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The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas
In these Texas-set stories of romance and adventure, the Civil War is over, Christmas is coming—and it’s time for three rugged fighters to become lovers...
FATHER GOOSE by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jodi Thomas
Dispirited by war, when Trapper Morgan accepts a job hauling five little rich girls to Dallas, all he cares about is the money. He doesn’t expect they’ll awaken his spirit—or that their intriguing nursemaid, Carolina, will awaken his heart. And when danger strikes as Christmas Eve nears, he definitely doesn’t expect Carolina and the girls to risk their lives—for him . . .
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE by Sharla Lovelace
A catastrophic storm, an ailing herd, and a failing cattle ranch have left Texas rancher Josie Bancroft in danger of losing everything her father worked for. Still, she’d rather die than merge with her neighbor rancher Benjamin Mason, the man who broke her heart years ago, on Christmas Eve. As old sparks fly and secrets are revealed, however, Ben is determined to help Josie—and prove that this time around can be different. That the misunderstandings of Christmas past need not define their future...
CHRISTMAS ROAD by Scarlett Dunn
Yellow Fever has hit Clint Mitchum’s Texas hometown and taken his father and siblings, leaving Clint ever more cynical. Racing homeward to be by his mother’s side, Clint finds only a note from her, asking that he help her caregiver, a young woman named Amelia. Assuming his mother has passed, in his grief Clint ventures out to search for Amelia—and finds the best of gifts—just in time for Christmas...
FATHER GOOSE by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jodi Thomas
Dispirited by war, when Trapper Morgan accepts a job hauling five little rich girls to Dallas, all he cares about is the money. He doesn’t expect they’ll awaken his spirit—or that their intriguing nursemaid, Carolina, will awaken his heart. And when danger strikes as Christmas Eve nears, he definitely doesn’t expect Carolina and the girls to risk their lives—for him . . .
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE by Sharla Lovelace
A catastrophic storm, an ailing herd, and a failing cattle ranch have left Texas rancher Josie Bancroft in danger of losing everything her father worked for. Still, she’d rather die than merge with her neighbor rancher Benjamin Mason, the man who broke her heart years ago, on Christmas Eve. As old sparks fly and secrets are revealed, however, Ben is determined to help Josie—and prove that this time around can be different. That the misunderstandings of Christmas past need not define their future...
CHRISTMAS ROAD by Scarlett Dunn
Yellow Fever has hit Clint Mitchum’s Texas hometown and taken his father and siblings, leaving Clint ever more cynical. Racing homeward to be by his mother’s side, Clint finds only a note from her, asking that he help her caregiver, a young woman named Amelia. Assuming his mother has passed, in his grief Clint ventures out to search for Amelia—and finds the best of gifts—just in time for Christmas...
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2020
About the author
Jodi Thomas
101 books2,152 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
December 10, 2020
A collection of sweet Christmas romance novellas. I liked the first story by Jodi Thomas (Trapper and Emory) the best. It was sweet and funny. The second story with Ben and Josie was my least favourite. I felt the problems they faced were kind of forced (Maybe it could have been kept to just one problem). And the third story was okay. Clint goes looking for the lady who took care of his mother when she was ill, and instead found something else. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review this book.
October 26, 2020
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
- FATHER GOOSE by Jodi Thomas -
I am a huge fan of Jodi's historical western romances, so I couldn't resist reading this novella. Even though I usually like my historical romances to be long, I thought Jodi did a great job in introducing and making me feel a connection with the characters. Trapper and Emery were great main characters, and I also absolutely loved the five girls that Trapper was in charge of getting home safely. Their personalities were so unique and I enjoyed getting to know them better on the trip to Dallas. All five of them were so different and surprised me in how capable and courageous they were for their ages. This story felt like a full-length novel, and the only thing that was missing in my opinion was an epilogue.
- THE MISTLETOE PROMISE by Sharla Lovelace -
This book is a second-chance historical western romance. I loved that the author included flashbacks to when the main characters Josie and Ben first met and how their relationship developed, because it helped me in connecting with the characters better. It was heartbreaking in seeing how they broke up and lost contact, because it was obvious that they were still in love with each other. I would've loved for this book to be full-length because it felt a bit rushed at times. I still enjoyed it and like with the previous story I was hoping for an epilogue.
- CHRISTMAS ROAD by Scarlett Dunn -
Another great Christmas story with very likable characters. Clint was an honorable and strong hero that did everything he could and even went out of his way to help the people around him. Amelia was a caring heroine and even though she already had suffered some hardships, did her best to take care of her sick neighbor. I loved all the side-characters and the interaction between Clint and Amelia. This was a nice and sweet Christmas story.
- FATHER GOOSE by Jodi Thomas -
I am a huge fan of Jodi's historical western romances, so I couldn't resist reading this novella. Even though I usually like my historical romances to be long, I thought Jodi did a great job in introducing and making me feel a connection with the characters. Trapper and Emery were great main characters, and I also absolutely loved the five girls that Trapper was in charge of getting home safely. Their personalities were so unique and I enjoyed getting to know them better on the trip to Dallas. All five of them were so different and surprised me in how capable and courageous they were for their ages. This story felt like a full-length novel, and the only thing that was missing in my opinion was an epilogue.
- THE MISTLETOE PROMISE by Sharla Lovelace -
This book is a second-chance historical western romance. I loved that the author included flashbacks to when the main characters Josie and Ben first met and how their relationship developed, because it helped me in connecting with the characters better. It was heartbreaking in seeing how they broke up and lost contact, because it was obvious that they were still in love with each other. I would've loved for this book to be full-length because it felt a bit rushed at times. I still enjoyed it and like with the previous story I was hoping for an epilogue.
- CHRISTMAS ROAD by Scarlett Dunn -
Another great Christmas story with very likable characters. Clint was an honorable and strong hero that did everything he could and even went out of his way to help the people around him. Amelia was a caring heroine and even though she already had suffered some hardships, did her best to take care of her sick neighbor. I loved all the side-characters and the interaction between Clint and Amelia. This was a nice and sweet Christmas story.
August 13, 2020
A nice collection of stories featuring two of my favorite things to read about- cowboys and Christmas! The first story was my favorite with a heartwarming plot as Trapper and Carolina risk their lives for a better life through escorting five hardy girls across the wilderness as kidnappers attempt to take them for ransom. Vibrant personalities and selfless attitudes made the characters so enjoyable.
The other two stories were okay but some of the characters bothered me so I had a harder time feeling the holiday spirit.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
The other two stories were okay but some of the characters bothered me so I had a harder time feeling the holiday spirit.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
July 24, 2021
Jodi Thomas' "Father Goose" was a 5-star novella. The other two stories by other authors were not even close.
August 5, 2020
When I asked to review this book on NetGalley I thought I was getting one book by Jodi Thomas but to my surprise I had three books not all by Jodi Thomas but they were all very good books
Father Goose by Jodi Thomas
Its a story about Trapper Hawkins who has lied all his life pretty much by himself. He travels around looking for card games to get a little money for his continued travels. This time he wins more than money in a card game. He has to transport five small children to their Father's ranch by Christmas.
You won't want to miss their adventures during their travels. I laughed and smiled to myself because I could see my children being the same way.
The Mistletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace
I have never met such a stubborn woman as Josephine. Her story made me laugh at times, be sad at others but sometimes I even feel sorry for Benjamin Mason. I won't tell too many details of this story but once Josephine gets upset with Ben she doesn't want to be near him or hear him out.
A really good book that I think you will enjoy as much as I did. Once I started I just could not put it down.
Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn
Clint did a lot of traveling after the war. He didn't spend too much time at home until he received a letter from his Mom informing him the town had been hit by the Yellow Fever and most of his family had passed away His Mom informed him that she had it as well and wasn't sure if she would make it or not but that Amelia had taken care of her and now his Mom wanted him to find Amelia and take care of her.
I really loved this story. I think you will too and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.
All three of these books were about Cowboys and how they helped Save Christmas and the Magic of the Season
Father Goose by Jodi Thomas
Its a story about Trapper Hawkins who has lied all his life pretty much by himself. He travels around looking for card games to get a little money for his continued travels. This time he wins more than money in a card game. He has to transport five small children to their Father's ranch by Christmas.
You won't want to miss their adventures during their travels. I laughed and smiled to myself because I could see my children being the same way.
The Mistletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace
I have never met such a stubborn woman as Josephine. Her story made me laugh at times, be sad at others but sometimes I even feel sorry for Benjamin Mason. I won't tell too many details of this story but once Josephine gets upset with Ben she doesn't want to be near him or hear him out.
A really good book that I think you will enjoy as much as I did. Once I started I just could not put it down.
Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn
Clint did a lot of traveling after the war. He didn't spend too much time at home until he received a letter from his Mom informing him the town had been hit by the Yellow Fever and most of his family had passed away His Mom informed him that she had it as well and wasn't sure if she would make it or not but that Amelia had taken care of her and now his Mom wanted him to find Amelia and take care of her.
I really loved this story. I think you will too and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.
All three of these books were about Cowboys and how they helped Save Christmas and the Magic of the Season
October 9, 2020
Father Goose
by Jodi Thomas
Father Goose by Jodi Thomas was heartwarming. A lone cowboy wins a job to escort 5 little girls home for Christmas in a poker game. The job pays $500, but is highly dangerous. The girls’ father is a wealthy general, and they’ll be targets.
A young woman escaping an unhappy life dresses as a widow and offers her services as a caretaker. Together, they make it through danger and have adventures. Will they make it home by Christmas?
Content: clean, aside from a boob grab. No swearing.
4 stars
The Mistletoe Promise
by Sharla Lovelace
Oh my goodness. This story was overflowing with melodramatic angst. It was pretty bad. The sexy times weren’t very tasteful. I don’t think this author is my cup of tea.
Content: mild language, fairly explicit sex scene and comments.
2 stars
Christmas Road
by Scarlett Dunn
This was a warm & fuzzy story about a cowboy who falls for a woman and her two little girls. The bad guys weren’t very well thought out. The ending was a spectacular cheese festival!
Content: clean, no swearing. A couple of bible verses, but no religion.
3 stars.
by Jodi Thomas
Father Goose by Jodi Thomas was heartwarming. A lone cowboy wins a job to escort 5 little girls home for Christmas in a poker game. The job pays $500, but is highly dangerous. The girls’ father is a wealthy general, and they’ll be targets.
A young woman escaping an unhappy life dresses as a widow and offers her services as a caretaker. Together, they make it through danger and have adventures. Will they make it home by Christmas?
Content: clean, aside from a boob grab. No swearing.
4 stars
The Mistletoe Promise
by Sharla Lovelace
Oh my goodness. This story was overflowing with melodramatic angst. It was pretty bad. The sexy times weren’t very tasteful. I don’t think this author is my cup of tea.
Content: mild language, fairly explicit sex scene and comments.
2 stars
Christmas Road
by Scarlett Dunn
This was a warm & fuzzy story about a cowboy who falls for a woman and her two little girls. The bad guys weren’t very well thought out. The ending was a spectacular cheese festival!
Content: clean, no swearing. A couple of bible verses, but no religion.
3 stars.
November 12, 2020
This is a compilation of three novellas, all with a cowboy at the heart of the story. And, yes, in each situation, the cowboy saved Christmas. These stories are all romances, and they’re very sweet and perfect for the season.
___________________
Father Goose: This one was sweet and wonderful with just a touch of heat. I’d say that this novella is a pretty clean read. A cowboy is charged with transporting five little girls from their boarding school to their home. A young woman running from an abusive father manages to join them as a nanny. They travel through Texas for two weeks, having to deal with rough roads, bad weather, and outlaws.
It ends happily, as a Christmas book should. I’d give it five stars. The writing is great and it left me feeling good.
____________________
The Mistletoe Promise: This was my least favorite of the three novellas. At times, it slowed down and became repetitive. Still, it was enjoyable to read. It’s much hotter than the other two books in this compilation. It was a nice read, but by the time I started to care about the characters, the story was three-quarters of the way done. I’d probably give this novella 3 !/2 stars.
The Mistletoe Promise involves premarital sex – sex, sex, sex, until the end when there likely should have been some, but wasn’t.
This story was an okay read but nothing out of the oridianry.
____________________
Christmas Road: The strength of this story is its characters. They’re a delight. Clint is tall, handsome, kind and caring, and so incredibly generous. There’s no way not to love him. Amelia, a young widow with two adopted children, was sweet and caring. When she become ill, I desperately hoped she’d recover. Her girls, and the other children in this story, added the perfect touch of Christmas.
This novella is all about the magic of Christmas and the gifts it can bring if you just believe. It’s clean and offers a nice touch of humor.
_____________________
All three of these novellas are quick easy reads with happy endings. They’ll leave you feeling all the warm fuzzies that the holiday season should. It’s not particularly religious; there’s no preaching to be found anywhere within its pages. I recommend this book if you enjoy cowboys and sweet tales with happy endings. I know I did.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I thank the authors, publisher, and Goodreads for their generosity in sharing this book with me, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
___________________
Father Goose: This one was sweet and wonderful with just a touch of heat. I’d say that this novella is a pretty clean read. A cowboy is charged with transporting five little girls from their boarding school to their home. A young woman running from an abusive father manages to join them as a nanny. They travel through Texas for two weeks, having to deal with rough roads, bad weather, and outlaws.
It ends happily, as a Christmas book should. I’d give it five stars. The writing is great and it left me feeling good.
____________________
The Mistletoe Promise: This was my least favorite of the three novellas. At times, it slowed down and became repetitive. Still, it was enjoyable to read. It’s much hotter than the other two books in this compilation. It was a nice read, but by the time I started to care about the characters, the story was three-quarters of the way done. I’d probably give this novella 3 !/2 stars.
The Mistletoe Promise involves premarital sex – sex, sex, sex, until the end when there likely should have been some, but wasn’t.
This story was an okay read but nothing out of the oridianry.
____________________
Christmas Road: The strength of this story is its characters. They’re a delight. Clint is tall, handsome, kind and caring, and so incredibly generous. There’s no way not to love him. Amelia, a young widow with two adopted children, was sweet and caring. When she become ill, I desperately hoped she’d recover. Her girls, and the other children in this story, added the perfect touch of Christmas.
This novella is all about the magic of Christmas and the gifts it can bring if you just believe. It’s clean and offers a nice touch of humor.
_____________________
All three of these novellas are quick easy reads with happy endings. They’ll leave you feeling all the warm fuzzies that the holiday season should. It’s not particularly religious; there’s no preaching to be found anywhere within its pages. I recommend this book if you enjoy cowboys and sweet tales with happy endings. I know I did.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I thank the authors, publisher, and Goodreads for their generosity in sharing this book with me, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
October 27, 2020
A new book from beloved best-selling author Jodi Thomas is always a treat--you'll find a little spice along with the sweet--and you can expect dashes of the unexpected to keep you on your reader's toes. "The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas" is a delightful holiday anthology set in Post-Civil War Texas featuring charming tales from Ms. Thomas and two other gifted storytellers--Sharla Lovelace and Scarlett Dunn. In "Father Goose", from Jodi Thomas, Trapper Hawkins is emotionally adrift after the end of the war. With no family and no home, he finds work here and there to keep himself going. A chance to earn a big payday for safely transporting five young girls home to their wealthy father's ranch in time for Christmas seems like a way for him to make a new start in life--even if danger lurks along the way. A pretty young widow, Mrs. Adams, agrees to accompany Trapper and the girls in exchange for a ride to Dallas. Emery Adams is no widow--she is a young woman escaping a life of sad servitude, and just like Trapper, she hopes for a new beginning. Neither of them could have imagined the surprises they would encounter, including just how remarkable and resourceful five little girls can be. A possibility of a bright and happy future begins to emerge--if they can just survive the journey. "The Mistletoe Promise", from Sharla Lovelace, offers a second chance at love for neighboring ranchers Josie Bancroft and Benjamin Mason--if only they can overcome the heartache of the past. Ben wants to help Josie secure her struggling ranch, but more than that, he longs to set to rights the painful circumstances which have kept them apart for years. As secrets come to light and truths are revealed, it may just take a Christmas miracle for the love that was once so strong to once again shine so bright. In "Christmas Road", a former soldier receives an urgent message from his mother to return home as his family has been devastated by the Yellow Fever epidemic. Filed with regrets for staying away so long, Clint Mitchum hastens to his family's ranch and finds it abandoned, but there are fresh graves in the family burial plot. A note left by his mother pleads with him to make sure her caretaker, Amelia, is safe and well. Clint sets out on a journey that will help him resolve his past and find new hope with a chance for a future filled with love and joy. Those who enjoy historical western romance and carry the holiday spirit in their heart will find much to appreciate in "The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas".
Review Copy Gratis Author
Review Copy Gratis Author
October 19, 2021
FATHER GOOSE:
Jodi Thomas never disappoints. Father Goose is not only an inspiring story, but one of the cutest and enjoyable books I have ever had the privilege of reading.
Trapper is a war torn veteran trying to stay in the shadows of life, when he wins a poker game, he never imagined what his win will entail.
Not only is he now in charge of delivering 5 little ladies to their father in Dallas, he also has enlisted a widow under disguise to help.
The journey these seven experience will change all of their lives forever.
Absolutely an amazing Christmas story which will leave you smiling, forever.
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE:
The Mistletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace was a second chance love story.
Benjamin Mason only wants to help his neighbor, Josie Bancroft save her ranch.
These two have loved each other forever, but past heartache has kept them apart.
Can they find forgiveness in their hearts, let go of their secrets, before it’s too late.
ALMOST CHRISTMAS:
Linda Broday has an undeniable gift in her writing style. Warmth surrounds her fan’s hearts with each chapter.
Noelle thought of every aspect of her life as “almosts”, ��almost tall and slender, almost a bride, had almost known love. Almost.
One day she hoped she’d show everyone that someone could love her. And she’d be almost any longer.”
Cord can’t let go of his past, nor bury it, therefore he plans to never fall in love, wed, and especially bring children into his sad life.
Noelle and Cord had fate or a higher power on their side, their chemistry was truly magnetic.
Jimmy and Lily, two adorable children, will melt your heart and remind us all that miracles do happen and we all need to believe in something.
Almost Christmas was such a phenomenal, heart warming story that will stay with each and everyone who reads and believes in hope, faith, and love.
Jodi Thomas never disappoints. Father Goose is not only an inspiring story, but one of the cutest and enjoyable books I have ever had the privilege of reading.
Trapper is a war torn veteran trying to stay in the shadows of life, when he wins a poker game, he never imagined what his win will entail.
Not only is he now in charge of delivering 5 little ladies to their father in Dallas, he also has enlisted a widow under disguise to help.
The journey these seven experience will change all of their lives forever.
Absolutely an amazing Christmas story which will leave you smiling, forever.
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE:
The Mistletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace was a second chance love story.
Benjamin Mason only wants to help his neighbor, Josie Bancroft save her ranch.
These two have loved each other forever, but past heartache has kept them apart.
Can they find forgiveness in their hearts, let go of their secrets, before it’s too late.
ALMOST CHRISTMAS:
Linda Broday has an undeniable gift in her writing style. Warmth surrounds her fan’s hearts with each chapter.
Noelle thought of every aspect of her life as “almosts”, ��almost tall and slender, almost a bride, had almost known love. Almost.
One day she hoped she’d show everyone that someone could love her. And she’d be almost any longer.”
Cord can’t let go of his past, nor bury it, therefore he plans to never fall in love, wed, and especially bring children into his sad life.
Noelle and Cord had fate or a higher power on their side, their chemistry was truly magnetic.
Jimmy and Lily, two adorable children, will melt your heart and remind us all that miracles do happen and we all need to believe in something.
Almost Christmas was such a phenomenal, heart warming story that will stay with each and everyone who reads and believes in hope, faith, and love.
December 27, 2021
The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas is an anthology made up of three Historical Christmas Romances. Father Goose has Trapper Morgan transporting five rich girls to Dallas. He meets up with a widow who is also going to Dallas and agrees to accompany him as a chaperone. They have some adventure and danger along the way as well as some humor and the oldest girls were amazing. The Mistletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace was my least favourite story. Josie Bancroft is in danger of losing her ranch so is willing to marry someone with money to help her out, at least that is her plan. Benjamin (Ben) Mason was her first love, who married someone else several years ago. His wife has passed and it is just him and his young daughter. He wants to help Josie, but she wants nothing to do with him. What will she do? Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn features Clint Mitchum who has raced home to be with his mother who has Scarlet Fever. He arrives to find her grave and a note to find the young woman who cared for her when she was ill. He sets off and finds a group traveling together to go somewhere safe, including the young woman and her niece and nephew. They decide to head back home, but once again, danger finds them. Will they survive and save their homes?
I enjoyed all three of these stories, but my favourite had to be Father Goose by Jodi Thomas closely followed by Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn. All of the stories have children in them and I always enjoy when they play a role in a story. Another thing I liked about all these stories is they all featured strong women or girls. These were all novellas, which means that character development and plots are limited, but I thought the two I liked the best were well developed and the characters were pretty fleshed out. If you enjoy a good novella, this is an anthology I recommend.
I enjoyed all three of these stories, but my favourite had to be Father Goose by Jodi Thomas closely followed by Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn. All of the stories have children in them and I always enjoy when they play a role in a story. Another thing I liked about all these stories is they all featured strong women or girls. These were all novellas, which means that character development and plots are limited, but I thought the two I liked the best were well developed and the characters were pretty fleshed out. If you enjoy a good novella, this is an anthology I recommend.
August 28, 2021
Christmas and cowboys! You can't go wrong .
This is a lovely collection of three heartwarming Christmas themed short stories.
I enjoyed all of these, but the first one was my favourite.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a lovely collection of three heartwarming Christmas themed short stories.
I enjoyed all of these, but the first one was my favourite.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 9, 2020
I enjoyed this anthology of three stories set in Texas in the 19th century after the end of the Civil War. All of the stories have the common theme that they take place just before Christmas, have cowboy heroes, brave women in need of help, and children. The first and third stories were my favorites.
Jodi Thomas outdid herself with her story, Father Goose. I adored her cowboy, the five little girls he was hired to escort to their home for Christmas, and the desperate young woman he hired to look after them on their journey. He assigned the girls a number in order of age, so spent the entire journey calling them One, Two, Three, Four and Five. I've rarely seen so many likeable, vivid characters in a story. It was even better after he got the girls back to their home.
The second story is The Mistletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace. Josie Bancroft was left to run the ranch after the death of her father. She is on the verge of losing the ranch, and is desperately trying to find a way to keep it without the help of a man who had let her down years before. I could feel her heartache, courage and desperation in this story. This is a second chance romance.
The Christmas Road was written by Scarlett Dunn. There is an epidemic of yellow fever in Texas, and people who can leave have been fleeing towns where there is a lot of the sickness. Clint rushes home when he receives a letter from his mother with the news that there have been deaths in their family, and that she is also sick. He finds his mother's house empty and a new grave in the cemetery. She also asked him in her letter to help the woman who had nursed her. So Clint leaves on this mission, and finds more than he'd bargained for. I enjoyed this story immensely, as there were so many vivid characters. I had never heard of the yellow fever epidemics in Texas, particularly the devastating one in 1867, just a couple of years after the end of the Civil War.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read an advance reading copy of this book. These are my honest opinions of the book.
Jodi Thomas outdid herself with her story, Father Goose. I adored her cowboy, the five little girls he was hired to escort to their home for Christmas, and the desperate young woman he hired to look after them on their journey. He assigned the girls a number in order of age, so spent the entire journey calling them One, Two, Three, Four and Five. I've rarely seen so many likeable, vivid characters in a story. It was even better after he got the girls back to their home.
The second story is The Mistletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace. Josie Bancroft was left to run the ranch after the death of her father. She is on the verge of losing the ranch, and is desperately trying to find a way to keep it without the help of a man who had let her down years before. I could feel her heartache, courage and desperation in this story. This is a second chance romance.
The Christmas Road was written by Scarlett Dunn. There is an epidemic of yellow fever in Texas, and people who can leave have been fleeing towns where there is a lot of the sickness. Clint rushes home when he receives a letter from his mother with the news that there have been deaths in their family, and that she is also sick. He finds his mother's house empty and a new grave in the cemetery. She also asked him in her letter to help the woman who had nursed her. So Clint leaves on this mission, and finds more than he'd bargained for. I enjoyed this story immensely, as there were so many vivid characters. I had never heard of the yellow fever epidemics in Texas, particularly the devastating one in 1867, just a couple of years after the end of the Civil War.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read an advance reading copy of this book. These are my honest opinions of the book.
October 27, 2020
Review copy from Kensington and NetGalley in exchange for my review.
I have no doubt fans of Historical Romance (American West) and authors Jodi Thomas, Sharla Lovelace and Scarlett Dunn will enjoy this collection. It’s a great way to sample each author if you haven’t had a chance. I’m a fan of Jodi Thomas but Lovelace and Dunn are new to me and I look forward to reading more of their work.
I love an anthology at this busy time of year because I can read a complete story in a short time – this book hit the mark. It will tug your heartstrings and engage in an emotional and heartwarming way. If you enjoy historical romance, add The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas to your reading list this season.
***
Father Goose by Jodi Thomas
A young man, fresh out of the army and in need of a job, agrees to take a group of 5 young school girls to their father’s ranch in Texas. He must get them home before Christmas. Meanwhile, a young woman decides to escape her life of drudgery and signs on to chaperone the girls for the trip. This rag-tag group will make the arduous journey that could set the path of the future for them all.
*
The Mistletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace
Two people with a history must overcome pride and learn to trust again. Told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of Josie and Ben I learned their story and was soon hoping for their HEA.
*
Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn
A veteran rides home hoping to see his ill mother for what could be her last Christmas. What he didn’t expect was to meet a young widow and mother of two girls who’d help nurse his mother. This a story of survival during challenging times and the honorable people who step up to help. A heartwarming tale about finding the magic of Christmas.
I have no doubt fans of Historical Romance (American West) and authors Jodi Thomas, Sharla Lovelace and Scarlett Dunn will enjoy this collection. It’s a great way to sample each author if you haven’t had a chance. I’m a fan of Jodi Thomas but Lovelace and Dunn are new to me and I look forward to reading more of their work.
I love an anthology at this busy time of year because I can read a complete story in a short time – this book hit the mark. It will tug your heartstrings and engage in an emotional and heartwarming way. If you enjoy historical romance, add The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas to your reading list this season.
***
Father Goose by Jodi Thomas
A young man, fresh out of the army and in need of a job, agrees to take a group of 5 young school girls to their father’s ranch in Texas. He must get them home before Christmas. Meanwhile, a young woman decides to escape her life of drudgery and signs on to chaperone the girls for the trip. This rag-tag group will make the arduous journey that could set the path of the future for them all.
*
The Mistletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace
Two people with a history must overcome pride and learn to trust again. Told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of Josie and Ben I learned their story and was soon hoping for their HEA.
*
Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn
A veteran rides home hoping to see his ill mother for what could be her last Christmas. What he didn’t expect was to meet a young widow and mother of two girls who’d help nurse his mother. This a story of survival during challenging times and the honorable people who step up to help. A heartwarming tale about finding the magic of Christmas.
November 23, 2021
Three short stories by three great authors and an excellent read cover to cover.
FATHER GOOSE
Jodi Thomas has written another beautiful love story.
Emery Adams, works harder than anyone should have to at a saloon cooking and cleaning with a very abusive father that doesn't even let her keep the wages she earns. She hides away tips left by patrons & bits of money she finds cleaning. She dreams of running away just as her sister did. One day she finds a suitcase with clothes and everything she needs to disguise herself to make a break for it and she knows this may me her only chance so she takes it. Emery happens upon a perfect way to escape undetected purely by being the right place at the right time.
Trapper Hawkins is a young war veteran that has no idea what to do with his life when he finds himself accepting a job hauling five young little wealthy sisters to Dallas. All he cares about is the fact that this will pay more money than he ever could have dreamed of. It doesn't take long for that to change. Trapper finds himself caring for these girls as if they were his own. He just has to get the girls home by Christmas to their father, Colonel Chapman, a very strict disagreeable man, without a scratch on them. Little does Trapper know but not only are these girls going to bring out emotions unknown to himself but Emery, that agrees to be the girls nurse made for the trip, is going to make him discover love isn't impossible for him. It doesn't take long for Trapper to know they are all in danger and the danger finds them as Christmas Eve is upon them just when he is so close to getting the girls home in time.
It doesn't take long for both Emery and Trapper to care deeply for these five girls and to dread not having them in their lives. An excellent heart warming read that you will fall in love with all the characters, especially the five little scappy girls that aren't your average little pampered rich girls.
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE
This is my first read by Sharla Lovelace and I'll be looking for more of her books to read. When an author is invited to join Jodi Thomas in one of her anthologies, I know the author is going author.
Josie Bancroft is in danger of losing the ranch her father left her and the deadline to pay the ranches tax debt before the bank forecloses is on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve has been the worst day of the year for Josie for the past five years. The only thing that would save her ranch now is if she merged her ranch with the neighbors ranch. She rather lose the ranch than ask Benjamin Mason for his help. He had ready broke her heart once so she refused to owe the man anything. He won't own her. Ever.
Benjamin Franklin, Ben, as Josie once called him. Is determined to make Josie understand that what happened at his annual Christmas Eve party was all a misunderstanding. Ben is determined to help Josie and to call her his own sooner rather than later. He knows the next time he'll see her and how mad she's going to be. Can he make her see that they belong together? Can he even get her to listen to him long enough to learn the secrets of the past and see that the future could be so different if she'd just give him the chance to prove it.
An excellent story. One that reminds us that lives can be diverted by misunderstandings but sometimes fate takes us back to where we belong. Fate can teach us that we lost years of happiness by being too stubborn to have sought out the truth of what we thought we witnessed.
Almost Christmas by Linda Broday
Noelle Blessing is the owner of, The Sugar Spoon, a candy store in Blessing Falls, Texas. Noelle has engrained into her thought process that she is destined to spend her life alone and that her life will continue to be the life of 'almosts' as it always has been. Almost tall and thin, almost pretty, almost married... everything in her life has been almosts. In her way of thinking, false 'hopes can be worse than no hope at all'.Her ex-fiancee is destined to ruin any possibilities of happiness for Noelle because she called off their nuptials one day before the wedding. Her ex is up to no good, yet again, at the towns annual Christmas dance. To avoid her ex, Noelle, grabs the closest cowboy she can to dance with her since he's headed in her direction with a scowl on his face.
Said cowboy, Cord Dalton, is more than happy to dance with Noelle and ruin any plans of the man he saw headed toward the beauty with trouble written all over his face. This night proves to be the happiest day Noelle and Cord have had in a very long time, if ever, even if the two are just playing a game of pretend. A game that somehow goes as far as Cord proposing to Noelle right there at the dance in front of the entire town. Cord may have taken it too far because this gesture might just leave Noelle in a worse light to the town when this engagement falls apart too. Now what will they do? They agree to carry on the game of pretend until after Christmas.
Cord comes from a bad bloodline and has vowed to never get married and to end the bloodline of bad men. Cord is a respectful, kind and giving man but believes he'd be as bad as his father and husband just like his father had been. These things just run in a family's bloodline he was told and he's believes it to be true. By Christmas, Cord finds himself second guessing his train of thought toward his future because he can't get Noelle Blessing out of his thoughts or his heart.
An excellent short Christmas story by Linda Broday. This is another example of Broday's excellent writing skills. Broday has created more characters that you'll fall in love with and wish them a very happily-ever-after. I particularly loved the brother and sister that both Noelle and Cord have taken upon themselves to create a very Merry Christmas for. A must read to help you get into the holiday spirit as well as a great book to remind you that sayings, superstitions, wives tales and such truly are just tales. We should never get into the frame of mind that we are destined to never find love or that we have character flaws instilled into us that can't be overcome.
FATHER GOOSE
Jodi Thomas has written another beautiful love story.
Emery Adams, works harder than anyone should have to at a saloon cooking and cleaning with a very abusive father that doesn't even let her keep the wages she earns. She hides away tips left by patrons & bits of money she finds cleaning. She dreams of running away just as her sister did. One day she finds a suitcase with clothes and everything she needs to disguise herself to make a break for it and she knows this may me her only chance so she takes it. Emery happens upon a perfect way to escape undetected purely by being the right place at the right time.
Trapper Hawkins is a young war veteran that has no idea what to do with his life when he finds himself accepting a job hauling five young little wealthy sisters to Dallas. All he cares about is the fact that this will pay more money than he ever could have dreamed of. It doesn't take long for that to change. Trapper finds himself caring for these girls as if they were his own. He just has to get the girls home by Christmas to their father, Colonel Chapman, a very strict disagreeable man, without a scratch on them. Little does Trapper know but not only are these girls going to bring out emotions unknown to himself but Emery, that agrees to be the girls nurse made for the trip, is going to make him discover love isn't impossible for him. It doesn't take long for Trapper to know they are all in danger and the danger finds them as Christmas Eve is upon them just when he is so close to getting the girls home in time.
It doesn't take long for both Emery and Trapper to care deeply for these five girls and to dread not having them in their lives. An excellent heart warming read that you will fall in love with all the characters, especially the five little scappy girls that aren't your average little pampered rich girls.
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE
This is my first read by Sharla Lovelace and I'll be looking for more of her books to read. When an author is invited to join Jodi Thomas in one of her anthologies, I know the author is going author.
Josie Bancroft is in danger of losing the ranch her father left her and the deadline to pay the ranches tax debt before the bank forecloses is on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve has been the worst day of the year for Josie for the past five years. The only thing that would save her ranch now is if she merged her ranch with the neighbors ranch. She rather lose the ranch than ask Benjamin Mason for his help. He had ready broke her heart once so she refused to owe the man anything. He won't own her. Ever.
Benjamin Franklin, Ben, as Josie once called him. Is determined to make Josie understand that what happened at his annual Christmas Eve party was all a misunderstanding. Ben is determined to help Josie and to call her his own sooner rather than later. He knows the next time he'll see her and how mad she's going to be. Can he make her see that they belong together? Can he even get her to listen to him long enough to learn the secrets of the past and see that the future could be so different if she'd just give him the chance to prove it.
An excellent story. One that reminds us that lives can be diverted by misunderstandings but sometimes fate takes us back to where we belong. Fate can teach us that we lost years of happiness by being too stubborn to have sought out the truth of what we thought we witnessed.
Almost Christmas by Linda Broday
Noelle Blessing is the owner of, The Sugar Spoon, a candy store in Blessing Falls, Texas. Noelle has engrained into her thought process that she is destined to spend her life alone and that her life will continue to be the life of 'almosts' as it always has been. Almost tall and thin, almost pretty, almost married... everything in her life has been almosts. In her way of thinking, false 'hopes can be worse than no hope at all'.Her ex-fiancee is destined to ruin any possibilities of happiness for Noelle because she called off their nuptials one day before the wedding. Her ex is up to no good, yet again, at the towns annual Christmas dance. To avoid her ex, Noelle, grabs the closest cowboy she can to dance with her since he's headed in her direction with a scowl on his face.
Said cowboy, Cord Dalton, is more than happy to dance with Noelle and ruin any plans of the man he saw headed toward the beauty with trouble written all over his face. This night proves to be the happiest day Noelle and Cord have had in a very long time, if ever, even if the two are just playing a game of pretend. A game that somehow goes as far as Cord proposing to Noelle right there at the dance in front of the entire town. Cord may have taken it too far because this gesture might just leave Noelle in a worse light to the town when this engagement falls apart too. Now what will they do? They agree to carry on the game of pretend until after Christmas.
Cord comes from a bad bloodline and has vowed to never get married and to end the bloodline of bad men. Cord is a respectful, kind and giving man but believes he'd be as bad as his father and husband just like his father had been. These things just run in a family's bloodline he was told and he's believes it to be true. By Christmas, Cord finds himself second guessing his train of thought toward his future because he can't get Noelle Blessing out of his thoughts or his heart.
An excellent short Christmas story by Linda Broday. This is another example of Broday's excellent writing skills. Broday has created more characters that you'll fall in love with and wish them a very happily-ever-after. I particularly loved the brother and sister that both Noelle and Cord have taken upon themselves to create a very Merry Christmas for. A must read to help you get into the holiday spirit as well as a great book to remind you that sayings, superstitions, wives tales and such truly are just tales. We should never get into the frame of mind that we are destined to never find love or that we have character flaws instilled into us that can't be overcome.
August 1, 2020
Each one of these stories was spot on for the holiday season. I really hope that we get some movies out of these because I loved all of them. Although I wished they were a little longer. I wished this would have been at least 400 pages so each story could have been at least a 100 pages long. Overall, each one stood on its own, with great characters and even better tales. Nothing was really new or overly exciting. But I loved the stories!!
I think this will be a great book for this winter!
I think this will be a great book for this winter!
August 19, 2020
Thomas, Lovelace, and Dunn have provided three cowboy quicks. Short novellas but complete stories without the added pages of a regular book. Each story is set in the old west when villains, ruffians, and outlaws roamed and where gallant, tough, hardy cowboys protected what was theirs. Readers will melt with each hero and cheer him on as he wins his lady. All are heartwarming and will set the glow of holidays spirits. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the early read in exchange for honest review.
November 23, 2021
FATHER GOOSE
Jodi Thomas has written another beautiful love story.
Emery Adams, works harder than anyone should have to at a saloon cooking and cleaning with a very abusive father that doesn't even let her keep the wages she earns. She hides away tips left by patrons & bits of money she finds cleaning. She dreams of running away just as her sister did. One day she finds a suitcase with clothes and everything she needs to disguise herself to make a break for it and she knows this may me her only chance so she takes it. Emery happens upon a perfect way to escape undetected purely by being the right place at the right time.
Trapper Hawkins is a young war veteran that has no idea what to do with his life when he finds himself accepting a job hauling five young little wealthy sisters to Dallas. All he cares about is the fact that this will pay more money than he ever could have dreamed of. It doesn't take long for that to change. Trapper finds himself caring for these girls as if they were his own. He just has to get the girls home by Christmas to their father, Colonel Chapman, a very strict disagreeable man, without a scratch on them. Little does Trapper know but not only are these girls going to bring out emotions unknown to himself but Emery, that agrees to be the girls nurse made for the trip, is going to make him discover love isn't impossible for him. It doesn't take long for Trapper to know they are all in danger and the danger finds them as Christmas Eve is upon them just when he is so close to getting the girls home in time.
It doesn't take long for both Emery and Trapper to care deeply for these five girls and to dread not having them in their lives. An excellent heart warming read that you will fall in love with all the characters, especially the five little scappy girls that aren't your average little pampered rich girls.
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE
This is my first read by Sharla Lovelace and I'll be looking for more of her books to read. When an author is invited to join Jodi Thomas in one of her anthologies, I know the author is going author.
Josie Bancroft is in danger of losing the ranch her father left her and the deadline to pay the ranches tax debt before the bank forecloses is on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve has been the worst day of the year for Josie for the past five years. The only thing that would save her ranch now is if she merged her ranch with the neighbors ranch. She rather lose the ranch than ask Benjamin Mason for his help. He had ready broke her heart once so she refused to owe the man anything. He won't own her. Ever.
Benjamin Franklin, Ben, as Josie once called him. Is determined to make Josie understand that what happened at his annual Christmas Eve party was all a misunderstanding. Ben is determined to help Josie and to call her his own sooner rather than later. He knows the next time he'll see her and how mad she's going to be. Can he make her see that they belong together? Can he even get her to listen to him long enough to learn the secrets of the past and see that the future could be so different if she'd just give him the chance to prove it.
An excellent story. One that reminds us that lives can be diverted by misunderstandings but sometimes fate takes us back to where we belong. Fate can teach us that we lost years of happiness by being too stubborn to have sought out the truth of what we thought we witnessed.
Almost Christmas by Linda Broday
Noelle Blessing is the owner of, The Sugar Spoon, a candy store in Blessing Falls, Texas. Noelle has engrained into her thought process that she is destined to spend her life alone and that her life will continue to be the life of 'almosts' as it always has been. Almost tall and thin, almost pretty, almost married... everything in her life has been almosts. In her way of thinking, false 'hopes can be worse than no hope at all'.
Her ex-fiancee is destined to ruin any possibilities of happiness for Noelle because she called off their nuptials one day before the wedding. Her ex is up to no good, yet again, at the towns annual Christmas dance. To avoid her ex, Noelle, grabs the closest cowboy she can to dance with her since he's headed in her direction with a scowl on his face.
Said cowboy, Cord Dalton, is more than happy to dance with Noelle and ruin any plans of the man he saw headed toward the beauty with trouble written all over his face. This night proves to be the happiest day Noelle and Cord have had in a very long time, if ever, even if the two are just playing a game of pretend. A game that somehow goes as far as Cord proposing to Noelle right there at the dance in front of the entire town. Cord may have taken it too far because this gesture might just leave Noelle in a worse light to the town when this engagement falls apart too. Now what will they do? They agree to carry on the game of pretend until after Christmas.
Cord comes from a bad bloodline and has vowed to never get married and to end the bloodline of bad men. Cord is a respectful, kind and giving man but believes he'd be as bad as his father and husband just like his father had been. These things just run in a family's bloodline he was told and he's believes it to be true. By Christmas, Cord finds himself second guessing his train of thought toward his future because he can't get Noelle Blessing out of his thoughts or his heart.
An excellent short Christmas story by Linda Broday. This is another example of Broday's excellent writing skills. Broday has created more characters that you'll fall in love with and wish them a very happily-ever-after. I particularly loved the brother and sister that both Noelle and Cord have taken upon themselves to create a very Merry Christmas for. A must read to help you get into the holiday spirit as well as a great book to remind you that sayings, superstitions, wives tales and such truly are just tales. We should never get into the frame of mind that we are destined to never find love or that we have character flaws instilled into us that can't be overcome.
Jodi Thomas has written another beautiful love story.
Emery Adams, works harder than anyone should have to at a saloon cooking and cleaning with a very abusive father that doesn't even let her keep the wages she earns. She hides away tips left by patrons & bits of money she finds cleaning. She dreams of running away just as her sister did. One day she finds a suitcase with clothes and everything she needs to disguise herself to make a break for it and she knows this may me her only chance so she takes it. Emery happens upon a perfect way to escape undetected purely by being the right place at the right time.
Trapper Hawkins is a young war veteran that has no idea what to do with his life when he finds himself accepting a job hauling five young little wealthy sisters to Dallas. All he cares about is the fact that this will pay more money than he ever could have dreamed of. It doesn't take long for that to change. Trapper finds himself caring for these girls as if they were his own. He just has to get the girls home by Christmas to their father, Colonel Chapman, a very strict disagreeable man, without a scratch on them. Little does Trapper know but not only are these girls going to bring out emotions unknown to himself but Emery, that agrees to be the girls nurse made for the trip, is going to make him discover love isn't impossible for him. It doesn't take long for Trapper to know they are all in danger and the danger finds them as Christmas Eve is upon them just when he is so close to getting the girls home in time.
It doesn't take long for both Emery and Trapper to care deeply for these five girls and to dread not having them in their lives. An excellent heart warming read that you will fall in love with all the characters, especially the five little scappy girls that aren't your average little pampered rich girls.
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE
This is my first read by Sharla Lovelace and I'll be looking for more of her books to read. When an author is invited to join Jodi Thomas in one of her anthologies, I know the author is going author.
Josie Bancroft is in danger of losing the ranch her father left her and the deadline to pay the ranches tax debt before the bank forecloses is on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve has been the worst day of the year for Josie for the past five years. The only thing that would save her ranch now is if she merged her ranch with the neighbors ranch. She rather lose the ranch than ask Benjamin Mason for his help. He had ready broke her heart once so she refused to owe the man anything. He won't own her. Ever.
Benjamin Franklin, Ben, as Josie once called him. Is determined to make Josie understand that what happened at his annual Christmas Eve party was all a misunderstanding. Ben is determined to help Josie and to call her his own sooner rather than later. He knows the next time he'll see her and how mad she's going to be. Can he make her see that they belong together? Can he even get her to listen to him long enough to learn the secrets of the past and see that the future could be so different if she'd just give him the chance to prove it.
An excellent story. One that reminds us that lives can be diverted by misunderstandings but sometimes fate takes us back to where we belong. Fate can teach us that we lost years of happiness by being too stubborn to have sought out the truth of what we thought we witnessed.
Almost Christmas by Linda Broday
Noelle Blessing is the owner of, The Sugar Spoon, a candy store in Blessing Falls, Texas. Noelle has engrained into her thought process that she is destined to spend her life alone and that her life will continue to be the life of 'almosts' as it always has been. Almost tall and thin, almost pretty, almost married... everything in her life has been almosts. In her way of thinking, false 'hopes can be worse than no hope at all'.
Her ex-fiancee is destined to ruin any possibilities of happiness for Noelle because she called off their nuptials one day before the wedding. Her ex is up to no good, yet again, at the towns annual Christmas dance. To avoid her ex, Noelle, grabs the closest cowboy she can to dance with her since he's headed in her direction with a scowl on his face.
Said cowboy, Cord Dalton, is more than happy to dance with Noelle and ruin any plans of the man he saw headed toward the beauty with trouble written all over his face. This night proves to be the happiest day Noelle and Cord have had in a very long time, if ever, even if the two are just playing a game of pretend. A game that somehow goes as far as Cord proposing to Noelle right there at the dance in front of the entire town. Cord may have taken it too far because this gesture might just leave Noelle in a worse light to the town when this engagement falls apart too. Now what will they do? They agree to carry on the game of pretend until after Christmas.
Cord comes from a bad bloodline and has vowed to never get married and to end the bloodline of bad men. Cord is a respectful, kind and giving man but believes he'd be as bad as his father and husband just like his father had been. These things just run in a family's bloodline he was told and he's believes it to be true. By Christmas, Cord finds himself second guessing his train of thought toward his future because he can't get Noelle Blessing out of his thoughts or his heart.
An excellent short Christmas story by Linda Broday. This is another example of Broday's excellent writing skills. Broday has created more characters that you'll fall in love with and wish them a very happily-ever-after. I particularly loved the brother and sister that both Noelle and Cord have taken upon themselves to create a very Merry Christmas for. A must read to help you get into the holiday spirit as well as a great book to remind you that sayings, superstitions, wives tales and such truly are just tales. We should never get into the frame of mind that we are destined to never find love or that we have character flaws instilled into us that can't be overcome.
August 28, 2020
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
A fun collection of cowboys’ stories set around Christmas. A must read for fans of cowboys and Christmas all in one package. These westerns are set in Texas after the Civil War so you get a historical feel as well.
They will melt your heart in more ways than you expect.
A fun collection of cowboys’ stories set around Christmas. A must read for fans of cowboys and Christmas all in one package. These westerns are set in Texas after the Civil War so you get a historical feel as well.
They will melt your heart in more ways than you expect.
December 19, 2021
Loved it! I'm always a sucker for historical western romance and this book was a real treat!
December 9, 2020
O M G!! An anthology with three stories, from three different authors (two of which I’d never read before) - and I liked them ALL!!!
Because 2020 has been...hard...I decided to read some holiday stories that were sure to make me appreciate living in 2020 - even if this year has been a dumpster fire of epic proportions. And what better way to accomplish that than reading three historical romance novellas?! But I’m not gonna lie...when it came time to read these stories I asked myself what I was thinking requesting this ARC. Good thing I did though because these stories were fantastic!
Father Goose by Jodi Thomas - 4 stars
This story was both heartwarming and harrowing. Trapper Hawkins has spent the past two years since the end of the Civil War riding from town to town, gambling in saloons. A high stakes game in Texas earns him the chance to make $500 - all he has to do is escort the five young daughters of a wealth rancher from the coast up to Dallas. With the help of Emery Adams, a young woman escaping her abusive family and searching for a better life, the seven of them work together to face danger on the trail. And along the way, Trapper and Emery fall in love and find a life greater than they thought they could have!
I loved this story. The children were great, the story of their travels engaging, and the romance was sweet!
The MIstletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace - 3 stars
It’s 1904 and Josie Bancroft is facing a dire situation. A hurricane and disease have wiped out the family’s herd of cattle, then her father died. Now she’s behind in taxes and the bank is about to foreclose. So she begrudgingly goes in search of a rich husband at the neighboring ranch’s Christmas party...hosted by the man who broke her heart five years ago. Ben Mason didn’t want to walk away from Josie, but when his past caught up with him he was forced to let her walk away. He’s missed her every day and now he’s not going to miss his second chance to be with Josie.
I love second-chance romances and this one started out really well. But the ending had me cranky. I love that moment when the hero says “I’m so sorry I hurt you, I was wrong.” And we did get that. But it was followed by “you hurt me too” so then the heroine was upset with herself for how she behaved (after learning she had been lied to and wasn’t going to be able to be with the love of her life). Isn’t that called gaslighting??? I think she was completely justified in her behavior and her feelings and their situation was in NO way her fault. And then the heroine got over her five years of hurt pretty quickly, in my opinion. But this was a novella, so I suppose it had to happen that way...
Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn - 4 stars
Clint Mitchum never returned home after fighting in the Civil War, but a letter reporting that his mother is very ill from Yellow Fever has him travelling home as fast as he can. Once he gets there though, all he finds is a note from his mother asking him to find the woman who took care of her during her illness and make sure she’s okay. So Clint heads back out in search of Amelia Wakeland. Along his way he finds other families from his hometown who left because their town was decimated because of Yellow Fever (wow, this storyline landed a little close to our current situation!) and are now panning for gold. Once he finds Amelia, he begins to think maybe he doesn’t have to live a solitary life.
I really liked this story, too! There were more really cute children, lots of action, and a sweet love story.
These novellas make me long for more stories where a person’s character is more important than their looks or the chemistry between them. Where that first touch of the hands sends heart rates pounding and the first kiss is pined for after days of yearning across a campfire. I wouldn’t want to have lived 150 years ago, but I think there’s something inherently romantic about the manners and propriety with which men treated women back then.
There’s nothing like perspective to put a person back in the right frame of mind, and that’s what these stories did. Things have been difficult recently, but at least I have hot water and a flushing toilet. I can travel safely without fearing for my life. And if I do get sick, there’s a good chance I’ll be just fine because I have access to modern medical care. There’s also books. Lots and lots of really great books!
* thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Because 2020 has been...hard...I decided to read some holiday stories that were sure to make me appreciate living in 2020 - even if this year has been a dumpster fire of epic proportions. And what better way to accomplish that than reading three historical romance novellas?! But I’m not gonna lie...when it came time to read these stories I asked myself what I was thinking requesting this ARC. Good thing I did though because these stories were fantastic!
Father Goose by Jodi Thomas - 4 stars
This story was both heartwarming and harrowing. Trapper Hawkins has spent the past two years since the end of the Civil War riding from town to town, gambling in saloons. A high stakes game in Texas earns him the chance to make $500 - all he has to do is escort the five young daughters of a wealth rancher from the coast up to Dallas. With the help of Emery Adams, a young woman escaping her abusive family and searching for a better life, the seven of them work together to face danger on the trail. And along the way, Trapper and Emery fall in love and find a life greater than they thought they could have!
I loved this story. The children were great, the story of their travels engaging, and the romance was sweet!
The MIstletoe Promise by Sharla Lovelace - 3 stars
It’s 1904 and Josie Bancroft is facing a dire situation. A hurricane and disease have wiped out the family’s herd of cattle, then her father died. Now she’s behind in taxes and the bank is about to foreclose. So she begrudgingly goes in search of a rich husband at the neighboring ranch’s Christmas party...hosted by the man who broke her heart five years ago. Ben Mason didn’t want to walk away from Josie, but when his past caught up with him he was forced to let her walk away. He’s missed her every day and now he’s not going to miss his second chance to be with Josie.
I love second-chance romances and this one started out really well. But the ending had me cranky. I love that moment when the hero says “I’m so sorry I hurt you, I was wrong.” And we did get that. But it was followed by “you hurt me too” so then the heroine was upset with herself for how she behaved (after learning she had been lied to and wasn’t going to be able to be with the love of her life). Isn’t that called gaslighting??? I think she was completely justified in her behavior and her feelings and their situation was in NO way her fault. And then the heroine got over her five years of hurt pretty quickly, in my opinion. But this was a novella, so I suppose it had to happen that way...
Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn - 4 stars
Clint Mitchum never returned home after fighting in the Civil War, but a letter reporting that his mother is very ill from Yellow Fever has him travelling home as fast as he can. Once he gets there though, all he finds is a note from his mother asking him to find the woman who took care of her during her illness and make sure she’s okay. So Clint heads back out in search of Amelia Wakeland. Along his way he finds other families from his hometown who left because their town was decimated because of Yellow Fever (wow, this storyline landed a little close to our current situation!) and are now panning for gold. Once he finds Amelia, he begins to think maybe he doesn’t have to live a solitary life.
I really liked this story, too! There were more really cute children, lots of action, and a sweet love story.
These novellas make me long for more stories where a person’s character is more important than their looks or the chemistry between them. Where that first touch of the hands sends heart rates pounding and the first kiss is pined for after days of yearning across a campfire. I wouldn’t want to have lived 150 years ago, but I think there’s something inherently romantic about the manners and propriety with which men treated women back then.
There’s nothing like perspective to put a person back in the right frame of mind, and that’s what these stories did. Things have been difficult recently, but at least I have hot water and a flushing toilet. I can travel safely without fearing for my life. And if I do get sick, there’s a good chance I’ll be just fine because I have access to modern medical care. There’s also books. Lots and lots of really great books!
* thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 13, 2020
First holiday read of 2020. This is a collection of 3 historical novellas set just after the Civil War in Texas. I have not read any of these authors before, but I liked the idea of a Western-set anthology.
Father Goose by Jodi Thomas ⭐⭐ 1/2
Trapper Hawkins wins a game of poker and with it, the chance to escort 5 girls home to their father in the three weeks before Christmas. These girls are practically Texas royalty, and he has to hire a female companion before their school nurse will release them into his care. Emery Adams comes to his rescue. She's dressed in widow's weeds, but she's actually a young woman ready to run away from her horrible, abusive family, who's been watching Trapper from the kitchen of the saloon. She jumps at the chance to leave in disguise, and the further they get from the little town, the better she feels about starting her new life.
The Colonel's 5 daughters are hardly princesses, and they take to their escorts with ease. Trapper calls them numbers 1-5 to help conceal their identities, but finds himself becoming fiercely protective of them, even as he shares all of the survival skills he learned during the war. The girls come to his rescue on their journey home, and he and Emery also become very close.
I enjoyed this story even if it was a little too pat, especially that the girls never had any issues during a 3-week drive! They were a little too good to be true, but they were also kickass during their rescue mission. Trapper and Emery get awfully close, awfully quick, and there's really nothing standing in the way of them getting together in the end. Like most holiday novellas, you must suspend your sense of disbelief in order to buy their romance, but they had some nice sparks, so it more or less worked for me.
The Mistletoe Promise by Shana Lovelace - DNF
Duelling first person POVs and warring timelines? That, and the "heroine" talking about "trolling for a husband" in 1904 made this one big pile of NOPE for me.
Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn - ⭐⭐⭐
This story had a LOT of story packed into not very many words. Clint Mitchum receives a letter from his estranged mother, telling him that his brothers and father have died from yellow fever, and she herself is sick with it, so she pleads with him to return home. He was a sharpshooter in the war and lost his BFF, so he's been wandering for the last two years. He returns to his family's ranch but doesn't find his mother, only a note from her asking after the faithful companion who nursed her during her illness, Amelia. Clint goes in search of her, finds her, she gets sick so he brings her back to town, they find his mother is still alive and well, and basically its back and forth for Clint as he returns for her nieces and the other families they've befriended while panning for gold and waiting for the yellow fever epidemic to end.
In the end, Clint basically orchestrates a Christmas celebration for the entire town, buys gifts for everyone, and asks Amelia to marry him. It's a sacchrine sweet bow at the end, and even though its got way too much story going on, there is enough holiday whimsy to add sufficient charm. Everyone gets a happy ending! *Oprah.gif*
This story has a bit of an inspirational bent to it, though it doesn't focus too heavily on religion and God, there are threads of finding meaning and purpose in one's life, neighbors helping neighbors, and other uplifting ideals.
All in all, if I was going to seek out any of these authors' other work, it would be Ms. Dunn's.
Father Goose by Jodi Thomas ⭐⭐ 1/2
Trapper Hawkins wins a game of poker and with it, the chance to escort 5 girls home to their father in the three weeks before Christmas. These girls are practically Texas royalty, and he has to hire a female companion before their school nurse will release them into his care. Emery Adams comes to his rescue. She's dressed in widow's weeds, but she's actually a young woman ready to run away from her horrible, abusive family, who's been watching Trapper from the kitchen of the saloon. She jumps at the chance to leave in disguise, and the further they get from the little town, the better she feels about starting her new life.
The Colonel's 5 daughters are hardly princesses, and they take to their escorts with ease. Trapper calls them numbers 1-5 to help conceal their identities, but finds himself becoming fiercely protective of them, even as he shares all of the survival skills he learned during the war. The girls come to his rescue on their journey home, and he and Emery also become very close.
I enjoyed this story even if it was a little too pat, especially that the girls never had any issues during a 3-week drive! They were a little too good to be true, but they were also kickass during their rescue mission. Trapper and Emery get awfully close, awfully quick, and there's really nothing standing in the way of them getting together in the end. Like most holiday novellas, you must suspend your sense of disbelief in order to buy their romance, but they had some nice sparks, so it more or less worked for me.
The Mistletoe Promise by Shana Lovelace - DNF
Duelling first person POVs and warring timelines? That, and the "heroine" talking about "trolling for a husband" in 1904 made this one big pile of NOPE for me.
Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn - ⭐⭐⭐
This story had a LOT of story packed into not very many words. Clint Mitchum receives a letter from his estranged mother, telling him that his brothers and father have died from yellow fever, and she herself is sick with it, so she pleads with him to return home. He was a sharpshooter in the war and lost his BFF, so he's been wandering for the last two years. He returns to his family's ranch but doesn't find his mother, only a note from her asking after the faithful companion who nursed her during her illness, Amelia. Clint goes in search of her, finds her, she gets sick so he brings her back to town, they find his mother is still alive and well, and basically its back and forth for Clint as he returns for her nieces and the other families they've befriended while panning for gold and waiting for the yellow fever epidemic to end.
In the end, Clint basically orchestrates a Christmas celebration for the entire town, buys gifts for everyone, and asks Amelia to marry him. It's a sacchrine sweet bow at the end, and even though its got way too much story going on, there is enough holiday whimsy to add sufficient charm. Everyone gets a happy ending! *Oprah.gif*
This story has a bit of an inspirational bent to it, though it doesn't focus too heavily on religion and God, there are threads of finding meaning and purpose in one's life, neighbors helping neighbors, and other uplifting ideals.
All in all, if I was going to seek out any of these authors' other work, it would be Ms. Dunn's.
October 18, 2021
Almost Christmas by Linda Broday takes place in Blessing Falls, Texas, 1880. It is the story of Noelle Blessing, who is striving to get over her feelings of being “almost enough“ in many of life‘s circumstances. Such as, she was almost tall and slender, almost a bride, almost played Mary in the Christmas play, and, more importantly had almost known love. Noelle is the owner of the Sugar Spoon, the candy store in Blessing.
Mazie McKenzie is her best friend who encourages Noelle to attend the town square dance to kick off the holiday season. Of course, Noelle can think of her “almost“ excuses not to go to the dance. The main one being she doesn’t want to run into Albert whom she refers to as “the worm.” The plot thickens as Albert does everything he can to ruin Noel‘s reputation in town because she left him standing at the altar. She had seen something she shouldn’t have to cut her ties with Albert. He threatens and harasses her at every turn.
Noelle’s grandmother Gram was going to the dance and would not take no for an answer. Noelle loved her Gram, and was honored to escort her to the dance. Of course, Albert was making his presence known causing Noelle to take measures into her own hands.
