From Booklist
Veteran romance writer Matlock brings her readers back to Valentine, Oklahoma, scene of two of her previous novels, to tell a heartwarming Christmas story that frames 13-year-old Corrine's coming-of-age. There is something magical about the Christmas season in this particular place, this particular year, that seems to bring out the best in everyone. To dispel the growing sentiment that there is no Santa, the whole town rises to the challenge. The post office has a special Santa mailbox where people are encouraged to put their letters, ones that express their true heart's desires. Lots of donations are sent anonymously to those who really need the cash, special little gifts start appearing in unexpected places, and extra kindness and help seem to be available everywhere. Corrine's mother, who abandoned her years before, comes home to try to make amends. Shopping is done, decorations are hung, the annual Christmas pageant is staged, all is well, and Matlock's down-to-earth characters and comforting plot will please many. Danise Hoover
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Joan Medlicott, author of the "Covington Ladies" series
"If home is where the heart is, then the town of Valentine is the perfect place to settle in."

Book Description
One part laughter. Two parts love. Mix together and enjoy! Christmas has come to Valentine, Oklahoma and everybody's got a special wish . . . For thirteen-year-old Corrine, it's really about keeping what she has: a happy life with her aunt Marilee and Papa Tate; her beloved horses; and an almost boyfriend, Ricky Dale. Now is not the time for the mother who abandoned her to come back into her life. Anita, though, is determine. She is coming home for Christmas to fix the mistakes she's made. Despite some bad times and the bridges she's burned, Anita loves her daughter, and she is desperately hoping a bit of Christmas magic will help Corrine decide to love and trust her again. As for Marilee, she loves Corrine like her own, and fears losing the girl to a beautiful, irresponsible mother who might just break her daughters heart all over again. As always, Anita's arrival fans old flames of anger and stubbornness between the two sisters. Then again, it is a season of miracles. And if one tiny miracle could find its way to Valentine this year, then everybody might just get the most perfect gift of all.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

One part laughter. Two parts love. Mix together and enjoy!

Christmas has come to Valentine, Oklahoma and everybody's got a special wish . . . For thirteen-year-old Corrine, it's really about keeping what she has: a happy life with her aunt Marilee and Papa Tate; her beloved horses; and an almost boyfriend, Ricky Dale. Now is not the time for the mother who abandoned her to come back into her life.

Anita, though, is determine. She is coming home for Christmas to fix the mistakes she's made. Despite some bad times and the bridges she's burned, Anita loves her daughter, and she is desperately hoping a bit of Christmas magic will help Corrine decide to love and trust her again.

As for Marilee, she loves Corrine like her own, and fears losing the girl to a beautiful, irresponsible mother who might just break her daughters heart all over again. As always, Anita's arrival fans old flames of anger and stubbornness between the two sisters. Then again, it is a season of miracles. And if one tiny miracle could find its way to Valentine this year, then everybody might just get the most perfect gift of all.

FROM THE CRITICS