Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows

 I had to read this.  A book about Christmas!  A book that is written by my favorite writers!  Even though it is summer when I read this, they took me the most wonderful time of the year.

Jody Hedlund is from Michigan, my Home State.  She knows something about winter.  Her story - Claiming the Cowgirl- contains characters I am already familiar with in her previous books. I loved that.

Lacy Williams' book is titled Doctor's Snowflake Bride.  What a great title!  How can you not love a lawman with the name Jed?  I did.

Misty B. Beller always delivers a story that captures my imagination and heart.  Marrying the Mountain Man's Best Friend had me a little nervous at times.  Heidi found herself in a dangerous situation that only Two Stones can get her out of.

A great collection for any time of the year.  

I received this advanced copy to review from Celebrate Lit.

About the Book

Book: Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows – A Marriage of Convenience Anthology

Authors: Jody Hedlund, Lacy Williams, and Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 26, 2023

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.

About the Authors

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.

USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams is devoted to bringing her readers heartwarming love stories about cowboys and the women that tame them.

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

More from Misty

When Friends Join Forces…Magic Happens!

For me, joining with my good friends Jody Hedlund and Lacy Williams resulted in Christmas magic!

Ever since I was young, Christmas stories have held a special place in my heart. The charm and warmth they exude, coupled with the enchantment of the holiday season, are a captivating combination I find irresistible. Can you relate?

I’ve also long been a HUGE fan of Jody Hedlund and Lacy Williams. I’ve read so many of their books over and over!

Joining them for this Christmas novella collection has been a dream come true for so many reasons. And not only are these three marriage of convenience stories set on the Rocky Mountain frontier (my favorite place!), each of these novellas is an exciting extension of the current series we’re each writing.

Jody’s novella is the finale to her Colorado Cowgirls series. We meet both the hero and heroine of this Christmas story back in book 4. You don’t have to have read Jody’s series to fall in love with them here though!

Lacy’s novella tells the story of a character from a new mail order bride series she has coming soon. This prelude is a fantastic taste that will have you swooning as you eagerly await the rest of the books!

My own contribution features Two Stones, the Coulter family’s best friend from the Brothers of Sapphire Mountain Ranch series. I love having the chance to tell his story, even though he’s not ‘officially’ one of the brothers. 

If you’ve read any of these series—or if you just love Christmas books like I do!—you’ll definitely want to read the novellas in Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows. It’s our collective holiday gift to you, the readers—intertwining familiar settings and characters with the joy and love that the festive season brings. We hope these tales bring you the same warmth and joy we’ve felt while penning them.

 

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Alena Mentink, September 6

Texas Book-aholic, September 7

Mary Hake, September 7

By the Book, September 8

She Lives To Read, September 8

Vicky Sluiter, September 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, September 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 10

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 11

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 13 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, September 14

Blossoms and Blessings, September 15

Britt Reads Fiction, September 15

For Him and My Family, September 16

Labor Not in Vain, September 16

Holly’s Book Corner, September 17

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 17

Books You Can Feel Good About, September 18

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, September 18

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Misty, Jody, and Lacy are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28138/christmas-bells-and-wedding-vows-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

The Bad Penny

 

I absolutely love historical  fiction.  I was thrilled that this was available to read.

I didn't realize that I read a previous book with the same characters.  You could read this as a stand alone but I recommend that you read The Ragged Orphan first.

I really enjoyed the story.  What  wonderful characters!  I came to love Jared, Alice, Tobey and Sam.  They were family even though they were not blood related.  

I hated the idea of any of them being hurt.  I held my breath until the very end.  I won't give anything away but WOW!

The Bad Penny

If you're born with nothing you have to make your own luck.

When Jared Johnson first meets Clarice Connaught he saves her from the hands of her father, who is brutally beating her in the street. Never one to walk past someone in distress, Jared doesn’t hesitate to help. But who is this girl and what is her story?

Jared Johnson started with nothing. At just twelve-years-old he was orphaned and homeless, but eight years later, Jared is a success. Running McGuire’s Rag & Bone Yard and surrounded by friends, all Jared needs now is to find the perfect girl to settle down with.

Nothing has come easy for Clarice but still she has dreams of a grander life and the finer things. And if her father isn’t willing to provide them then Clarice will do anything to find someone who is.

Jared and Clarice have one thing in common – they are survivors – and in Queen Victoria’s Birmingham you need your wits about you to keep the wolf from the door. But Clarice isn’t everything she seems, and like a bad penny that always shows up, she brings more trouble for Jared and his friends than they could ever have imagined…

Lindsey Hutchinson, the top 10 bestseller, Queen of the Black Country Saga, is back with a page-turning and heart-warming story perfect fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheBadPennysocial

Author Bio – 

Lindsey Hutchinson is a bestselling saga author whose novels include The Workhouse Children. She was born and raised in Wednesbury, and was always destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother, the multi-million selling Meg Hutchinson.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lindsey-Hutchinson/100031928935691/ 

Twitter https://twitter.com/LHutchAuthor 

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LindseyHutchinsonNews 

#rararesources

#blog tour

#LindseyHutchinson

 

Christmas Nights at the Star and Lantern

 

Yes, I am reading Christmas books already.  A small town, Christmas and Romance.  A winner to me!

Two people who can't and won't forget a short encounter years ago.  

I enjoyed the story.  I visited England at Christmas once.  I loved the atmosphere and going to the local pub.  It was cozy and welcoming.  That's what Quinn and his brother want when they purchase The Star and Lantern.    But Quinn has  an additional idea as he knows Celeste runs a bakery in town.

Celeste tries to stay away from Quinn.  But she is drawn to him.  What must happen for them to have a second chance of love?

A cozy story to read on a cold night even when it is in September.

#BoldwoodBooks

#HelenRolfe

A Courageous Betrothal

A short novella that leaves you wanting more.  I loved the main character- Jenny White.  She was spunky and one whom you want with you in times of trouble. 

But Jenny doubted herself.  She wasn't pretty enough.  How could anyone pick her compared to her sister?

An exciting story with action packed adventure during the American Revolution. I loved the heart throb of the story.  Highlander Caylan says the right things in his Scottish brogue to make any young or old woman swoon.  Jenny and her sister, Hannah, were not an exception. 

I received this novella to review from the author.

Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. Represented by Hartline Literary, she writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense set in her home state of Georgia. She's also a managing editor for Smitten Historical Romance and Heritage Beacon Historical Fiction, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. A wife and mom of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

Website

https://deniseweimerbooks.webs.com

Twitter

https://twitter.com/denise_weimer

The Best is Yet to Come

Loss and grief.  Two things Cade and Hope know very well.  

Hope appears to be just doing fine.  But internally she is a mess.  Cade shows his grief and suffers the consequences for his actions.

They met because they both volunteered at a dog shelter.  This brings them healing.  

Hope was a teacher.  She was compassionate and wanting to help.  Many times her hands were tied but she did what she could.  I could relate as I worked with teenagers before I retired.

An enjoyable book.

#DebbieMacomber

#Grief

#GriefRecovery

Captivated by the Cowgirl

Felicity was the youngest sister of three.  She witnessed both of her sisters finding the loves of their lives.  But she was convinced that it would never happen for her.  Of course, she had her suitors but she didn't feel anything more than friendship.

She never expected to meet the new stranger in town, Philip Berg.    He was there every time she needed that extra shoulder to lean on.  You can tell there was an attraction between them. But  they both had reasons to keep it hidden.

What Felicity did not know was Philip's secret.  Would this make or break their chance of being together?  

 

This was a quick read for me.  I love Jody Hedlund's books.  

This is Book 4 of the Colorado Cowgirls Series.  Each one of these books have beautiful covers.  

I received this copy to review from the author,  Jody Hedlund.

AUTHOR:

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of The Doctor's Lady and The Preacher's Bride. Jody has received much industry recognition, most recently being awarded an ACFW 2014 Carol Award in the Historical Romance category for her novel, 'A Noble Groom'.

In addition to this, Jody has also received the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award; the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers; and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards.

Currently she makes her home in Michigan with her husband and five busy children.

Wooing Gertrude

Gertrude thought she had a plan.   But she didn't expect her new groom to be a criminal.  

Gertrude was discouraged.  She felt that God was not there for her.  He wasn't listening.  Have you ever felt like this?  I  can remember a time where I felt alone.  Failed relationships made me doubt any chance for future happiness.

It wasn't until I turned to GOD and prayed that my life changed.  I asked him to guide my steps and keep me safe from harm.  And if I was to remain single, to give me peace about that.  Not long afterwards I met my future husband.  

Gertrude met Enoch and unexpectedly her life changed.  With prayer and the help of her guinea pigs,  Gertrude found the happiness she was looking for.

I loved the story.  A great read.  

I received an advanced reading copy from the author to review.

About the Author

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHL) and has been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Live the Adventure Letter. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. In addition to writing, Jodie sings in her church choir and is a voracious reader. You’ll often find her praying for snow in Pennsylvania. :)

Look for Jodie on her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and MeWe.

Amish Buggy Murder

Another cute mystery starring Ettie and Elsie-May.  These two sisters find themselves right in the middle of murder investigation. 

Both have had very close calls while they are snooping around.  I thought for sure that they were goners this time.

With the help of Detective Kelly, they connect the dots and help in solving the case. It is not always who you think it will be.  

I enjoy reading this series of books.   Her characters are a delight.

I received this book to review from the author.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samantha Price is a USA Today bestselling author of Amish romance books and cozy mysteries. She was raised Brethren and has a deep affinity for the Amish way of life, which she has explored extensively with over a decade of research.
She is mother to two pampered rescue cats and a very spoiled staffy with separation issues

Jody Hedlund- Convincing the Cowgirl

Patience's mother told her that she would never have a husband.  She believed her.  So she was shocked when Spencer Wolcott came by and proposed.  But did he?

A cute story that points out that being different is ok.  Patience didn't like to cook. She wasn't fond of housework.  Patience was artistic. She especially loved to paint.  She had this special talent of improving her surroundings by a little paint here or there. It sometimes could leave a mess. Could Spencer love her "in spite of her messes"?

Patience was fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with her sisters.  I think that is why she so readily accepted Lucy as her cousin.  Her trusting nature got her into trouble.

This is book three of the Colorado Cowgirls series.  I have enjoyed all three.  The last installment is the next one for me to read. 

#JodyHedlund

#ColoradoCowgirl

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she's learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she's not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate. 

The Midwives' War

Grace's story is one of hardship.  But it is also one of  strength and endurance.  She was determined to survive.  And survive she did. 

Grace was kind and good to everyone she met.  But if needed, she stood up for herself.  

I haven't read a book like this in a long time.  I cried when she cried.    I was concerned everytime Grace found herself in a terrible predicament.  I cheered when she survived.

What a story!!  It made me quite emotional.  It made me think of my maternal grandmother's family. My great grandfather served in WWI.  He never returned.  He died in Egypt.  My great grandmother became a widow at a young age and had 4 or 5 children.  My grandmother was only 2 years old. Life would never be the same.   

Believe me, I will look up any other books by Chrissie Walsh.  

#BoldwoodBookClub

#ChrissieWalsh

#rararesources

The Midwives’ War

‘See that patch of blue sky,’ he said. ‘Whenever you see one, that’s where I’ll be – thinking of you.’

Against the chaotic backdrop of World War II, Grace Murphy is working as a midwife in Doncaster Royal Infirmary with her two friends, Clodagh and Patsy. In between delivering babies and tending wounded airmen, the girls endure bombing raids, rationing and the hardships and heartbreak that war brings. But in the faces of the new babies she welcomes to the world, Grace always looks for hope, as she dreams of a time when the war will end.

When the midwives get the chance to go to a dance at the nearby RAF Finningly, they jump at the offer. The hangar is crowded with happy dancing couples but when the glamourous Spitfire pilots saunter in, looking dashing in their leather flying jackets and brightly coloured silk scarves, Grace can’t resist taking a peek. And the moment Grace meets pilot, Richard Carmichael, she knows he will capture her heart.

With every daring flying raid, Grace and Richard risk losing each other forever. All Grace can do is look out for Richard in the patches of blue sky, and hope that fate will bring them their very own wartime happy-ever-after…

Chrissie Walsh is back with this heart-breaking tale of love against the odds, perfect for fans of Fenella Miller, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Midwiveswarsocial

Author Bio –

Chrissie Walsh was born and raised in West Yorkshire and is a retired schoolteacher with a passion for history. She has written several successful sagas documenting feisty women in challenging times for Aria

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Chrissie-Walsh/100063501278251/

Twitter https://twitter.com/WalshChrissie

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ChrissieWalshNewsletter

Healing the Mountain Man's Heart

Sisters, Dinah and Naomi,  headed west with hopes for the future.  It didn't exactly turn out like they planned.

The next thing they knew they were  stuck in a cabin with a family made up of mostly boys.  I thought of the movie "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers".  Dinah found herself doctoring one brother while falling under the spell of the oldest one, Jericho. 

Their attraction to each other couldn't go any further as they had different plans and hopes for the future.  Was their anyway the two could come to some understanding?  

I always look forward to Misty Beller's books.  Her writing paints a picture for me.  I can see the beauty that she writes about.

I received this ebook from Celebrate Lit to review.

About the Book

Book: Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 15, 2023

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, loyalty…and a hidden fortune.

Jericho Coulter, the eldest of six fiercely devoted brothers, is entrusted with safeguarding his family and the secret that binds them together: the Sapphire mine. To keep tragedy from striking again, he allows no outsiders on their land. When two women stumble upon their ranch, claiming Jericho himself sent for one of them as a mail-order bride, he aims to send them straight back where they came from.
Dinah Wyatt, a talented and determined doctor, wasn’t about to let her twin sister travel to Montana alone and marry a stranger. Dinah’s skills are immediately put to the test when one of the younger Coulter brothers is gravely injured, forcing the family to trust his life to her.As Dinah and her sister become entwined in the Coulter family’s life, sparks fly between the enigmatic Jericho and the captivating doctor. In a world where trust is hard to come by and secrets hold the power to change lives, Jericho and Dinah must learn that sometimes, the most precious secrets are those buried within our own hearts.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a mail-order bride, hidden treasure, and love that heals wounded hearts.

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

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More from Misty

Sapphires in Montana? Are you sure?

 

When I was brainstorming ideas for my new series, I knew I wanted the stories to be set on a ranch amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Montana mountains. But I wanted something a little more unusual than that. I know, what could be more special than a ranch in the Rockies?

 

So I brought the conundrum to some writer friends and asked for help brainstorming. There’s nothing quite so fascinating as a group of writers in full brainstorming mode. Since the series is set during the mining boom in Montana, we discussed the idea of some kind of mine on the ranch, but not gold or silver. Or even copper. The remarkable Sarah Erredge (who writes as S.E. Warren) suggested Sapphires.

 

That thought immediately grabbed hold of me (especially since the Sapphire is the birthstone for my month of September). But I’d never heard of Sapphires being discovered in Montana. That seemed impossible… Right?

 

Until some quick research showed there are three well-known pockets of Sapphires in the state! Rock Creek is one of those locations, and is positioned perfectly for where I wanted to set my story—west of Helena and about a half day’s ride from the Mullan Road.

 

The timing of Sapphire discoveries in the state is perfect for my series as well. Early prospectors searching for gold in the gravel of the Missouri River repeatedly discarded the annoying blue pebbles that continually clogged their sluices without much thought to what they may be. It wasn’t discovered that these “pebbles” were Sapphires until 1895 when a man named Ed Coulter forwarded samples of these stones to Tiffany & Co. When Tiffany purchased the lot for $3,750 (approximately $110,300 as of 2018) and declared that the stones were “sapphires of unusual quality,” a small-scale sapphire rush began.

 

This rush is exactly what the Coulter brothers in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series are trying to avoid. That’s why they keep the Sapphire mine on their property secret during this first book in the series, Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart.

 

I pray you love book 1 in this new series and fall as deeply in love with this ranch in the Rockies as I have, especially with the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch. 

 

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, August 8

Alena Mentink, August 8

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 9

Texas Book-aholic, August 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 10

Lighthouse Academy Blog, August 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 12

The Book Club Network, August 13

Blossoms and Blessings, August 13

Betti Mace, August 14

Connie’s History Classroom, August 15

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Holly’s Book Corner, August 17

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 17

Splashes of Joy, August 18

Mary Hake, August 18

annette_reads_daily, August 19

Cover Lover Book Review, August 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 20 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 21

Pause for Tales, August 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/272f6/healing-the-mountain-man-s-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway