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Christmas with the Sheriff
(Shadow Creek, Montana #1)
by
After fleeing her beloved small town five years ago, Julia Bailey is back to spend Christmas with her family. Returning is hard, but keeping the devastating secret about her late husband is even harder. Her place isn't in Big Sky Country any longer...but the more time she spends with the irresistible Sheriff who saved her once before, and his adorable little daughter, the
...more
ebook, 151 pages
Published
November 7th 2016
by Entangled Publishing
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Start your review of Christmas with the Sheriff (Shadow Creek, Montana, #1)

5 - "...You came home for Christmas." Stars!
Victoria James starts a new Shadow Creek, Montana series, with an emotive and heartfelt, Christmas read, and be warned, Christmas with the Sheriff is a book that you are going to need a healthy stock of tissues to cry into whilst reading.

Grief, unexpected loss and dealing with the aftermath of those things, are not something I would traditionally want to read in a Christmas romance. But I think when you take into the other aspects of Christmas that inc ...more
Victoria James starts a new Shadow Creek, Montana series, with an emotive and heartfelt, Christmas read, and be warned, Christmas with the Sheriff is a book that you are going to need a healthy stock of tissues to cry into whilst reading.

Grief, unexpected loss and dealing with the aftermath of those things, are not something I would traditionally want to read in a Christmas romance. But I think when you take into the other aspects of Christmas that inc ...more



Five years ago Julia Bailey suffered the loss of her husband and young son in a car accident. Needing space and time she left Shadow Creek behind. Now she is back to spend the holidays with her family and friends. When she comes face to face with Sheriff Chase Donovan, her husband's best friend, and the man who helped her all those years ago, sparks fly.
Sheriff Chase Donovan has always loved Julia, but she married his best friend. Now she is back in Big Sky Country and Chase vows he will get J ...more

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Victoria James' writing and my Christmas wouldn't be complete without a festive themed read from her. Christmas with the Sheriff is, for me, Victoria at her very best; I'd go as far as saying this is the finest book she's written to date and believe me, she's written some keepers.

To be able to take such a heart wrenching subject which hits you where it hurts, and create an enchanting, heartwarming romance filled with hope and promise, is a gift. It was pit ...more

To be able to take such a heart wrenching subject which hits you where it hurts, and create an enchanting, heartwarming romance filled with hope and promise, is a gift. It was pit ...more

ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
There is nothing like a small-town Christmas romance from Victoria James. Her books make me smile the entire time I am reading them and Christmas with the Sheriff was no exception.
We got a glimpse into Julia Bailey when she was at her lowest- after losing her husband and child in a tragic accident. As the story takes off, five years have passed and Julia was finally facing her ghosts and ...more
There is nothing like a small-town Christmas romance from Victoria James. Her books make me smile the entire time I am reading them and Christmas with the Sheriff was no exception.
We got a glimpse into Julia Bailey when she was at her lowest- after losing her husband and child in a tragic accident. As the story takes off, five years have passed and Julia was finally facing her ghosts and ...more

5 Stars
What a beautiful and heartfelt read Christmas with the Sheriff turned out to be, loved it!
From the first few pages I knew this book was going to take me on an emotional journey. I found myself crying and my heart breaking for this character I only just met.
I instantly connected with Julia, I felt everything she was going through. I wanted to reach into my kindle to hug her tight and comfort her.
But I wasn't needed, Chase was there to offer her the support she needed to get through her w ...more
What a beautiful and heartfelt read Christmas with the Sheriff turned out to be, loved it!
From the first few pages I knew this book was going to take me on an emotional journey. I found myself crying and my heart breaking for this character I only just met.
I instantly connected with Julia, I felt everything she was going through. I wanted to reach into my kindle to hug her tight and comfort her.
But I wasn't needed, Chase was there to offer her the support she needed to get through her w ...more

Julia Bailey left Shadow Creek five years ago following tragic circumstances. She's returning for the holidays for the first time since she left and her emotions are running strong. Chase Donovan was her rock when she needed him and now he's ready for a much deeper relationship.
This was sweet on the surface but, typical of a Victoria James story, some very tough issues roiled beneath. I loved the idyllic Christmas setting and how it juxtaposed against both Julia's and Chase's personal circumsta ...more
This was sweet on the surface but, typical of a Victoria James story, some very tough issues roiled beneath. I loved the idyllic Christmas setting and how it juxtaposed against both Julia's and Chase's personal circumsta ...more

