Whether it’s a lonely spinster finding passion at last . . . an infamous outlaw-turned-lawman reaffirming the love that keeps him whole . . . a lost and broken drifter discovering family in unlikely places . . . a Texas Ranger risking it all for one remarkable woman . . . two lovers bringing together a family ripped apart by prejudice . . . or reunited lovers given a second chance to correct past mistakes . . . a Christmas spent in a cowboy’s arms is full of hope, laughter, and—most of all—love.
This was a great anthology written by some great authors. It offered a variety of stories around the theme of cowboys and Christmas. I loved all of the stories and characters I was introduced to. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This was a quick and easy holiday read, perfect to get you into the holiday spirit! I haven’t read a lot of these authors or a lot of cowboy romances, so this was definitely a nice introduction. From what I gathered, a lot of these novellas fit into bigger series by the authors, but you don’t need to have read them to enjoy these stories.

There’s a mix of sweet family-centric holiday stories and a few strangers riding into town and having to win over the girl(s). This was a bit different for me in that the setting is a little different than your traditional historical romances, with it being set in the wild west. I also really like that a lot of heroines in these cowboy stories are very rarely damsel in distresses!

Overall, a nice anthology of cowboy romances that’ll have you curled up and ready for the holiday!

I could not pass up such a line up including a few favorite authors and a few new to me ones telling historical western Christmas romances all in one book.
Review

Father Christmas by Leigh Greenwood

Joe needs to clear his name from being accused of stealing gold. He hunts down his betraying partner and stumbles upon a little family in need. Mary hated her husband and now he’s dead. She thought she had no place for a man until Joe helps her through her sickness, mends things around the farm, befriends shy little Sarah, and makes her believe there is goodness again. I loved the humor, sweetness, and heartwarming quality of this story that harks back to the Joseph, Mary and baby in a stable story.

A Chickadee Christmas by Rosanne Bittner
An Outlaw Hearts Novella

Just when I was feeling the blues after reading The Last Outlaw and saying good-bye to the Harkers and especially Jake, here was an exciting and gritty, but heartwarming Harker family Christmas. The Harkers go Christmas shopping, find trouble, Jake brings home an angry, bitter stray man, and then they all pray for a Christmas miracle for little Sadie Mae.

This was a lovely reunion with a cast of characters I love. The spotlight on Jake and his grandchildren was just precious.

The Christmas Stranger by Linda Broday
A Men of Legend Novella

This is a side story that takes place just before book three, Luke’s book. Lonely Sidalee rescues a drifter caught out in the cold and snow and brings him back to the Lone Star. Hank did his time and now he just wants to find a place where he’ll be accepted. Stoker Legend and the people of the Lone Star, particularly Sidalee, seem too good to be true. Dare he stay?

Another fantastic story from a series I love with a bit of Christmas shine to make it even better.

A Texas Ranger for Christmas by Margaret Brownley
A Match Made in Texas Novella

Sadie has had a tough row to hoe in life and then a Texas Ranger comes to tell her that she’s a widow. First her father and then her husband die in the Rangers. She is bitter and lacking in trust, but taking care of Cole, the Ranger who collapsed ill on her and seeing his honorable and tender care for her and her baby start to sway her. But… he’s a Ranger and will leave her like the others did.

My first time with the author and the series. It stood alone just fine. I was vested in this story and was rooting on Sadie to heal and accept what the wonderful man was offering her. Definitely will come back for more.

A Christmas Baby by Anna Schmidt
A Last Chance Cowboys Novella

Two young people from two different races buck the system and marry. Her family turns their backs and his accept, but worry about the hard road they have chosen. They hope for a Christmas miracle to bring peace and acceptance in the family.

On the surface, it seems like a clear cut case of how ethnic prejudice can affect an interracial pairing, but the author digs deeper and shows that for parents in this story, it is fighting how they were taught and fears for the children they love that have them unwilling to accept the possibility of watching their child and grandchild ridiculed or worse. There is a heavy lesson here and it does push forward aside other story elements at the time, but its a worthy lesson.

A Christmas Reunion by Amy Sandas
A Runaway Brides Novella

Warren Reed returns to the west to set up his medical practice only to be kidnapped by outlaws to tend to one of their own. And, there he gets the biggest shock of all. The woman who left him is glaring at him over the barrel of a pistol for leaving her.

This fast paced story is a second chance at romance for two people who thought they hated each other. Things progress quickly, but I enjoyed seeing Warren and Honey get their chance if she can reach past her fear. He’s a special man and I was glad to see him find her again.

In summary, this was a heartwarming and engaging variety of stories set in the Old West. I enjoyed the reunion with favorite authors and some series I adore, but also the opportunity to read three new to me authors and sample their writing. Each had a strong Christmas theme and I enjoyed that the romances were well-developed and included some great western action. I can definitely recommend this great holiday novella sampler.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

~~Reviewed by AnnMarie~~

This anthology of stories was a real pleasure to read, each one having drama but most of all romance and love set around and at Christmas. There’s nothing like reading a book with so many romances with happy ever afters all set at such a wonderful time of year and with gorgeous cowboy heroes!

Father Christmas by Leigh Greenwood:

This was a wonderful story of two soul mates meeting and falling in love. Joe is the sweetest cowboy ever and he is just what Mary and Sarah need. There were some very funny moments in this story, and some very beautiful ones too. I smiled most of the time that I was reading it.

A ChickaDee Christmas by Rosanne Bittner:

Although this story does involve couples very much in love, it didn’t revolve around those romances. It was very much Tommy’s story and how Jake and his family help him. There were some beautifully emotional scenes, drama, and of course, the festive spirit abounded which I loved. This was reminiscent of the TV shows Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie rolled into one, both of which I loved, so of course, I loved this story too.

The Christmas Stranger by Linda Broday:

This was a very sweet accounting of a wronged man, Hank Destry. He is a drifter after having spent 8 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he has the chance of clearing his name at the same time as finding true love and a home with a woman, Sidalee King, who pretty much fell in love with him at first sight after rescuing him from dying in a snow storm.

A Texas Ranger for Christmas by Margaret Brownley :

This was a truly beautiful story of a woman, Sadie Carnes who very much needed some love and affection and finding it in the strong arms of Cole. The only problem is that he is a Texas Ranger. Sadie’s father and her husband were both killed in the line of duty as Texas Rangers and Sadie can’t see any future with the man she has fallen for. He is the perfect hero for her and I loved watching Cole trying to win her over, and could have cried at what he does to prove his trustworthiness to her.

A Christmas Baby by Anna Schmidt:

Louisa, a white woman, and Rico a Mexican, are in love, and although his parents welcome their relationship, hers disown her over it. This story showed racism at it’s finest, mainly from friends of Louisa’s family. But when it comes to her parents, it’s more than just racism and it was interesting to watch both her and Rico realise just what was really behind her parent’s anger. A wonderful story of love conquering all.

A Christmas Reunion by Amy Sandas:

This was a very quick read that still managed to include outlaws, broken hearts, family loyalties, lies, lust and love. Warren and Honey were in love and a lie separated them with both believing the other had married somebody else. When they meet years later in less than perfect circumstances their love has a chance of blossoming again, and it was a delight to see/read it happen. An absolutely beautiful feel-good story with a fabulous Christmas day.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers’ copy of this book.

These are sweet, romantic and dramatic stories. They will make you laugh and cry, and entertain you. The storylines vary, along with the types of characters, and all have happy endings.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it

A engaging Christmas time romances for my favorite authors. A

This was a great collection of yummy cowboy goodness.
These were good little reads and I enjoyed them.If you enjoy Western Historical/Christmas romances you should give these a go you won't be disappointed.I really liked them and can't wait to try more from these authors.

A bad boy hero meets his match. An unexpected chance at love heals two broken hearts. A reunion that was years in the making and a chance at a fresh start that is well worth taking. Christmas In a Cowboy's Arms is modern storytelling with a historical theme. Romance at it's best develops when the authors keep readers guessing. Adventure meets scandal. There's a little rogue in every hero and a raging fire in each heroine. Sparks fly and hearts melt in this tempting read.

A good collection of stories. Quick, easy reads. I would recommend it.

Book Info
Paperback
Expected publication: October 3rd 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492656771 (ISBN13: 9781492656777)
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC

Buy book from
Amazon
B&N

BOOK BLURB


In the wild and untamed West, it takes cowboy's embrace to see you through a long winter's night. Stay toasty this holiday season with heart-warming tales from bestselling authors Leigh Greenwood, Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Margaret Brownley, Anna Schmidt, and Amy Sandas.

The Beating Heart of Christmas

Whether it's a lonely spinster finding passion at last...an infamous outlaw-turned-lawman reaffirming the love that keeps him whole...a lost and broken drifter discovering family in unlikely places...a Texas Ranger risking it all for one remarkable woman...two lovers bringing together a family ripped apart by prejudice...or reunited lovers given a second chance to correct past mistakes...a Christmas spent in a cowboy's arms is full of hope, laughter, and--most of all--love.

What People Are Saying:
"Greenwood is a master at westerns." —RT Book Reviews for Leigh Greenwood
"An emotional powerhouse! This classic historical western is destined for the "keeper" shelf." —RT Book Reviews, Top Pick for Rosanne Bittner
"Fun and sensual...great for fans of history, romance, and some good old Texas grit.”—Kirkus for Linda Broday
"A great story by a wonderful author."--#1 New York Times bestselling author DEBBIE MACOMBER for Margaret Brownley
"The perfect read." —RT Book Reviews for Anna Schmidt
"A genuine page-turner...electric and absorbing." —Kirkus for Amy Sandas

My Thoughts



6 short tales of love, second chances, new beginnings, family and being true to ones self that encompass the true magic of Christmas and allow both those new to these authors as well as current fans to enjoy a small taste of their work as well.

This collection consists of authors I have read recently and even a couple that are new to me but all of them have things in common, their version of HEA romance at the holidays were all well crafted and all enjoyable to settle down with for a short visit.


FATHER CHRISTMAS BY LEIGH GREENWOOD

Joe Ryan, his dog Samson, horse General Burnside, Mary Wilson and her step-daughter Sarah together make a very touching tale of Christmas miracles come true.

Even Brother Samson, his sister Rachel and Sheriff Howells cannot ruin the magic for them as much as they would like to.

A short, quick, sweet read that still leaves a full feeling of joy on behalf of Joe, Mary and Sarah as they find themselves having the best family holiday despite having only met a week prior.


A CHICKADEE CHRISTMAS BY ROSEANNE BITTNER

Set in the late 1890’s the story begins day after Thanksgiving, when a group of strangers show up looking for work and some fresh horses. 1 of them is a brash young troublemaker, Tommy Tyler, who makes no bones he wants to cash in on the fame it would give him bringing down the notorious Jake Harkner. Having taught this upstart a lesson Jake and his family go on about their lives, the entire clan going into town to enjoy a few days of Christmas shopping and stocking up on supplies needed to take them through the winter months.

While there young Sadie Mae, Jake’s granddaughter and the apple of his eye, finds herself in danger at the hands of the same young man. Jake takes it upon himself to bring 18-year-old Tommy Tyler to the family ranch hoping to persuade him to change before someone guns him down.

The chain of events that follow are harrowing but all is resolved when the family celebrates Christmas and all the blessings they each have to be thankful for. Tommy Tyler finds himself with the unexpected realization of a new life and owes it all to the man he once tried to kill, Jake Harkner.

Set after book 4, The Last Outlaw this Harkner family novella gave me another chance to enjoy these beloved characters one more time.


THE CHRISTMAS STRANGER BY LINDA BRODAY

Set on the Legend ranch is a story which features Hank Destry, a drifter who recently spent time in prison and with no family of his own except his horse Boots and loyal dog Beau. This short tale finds Hank a home that he never expected to have and a love he never thought he would find.

When spinster Sidalee King found Hank Destry in a snowdrift, half-frozen, thanks to his Bordie Collie Beau who saved Hanks life by leading her to him. This lonely woman could not believe she had finally found the one man who made her dream of forever, a man whose fiddle-feet were not bound to any one place.

At least they weren’t until Hank found a job, a place where he was valued and a woman he could not think of leaving now that he managed to set the wrongs in his past to right thanks to ranch owner Stoker Legend.


A TEXAS RANGER CHRISTMAS BY MARGARET BROWNLEY

Captain Cole Bradshaw is given the task of getting the news to Mrs. Richard Carnes, wife of a fellow Texas Ranger, that her husband Richard has been killed by outlaws. Cole was shot in the same mission and when he falls ill from his still healing wound the widow nurses him back to health.

Sadie Carnes is a young, pretty, hard-working woman whose 6-month-old son Adam manages to capture the Rangers heart the longer he stays on the Carnes farm. Sadie herself causes him to rethink his chosen profession but to his chagrin the death of her father while in service to the Rangers, and now the death of her husband as well, made her mind up long ago never to allow another Texas Ranger into her life.

This is a short tale about second chances at love, starting over and love that cannot be denied or ignored. It was also another look into the town of Two-Time which I enjoyed too.


A CHRISTMAS BABY BY ANNA SCHMIDT

In the 1800’s a young woman marries the young man of her dreams, against the express wishes of her father. Even when she is expecting her parents first grandchild they do not relent in their stance to have nothing to do with her.

This story now would be pretty much a different story, you see the young woman is white and her husband is of Mexican descent. Those two race mixtures back then were taboo and the end result was often something unpleasant on one side or another of the couples family.

Louisa Johnson and Rico Mendez basically grew up around each other, at one time her father George was a huge fan of the hardworking cowboy. However once he learned that Rico had eyes for his daughter that changed overnight.

Taking steps to thrawt the two did not turn out the way he planned as they ran off together and were married soon after.

This caused a huge rift between Louisa and her family, a rift that only grew bigger over time until it seemed insurmountable.

Will the true spirit of Christmas bring this fractured family together or will they lose their daughter and her child forever due to stubborn prejudice and pride?

I heartily suggest you read the book and find out for yourself.


A CHRISTMAS REUNION BY AMY SANDAS

7 years have gone by since Warren Reed left Wyoming with his heart broken by 17-year-old Honey Prentice, the young woman he wanted to marry who instead apparently took leaving for his dying father’s bedside as desertion. Honey was said to have married a wealthy man named Freeman and that is the last Warren heard about her as he stayed back east to throw himself into studying medicine as a balm to his shattered heart. Now a full fledged doctor Warren has returned to Wyoming to take over an abandoned medical practice in a small western town.

Brought together again by chance Honey and Warren find that after all those years apart, due to some misinformation given to both of them that they believed to be truth, this unexpected Christmas reunion was well worth waiting for.


[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Christmas In A Cowboy’s Arms is a fun, sassy, heart felt collection of Christmas romances set in the Old West. Some are related to series, others are not but each can be read as an enjoyable Christmas stand alone story.

The stories include: Father Christmas by Leigh Greenwood – A ChickaDee Christmas by Rosanne Bittner – The Christmas Stranger by Linda Broday – A Texas Ranger for Christmas by Margaret Brownley –A Christmas Baby by Anna Schmidt –A Christmas Reunion by Amy Sandas

It’s actually pretty amazing to have so many authors that I’ve read, enjoy and follow come together in one Christmas collection of stories. The stars don’t always align like this, so if you love Western Historical Romance and Christmas Romance then these are stories that are guaranteed to put a smile on your holiday reading face.

Sure, I have my favorites but I enjoyed every story in this collection. And I’m betting that you will, too. Get an early start on your holiday reading with Christmas In A Cowboy’s Arms. It will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit – and while I enjoy going back in time for a reading moment, I certainly appreciate my warm home without worrying about chopping firewood in the cold of winter.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

A great collection of Historical Cowboy Romance novellas. Only one of them didn't keep my attention, but I just skipped to the next one so no biggie. Some of the stories were part of series by that author. But all can be read as a stand alone.

This is a collection of quick easy cowboy Christmas reads.

Father Christmas by Leigh Greenwood - 2.5 to 3*

Joe Ryan was framed for a crime he didn't commit and to prove his innocence he's escaped from jail and the book opens with him heading to his ex-partners ranch.
Joe needs to find the gold his ex-partner Pete stole but the ranch is nothing like Joe is expecting.
Mary, Pete's widow is nothing like the harridan he expected he also didn't expect to find her very heavily pregnant.
This is a sweet insta-love romance which goes as expected.

A ChickaDee Christmas by Rosanne Bittner - 3 to 3.5*

This is the first time I've come across the Harkner family but reading this has made me want to continue on and read the Outlaw series.
Jake Harkner is the famous outlaw/lawman, he's known his share of pain and violence along with his family, they've all suffered.
We meet the Harkner family the day after thanksgiving and we're with them for Christmas.
Jake has seen an awful lot in his sixty plus years but when he looks at Tommy Tyler he sees a little of himself and while Jake is filled with regrets if he can help Tommy he'd feel better about himself.
I really enjoyed this little read and I'm looking forward to reading Jake's story from the beginning.

The Christmas Stranger by Linda Broday - 2.5 to 3*

Hank Destry is drifting, after spending eight years in prison he's out but with no family and no home he's aimless. The weather is dreadful and he collapses into the snow lucky that Sidalee King is passing and gets him onto the warmth of her home.
This is a book of first loves and second chances, a nice sweet Christmas read.

A Texas Ranger for Christmas by Margaret Brownley - 2.5 to 3*

Sadie Carnes is struggling to manage a farm and a six month old baby alone, after promising he'd give up the Rangers her husband Richard got bored with the ranch and joined up again leaving her to cope, alone.
Captain Cole Bradshaw, Texas Ranger has the unpleasant job of informing Mrs Carnes her husband has been killed but he's shocked at the run down ranch and exhausted Mrs Carnes.
Sadie is distrustful of the Texas Rangers and despite her growing attraction to Cole she can't get her hopes up again.
Cole has been a Ranger for eleven years and it's all he's known but spending time with Sadie makes him want a different life.

A Christmas Baby by Anna Schmidt - 3*

Louisa and Rico have loved each other for years and all they want is to be together but Louisa's father doesn't approve of Rico because he's Mexican. Seeing no other option they elope and marry Louisa falls pregnant surely now her father will come round?

A Christmas Reunion by Amy Sandas - 2.5 to 3*

Warren is back out west this time as a doctor, he never thought he'd return after having his heart broken but what are the chances of running into Honey again after all these years.
But he does meet Honey and she's not happy to see him at all.
Can these two reconnect after all this time or is there just too much history and hurt between them?

Christmas is one time of the year for readers to get presents. I get the present being introduced to a group of new authors. Being familiar with Leigh Greenwood and Linda Broday, I was interested in picking up this book. Christmas is for family, sharing and about love and learning about yourself. All 6 stories were pleasant reads. I especially liked "A ChickaDee Christmas" by Roseanne Bittner. Being the first story that I have read of Ms. Bittner, I know I will read more of her works. I am an avid reader of Linda Broday. She does another wonderful read as usual. Ever story written is a winner. Another new author to me is Margaret Brownley. A Ranger For Christmas made me really feel for the characters of this story. This work is worth picking up and reading.