Silent Night in Dry Creek

Dry Creek #16

by Janet Tronstad

For private investigator Wade Sutton, the town holds too many memories—none of them fond— of his childhood. Yet he can't say no when the sheriff asks him to secretly watch over a woman who might be in danger. "Helping" lovely Jasmine Hunter with the church's Christmas celebration does more for his bruised heart than he wants to admit. As does being back on his family's farm. But he can't stay in Dry Creek. Unless…Jasmine gives him a reason to call it home again.

Genres: Love Inspired, Christmas, Christian, Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Janet grew up in the wide open spaces of rural Montana and now lives in the urban spaces of Pasadena, California. She's used both of these locations in her books. Her Dry Creek, Montana series numbers over twenty novels now and her Pasadena books, The Sisterhood of the Dropped Stitches, number four.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given me by a friend. This belongs to the law-enforcement subgenre of romance.

I enjoyed Jasmine's character. She might've been an ex-con, but her naivety and whole-hearted dedication about Christianity was beautiful. I also liked Wade's character, whose skepticism felt realistic to me.

In contrast, I didn't find Carl's character as sheriff all that convincing. The sheriff that I knew in real life was much more skeptical of ex-cons changing. I know that there are variations among individuals, but I think law enforcement officials see so much recidivism (ex-cons being arrested for new charges) that I think skepticism pretty much comes with the territory. The sheriff that I knew did a fair amount of what my grandma called "social work," in trying to encourage people to live better lives, and probably some of those did succeed, but underneath it all, I think he kept his cynicism, skepticism, and maybe a little disillusionment. I can't envision the character Carl accepting Jasmine's change-of-heart story so easily, even if they did know each other for awhile.

I loved the funny stories about the angel at the Christmas pageant dropping dimes on the kids. Also the plan for the angel to have sparklers tied to her ankles as she flew sounded funny, but pretty dangerous. Those things are unreasonably hot, can cause terrible burns, (I know someone who was burnt by one), and I think they'd be hard to control with your ankles while distracted by dangling by a wire in the air over the crowd. Nothing could possibly go wrong with that.

And no, being a Christian does not mean that one has to live in bland, unattractive colors. God loves and created beauty, too, after all. I am glad that misconception of Jasmine's was cleared up within the story.

"She owed God big-time for taking her in. Doing the angel role wouldn't be enough to repay Him, but maybe it would be a start." I had hoped that this book would return to this theme and cut Jasmine a little slack, so she wouldn't feel so uptight about trying to repay God, but just enjoy Him. But the book never went back.

While we do want to serve God out of gratitude, it's not the sort of gratitude that's like paying someone back. It's not like wanting to give someone a Christmas present because they gave you one. That's called "the Debtor's Ethic." First of all, we could never earn our salvation, or pay Jesus back for dying for us, taking our punishment for our sins. To even try is to minimize the depth of what He did for us.

The Debtor's Ethic. In his book, "Future Grace, "John Piper talked a little about how receiving a gift can make one ought to give a gift, and how Jesus' sacrifice for us can make us feel like we should live for him. And we should live for Him, but the problem with this is when we think we can actually pay Him back for his salvation by working at it hard enough. We can't. We couldn't earn our salvation by works in the first place, and we can't pay Him back for it by working, either. It is beyond us; the debt is too big.

Salvation was freely given, generous, expensive, beyond anything we could do or give. I couldn't really get into that chapter all that much, because I never really felt like I was paying Him back for my debt. Just enjoying Him, and serving Him for other reasons - because He wants me to, for the adventure in it, to get a front-row seat in seeing how He's changing others' lives, and even, yes, gratitude - but not because I actually thought I could pay Him back for His sacrifice.

Certainly there are things we can do with our gratitude, and John Piper mentions Psalm 116, Psalm 50, and several other verses where gratitude for past deliverance fuels our faith that God will be there for us in the future. I like his paraphrase of Psalm 50: "What shall I render to God for graciously answering my call? Answer: I will call again." I will believe in His power and goodness to answer, and I will rely on Him by calling on Him again.

Or, as another author, Oswald Chambers said in "My Utmost for His Highest," "How dare we talk of making a sacrifice for the Son of God! We are saved from hell and total destruction, and then we talk about making sacrifices!"

Back to discussing "Silent Night in Dry Creek." Christmas "decorations aren't something you should use to annoy your neighbors." Elmer's reasons for putting up such a garish cross just to annoy his neighbor are pretty cringe-worthy. I was glad that the book returned to that topic, but I don't want to give away how that part of the story progressed.

In the story, Wade kissed Jasmine because it was "easier" than trying to explain to his grandpa with dementia that they weren't his parents. I think the idea of a false kiss, even to calm someone with mental problems, was much more revolting than either of the main characters did. Wade had suggested that Jasmine fill out a sexual harassment form on him, and I think she should have done so. I could see dropping it later if he truly seemed repentant, and refused to cater to his grandfather's dementia in that way again.

If this were real life, I would worry about Wade's return to faith because he based it on God's answered prayers. He'd walked away from God because He hadn't answered prayers the way Wade expected Him to. Now Wade's back because of some answered prayers. But what happens in the future when God chooses to answer Wade's prayers in other unexpected ways? Will he lose his faith again? Or will his faith grow beyond that?

I was impressed by Wade wanting to take the romance slowly with Jasmine, and wanting to receive some counselling first ... hopefully in matters of faith as well as in matters of romance.

[Valerie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I could tell as it went along that Wade was starting to trust Jasmine. I loved it when at the end he knew he trusted her.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my, remind me to never visit Dry Creek, I don't think I could stand it. What a terribly boring story. I just couldn't bring myself to like it at all.

Due to some stupid mistakes in her past, Jasmine is an ex-con. But she's out now, she's learned her lesson, and she's even found acceptance in the church. Not to mention she found her long lost father in Dry Creek and he's accepted her wholeheartedly. So when she hears from her ex-boyfriend, who got her into prison in the first place, she's very frightened. Which brings in lawman Wade who is recovering from an injury. The townspeople think he'd be the perfect person to guard Jasmine and keep her safe. But the personalities of the two tend to clash, and he's not real thrilled with being back in Dry Creek anyway.

These characters have way too much drama and strife and they tend to forget the drama as quick as they bring it up anyway. Jasmine does not seem like a 43 year old. Actually she kind of acts like an idiot, a very young idiot. Her character just wasn't very realistic. Then there's Wade, he's pretty much cardboard. Not a whole lot of substance going on there. And the townspeople are unconvincing as well.

First off, a plot to pay a healing lawman to follow a girl around is very shallow. Luckily they drop that idea pretty quick, although it is strange it doesn't get mentioned past the few first pages of the book really. Then we lead in to the fact that the rest of the plot is basically about a Christmas pageant. And by the sounds of it, not even a very good one. It simply wasn't interesting. The ex boyfriend being threatening is something, but in the end very anti-climactic. I also just didn't get the romance between the two main characters. There really isn't any chemistry there and they could have been brother and sister the way they acted around each other. Since this is a Love Inspired book, there is quite a bit of Christian aspects to the book, which, considering its about a Christmas pageant makes sense. And nothing goes beyond a few steamy kisses.

Not very good, but at least it was a quick read. I think I'll try to avoid other romances by this author.

Silent Night in Dry Creek
Copyright 2009
205 pages

Review by M. Reynard 2012

More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me getting this book was a combination of the efforts of two friends. It almost seemed like it was a combination of Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense lines. As one friend remarked, it definitely belongs in the law enforcement subgenre.

WARNING: SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW. READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION:

I liked the idea of the pageant and thought Wade's recounting of his time as the pageant angel was amusing. I thought Jasmine's idea to have sparklers with her angel costume was a bit dangerous. I was waiting for them to catch hay or her costume on fire or drop sparks on the other pageant participants etc. Especially with her planning to put them on her ankles--much less control than if they were held in hands.

Jasmine seems stuck on the idea that she needs to repay God for taking her in--similarly to how she feels she should mimic Edith's dress to repay the town for taking her in after she gets out of jail. Though her attire decisions are addressed, her feeling that she needs to pay back God is not--at least not in this book. Salvation is a gift. There is no need to pay God back--and indeed, no way to do so. I do like that Jasmine seems to have turned her life around though. I can understand her doubts as to whether other people view her as an ex-con or as a new creation.

Wade's skepticism seems genuine and believable. We see him learn and grow during the period of the book.

I figured that Lonnie would show up once the law figured he wouldn't. That's usually how these books go.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good that I read the entire book in one day!

[Debbie Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

didnt really like this one the characters just were not very likeable and the prison escapie boyfriend was a story line that was a little out there

[L Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, not earth shattering but a nice story about redemption and the close community of a small town. Affirms my choice to move to a small town many years ago!

[Rachel Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is so good. definitely recommend especially during Christmas time.

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Silent Night in Dry Creek, Janet Tronstad gives us a brief snapshot of two peoples' life paths as they intersect in the title city of Dry Creek, Montana. Jasmine Hunter is an ex-con turned Christian who is trying to make a new, honest life for herself after spending 10 years in prison. (Although, in my opinion, it is questionable whether she deserved to be in prison in the first place. Jasmine is not your typical "ex-con.") Wade Sutton is a former resident of Dry Creek and a private investigator who is summoned back to his hometown to watch the lovely Jasmine in case anything should happen, either to her or because of her.

I was intrigued by Silent Night in Dry Creek because of the element of mystery suggested in the book's synopsis. However, the "mystery" storyline is relatively thin compared to the other major themes of the book: finding God, and finding love.

In my opinion, this book is very fluffy. It requires very little intellectual or emotional involvement, because the story that unfolds is very predictable. The setup: a troubled, single man is hired to keep an eye on a potential damsel in distress. Oh, and by the way, she's beautiful, single, close to his age, and there is something about her that's "different" than all the other girls. I wonder where this could possibly lead. Fortunately, Janet did not disappoint me, and the tale unfolded pretty much as I suspected. It was quite possibly the easiest 200 pages I've ever read, and everyone gets to live happily ever after. Hooray!

Overall, I thought this book was only okay. I can appreciate the characters' struggles with figuring out what God wants them to do with their lives. I can also understand why this book would be appealing to some readers. The storyline allows an escape from everyday reality and offers the reader a world where, despite some struggles, everything turns out okay in the end. But the ease with which everything plays out is not my preference when characters are supposedly struggling through their lives. And, of course, finding love, catching the bad guy, and turning long-time enemies into friends again, all within a week's time, is incredibly Utopian.

I will admit I am not the target audience for this type of book. Silent Night in Dry Creek is more like brain candy to me - the sweet, gushy stuff I use to cleanse my intellectual palate before jumping into a more intense book. However, if you're looking for a fast read with a nice story that provides an escape from reality, I would say try this on for size.

**I won this book in the Goodreads First Reads program.Silent Night in Dry Creek

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Christian Romances! Especially ones that are centered around normal people who struggel with everyday thoughts. This one is a little differen than normal from Janet's books. She kinda has an element of mystery to it with Lonnie looking for Jasmine after he escapes from Jail. Wade is in charge of protecting Jasmine, who just so happens to be an ex-con who's turned her life over to God. But, during the novel both struggel to come to terms with their past. At first Wade using his past to ignore his family duty and getting close to people. He wants to reject the job, and has every intention of leaving Dry Creek until he finds that Lonnie has escaped. In the process he learns more and more about Jasmine and her Character, as well as God's forgiving nature. Christmas is the perfect time to make things right since they are reminded of the gift of God's son, Jesus. It's hard to love someone when, your past isn't exactly perfect in that area. Wade had to learn that despite losing his mother and father, that ultimately God meant it for Good later on down the road. It allowed him and his grandfather to get over their past hurts and become a family again. I loved this book. Can't wait for the next one! Plus, I need to give a special thanks to the author, Janet Tronstad, since she sent it to me for free! So, thanks again and it was worth the read!

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read a few of the Dry Creek series and while it's clear that Tronstad can't plot well, her characters are somewhat endearing. This book has more of a plot than most: Jasmine Hunter is under protective custody since her ex-con boyfriend Lonnie has escaped from an Arizona prison. P.I. Wade Sutton, who wants to forget that Dry Creek exists and return home to Idaho Falls reluctantly tails Jasmine around town and even out on a date(!) with the worst supporting character ever, a milquetoast farmer named Conrad.

Let's now run through the Love Inspired Romance Checklist, shall we:

1. Feuding neighbors? Check. Jasmine's father, Elmer, and Wade's grandfather.
2. Loss of faith? Check. Wade isn't so much a believer anymore.
3. Abusive family members? Check. Wade's grandfather.
4. Busybody neighbors? Check. Edith and Charley Nelson.
5. Cinderella moment? Check. Jasmine plays the angel in the church's Christmas play.

There's some tension in the climax when Lonnie eventually makes his way back to Jasmine and the author handles this well. She gets a bonus for making both protagonists in their 40s. A decent if shallow and predictable read.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great - I loved Jasmine's journey as she learned how to balance her own self with her faith, and Wade slowly learning to trust again. Jasmine was so sweet and earnest and tried so hard to forgive herself for her past and I was really happy to see her get her happy ending.

Originally: This is a little earlier than normal for my first Christmas romance of the year, but this is extenuating circumstances - the author mailed me a copy after a discussion we and a few others had here on Good Reads. It was a very kind and generous move and I don't want to wait to give my feedback. Thanks again, Janet!

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look for feel-good stories to read in December, and this book served that purpose. It is an easy read about trust, forgiveness, faith, and love. I enjoyed watching the characters transform and the extra touch of mystery added another dimension (re: ex-cons). Although, I must say one thing about trying to follow the geographical points mentioned. The setting is rural Montana. I am from Montana and very familiar with its topography and placement of its cities. Some of the references to Dillon, Billings, and Miles City didn't make sense in regard to distance, etc. If you are not familiar with Montana geography, you probably wouldn't even notice, but I found it distracting.

[Jill Twigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wade is coerced into "watching" a member in the town he grew up in. Bad memories of a harsh childhood have kept him away. The member Wade is to watch is Jasmine. An excon who has become a Christian and is trying to get on the right path. After learning that her partner has escaped from prison and could be coming her way, there is a trust issue that needs to be worked out. Due to a Christian tract that was sent, the law thinks a code message may have been issued to bring her old partner to her new town.
There were some sweet moments and touching moments as old wounds are healed and love abides in the midst of trouble.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Janet's books, and this one was no different. Dry Creek is such a great place. :)
I am grateful for any author who can help people realize just because someone make mistakes that doesn't mean they don't have feelings or aren't worth loving and trusting. This book hit home with me, maybe more than I wanted it to! But that's not a bad thing at all.
I was just sad Jasmine never got to be the angel at the Christmas pageant. (Maybe in a later Dry Creek book?) I was looking forward to those sparklers! :)

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an extremely enjoyable book to read. The mix of mystery and romance was perfectly done. The romantic line of the story waa fairly predictable, as they often are, but the mystery involved in the story kept you wondering. I definitely want to read more of Janet Tronstad's books.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book!

Janet has the best sense of humor. It had me laughing out loud while reading about the antics of an 11 year old playing the flying angel at the Christmas pageant.


Definitely worth reading

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. Of course I REALLY like the Dry Creek series! The only thing I found with this book was that it was too simular to another one in this series, otherwise it was an interesting read.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jasmine Hunter's partner in crime might be looking for her. Wade Sutton is hired to "Protect" her or was it to spy on her? Either way the two end up together in Dry Creek as a past Christmas Pageant angel and a future one.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this story .. Very interesting story about trusting .. I will read more of this author

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Christian romance. Clean, fun, and worth reading, maybe even more then once!

[Sarah Lesan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about trust and not letting the past dictate the present. I enjoyed it and it was perfect for Christmas. :)

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that it was a good Christmas story that had edge but not to much edge.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christian contemporary romance featuring patience, forgiveness, redemption and moving forward. Well developed primary characters.

[Chanover55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read....I have enjoyed all of the books in the Dry Creek series.