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A Blue and Gray Christmas: Beloved Enemy/Till Death Do Us Part/Courage of the Heart/Shelter in the Storm
Surrender yourself to the forces of love in four engaging Civil War Christmas romances. Join up with Leah Woods as she searches for her missing fiancé in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Stick to your guns with Arabella Lambert as she pledges her allegiance to pacifist Barry Birch, a man labeled a coward. Ride out the storm with Rachel Thornton as she resists her attraction to the wounded artist James Galloway. Saddle up with Confederate-born Hannah McIntosh as she falls for Chris Haley, an embittered Union soldier. Can these couples forge an everlasting union in the tide of civil war?
346 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
190 people want to read
About the author
Vickie McDonough
95 books371 followersOver 1.5 million books sold!
Bestselling author Vickie McDonough grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie is a best-selling author of more than 50 published books and novellas, with over 1.5 million copies sold. Her novels include End of the Trail, winner of the OWFI 2013 Booksellers Best Fiction Novel Award. Whispers on the Prairie was a Romantic Times Recommended Inspirational Book for July 2013. Song of the Prairie won the 2015 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Gabriel’s Atonement, book 1 in the Land Rush Dreams series, placed second in the 2016 Will Rogers Medallion Award. Vickie has recently stepped into independent publishing.
Vickie has been married for forty-one years to Robert. They have four grown sons, one daughter-in-law, and a precocious granddaughter. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, antiquing, doing stained glass, watching movies, and traveling. To learn more about Vickie’s books or to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: www.vickiemcdonough.com
Bestselling author Vickie McDonough grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie is a best-selling author of more than 50 published books and novellas, with over 1.5 million copies sold. Her novels include End of the Trail, winner of the OWFI 2013 Booksellers Best Fiction Novel Award. Whispers on the Prairie was a Romantic Times Recommended Inspirational Book for July 2013. Song of the Prairie won the 2015 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Gabriel’s Atonement, book 1 in the Land Rush Dreams series, placed second in the 2016 Will Rogers Medallion Award. Vickie has recently stepped into independent publishing.
Vickie has been married for forty-one years to Robert. They have four grown sons, one daughter-in-law, and a precocious granddaughter. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, antiquing, doing stained glass, watching movies, and traveling. To learn more about Vickie’s books or to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: www.vickiemcdonough.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 14, 2018
"Til Death Do Us Part" by Lauralee Bliss tells of a man in between two very different groups of people. Must he turn his back on everyone he has ever loved in order to keep his own life? Will he be able to survive if he had to make that impossible choice? Surely God sees all things and knows the heart before prayers are ever spoken. Trust in Him has to be placed above all else; and this loving, historic novella reminds of this with plenty to spare.
"Courage of the Heart" by Tamela Hancock Murray is a fabulous story of how sticking to one's decisions can bring more good than harm. In a time of war, one man was required by everyone around him (family included) to join into a battle that he did not even believe in. Can this lone wolf stand his ground with everyone else around him is turning their backs as if he was nothing but scum? Will he lose the love of his life by remaining a pacifist while everyone else cries for the blood of the enemy? Only time can explain why things happen the way that they do, and only God knows the greater picture behind our trials. Keeping the Faith is a wonderful reminder that this novella constantly portrays.
"A Shelter in the Storm" by Carrie Turansky is a wonderful tale about a young woman who puts the needs of those around her above her own. This story tells of something greater than one's own accomplishments, and teaches a mighty story of how there is more to this world than one's personal safety. "A Shelter in the Storm" tells a fabulous tale of how a woman, a man, and a family can place their needs on the back burner for the good of everyone around them.
"Beloved Enemy" by Vickie McDonough was absolutely fabulous! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this short story and I felt that each page told a wonderful tale leading to a completed plot-line. There was no cliff hangers nor short comings that are so often associated with novellas. In "Beloved Enemy" we find a Southern woman seeking shelter with a Northern family, right after the end of the war. Some are searching for peace and some are just looking for a little hope.
