"A Western Christmas" by Renee Ryan and Louise M. Gouge

About The Book

A New Family Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift  

Yuletide Lawman by Renee Ryan

A Christmas to remember—that's what Ellie Wainwright wants to provide for Sheriff Caleb Voss's little girls. But she can't agree to a marriage of convenience. Ellie wants nothing less than real love. Caleb long ago gave up on love, yet sweet Ellie's kindness to his children could make a believer of him again.

Yuletide Reunion by Louise M. Gouge

Emma Sharp's family needs to rebuild their barn before Christmas. All help is welcome—even if it comes from the handsome neighboring rancher who jilted her two years ago. Can Jared Mattson prove that he wants to build not just a barn with Emma—but a bright future together?

Please visit Renee Ryan's website

Please visit Louise M. Gouge's website

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This book was released in October 2015

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review

 

 

My Review

 

“A Western Christmas” is a book that has two novella's written by Renee Ryan and Louise M. Gouge. I received this book from Ms. Ryan in exchange for an honest review, so honesty it is going to be just like every other review.

Here are two novellas that take place in Wyoming and New Mexico in the month of December with the same theme it seems in both of them. The theme is grace, forgiveness and understanding. Though the characters are four very different characters, they are very similar at the same time. Some are stubborn to the point to where they might just cut off their noses in spite of their face, others daydream a bit more freely, and all of them have suffered some kind of heartache. As I said they are similar yet there are plenty of differences to make each story unique and special to read.

I would try to tell a little about each story but honestly the little blurbs on the back of the book (can be found above) covers all the important aspects of the story so I wont bother trying to tell more about them, for if I do then I run the risk of spoiling the stories for other readers, and I hate when I learn too much about a book I am thinking of getting because somebody basically told the story in their review. So since I hate that I won't do that to anyone else.

These two novellas are heartwarming and tender Christmas stories that really highlight the Christmas message of love, forgiveness and so much more. Christmas is a very important in each of the stories with each having a different focus it seems but both on the message in one way or another, on love. Love for each other and how love is.

I honestly enjoyed this book and it really put me in the Christmas feeling with the messages that they each portrayed. The message of hope and forgiveness, joy and grace just seemed to shout Christmas. So grab a warm blanket, cup of your favorite hot drink and enjoy this book.

Wagon Train Proposal by Renee Ryan

About the Book

For the Sake of His Children
  
A marriage of convenience? Rachel Hewitt couldn't possibly accept. Not even for the sake of three adorable little girls who desperately want a new mother. Sheriff Tristan McCullough offers Rachel a home and family, but not the one thing she truly seeks—someone to love her for herself.

Tristan McCullough hoped to find a wife on the wagon train, not a nanny. The hardworking widower wants a marriage without emotional risks. But independent Rachel intrigues him. One minute she's winning over his shy little girls, and the next she's tackling danger head-on. She might just be Tristan's unexpected second chance at happiness…if he'll risk his wary heart again.

Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail

 

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This book released in June 2015

This was a well loved library book that was reviewed

 

My Review

“Wagon Train Proposal” by Renee Ryan is the third and final book in the continuous series 'Journey West', and a wonderful finish to the whole series. Now even though this is the final book in the series that doesn't mean that this can not stand alone for it most certainly can.  If one has not have the pleasure of reading “Wagon Train Reunion” or “Wagon Train Sweetheart” then that is ok for it is not absolute vital to read them, but they do help with some background on both Rachel and Tristan.

The series long story-line reveals the culprit or culprits pretty early one but just because the culprit or culprits are revealed early doesn't mean that the guilty party or parties are not a problem later on in the story.  Actually because of the culprit or culprits I was on edge wondering when this person or persons would strike.  I couldn't help but laugh for I expected things to go one way and I kept waiting for it all to go down, and when it went down, I am not sure if I was disappointed because it didn't happen the way I thought or laugh because of the way it did.  Well I know I laughed at one point during this whole event, so maybe it is just a little bit of both.

There is a twist in the story that was so unexpected that I actually had to go back and reread the page again to make sure I read it right the first time.  This is a secret that deeply affects one of the characters.  It sure added something I never saw coming and well I can almost see how it made the character stronger.  Stronger because they dealt with it, forgave and is now learning to deal with the secret that has been brought in the open with courage.  I wonder how many other readers are going to reread the paragraphs or page when this all comes out.

Rachel is the youngest Hewitt sibling and she has three very protective siblings along with three protective in-laws, to the point it is almost funny.  Rachel is a woman who is not shy about stating her opinions in the slightest, is not afraid of hard work and feeling a bit uncertain about where she belongs.  She had plans when she finally reached Oregon City but suddenly those plans are out the window so now she much come up with something else, which she does.  There is this natural grace about Rachel as well determination and strength.

Tristan is a man who takes his job seriously and has a plan.  He is also a man of great honor as we first saw in “Wagon Train Sweetheart” and again in this story.  He has this fierce love for his three precious children without a single doubt and will do whatever he must to protect them.  He has reasons for some of the things he feels, even though most think they might be unreasonable, at the time I could almost understand his thoughts.  Though things don't work out as he plans them he is flexible enough to do whatever it takes.

I had wondered time and time again why a certain character was always there and wondered if maybe this character was going to play a larger part than they actually did.  I also wanted to see another character find their own happy ending.  Actually to be honest there is another character as well who I wouldn't mind finding their own happy ending after all this person has been through and what they are still facing.  I don't think we will see those things come out in future books, but maybe my own imagination will just have to take over.

I hope all who have the privilege of reading this entire series will enjoy it as much as I did.

"Mistaken Bride" by Renee Ryan

About the Book 

When William Black's mail-order bride fails to appear at the Boston docks, he's relieved when beautiful, vibrant Bridget Murphy steps in. However, she has a surprise in store. She will be a temporary nanny to his young twins…but she will not marry without love.

Faith Glen, Massachusetts, is worlds away from the poverty Bridget knew in Ireland. And William Black couldn't be more different from her faithless ex-fiancé. Yet that integrity Bridget so admires binds William to a promise that could keep them apart forever. In this new land of opportunity, does she dare to wish for a happy ending?

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This book was released in May 2012
This books come from my own personal collection for review

My Review

“Mistaken Bride” by Renee Ryan is the second book in the 'Irish Brides' continuous series. This is Bridget's story, one where one issue is solved, while another pops up, and one mystery is getting deeper while a new one is starting to pop up as well. Romance is in there air from nearly page one, along with a pretty healthy dose of sexual tension. Now please don't take that the wrong way for it is not that kind of tension that might be found in some of the more secular books, but this tension is that of sweet and tender start of love. It was that tension that made this book one that was hard to put down, even after reading it a second time around.

This is another book in the series that the story takes place over a pretty short period of time, of only a month long, but there was something so sweet and tender about the romance that really made the story believable. There was just something between Will and Bridget from the moment they laid eyes on each other and the fun was in watching it all play out. There are past pains that both must deal with and it is how they work past those pains helps makes this story one that I enjoy rereading.

Bridget is the middle sister of the Murphy sisters and the one who seems to have the most sensitive heart who has also had her problems in the past that has left her wounded and a little uncertain. Though she is wounded and uncertain that doesn't stop her from putting herself out there to help others. There are a few things about her that she needs to learn and she does indeed learn them though they were not exactly easy lessons that is for sure. Bridget is a woman whose faith is strong like her sister's, Maeve (from “The Wedding Journey”) and Nora (from “A Baby Between Them”), without being in other people's faces but it is their actions that show their strength in their faith. The ease in which Bridget is able to connect with others is a strength as well as a slight drawback.

Will is a man who has suffered greatly and now is weary, but he has a plan, one that he isn't all that certain he wants to change anytime soon. His family on the other hand means the world to him and he is willing to do what he must for their sake, even when it goes against everything he thinks is for the best. There are some pretty good reasons he feels the way he does without a doubt and we do find out the whole reason behind why. To watch how Will goes from the man that he is at the beginning of the book to the end is worth reading for it is amazing to see the changes happen the way they do.

This story is a story of love, of course, but also of forgiveness, self sacrifice or maybe the better word is selfless giving, learning of lessons, taking chances and honor. Okay so many of those can be found in various forms in other books including all of those but it is the way that they were written that made them so wonderful together to where I was crying and moaning my protest at one moment in the book, even though I knew it was coming since I read the book once before. It is when a book after reading once before, yet can still provoke such emotions, means that there is something special about the book and it is one that I would recommend to all who enjoy a sweet, tender romance that has it troubles, yet still filled with tension.

Other "Irish Brides" Books

The Wedding Journey

The Mistaken Bride

A Baby Between Them

 

"His Most Suitable Bride" by Renee Ryan

About the Book

The Marriage List 

No one in Denver knows how close Callie Mitchell once came to ruin. Dowdy dresses and severe hairstyles hide evidence of the pretty, trusting girl she used to be. Now her matchmaking employer wants Callie to help find a wife for the one man who sees through her careful facade.

For his business's sake, Reese Bennett Jr. plans on making a sensible marriage. Preferably one without the unpredictable emotions that spring to life around Callie. Yet no matter how many candidates she presents to Reese, none compare with the vibrant, intelligent woman who is right under his nose—and quickly invading his heart.

Charity House: Offering an oasis of hope, faith and love on the rugged Colorado frontier

Please visit Renee Ryan's website

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Buy Buy "His Most Suitable Bride" from Harlequin

My Review

“His Most Suitable Bride” by Renee Ryan is another wonderful story in her 'Charity House' series, but it is the perfect stand alone book too. Though this does kind of pick up on some of the little subtle feelings from “Finally a Bride”, everything that is important to know for this story to make sense is there without feeling like it is retelling the whole story. Also I wonder if with this book we are not given a hint as to who the next story might be about and if it is who I hope it is, I can just imagine that story.

Here is a story of two hurting souls who are hurting from something in their past, so much so that they have kept their secrets from everyone around them, and as a result those secrets helped create the people they are now. The story of how these two wounded souls, who are so certain they are right in what they believe that their future holds for them, is a beautiful story. There is one familiar (if one has read prior 'Charity House' books anyway) person who seems to see beyond self built walls, and helps with a nudge to show these two hurting souls there is something beyond what they believe. It is interesting to see how these two hurting souls learn to re-look at themselves and rethink what they thought to be for the best for themselves.

Normally I explain my impressions of both the hero and heroine but to do that this time there might be some spoilers in that, so I am going to refrain this time around. Both of them go through quite a few changes, one is equal external and internal while the other is mostly internal. It is so interesting to watch the changes that both of them make throughout the story. One of the secrets is hinted at throughout the story until it is finally revealed. This secret held the secret-keeper in a tight grip of guilt and shame for sometime until it came out in the open and the secret-keeper was told that it wasn't their fault. The other secret is a personal secret to the secret-keeper, that trapped the secret-keeper in unforgiveness and guilt.

The conflict within the story is all internal between both Callie and Reese individually, and one meddlesome character who is well meaning. I couldn't help but feel for both Callie and Reese with what they each went through and rejoiced when things started to turn around. I sort of suspected there was more to Callie in her upset in “Finally a Bride” when her sister ended her engagement to Reese in that book, and I did wonder if Callie and Reese wouldn't make a fine couple together, I just didn't realize the depth of feelings until this book. I am not necessarily talking about romantic feelings for each other, but just the depth of feelings of uncertainty that each held.

With the end of the book there is a hint to maybe two other romances and I have to wonder if at least one couple doesn't get their own next book. I have been interested in seeing more about Johnny that is for sure, and for some reason would love to see his story come out as well for I have a feeling there is something more that he is trying to prove for some reason. I think I know who would be perfect for him and that would be Fran, but she has something to learn herself as well I think.

I hope that all who read this book, enjoys it as much as I have. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Other "Charity House" Books

Charity House*

The Marshal Takes a Bride

Hannah's Beau

Loving Bella

The Lawman Claims His Bride

The Outlaw's Redemption

Finally a Bride

*Charity House is technically the 5th book in the series 

but it is a book on how the Charity House started in the first place