This was the perfect story to start my Christmas reading for the year.
A classic friends to lovers trope. Julia and Chase both had previous broken hearts and were reticent to recommit.
I loved both the main characters and Christmas With the Sheriff also has a wonderful cast of sub characters you will fall in love with also.
Victoria James slips some deep topics into this light romance; child neglect, single parenting, extended family, deep seated wounds and facing your fears.
My first book by Victo ...more
A classic friends to lovers trope. Julia and Chase both had previous broken hearts and were reticent to recommit.
I loved both the main characters and Christmas With the Sheriff also has a wonderful cast of sub characters you will fall in love with also.
Victoria James slips some deep topics into this light romance; child neglect, single parenting, extended family, deep seated wounds and facing your fears.
My first book by Victo ...more

Julia lost her husband and son in a car accident and had to flee Shadow Creek. The memories were too painful for her. Fast forward 5 years and she's back to spend Christmas Holidays with her in laws.
Chase is the Sheriff and has a cute little girl. (Maggie) He has been in love with Julia the first time he saw her (in high school) But Julia dated and married his best friend so decided to hide his love instead.
It's very sweet of him to keep a picture of Julia in his refrigerator and she has no id ...more
Chase is the Sheriff and has a cute little girl. (Maggie) He has been in love with Julia the first time he saw her (in high school) But Julia dated and married his best friend so decided to hide his love instead.
It's very sweet of him to keep a picture of Julia in his refrigerator and she has no id ...more

This book was so cuteeeee! 😍
Although it has its sad parts, the love and the Christmas spirit were the strongest feelings I felt from this book.
Julia and Chase were so perfect for each other! I’m so happy I read their story. And little Maggie was such an adorable child. ❤️
The lesson I learned from this book is that no matter how hard life was for you until the present, you should never take decisions based on fear. You should face it and be brave. You should give a chance to happiness even tho ...more
Although it has its sad parts, the love and the Christmas spirit were the strongest feelings I felt from this book.
Julia and Chase were so perfect for each other! I’m so happy I read their story. And little Maggie was such an adorable child. ❤️
The lesson I learned from this book is that no matter how hard life was for you until the present, you should never take decisions based on fear. You should face it and be brave. You should give a chance to happiness even tho ...more

https://celebrityreaders.com/2016/11/...
4 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
Well that started off with some crying! Or maybe, more like bawling. ;) It was an emotional prologue, that's for sure. And there was definitely a sorrowful thread throughout the story, but there was also lots of great romance and laughs.
I was drawn to both of our MCs right from the beginning. My heart broke for Chase knowing he had this unrequited love ...more
4 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
Well that started off with some crying! Or maybe, more like bawling. ;) It was an emotional prologue, that's for sure. And there was definitely a sorrowful thread throughout the story, but there was also lots of great romance and laughs.
I was drawn to both of our MCs right from the beginning. My heart broke for Chase knowing he had this unrequited love ...more

4.5 stars!! Chase, Chase, Chase, what an amazing man he is. Chase comes from a rough childhood but grew into a man any woman would be proud to have as her own. He's kind, patient, sexy and an awesome father.
And Julia. This woman went through one of the most devastating things a mother can go through. And it broke her, understandably so. She thought it was impossible to open herself up to love and life again all the while that's exactly what she was doing. She was strong, caring and totally amaz ...more
And Julia. This woman went through one of the most devastating things a mother can go through. And it broke her, understandably so. She thought it was impossible to open herself up to love and life again all the while that's exactly what she was doing. She was strong, caring and totally amaz ...more

· “I’ll always come back to you.” ·
A couple of days ago, I was in the mood for a light, sweet and romantic read, so I decided to pick up this book. I was always a sucker for three things: Christmas stories, a main character returning home and characters secretly in love. This one, of course, seemed to have it all.

Don’t get me wrong—it did have all those things, only… It didn’t turn to be the kind of read I was desperately looking for (hence the rating).
First off, let me say what I loved about t ...more
A couple of days ago, I was in the mood for a light, sweet and romantic read, so I decided to pick up this book. I was always a sucker for three things: Christmas stories, a main character returning home and characters secretly in love. This one, of course, seemed to have it all.

Don’t get me wrong—it did have all those things, only… It didn’t turn to be the kind of read I was desperately looking for (hence the rating).
First off, let me say what I loved about t ...more

4 Christmas 🎄 Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
We have to let go of fear, I learned, or it will kill us and stop us from living.”
Bring on the festive Christmas books! I have honestly never really read Christmas Books at Christmas besides children's Christmas stories. This year is a first and I have managed to snag a few free Kindle Christmas Books this season. Christmas with the Sheriff is one of them. Here's a little bit of Christmas Magic- before I start my review :)
This was a story about overcoming traged ...more
We have to let go of fear, I learned, or it will kill us and stop us from living.”
Bring on the festive Christmas books! I have honestly never really read Christmas Books at Christmas besides children's Christmas stories. This year is a first and I have managed to snag a few free Kindle Christmas Books this season. Christmas with the Sheriff is one of them. Here's a little bit of Christmas Magic- before I start my review :)

This was a story about overcoming traged ...more

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Read It, Rate It and Record
A short review to update challenges
This holiday romance is the first in the Shadow Creek Montana series. While Christmas with the Sheriff is quite short, the characters are well drawn, mostly authentic and enjoyable. Julia comes home to visit her in-laws for the first time after being widows 5 years ago. Both the emotional story and the career aspects are rather realistic.
Julia has known Chase for ...more
Read It, Rate It and Record
A short review to update challenges
This holiday romance is the first in the Shadow Creek Montana series. While Christmas with the Sheriff is quite short, the characters are well drawn, mostly authentic and enjoyable. Julia comes home to visit her in-laws for the first time after being widows 5 years ago. Both the emotional story and the career aspects are rather realistic.
Julia has known Chase for ...more

"More than anything, more than his feelings for her, his wanting for her, he wanted a happy ending for her."
This wasn't a rave and flail read for me. It was, for the most part, just ok. I can't say that the story was bad, or the writing. I had no trouble seeing it through, and by the end felt invested enough in the characters that I needed to see how it ended. The small town aspect was right up my alley and beautifully done. I am an absolute sucker for the entwined characters in a small town ...more
This wasn't a rave and flail read for me. It was, for the most part, just ok. I can't say that the story was bad, or the writing. I had no trouble seeing it through, and by the end felt invested enough in the characters that I needed to see how it ended. The small town aspect was right up my alley and beautifully done. I am an absolute sucker for the entwined characters in a small town ...more

Loved this book!! It's a wonderful small town romance with characters that will grip you by the heart. Julia Bradley has suffered heartache that most people can never imagine. She not only lost her husband in an accident but her young son as well. Unable to stay in the small town they had lived in she fled far and fast.She returns to her hometown after 5 years to spend the holidays with her family. While there she sees Chase Donovan again. Chase has loved Julia for as long as he can remember. Wh
...more

Get out the kleenex! Or at least I had to! This story just opens up your heart and gives you warm fuzzies and gets you in the mood for Christmas! I sat down and didn’t get up until I was done reading it!
Five years ago, Julia lost her husband and her son to an accident. She ran away afterward. Now she is back visiting her inlaws and her friends. Then Chase shows up there and both find themselves with feelings for the other. Although, Chase has always loved Julia. He just wasn’t the first to captu ...more
Five years ago, Julia lost her husband and her son to an accident. She ran away afterward. Now she is back visiting her inlaws and her friends. Then Chase shows up there and both find themselves with feelings for the other. Although, Chase has always loved Julia. He just wasn’t the first to captu ...more

Hotness Rating 2 out of 5
Wow! Christmas with the Sheriff packed a punch. My emotions were all over the place. Tears, smiles, big sighs - I had them all.
Julia lost it all one rainy night. Filled with grief she left the town that held too many memories and hadn't returned for 5 years. Now she's back stronger and filled with guilt for not having been back to help her in-laws out, among other things. The one emotion she didn't expect was her developing feelings for her late husband's best friend.
Ch ...more
Wow! Christmas with the Sheriff packed a punch. My emotions were all over the place. Tears, smiles, big sighs - I had them all.
Julia lost it all one rainy night. Filled with grief she left the town that held too many memories and hadn't returned for 5 years. Now she's back stronger and filled with guilt for not having been back to help her in-laws out, among other things. The one emotion she didn't expect was her developing feelings for her late husband's best friend.
Ch ...more

Rating: 3 stars
You want tons of angst and tons of Christmas cuteness? Try Christmas with the Sheriff! An easy read, but very touching. Julia hasn't been back to her hometown of Shadow Creek since she went through a terrible tragedy five years ago. Now that she's back for a visit, it's getting harder and harder for her to say goodbye again.
I loved the relationship between Chase and Julia, especially along with Maggie. I wish we got to see more than those three characters - yes, we got glimpses, b ...more
You want tons of angst and tons of Christmas cuteness? Try Christmas with the Sheriff! An easy read, but very touching. Julia hasn't been back to her hometown of Shadow Creek since she went through a terrible tragedy five years ago. Now that she's back for a visit, it's getting harder and harder for her to say goodbye again.
I loved the relationship between Chase and Julia, especially along with Maggie. I wish we got to see more than those three characters - yes, we got glimpses, b ...more

Victoria James has a new hit series!!!!! Yes, that’s me shouting. It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Victoria James. She writes romances that are fun, charming, and hit on all the right emotions. Add in Christmas and a small child, I’m a goner. Victoria is one of those authors whose name I see and I just grab the book. So, I went into reading Christmas with the Sheriff not knowing what it was about.
Immediately, your emotions are on high alert with the Prologue. You’re left just a little shattered ...more
Immediately, your emotions are on high alert with the Prologue. You’re left just a little shattered ...more

3.5 / 5 Fangs
This book was way more emotional than I thought it was going to be. I thought this would just be a sweet romance story, which it was, but there was there was a lot more to this story. Christmas with the Sheriff dealt with grief, coping, love, family ties, and much more. I personally would have like the sad parts to be a little less prevalent, but I understood that it was important for the characters to go through those emotions that everyone has felt before. It all felt very natur ...more
This book was way more emotional than I thought it was going to be. I thought this would just be a sweet romance story, which it was, but there was there was a lot more to this story. Christmas with the Sheriff dealt with grief, coping, love, family ties, and much more. I personally would have like the sad parts to be a little less prevalent, but I understood that it was important for the characters to go through those emotions that everyone has felt before. It all felt very natur ...more

Christmas with the Sheriff is heartwarming and adorable - pretty much the perfect book to read by the fire this holiday season!
Christmas with the Sheriff introduces Julia Bailey and Chase Donovan, two longtime best friends reunited after several years. Julia has been running the last few years - running from the loss of her husband and son as well as her husband's heartbreaking secret. This Christmas, however, she's had to forgo the running - she's returning home to spend Christmas with her hus ...more
Christmas with the Sheriff introduces Julia Bailey and Chase Donovan, two longtime best friends reunited after several years. Julia has been running the last few years - running from the loss of her husband and son as well as her husband's heartbreaking secret. This Christmas, however, she's had to forgo the running - she's returning home to spend Christmas with her hus ...more

Dec 02, 2018
Jewlsbookblog
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2018,
christmas-romance
This story was a great mix of bittersweet loss and new beginnings. The strength and effort Julia expounded in trying to start over from such a devastating loss pulled my heartstrings, while the patience and silent love Chase provided Julia melted my heart on the spot! I really loved how Julia clicked into Chase and Maggie’s little family unit like she’d always been there! The tingling attraction blended wonderfully with family dynamics, and I was thrilled to have a bit of closure from the epilog
...more

Dec 18, 2018
Maria Dimitrova
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romance-smut
A lovely holiday read. You know one of those romances that just leaves you feeling warm inside. Thought it had it's difficult moments and I felt incredibly sad in the beginning. Nothing special but for an Amazon freebie it was a lot better than what I expected.
P.S. Still (Dec 18th) free so if you want to give it a try now's the moment. ...more
P.S. Still (Dec 18th) free so if you want to give it a try now's the moment. ...more

4.5 Stars
This is a lighthearted, sweet story about love, tragedy, and romance. Chase has always been in love with his best friend’s wife and feels guilty about it. But he never would’ve done anything about it. Then his friend dies and Julie is left alone to mourn the death of not only her husband but also her son. It was emotional time for her so she just left town. Now she is back after five years and Chase has until Christmas to prove to her how good they can be together. It’s up to him and hi ...more
This is a lighthearted, sweet story about love, tragedy, and romance. Chase has always been in love with his best friend’s wife and feels guilty about it. But he never would’ve done anything about it. Then his friend dies and Julie is left alone to mourn the death of not only her husband but also her son. It was emotional time for her so she just left town. Now she is back after five years and Chase has until Christmas to prove to her how good they can be together. It’s up to him and hi ...more

Returning Home
Five Winning Stars
I was so absolutely thrilled to receive the first series, Shadow Creek Montana. This new exciting Christmas romance to so thoroughly enjoy so much. I so loved this most wonderful story!!
After Julia Bailey had already suffered so much heart ache for so many years already. She'd already lost her dear husband as her beautiful son as well. And now, five years later, she decides to move back home. Back to her family on from the pain and anguish to another life to her h ...more
Five Winning Stars
I was so absolutely thrilled to receive the first series, Shadow Creek Montana. This new exciting Christmas romance to so thoroughly enjoy so much. I so loved this most wonderful story!!
After Julia Bailey had already suffered so much heart ache for so many years already. She'd already lost her dear husband as her beautiful son as well. And now, five years later, she decides to move back home. Back to her family on from the pain and anguish to another life to her h ...more

At 165 pages, I consider this more of a novella than a novel. Nevertheless, though a quick read, I enjoyed these characters and thought it was a sweet holiday story.
This was my first read from this author and I will definitely try another from her. I'm curious to see what happens to some other characters from this book, so I'd like to continue with this series, as well. ...more
This was my first read from this author and I will definitely try another from her. I'm curious to see what happens to some other characters from this book, so I'd like to continue with this series, as well. ...more
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Victoria James is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after's for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she's quite content living in suburbia with her husband ...more
She is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after's for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she's quite content living in suburbia with her husband ...more
Other books in the series
Shadow Creek, Montana
(7 books)
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