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The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake #5
Tidings of Joy
He came to Sweetwater to repay a debt. Chance Taylor didn't expect to have feelings for his new landlady, Tanya Bolton. He could see newly widowed Tanya had worked hard to put the pieces of her world back together, caring for her wheelchair-bound daughter and taking a job at the local bank.
Chance's arrival interrupted Tanya's routine…and brought unexpected happiness to her life. But the secret obligation he struggled with meant Chance could lose Tanya—and his chance for a fresh start—forever.
Chance's arrival interrupted Tanya's routine…and brought unexpected happiness to her life. But the secret obligation he struggled with meant Chance could lose Tanya—and his chance for a fresh start—forever.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2006
About the author
Margaret Daley
207 books499 followersMargaret Daley, an award-winning author of seventy-six books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 13, 2016
Tidings of Joy was written over ten years ago and I came across it in the local library. I am very glad I did because the story fits perfectly in the line of books in which it was published: heartwarming, inspirational, romantic, and love inspired. I cannot imagine being in Chance Taylor’s shoes. How does a man handle the murder of his wife and daughter in his home? How does he get past the guilt he carries because he was too busy working to be at home with them? To make matters worse, how can a man cope with being charged for the murder of the two people he loved more than anyone else and being sent to prison for their murder? As if he doesn’t already have too much on his plate, another man dies when he jumps between Chance and a bully with a knife; and now he feels responsible for that man’s death. You may be thinking that I am describing an action thriller about now. That is background information. The story really begins when the real murderer of his wife and daughter are found and he is released from prison. He heads to Sweetwater where the wife and daughter of the man who took the knife in his place lives. I recommend you read the book to see how he deals with meeting them and where his life goes from there. I think you will love reading about the friendship between the ladies of Sweetwater.
February 5, 2026
Margaret Daley's *Tidings of Joy* is an exquisitely heartwarming tale that beautifully intertwines love, loss, and the redemptive power of second chances. From the very first page, we are thrust into the tumultuous life of Chance Taylor, a man grappling with unimaginable grief after the brutal murder of his wife and daughter. The weight of guilt he carries, feeling that his career overshadowed the precious moments he could have shared with them, resonates deeply, tugging at the heartstrings of anyone who has ever felt the pain of regret.
As Chance confronts his past and faces the haunting shadows of his mistakes, he finds himself wrongfully imprisoned, a victim of circumstance. The added tragedy of another man's sacrifice—a life lost while protecting him—only intensifies the emotional turmoil he endures. Yet, amid this darkness, hope flickers to life when the truth emerges and Chance is finally released.
His journey leads him to Sweetwater, where he meets the resilient Tanya Bolton, a woman battling her own demons as she navigates life as a single mother to her wheelchair-bound daughter. The connection that blossoms between them is not just romantic; it is a poignant reminder of the healing power of love and the strength that can be found in vulnerability. As Chance helps Tanya rediscover joy during the Christmas season, the transformative nature of their relationship unfolds in the most touching way.
Daley masterfully weaves themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the miracle of second chances into a tapestry of rich emotion. The spirit of the holiday season envelops the narrative, enhancing its warmth and giving readers a sense of hope. The friendship that develops among the women of Sweetwater adds layers of complexity and charm, enriching the story as they navigate their own challenges.
While the plot follows familiar tropes, it is infused with an authenticity that makes it deeply relatable and inspiring. Readers will find themselves moved by the sincerity of the characters and the uplifting messages that echo throughout the book. *Tidings of Joy* is not just a romance; it is a celebration of love, faith, and the new beginnings that can emerge from even the darkest of times. This Christmas, let yourself be swept away by the beauty and heart that Daley delivers in this captivating story—it’s a true gift for the soul.
As Chance confronts his past and faces the haunting shadows of his mistakes, he finds himself wrongfully imprisoned, a victim of circumstance. The added tragedy of another man's sacrifice—a life lost while protecting him—only intensifies the emotional turmoil he endures. Yet, amid this darkness, hope flickers to life when the truth emerges and Chance is finally released.
