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.

Review: The Butterfly Bride by Lacy Williams

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The prodigal son is back. Ever since the terrible mistake he made in high school—a mistake that cost his best friend his life—bullfighter Luke Starr has stayed far away from Pecan, Texas, and his family. But with his twin brothers gone on their respective honeymoons, Luke is forced to come back to town to watch over Gramma and the family ranch. And he can’t wait to leave again. Because being home hurts more than being stomped on by a bull—and it’s only a matter of time until he messes up all over again.

Special ed teacher Jess Sadler will do anything for her students—even abandon her comfort zone to convince a reluctant rodeo cowboy to give “horse lessons” to a student she can’t reach. But when feelings for Luke blindside Jess, she knows she’s in trouble. The man is counting down the minutes until he can leave Pecan. Will he take her heart with him when he goes?

Then a little boy goes missing on the family ranch, and Luke must confront the ghosts of his past or lose the future he never dreamed was possible.

My Review

There is instant attraction between Jess and Luke, but it is the compassion they show- even when it takes effort- that makes this story heartfelt. There is plenty of angst with Luke's overwhelming feelings of guilt that he faces being back home and interacting with the community he thinks blames and hates him. Dating Jess provides a bit of respite... until she tries to help him come to terms with his past. The horse lessons for her special charge gives them a connection he can't escape, and the miracle of progress they see in the child reinforces the importance of Jess's work and Luke's help. There is plenty of tension during the climax of hunting for the missing boy, but it is softened with Luke's healing experience and the decisions he makes for his future.

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

Review: Once Upon a Cowboy by Lacy Williams

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A princess on-the-run finds sanctuary where she least expects it... After nearly dying in an assassination attempt, Princess Alessandra of Glorvaird escapes to a place no one would ever think to look for her: small town Oklahoma and a ranch staffed by a herd of wooly, uncouth cowboys. One cowboy in particular gets under her skin, until she sees his softer side. She knows this interlude can't last forever, but that doesn't stop her from wishing it might... Former Navy SEAL Gideon Hale might've rescued the princess from freezing to death, but the soldier doesn't trust easily-or at all-especially when his gut tells him Alessandra is keeping secrets. But as Alessandra begins to fit into his life, he discovers another side to the princess-one that he can't help but like. When Alessandra's enemies close in, Gideon must fight to save the woman who has become so much more than a princess... "Once Upon a Cowboy" is a contemporary western retelling of the Snow White fairytale and Book 1 in the Cowboy Fairytales series. Other books include: Cowboy Charming and The Toad Prince.

My Review

I enjoyed this novella about a modern day princess. The author did a great job portraying her desperation to escape, her fear of danger, and trauma from the recent violence. Gideon is a pretty tough nut to crack, but when he falls, he falls hard. Allie's pleasure in cooking for the cowboys and working in the kitchen endears her to all the men working on the ranch, and soon they can't imagine life without her. The fact that her stay is just temporary creates a strong tension, while the suspense from the danger she's in keeps the story quickly moving forward. Looking forward to reading more in the series!

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: A Cowboy for Christmas by Lacy Williams

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

After an accident leaves her injured, Daisy Richards stays secluded at her family's Wyoming ranch to avoid the town's gawking stares. Yet handsome cowboy newcomer Ricky White insists she can do anything she dreams—ride a horse, decorate a Christmas tree…even steal a man's heart.

Once a reckless cad, Ricky is to blame for what happened to Daisy. Now reformed, he wants to make amends by setting things right for his boss's beautiful daughter in time for the holidays. But Daisy doesn't know Ricky's responsible for her predicament. When the truth is revealed, will he lose the greatest gift he's ever received—her trust?

My Review

Boy, Daisy and Ricky sure have it rough in this story! In the beginning Daisy has a very "woe is me" attitude (can't really blame her...) but her tentative friendship with Ricky gets her looking beyond her trials and forward to the future with hope. Her character arc was well done and realistic for the challenges she faced. Ricky is so full of guilt and remorse, and I admired his fortitude in relying on Jesus to carry the burden of his sins. Of course, throughout the story I was waiting for the ball to drop- for Daisy to discover that Ricky had a part in her tragic circumstances, and wondered how she would manage to handle it and forgive him. You'll have to read the book to find out! ;)

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)