When Annie Marshall arrives to answer single father Pastor Hugh Arness's advert for a mail order bride, with her grandfather in tow, he is shocked. Annie is beautiful, vivacious, and far too lively to be a preacher's wife. But she connects instantly with his 4 year old son, Evan, who is still recovering from the abuse and neglect of Hugh's former wife, he agrees to a trial period chaperoned by Annie's grandfather.

I like how protective Annie's grandfather is of her, he loves her and doesn't think that she should marry someone for convenience, but agrees to stay and chaperone. He is quite the character, and adds alot of humor to the book.

Annie is intelligent, thoughtful, and compassionate. I love how she helps Evan come out if his shell and reconnect with his father, suggesting forming routines to give Evan a stronger sense of security. As Hugh sees Annie with his son he can't help but have trouble trying to ignore his growing feelings for her.

Overall, this is a fun read, and a sweet read for Christmas. I like that Annie's family rallies around her and that she is able to stand up for herself and the life that she wants.

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Montana bride by Christmas is an inspiring, also becoming a woman through being an instant mother and convenient wife , falling in love, living on faith in God – which is the most important thing to me – amen? story. So you have Annie applying for the job, but the pastor – Father and the husband – does not see her as an appropriate wife , very immature for 19 – Annie sits in his office and just will not leave until he says yes . Why does she want to do this so bad? Does she convince him? If she does is she able to tame the wild child she is married to take care of? Will anything ever happened between the two of them, that is if she can get to convince the pastor who has already made his mind up pp to marry her.

Linda Ford is a favorite author of mine and she has hit another home run with this new novella. I loved every minute of this captivating, heart warming story. The characters are beautifully created and her historical details are spot on. Well done, Ms. Ford!

This story made a big impact on me. Not only is it beautifully written with some heartbreaking issues like mental and physical child abuse, but the main characters and their faith in God is such a central, natural part of their lives, and it is openly, honestly, and unashamedly brought forward in every aspect of their lives. I loved it, it is an encouraging and inspiring example how to live your life when faith in God is your guiding light.
Hugh Arness is a kindhearted and a good man. Yes, he is the preacher, so one might expect that, but I think his character would have been the same no matter what his profession was. He loves the Lord and his son, that is palpable. All his life he has struggled with inadequacy, thanks to his mother's own problems. He is not looking for love, he has learned the hard way that hoping to be loved leads only for disappointments. He finds Annie Marshall way too attractive and lively and young to accept her proposal of marriage of convenience.
Annie is determined to start her own life yet to avoid love and romantic relationships to escape from more heartbreak. To marry the preacher and take care of his son, that would be enough for Annie for the rest of her life. If only her stubborn, meddling family would allow her to move on. Annie's heart is gold, she is sweet, smart, considerate, and kind. She radiates of life, goodness, and love, it was impossible not to smile when she walks into a room.
There is so much to love about this story I ended up inhaling it at one sitting, unable to put it down until the end. The characters are by no means 'perfect', they struggle with their faith and with their convictions, with their own character fails. Yet there is healing, there is growth, there is maturing, and most of all, there is love. The abuse Hugh's son has experienced, and his healing and learning to trust again touched my heart. The care and patience they show to him, space and time they give to him so he could feel safe and secure again delivered some emotion filled scenes.
Montana Bride by Christmas is a beautiful story on many levels, it is an exemplary tale of God's love, guidance, and living in faith and growing as a Christian. It is a beautiful story of the healing powers of the love of a family, the feelings of belonging, being accepted, being enough, being loved. It is an adorable story of falling in love despite all circumstances, against your will and better knowledge. The most delightfully charming ending to this absolutely lovely little family makes me still smile just thinking about it.
~ Five Spoons!

This is book four in the Montana Cowboys series, however it is a stand alone book. I have not read any in this series and had no problem keeping up with what was going on.

Annie Marshall is a loving, caring, determined girl who is afraid to truly love again. Hugh Arness is a caring father who wants what is best for his troubled son, but Hugh feels unlovable.

This book is full of misunderstanding, healing, and learning to love and trust. I enjoyed how the author developed her characters and their ups and downs.

This was a sweet little story, set in Montana in 1890. These Love Inspired Historical (Christian romance) books almost always come with children at the centre, but the boy in this one stood out from the crowd because of his unusual challenges.
There’s rather a lot of religion in Montana Bride by Christmas - that might either appeal or turn you off it. Seeing as the hero is a pastor it’s to be expected, but at the same time he’s not a particularly preachy guy. I just skipped some of the praying and got on with the rest.
I liked the Montana setting, especially with a Christmas theme. Most of the books in this line seem to be set in other, more southern US states.
Overall, this was an easy read with likeable characters. Even though it’s Christmas-themed I didn’t find it overwhelming. Linda Ford is a solid writer.