His journey leads him to Sweetwater, where he meets the resilient Tanya Bolton, a woman battling her own demons as she navigates life as a single mother to her wheelchair-bound daughter. The connection that blossoms between them is not just romantic; it is a poignant reminder of the healing power of love and the strength that can be found in vulnerability. As Chance helps Tanya rediscover joy during the Christmas season, the transformative nature of their relationship unfolds in the most touching way.
Daley masterfully weaves themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the miracle of second chances into a tapestry of rich emotion. The spirit of the holiday season envelops the narrative, enhancing its warmth and giving readers a sense of hope. The friendship that develops among the women of Sweetwater adds layers of complexity and charm, enriching the story as they navigate their own challenges.
While the plot follows familiar tropes, it is infused with an authenticity that makes it deeply relatable and inspiring. Readers will find themselves moved by the sincerity of the characters and the uplifting messages that echo throughout the book. *Tidings of Joy* is not just a romance; it is a celebration of love, faith, and the new beginnings that can emerge from even the darkest of times. This Christmas, let yourself be swept away by the beauty and heart that Daley delivers in this captivating story—it’s a true gift for the soul.
July 9, 2022
A man with baggage, a woman with different baggage, but a pull that’s undeniable. Oh, and it’s Christmas.
I picked this book up because of the dog on the cover. I won’t lie. I like a good black Labrador book. This one didn’t disappoint. It’s cute and sweet. I liked the characters, and I wanted them to have a happy ending. I also wanted to know if the dog got a happy ending, too. Thankfully, everyone did.
I liked the friendship between Tanya and Chance. They hit it off right away, even when they didn’t realize it. It was cute. It also showed that sometimes the best things are worth waiting for. I liked the side story of Tanya’s daughter coming out of her shell and Chance showing them both they weren’t alone.
If you’re looking for a cute holiday read, then this is the one for you.
I picked this book up because of the dog on the cover. I won’t lie. I like a good black Labrador book. This one didn’t disappoint. It’s cute and sweet. I liked the characters, and I wanted them to have a happy ending. I also wanted to know if the dog got a happy ending, too. Thankfully, everyone did.
I liked the friendship between Tanya and Chance. They hit it off right away, even when they didn’t realize it. It was cute. It also showed that sometimes the best things are worth waiting for. I liked the side story of Tanya’s daughter coming out of her shell and Chance showing them both they weren’t alone.
If you’re looking for a cute holiday read, then this is the one for you.
November 8, 2022
This book had many layers. It was a great small town story which made me want to be a part of their friend family. Of course it had a sweet romance, but it also dealt with some heavy issues such as bullying, bipolar disorder, and being falsely accused and imprisoned as a result. If you like contemporary romance with some depth to the story, I think you will enjoy this book.
January 1, 2025
Good story about Tanya and her paraplegic daughter, Crystal. Tanya’s husband died in prison where he was sent after setting fires to local barns out of anger after his daughter’s accident.
Prison friend, Chance, was incarcerated unjustly for killing his wife and daughter. Released when the real killer was caught, Chance goes to Sweetwater to anonymously help Tanya and Crystal.
Prison friend, Chance, was incarcerated unjustly for killing his wife and daughter. Released when the real killer was caught, Chance goes to Sweetwater to anonymously help Tanya and Crystal.
January 1, 2025
A very good read that kept me reading into the night. The main characters have a lot of tragedy in there life, and with help from close friends along with faith they found happiness. Highly recommend this book.
January 19, 2025
A great read
This is a marvelous read of Chance and Tanya's and her daughter, Crystal, to find their happy ever. The storyline is fantastic, intriguing and heartfelt along with interesting and remarkable characters. It is a page turner read.
This is a marvelous read of Chance and Tanya's and her daughter, Crystal, to find their happy ever. The storyline is fantastic, intriguing and heartfelt along with interesting and remarkable characters. It is a page turner read.
December 10, 2020
Interesting story involving a person wrongfully placed in prison, person in a wheelchair due to an accident and a person who is bi-polar.
