On a Midnight Clear

Three stories in one collection. I had to read this as the three authors are my favorites to read.

Tracie Peterson - The Shepherd's Heart

Misty M.Beller- No Room at the Inn

Karen Witemeyer- A Star in the West

Each novella was a joy to read. I loved The Shepherd's Heart. It was very touching.  I loved that the main character was named Angel. She was one especially to widower Vincent and his two children. 

No Room at the Inn was the story of Hope. She owned and worked at the Stage Inn with her brother. She never expected to find love especially at her age and because of where she lived. She didn't give up hope that she had in her heart for a husband and a family of her very own.

A Star at the Inn

Stella couldn't leave her father. She promised to take care of him after her mother died. But then she met Frank. Romance bloomed between them. Both have reservations over their future. Could she leave her father and her family home for Frank?  Could Frank give up a job he loves for a chance of happiness with Stella?

 A quick and enjoyable read. Inspirational. Happy Endings. 

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

#CelebrateLit 

About the Book

Book: On a Midnight Clear: A 3-in-1 Christmas Novella Collection

Authors: Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 5, 2025

Can they find a place to put their hearts and hope this Christmas?

Beloved authors Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, and Karen Witemeyer come together with this festive novella collection inspired by the Nativity story and filled with faith, promise, and romance.

The Shepherd’s Heart by Tracie Peterson
On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her, but as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love?

No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller
When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer’s family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?

A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer
Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

Rediscover the joy of Christmas with these faith-based historical romances from bestselling authors featuring sweet Western frontier stories with themes of marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and friends-to-more.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, with more than 6 million copies sold. Learn more at TraciePeterson.com.

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories woven through with the truth of God’s love. Learn more at MistyMBeller.com.

Bestselling and award–winning author Karen Witemeyer pens historical romance with a flair for humor and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Learn more at KarenWitemeyer.com.

More from Misty

When Friends Join Forces…Magic Happens!

 

For me, teaming up with my dear friends Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer has created pure Christmas magic!

Ever since I was young, Christmas stories have held a special place in my heart. There’s something truly enchanting about the season—the warmth, joy, and love that seem to fill the air. And when you combine that with the charm of a good story? It’s absolutely irresistible! Can you relate?

I’ve also long been a HUGE fan of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer. Their books have been favorites of mine for years, and I’ve read so many of them multiple times. The chance to join them on this Christmas novella collection, On a Midnight Clear, has been a dream come true in every way.

If you love Christmas books as much as I do, you won’t want to miss On a Midnight Clear. This collection is our holiday gift to you, our readers—stories filled with the wonder of the season, unforgettable characters, and the timeless message of love and hope.

We hope these novellas bring the same joy and warmth to your heart as they brought to ours while writing them.

So, curl up with your favorite blanket, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the magic of On a Midnight Clear transport you to a world of Christmas cheer.

Merry Christmas reading!

Misty

Blog Stops

Library’s Lady Kid Lit, September 30

Madi’s Musings, September 30

The Avid Reader, October 1

lakesidelivingsite, October 1

Simple Harvest Reads, October 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 2

Pens Pages & Pulses, October 2

Inkwell Inspirations, October 2

Devoted To Hope, October 3

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 3

By the Book, October 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4

Devoted Steps, October 4

Texas Book-aholic, October 5

Maureen’s Musings, October 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 6

She Lives To Read, October 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8

For Him and My Family, October 9

Blogging With Carol, October 9

Vicky Sluiter, October 10

Pause for Tales, October 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 10

Stories By Gina, October 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 11

Bizwings Blog, October 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 12

Cover Lover Book Review, October 12

Holly’s Book Corner, October 13

Blossoms and Blessings, October 13

The Bookish Pilgrim, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Tracie, Karen, and Misty are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92784-eg7nu2a1

The Forever Cowboy- Jody Hedlund

 

Cowboys. I can't resist a cowboy. I love men in jeans, boots and cowboy hats. Fortunately, Sterling wore all three. Hard to resist.  But he was lacking one thing- a bride.

Violet Berkley was Sterling's bride to be. A few months ago,  she jilted him at the altar.  And he couldn't find himself able to forgive her.  

Now Violet and her sister show up at his cabin looking for help. Could he forgive her enough to help her out of a terrible situation?

I loved the story.

I received this book to review from the author.

#blogtour

#JodyHedlund

 

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. 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.

Jody Hedlund- The Favored Cowboy

 

Amelia was desperate. Becoming a mail order bride is her only chance of escaping her husband's killer.   

Thacher, the town's veterinarian,  is desperate for a companion.  After only  a few letters, he send away for one. 

Thatcher and Amelia marry as soon as she arrives.  It takes awhile before the truth comes out. And the truth threatens their future.

I enjoyed this story of mistaken identity.  You would think Amelia could have put two to two together right away. I'm sure she was nervous and was desperate.  

Thatcher was beyond understanding with Amelia's circumstances. She was fortunate that he was a good man but also hot!

I recommend this book.  Fast read. Lovely couple. Drama. Romance. 

Thank you, Jody Hedlund, for accepting me on your tour.

#blogtour

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. 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.

Sermons from a Soapbox

 

About the Book

Book: Sermons from a Soapbox

Author: Ladonna Shanks

Genre: Devotional, based on personal experience; Memoir; Adult Nonfiction; “Life Lesson Essays”

Release Date: April 8, 2025

“What is God like?

Does He even exist, other than as a figment of the imagination?

Or is He real, a part of daily life and our world?

In Sermons from a Soapbox, Ladonna Shanks shares her personal spiritual journey of more than seventy-five years. “I cannot write what I have not experienced,” serves as the base of her easy-to-read, anecdotal essays. The short “sermons” challenge the reader to think, question, search, and consider living where God is . . . in the spiritual, long-term, instead of humankind’s physical, short-term.

Excerpt from the Book

Absolutes and Precepts

The Basics of God

absolute: n. That which is independent of context-dependent interpretation, inviolate, fundamental. Adj. Certain, not to be doubted.

precept: n. A rule for action or behavior, esp. one based on moral consideration.

Absolutes make up the foundation of our planet, its functions, and cycles:

Each and every day, with surety, the ocean’s tide rises and falls.

Without exception, in a journey of approximately 365 days planet Earth rotates on its axis while circling the sun, the center of our solar system.

Weather remains a daily constant in the lives of humankind. While often unpredictable, and despite its importance in our lives, we hold no authority over it. Instead, every facet of weather regularly controls and influences us—how and where we live, our activities, the clothing we wear, and our emotional and physical well-being too.  

Every day, physical life begins when an egg and sperm meet, conception takes place, and a new life is created. The mother’s womb provides a cocoon for development and growth. Months later, when enough time has passed and life can survive independently, birth takes place.

On the other end of the spectrum, physical life ends daily worldwide.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Two: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Three: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Four: https://www.deniselbarela.com/posts/sermons-from-a-soapbox-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Five: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2025/10/11/sermons-from-a-soapbox-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2025/10/sermons-from-soapbox.html?m=1
Excerpt Seven: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2025/10/celebrate-lit-epic-book-launch-presents.html

 

About the Author

Ladonna Shanks was born and raised in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. During her several decades of life, she has been an entrepreneur, a small business owner, and, most recently, a writer. Her first book, Tidbits and Pearls, A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God was published in 2019. Ladonna’s family, including five grandgirls, and her commitment to God serve as her priorities.

Christmas Mail Order Brides Anthology

Not many more days to Christmas!  But reading this collection brought me closer to that wonderful season.  

I was excited to read this when I saw the cover and who the contributing authors were.  I wasn't disappointed.  I loved all three stories.  How could you not?

I think I enjoyed Amelia's story the best.  She was busy finding matches for all her customers. She was ready to retire, but she had one disappointing match that failed.  She had to correct this mistake.  And this led her right into the arms of a dear friend.

Great stories.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

About the Book

Book: Christmas Mail Order Brides, Anthology

Authors: Vickie McDonough, Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 9, 2025

a's Marriage arrives by mail-order—just in time for Christmas.

Ride the transcontinental railroad as three mail-order brides head west in search of new futures. Annika arrives in Wyoming to discover her intended groom is missing. Jolie’s journey to Nevada is derailed by disaster, and Amelia travels to California to wrap up her final attempts at matchmaking. Will the holiday season be the ticket to spark love in unexpected ways?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five grown children and twelve grandchildren who bring them much joy. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking around the lake near her home, working in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or leading women’s ministry at her church.

Susan Page Davis is the author of more than 100 published novels and novellas in the romance, mystery, historical, and romantic suspense genres. She’s a winner of the Carol Award, Will Rogers Medallion, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award, and a finalist in the Selah Awards and Willa Literary Awards. A Maine native, she now lives in western Kentucky with her husband, Jim.

.Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

More from Carrie

Bringing a Swedish Christmas to the American West

By Carrie Turansky

In my novella, A Trusting Heart, part of the Christmas Mail-Order Brides Collection, Annika Bergstrom, who is originally from Sweden, leaves her home in Chicago and travels to the rugged Wyoming Territory in 1880 to marry a man she’s never met. Though she carries only a small trunk, she brings with her something far more meaningful—cherished Christmas traditions from her homeland.

Swedish Christmas celebrations begin early with the first Sunday of Advent. Annika remembers her mother lighting a candle each week leading up to Christmas, filling their home with warmth and anticipation. In her new Wyoming home, she lights a candle, longing for connection and clinging to faith and hope as she begins this new chapter of life.

December 13 brings one of the most beloved Swedish traditions—St. Lucia Day. In Sweden, the youngest daughter dresses in a white gown with a red sash and wears a crown of candles, waking her family with coffee and saffron buns. Annika lovingly bakes these sweet rolls with her intended’s daughter, hoping it will draw them all closer.

As Christmas Eve—Julafton—arrives, Annika prepares a modest version of a Swedish smörgåsbord: roasted ham, root vegetables, and creamy rice pudding. She hides an almond in the pudding, smiling as everyone at the table eagerly searches their bowls. According to Swedish tradition, the one who finds the almond will marry in the coming year. Laughter and joy fill the room, and Annika feels a growing sense of belonging with her new family.

Swedish traditions add depth and richness to A Trusting Heart, reminding us that wherever we go, the light of Christmas can shine brightly—especially when carried by a trusting heart.

We hope you’ll enjoy reading Christmas Mail-Order Brides which includes three novellas: The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough, A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky, and Mrs. Mayberry  Meets Her Match by Susan Page Davis. Each heartwarming story that will transport you back to a joyful, old-fashioned Christmas.

Blog Stops

Devoted To Hope, September 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 24

She Lives To Read, September 25

Pens Pages & Pulses, September 25

Leslie’s Library Escape, September 26

Vicky Sluiter, September 26

Simple Harvest Reads, September 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Bizwings Blog, September 28

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29

Maureen’s Musings, September 29

Cover Lover Book Review, September 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1

For Him and My Family, October 2

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 2

Blossoms and Blessings, October 3

Holly’s Book Corner, October 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts , October 4

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 5

Pause for Tales, October 6

Jodie Wolfe, October 6

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Carrie, Vickie, and Susan are giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92608-x04cbuqz

Better Days on Dressmaker's Alley

Now, how can I pick a favorite character or moment in this story?  I loved it all but of course, the bad guys.  Boo! Hiss!  Lady Diane was exquisite. Susie was patient and hardworking.  Lily was talented and kind. Janice was gentle and loving.   This was just the women!

Dressmaking is a hard business. Susie put her life on hold for the company.  But there could be  terrible consequences in doing that. I guess I feel that work is work and you can be replaced there easily enough.  You can't be replaced by your family.

I read the previous book in this series so I knew the background of the characters in this one.  It could be a stand alone but I recommend reading it as a series.

A wonderful story. I enjoyed every moment, every page.

I received this from Boldwood Books to review.

#blogtour

#rararesources

Better Days on Dressmakers' Alley

London’s East End 1926

The girls of Dressmakers' Alley are busier than ever and Lady Diane’s business continues to thrive.

New recruit Janice Williams is one of the new seamstresses Miss Susie hires to cope with the work but on the day of her interview, Janice is injured in a roadside accident that will change her life forever.

Poor Winnie Collins’ pregnancy is beset with problems and under Doctor’s strict orders she is confined to bed rest. How will she cope when there is so much to do?

Susie Collins’ and Timothy Marsh’s relationship continues to flourish. But when will Susie find time to allow Timothy to make an honest woman of her?

Meanwhile business is blooming at the flower shop but Lily is concerned what her husband Jeb Jarvis and brother Joe Ross are up to. When something seems too good to be true, it usually is and none of them realise the danger it could bring.

Things are looking brighter on Dressmakers' Alley, but there are always those who want to cause trouble…

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

Author Bio – 

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose books include Welcome to Harpers Emporium and The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire.

Social Media Links –  

Follow Rosie Clarke

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081537219193 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneHerries 

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rosie-clarke