”
Her voice hitched and she nearly sobbed. He took a step toward her.
Joe: “I didn’t want to hold you back, Skylar. I’m always going to be a rancher, and I didn’t want to force you into a life you didn’t really want. I’ve always known that about you. I knew it the night you kissed me back in high school. You were always headed to the big city.”
Skye: “But what if I want to come back?”
Joe: “Then I’ll hold onto you and never let go.”
Skye: “Promise?”
He nodded.
Joe: “I promise.”
Sophie: “Daddy, I don’t think Lily should be allowed outside until she’s much older.”
Sophie’s voice held an air of authority.
Joe: “And why’s that?”
Sophie: “Because she can’t walk.”
He moved his horse closer to Sarge.
Joe: “What if Mommy and I carry her for a while?”
She arched an eyebrow.
Sophie: “That seems like a lot of work. Is it really worth it?”
Joe: “I think it is, sweetheart."
Joe: "Sophie asked me if she would meet her husband by The Peppermint Tree one day.”
Skye grinned up at him.
Skye: “I can imagine your response, but I told you, the tree is magic.”
He groaned.
Joe: “Well, then there’s only one thing to do.”
Skye: “What’s that?”
Joe: “I’m building a ten-foot wall around the damned thing.”
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