December 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I want to read the other books in this series.
September 27, 2024
Typical romance novel.
March 7, 2008
Review: Tidings of Joy by Margaret Daley
I discovered Margaret Daley at a writer’s group in Wichita Falls. I was deeply impressed with her wholesome approach to romance writing. I had become discontented with the stories I was reading in some of the “inspirational” books. They had a shallow sense to them. Margaret’s stories have a depth that had to this point been missing.
Unfortunately, the first book of Margaret’s I got my hands on was in the middle of her Ladies of Sweetwater series. “When Dreams Come True” only wetted my appetite. You can read my review of that story on Margaret’s website.
I was thrilled when my newfound friend took me up on my offer to review one of her books! That thrill only intensified when I received her book in the mail….I love stories of Christmas! Tidings of Joy is now added to my list of Christmas favorites and I’m sure it will be added to yours!
Each of Margaret’s books has a unique quality to stand alone, yet leave you wanting to read more! The characters in Tidings of Joy quickly became friends instead of strangers. I’ll try to share enough of their stories without giving too much away…
Chance is an intense character if there ever was one. Troubled, angry, and hurting. After being falsely accused of killing his wife and daughter; being nearly killed in prison, and trying to keep a promise to a man who died saving his, its no wonder. While trying to befriend the widow of the man who saved his life, Chance rediscovers his faith and love, to his own surprise.
Tonya, still reeling from a series of crisis’s in her own life, yet she still listens to God urging her to reach out and finds a way to help someone else heal, and in turn finds the love she’s been needing and wanting all along.
True friendship, rare is today’s busy world, and the fellowship of other believers, form lifetime bonds in these families and the hurting souls they come into contact with and welcome into their hearts and lives. Forgiveness and redemption is not just spoken of but lived out for all to see. The serious issue of manic depression is explained in an eye-opening light through God’s love. The issue of bullying and prejudice is exposed and dealt with in a Christian way; the alternate not an option, if we are to be as Christ like as possible.
You’ll love Tidings of Joy, and you’ll want to read all of the books in The Ladies of Sweetwater series….I know I’m going to!
Thanks Margaret for sharing your heart in your stories with the rest of us!
Tammy Varner Hornbeck,
Author, “Faith, Hope…and the greatest of these is LOVE”
ISBN: 1-4241-5886-9. Publish America, December 2006
I discovered Margaret Daley at a writer’s group in Wichita Falls. I was deeply impressed with her wholesome approach to romance writing. I had become discontented with the stories I was reading in some of the “inspirational” books. They had a shallow sense to them. Margaret’s stories have a depth that had to this point been missing.
Unfortunately, the first book of Margaret’s I got my hands on was in the middle of her Ladies of Sweetwater series. “When Dreams Come True” only wetted my appetite. You can read my review of that story on Margaret’s website.
I was thrilled when my newfound friend took me up on my offer to review one of her books! That thrill only intensified when I received her book in the mail….I love stories of Christmas! Tidings of Joy is now added to my list of Christmas favorites and I’m sure it will be added to yours!
Each of Margaret’s books has a unique quality to stand alone, yet leave you wanting to read more! The characters in Tidings of Joy quickly became friends instead of strangers. I’ll try to share enough of their stories without giving too much away…
Chance is an intense character if there ever was one. Troubled, angry, and hurting. After being falsely accused of killing his wife and daughter; being nearly killed in prison, and trying to keep a promise to a man who died saving his, its no wonder. While trying to befriend the widow of the man who saved his life, Chance rediscovers his faith and love, to his own surprise.
Tonya, still reeling from a series of crisis’s in her own life, yet she still listens to God urging her to reach out and finds a way to help someone else heal, and in turn finds the love she’s been needing and wanting all along.
True friendship, rare is today’s busy world, and the fellowship of other believers, form lifetime bonds in these families and the hurting souls they come into contact with and welcome into their hearts and lives. Forgiveness and redemption is not just spoken of but lived out for all to see. The serious issue of manic depression is explained in an eye-opening light through God’s love. The issue of bullying and prejudice is exposed and dealt with in a Christian way; the alternate not an option, if we are to be as Christ like as possible.
You’ll love Tidings of Joy, and you’ll want to read all of the books in The Ladies of Sweetwater series….I know I’m going to!
Thanks Margaret for sharing your heart in your stories with the rest of us!
Tammy Varner Hornbeck,
Author, “Faith, Hope…and the greatest of these is LOVE”
ISBN: 1-4241-5886-9. Publish America, December 2006
March 22, 2016
OK, I just have to say I love this author for her treatment of mental illness. This may be the first novel I've ever read where the MC has a mental illness that she struggles with, but she's not an ex-con, addict or hooker. She didn't commit adultery, mess up her children's lives or get kicked out of town for her terrible behavior. She's a survivor. She's strong, loving, and keeps things together with the help of God, friends, and the medical profession. Like lots of people I know who have mental illnesses. Finally! I'd love this book just for that, if nothing else. :)
The story's good, looking at people who are struggling, including our MC, a widowed Mom whose husband died in prison. And the hero, who spent two years in the same prison - until he was exonerated and released. Then there's the MC's teenage daughter, who's being bullied at school. All of that may sound like it would make a depressing book, but it's not. It manages to be realistic without being bleak. If a few scenes felt a bit idealistic they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. It's still a LI romance, so you know there has to be an HEA. (Which is one reason I read them.)
The story's good, looking at people who are struggling, including our MC, a widowed Mom whose husband died in prison. And the hero, who spent two years in the same prison - until he was exonerated and released. Then there's the MC's teenage daughter, who's being bullied at school. All of that may sound like it would make a depressing book, but it's not. It manages to be realistic without being bleak. If a few scenes felt a bit idealistic they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. It's still a LI romance, so you know there has to be an HEA. (Which is one reason I read them.)
April 28, 2011
Tidings of Joy by Margaret Daley is an inspirational romance that doesn’t bash the reader over the head with the message of God’s love. Chance came to Sweetwater to escape his past and repay a debt. There he meets Tanya and her handicapped daughter, Crystal and makes many true friends. But will his inability to get over his past allow him to find true happiness with Tanya and Crystal?
This is the right kind of inspirational romance. The reader gets a message about the Christian faith without it sounding preachy, which can be a definite turn off. I found I was able to relate to the characters and the plot was believable. I thank Ms. Daley for setting the story over the course of several months to allow the characters time to develop their relationship.
http://www.romancing-the-book.com/200...
This is the right kind of inspirational romance. The reader gets a message about the Christian faith without it sounding preachy, which can be a definite turn off. I found I was able to relate to the characters and the plot was believable. I thank Ms. Daley for setting the story over the course of several months to allow the characters time to develop their relationship.
http://www.romancing-the-book.com/200...
March 31, 2014
I enjoyed this book although it was a little too religious for my liking. Until I read the author's note to her readers I didn't realize this was a series - and the last book in The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake.
The characters were multifaceted and their was a lot of emotion packed into the story. There was also a lot of societal issues dealt with as well - prison, bullying and illness in the form of paralysis and manic depression. Friends and family were at the forefront along with religion. There were several happily ever afters along with romance and love. I need to go back and read the first four books in the series to get the history and the friendships straightened out in my mind.
The characters were multifaceted and their was a lot of emotion packed into the story. There was also a lot of societal issues dealt with as well - prison, bullying and illness in the form of paralysis and manic depression. Friends and family were at the forefront along with religion. There were several happily ever afters along with romance and love. I need to go back and read the first four books in the series to get the history and the friendships straightened out in my mind.
December 28, 2009
This was a short read, but I really enjoyed it. A sweet little Christmas themed love story. The characters certainly were not without their struggles, but they overcame them in a very inspiring way.
February 20, 2012
Loved this book! Margaret is one of my favorite writers! This book is very special.
September 29, 2012
Really loved this book! Wonderful!
December 4, 2016
This book was cute and heart felt. I really enjoy these books
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews