What do you think?
Rate this book
Dry Creek Historical
Mail-Order Christmas Brides: Her Christmas Family / Christmas Stars for Dry Creek
Her Christmas Family by Jillian Hart"Please be my ma for Christmas." Felicity Sawyer can't resist little Gertie's heartfelt letter. Tate Winters seeks a bride for Gertie's sake, not his own. But as his reserve thaws before Felicity's sunny optimism, this new family learns that togetherness is the best way to celebrate the season.Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad Eleanor McBride's outgrown her dreams of romance—but not her wishes for motherhood. Wedding Sergeant Adam Martin will give her a daughter to cherish. Yet it's not just shy, sweet Hannah who's captured her affections. And Eleanor's arrival in Dry Creek could be the start of a journey to true love.…
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
37 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Hart
192 books599 followersJillian Hart grew up on her family's homestead in Washington state, where she raised cattle, rode horses and scribbled stories in her spare time.
After earning her English degree from Whitman College, she worked in travel and advertising before selling her first novel.
When Jillian isn't working on her next story, she can be found puttering around her rose garden, curled up with a good book and spending quiet evenings at home with her family.
After earning her English degree from Whitman College, she worked in travel and advertising before selling her first novel.
When Jillian isn't working on her next story, she can be found puttering around her rose garden, curled up with a good book and spending quiet evenings at home with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 2, 2011
Mail-Order Christmas Brides consists of 2 stories: Her Christmas Family by Jillian Hart and Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad. Both authors deliver wonderful stories filled with endearing characters, and I enjoyed sharing in their journeys to their happy ever afters. Full of heartwarming moments, and Christmas cheer, too, this book is a recommended read not only for the holiday season, but for anytime.
February 11, 2019
I loved this book!
December 8, 2021
Rating for the first story by Jillian Hart.
I loved the sweetness of the heroine and the little girl in this first story. They were both so lonely and in need of motherly/family love. The hero was ok, definitely a tortured soul that needed time to heal, although his self-loathing and feeling of unworthiness and untrusting of love did start to get old. And then suddenly BOOM he was over it and ready to play nice. I would have loved to see him gradually trust a bit smoother than what we saw. Also, if it matters to others readers, this was a very clean story with scripture mentioned here and there. Normally I don't care for those squeaky clean stories, but if it has good characterization and storyline to carry the story, as it did here, then it is worth it.
I started the second story and the MIL was annoyingly arrogant and I lost interest right away.
I loved the sweetness of the heroine and the little girl in this first story. They were both so lonely and in need of motherly/family love. The hero was ok, definitely a tortured soul that needed time to heal, although his self-loathing and feeling of unworthiness and untrusting of love did start to get old. And then suddenly BOOM he was over it and ready to play nice. I would have loved to see him gradually trust a bit smoother than what we saw. Also, if it matters to others readers, this was a very clean story with scripture mentioned here and there. Normally I don't care for those squeaky clean stories, but if it has good characterization and storyline to carry the story, as it did here, then it is worth it.
I started the second story and the MIL was annoyingly arrogant and I lost interest right away.
August 28, 2014
★★★★½ Lovely stories; just what I was in the mood for. I really didn't care it is no where near Christmas time.
November 21, 2011
Mail-Order Christmas Brides – Jillian Hart & Janet Tronstad
Her Christmas Family by Jillian Hart
Felicity Sawyer is on her way to be a Mail-Order bride. She is already in love with eight year old Gertie Winters and hopes to love Gertie's dad, Tate,as well and hopefully to be loved in return. After the death of her parents, Felicity and her two sisters were put into an orphanage, her sisters were adopted out but it seemed that she was always passed by, unwanted. Felicity stayed in the town as long as she could in hopes her sisters would find her, but her money and hope ran thin so she has decided to start a new family in Angel Falls, Montana with Tate and Gertie. Only she did not know that Tate was a man without hope or heart.
Tate knew what it was to be kicked when he was down. After trying to do the right thing against the wrong type of people, his wife took their daughter and left him and than he was falsely accused of crimes and sent to prison. Thankfully after his wife died, Tate's sister Ingrid was able to find Gertie and bring her home. He carried failure on his shoulders like his best friend. After meeting Felicity at the train station he knows he will fail her as well, but can he send back this beautiful woman who has stolen Gertie's heart at first sight, and could his dead heart still has a few beats left in it as well?
If you enjoy series you may want to read the first of Jillian's historical books and follow the list down as they all take place in Angel Falls, Montana. The situation in this book is first mentioned in Calico Bride. The list is on my blog under Jillian's Love Inspired book list.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
What a wonderful historical trip back to Dry Creek, Montana. Eleanor McBride has decided to marry now that her father passed away. Her previous employer, Mrs. Stout, helped her with answering an ad for a Mail-Order bride. She was met at the trains station by the neighbors and after twelve days alone in a poorly stocked cabin with very little furniture her future groom and daughter finally show up, with the future mother-in-law in tow.
Sergeant Adam Martin has finished his duties with the army and now it's time to take over raising his daughter. After a fire where his wife died and Hannah was injured, his mother took over rearing the girl. Now Hannah needs a woman who will teach her the ways from back East so she would be ready when it was time for parties and balls. Problem is Eleanor ends up not being who Mrs. Martin expected her to be and now she wants her gone. Can Adam decides he likes the fiery haired Irish gal but is Eleanor willing to split up a family for her own happiness?
We get to meet new friends and old ones like Jake & Elizabeth Hargrove and their children from Janet's first Dry Creek historical; Calico Christmas in Dry Creek. Be sure to have a nice warm drink while these folks fight the frigid Montana temperatures...
The list of Janet's books are on my blog at:
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Her Christmas Family by Jillian Hart
Felicity Sawyer is on her way to be a Mail-Order bride. She is already in love with eight year old Gertie Winters and hopes to love Gertie's dad, Tate,as well and hopefully to be loved in return. After the death of her parents, Felicity and her two sisters were put into an orphanage, her sisters were adopted out but it seemed that she was always passed by, unwanted. Felicity stayed in the town as long as she could in hopes her sisters would find her, but her money and hope ran thin so she has decided to start a new family in Angel Falls, Montana with Tate and Gertie. Only she did not know that Tate was a man without hope or heart.