Cowboy and ranch foreman, Cord Dalton, was wallowing in his loneliness when Noelle asked him to dance. From here the love story takes several turns of learning to trust as a pretend game of Cinderella starts to unfold. This makes the book delightful to read. I found myself in a cheering section for Noelle not to relive another “almost enough” moment. There are towns people in this story who will warm your heart. Children who help us all to remember that the Christmas season is to be celebrated and it is truly a season of giving. The story includes justice as well for wrongs needing to be righted.
I enjoyed this book. It caused me to think about the “almost enough” feelings I’ve had in my own life. Readers, come to Blessing, Texas, and enjoy a beautiful love story, which includes festivities of the Christmas Season.
Mazie McKenzie is her best friend who encourages Noelle to attend the town square dance to kick off the holiday season. Of course, Noelle can think of her “almost“ excuses not to go to the dance. The main one being she doesn’t want to run into Albert whom she refers to as “the worm.” The plot thickens as Albert does everything he can to ruin Noel‘s reputation in town because she left him standing at the altar. She had seen something she shouldn’t have to cut her ties with Albert. He threatens and harasses her at every turn.
Noelle’s grandmother Gram was going to the dance and would not take no for an answer. Noelle loved her Gram, and was honored to escort her to the dance. Of course, Albert was making his presence known causing Noelle to take measures into her own hands.
Cowboy and ranch foreman, Cord Dalton, was wallowing in his loneliness when Noelle asked him to dance. From here the love story takes several turns of learning to trust as a pretend game of Cinderella starts to unfold. This makes the book delightful to read. I found myself in a cheering section for Noelle not to relive another “almost enough” moment. There are towns people in this story who will warm your heart. Children who help us all to remember that the Christmas season is to be celebrated and it is truly a season of giving. The story includes justice as well for wrongs needing to be righted.
I enjoyed this book. It caused me to think about the “almost enough” feelings I’ve had in my own life. Readers, come to Blessing, Texas, and enjoy a beautiful love story, which includes festivities of the Christmas Season.
October 24, 2020
The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas
Three authors ~ Three Historical Heartwarming Holiday Romances ~
FATHER GOOSE by Jodi Thomas
The first time I read a book with a similar plot might have been one written by Neville Shute and it took place in Europe during a war. I have read a few since then and each on was memorable in its own way. I do love this storyline and this author’s historical romances have never let me down. I loved Trapper, Emery and all five girls. Absolutely loved this story and would love to know how all of the characters are doing in the future!
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE by Sharla Lovelace
Second chances do happen sometimes, and this story gives Josie and Benjamin a second chance to get it right. I felt deeply for both main characters and really hoped they would manage to get their HEA by the end of the story. They were well matched and deserved to be together. Another great story by one of my favorite authors.
CHRISTMAS ROAD by Scarlett Dunn
This was a new author to me, and I did enjoy her story. Epidemics could decimate communities and this story dealt with the aftermath of Yellow Fever. This was a story of family, loss, community, caring and finding happy endings for children and adults.
All three provided adventure, romance, wonderful characters, and a healthy dose of Christmas magic.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Definitely!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Three authors ~ Three Historical Heartwarming Holiday Romances ~
FATHER GOOSE by Jodi Thomas
The first time I read a book with a similar plot might have been one written by Neville Shute and it took place in Europe during a war. I have read a few since then and each on was memorable in its own way. I do love this storyline and this author’s historical romances have never let me down. I loved Trapper, Emery and all five girls. Absolutely loved this story and would love to know how all of the characters are doing in the future!
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE by Sharla Lovelace
Second chances do happen sometimes, and this story gives Josie and Benjamin a second chance to get it right. I felt deeply for both main characters and really hoped they would manage to get their HEA by the end of the story. They were well matched and deserved to be together. Another great story by one of my favorite authors.
CHRISTMAS ROAD by Scarlett Dunn
This was a new author to me, and I did enjoy her story. Epidemics could decimate communities and this story dealt with the aftermath of Yellow Fever. This was a story of family, loss, community, caring and finding happy endings for children and adults.
All three provided adventure, romance, wonderful characters, and a healthy dose of Christmas magic.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Definitely!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
November 5, 2020
I loved all three of these historical romance stories. Jodi Thomas was the only author I was familiar with, but the other two were just as good. The three stories are cowboy romances centered around Christmas with a heavy emphasis on love and family.
I'll admit that the story by Jodi Thomas, Father Goose, was my favorite. Trapper takes on the job of returning five little girls to their father with the help of a woman who is running away from the life that she knows she's is going to be trapped in by her father. The five girls definitely steal the story. They are strong and loveable.
The Mistletoe Promise is the second chance at love story by Sharla Lovelace. Josie is on the verge of losing her ranch and Ben comes to her rescue--much to her chagrin. Their past was very, very rocky and him doing anything without asking her is just too much like their past. Can he make her see that he did it out of love?
In Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn, a war weary man hurries home to be with his dying mother. He doesn't find her, but instead a message to go find the woman who took care of her. Is his mother match making from the grave? You'll have to read it to find out what happens!
A very enjoyable Christmas Anthology.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
I'll admit that the story by Jodi Thomas, Father Goose, was my favorite. Trapper takes on the job of returning five little girls to their father with the help of a woman who is running away from the life that she knows she's is going to be trapped in by her father. The five girls definitely steal the story. They are strong and loveable.
The Mistletoe Promise is the second chance at love story by Sharla Lovelace. Josie is on the verge of losing her ranch and Ben comes to her rescue--much to her chagrin. Their past was very, very rocky and him doing anything without asking her is just too much like their past. Can he make her see that he did it out of love?
In Christmas Road by Scarlett Dunn, a war weary man hurries home to be with his dying mother. He doesn't find her, but instead a message to go find the woman who took care of her. Is his mother match making from the grave? You'll have to read it to find out what happens!
A very enjoyable Christmas Anthology.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Read
October 17, 2021Linda Broday's story Almost Christmas.
Noelle a candy maker ( I got fatter just reading about candy) Cord a tall good looking cowboy met by chance one night at a Town Social. Noelle has an ex-fiance who has made her life miserable. He is also is at the Social and makes his way over to Noelle once again with nasty insults. Cord steps in and pretends to be her new boyfriend. This is a sweet Christmas love Story it left me wanting more. 5 stars!!
Jodi Thomas story Father Goose
Trapper Hawkins a drifter after the war between the states. He won a job in a porker game. He had to transport 5 rich young girls home to their father. Emery Adams running from her horrible life with her abusive father talks her way into being the girls nurse maid. Danger finds them as Christmas Eve nears. The 5 little girls and Emery risk their life to help him save their's and get them home to their father before Christmas. A great read.
Noelle a candy maker ( I got fatter just reading about candy) Cord a tall good looking cowboy met by chance one night at a Town Social. Noelle has an ex-fiance who has made her life miserable. He is also is at the Social and makes his way over to Noelle once again with nasty insults. Cord steps in and pretends to be her new boyfriend. This is a sweet Christmas love Story it left me wanting more. 5 stars!!
Jodi Thomas story Father Goose
Trapper Hawkins a drifter after the war between the states. He won a job in a porker game. He had to transport 5 rich young girls home to their father. Emery Adams running from her horrible life with her abusive father talks her way into being the girls nurse maid. Danger finds them as Christmas Eve nears. The 5 little girls and Emery risk their life to help him save their's and get them home to their father before Christmas. A great read.
September 20, 2020
Heartwarming love stories at Christmas Time
Three stories with strong, endearing characters who struggle and triumph in finding true love. Each story is made even more enjoyable by being written in the Christmas season. If you like a good love story, with tests and trials , and a happy ending at Christmas time; this book is for you.
Three stories with strong, endearing characters who struggle and triumph in finding true love. Each story is made even more enjoyable by being written in the Christmas season. If you like a good love story, with tests and trials , and a happy ending at Christmas time; this book is for you.
December 31, 2020
Three sweet, heartwarming love stories. It's impossible to pick a favorite.
September 4, 2020
I won an advanced copy of this one, so I decided to ignore my no Christmas books until November rule. Let's be fair, even when we aren't in a pandemic I have trouble resisting new Christmas books. Why does every writer come up with Christmas stories? Because there is a huge population of sappy schmucks like me! This is a cute collection full of sweet cowboys! You will love it! Happy Reading!
October 28, 2020
Three little Western historical romances to make you feel good. Numbers 1 & 3 feature cowboys jaded by war who turn out to really love kids and their down-on-their-luck lady traveling mate. While the 2nd was set in Galveston, I pictured Poldark the whole time and it fit perfectly.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this title.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this title.
August 31, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this feel good Christmas book with enough Western adventure and danger to keep you on the edge of your seat. Especially enjoyed story by one of my favorite authors, Scarlett Dunn. If you enjoy clean historical Westerns with romance and adventure, you will enjoy this book. A heartwarming Christmas page turner.
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