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McKettricks #10
The Christmas Brides
Celebrate the holidays with these heartwarming family classics in one keepsake collection from New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller
A McKettrick Christmas
Lizzie McKettrick is on a homebound train with a Christmas Eve surprise for her family—a special young man, Whitley Carson. He might seem a little too interested in the McKettrick money, but Lizzie's certain Whitley cares for her deep down. But fate has a surprise for Lizzie—Dr. Morgan Shane. When their train is stranded by a massive avalanche on Christmas Eve the handsome doctor takes charge—with Lizzie by his side. Time's running out for the passengers. But with faith, hard work and some unexpected help, it just might be a joyous McKettrick family Christmas after all….
A Creed Country Christmas
In the Montana wilderness of 1910, Lincoln Creed is up against more than rustlers, wolves and winter storms. His young daughter, Gracie, has needs beyond the beans and bacon he can barely cook. The widowed rancher must find Gracie a suitable governess who won't set her sights on him. Disowned for her refusal to marry, the young schoolteacher Juliana Mitchell seems like a perfect fit in the Creed home. As she gets to know Lincoln and Gracie, Juliana suddenly doesn't feel so strongly against marriage after all. In the season of miracles, Providence just might find a way to bring these souls together in a wonderful Christmas blessing.
A McKettrick Christmas
Lizzie McKettrick is on a homebound train with a Christmas Eve surprise for her family—a special young man, Whitley Carson. He might seem a little too interested in the McKettrick money, but Lizzie's certain Whitley cares for her deep down. But fate has a surprise for Lizzie—Dr. Morgan Shane. When their train is stranded by a massive avalanche on Christmas Eve the handsome doctor takes charge—with Lizzie by his side. Time's running out for the passengers. But with faith, hard work and some unexpected help, it just might be a joyous McKettrick family Christmas after all….
A Creed Country Christmas
In the Montana wilderness of 1910, Lincoln Creed is up against more than rustlers, wolves and winter storms. His young daughter, Gracie, has needs beyond the beans and bacon he can barely cook. The widowed rancher must find Gracie a suitable governess who won't set her sights on him. Disowned for her refusal to marry, the young schoolteacher Juliana Mitchell seems like a perfect fit in the Creed home. As she gets to know Lincoln and Gracie, Juliana suddenly doesn't feel so strongly against marriage after all. In the season of miracles, Providence just might find a way to bring these souls together in a wonderful Christmas blessing.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
178 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lael Miller
553 books3,223 followersThe daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a spacious property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 26, 2018
Our first story begins with McKettrick family series book 10
A McKettrick Christmas (McKettricks, #10)
that I had previously read when borrowed from library in 2015. Below is a copy of my previous review.
As a longtime fan of author Linda Lael Miller and a fan of the McKettrick family saga books, although have only read a short list out of all of them, my pleasure with this heartwarming tale that was Lizzie McKettrick's story was fully realized from start to finish.
Lizzie was a great leading character, a true forward thinking female who used the inner strength gifted to her to help others when she herself was frightened and yet facing each obstacle calmly as it came up while trapped with her fellow travelers.
The best part about stories set at Christmas is the fact you know there will be miraculous events that take place, in this case the rescue and subsequent aftermath that lead to not only an HEA for Lizzie and Morgan that is very sweet and heartwarming as well as things turning out positively for all the characters who were involved in the train wreck.
I look forward to reading more about this fictional family in future.
Book 2 is another previously released book set in a different series, Montana Creeds .
This one follows Lincoln Creed and Juliana Mitchell. Two strangers thrown together by chance whose lives twine together for several reasons not least of which is a strong yearning from both for a warm hearth and a real home. One that is filled with the sound of childish laughter and where love has a chance to flourish as well.
Having his first wife pass away Lincoln has done the best job he can raising his 7-year-old daughter Grace, with help from his Mother Cora and best friend/ranch employee Tom.
The one thing this bereaved widower never planned on was finding another woman who made his heart swell and his body ache.
That is of course until Juliana Mitchell entered the picture. Lincoln had no defense when it came to the lovely redhead, or her Indian charges either.
The now closed Indian school, where Juliana was the sole teacher, left she and 4 of the students bereft of both a place to stay or any kind of income for Juliana to pave their way.
Finding herself at the train station with her purse empty Juliana is forced to rely on Lincoln's kind offer to allow she and the children to stay at his ranch until something could be worked out.
What started out as a chance meeting for these two lonely people soon turns into a Christmas miracle for all concerned.
Both tales are engaging and both fine examples of the author's works.
Total stars are 4.5 but cannot do half stars so rounded it to 5 which is what Goodreads allows.
As a longtime fan of author Linda Lael Miller and a fan of the McKettrick family saga books, although have only read a short list out of all of them, my pleasure with this heartwarming tale that was Lizzie McKettrick's story was fully realized from start to finish.
Lizzie was a great leading character, a true forward thinking female who used the inner strength gifted to her to help others when she herself was frightened and yet facing each obstacle calmly as it came up while trapped with her fellow travelers.
The best part about stories set at Christmas is the fact you know there will be miraculous events that take place, in this case the rescue and subsequent aftermath that lead to not only an HEA for Lizzie and Morgan that is very sweet and heartwarming as well as things turning out positively for all the characters who were involved in the train wreck.
I look forward to reading more about this fictional family in future.
Book 2 is another previously released book set in a different series, Montana Creeds .
This one follows Lincoln Creed and Juliana Mitchell. Two strangers thrown together by chance whose lives twine together for several reasons not least of which is a strong yearning from both for a warm hearth and a real home. One that is filled with the sound of childish laughter and where love has a chance to flourish as well.
Having his first wife pass away Lincoln has done the best job he can raising his 7-year-old daughter Grace, with help from his Mother Cora and best friend/ranch employee Tom.
The one thing this bereaved widower never planned on was finding another woman who made his heart swell and his body ache.
That is of course until Juliana Mitchell entered the picture. Lincoln had no defense when it came to the lovely redhead, or her Indian charges either.
The now closed Indian school, where Juliana was the sole teacher, left she and 4 of the students bereft of both a place to stay or any kind of income for Juliana to pave their way.
Finding herself at the train station with her purse empty Juliana is forced to rely on Lincoln's kind offer to allow she and the children to stay at his ranch until something could be worked out.
What started out as a chance meeting for these two lonely people soon turns into a Christmas miracle for all concerned.
Both tales are engaging and both fine examples of the author's works.
Total stars are 4.5 but cannot do half stars so rounded it to 5 which is what Goodreads allows.
December 24, 2013
Let me start by saying that I haven't read anything by Linda Lael Miller. This book was a random search of my library's e-books that have to do with Christmas. I had to read a holiday book for a monthly challenge, and I decided on a romance.
This is two novellas, which admittedly, to follow the usual romance formula, details have to be cut, the emotional poignancy has to be cut, so you don't expect the same enjoyment from novellas.
The first, "A McKettrick Christmas", started out with an interesting premise, Lizzie McKettrick is taking her beau home for the holidays when an avalanche knocks their train off the tracks. Her beau does not react well to the accident, and Lizzie is forced to see him in a new light, while working beside a doctor to keep everyone safe until help arrives.
If the story had ended shortly after they are rescued, it would have been cute, if unforgettable, but it keeps going and going. Maybe it would have meant more to me if I had read more about the McKettricks. As someone knew to the series, I didn't care.
The second, "A Creed Country Christmas", had a less interesting premise. Well, no, that's not true, I liked the fact that Juliana was making her way in the world as a schoolmarm and was left stranded by the road with 4 of her Indian students. I liked that Lincoln rescued her and the children. I didn't like that Lincoln fell instantly in love with her.
This is two novellas, which admittedly, to follow the usual romance formula, details have to be cut, the emotional poignancy has to be cut, so you don't expect the same enjoyment from novellas.
The first, "A McKettrick Christmas", started out with an interesting premise, Lizzie McKettrick is taking her beau home for the holidays when an avalanche knocks their train off the tracks. Her beau does not react well to the accident, and Lizzie is forced to see him in a new light, while working beside a doctor to keep everyone safe until help arrives.
If the story had ended shortly after they are rescued, it would have been cute, if unforgettable, but it keeps going and going. Maybe it would have meant more to me if I had read more about the McKettricks. As someone knew to the series, I didn't care.
The second, "A Creed Country Christmas", had a less interesting premise. Well, no, that's not true, I liked the fact that Juliana was making her way in the world as a schoolmarm and was left stranded by the road with 4 of her Indian students. I liked that Lincoln rescued her and the children. I didn't like that Lincoln fell instantly in love with her.
December 23, 2010
I discovered Linda Lael Miller 2 years ago with another Christmas story, A Stone Creek Christmas and was immediately drawn to her interesting story lines and strong, profoundly decent characters who often are dealing with issues of loss and regret. I also enjoy the supernatural elements that show up in some of the stories. I've read a good number of her books since and have only rarely been disappointed.
The Christmas Brides consists of two very enjoyable holiday stories set around the turn of the 20th Century. A McKettrick Christmas begins with Lizzie McKettrick and Dr. Morgan Shane meeting on a train that is hit by an avalanche and pushed dangerously close to the edge of a deep ravine. I found the description of the perils the passengers faced very gripping. In addition to a couple of injured people and one very ill man, they faced the possibility of death from exposure, hunger, or more likely being hit by a second avalanche. With a touch of the magical/mystical, Lizzie and Morgan fall in love and survive against the odds.
A Creed Country Christmas tells the story of Lincoln Creed, a lonely widower and Juliana Mitchell a very down on her luck teacher who is trying to help 4 Native American Children who face the uncertain future of being shipped out to institutions since the Indian School she taught was closed. Linc offers Juliana and the children a place to stay and in addition to their immediate attraction, they begin to see who they may be the answer to each other's problems.
Both stories were very moving and sweet, with a nice Christmas feel to them. My only complaint would be that due to their short length, they were both a little rushed at the end. I would have liked spending more time with Lizzie, Mogan, Juliana, Lincoln and the secondary characters as well.
The Christmas Brides consists of two very enjoyable holiday stories set around the turn of the 20th Century. A McKettrick Christmas begins with Lizzie McKettrick and Dr. Morgan Shane meeting on a train that is hit by an avalanche and pushed dangerously close to the edge of a deep ravine. I found the description of the perils the passengers faced very gripping. In addition to a couple of injured people and one very ill man, they faced the possibility of death from exposure, hunger, or more likely being hit by a second avalanche. With a touch of the magical/mystical, Lizzie and Morgan fall in love and survive against the odds.
A Creed Country Christmas tells the story of Lincoln Creed, a lonely widower and Juliana Mitchell a very down on her luck teacher who is trying to help 4 Native American Children who face the uncertain future of being shipped out to institutions since the Indian School she taught was closed. Linc offers Juliana and the children a place to stay and in addition to their immediate attraction, they begin to see who they may be the answer to each other's problems.
Both stories were very moving and sweet, with a nice Christmas feel to them. My only complaint would be that due to their short length, they were both a little rushed at the end. I would have liked spending more time with Lizzie, Mogan, Juliana, Lincoln and the secondary characters as well.
December 11, 2010
I always love pretty much anything from Linda Lael Miller. I read the first book in this 2-in-1 by Linda Lael Miller. I read it the first time it was released. So I'm just skipped on that one and reading the second story, which I didn't get to read the first time it was released.
June 3, 2016
I would give this book 2.5 stars only because the first story I liked but the second one irked me. I didn't care for any of the characters except Wes and he is hardly in the story. The love feels a bit forced to me and Gracie's attitude towards replacing her mom so willingly is just plain weird.
December 17, 2013
The stories lacked something interesting.
March 29, 2015
This book is actually an omnibus edition, since it combines two novellas, both written by Miller, in one volume. The first one, "A McKettrick Christmas", was first published in 2008, while the second, "A Creed Country Christmas", was published in 2009.
Both of these stories are totally delightful, each in its own way! The first one features the indomitable Lizzie McKettrick, future schoolteacher, who is bringing her boyfriend home to meet her family. It's December 22, 1896, and they're both on a train bound for Indian Rock, a town near The Triple M Ranch, where the McKettrick clan lives. Also on the train are several interesting characters -- Mrs. Halifax, with her three children, one of which is an infant, the Thaddingses, with their talking bird, Woodrow, John Brennan, a soldier, going home to be reunited with his family, a peddler named Nicholas Christian, and....the very handsome Dr. Morgan Shane, who feels an immediate attraction to Lizzie.
A sudden avalanche brings all of these characters into close contact with each other, as they are unexpectedly confronted with the need to survive. During the next three days, they pull together, and their true personalities are revealed. Lizzie realizes that she really didn't know her boyfriend, Whitley Carson, as well as she thought she did. Instead of trying to make the best of the situation, and help his fellow travelers, he does nothing but complain, thinking only of himself. The author contrasts him with Dr. Shane, who does his best to make the other train passengers more comfortable, with Lizzie's help.
It's wonderful to see how these people still try to have some sort of Christmas, in spite of the circumstances. Christian even manages to find a small tree, and shares from his own belongings so that the children can have presents.
Once rescued by the McKettrick men, all of the passengers arrive in Indian Rock, and it's there that the romance between Lizzie and Morgan begins to bloom, after she has had a talk with Whitley. He had been planning to propose, but Lizzie tells him that she cannot marry him.
Both of these novellas are definitely character-driven, and what wonderful characters Miller has created! Each is unique, and very real. The love between Lizzie's father and stepmother is very touching. So is the love between her grandparents. There's such a strong sense of family ties in the McKettrick clan, a feeling that, if one of them is in need, the others will make sure to help out, no matter what the need is. As for the train passengers, all are welcomed and helped to settle in Indian Rock, by the McKettricks themselves.
There's an extra ingredient that makes this a very special story -- it seems that there was an angel on that train...
I enjoyed this novella so much, I'd love to read it again, perhaps during this year's Christmas season. It has all the warmth and joy associated with Christmas, the beauty of love in romantic as well as family relationships. While reading it, I felt that I was somehow part of it all, that I really knew these people. I know it's a cliché, but I have to use it, anyway: I was sorry to see the story come to an end, because I wanted more...
The second novella tells the tale of another schoolteacher, Juliana Mitchell. The date is December 20, 1910, and the place is Stillwater Springs, Montana. Miss Mitchell is standing at the counter of Milland's Mercantile, having opened a letter from her brother, Clay. She had requested money from him, to pay for train tickets for herself and four of her students from the Indian School, which is no longer government property. Juliana's brother, who disapproves of her choice of a teaching career, is also her guardian. He has denied her request. She and the children have nowhere to go, since Juliana herself has no money.
As she debates what to do, a stranger enters the store. His name is Lincoln Creed, and he has a ranch near town. On being informed of her predicament, he immediately offers to take her and the children to his ranch. Although this was just too coincidental and predictable for my liking, I went along with the story, out of pure curiosity, since I was already interested in the characters. I'm so glad I did, too, because the rest of the story was beautiful and touching.
Juliana, it turns out, is an orphan. Lincoln is a widower still mourning his wife, whom he greatly loved. He has a wonderful little girl, Gracie, who is a great character. The four Indian kids are adorable, especially the two little ones, Daisy and Billy-Moses. Joseph, the older Indian boy, immediately finds a hero in Tom Dancingstar, one of Lincoln's ranch hands, and a very engaging character in his own right, since he serves as Lincoln's advisor and "conscience", as well.
Lincoln had been looking for a housekeeper, as well as a governess for his daughter. Failing those, he was willing to "settle" for a wife. He was sure that, if he found one, he would never come to care for her as much as he did for his first wife. Of course, he offers marriage to Juliana, who is hesitant to accept because they don't love each other. So this is not an "instant love" type of romance. Instead, it portrays a more realistic type of relationship, as both protagonists slowly come to appreciate just how wonderful the other is...
As compared to the first novella, this one is a deeper, more melancholy tale, yet one that nevertheless is full of the beauty and joy of the Christmas season. Miller takes a very simple plot and weaves psychological insights into it, crafting a tale that, although at first sight a bit contrived, is rich with spiritual meaning.
This wonderful holiday collection is sure to delight and inspire those who are fans of Christmas romances! This fan highly recommends it!!
Both of these stories are totally delightful, each in its own way! The first one features the indomitable Lizzie McKettrick, future schoolteacher, who is bringing her boyfriend home to meet her family. It's December 22, 1896, and they're both on a train bound for Indian Rock, a town near The Triple M Ranch, where the McKettrick clan lives. Also on the train are several interesting characters -- Mrs. Halifax, with her three children, one of which is an infant, the Thaddingses, with their talking bird, Woodrow, John Brennan, a soldier, going home to be reunited with his family, a peddler named Nicholas Christian, and....the very handsome Dr. Morgan Shane, who feels an immediate attraction to Lizzie.
A sudden avalanche brings all of these characters into close contact with each other, as they are unexpectedly confronted with the need to survive. During the next three days, they pull together, and their true personalities are revealed. Lizzie realizes that she really didn't know her boyfriend, Whitley Carson, as well as she thought she did. Instead of trying to make the best of the situation, and help his fellow travelers, he does nothing but complain, thinking only of himself. The author contrasts him with Dr. Shane, who does his best to make the other train passengers more comfortable, with Lizzie's help.
It's wonderful to see how these people still try to have some sort of Christmas, in spite of the circumstances. Christian even manages to find a small tree, and shares from his own belongings so that the children can have presents.
Once rescued by the McKettrick men, all of the passengers arrive in Indian Rock, and it's there that the romance between Lizzie and Morgan begins to bloom, after she has had a talk with Whitley. He had been planning to propose, but Lizzie tells him that she cannot marry him.
Both of these novellas are definitely character-driven, and what wonderful characters Miller has created! Each is unique, and very real. The love between Lizzie's father and stepmother is very touching. So is the love between her grandparents. There's such a strong sense of family ties in the McKettrick clan, a feeling that, if one of them is in need, the others will make sure to help out, no matter what the need is. As for the train passengers, all are welcomed and helped to settle in Indian Rock, by the McKettricks themselves.
There's an extra ingredient that makes this a very special story -- it seems that there was an angel on that train...
I enjoyed this novella so much, I'd love to read it again, perhaps during this year's Christmas season. It has all the warmth and joy associated with Christmas, the beauty of love in romantic as well as family relationships. While reading it, I felt that I was somehow part of it all, that I really knew these people. I know it's a cliché, but I have to use it, anyway: I was sorry to see the story come to an end, because I wanted more...
The second novella tells the tale of another schoolteacher, Juliana Mitchell. The date is December 20, 1910, and the place is Stillwater Springs, Montana. Miss Mitchell is standing at the counter of Milland's Mercantile, having opened a letter from her brother, Clay. She had requested money from him, to pay for train tickets for herself and four of her students from the Indian School, which is no longer government property. Juliana's brother, who disapproves of her choice of a teaching career, is also her guardian. He has denied her request. She and the children have nowhere to go, since Juliana herself has no money.
As she debates what to do, a stranger enters the store. His name is Lincoln Creed, and he has a ranch near town. On being informed of her predicament, he immediately offers to take her and the children to his ranch. Although this was just too coincidental and predictable for my liking, I went along with the story, out of pure curiosity, since I was already interested in the characters. I'm so glad I did, too, because the rest of the story was beautiful and touching.
Juliana, it turns out, is an orphan. Lincoln is a widower still mourning his wife, whom he greatly loved. He has a wonderful little girl, Gracie, who is a great character. The four Indian kids are adorable, especially the two little ones, Daisy and Billy-Moses. Joseph, the older Indian boy, immediately finds a hero in Tom Dancingstar, one of Lincoln's ranch hands, and a very engaging character in his own right, since he serves as Lincoln's advisor and "conscience", as well.
Lincoln had been looking for a housekeeper, as well as a governess for his daughter. Failing those, he was willing to "settle" for a wife. He was sure that, if he found one, he would never come to care for her as much as he did for his first wife. Of course, he offers marriage to Juliana, who is hesitant to accept because they don't love each other. So this is not an "instant love" type of romance. Instead, it portrays a more realistic type of relationship, as both protagonists slowly come to appreciate just how wonderful the other is...
As compared to the first novella, this one is a deeper, more melancholy tale, yet one that nevertheless is full of the beauty and joy of the Christmas season. Miller takes a very simple plot and weaves psychological insights into it, crafting a tale that, although at first sight a bit contrived, is rich with spiritual meaning.
This wonderful holiday collection is sure to delight and inspire those who are fans of Christmas romances! This fan highly recommends it!!
December 8, 2021
Both good stories. First is girl returning home with who, she hopes becomes her future fiancée. There is an avalanche. Train is stuck in precarious position. A wonderful assortment of characters ban together to survive.
Second one finds a girl homeless with 4 Indian children after the Indian school where she teaches closes. A local rancher who happens to be looking for a governess for his daughters happens upon their plight. Both are books in a series.
Second one finds a girl homeless with 4 Indian children after the Indian school where she teaches closes. A local rancher who happens to be looking for a governess for his daughters happens upon their plight. Both are books in a series.
June 22, 2019
Damsel in distress. Strong brave clever damsel, at that. Handsome kind hero. Strong brave clever hero, at that. Romance. True love. Intense lovely mutually satisfying female-male sex. Big threatening problems solved. Lots of resources from land to money to caring families and good friends. Christmas! All good!
December 22, 2020
The first was the one I was most excited for, but it ended up being just ok. The second story was not great - in fact, about 2/3 of the way through this one I just started skimming to finish. I think they both had the same problem, which was that I just didn't sense enough emotional connection between the two main characters, and the second one was the worse offender.
January 7, 2024
These were two fairly short stories, definitely gave off a holiday feel (especially the first one). I did feel like the romance was rushed, BUT that's pretty common in shorter stories. I do wish the children in the second story had been fleshed out more especially since they played such an important part of the story.
November 25, 2021
Have come to the conclusion that novellas are not my thing - most seem too thin to really capture my interest. I thought that due to the busyness of the season (November - December) I would try this duo of holiday romances by a familiar author but came up with mixed results.
December 16, 2023
I enjoyed reading these two stories but I liked the the second one best because there was some funny parts with the more serious. The first one was good but full of action with an avalanche thrown in.
December 11, 2018
Cute, super quick reads. I love Christmas so... :-)
September 14, 2019
East read. Two cute stories
December 31, 2019
Two romance novels in one book.
May 5, 2021
Two very christmasy romances that were an enjoyable read.
library
July 30, 20215
November 25, 2023
Sweet stories. Passion but not lewd. Strong women and men. Linda Lael Miller is a good romance writer.
