Wild West Christmas

Smoke River #1.5

by Jenna Kernan, Kathryn Albright, Lynna Banning

CURL UP WITH A COWBOY THIS CHRISTMAS WITH THESE THREE HEARTWARMING TALES A FAMILY FOR THE RANCHER Two years ago Dillen Roach fell for wealthy debutante Alice Truett. Now she’s at his door with his orphaned nephews in tow! Could Alice be the perfect Christmas gift for this solitary rancher? DANCE WITH A COWBOY Kathleen Sheridan is determined to leave the tragedy of her past behind her – including brooding cowboy Garrett. But, with Christmas magic in the air, can she resist the warmth of his touch? CHRISTMAS IN SMOKE RIVER Gale McBurney is an utter mystery to rich city girl Lilah Cornwell. But to make Smoke River her home by Christmas she’ll have to let this rugged cattleman take the reins…

Genres: Christmas, Historical Romance, Romance, Westerns, Anthologies, Historical

Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

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Find my social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jennakernan

Here's a bit more about me...

Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Jenna Kernan has written over forty novels, most recently penning domestic thrillers. Her debut thriller, A Killer's Daughter, won the bronze medal in popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards in 2021. Jenna’s 2022 domestic thriller, The Ex-Wives, won the gold medal in the same category. The Nurse, was released in 2023, The Patient's Daughter released in 2024, and The Fake Mother in 2025. Her thrillers are intense, unsettling, and gripping with unexpected twists and turns.
Jenna began her writing journey penning historical romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Find them here: https://www.jennakernan.com/books-1
A member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Florida Mystery Writers and Novelists, Inc. and a natural redhead living with her husband on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jenna has recently increased her sunblock to SPF 50.

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Reviews

[Mariana]

I had only read Jenna Kernan before. I actually read the book for hers, the first novella; but I enjoyed the second one the most. I plan to read more by Kathryn Albright.

[Susan]

A FAMILY FOR THE RANCHER by Jenna Kernan

Two years ago, Dillen Roach fell for wealthy debutante Alice Truett. Now she's at his door with his orphaned nephews in tow! Could Alice be the perfect Christmas gift for this solitary rancher?

Dillen had known Alice back in Omaha and fell in love with her before he knew she came from a wealthy family. Feeling that he wasn't good enough for her, he left her behind to try to make his fortune out west. Two years later he still hasn't achieved his dream, but finds out that Alice will be coming to Colorado to bring him his orphaned nephews. Because of a mix-up with telegrams he is unable to delay her.

Alice has never forgotten Dillen. When his sister, who was also her friend, dies Alice makes it her mission to take the orphaned boys to Dillen. She hopes that seeing him again will rekindle their romance. She doesn't expect him to be so unhappy to see her and determined to find other options for the boys. She convinces him to let her stay and help for awhile and tries to show him that she is able to handle the life.

Dillen has a couple issues working against him. The first is that his pride won't let him pursue his feelings for Alice. Her money has him convinced that he will never be good enough for her. Second is his fear that he isn't capable of properly raising the boys. He is only an employee, with no home of his own. He appreciates Alice's willingness to help, but doesn't think she'd want to stay for long.

I loved Alice's determination to show Dillen what she can do. She has her own fears about what she can do but works to overcome them. I love the way that she showed him that he is able to care for the boys. She also tried to show him that money doesn't matter to her, and she loved that he had cared for her before he knew about the money.

Dillen very nearly let his pride tear them apart again, but saw the truth in time. I loved the way that he went after Alice. It was quite dramatic and fun to read. I also liked seeing him admit his vulnerability to Alice as well as his love.






DANCE WITH A COWBOY by Kathryn Albright

Kathleen Sheridan is determined to leave the tragedy of her past behind her -- including brooding cowboy Garrett. But with Christmas magic in the air, can she resist the warmth of his touch?

Very good story. Kathleen had left Clear Springs five years earlier, after the death of her husband. She hadn't felt truly part of his family and thought things would be easier back in San Diego with her own family. It didn't turn out that way, as her family didn't like the Sheridans. They never forgave her for marrying one, and made their disapproval of her and her daughter clear. So she moved back to Clear Springs, determined to live her life on her own terms.

She hadn't been back long when she ran into Garrett, her late husband's brother. She had had a huge crush on Garrett when she was a girl, but he never gave any indication that he felt the same way. She later fell for Josh when he pursued her so avidly. Unfortunately the marriage hadn't been a happy one. Now that she's back, Garrett has made it clear that the Sheridans want to be part of her and Lily's lives and she's not sure she wants that.

Garrett is a very quiet man, one who has never been good with words. He first noticed Kathleen when she was about fourteen, but knew she was too young for his attentions. By the time he felt she was old enough his brother had already staked his claim. All he could do was watch and fume as he saw the way that Josh treated her. The night before Josh's death, they had had words and Garrett has felt guilty ever since. With Kathleen's return he is determined to watch out for her. He doesn't expect to find that his love for her is as strong as ever.

I loved the way that Garrett showed his love for Kathleen. He helped out with repairs at her aunt's home, he tried to make things easier for Kathleen. He tried to show her that the Sheridans considered her part of their family. I especially loved the way he stood up to her brother-in-law. He really wanted to speak of his feelings, but his guilt wouldn't let him. I was really rooting for him to overcome those feelings.

Kathleen started out trying to keep Garrett at a distance, but his attentions soon started to warm her up to him. She remembered the way she used to feel about him and found those feelings growing stronger. She was afraid that he was only being nice because of his guilty feelings once he confessed what had happened. She had a lot to think about before she could trust both his feelings and her own.






CHRISTMAS IN SMOKE RIVER by Lynna Banning


Gale McBurney is an utter mystery to rich "city girl" Lilah Cornwell. But to make Smoke River her home by Christmas, she'll have to let this rugged cattleman take the reins….

Lilah is a city girl from Philadelphia with aspirations to become a writer. Her aunt left her a house in Oregon and a great deal of money, so she moves there to start her career. When she arrives, she discovers that the house has been empty for years and is not in the best of conditions. She won't let that stop her and immediately begins her renovations, including planting flowers along the front of the yard.

Gale is the foreman of a local cattle ranch. While driving cattle to the train depot in town, several of them tore through Lilah's yard, destroying her fence and garden. Gale feels badly and stops by the house to tell the owner he will make the repairs. He is bowled over by Lilah's beauty and her fiery nature. He returns the next day to make the repairs and a friendship of sorts begins between them.

Gale is fascinated by Lilah and can't stay away from her. He finds himself going to visit her after his work is done, just to spend time with her. He doesn't understand what is happening to him, and at times the strength of his emotions overwhelms him. I loved seeing some of the things he did for her. I especially loved his treatment of the fence and garden and the impression it made on Lilah. Gale also shows himself to be a very sensitive man which made him even more appealing. He has an interesting hobby that ends up having a huge impact on their chances of a future together.

I loved Lilah's independence and sense of adventure. She is very shy and feels awkward around people, but she hasn't let it stop her from pursuing her dreams. She's furious with Gale at first over the damages done to her yard, but she's also intrigued by him. His frequent visits have her thinking about him constantly. I loved seeing how his influence had her trying new things and making new friends. I liked the mental conversations she had with her aunt when she was undecided on what she would do. There was an interesting twist to her aunt's past that had a big effect on Lilah's life.

It ached to see how much the two of them came to love each other but couldn't see a way to make a life together. Gale couldn't see a way that a ranch foreman could aspire to marry a wealthy woman. I loved seeing the ranch owner's wife, Alice, do everything she could to throw them together. I loved the way she finally made it happen.

The only thing that was a bit frustrating about the book was the frequent changes of point of view, with each change being a new chapter. It made the story feel a bit choppy.

[Shelley]

Doesn't the cover lady look like Jenna Coleman? The second story, by Kathryn Albright, was quite good and I enjoyed it a lot. The first was only notable for including a condom, which I've never seen in a Harlequin Historical, and the third was the weirdest story I've ever read from this brand - alternating 1st POV for the hero and heroine, who were so incredibly insipid and felt 12 years old. I read it from pure befused curiosity. Rather than just change POVs in a scene, it would require an entire new chapter, even if just for a page, and even if that meant one scene took 5 chapters. Props for tackling a style not usually (ever?) done in a brand, but it did not work for me at all. (Also, no cowboy will talk about tendrils of hair. None.)

[kate]

One out of three ain't bad

First story. He's poor but proud. She's rich and doesn't mind apologizing constantly for it. She's good at groveling. They have been playing this game for years. Oh the angst. His sister dies and leaves him two orphans. More angst. Eventually out of nowhere really a hea. BOOORING!

Second story. She's back in town after 5 years. An unmerry widow with child. Her husband was a jerk by the way. Just say'n. Anyway he(the hero) was always in love with her but she was married to his brother. Sticky. I'll be honest this one was a dnf. This couple was just miserable. Plus sleeping with your in laws is never a favorite story line for me.

Third story. Finally. A story about two grown ups. Nicely paced romance. They communicate. After they overcome their bumps in the road you know they really will have a hea. Not that the story really has anything to do with Christmas but who cares. This story seemed to get the most negative reviews but I liked it. The author changed point of view each chapter. Kind of a he said/she said style. It worked for me so there's my 4 stars.

[Nancy Luebke]

I enjoyed these three stories and I voluntarily chose to review these. I've given this set a 4.5* rating. There is just a little too much sexual content for the under 18 readers. However there was little jewels of content in each story to lighten the stories a bit. All three were good Western Romances.

[Kim Schellin-Rog]

This is a collection of three short stories. I enjoyed the first two. The third one just didn’t hold my attention.

[Kym McNabney]

A novella is not an easy task to undertake, but that is what all three authors did in WILD WEST CHRISTMAS: A FAMILY FOR THE RANCHER/DANCE WITH A COWBOY/CHRISTMAS IN SMOKE RIVER (HARLEQUIN HISTORICAL)

A FAMILY FOR THE RANCHER by JENNA KERNAN

A FAMILY FOR THE RANCHER is the first book I’ve read by JENNA KERNAN. I loved the storyline MS KERNAN created. Right away, it grabbed my attention.

Dillen Roach did just fine by himself. Well, fine might be stretching it...just a bit. When he sent off a message to two different parties, he is shocked when he discover he sent them to the wrong individuals.

Alice Truett is given a mission. A mission that seems to be a misunderstanding. One that just may lead to something she never expected.

DANCE WITH A COWBOY by KATHRYN ALBRIGHT

Truth be told, DANCE WITH A COWBOY by KATHRYN ALBRIGHT is why I wanted to read WILD WEST CHRISTMAS. I’ve previously read her books and loved them. THE ANGEL AND THE OUTLAW still holds a warm spot in my heart. MS ALBRIGHT is truly a gifted storyteller.

This is the first I have read of MS ALBRIGHT’S books that is not of Christian genre, and I have to be honest, I was a little surprised and worried. Especially when the first story in WILD WEST CHRISTMAS has cuss words on the first pages.

I soon realized my fears were unfounded. MS ALBRIGHT may have not woven in faith elements, but she also didn’t weave in anything that a Christian would find offense, or in question. For that, I applaud her. It is my belief that all authors could do the same.

Kathleen Sheridan is hesitant to see her in-laws. After all, the last time she saw them, they weren’t very welcoming.

Garrett Sheridan is on edge at that thought of seeing his brother’s wife. What was she up to, moving back to their little community? Even more perplexing, why hadn’t she come to visit his family?

CHRISTMAS IN SMOKE RIVER by LYNNA BANNING

This is the first time I’ve ever read anything by LYNNA BANNING, and I am terribly sadden to say that it will probably be the last. Not because is wasn’t good. No, just the opposite. It was amazing. What will keep me from purchasing her books in the future is the reason content.

I was shocked to see the word “Lord” and cuss words within the same pages. However, I do appreciate that she didn’t use foul language I loathe and that makes me cringe. The sexual content was far from the most explicit I’ve read, but I could have certainly done without it.

Gale McBurney is a private man. A man with secrets he keeps to himself. When he encounters the lovely Lilah Cornwell, all his plans to live alone is blow to the wind.

Lilah Cornwell, shy around others, likes to keep to herself. She does fine with her writing, and the flowers she loves to grow. When a handsome cowboy arrives at her door, offering to fix and paint her picket fence, she can’t decided if she loathes or likes the man.

MS BANNING is an amazing writer. I was blown away with the unique – at least to me – format she chose to write in. I have read first person, but I don’t recall ever reading first person in what I like to call “Cowboy” stories. It isn’t just the fact that she wrote in first person that makes her writing original. It’s the way she went about it. I loved that she started a new chapter with each person/point of view. The way she wrote, it was as if you are reading a personal journal, which was quite fascinating.

LYNNA BANNING spun together a complete story. Something not many authors are capable of doing in so few words. Truly amazing. Any author wanting to know what it takes to create a great novella, I’d urge you to read and study what MS BANNING has done in CHRISTMAS IN SMOKE RIVER. She has captured what it takes to write a complete and satisfying short story. Too often, they will start out fine, but soon turn into a rush of drama, action, and words. Often leaving you questioning the believability and feeling unsatisfied.

Now if only MS BANNING would try her hand at Christina fiction, I’d have a new favorite author. At the very least, keep all the foul language and sexual content out, and I’d be sure to purchase each she wrote.

*Please see my profile for more information on this review.

[Jerry Jares]

Because I've read several Lynna Banning books, I started with the last story first. It is a light-hearted story with a twist at the end. I don't believe I've read anything before by the first two authors and was delighted with the stories. Actually, I was impressed with each story, for differing reasons. They were all top-notch ways to while away some time reading.

A Family for the Rancher (Jenna Kernan) Alice Truett has the difficult job of taking two young boys to their uncle to raise. Both parents died and the mother's dying wish was for her brother to take the boys. Unfortunately, Dillen Roach isn't doing well and looks for another solution. In the story, it comes out that Alice and Dillen were interested in each other until Alice's money got in the way.

Dance with a Cowboy (Kathryn Albright) After losing her husband in a mining explosion, Kathleen went back home to have her baby. However, her parents were disappointed in her and Kathleen is now back where it all started. The Sheridan's want to claim her and her daughter, does she want to claim them?

Christmas in Smoke River (Lynna Banning) Rich, city-girl Lilah Cornwell has moved to Smoke River and is pursuing her goal to be a writer. She meets the foreman of the largest ranch in the area and is intrigued.

[Tony Parsons]

A Family for a rancher 3-179 Jenna Kernan; My favorite.

Set in 1880, Blue River Junction, CO., Dillen Roach (cowboy, showman, trick rider, marksman) was reading the letter from Alice Lorraine Pinter Truett (former sweetheart). Sylvie (Sylvia) Asher, Dillen sister was gone. She & her husband Ben Asher both died of Scarlet Fever.

Dillen went to the United Telegraph office he had to send 2 telegraphs. 1 to Alice & 1 to Todd Jackson.

Guess what not only Christmas Eve service but Reverend Middleton (Presbyterian) performed the ceremony. You may kiss the bride.

How will their lives turn out now?

Just not in my vocabulary “her folds.” But that’s steamy hot!

1 of my favorite childhood toys a sack of marbles.

Dance with a Cowboy 183-310 Kathryn Albright;

1882, Southern California Garrett Sheridan (28) & Eduardo Nuñez (20, ranch hand) worked on Sheridan family owned ranch taking care of Corriente steers.

Kathleen (Josh wife, nee McCrory) for some reason had come back to Clear Springs from San Diego & was working at Becker’s bakery. Sue Becker was the owner/boss.

Low/behold in walks Garrett. They reminisce.

This said it all. ”A Christmas miracle.”

Didn’t know they had darts back in them days

Christmas in Smoke River 318-471 Lynna Banning; It was just OK for me.

Lilah came from Philadelphia. Lilah had acquired a substantial amount of money & fixer-up house in Smoke River Oregon from the will of Aunt Carrie. Ms. Mollie (kitten) came with her.

Lilah had bought or ordered everything she needed from Edith Ness (owner) of Ness’s mercantile (Montgomery Ward catalogue).

What does Gale do at night in his spare time?

Will Lilah get to sell another story?

Will Gale & Lilah fall in love?

Very awesome book covers, great font & writing style. 3 very wonderful heart whelming well written old time western romance book. They were all very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. They would all make great western romance movies, or mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars for all 3 of them.

Thank you for the free book (Goodreads, Harlequin)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Annapoorni]

This is a collection of three love stories. What I liked about all three stories is the vivid descriptions that gives the reader an idea about the milieu of the stories.

A FAMILY FOR THE RANCHER by Jenna Kernan

Alice is the daughter of a wealthy doctor. Her best friend's death puts the orphan sons in Alice's care. entrusted with the job of taking them to their uncle, Alice travels to the ranch where Dillen, their uncle, works. As the story unfolds we get to know about the love between Alice and Dillen and what holds them back from each other.

DANCE WITH A COWBOY by Kathryn Albright

Kathleen is a widow who 5 years after her husband's death , returns to her hometown.How will she face her ex- in-laws, who did not even acknowledge the birth of her daughter Lily? Will Kathleen be able to carve out the life she wants for herself and her daughter?

CHRISTMAS IN SMOKE RIVER by Lynna Banning

A writer and a painter forced to work in a ranch! their passion pulls them towards each other...but their fears and ego?

[Lisa Montgomery]

I debated on whether to give these stories a 3 or a 4 on the rating scale. I wish there was a 3.5 rating possible.

"A Family for the Rancher" is by Jenna Kernan. The use of the mixed up telegrams sends the plot forward, forcing Dillon Roach to confront his feelings for Alice Truett, a woman he thinks is too far above him socially.

"Dance with a Cowboy" is by Kathryn Albright. Kathleen Sheridan's late husband woos her with a book of sonnets. In reality, his brother Garrett wrote the sonnets for Kathleen, but it takes 12 chapters to resolve the misunderstanding. I wasn't too impressed with Kathleen at the beginning of the story, but she improved with time.

"Christmas in Smoke River" is by Lynna Banning. The rotating chapters from first his and then her point of view. Their romance grows slowly which is a nice twist. One thing that bothered me in chapter 36 was Gale telling Lilah that he made $135 per month, not enough to support her. $135 after the American Civil War seemed a lot for the time period.

[Charlie]

A family for the Rancher - 2 stars / it was ok - I found myself skipping paragraphs in this one. Cute story I guess, but way too formula.

Dance with a Cowboy - 3 stars / I liked it - much better than the first, although again the ending was too much for me. All this internal turmoil and it's resolved with a few sentences? ugh

Christmas in Smoke River - 3 stars / I liked it - Can't decide if this was best or the second story.

Overall a quick easy read and fun for a zone-out evening

[Harlequin Books]

"A triple play of heartwarming holiday stores from authors who know all about the reality of the Wild West as well as the beauty, strength, love and pure joy of the holiday season. These lovely stories will have readers sighing with contentment" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).

[Regina]

Enjoyable. Quick, sweet, and romantic Christmas shorts set in the west. 3.2 stars

[Tammy]

I only gave this book 3 stars. Mostly because I didn't care for the third story. The first two stories were delightful however. The third one just wasn't my cup of tea I guess.

[Laura]

2.5* for me the last story was the weakest. The other two probably were 3*s but the last was a 2.