Special stories from special authors.

They had me at old-fashioned. Then at the first page. All six are SUCH good stories and even include characters from Ireland and Scotland. PLUS there’s a recipe at the end of each story. I hadn’t known about the tradition in Ireland of lighting a candle for the holy family and found it very interesting.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#BygoneChristmasBrides #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BarbourPublishing #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical #GinnyAiken #CarlaGade #PamelaGriffin #TamelaHancockMurray #JillStengl #GinaWelborn

Despite two 5 star stories in this book, it averages 3.3333333 (etc.), so 3.5 stars it is.

As with most anthologies, the stories are by different authors, so despite a common theme, and two taking place in NJ around the same time period, the characters and their situations are all different. Not a bad thing, but its almost guaranteed that the reader won't like or love all of the stories. I loved two of them, really disliked two of them and enjoyed the other two.

I'm not fond of characters being browbeat to change in order to receive their HEA and three of the stories had one of the MCs being somewhat dragged to the correct way of thinking and the HEA that was due them. Not sure how happy a forced HEA is, but these stories were too short to really show character growth and development without it feeling forced. I think those three stories would have benefited from maybe being a whole novel, if not a novella at the least, in length.

Interesting note that I need to look up, three of the stories had a "Joseph/Joe/Joey" in it as an angelic guide in them. I need to look up to see if there is a St. Joseph and what he is the patron saint of. I was thinking maybe it was Joseph, Mary's husband, but don't know for sure. Is an angel named Joseph typical for Christmas stories? I don't know, but want to find out. So yay for a book that makes me want to look up something outside of it. That is always a positive. :)

Not a bad little Christmas book. I enjoyed it. The stories were sweet, with maybe one being too twee for my tastes, but all in all, not a bad book and one can certainly do worse when it comes to Christmas books. If you enjoy clean, historical romance stories that take place in the past in various locals (Ireland, Scotland, the US), with dialect rather convincingly written, then I would definitely recommend this book to you.

3.5 stars, rounded down because it doesn't QUITE hit four stars for me. Still, not a bad little book at all.

My thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Six novellas written about Christmas Brides during the 1800's. Lots to learn about different Christmases in other countries. Very Enjoyable!

Take a trip back not only to the 1800’s but also to the countries of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England and America in Bygone Christmas Brides.

Each of the stories features messages of faith, with different morals such as trust, forgiveness, honesty and grace, to name a few. Some are touching in various ways, heart-warming, sometimes magical and also informative. Naturally, each one includes generous doses of romance! Of course, each story is about Christmas, too!

I enjoyed learning more about traditions of the times and of the different countries’ traditions, some of which continue through today. Plus, there are recipes at the end of some of the stories, something I really enjoy and invariably look forward to trying out.

The Bygone Christmas Brides only had two new to me authors. I always enjoy reading stories by new authors, and I wasn’t disappointed.

At one time I did not care for novellas. However, I have begun to enjoy them more and more as time goes on. I fall in love with the characters, enjoy the different styles of each author and especially like that I can read as few or as many as I want at one sitting.

Bygone Christmas Brides is a perfect book to curl up with a blanket in your favorite chair, on the couch or in your bed and let the stories transport you back in time. At the same time, they will help you slow down during this frenetic season, and you are sure to enjoy them.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

Bygone Christmas Brides is one heart palpatatable, heart raceable , stomach butter flyable, and skin culpable novellas . You find yourself so self absorbed into the story you have no idea what is going on around you. I jumped when my phone rang when I was into the novellas . Not one novella is bad. Each one is heartwarming and heart touching. They are deep and full of Faith . You can't do anything better than having GOD at the forefront of each story. I love love love this book and I do not say that about hardly any books – I try to save them for books like these . You really should read these stories.

An enjoyable collection of novellas set in the 1800's, with faith, hope, love and Christmas traditions!
From Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Victorian England, to a mountain resort in early America, these tender tales of romance each had an interesting setting. The couples sometimes had to reach across social classes to meet each other, and come together through faith and friendship. There are lovely traditions from various countries that continue today, like mistletoe, tree lighting, gifts, and special foods, including some delicious recipes.