Tate knew what it was to be kicked when he was down. After trying to do the right thing against the wrong type of people, his wife took their daughter and left him and than he was falsely accused of crimes and sent to prison. Thankfully after his wife died, Tate's sister Ingrid was able to find Gertie and bring her home. He carried failure on his shoulders like his best friend. After meeting Felicity at the train station he knows he will fail her as well, but can he send back this beautiful woman who has stolen Gertie's heart at first sight, and could his dead heart still has a few beats left in it as well?
If you enjoy series you may want to read the first of Jillian's historical books and follow the list down as they all take place in Angel Falls, Montana. The situation in this book is first mentioned in Calico Bride. The list is on my blog under Jillian's Love Inspired book list.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
What a wonderful historical trip back to Dry Creek, Montana. Eleanor McBride has decided to marry now that her father passed away. Her previous employer, Mrs. Stout, helped her with answering an ad for a Mail-Order bride. She was met at the trains station by the neighbors and after twelve days alone in a poorly stocked cabin with very little furniture her future groom and daughter finally show up, with the future mother-in-law in tow.
Sergeant Adam Martin has finished his duties with the army and now it's time to take over raising his daughter. After a fire where his wife died and Hannah was injured, his mother took over rearing the girl. Now Hannah needs a woman who will teach her the ways from back East so she would be ready when it was time for parties and balls. Problem is Eleanor ends up not being who Mrs. Martin expected her to be and now she wants her gone. Can Adam decides he likes the fiery haired Irish gal but is Eleanor willing to split up a family for her own happiness?
We get to meet new friends and old ones like Jake & Elizabeth Hargrove and their children from Janet's first Dry Creek historical; Calico Christmas in Dry Creek. Be sure to have a nice warm drink while these folks fight the frigid Montana temperatures...
The list of Janet's books are on my blog at:
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
December 7, 2011
If you're anything like me, you don't have a whole lot of time to read. These two stories fit the bill perfectly. Beside Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, this is the third Christmas-themed book I've read. I enjoyed my cozy time, the hot chocolate sat close by, and they were short so I didn't have to remember where I was at when interrupted. Like A Christmas Carol, I will be reading these again - for pure enjoyment.
Her Christmas Family by Jillian Hart
What would you do if you had promised to marry someone you didn't know and he wanted nothing to do with you? Meet Felicity Sawyer, orphan in search of a very special Christmas present that will never leave - a family to call her own. Felicity has a lot to offer Tate Winters, but he's just not buying into her happily-ever-after ideas! Will Felicity's dreams come true and she find a husband that loves her as well as a daughter to call her own, or will this be a marriage of convenience that she will regret?
Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Families are forever...even difficult mother-in-law to be! When Eleanor McBride meets her intended, she's swept away and confused. Adam could have any woman he wanted - why would he even look her way? Yes, things are a little too good to be true, and she meets her mother-in-law in a head on collision when she's forced to acknowledge her own shortcomings to this pompous woman. Finding it better to be kind than rude, even though it was more than deserved, Eleanor rises to the tasks set before her and proves her worth.
Her Christmas Family by Jillian Hart
What would you do if you had promised to marry someone you didn't know and he wanted nothing to do with you? Meet Felicity Sawyer, orphan in search of a very special Christmas present that will never leave - a family to call her own. Felicity has a lot to offer Tate Winters, but he's just not buying into her happily-ever-after ideas! Will Felicity's dreams come true and she find a husband that loves her as well as a daughter to call her own, or will this be a marriage of convenience that she will regret?
Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Families are forever...even difficult mother-in-law to be! When Eleanor McBride meets her intended, she's swept away and confused. Adam could have any woman he wanted - why would he even look her way? Yes, things are a little too good to be true, and she meets her mother-in-law in a head on collision when she's forced to acknowledge her own shortcomings to this pompous woman. Finding it better to be kind than rude, even though it was more than deserved, Eleanor rises to the tasks set before her and proves her worth.
December 31, 2011
Oh, I loved this book so much! From the opening scene of Her Christmas Story, I was drawn into the story! Gertie and her father, Tate, were waiting at the train station for Felicity, the mail-order bride. Tate couldn't believe that Felicity was the beautiful blond woman - he was expecting someone more homely. He automatically concludes that she will leave him when she finds out about him and his past, but so much happens and there are some surprising twists.
After I finished Her Christmas Story (and since I loved it so much) I didn't know how Christmas Stars for Dry Creek could meet the greatness of that story, but it did! It was just as wonderful! There was some heartache, with Adam and his daughter Hannah, but that just made the story and characters more special.
The characters from both stories were very charming and each had their own unique qualities that I loved! As a whole, this book was fantastic! Individually these books were wonderful - Mail-Order Christmas Brides is a definite win in my opinion! :) I only wish the stories would have been longer...
I definitely recommend this book! It was a great Christmas read!
*I received a complimentary copy for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
After I finished Her Christmas Story (and since I loved it so much) I didn't know how Christmas Stars for Dry Creek could meet the greatness of that story, but it did! It was just as wonderful! There was some heartache, with Adam and his daughter Hannah, but that just made the story and characters more special.
The characters from both stories were very charming and each had their own unique qualities that I loved! As a whole, this book was fantastic! Individually these books were wonderful - Mail-Order Christmas Brides is a definite win in my opinion! :) I only wish the stories would have been longer...
I definitely recommend this book! It was a great Christmas read!
*I received a complimentary copy for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
July 29, 2016
Thanks to Jillian for my copy of this book I won it from the Love Inspired Harvest Festival. This is a great read. I had read a couple of books that didn't grab me and I felt I was waiting for something to happen and the book felt slow but this book was not like that. Right from the first page I was hooked.
Her Christmas Family has Felicity coming on train to be Gertie's mother. Tate needs a mother for Gertie so is willing to marry Felicity but wonders why someone so pretty could want to be a mail order Bride. The book deals with misconception when Tate assumes Felicity is from a well to do family and couldn't possibly want to marry him. Gertie falls for Felicity and they bond straight away. I loved the story and the characters. Jillian delivers another good read.
Christmas Stars was another great book by Janet. Again I was drawn into the story from page one I felt for Eleanor but she handles herself well. Again we have a your daughter to cherish. This time Hannah is recovering from an accident and need extra love. She is adorable as well. Adam loves his daughter and will do anything for her. Add a grandmother who knows best and you have some interesting drama. I loved this story as well . A wonderful Christmas book.
Her Christmas Family has Felicity coming on train to be Gertie's mother. Tate needs a mother for Gertie so is willing to marry Felicity but wonders why someone so pretty could want to be a mail order Bride. The book deals with misconception when Tate assumes Felicity is from a well to do family and couldn't possibly want to marry him. Gertie falls for Felicity and they bond straight away. I loved the story and the characters. Jillian delivers another good read.
Christmas Stars was another great book by Janet. Again I was drawn into the story from page one I felt for Eleanor but she handles herself well. Again we have a your daughter to cherish. This time Hannah is recovering from an accident and need extra love. She is adorable as well. Adam loves his daughter and will do anything for her. Add a grandmother who knows best and you have some interesting drama. I loved this story as well . A wonderful Christmas book.
January 16, 2012
Loved Angel Falls and Dry Creek coming together! Both stories were ones of bring hope and family back together at Christmas. Despite the fact, that both women were initially there for the children, God blessed them with a surprise. Both women came from backgrounds were they lost family. In fact, both were judged when they first showed up in town. With Her Christmas Family, Tate judged Felicity just by her looks. He figured if she looked breakable and weak, then she wouldn't make it out here in Angel Falls. But, he was wrong. Looks can be deceiving and learning her story helped him become more accepting of her. In the end God blessed them with a love for each other. Christmas Stars for Dry Creek shows judgement from the mother in law when she first saw Eleanor. Just because she had an impression of Eleanor through letters of being a Genteel Woman, her impressions were wrong in a way. She was the complete opposite of a society woman and one who needed to raise a "lady", but she was exactly what Adam and Hannah needed. In the end, Eleanor wins everyone over with her strong faith in God and her sense of fun! She was exactly the one Adam and Hannah needed to bring some life and love back into their lives.
April 5, 2012
I really enjoyed these books because they are set back in the 1800's! Both authors did their research thoroughly and portrayed the time period very well. In the first book,"Her Christmas Family," Tate Winter struggles with love and acceptance because of physical disability. He also struggled with trust issues because his first wife left him. His daughter, Gertie,posts a mail order bride advertisement and Felicity Sawyer answers. Felicity is fiesty and determined. She has an awesome faith that never waivers.
In the second book,"Christmas Stars for Dry Creek," Adam Martin is a Sergeant in the Army. He struggles with some of the same issues as Tate does. His first wife was a sophisicated lady and he was never really happy in the marriage. His mother thought his first wife was perfect for him because she was well-to-do. Adam's daughter, Hannah posts a advertisement for a wife for her dad and Eleanor McBride answers it. Like Felicity she is fiesty and determined and she never loses her faith.
To find if they become families you are going to have to read the book!
In the second book,"Christmas Stars for Dry Creek," Adam Martin is a Sergeant in the Army. He struggles with some of the same issues as Tate does. His first wife was a sophisicated lady and he was never really happy in the marriage. His mother thought his first wife was perfect for him because she was well-to-do. Adam's daughter, Hannah posts a advertisement for a wife for her dad and Eleanor McBride answers it. Like Felicity she is fiesty and determined and she never loses her faith.
To find if they become families you are going to have to read the book!
June 12, 2013
3.5 Stars
Okay, so I read this long after I read the sequel Mail Order Holiday Brides. I decided I liked the 2nd one a little bit better than this one... no clue as to why, it just rubbed me that way lol. And since I was told that the 3rd book is coming out this Christmas, I just had to bring myself up to speed with Felicity and Eleanor's stories:)
Awaiting anxiously for the next 'victims' :P
Okay, so I read this long after I read the sequel Mail Order Holiday Brides. I decided I liked the 2nd one a little bit better than this one... no clue as to why, it just rubbed me that way lol. And since I was told that the 3rd book is coming out this Christmas, I just had to bring myself up to speed with Felicity and Eleanor's stories:)
Awaiting anxiously for the next 'victims' :P
February 1, 2013
This book is a great book for anyone who wants to learn about the 1800's style of marriage or for just reading about romance in general. I love how this book had two different stories in it but they related to each other. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a christian-based romance book and to learn something historical too!
October 13, 2014
My first book finished for 2012, and I most certainly started my year off right. :) Two sweet stories by two favorite authors of mine! I love the whole mail order bride setup, it's definite favorite of mine. Love ladies of spunk and compassion finding a new life and new love. Sigh. :)
January 18, 2020
Mail-Order Christmas Brides:
Overall- 3 stars
Her Christmas Family By: Jillian Hart - 2.5-3 stars
A little girl wants a mother for Christmas. Her father, Tate doesn’t have it in him to open his heart to love again. When Felicity arrives, answering his advertisement for a mail-order bride for the sake of his daughter, Tate begins to regret sending for her as soon as he sees her.
This story had the potential to be a five star read but unfortunately the writing feel flat. The plot was very slow-paced and as I was reflecting on it when I finished, not much really happened during the story. I lost interest about halfway through and I had to push myself to finish. I did enjoy the characters and the setting in Angel Falls.
Christmas Stars For Dry Creek By: Janet Tronstand- 3 stars
Sargent Adam Martin is in need of a mother for his crippled daughter. Eleanor McBride has given up all hopes of finding romance for herself but she has always wanted to be a mother. After agreeing to going out West to be the mother Hannah needs, doubts in Eleanor and her capability begin to arise.
Overall, I liked the story. I enjoyed Adam and Eleanor’s personalities, they were both well written. I felt they complemented each other perfectly. It was neat that both of these short stories in this anthology intertwined ever so slightly. Unfortunately that’s where my positive opinions of the book ends. I couldn’t stand Adam’s mother, it drove me nuts how awful she was to Eleanor, especially after all Eleanor has been through and risked in agreeing to this arrangement. I know we are meant not to like Mrs. Martin but I really couldn’t stand her. In my opinion, we got too much of her in this short story. I wish we would’ve seen more of Hannah in the story. It wasn’t the worst anthology I’ve read but it certainly wasn’t the best.
Overall- 3 stars
Her Christmas Family By: Jillian Hart - 2.5-3 stars
A little girl wants a mother for Christmas. Her father, Tate doesn’t have it in him to open his heart to love again. When Felicity arrives, answering his advertisement for a mail-order bride for the sake of his daughter, Tate begins to regret sending for her as soon as he sees her.
This story had the potential to be a five star read but unfortunately the writing feel flat. The plot was very slow-paced and as I was reflecting on it when I finished, not much really happened during the story. I lost interest about halfway through and I had to push myself to finish. I did enjoy the characters and the setting in Angel Falls.
Christmas Stars For Dry Creek By: Janet Tronstand- 3 stars
Sargent Adam Martin is in need of a mother for his crippled daughter. Eleanor McBride has given up all hopes of finding romance for herself but she has always wanted to be a mother. After agreeing to going out West to be the mother Hannah needs, doubts in Eleanor and her capability begin to arise.
Overall, I liked the story. I enjoyed Adam and Eleanor’s personalities, they were both well written. I felt they complemented each other perfectly. It was neat that both of these short stories in this anthology intertwined ever so slightly. Unfortunately that’s where my positive opinions of the book ends. I couldn’t stand Adam’s mother, it drove me nuts how awful she was to Eleanor, especially after all Eleanor has been through and risked in agreeing to this arrangement. I know we are meant not to like Mrs. Martin but I really couldn’t stand her. In my opinion, we got too much of her in this short story. I wish we would’ve seen more of Hannah in the story. It wasn’t the worst anthology I’ve read but it certainly wasn’t the best.
December 14, 2018
Remind me that I don't like Hart's writing style.
These two stories were sweet, but too similar and not very believable for me. Emotional barriers came crashing down too abruptly, IMHO, especially in the first novella. Besides that, they both have a mail-order bride, who agreed to the scheme because there was a daughter involved; both stories had a long-lasting leg injury; someone who was determined to get rid of the bride; an instant connection between bride and daughter; and another instant connection between bride and groom, even though both tried to ignore/deny it.
I think my favorite thing is that the two brides met on the train and became friends. And really, that's such a tiny, insignificant detail that it shouldn't even be in the running for "Favorite Part," let alone win the award. But win this detail did, because I couldn't believe most of the others.
But if you like far-fetched, clean, Christmas romances, go for it!
These two stories were sweet, but too similar and not very believable for me. Emotional barriers came crashing down too abruptly, IMHO, especially in the first novella. Besides that, they both have a mail-order bride, who agreed to the scheme because there was a daughter involved; both stories had a long-lasting leg injury; someone who was determined to get rid of the bride; an instant connection between bride and daughter; and another instant connection between bride and groom, even though both tried to ignore/deny it.
I think my favorite thing is that the two brides met on the train and became friends. And really, that's such a tiny, insignificant detail that it shouldn't even be in the running for "Favorite Part," let alone win the award. But win this detail did, because I couldn't believe most of the others.
But if you like far-fetched, clean, Christmas romances, go for it!
December 1, 2023
The first one was a little trite. The hero a little pathetic. Probably a 3.
However the mother in law in the second one would have made Cruella Deville look passive. If I were her son I wouldn't let her with in a hundred miles of my daughter. His mother was nasty ,mean, vicious and an ignorant bigot to boot. Why would the daughter in law ever try to be nice to her? Kick her to the curb. Definitely a 1.
However the mother in law in the second one would have made Cruella Deville look passive. If I were her son I wouldn't let her with in a hundred miles of my daughter. His mother was nasty ,mean, vicious and an ignorant bigot to boot. Why would the daughter in law ever try to be nice to her? Kick her to the curb. Definitely a 1.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2018
good book.
August 31, 2021
Mail-Order Christmas Brides
Mail order brides and Christmas, my favorite books to read about. Two stories of women that came west to become part of a family. Good clean romance.
Mail order brides and Christmas, my favorite books to read about. Two stories of women that came west to become part of a family. Good clean romance.
February 12, 2022
Very enjoyable read. I loved *Her Christmas Family* by Jillian Hart
October 25, 2024
Great story
Wonderful story. Characters well written and storyline tugged at your heart.
Well worth the price.
And great Christmas love story
Wonderful story. Characters well written and storyline tugged at your heart.
Well worth the price.
And great Christmas love story
October 26, 2024
Wonderful story characters are relatable and believable
June 16, 2019
The cover of this omnibus is what sold me on the book; I was not familiar with either author. Obviously, these two writers are friends and decided to write a novella each about a pair of older women planning to marry unknown men (contracted via mail) after a long train ride from the East. The stories are similar; the men have advertised for a wife because of their need of someone to care for a daughter. Love doesn't seem to be offered by either man; each woman understands that the man is motivated by concern for his growing child.
Please note: This book is published under the "Love Inspired" banner, which means that God is an important factor in each novella.
Her Christmas Family (Jillian Hart)
By the time Felicity Sawyer boards the train, she is already in love with her new daughter, Gertie. Through their letters, they have already established a strong bond. Gertie's father, however, is another matter. Tate Winters has been beaten down by life and is uninterested in any more emotional attachments.
Two people could not be more unlikely to be happy with each other than these two. Felicity always sees the glass as half-full; Tate has already drunk the last of the water in his glass because he knows it won't last. Much of the story is told in the internal dialogue of the two main characters. I felt more emotionally connected to this couple because of Hart's masterful writing.
Christmas Stars for Dry Creek (Janet Tronstad)
This novella proves the point that marriage is a series of compromises. An over-bearing future mother-in-law almost dooms this marriage to failure before it begins. Mrs. Martin has taken care of Hannah since Adam's first wife died in a fire while he was away on patrol. She treats her granddaughter as a permanent invalid.
Adam Martin has just retired from the army so he can take care of his seriously injured daughter. He is delighted to meet Eleanor and sees her resourcefulness and industry. However, Mrs. Martin chips away at Eleanor's sense of worth until Eleanor is ready to leave.
Please note: This book is published under the "Love Inspired" banner, which means that God is an important factor in each novella.
Her Christmas Family (Jillian Hart)
By the time Felicity Sawyer boards the train, she is already in love with her new daughter, Gertie. Through their letters, they have already established a strong bond. Gertie's father, however, is another matter. Tate Winters has been beaten down by life and is uninterested in any more emotional attachments.
Two people could not be more unlikely to be happy with each other than these two. Felicity always sees the glass as half-full; Tate has already drunk the last of the water in his glass because he knows it won't last. Much of the story is told in the internal dialogue of the two main characters. I felt more emotionally connected to this couple because of Hart's masterful writing.
Christmas Stars for Dry Creek (Janet Tronstad)
This novella proves the point that marriage is a series of compromises. An over-bearing future mother-in-law almost dooms this marriage to failure before it begins. Mrs. Martin has taken care of Hannah since Adam's first wife died in a fire while he was away on patrol. She treats her granddaughter as a permanent invalid.
Adam Martin has just retired from the army so he can take care of his seriously injured daughter. He is delighted to meet Eleanor and sees her resourcefulness and industry. However, Mrs. Martin chips away at Eleanor's sense of worth until Eleanor is ready to leave.
January 22, 2012
"Mail Order Christmas Brides" contains to short novellas that take place during Dec. 1884 in Montana Territory. While the stories are written by two different authors, Jillian Hart and Janet Tronstad the two stories do connect, because the mail order brides ride the train to Montana Territory together.
"Her Christmas Family" by Jillian Hart is the story of one little girls hope for a new mother for Christmas. Tate Winters life was in a shambles, but he couldn't say no to his eight year old daughter Gertie when she wished for a mommy, he puts an ad in the paper for a mother for his daughter. Felicity Sawyer has always wanted a family of her own, and when she reads an ad in the paper for someone looking for a mother for their little girl she decides to respond, and heads off for Montana Territory. Will she find the family she longs for, and will Gertie have a mother for Christmas?
Even though this story was short it was rich in detail and characters. The plot of this story drew me in immediately making me hope for the best for the characters. I also enjoyed the inspirational message woven in.
"Christmas Stars for Dry Creek" by Janet Tronstad is the second story in the book.
It's a rocky start for Eleanor McBride when she answers an ad for a mail order bride for Sergeant Adam Martin. Twelve days had passed and still Adam Martin hadn't showed up at the cabin that was supposed to become their home. His daughter Hannah had been staying in Ohio with Adam's mother but the plan was that Hannah was coming home to stay with her and Adam. When they finally show up Eleanor falls in love with Hannah, but the mother-in-law to be is determined that Eleanor won't marry her son. Will things work out for Adam and Eleanor?
I really enjoyed the character of Eleanor. She was such a strong, smart woman. It seemed that no matter what problems Adam's mother threw at her Eleanor managed just fine. I always love when an animal is included in a story and in this one there is the tiny calico kitten that Eleanor rescued from the railroad tracks. A very well written story with the message of forgiveness and faith woven in.
I really enjoyed both stories in this book, and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a Christmas theme. If you have never read anything by these two authors then this book allows you to sample their fantastic writing skills.
rating 5/5
"Her Christmas Family" by Jillian Hart is the story of one little girls hope for a new mother for Christmas. Tate Winters life was in a shambles, but he couldn't say no to his eight year old daughter Gertie when she wished for a mommy, he puts an ad in the paper for a mother for his daughter. Felicity Sawyer has always wanted a family of her own, and when she reads an ad in the paper for someone looking for a mother for their little girl she decides to respond, and heads off for Montana Territory. Will she find the family she longs for, and will Gertie have a mother for Christmas?
Even though this story was short it was rich in detail and characters. The plot of this story drew me in immediately making me hope for the best for the characters. I also enjoyed the inspirational message woven in.
"Christmas Stars for Dry Creek" by Janet Tronstad is the second story in the book.
It's a rocky start for Eleanor McBride when she answers an ad for a mail order bride for Sergeant Adam Martin. Twelve days had passed and still Adam Martin hadn't showed up at the cabin that was supposed to become their home. His daughter Hannah had been staying in Ohio with Adam's mother but the plan was that Hannah was coming home to stay with her and Adam. When they finally show up Eleanor falls in love with Hannah, but the mother-in-law to be is determined that Eleanor won't marry her son. Will things work out for Adam and Eleanor?
I really enjoyed the character of Eleanor. She was such a strong, smart woman. It seemed that no matter what problems Adam's mother threw at her Eleanor managed just fine. I always love when an animal is included in a story and in this one there is the tiny calico kitten that Eleanor rescued from the railroad tracks. A very well written story with the message of forgiveness and faith woven in.
I really enjoyed both stories in this book, and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a Christmas theme. If you have never read anything by these two authors then this book allows you to sample their fantastic writing skills.
rating 5/5
January 18, 2012
Mail-Order Christmas Brides by Jillian Hart & Janet Tronstad
I received a free copy of this book from one of the authors, but I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
Mail-Order Christmas Brides is a historical fiction book which has two novellas: Her Family Christmas by Jillian Hart, and Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad.
In Her Family Christmas we meet Felicity Sawyer who is headed to become the mother of young Gertie Winters. Gertie's father, Tate, is not seeking a bride so much as a mother for his daughter. But when he meets Felicity he can't help but wonder why someone who beautiful would be a mail-order bride. Not to mention, Tate has a secret, one he is hesitant to share, and one he feels is a good reason that Felicity could never care of him. His life has been hard, and all he wants is what is best for his daughter. Could that be Felicity? Or is there someone better out there?
Read Her Family Christmas to find out!
In Christmas Stars for Dry Creek we meet Eleanor McBride, another young woman off to be a mail order bride. Eleanor has found a man to marry with the help of her employer and is ready to be a wife and mother. Yet when she meets her future family in Dry Creek things get messy and fast. As it turns out her future husband, Adam Martin, is very close with his mother. And Mrs. Martin has a distinct distaste for Eleanor. In fact, she wants Eleanor gone, and quickly. Is Dry Creek Eleanor's new home? Or will she have to return to her old employer and start anew to find her family?
Read Christmas Stars for Dry Creek to find out!
Talk about a sweet Christmas read. This book echoes the spirit of Christmas love that we all adore, but that so many of us miss. Every time I read a mail-order bride book I cannot help but be terrified for the young women. To have such faith that heading to an entirely new place to meet a man they never had before and marry him quickly would work out is amazing! But it could also go so terribly wrong. Around Christmastime we all want to settle down with something sweet, short and heartwarming and this book definitely qualifies!
While somewhat predictable, it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of this beautiful set of novellas.
Three and a half out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book from one of the authors, but I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
Mail-Order Christmas Brides is a historical fiction book which has two novellas: Her Family Christmas by Jillian Hart, and Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad.
In Her Family Christmas we meet Felicity Sawyer who is headed to become the mother of young Gertie Winters. Gertie's father, Tate, is not seeking a bride so much as a mother for his daughter. But when he meets Felicity he can't help but wonder why someone who beautiful would be a mail-order bride. Not to mention, Tate has a secret, one he is hesitant to share, and one he feels is a good reason that Felicity could never care of him. His life has been hard, and all he wants is what is best for his daughter. Could that be Felicity? Or is there someone better out there?
Read Her Family Christmas to find out!
In Christmas Stars for Dry Creek we meet Eleanor McBride, another young woman off to be a mail order bride. Eleanor has found a man to marry with the help of her employer and is ready to be a wife and mother. Yet when she meets her future family in Dry Creek things get messy and fast. As it turns out her future husband, Adam Martin, is very close with his mother. And Mrs. Martin has a distinct distaste for Eleanor. In fact, she wants Eleanor gone, and quickly. Is Dry Creek Eleanor's new home? Or will she have to return to her old employer and start anew to find her family?
Read Christmas Stars for Dry Creek to find out!
Talk about a sweet Christmas read. This book echoes the spirit of Christmas love that we all adore, but that so many of us miss. Every time I read a mail-order bride book I cannot help but be terrified for the young women. To have such faith that heading to an entirely new place to meet a man they never had before and marry him quickly would work out is amazing! But it could also go so terribly wrong. Around Christmastime we all want to settle down with something sweet, short and heartwarming and this book definitely qualifies!
While somewhat predictable, it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of this beautiful set of novellas.
Three and a half out of five stars.
December 28, 2011
I loved the two different stories as they did intertwine a bit. In the first story, Her Christmas Family we have Felicity Sawyer who had answered Tate's ad about a mail order bride. Felicity immediately feel in love with his daughter Gertie through their letters. Once she steps off the train it took a few minutes but they found each other. Tate thinks he made a mistake and tries to send Felicity back on the first day. He thinks he won't measure up. Gertie and Felicity take up with each other from day one and you can feel the love from the pages. After some rough starts and some self esteem issues Tate starts to see Felicity in a new light and the family starts to come together.
I enjoyed the characters and the way they worked things out like a family should.
The second story, Christmas Stars for Dry Creek was interesting. Felicity and Eleanor became fast friends on the train. They departed ways to meet the same fate marrying someone they answered an ad to. For Eleanor it was Sergeant Adam Martin. He too has a daughter he would like to have a mom for. When Eleanor gets off the train she has Adam's neighbors come to greet her as he is still away on his last mission. For a few days Eleanor is on her own waiting for Adam and his daughter Hannah to show up. Once they do they also came along with Adam's mother. From the start you could tell Adam's mother takes a dislike to Eleanor and thinks she is beneath the family. She even goes as far as to tell her so. Adam and Hannah start to really care of Eleanor and he lets his mom know this. After trying to send Eleanor on her way, embarrassing her and putting her down, the two woman start to get along and grow on each other, but will Eleanor stay?
Another great read as love comes to the surface and the family grows.
Both of these stories were well written and bring out several emotions. This is a must read in my opinion.
I enjoyed the characters and the way they worked things out like a family should.
The second story, Christmas Stars for Dry Creek was interesting. Felicity and Eleanor became fast friends on the train. They departed ways to meet the same fate marrying someone they answered an ad to. For Eleanor it was Sergeant Adam Martin. He too has a daughter he would like to have a mom for. When Eleanor gets off the train she has Adam's neighbors come to greet her as he is still away on his last mission. For a few days Eleanor is on her own waiting for Adam and his daughter Hannah to show up. Once they do they also came along with Adam's mother. From the start you could tell Adam's mother takes a dislike to Eleanor and thinks she is beneath the family. She even goes as far as to tell her so. Adam and Hannah start to really care of Eleanor and he lets his mom know this. After trying to send Eleanor on her way, embarrassing her and putting her down, the two woman start to get along and grow on each other, but will Eleanor stay?
Another great read as love comes to the surface and the family grows.
Both of these stories were well written and bring out several emotions. This is a must read in my opinion.
March 10, 2015
Two authors, two stories, interwoven (but honestly? Not.) We're told two women going west to be mail order brides meet on a train, and are going to keep in contact. They talk about it, in the stories, but they don't, really. It's just a ploy for two authors to stick two short stories in one tiny, skinny book.
The first is the better of the two, but it's done poorly. Tate needs a mom for his daughter, but after being beaten, robbed, framed, imprisoned, abandoned by his wife... he doesn't want a new woman. Along comes a 'fairy tale princess' who is so perfect, we can't understand as the reader WHY she was never adopted or married up. She sews, sings, crochets, cooks, makes snow angels, rides... WHY?
Then there's the writing. FYI, Jillian, Hebrews 11:1 doesn't promise a good future. (?!) And the wording...! "Apology cracked the crevice of stone." (?!) And Tate goes from wounded hero to sweet and loving in two days, from crippled to down on his knees pledging love in two days. What. Ever.
The second story was just hollow. An Army captain buys a shack, orders a bride, and isn't even done with his current assignment. There's no food, no wood to heat, no chinking in the logs of the cabin, and there she sits... until he shows up with his snobby well-bred mother (who hates her) and daughter (who should be a part of the story, but isn't). Naturally he falls in insta-luvv with the big-boned, frizzy haired and freckled sheep-herder girl who can't cook, can't knit, can't decorate, has no manners and doesn't really win our hearts, let alone the girl she was brought out to mother. All the while, the author refers to her as 'his new recruit' and compares her to a green soldier under his command. (?!) And yet somehow we're supposed to feel a relationship blooming. It didn't happen.
Was. Not. Impressed.
The first is the better of the two, but it's done poorly. Tate needs a mom for his daughter, but after being beaten, robbed, framed, imprisoned, abandoned by his wife... he doesn't want a new woman. Along comes a 'fairy tale princess' who is so perfect, we can't understand as the reader WHY she was never adopted or married up. She sews, sings, crochets, cooks, makes snow angels, rides... WHY?
Then there's the writing. FYI, Jillian, Hebrews 11:1 doesn't promise a good future. (?!) And the wording...! "Apology cracked the crevice of stone." (?!) And Tate goes from wounded hero to sweet and loving in two days, from crippled to down on his knees pledging love in two days. What. Ever.
The second story was just hollow. An Army captain buys a shack, orders a bride, and isn't even done with his current assignment. There's no food, no wood to heat, no chinking in the logs of the cabin, and there she sits... until he shows up with his snobby well-bred mother (who hates her) and daughter (who should be a part of the story, but isn't). Naturally he falls in insta-luvv with the big-boned, frizzy haired and freckled sheep-herder girl who can't cook, can't knit, can't decorate, has no manners and doesn't really win our hearts, let alone the girl she was brought out to mother. All the while, the author refers to her as 'his new recruit' and compares her to a green soldier under his command. (?!) And yet somehow we're supposed to feel a relationship blooming. It didn't happen.
Was. Not. Impressed.
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY:
Her Christmas Family by Jillian Hart
"Please be my ma for Christmas." Felicity Sawyer can't resist little Gertie's heartfelt letter. Tate Winters seeks a bride for Gertie's sake, not his own. But as his reserve thaws before Felicity's sunny optimism, this new family learns that togetherness is the best way to celebrate the season.
Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Eleanor McBride's outgrown her dreams of romance—but not her wishes for motherhood. Wedding Sergeant Adam Martin will give her a daughter to cherish. Yet it's not just shy, sweet Hannah who's captured her affections. And Eleanor's arrival in Dry Creek could be the start of a journey to true love.…
REVIEW: This collection of 2 Mail Order Christmas Bride stories is tied together by the fact that the two mail order brides met on the train traveling west to meet their future husbands. Both men and widowers with young daughters who need mothers, and both men have pasts that they can't forgive. Both stories are sweet, quick reads focusing on the mail-order brides and their abilities to bring peace to their future husbands' hearts, souls and minds and reminding us all of the birth of Jesus that brought us that hope.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Sometimes a heart is broken too many times and there is no way to put it back together again."
"That's all behind you now. The past is gone. It's today that matters."
"She knew you didn't always feel a great loss all at once. It could come in stages, first a great numbing realization. Followed by a crushing strike that booted her between the ribs. Finally came the tearing anguish of her heart shattering. Hope and her dreams leaked out of her. No, wait those were tears."
Her Christmas Family by Jillian Hart
"Please be my ma for Christmas." Felicity Sawyer can't resist little Gertie's heartfelt letter. Tate Winters seeks a bride for Gertie's sake, not his own. But as his reserve thaws before Felicity's sunny optimism, this new family learns that togetherness is the best way to celebrate the season.
Christmas Stars for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Eleanor McBride's outgrown her dreams of romance—but not her wishes for motherhood. Wedding Sergeant Adam Martin will give her a daughter to cherish. Yet it's not just shy, sweet Hannah who's captured her affections. And Eleanor's arrival in Dry Creek could be the start of a journey to true love.…
REVIEW: This collection of 2 Mail Order Christmas Bride stories is tied together by the fact that the two mail order brides met on the train traveling west to meet their future husbands. Both men and widowers with young daughters who need mothers, and both men have pasts that they can't forgive. Both stories are sweet, quick reads focusing on the mail-order brides and their abilities to bring peace to their future husbands' hearts, souls and minds and reminding us all of the birth of Jesus that brought us that hope.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Sometimes a heart is broken too many times and there is no way to put it back together again."
"That's all behind you now. The past is gone. It's today that matters."
"She knew you didn't always feel a great loss all at once. It could come in stages, first a great numbing realization. Followed by a crushing strike that booted her between the ribs. Finally came the tearing anguish of her heart shattering. Hope and her dreams leaked out of her. No, wait those were tears."
November 19, 2012
This was a really sweet collection of 2 novellas: one from one of my favourite Love Inspired authors (Jillian Hart), and the other from an author I'd not yet read.
The first story was about Felicity. She was orphaned at a young age, and has been virtually alone in life since she was 11. Wanting a family of her own, especially a child, she answers Tate Winters' ad for a mail-order bride. Tate wants a mother for his daughter, but is convinced that the hurt and betrayal he faced at the hands of his first wife have left him unable to love again.
The second story was about Eleanor, who has answered a mail-order bride ad on the express advice of her soon-to-be former employer. Adam Martin, the groom-to-be, wants a mother for his little girl, but soon realises that Eleanor is just the kind of woman he wants as his wife. Adam's mother, however, believes Eleanor is not the right choice for her son and granddaughter, and makes no bones about it.
In both of these stories, the question is asked: will love (and Christmas blessings) be able to overcome the obstacles that face these couples? Since these are romance novels, the answer is 'yes', but the paths used to get the reader to that 'yes' are intriguing. I especially enjoyed how the authors created a connection between the 2 stories, by having Felicity and Eleanor strike up a friendship on the train to Montana Territory.
I have been a fan of Jillian Hart's for a while, and this story cemented even further my love of her writing style. This is the first time I'd read something by Janet Tronstad, and because of this story, I will be putting her on my list of authors to read!
The first story was about Felicity. She was orphaned at a young age, and has been virtually alone in life since she was 11. Wanting a family of her own, especially a child, she answers Tate Winters' ad for a mail-order bride. Tate wants a mother for his daughter, but is convinced that the hurt and betrayal he faced at the hands of his first wife have left him unable to love again.
The second story was about Eleanor, who has answered a mail-order bride ad on the express advice of her soon-to-be former employer. Adam Martin, the groom-to-be, wants a mother for his little girl, but soon realises that Eleanor is just the kind of woman he wants as his wife. Adam's mother, however, believes Eleanor is not the right choice for her son and granddaughter, and makes no bones about it.
In both of these stories, the question is asked: will love (and Christmas blessings) be able to overcome the obstacles that face these couples? Since these are romance novels, the answer is 'yes', but the paths used to get the reader to that 'yes' are intriguing. I especially enjoyed how the authors created a connection between the 2 stories, by having Felicity and Eleanor strike up a friendship on the train to Montana Territory.
I have been a fan of Jillian Hart's for a while, and this story cemented even further my love of her writing style. This is the first time I'd read something by Janet Tronstad, and because of this story, I will be putting her on my list of authors to read!
November 6, 2011
I just love both of these authors in this book Mail Order Christmas Brides, Jillian Hart with "Her Christmas Family" is wonderful story of Felicity Sawyer going to be a bride of man she does not know, he has a little girl and she wants to be a mama. Tate is a rough man more to hide his true feelings then anything and it takes awhile for Felicity to understand this type of man. Jillian is good at showing us how both man and woman feel about their lives and what happens when they meet and must learn to compromise.
the second story was by Janet Tronstad and she always writes a good story about "Dry Creek" this one "Christmas Stars for Dry Creek" story about Eleanor McBride who knows that if she marries Sergeant Adam Martin she will get to be Hannah's Mama. Eleanor arrives and is met by a neigbor and taken to Adams cabin which is very crude, not much food or firewood, she has several days alone before Adam returns with his Mom and his daughter and she has some soul searching to do with this aloneness. she is a stubborn woman and will survive as she waits alone, she even catches some fish from the creek to eat as foodstuffs gets lean. When she meets the Sergent, he is so military like that she wonders if she will be able to love this man but meeting Hannah is all she expected and the little girl took to her right away, they became close. The Sergent's Mom though was another thing, she did not take to Elanor and thought the young woman was wrong for her son. It takes some time for these women to become friends and for a wedding to occur as a blizzard soon comes after all are together. You will like reading these stories.
the second story was by Janet Tronstad and she always writes a good story about "Dry Creek" this one "Christmas Stars for Dry Creek" story about Eleanor McBride who knows that if she marries Sergeant Adam Martin she will get to be Hannah's Mama. Eleanor arrives and is met by a neigbor and taken to Adams cabin which is very crude, not much food or firewood, she has several days alone before Adam returns with his Mom and his daughter and she has some soul searching to do with this aloneness. she is a stubborn woman and will survive as she waits alone, she even catches some fish from the creek to eat as foodstuffs gets lean. When she meets the Sergent, he is so military like that she wonders if she will be able to love this man but meeting Hannah is all she expected and the little girl took to her right away, they became close. The Sergent's Mom though was another thing, she did not take to Elanor and thought the young woman was wrong for her son. It takes some time for these women to become friends and for a wedding to occur as a blizzard soon comes after all are together. You will like reading these stories.
April 28, 2013
Her Christmas Family
by Jillian Hart
Gertie Winters wanted a ma for Christmas and Tate,her father, will do anything to please her since her mother died while he was in prison and she was sent to an orphanage until her aunt Ing went and found her. Felicity Sawyer was raised in an orphanage and has spent her life looking for her sisters. Gertie wrote to Felicity begging her to be her ma, Felicity gladly agrees and takes the train to meet them. When the train arrives that is supposed to bring Felicity, Tate and Gertie can't find her, then as they are leaving someone calls out Gertie's name and they stop in their tracks. Tate can't believe the lady in the yellow dress is Felicity, she'll never follow through on her agreement to marry him, how will Gertie handle this?
Christmas Stars for Dry Creek
by Janet Tronstad
Eleanor McBride has been sitting in an old cabin for twelve days with little to no food and no wood for the fireplace to keep warm, what she had she saved for cooking. Will Sergeant Adam Martin show up with his daughter or not? She had agreed to marry him when she was kicked out of her home and lost her job. After all it was her boss, Mrs Stout who had exchanged letters with Sergeant Martin's mother trying to find her a place to go. What will she do if they don't show up and would his mother still approve of her if she finds out that she is a Hamilton, but was disowned by them?
Two touching stories by two great authors!
by Jillian Hart
Gertie Winters wanted a ma for Christmas and Tate,her father, will do anything to please her since her mother died while he was in prison and she was sent to an orphanage until her aunt Ing went and found her. Felicity Sawyer was raised in an orphanage and has spent her life looking for her sisters. Gertie wrote to Felicity begging her to be her ma, Felicity gladly agrees and takes the train to meet them. When the train arrives that is supposed to bring Felicity, Tate and Gertie can't find her, then as they are leaving someone calls out Gertie's name and they stop in their tracks. Tate can't believe the lady in the yellow dress is Felicity, she'll never follow through on her agreement to marry him, how will Gertie handle this?
Christmas Stars for Dry Creek
by Janet Tronstad
Eleanor McBride has been sitting in an old cabin for twelve days with little to no food and no wood for the fireplace to keep warm, what she had she saved for cooking. Will Sergeant Adam Martin show up with his daughter or not? She had agreed to marry him when she was kicked out of her home and lost her job. After all it was her boss, Mrs Stout who had exchanged letters with Sergeant Martin's mother trying to find her a place to go. What will she do if they don't show up and would his mother still approve of her if she finds out that she is a Hamilton, but was disowned by them?
Two touching stories by two great authors!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews