Friday, October 6, 2023

Review: Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows by Jody Hedlund, Lacy Williams, Misty M. Beller



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

From bestselling and award-winning authors, experience Christmas on the rugged western frontier with three novellas filled with unforgettable adventures, enduring romance, and the timeless message of hope found in the Savior’s birth.

Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
Serena Taylor is hiding in Colorado’s high country to keep her son safe, and she knows the best way to protect him is by marrying again and giving him a father. Weston Oakley needs a wife by Christmas to placate his meddling family, but after being spurned one too many times in love, he’s reluctant to give his heart away again. When they agree on a marriage of convenience, both of them get much more than they bargained for.

Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams
Minnie steps off the train ready to become a mail-order bride, but she finds the well-dressed man waiting for her isn't her intended husband. The protective oath Jed took when he became a doctor doesn't cover stranded women, but he can't leave the beautiful stranger alone in a building blizzard two days before Christmas. When circumstances force them into close proximity, Jed and Minnie find that their growing feelings aren't convenient at all.

Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller

Two Stones, a Salish warrior accustomed to navigating between tribes and miners, unexpectedly finds himself summoned to the side of a dying friend in Virginia City. Sworn to honor the miner’s last wish, Two Stones agrees to marry his daughter, Heidi, but plans to take her to live with his parents. He’ll provide all her needs, make sure she’s safe, and visit her on occasion when his path leads him that direction. As they set out on the journey, their path is fraught with challenges that defy Two Stones' plans and reveal a surprising depth to Heidi's character. As they near the end of their trail and join the Christmas festivities at the Coulter Ranch, Two Stones begins to realize this inconvenient marriage might really be a Christmas gift he’ll always treasure.


My Review

I adore a good historical marriage of convenience story! This collection features three of my favorite authors, and I enjoyed each novella. The men and women are in circumstances that call for creative problem-solving, and forming a marriage bond strengthened their partnership to face the challenges before them. A strong work ethic is an admirable quality that all the characters shared, which helped make their match equally yoked as they take time to learn more about each other and deepen their affection. The first story by Jody Hedlund is especially romantic and is my favorite of the three. Novellas are a perfect way to give secondary characters from the author's other books their own story, and it's fun to see the characters we've grown to love as they encourage their friends and family on the path to love.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.


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