"...if one refuses tae leave the fog o' the past, he can no' appreciate the clarity of the present life with which God has blessed him."

They were all pleasant reads with an underlying inspirational theme, like faith overcoming fear, the power of forgiveness and grace, extending mercy to the poor, and turning to God in prayer for help and strength. There is a mysterious stranger who appears in the UK stories, weaving them together with a divine thread, which was fun when he pops up. The two stories set in America also are connected by a family and town over time.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational romances set near the holidays.

Bygone Brides Christmas Six Stories of Old-Fashioned Christmas Romance is a novella collection by six new-to-me authors. Do I even need to explain to anyone why I chose to read this book? Christmas, duh! I mean, what could be better than a sweet Christmas romance?

I very much enjoyed this book. The cover is festive and the stories were enjoyable. All six stories are set in the 1800s and take place in America, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. I mention this because I don't often read books set in these locations. I enjoyed learning about Christmas traditions from different countries.

The book contains the following novellas:

Lost and Found by GINNY AIKEN:

When Rhiannon returns to her mining village in Wales, her childhood affection for Trefor, Papa's mine superintendent, turns into love. Her lifelong fear of the dangerous mine, however, makes a future together impossible. When he disappears down the mineshaft to rescue trapped miners, she decides to leave again. Will Trefor survive? Can he show her that with faith in God they can face anything their marriage might bring?


Rhiannon was a character that I had a difficult time connecting with. Rhiannon is an individual that is deeply caring and empathetic. However, I found her rather snooty and aloof. I did enjoy the story if I kept reminding myself that the author likely didn't intend for her to come off this way. I did rather enjoy that Rhiannon already knew her suitor rather than experiencing instant-love.

'Tis the Season by Carla Gade:

Stephan Yost, resident carpenter of Schooley’s Mountain, New Jersey’s fashionable resort, spends off-season working on repairs, renovations, and constructing new buildings. When he is hired to build a permanent home for the resort's physician and his spirited daughter, Annaliese Braun, in time for Christmas, Stephan finds himself enamored by the precocious spinster. But will he be able to compete for her affections against the advances of a manipulative iron baron?


This book included flawed characters that I couldn't help but love. I was slightly bothered by how quickly Annaliese fell in love. Still, this issue aside, this story was a feel-good Christmas romance.

I Saw Three Ships" by Pamela Griffin:

I Saw Three Ships by PAMELA GRIFFIN Rachel is upset after her childhood love returns to manage the family shipbuilding business in Scotland. Malcolm has changed; he's so secretive. And why did he leave abruptly, years ago, without saying good-bye? Malcolm hoped by bringing Rachel to Farthay House as a companion to his mother they could renew their relationship and he could admit the truth. Will chaos follow his confession, or will love sail into two stubborn hearts this Christmastide?


This was one of my favorite novellas in the collection. Once again you have flawed characters that pull at the heartstrings. These are characters that faced adversity and changed for the better. This story was so touching and I especially loved the special Christmas visitor.

Colleen of Erin by TAMELA HANCOCK MURRAY:

Colleen Sullivan seems to be the perfect match for Finn Donahue, a successful merchant. But Finn lacks compassion. His coffers are lined by a wealthy customer named Joey. On Christmas Eve, Colleen sets the table with food and leaves the door unlatched so a wanderer can partake. When Joey, dressed in rags, enters, will Finn's heart be filled with the love he needs to be a husband to Colleen?


Once again, this collection touched on a heavenly experience that was both heartwarming and endearing. At first, I didn't like Finn and Colleen also seemed set in her ways. But, Joey made this story. This one is cozy and absolutely precious. It captures the very heart of Christmas.

A Right, Proper Christmas by Jill Steng:

Charlotte Colburn's rector father takes a half-frozen vagrant into their home for Christmas. While regaining his strength, Dan Jackson falls in love with Charlotte, but God has called him to preach Christ's salvation to the poor. He cannot offer marriage to a lady! Can Dan reconcile God's calling with his own pride? And will Charlotte ever see beyond Dan's rough exterior and learn to value his godly character?


This novella was another favorite of mine. Despite the instant-love. Have you noticed that I dislike stories with instant-love? Well, I normally do. This novella, however, felt like another Christmas miracle. Dan was so likable that I fell for him faster than Charlotte did. So, I'll forgive her for it.

Mercy Mild by Gina Welborn:

Set in 1868 in New Jersey. Deputy Sheriff Ezekiel Norcross, who loves children, is bringing some war-orphans to his home town to unit with their new parents. Essie Hasenclever refuses to have children because of her abusive upbringing, therefore is afraid she will abuse her own. She ends up having to temporarily care for a messy child however she loves cleanliness and order.


Oh, how I loved Essie! This woman had gone through so many trials that she couldn't see her own worth. The little girl in this story reminded me of Anne (of Green Gables) as she was just so adorable and spunky! I do think that the romance in this novella moved rather fast. But, given the circumstances, this marriage was one that had to be rushed.

Overall: I had to give this collection a four. I know that romances moved along at a rapid pace in years past. But, I have trouble accepting instant love. Even with the time constraints that a novella presents.

This is still a book that I would love to read again and that I will buy in print for my Christmas collection. Yes, I have a Christmas book collection—don't be hatin'.

I would also be interested in other works of fiction by these authors.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed these Christmas themed stories (even in early September!) as they are easy to read with characters you can often relate to with their doubts and weaknesses. I liked the collection a lot, particularly the range of settings opposed to them all feeling similar.

Bygone Christmas Brides by Ginny Aiken, Carla Gade, Pamela Griffin, Tamela Hancock Murray, Jill Stengl and Gina Welborn

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Each of these wonderful Christmas-time stories had lessons to learn and love to share as as well as fairly good plots and dialogue.

As a great Christmastime lover, I am always thrilled to read stories that are centered around my favorite holiday of the year. The celebrations, traditions, music and most importantly, the food are the kind only had/made once a year and I love every moment! Given this great love, I was so very pleased to be offered this book to read as I begin to think about what my plans will be for the upcoming holiday season. This review will be a little different than most I post as the type of book is of a different style than usual. Since it is 6 stories in one book this could potentially make for an extremely long review if I were to write on each as I like to do with all books. However, to save both your and my sanity I will offer my favorite or non-favorite parts of each story to give you a glimpse of the stories contained in this delightful holiday-themed read:

Lost and Found – Ginny Aiken

This story contained my favorite lesson learned – overcoming long-held fear and trusting God. Rhiannon has lived many years with her aunt after the death of her mother and younger brother. She is content with her life and hopes one day to marry and have children. But she has determined that she will NOT marry anyone who is connected with any type of underground mining. Watching so many in her home village mourn those killed in mine collapses, Rhiannon has decided she cannot risk that pain. Rhiannon’s father owns a coal mine and her childhood sweetheart Trefor is managing it for him as he recovers from influenza and gout. Although she is still attracted to Trefor, Rhiannon cannot allow her feelings to grow as she cannot handle the fear of Trefor being killed in the mine. But God has much to teach both Rhiannon and Trefor about trust and love and He will use both a mine collapse and carriage accident to bring them to a place of accepting that trust in Him in the only way to live life to the fullest. Ms. Aiken did well with this short story, showing her trademark sassiness in her female characters and witty sarcasm in her male characters. It was enjoyable to read and I look forward to her next works with enthusiasm.

