This is a heart warming collection of stories about brides. I recommend this to all readers of romance.

Old West Christmas Brides contains six historical romances, all of which are novella-length, which makes them perfect for showcasing a "Christmas in July" theme. Naturally, the chilly winter themes also assist in helping to cool you down, too!

Despite the fact that each story is about a distinct setting and set of events, I thoroughly enjoyed them all. The idea of faith appealed to me the most and served as a thread connecting the stories.

I appreciated every story and really would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite. All the women faced true-to-life toils, sufferings, hardship and ordeals along the way. In spite of this, each main character stepped up to the plate and dealt with whatever obstacles they faced.

As you settle in and curl up on your couch or favorite chair to read, the individual stories will transport you to a different era and locale, bringing holiday warmth to your heart and filling you with Christmas cheer.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

I haven't gotten to read this book as it did not download correctly, I do hope to purchase a copy one day. The cover is lovely!

Thanks for providing a review copy. I was unable to get into the book and wont be returning to it, so no official review posted at this time.

I grew up with a dad who loved all things Western, so I got excited when I picked up this collection of Western themed stories! I really enjoyed each one of these, they took me back to a time when cowboys were cowboys and love was alive and well in the Old West. Each author brought their unique writer's voice to make the stories come alive. If you enjoy westerns, love history and cowboys, I think you will love these too!

I enjoyed each story in this collection, whether from tried and true writers Margaret Brownley, Darlene Franklin, and Vickie McDonough, or those that are new or newer to me, Rosey Dow, Marcia Gruver, and Debra Ullrick.

These are stories of faith, perseverance, survival, and ultimately of love. Whenever the mood strikes for historical fiction set in the old west, with a Christmas theme, this is a great choice. Though a story or two may seem to drag slightly from time to time, this is a collection full of determined heroines, eligible heroes, and wonderful secondary characters who help them see the light, if they don't on their own.

A great addition to your to-read shelf if clean Christian romance in an Old West setting appeals to you. Holiday season optional.

This review refers to a digital galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a fun, sweet "western" novella with cowboy like heroes and strong heroines and adorable supporting characters.

A Pony Express Christmas by Margaret Brownley - 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The heroine was stubborn, independent and strong. The hero had a past he would have liked to avoid but integrity. My favourite part was with Josie and the Indians. I hoped for a different ending for Andy. Sweet epilogue at the end.

A Wife in Name Only by Rosey Dow - 4 stars
I can't think how it must feel to be so hungry that you go in search of work miles from your family. Katie was in such a situation and was fortunate to end up with Brett who was such a strong, godly man. I enjoyed their romance and this story had a few very likeable supporting ranch workers.

Lucy Ames, Sharpshooter by Darlene Franklin - 3,5 stars
This one felt quite short but was also a fun story, especially with Lucy and her sharp shooting skills.

A Badlands Christmas by Marcia Gruver - 3,5 stars
From being a spoiled pampered lady to going to the "slumps" and learning to work hard, this story was sweet and the male lead quite patient with Noela.

Unexpected Blessings by Vickie McDonough - 4,5 stars
I adored this story. Mark and Molly was just adorable and I loved Erik's Swedish accent. The part of the 'wobber' in the outhouse was quite funny. One of my favourites in this collection.

A Grand County Christmas by Debra Ullrick - 4,5 stars
This was one of those "love at first sight" stories, but both characters came with a past which added to their depth. I loved all the German words in this story and how Awnya tried to say some of the words.

Loved these short Christmas love stories! I actually wished they were longer but it was just enough to read as I was busy rushing around getting ready for Christmas. I will definitely be looking for more books by these authors!

Old west Christmas tales by 6 authors. Each story was enjoyable with story lines and character the reader can engage with . Settle in for good tales this holiday season and all through the year.

Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

A Pony Express Christmas

Ellie May is on her way to Chimney Rock to find her brother who was a rider with the Pony Express, but her guide abandons her. She rescues a man from hanging and asks him to be her guide.



Michael agrees to guide Ellie, he is inspired by her faith, even though he left his behind in prison. But as she shares her faith, he begins to hope again. Humorous and romantic, with a heart warming Christmas theme.


A Wife in Name Only

Katherine and her brother leave home to find work and help support their family. Work is hard to find, but finally Katherine dies find a job as a cook on a ranch. Brett only hires married women, so Katherine lies to get the job.



Brett is a godly man, he believes Katie and gives her the job. He likes to read his Bible in the kitchen at night and she asks him to read aloud. But as the get to know each other and work to solve the mystery on the ranch, their attraction becomes harder to ignore. Great interaction drives this novella, it was one of my favorites.


Lucy Ames Sharpshooter

Lucy gets a job with Major Paulson's Wild West Show. Gordon also travels with the show, he is the Major's son, and a preacher. Gordon wants to get to know Lucy, he is attracted to her strong faith, but as he start rises with the show he doesn't want to stand in her way.


A Badlands Christmas

Sisters Noela and Beatrice believe they are only going for a visit to the Dakota Territory, but when they arrive they find that they are indeed staying and will be living in a soddy with the winter coming. Beatrice sees it as a grand adventure, while Noela is overwhelmed by the conditions and the amount of work involved.



Their neighbor Hirim and his father are a great help to the sisters, and often comes to their rescue. A sweet romance.


Unexpected Blessings

This story takes place in a town founded by Texas Ranger now referred to as the "Meddlin' Men because they have become matchmakers. Anna comes to town looking for Erik Olsen the uncle of the children that she has been caring for. Erik has a hard time believing that the children are his niece and nephew, as he was convinced that his brother died quite some time ago. Anna gets a job so that she can stay in town and try to convince Erik to take the children.



I liked the interaction between Anna and Erik as they try to find a solution to their situation. There was plenty of humor as the children get to know their uncle, this was my favorite of the collection.



A Grand County Christmas

Awnya is so hungry that she decides to go hunting, but a stranger stops her from shooting a deer because it is a pet. Amadeus is a widower, who lives with his mother and 3 children. He takes her home for supper and they get snowed in. Amadeus and his sons enjoy having Awyna, but his daughter resents her. Awnya works hard to help at Amadeus's house, and to help them have a Merry Christmas.



Overall a heartwarming collection of novellas, some of them re-reads for me, and others brand new. A sweet collection to get you in the Christmas spirit.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Six authors come together for an anthology that takes from 1880 to 1891. These stories span the west from the Nebraska Territory, Colorado, Texas and North Dakota. Follow these six couples as they travel in the old west at Christmas time to find love and God along the way.

A Pony Express Christmas Margaret Brownsville Nebraska Territory 1862
Ellie May is going west to look for her brother who rode for the Pony Express. She comes across two men, who are going to hang another man. She inadvertently stops them and saves Mike's life. Since Ellie's guide has run off she offers the job to Mike. Mike who was recently released from prison for not following orders as a U.S. Marshall. He'll take her only as far as Chimney Rock. He doesn't hold out much hope of finding Ellie's brother. Spending more time together they begin to fall in love. A kiss is shared that they can't forget. Almost to their destination Ellie gets sick so the take refuge with a couple. She over hears about what happened to her brother. They reach their destination and come across a picture her brother drew. Years later coming back married with their family to leave a message at the picture her brother drew.

A Wife in Name Only Rosey Dow Colorado 1884
Katherine and her brother leave home looking for work to help support rest of their family. They travel 20 miles away to a town. She ends up going to work as a cook for local rancher Brett. Only she tells a lie that she's married to get the job. As she gets to know everyone on the ranch she realizes why Brett asked the question. Kate gets to know Brett and starts falling in love with him. Brett is attracted to Kate as well but her lie gets in their way. Food goes missing from the kitchen and the whole ranch is put on the job of figuring out what is happening. A plan is devised and the culprit is caught. A young boy and his sick sister are brought to the ranch. When a trip to town reveals bad news for Kate. They must take a trip to Kate's home where her secret is unearthed. Brett had already figured out her secret from the beginning, and they tell each other their feelings. The kids that they took in stay with her family and a letter from her family talks about a visit, directions, and a baby.

Lucy Ames Sharp Shooter Darlene Franklin Horsefly, Texas April 1891
Answering an ad in the local paper, Lucy is going to audition for a spot in a Wild West show. The owner's son thinks that Lucy has talent and aces the auditions getting the job and soon becomes the star. Gordon and Lucy become attracted to each other and find ways to spend time together. They don't act on their feelings so each believes the other doesn't feel the same way. Lucy loves to travel. Gordon must make a decision about his future. Gordon realizes he has a talent for bringing people to God. Lucy is asked to share her connection to God. Lucy's shooting skills come in handy to save lives. They can't stop thinking about each other. Lucy is at loose ends until she helps with the Children's' program at church. Gordon reveals his feelings. Lucy turns down another man. She's surprised by a proposal.

A Badlands Christmas Marcia Gruber North Dakota Territory November 1885
Noela and her family moved to the US from Australia after her mother's death. They made their home in New York City. A supposed vacation to North Dakota, turns out to be a permanent move once they arrive. Hiram is there and helping them to adjust from the beginning. Never living in such primitive conditions makes for some feeling sorry for herself. Hiram worries about Noela and her family and keeps coming to help out hoping they'll survive. Noela doesn't want to celebrate Christmas but Hiram extends an invitation for a party at the local rich couple's house. A blizzard cuts their time at the party short and they get caught in the storm. They find shelter at a neighbor's house. A change a of heart and a proposal bring their families together to celebrate the holiday with dinner.
Unexpected Blessings Vickie McDonough Near Cut Corners Texas December 1880
Anna is bringing her two charges to their uncle to take care of after the death of their parents. She plans to drop them off and head back to Dallas and to continuation of her dream of a piano career. Erik doesn't believe that the children are his niece and nephew. Anna tries a couple of times with no luck to get Erik to accept the children. Running low on money she goes looking for a job and starts working at the mercantile. Anna begins wondering about the version of God she grew up with. She accepts God into her life. It helps her figure out that she won't be able to return to Dallas. Erik carves the pews for the new church. The children help themselves to supplies at Erik's house to make a present for Anna. He comes around and realizes the children are his family. A proposal is made and accepted, a letter arrives revealing the truth. Erik, Anna, the children and the uncle plan to build a house and Anna and the children move in with Erik.

A Grand County Christmas Debra Ulhrick
Awn ya is about to shoot a deer but is stopped by a mountain of a man who claims that the deer is his pet. They're in the middle of a blizzard and he takes her back to his house and she meets his family. Awn ya faints do to lack of food. The blizzard doesn't let up so she must stay with Amadeus and his family for several days. It brings Amadeus and Awn ya together. She reveals the circumstances of her father's death. She keeps thinking that a rifle on the wall used to belong to her father. She wonders if Amadeus had something to do with her father's death. Amadeus reveals that he's bought her house and land. A trip to town reveals a peddler who he bought them from. They go to the sheriff who arrests the paddler who confesses. The reward money is shared and Amadeus declares his love and so does Awn ya They marry and head back home only to be met with resistance from Amadeus's daughter who hates the idea that they're married. A Christmas present changes her mind.

These stories shows that love can happen when you least expect it and strangers can become family with God's help. Travel back in time and experience an Old West Christmas with these six couples who find true love during the holiday season.

This was a nice short story collection of six Christmas Christian stories set in the wild west in the 1880s. There was a good variety of stories here. I've never read books by any of these authors before, but it makes me want to try books by some of them! If you think this book sounds like one you would like, I recommend trying it!

Oh my, I really enjoyed this a lot! I enjoyed reading these Christmas novellas. The times were hard but people knew and cared about their neighbors. People got by with what they had there wasn't the excess of today but they didn't need an excess when you have good food and good company! Strong faithful people and I especially enjoyed reading about the different nationalities and their customs. All around excellent book that I will be getting copies of for friends for Christmas!
Pub Date 01 Sep 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

Great anthology of Christmas stories. When the weather starts getting crisp and cold, it is great to sit down with a nice light Christmas book. This one will fill your bill.

I love stories about the old west! And the authors that wrote these amazing stories are some of my favorite! I couldn’t pic a favorite if I had to because they were all so very good. And I could read each of them in a few hours. And the Highlight is, these are all Christmas Bride stories. So go to your favorite store and get a copy of Old West Christmas Brides, pick out a cozy place for you to read, and start your Christmas Brides Journey!

This copy was provided by Netgalley. The opinions are mine only!

This collection of six wonderful stories takes you into the lives of some very different women. Each faces a challenge, and eventually ends up a Bride. Great stories of life in the American west. You will find yourself rooting for these Ladies as they face the future, head on! A wonderful set of Clean Romances.

These are always wonderful books to add to your collection. I especially love them because I get to taste different authors I am not familiar with. These are stories set in the West around the 1800 to early 1900s. You will visit the plains of Texas, the Badlands, and the great Nebraska territory. You will face bandits, outlaws, and of course, meet some very handsome cowboys. All are clean and have a Christian message. Perfect for the season!!

Old West Christmas Brides
This collection of novellas brings to life the struggles and hardships of the old west with the surprise of love and romance. I can't imagine myself in the old west but I fell in love with the ladies and gentleman who braved the elements and conditions and found love in these stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

I loved this Christmas time romance. It put me in the mood for cold weather and the holidays. I loved the characters and setting and highly recommend this book

Old West Christmas Brides is a collection of six novellas that have been previously published and is presented by Barbour Publishing. The novellas are historical Christian romances, taking place between December 1880 and 1891, in various places in the Old West. They do not ignore the hard living conditions and challenges of this time period which the characters encounter.

"A Pony Christmas Express" is presented by Margaret Brownley. She is a best-selling, award-winning author with nearly 40 novels and novellas. In this story Ellie-Mae Myers has left Kentucky on the deserted Pony Express route in order to find her missing twin brother and is stranded in the Nebraska with a broken down wagon and two stubborn mules. This is not her only challenge. She manages to free a man from hanging who repays her in traveling with her. He is not only an ex-convict but also an ex-Ranger. Can he be a help to her when Ellie-Mae finds out the truth about her brother?

Rosey Dow, the author of "A Wife in Name Only" is a Christy-Award winning author and has published other historical novels and mysteries. Katherine Priestly and her brother leave their family's ranch in search of help for their mother and younger siblings. The family is destitute after their cattle was wiped out through sickness and after having heard nothing from their father who left to find a job with the railway in order to provide for his family. Whereas her brother finds a job in a general store, Katherine is forced to travel farther in the hope of getting a job as cook on a ranch. Having had a bad experience with an unmarried female cook in the past, Brett Masten wants to hire only a married woman. In desperation the 18-year old Katherine declares that she is married. The theft of food from the house impacts her relationship with Brett, but when she gets the news that her mother is sick she plans to return home.

Darlene Franklin is presented with "Lucy Ames, Sharpshooter". She is an award-wining author and speaker who writes about the American West and has published 17 books and novellas and over 100 short pieces so far. Lucy Ames wants to experience adventure and considers to join Major Paulson's Wild West Show as a sharpshooter in spite of the reluctance of her father. It is discovered that she has not only the gift for shooting but also for talking about her faith. Her relationship with Gordon, Major Paulson's son, opens questions for her abput her future. Which way will she choose?

Multiple historical novels are also published by Marcia Gruver, the award-winning author of "A Badlands Christmas". In this novella the reader travels from New York City to Medora in the Badlands of North Dakota, from a brownstone house, Christmas balls, and expensive gowns to a sod hovel in the plains, located on a farm. Life for Jonathon Nancarrow and his daughters, Noella and Beatrice, originally from Coolangotta (Queensland, Australia) has seriously changed. The question is if Hiram, whom they encounter in Medora, can help them to survive their first winter at Vine House and if he can help them to adapt to their changed circumstances.

Another best-selling and award-winning author is Vickie McDonough who writes stories about the Old West and is present with "Unexpected Blessings". In her novella Anna, a nanny, is taking Molly (age 6) and Mark (age 4) on the train from Dallas to Cut Corners. She loves them and has cared for them for two years. Now she is supposed to turn them over to their uncle Erik after their parents, Hans and Jessica Olsen, passed away as a result of a carriage accident.
Erik Olsen, single and a carpenter, has given up hope to find a wife. Now he has been named as guardian in his brother's will. Anna has planned to stay only one day in Cut Corners and then to return to Dallas for her responsibilities as a pianist after. According to Erik's deceased father Hans died eight years ago, so Erik does not accept the children as family. Anna is forced to take a job in the mercantile in order to continue to stay in the boarding house with the children. Her only solution seems to be to return to Dallas with them having no success in convincing Erik that he is indeed their uncle.

Finally Debra Ullrick presents "A Grand County Christmas". She is a New York Times, CBA, and Amazon.com best-selling author of contemporary, historical, and romantic suspense novels. Awnya O'Crean is on her own since her father died seven weeks ago under suspicious circumstances. She runs into Amadeus Josef while hunting for food. Amadeus declares the deer she wants to shoot being his pet. Amadeus lost his wife Georgina four years ago and lives with his children, the twins Ethan and Jakob, his daughter Isabella, and his mother Louissa. Whereas Amadeus asks God to give him Awnya as a Christmas present Isabella seemingly does not like her at all. Due to a snow storm Awnya is stuck at the Josefs' house for days, but the questions are how she will survive by herself when she returns to her cabin and if her faith will survive her trials.

In spite of the fact that the novellas were published previously the collection can be highly recommended as well as other books by these authors.
This book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
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