February 4, 2025
Wait a second, magical santa will bring together lonely and seemingly mismatched beautiful people for a holiday miracle? I've been asking for the wrong Christmas gifts.
Read
December 20, 2023The indigenous children aspect in story two and a bit in story one were a bit yikes but minus that the first story was decent enough, 3 stars. Dnf’d story 2 pretty quickly.
December 8, 2023
This is a christmas romance book. There are 2 stories in the book. The 1st one is about Lizzie Mckettrick. She is on her way back home to Indian Rock Arizona. The train she is on gets hit by an avalanche and the passenges are stuck and there is a blizzard. The young man she is coming with she believes he will ask for her hand in marriage. But when things gets worse he is no help. A young doctor going to the same place is very hepful to all the passengers. She begins to fall in love with him. The ending most enjoyable.
The 2nd story is about a school teacher who teaches native Indian children who the goverment states they have no family. They are going to close the school and she ask her brother for some money to help the children. When they reach the town she encounters Lincoln Creed. He takes her and the children to his home where his young daughter and he lives. They develop an attraction to each other. In order to save the children from going to another place her marrys her and adopts the 2 littlest ones. The older 2 he finds family that where looking for them and reconnects them with their family. The attraction becomes love.
Love Linda Lae miller's book. Great read for Christmas.
The 2nd story is about a school teacher who teaches native Indian children who the goverment states they have no family. They are going to close the school and she ask her brother for some money to help the children. When they reach the town she encounters Lincoln Creed. He takes her and the children to his home where his young daughter and he lives. They develop an attraction to each other. In order to save the children from going to another place her marrys her and adopts the 2 littlest ones. The older 2 he finds family that where looking for them and reconnects them with their family. The attraction becomes love.
Love Linda Lae miller's book. Great read for Christmas.
December 25, 2010
Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. - Peg Bracken
culled from her McKettrick and Creed series, “First Lady of the West” Linda Lael Miller presents a 2 in one reissue of her bestselling novels of historical Americana.
in A McKettrick Christmas, Elizabeth McKettrick looks forward to spending the holidays with her family. her traveling companion is spoiled Whitley Carson whom she plans to introduce to her kith and kin. along the way, a massive avalanche occurs and their train is stranded. with the rest of the helpless passengers, Lizzie faces the cold and darkness of a winter blizzard. she puts on a brave front and assists the handsome doctor Morgan Shane in taking care of those who were injured. using her wits and hoping against hope, she is resolute that she and the survivors may still be home in time for Christmas.
young schoolteacher Juliana Mitchell finds herself and her four Indian wards homeless and penniless in A Creed Country Christmas. her brother Clay has denied her again of her inheritance money. she encounters the widower Lincoln Creed who brings her and the children home to his ranch. there, she meets his seven year-old daughter Gracie and the rest of the ranch hands. with Christmas just a few days away and amidst the threat of the Bureau of Indian Affairs at her heels, Juliana learns that all may not be lost for her and her wards.
Lizzie's family reminds me so much of my own. i come from a big one too and Christmas is always the perfect season and reason for everyone to be reunited. it is also a time for christenings and weddings. if they had the time and the resources, my relatives who lived abroad would come home and spend the holidays with us. Juliana's concern for her wards also brings to mind my favorite grade school teachers. their patience and devotion to their profession are truly admirable. looking back now, my childhood Christmases were certainly memorable. they were times of wonder, expectation and delight over lots of gifts, plentiful food and love from family and friends.
Linda Lael Miller writes with such simplicity that reading her books is pure enjoyment. she paints vivid images that brings the reader right into the story. she populates her pages with ordinary men and women who lived in a different era yet their lives, their emotions and the predicaments they face translate well into the present time.
The Christmas Brides is a great book to read not only for this holiday season but also for the rest of the year.
Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of The Christmas Brides from Harlequin through NetGalley.com i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
culled from her McKettrick and Creed series, “First Lady of the West” Linda Lael Miller presents a 2 in one reissue of her bestselling novels of historical Americana.
in A McKettrick Christmas, Elizabeth McKettrick looks forward to spending the holidays with her family. her traveling companion is spoiled Whitley Carson whom she plans to introduce to her kith and kin. along the way, a massive avalanche occurs and their train is stranded. with the rest of the helpless passengers, Lizzie faces the cold and darkness of a winter blizzard. she puts on a brave front and assists the handsome doctor Morgan Shane in taking care of those who were injured. using her wits and hoping against hope, she is resolute that she and the survivors may still be home in time for Christmas.
young schoolteacher Juliana Mitchell finds herself and her four Indian wards homeless and penniless in A Creed Country Christmas. her brother Clay has denied her again of her inheritance money. she encounters the widower Lincoln Creed who brings her and the children home to his ranch. there, she meets his seven year-old daughter Gracie and the rest of the ranch hands. with Christmas just a few days away and amidst the threat of the Bureau of Indian Affairs at her heels, Juliana learns that all may not be lost for her and her wards.
Lizzie's family reminds me so much of my own. i come from a big one too and Christmas is always the perfect season and reason for everyone to be reunited. it is also a time for christenings and weddings. if they had the time and the resources, my relatives who lived abroad would come home and spend the holidays with us. Juliana's concern for her wards also brings to mind my favorite grade school teachers. their patience and devotion to their profession are truly admirable. looking back now, my childhood Christmases were certainly memorable. they were times of wonder, expectation and delight over lots of gifts, plentiful food and love from family and friends.
Linda Lael Miller writes with such simplicity that reading her books is pure enjoyment. she paints vivid images that brings the reader right into the story. she populates her pages with ordinary men and women who lived in a different era yet their lives, their emotions and the predicaments they face translate well into the present time.
The Christmas Brides is a great book to read not only for this holiday season but also for the rest of the year.
Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of The Christmas Brides from Harlequin through NetGalley.com i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
November 1, 2010
I loved the Romance of this book. Definitely going to be a Christmas favorite to read to get you in the mood for the Holidays. Two stories that will touch you deeply.
Lizzy McKettrick is on her way home with her hopefully fiance'. But when their train is struck by an avalanche, everyone on the train is in peril of losing their lives. There is a Doctor on board and he and Lizzy team up to help the others through this crisis until Lizzy's Family can get there to rescue them all.
Lizzy comes to realize that the man that she is bringing home isn't exactly what she thought and doesn't think that their relationship can weather time. But the Doctor, Morgan Shane is intriguing to her and seems to have all of the qualities that she thinks she needs in her life to be happy. While caring for the other passengers, Morgan and Lizzy get to know each other and with a little help from a special passenger they fall for each other and find the happiness that they are both looking for.
In the second book, Juliana is a teacher working at an Indian School. The school is shut down and the children have all been removed except for four. The older two are to return to their family in No. Dakota. But the little ones are orphans, and so young that she can't part with them. She is on the run trying to find a solution for them all when she receives a letter from her brother telling her that he will not send money for her and the children because they are Indians.
Enter Lincoln Creed. He is a local rancher that is looking for a Housekeeper, Governess or a wife. He lost is wife a couple of years back and is in desperate need of help with his young daughter. When he comes across Julianna and the children he takes them home until he can help them find a solution. But he also finds himself attracted to Julianna. Feelings of guilt and worry keep him from acting on his feelings, but over time he and Julianna find that their attraction might be enough to start a life together as man and wife. Getting married would solve problems for her and the children and solve problems for him with the care of his own daughter and the loneliness that he feels since his wife passed away.
While they sort through their feelings and try to find answers Love sneaks up on both of them and they find a happiness that they didn't know existed.
These are stories to satisfy the Romantic in all of us.
Lizzy McKettrick is on her way home with her hopefully fiance'. But when their train is struck by an avalanche, everyone on the train is in peril of losing their lives. There is a Doctor on board and he and Lizzy team up to help the others through this crisis until Lizzy's Family can get there to rescue them all.
Lizzy comes to realize that the man that she is bringing home isn't exactly what she thought and doesn't think that their relationship can weather time. But the Doctor, Morgan Shane is intriguing to her and seems to have all of the qualities that she thinks she needs in her life to be happy. While caring for the other passengers, Morgan and Lizzy get to know each other and with a little help from a special passenger they fall for each other and find the happiness that they are both looking for.
In the second book, Juliana is a teacher working at an Indian School. The school is shut down and the children have all been removed except for four. The older two are to return to their family in No. Dakota. But the little ones are orphans, and so young that she can't part with them. She is on the run trying to find a solution for them all when she receives a letter from her brother telling her that he will not send money for her and the children because they are Indians.
Enter Lincoln Creed. He is a local rancher that is looking for a Housekeeper, Governess or a wife. He lost is wife a couple of years back and is in desperate need of help with his young daughter. When he comes across Julianna and the children he takes them home until he can help them find a solution. But he also finds himself attracted to Julianna. Feelings of guilt and worry keep him from acting on his feelings, but over time he and Julianna find that their attraction might be enough to start a life together as man and wife. Getting married would solve problems for her and the children and solve problems for him with the care of his own daughter and the loneliness that he feels since his wife passed away.
While they sort through their feelings and try to find answers Love sneaks up on both of them and they find a happiness that they didn't know existed.
These are stories to satisfy the Romantic in all of us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2010
http://oh-my-books.blogspot.com/2010/...
The Christmas Brides contains two different sweet and romantic historical stories set in the US and around Christmas time.
A McKettrick Christmas is the story of Lizzie. She's traveling to meet her family for Christmas when an avalanche strand her train. She's not scared and not alone, since she's traveling with Whitley Carson, her probably future husband. But when they and a couple of more passengers are in real danger, it is the handsome Dr. Morgan Shane who takes charge. Lizzie is a McKettrick, and she's going to help Dr. Shane and the rest of the passengers to survive, even if Morgan doesn't want her.
Most of the story is about Lizzie and Dr. Shane dealing with the passengers of the train. Lizzie is young and sweet, but I liked her attitude. Morgan is strong and responsible, and liked Lizzie from the beginning. Their story is sweet and extremely romantic. It was obvious they were made to each other, but Lizzie have dreams and Morgan is afraid he isn't going to give her what she deserves.
A Creed Country Christmas is the story of Lincoln Creed and Juliana. Juliana just lost her teaching job and she's taking care of a couple of native kids. She loves them very much, but she's having bad times. They don't have anywhere to live, until Lincoln Creed met them and invited them to his home.
He has been alone since his beloved wife died, and his daughter Gracie need a teacher and a mother. Could Juliana be that person? He doesn't want a wife, but Juliana seems pretty and perfect for the role.
Their story is sweet but was more intensive than the first one. Lincoln can't accept to love another women, and Juliana is poor and needs a place to stay. But they begin to fall in love, without really wanting to. Juliana is strong and her heart is big enough to love every kid she meets. Lincoln also has a big heart, and underneath his problems, he's a good man.
I loved both stories. Both were heart-warming and perfect to get into the Christmas feeling. I specially liked that their families where included, because I fell in love with the McKettricks and the Creeds. Looking for more books from this author, I discovered her McKettrick and Creed families' series and I'm assuming The Christmas Brides are part of this families.
Overall, The Christmas Brides is a very well written enjoyable read, and if you like sweet romantic stories (and a little bit naughty) you should read them.
The Christmas Brides contains two different sweet and romantic historical stories set in the US and around Christmas time.
A McKettrick Christmas is the story of Lizzie. She's traveling to meet her family for Christmas when an avalanche strand her train. She's not scared and not alone, since she's traveling with Whitley Carson, her probably future husband. But when they and a couple of more passengers are in real danger, it is the handsome Dr. Morgan Shane who takes charge. Lizzie is a McKettrick, and she's going to help Dr. Shane and the rest of the passengers to survive, even if Morgan doesn't want her.
Most of the story is about Lizzie and Dr. Shane dealing with the passengers of the train. Lizzie is young and sweet, but I liked her attitude. Morgan is strong and responsible, and liked Lizzie from the beginning. Their story is sweet and extremely romantic. It was obvious they were made to each other, but Lizzie have dreams and Morgan is afraid he isn't going to give her what she deserves.
A Creed Country Christmas is the story of Lincoln Creed and Juliana. Juliana just lost her teaching job and she's taking care of a couple of native kids. She loves them very much, but she's having bad times. They don't have anywhere to live, until Lincoln Creed met them and invited them to his home.
He has been alone since his beloved wife died, and his daughter Gracie need a teacher and a mother. Could Juliana be that person? He doesn't want a wife, but Juliana seems pretty and perfect for the role.
Their story is sweet but was more intensive than the first one. Lincoln can't accept to love another women, and Juliana is poor and needs a place to stay. But they begin to fall in love, without really wanting to. Juliana is strong and her heart is big enough to love every kid she meets. Lincoln also has a big heart, and underneath his problems, he's a good man.
I loved both stories. Both were heart-warming and perfect to get into the Christmas feeling. I specially liked that their families where included, because I fell in love with the McKettricks and the Creeds. Looking for more books from this author, I discovered her McKettrick and Creed families' series and I'm assuming The Christmas Brides are part of this families.
Overall, The Christmas Brides is a very well written enjoyable read, and if you like sweet romantic stories (and a little bit naughty) you should read them.
January 5, 2013
This is the last Christmas book of this season. I've read 4 Christmas novels this year. This book actually contains two Christmas stories: "A McKettrick Christmas" and "A Creed Country Christmas." "A McKettrick Christmas" follows Lizzie McKettrick who is riding a train back to her family for Christmas. The train gets caught in an avalanche and the passenger car almost topples off the tracks. The passengers bind together as a little family and help each other survive the ordeal. Lizzie is accompanied by Whitley Carson who she met at school in San Francisco. Lizzie was sure Whitley would ask her to marry him over the Christmas holidays, but she discovers he is not the man she thought he was. Enter Dr. Morgan Shane, a physician on his way to Indian Rock to set up a practice. He is calm in the face of adversity and wins Lizzie's respect and eventually love. Throughout the wait, interesting and amusing things happen to the victims of the avalanche, and they meet Mr. Christian (Mr. Christmas to the children) who will leave you wondering about Christmas magic.
"A Creed Country Christmas" tells the story of Julianna Mitchell, the teacher at the Indian school, who gathers the children who are left after the government closes down the school and sends all the others away; and Lincoln Creed, a widower who takes Julianna and the children under his wing because they have nowhere else to go. Lincoln is looking for a governess/housekeeper for his daughter, Gracie, who has a strong appetite to learn, and himself. Eventually, he offers Julianna the job and then marries her. He is a strong, compassionate man and I like his character very much. Julianna is a "city girl" who is trying very hard to learn the ways of the country and make a good wife and mother. Other things happen to make this story hold your attention. It's a heartwarming Christmas novel. I recommend it.
"A Creed Country Christmas" tells the story of Julianna Mitchell, the teacher at the Indian school, who gathers the children who are left after the government closes down the school and sends all the others away; and Lincoln Creed, a widower who takes Julianna and the children under his wing because they have nowhere else to go. Lincoln is looking for a governess/housekeeper for his daughter, Gracie, who has a strong appetite to learn, and himself. Eventually, he offers Julianna the job and then marries her. He is a strong, compassionate man and I like his character very much. Julianna is a "city girl" who is trying very hard to learn the ways of the country and make a good wife and mother. Other things happen to make this story hold your attention. It's a heartwarming Christmas novel. I recommend it.
February 6, 2011
A McKettrick Christmas
Lizzy McKettrick is excited to go home to her family. She brings along her beau, who believes will propose to her. The train carrying Lizzy home is buried under an avalanche and she and the other passengers are stuck in the cold. Dr. Morgan Shane immediately springs into action, helping to care for the passengers that were hurt in the accident. Lizzy admires Morgan’s compassion and his strength. She works alongside him to aid him with his medical attention and finds herself falling for him.
I liked this story but the bulk of the story was spent on Lizzy and Morgan helping the passengers. Though I felt a connection between the two of them, I wanted more of a focus on them. The story shifts towards them towards the end.
A Creed Country Christmas
Lincoln Creed needs a governess for his young daughter Gracie. Her mother died leaving him a widow with a little girl that he can’t take care of alone. His luck is turning around when he helps a young schoolteacher and her small Indian school children out. Juliana Mitchell is left stranded with the last few of her pupils when the Indian school is closed down. Her brother refuses to send her any money because she had refused to marry the man of his choice. She is stuck out wild when Lincoln takes her and the students to his home while she tries to work out a plan. She never plans to fall for him or his daughter but she finds his warm spirit hard to resist.
Lincoln finds is hard to let go with Juliana because his heart still belongs to his dead wife. They slowly build a friendship that leads to a romance. This story is more emotional because of the young children involved and the emotional background from the main characters. Overall, this is a great story with a nice happy ending.
Lizzy McKettrick is excited to go home to her family. She brings along her beau, who believes will propose to her. The train carrying Lizzy home is buried under an avalanche and she and the other passengers are stuck in the cold. Dr. Morgan Shane immediately springs into action, helping to care for the passengers that were hurt in the accident. Lizzy admires Morgan’s compassion and his strength. She works alongside him to aid him with his medical attention and finds herself falling for him.
I liked this story but the bulk of the story was spent on Lizzy and Morgan helping the passengers. Though I felt a connection between the two of them, I wanted more of a focus on them. The story shifts towards them towards the end.
A Creed Country Christmas
Lincoln Creed needs a governess for his young daughter Gracie. Her mother died leaving him a widow with a little girl that he can’t take care of alone. His luck is turning around when he helps a young schoolteacher and her small Indian school children out. Juliana Mitchell is left stranded with the last few of her pupils when the Indian school is closed down. Her brother refuses to send her any money because she had refused to marry the man of his choice. She is stuck out wild when Lincoln takes her and the students to his home while she tries to work out a plan. She never plans to fall for him or his daughter but she finds his warm spirit hard to resist.
Lincoln finds is hard to let go with Juliana because his heart still belongs to his dead wife. They slowly build a friendship that leads to a romance. This story is more emotional because of the young children involved and the emotional background from the main characters. Overall, this is a great story with a nice happy ending.
December 7, 2015
These two Christmas novellas both feature action and drama on the frontier. I haven't read any of the McKettrick or Creed books, so this introduced me to many of the characters in the series. I'll definitely want to check out more of Linda Lael Miller's books!
In A McKettrick Christmas, Lizzie McKettrick and a group of passengers get trapped on a train when an avalanche nearly sweeps them down the mountainside. She's on her way home for Christmas, and she knows that her family will come for her, but will they be in time? She thought she knew exactly what kind of man she wanted to marry, but when Dr. Morgan Shane takes charge in the crisis, she begins to wonder if she's been wrong about her current beau. A little Christmas magic also makes this a satisfying story for Christmas or any time.
In A Creed Country Christmas, Juliana Mitchell is at her wits end about what to do with the four Indian children left in her care after the government Indian school closed down. Disinherited by her brother for refusing to marry, she gets no help from him. Lincoln Creed has had no luck placing advertisements for a governess or housekeeper to help care for his daughter. He's even desperate enough to marry somebody, as long as it's just a marriage of convenience. Lincoln thinks he can help out Juliana and she might just agree to stay and care for Gracie. Snowed in at Lincoln's ranch, Juliana thinks this could work out, but what happens if she actually fall in love with him? I enjoyed the secondary stories and the fact that there weren't any loose ends, so this is good as a stand-alone story.
In A McKettrick Christmas, Lizzie McKettrick and a group of passengers get trapped on a train when an avalanche nearly sweeps them down the mountainside. She's on her way home for Christmas, and she knows that her family will come for her, but will they be in time? She thought she knew exactly what kind of man she wanted to marry, but when Dr. Morgan Shane takes charge in the crisis, she begins to wonder if she's been wrong about her current beau. A little Christmas magic also makes this a satisfying story for Christmas or any time.
In A Creed Country Christmas, Juliana Mitchell is at her wits end about what to do with the four Indian children left in her care after the government Indian school closed down. Disinherited by her brother for refusing to marry, she gets no help from him. Lincoln Creed has had no luck placing advertisements for a governess or housekeeper to help care for his daughter. He's even desperate enough to marry somebody, as long as it's just a marriage of convenience. Lincoln thinks he can help out Juliana and she might just agree to stay and care for Gracie. Snowed in at Lincoln's ranch, Juliana thinks this could work out, but what happens if she actually fall in love with him? I enjoyed the secondary stories and the fact that there weren't any loose ends, so this is good as a stand-alone story.
April 1, 2013
Lizzie McKettrick, is traveling home from San Francisco with a prospective future fiancee, and planning on surprising her family with Whitley Carson. But then a avalanche strikes the train they are traveling on and they are stranded witha blizzard outside and not much hope of surviving with a likely chance of them on the edge (which could tip their car over), and another avalanche that could down upon them at any time. Dr Morgan Shane takes charge and Lizzie is drawn to him in a way that she has never been drawn to a man before. Despite their current dangerous circumstances surrounding them, their is a spark that flares between the two, and Lizzie knows in her heart he is the man she would want to spend her life with if they manage to survive.
My Thoughts
I have read most of the McKettrick series, and was delighted to read Lizzie's Story. The four previous books involving her father and her three uncles, are treats to read, as was A McKettrick Christmas. From the first sentecne I know I would enjoy reading, its definitely a heartwarmer for the Holidays. The characters were touching, and although a bit shorter than I would have liked when it comes to a McKettrick book (or any of Linda Lael Millers books) it was still a Christmas delight that will warm your heart.
My Thoughts
I have read most of the McKettrick series, and was delighted to read Lizzie's Story. The four previous books involving her father and her three uncles, are treats to read, as was A McKettrick Christmas. From the first sentecne I know I would enjoy reading, its definitely a heartwarmer for the Holidays. The characters were touching, and although a bit shorter than I would have liked when it comes to a McKettrick book (or any of Linda Lael Millers books) it was still a Christmas delight that will warm your heart.
December 11, 2010
Excellent, excellent re-issue of two Christmas novellas first released in 2008 and 2009. Both are beautiful, heart-warming stories based on the characters in Ms Miller's McKettrick and Creed families' series. I was deeply touched by both stories but especially by the story of Lillie McKettrick, now coming home from school in San Francisco, current beau in tow, delighted to finally be able to establish herself as an independent adult and the town school teacher. The progress of the journey is halted by a massive avalanche which puts all the passengers in a life and death situation. The Creed Christmas story involves Lincoln Creed, widower and rancher who is touched by the dire straits the school teacher from the Indian School that has just been closed. Together with four Native American children, she is taken to his ranch because she simply has no where else to go. Their story and that of the children is very moving. I liked this book a great deal. It is just another great example of Ms Miller's great talent and another opportunity to visit with these engaging families.
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