Tis the Season – Carla Gade

This was a really nice story that would have also done well as a longer novel. I loved the quick dialogue and the characters were good enough I wished there was more space for Ms. Gade to delve deeper into their thoughts and emotions. Annaliese is the daughter of the Schooley’s Mountain Springs Resort summer doctor who also has a practice in New York City. She much prefers the Mountain area and hopes to convince her father to settle there one day soon. As she travels down the mountainside to take donations to a local church, the horses are spooked and almost send her and the wagon over the edge of the mountain road. Stephan Yost, the resort carpenter rushes to help Annaliese and manages to keep all of them safe and in one piece. There is instant attraction between the two but Stephan carries a secret from his past that keeps him from seeking anything but friendship from Annaliese. God will teach both Stephan and Annaliese about forgiveness and acceptance as they walk through the situations that come upon them and the secret that Stephan is finally brave enough to admit. I’ve not read Ms. Gade before but will perhaps look for other books she has written soon, this book was well done.

I Saw Three Ships – Pamela Griffin

This story was my absolute favorite out of all in this whole book. From the well-described scenery of the Scottish Highlands, to the wonderful Scottish brogue used by the characters and the snappy dialogue between the characters. I enjoyed the plot of the story as well – one in which the hero ran away from the heroine to hide a terrible secret. Malcolm left for University three years ago with no goodbye for Rachel, who had given him her heart and love. Angry and heartbroken that he would dismiss her so completely given their longstanding relationship, Rachel has determined to put him out of her mind and out of her heart forever. But her determination will be challenged when her father tells her Malcolm has requested that she become the needed companion to his mother who has been heartsick following her husband’s death. What could God and her father be thinking to urge her to go to Malcolm’s home? Malcolm hides a terrible secret in his heart and he knows its revelation will ensure Rachel hates him forever. But he still loves her and prays that he will have the courage to tell her and seek forgiveness so he can make her his wife. He will have to battle her anger, his brother and his inability to forgive himself if he is to have any hope of showing Rachel the depth of his love for her. Ms. Griffin uses her short story to show the importance of honesty and forgiveness – showing that living a lie or with great bitterness causes life to be miserable and lonely. Her writing is excellent as always and the sharp wit she like to include came out in the fiery arguments between Malcolm and Rachel. I am most hopeful she will have more writings out very soon.



Colleen of Erin – Tamela Hancock Murray

This would have to be my least favorite story, although it did contain an important lesson about giving generously. I did not particularly care for the characters in the story nor the story itself but I did like the concept that Ms. Murray was trying to teach. Finn is a shop owner who has worked hard in his life to earn enough to build a shop and keep it in the greatest state possible. He is a kind person who loves his work and serving his customers. However, he is very stingy with compliments he feels haven’t been earned and with giving to those who are without. Colleen Sullivan is the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the country but has made it her mission in life to see to the needs of those less fortunate than herself. She is very involved in the local orphanage and often makes purchases from Finn’s store for needed clothing or a child’s birthday present. She admires Finn’s drive to do well in his store venture but cannot understand his lack of compassion and generosity. But as Finn spends more time with Colleen and sees how her life of encouragement leads those around her to work harder, share with others and take care of those around them, he will see that God is calling him to a life of giving too. And as an additional blessing, he also earns Colleen’s love. So while the plot of the story teaches a good lesson, my description of it is much easier to understand than the actual written story. The characters were meant to be both strong and smart but both came across as rather wimpy and non-confrontational. There was much that could have been done to improve them and perhaps Ms. Murray would have been able to do so if this had been a full length story rather than a short one. Having read other stories by Ms. Murray I know her writing is usually much better and I’m hoping this was just a “one-off” for her.



A Right Proper Christmas – Jill Stengl

This story was another good one with the lesson of following God’s will as its center. Ms. Stengl will use her heroine to show that love is not based on the size of the bank account one has or home one lives in, rather it is based on finding the one true love God has for you and trusting that He will care for you wherever He calls you. Charlotte has always believed that she will marry Clive (a terrible name in my opinion), oldest son of the richest man in town. Regardless of his arrogant and rude ways, Charlotte believes he will be kinder once he has someone to round out his rough edges. But God has better plans for her than she has previously dreamed. Dan Jackson is a former soldier from the Crimean War who is seeking a new life after leaving the army. He has become ill as he traveled in the sharp winter wind and snow and stumbles upon Charlotte’s father’s church as a place to get out of the cold and rest before continuing his journey. Finding shelter and a place to heal in rectory, Dan finds himself longing for the home life he sees while staying with the parson’s family. Dan has felt the call of the Lord to preach and as he recovers he shares this calling with the parson, seeking learning and wisdom that he knows is necessary before he can become a pastor. God will use Dan to show Charlotte that life is about more than having all the nicest things, its about sharing love between two people and taking God’s message of love to those who are lost. Ms. Stengl kept her story well paced with plenty of good dialogue and challenges to the reader’s faith. I’ve read other of her writings before and was pleased to see that she still writes very well, even when the story is shorter than her usual works.



Mercy Mild – Gina Welborn

This story was a bit odd and I never really got into the point of it. I believe that Ms. Welborn was attempting to teach that we can choose how we love and care for others; that our ways of caring are not solely based on how we were raised. And while I think this is an important lesson to learn, I was very disappointed in how Ms. Welborn went about conveying it. I felt like I was thrown into the story with it already halfway told and couldn’t quite catch up with everything before it ended. She did use some fairly good dialogue but it was so oddly placed that it made the story flow in a disjointed sort of way. The story tells of a small town sheriff who has brought 5 orphans to live with families in his town. Zeke is hoping to place the orphans with their families fairly quickly and move on to courting widowed Marianne if she is willing to accept his suit. This plan goes well until he is unable to find one of the girl’s family before Christmas. Needing a place for the little girl until he can locate their home, Zeke requests that Marianne take the child into her home. Marianne has never wanted children and is surprised by Zeke’s request. It isn’t that she dislikes them entirely but feels herself completely unqualified to care for a child given her abysmal upbringing under abusive parents. Her first husband Henry was the first person to value her and show her love, teaching Marianne that love is giving and encouraging and not withheld out of spite or anger. God will use the little girl and Zeke to show Marianne that she is capable of loving and caring for others if she will allow God to love them through her. So, yes, this story had very good lessons to learn but I was just so thrown off with the way it was laid out that I had a hard time connecting with the story. Perhaps, like Ms. Murray’s story above, this was just an unfortunately bad writing that is not a true reflection of Ms. Welborn’s abilities.



So while there were both good and not so good stories included in this collection, I did really enjoy reading this book. I’m looking forward to trying a couple of the recipes that were included at the end of each story and hope that they will be a fun addition to the upcoming Christmas season. I will be recommending this book to others as I think it will be a fun and enjoyable way to kick off the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”.



I received this E-Book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

So, Christmas is just around the corner and you are single and need escorts to all the balls and parties. What can you do? Well, these stories are just the thing to give you some inspiration. Maybe your father meddles in your life. Maybe you just meet by accident. It doesn't matter, it's Christmas magic.
That's what you'll get when you read Bygone Christmas Brides put out by Barbour Publishing. Six stories by six great authors who know how to put together a great story for an afternoon's reading. Each story goes great with your favorite hot drink as you sit beside your Christmas tree.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a cup of wassail.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

Lost and Found by Ginny Aiken A young woman vows to remain single rather than marry the wonderful man she loves. the only problems is: he works at the mine. She is the daughter of an 1870's Welsh mine owner who will not suffer the loss of one more person she loves to that mine.

'Tis the Season by Pamela Griffin This story is set in Schooley's Mountain, New Jersey. The doctor's daughter met a carpenter who rescued her after her horse got spooked and tipped her carriage. She kissed him soundly afterward, an untoward action by a young lady of 1820, especially one committed to remain single to care for her aging father. Time, it seems would find a solution to a life without her handsome young man.

I Saw Three Ships by Pamela Griffin tells the story of the love between Malcolm Sinclair and Rachel MacIvor. Set in Scotland in the middle of the 19th century, theirs is a love that formed as children and was torn apart when he was forced to leave unannounced for university. Now, he is the new Laird and must win back the love of the fiercely independent woman who wants no part of him or the rich life he can offer her.

Colleen of Erin by Tamela Hancock Murray Finn Donohue, owner of the largest mercantile in Dublin, has long admired Colleen Sullivan from afar. He'll eagerly order whatever she needs or wants, knowing it will bring her once again to his store. He has worked hard to overcome hardships he and his mother bore when his father long ago left him. His bitterness lingers and his hard heart is the one thing that stands between the kind and gentle spirit Colleen possesses. As they spend time together, events occur that causes her to wonder if he can possibly change. It is a Christma visitor who opens the young man's eyes to the truth of his spirit.

A Right and Proper Christmas by Jill Stengl A weary soldier returning from battle finds himself in the rector's home of a small town church. What he finds is incomparable love and service from a truly christian home. I found this novella inspiring for the unconditional love for mankind.

Mercy Mild by Gina Welborn What better tribute to the Christmas spirit than a story of an orphan finding a new home with loving parents? Try a woman afraid to love a man because of the promise that love could bring a child to her unwilling arms. I enjoyed this story for the hope and change anyone can receive in their life with a little faith and push from those who truly love.

Short though they are, novellas can give us a glimpse into a person's character more readily than a full book that needs to include a broader range of characters and events. If I like a novella I often hope it is the introduction of a new series being written by the author.

For the season, we are often so busy preparing for Christmas that we may not want to contemplate reading a full book. This collection is inspiring and sure to put a little extra spirit in your heart.

A fantastic collection of short stories i really liked this box set.If you liked a good little historical romance then these are for you.Would recommend.

A perfect set of Christmas stories filled with faith, love, and life during a very magical time of the year! These are the kinds of books you discover wonderful new authors and get a special look into each and every one of their styles.

Each of the six stories in 'Bygone Christmas Brides' was uplifting and heartwarming. Characters had to overcome serious obstacles in certain instances, but with some angelic help in each case love triumphed. This lovely anthology exemplifies all that is the best about the Christmas season, and why we celebrate.

I love stories of Christmas and this collection was no exception. Each selection is well written. I enjoyed all the various settings and different Christmas traditions. I recommend this book.

Pull up a chair by the fireplace, grab a mug of hot tea and snuggle your kitty while you read these six delightful historical tales set in America,Scotland,Ireland,Wales and England. These Christmas tales are set in yesteryear and the author's do a great job of portraying this in their stories. The characters have faults and character defects just like we do and that makes them more likable and the stories more believable . With understand and kindness the character's stories turn out well.
What a festive cover this book have and it draws me to want to pick it up and read it.
I very much enjoyed this historical romantic fiction book of bygone days Christmas tales.
Pub Date 01 Sep 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

A wonderful collection of stories by many of my favourite authors. I loved this book...even though it is not Christmas....yet! It does put one if the spirit of the beautiful/holy holiday. I have shared this novel w/ all of my reading friends....and it is on order for my local libraries. Five Stars!!

Christmas books are some of my favorites to read. Unfortunately, these novellas didn't draw me in and I had a hard time getting into the stories and it seemed that as soon as I was more interested in the story, it was over.

Some of the stories were a breeze and fun to read; others were difficult to get into and had to be plowed through - hence the three stars. The time period is definitely a central theme to the book, and the authors have done their research on making each story feel as historically accurate as possible. I think my favorite story was the one with the women's suffragettes in it -- it had humor, mystery, and interesting characters.

Bygone Brides Christmas is made up of six short stories by well-known Christian writers.
I found each story to be different and very intriguing. The heroine always has to decide if can she really trust God fully to meet all her needs and take away her fears. I have read stories by most of the authors in the past and they all live up to their excellent writing skills. The characters can be lovable or easy to hate but the writers describe them so well that I experienced strong emotions. I give this book a 5 of 5 stars because it is well-written and keeps the reader’s attention as one wishes to know how the conflicting feelings of the potential brides will be resolved. Each of the stories are less than 100 pages so you can read one in a single sitting; maybe more than one if you have a lot of time. I recommend this book to all who enjoy reading Christian fiction.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.