"Courage of the Heart" by Tamela Hancock Murray is a fabulous story of how sticking to one's decisions can bring more good than harm. In a time of war, one man was required by everyone around him (family included) to join into a battle that he did not even believe in. Can this lone wolf stand his ground with everyone else around him is turning their backs as if he was nothing but scum? Will he lose the love of his life by remaining a pacifist while everyone else cries for the blood of the enemy? Only time can explain why things happen the way that they do, and only God knows the greater picture behind our trials. Keeping the Faith is a wonderful reminder that this novella constantly portrays.
"A Shelter in the Storm" by Carrie Turansky is a wonderful tale about a young woman who puts the needs of those around her above her own. This story tells of something greater than one's own accomplishments, and teaches a mighty story of how there is more to this world than one's personal safety. "A Shelter in the Storm" tells a fabulous tale of how a woman, a man, and a family can place their needs on the back burner for the good of everyone around them.
"Beloved Enemy" by Vickie McDonough was absolutely fabulous! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this short story and I felt that each page told a wonderful tale leading to a completed plot-line. There was no cliff hangers nor short comings that are so often associated with novellas. In "Beloved Enemy" we find a Southern woman seeking shelter with a Northern family, right after the end of the war. Some are searching for peace and some are just looking for a little hope.
December 19, 2019
Overall I gave this collection 3 stars, which is what I typically give to short story anthologies. Calling this a Christmas collection is a bit of a stretch though.
Till Death Do Us Part (Lauralee Bliss) - 3 stars
Courage of the Heart (Tamela Hancock Murray) - 2.5 stars
Shelter in the Storm (Carrie Turansky) 3.5 stars
Beloved Enemy (Vickie McDonough) - 3 stars
Till Death Do Us Part (Lauralee Bliss) - 3 stars
Courage of the Heart (Tamela Hancock Murray) - 2.5 stars
Shelter in the Storm (Carrie Turansky) 3.5 stars
Beloved Enemy (Vickie McDonough) - 3 stars
June 8, 2018
4,25 stars - English paperback - I have dyslexia -
Found a little notebook again with notes of the books I read.
Sometimes with a review, mosly just stars. This was a gift from a friend. Thanks Krissy. 🦋🦋🦋
Found a little notebook again with notes of the books I read.
Sometimes with a review, mosly just stars. This was a gift from a friend. Thanks Krissy. 🦋🦋🦋
March 19, 2012
Can the gift of Love , Joy and Happiness overcome these four couples lives this Christmas as War settles in between the South and Yankees ? To me, it was kind of a surprise to read about the war as being from outside USA - all Americans are Americans , all Yankees as used for Slang but in America you are split into a few catgories -you have the Southerners and then the Yankees. A Blue and Gray Christmas compiled as four short stories talks about the war and how each of the characters struggled throughout it but as we all know with God by our side - All things are possible.
The first tale written by Lauralee Bliss is called "Till Death Do Us Part" . Lauralee tells us the story of two newly engaged adults Leah Woods and Seth Madison. When the pair announce their engagement, all is wonderful until Seth pops out to do an errand and being back shortly turns into days and weeks as we discover he has been captured by the enemy and accused of being a spy. Leah, distraught with worry can do nothing but pray to God that wherever her fiance is he will be safe. When he returns, Leah is overjoyed but Seth has changed - he is not the same person he was when they announced their engagement . When Seth calls off the Wedding, Leah is distraught but as she dutifully continues to pray , will God answer her prayers and can Leah prove to Seth that she will always love him no matter what?
The second tale is written by Tamela Hancock Murray and is titled "Courage of the Heart" . This story reminded me of the film "Four Feathers" featuring Heath Ledger as we meet couple Arabella Lambert and Barry Birch. Barry has proposed and Arabella of course said YES, the couple plan to marry next Christmas but their plans are halted when Barry's brother Silas arrives home injured from War. Barry being the next oldest duty is to go to War, but Barry has a secret- a promise made to his grandfather years ago. When Barry announces that he won't go to war , it has consequences and he is labelled "a coward" and Arabella's family refuses her to marry him. Can Arabella and Barry prove to the town that he isn't a coward just because he doesn't want to fight in the war , what will it take for Barry to prove to Arabella's family that he is worthy of their daughter's hand ?
The third tale is "Shelter in the Storm" by Carrie Turansky. When trouble strikes and war correspondent James finds himself injured and on the doorstep of a Doctor , it seems like fate or destiny has brought him here. Of course, though Rachel being the dutiful daughter brings James back to health. She tries so hard though, not to fall in love as she is still hurting from losing her sweetheart Andrew in the war that she doesn't want to lose another. James torn between his job and Rachel chooses to go to war and Rachel finds herself in the arms of Daniel - a friend of their Aunt Julia's. When James arrives home this Christmas to visit them , who will she choose - will she take the safe option with Daniel or will she follow her heart's desire and choose James ? Is she strong enough to fall for another soldier ?
The final tale is "Beloved Enemy" by Vickie McDonough. Out of all the four authors, the only one that was familiar to me was Vickie McDonough , her story was different than the others as well and showed to us that Opposites can really attract as we meet Hannah McIntosh and Chris Haley. Hannah has nowhere to go and soon finds herself , her brother Ethan and unborn child looking for a place to stay after her husband is killed. Hannah finds a job as a caretaker for Ellen Haley but when Ellen's son Chris returns home from War , it becomes a struggling battle as he is a Union and discovers that she is a Conferderate - enemies on the battlefield. Can their love though stand the test of times and the obstacles of not only war but her pregnancy to another man ?
As we come into the cooler weather , I know it's not Christmas but to me this screams as a "Sit around curled up by the fireplace read".
The first tale written by Lauralee Bliss is called "Till Death Do Us Part" . Lauralee tells us the story of two newly engaged adults Leah Woods and Seth Madison. When the pair announce their engagement, all is wonderful until Seth pops out to do an errand and being back shortly turns into days and weeks as we discover he has been captured by the enemy and accused of being a spy. Leah, distraught with worry can do nothing but pray to God that wherever her fiance is he will be safe. When he returns, Leah is overjoyed but Seth has changed - he is not the same person he was when they announced their engagement . When Seth calls off the Wedding, Leah is distraught but as she dutifully continues to pray , will God answer her prayers and can Leah prove to Seth that she will always love him no matter what?
The second tale is written by Tamela Hancock Murray and is titled "Courage of the Heart" . This story reminded me of the film "Four Feathers" featuring Heath Ledger as we meet couple Arabella Lambert and Barry Birch. Barry has proposed and Arabella of course said YES, the couple plan to marry next Christmas but their plans are halted when Barry's brother Silas arrives home injured from War. Barry being the next oldest duty is to go to War, but Barry has a secret- a promise made to his grandfather years ago. When Barry announces that he won't go to war , it has consequences and he is labelled "a coward" and Arabella's family refuses her to marry him. Can Arabella and Barry prove to the town that he isn't a coward just because he doesn't want to fight in the war , what will it take for Barry to prove to Arabella's family that he is worthy of their daughter's hand ?
The third tale is "Shelter in the Storm" by Carrie Turansky. When trouble strikes and war correspondent James finds himself injured and on the doorstep of a Doctor , it seems like fate or destiny has brought him here. Of course, though Rachel being the dutiful daughter brings James back to health. She tries so hard though, not to fall in love as she is still hurting from losing her sweetheart Andrew in the war that she doesn't want to lose another. James torn between his job and Rachel chooses to go to war and Rachel finds herself in the arms of Daniel - a friend of their Aunt Julia's. When James arrives home this Christmas to visit them , who will she choose - will she take the safe option with Daniel or will she follow her heart's desire and choose James ? Is she strong enough to fall for another soldier ?
The final tale is "Beloved Enemy" by Vickie McDonough. Out of all the four authors, the only one that was familiar to me was Vickie McDonough , her story was different than the others as well and showed to us that Opposites can really attract as we meet Hannah McIntosh and Chris Haley. Hannah has nowhere to go and soon finds herself , her brother Ethan and unborn child looking for a place to stay after her husband is killed. Hannah finds a job as a caretaker for Ellen Haley but when Ellen's son Chris returns home from War , it becomes a struggling battle as he is a Union and discovers that she is a Conferderate - enemies on the battlefield. Can their love though stand the test of times and the obstacles of not only war but her pregnancy to another man ?
As we come into the cooler weather , I know it's not Christmas but to me this screams as a "Sit around curled up by the fireplace read".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2009
Review for A Blue and Gray Christmas
Four novellas, one seriously cool book. Okay, I admit I am a Civil War buff, BIG TIME, but that can actually play against a CW book if the research is sketchy or the characters not authentic or the plots, implausible. I was thrilled to see none of these pitfalls stuck me in this collection. In fact, I learned a few things, and enjoyed every moment of class.
In Lauralee Bliss’s Till Death Do Us Part, Seth Madison and Leah Woods must survive the invasion and ensuing battle of Fredericksburg before they can pursue their plans to wed on the New Year. Bliss does a superb job of showing a first-hand look at the disruption and chaos of civilian life under enemy assault. Her descriptions were rich and three-dimensional. Her characters’ emotions put me there, hiding from the Yankees, or complying with them under duress. She kept me reading to find out how this couple overcomes. Great kick-off to the collection.
Courage of the Heart, by Tamela Hancock Murray, switched sides of the war, with a Union-sympathizing West Virginia couple, Arabella Lambert and Barry Birch. Their betrothal is curtailed by her father, since Barry refuses to fight the Confederates for the cause. Arabella’s loyalty in faith in him resonated with me. Barry’s pacifist principles set him apart as a truly unique character. Sweet romance prevails.
Nestled like a gem in the middle of the collection was my personal favorite, Shelter in the Storm by Carrie Turansky. I am a sucker for wounded-soldier-meets-nurse plots. I wrote one myself. But this had several qualities that set it apart from the average Florence Nightingale tale. James Galloway hails from Bristol, England, a sketch artist for Harper’s Weekly. The refined heroine, Rachel Thornton, has this wonderfully real relationship with her vivacious and impulsive younger sister who thinks nothing of blurting questions of the wounded stranger. Turansky’s prose is lovely, her characters are of real flesh and blood, and her setting captivated me--Nashville 1864. A great little love story.
Finally, Vickie McDonough brings the collection to a wonderful finale with Beloved Enemy. It is hard to decide favorites, since this was as powerful in story and prose as the previous selection. In many ways, this hero was my favorite for his complexity and conflicted emotions. This novella offers a big story in a little package—Chris Haley’s recovery from the physical and spiritual wounds of war kept me turning pages. A tender man at heart, shown with interactions with the heroine’s baby boy, he must learn forgiveness before his budding romance can bloom with sweet and faithful southern-born Hannah McIntosh. Delicious internal conflict and chemistry, from start to finish.
A Blue and Gray Christmas has more vibrant color than its title suggests. This collection is sure to add a swag of red romance and golden ambiance to your holiday reading.
Four novellas, one seriously cool book. Okay, I admit I am a Civil War buff, BIG TIME, but that can actually play against a CW book if the research is sketchy or the characters not authentic or the plots, implausible. I was thrilled to see none of these pitfalls stuck me in this collection. In fact, I learned a few things, and enjoyed every moment of class.
In Lauralee Bliss’s Till Death Do Us Part, Seth Madison and Leah Woods must survive the invasion and ensuing battle of Fredericksburg before they can pursue their plans to wed on the New Year. Bliss does a superb job of showing a first-hand look at the disruption and chaos of civilian life under enemy assault. Her descriptions were rich and three-dimensional. Her characters’ emotions put me there, hiding from the Yankees, or complying with them under duress. She kept me reading to find out how this couple overcomes. Great kick-off to the collection.
Courage of the Heart, by Tamela Hancock Murray, switched sides of the war, with a Union-sympathizing West Virginia couple, Arabella Lambert and Barry Birch. Their betrothal is curtailed by her father, since Barry refuses to fight the Confederates for the cause. Arabella’s loyalty in faith in him resonated with me. Barry’s pacifist principles set him apart as a truly unique character. Sweet romance prevails.
Nestled like a gem in the middle of the collection was my personal favorite, Shelter in the Storm by Carrie Turansky. I am a sucker for wounded-soldier-meets-nurse plots. I wrote one myself. But this had several qualities that set it apart from the average Florence Nightingale tale. James Galloway hails from Bristol, England, a sketch artist for Harper’s Weekly. The refined heroine, Rachel Thornton, has this wonderfully real relationship with her vivacious and impulsive younger sister who thinks nothing of blurting questions of the wounded stranger. Turansky’s prose is lovely, her characters are of real flesh and blood, and her setting captivated me--Nashville 1864. A great little love story.
Finally, Vickie McDonough brings the collection to a wonderful finale with Beloved Enemy. It is hard to decide favorites, since this was as powerful in story and prose as the previous selection. In many ways, this hero was my favorite for his complexity and conflicted emotions. This novella offers a big story in a little package—Chris Haley’s recovery from the physical and spiritual wounds of war kept me turning pages. A tender man at heart, shown with interactions with the heroine’s baby boy, he must learn forgiveness before his budding romance can bloom with sweet and faithful southern-born Hannah McIntosh. Delicious internal conflict and chemistry, from start to finish.
A Blue and Gray Christmas has more vibrant color than its title suggests. This collection is sure to add a swag of red romance and golden ambiance to your holiday reading.
February 24, 2014
Four Civil War Christmas Novellas
It’s always heart-wrenching to read stories of the Civil War—such a sad and devastating time in our country’s history. These stories are no exception, though there are rays of hope coming through the carnage.
Shelter in the Storm by Carrie Turansky
This is a wonderful love story between a Union war correspondent and a young woman from Tennessee. The author does an excellent job of depicting various conflicts that would have been present in both the setting and in the individuals themselves. The history of the time and place is very realistic. Shelter in the Storm is a special story.
Beloved Enemy by Vickie McDonough
This story grabs the reader from the first page with hard-pounding anxiety. It portrays not only the worst of people caught up in battle, but also the best. The author does well with delving into the minds of her characters and showing the healing that only God can bring. In the midst of all the suffering, a sweet romance struggles to blossom.
Till Death Do Us Part by Lauralee Bliss
This story highlights the way that a person’s thinking can be skewed in an effort to strive for “the good life” without counting the possible cost. What I especially like about Till Death Do Us Part is the way Leah stands beside and supports the man she loves.
Courage of the Heart by Tamela Hancock Murray
This touching story brings out the dilemma of conviction and commitment in many different ways. I find the hero’s bravery and courage especially moving.
It’s always heart-wrenching to read stories of the Civil War—such a sad and devastating time in our country’s history. These stories are no exception, though there are rays of hope coming through the carnage.
Shelter in the Storm by Carrie Turansky
This is a wonderful love story between a Union war correspondent and a young woman from Tennessee. The author does an excellent job of depicting various conflicts that would have been present in both the setting and in the individuals themselves. The history of the time and place is very realistic. Shelter in the Storm is a special story.
Beloved Enemy by Vickie McDonough
This story grabs the reader from the first page with hard-pounding anxiety. It portrays not only the worst of people caught up in battle, but also the best. The author does well with delving into the minds of her characters and showing the healing that only God can bring. In the midst of all the suffering, a sweet romance struggles to blossom.
Till Death Do Us Part by Lauralee Bliss
This story highlights the way that a person’s thinking can be skewed in an effort to strive for “the good life” without counting the possible cost. What I especially like about Till Death Do Us Part is the way Leah stands beside and supports the man she loves.
Courage of the Heart by Tamela Hancock Murray
This touching story brings out the dilemma of conviction and commitment in many different ways. I find the hero’s bravery and courage especially moving.
December 15, 2009
I really enjoyed this book because my favorite subject is the civil war and this takes place during that time period. This book will put you in the christmas spirit and in a romantic feeling. It's about the trials you go through when your in love and to take chances for the ones you love. I learned that if you truely love someone with all your heart you should try to forgive them.
January 14, 2014
All of the story's were great! I think the last one was my favorite, and then the 3rd, 2nd, and least favorite, was the 1st!
May 16, 2017
This book was really a great read for me. It included multiple stories that were based on what life would have been like for a young lady in the times of the Civil War. I felt as though I really connected with the characters in each story and the stories made me feel like I was really there within the story, and experiencing life with the characters. I thought it was so cool that they had both view-points during the Civil War and what life was like for both those living in the North, and the South. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic type novels, or to someone who just like historical fiction, because in these stories you truly got the best of both worlds.
March 26, 2024
Loved each of these sweet, heartwarming stories
March 10, 2014
If author really did her research, she would see that all of her Christmas stories are a slap in the face to God.
Christmas is not a holiday any lover of God would celebrate, let alone write about and encourage others to celebrate.
Author does little or no research, but prefers traditions of men over the truth of God's Word.
This is just one small sample of the truth behind the holiday.
http://www.history.com/topics/christm...
God says clearly that truth cannot be mixed with lies and be true worship. (1 Corinthians 10:21) "You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of “the table of Jehovah”.
Just because most celebrate this holiday, does not mean that God says it is OK. He wants us to do as he asks not go along with the crowd. So the author has not made a clear mark of her faith, it is seems for the side of the pagans than the side of God.
(Isaiah 52:11) . . .Turn away, turn away, get out of there, touch nothing unclean! Get out from the midst of her, keep yourselves clean, You who are carrying the utensils of Jehovah.
Christmas is not a holiday any lover of God would celebrate, let alone write about and encourage others to celebrate.
Author does little or no research, but prefers traditions of men over the truth of God's Word.
This is just one small sample of the truth behind the holiday.
http://www.history.com/topics/christm...
God says clearly that truth cannot be mixed with lies and be true worship. (1 Corinthians 10:21) "You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of “the table of Jehovah”.
Just because most celebrate this holiday, does not mean that God says it is OK. He wants us to do as he asks not go along with the crowd. So the author has not made a clear mark of her faith, it is seems for the side of the pagans than the side of God.
(Isaiah 52:11) . . .Turn away, turn away, get out of there, touch nothing unclean! Get out from the midst of her, keep yourselves clean, You who are carrying the utensils of Jehovah.
November 24, 2015
This book was surprising interesting! I'm not usually into historical fiction but all the stories in this book were extremely compelling! I finished the entire book in only a couple hours! As well as being a great story, I learned a little bit more about the war and how it affected people and families. My grandfather gave me this book the christmas before last and I had no interest in it, but now I regret waiting so long before reading it!
February 28, 2015
Four sweet love stories, but because they are short, the "fall in love - run into trouble - solve problems and have a happy ending" cycle feels a bit rushed. The stories, set during the Civil War, are still engaging enough that I actually wanted to finish reading them.
December 19, 2015
Nooooooooooo. This wasn't a "book," it was 4 short stories compiled into a book. Any of the stories would have been fine with length to flesh out the story but the short stories tried to accomplish TOO MUCH in the amount of space and the plot was left unbelievable in the short time allotted.
February 13, 2011
This has four stories that take place during the Civil War. The stories are well written and easy to read.
December 19, 2013
I loved this book so much I can't even explain. ;)
These are my favorite type if books to read. I would give 100 stars if I could!! :)
These are my favorite type if books to read. I would give 100 stars if I could!! :)
November 29, 2014
This book is actually a collection of four short stories. It had the same title as another book I was seeking at the library, so I couldn't resist picking them both up at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews