Loved this anthology! Perfect short stories for the Christmas season from some of my go-to authors! I had never read anything by Cynthia, Vickie or Liz Tolsma before so I was glad to find some new authors to follow.

Six very different Christian Historical Romance stories to keep you entertained and intrigued. Deep stories that don't seem short in the least. Fabulous authors do not disappoint. Great Christmas reading, or just to put you in a Christmassy mood.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#AJoyfulChristmas #NetGalley

A Joyful Christmas is a lovely anthology of stories by some of my favorite authors. I enjoyed listening to a library copy of the audiobook and Carolyn Malloy did a great job narrating the stories. The stories had a variety of settings from a Wisconsin logging camp to an Arizona ranch that boasted pretty much a burrow for a home, from a Minnesota log church to a Confederate territory cabin, readers will see romance bloom in each of the stories. A blacksmith, a rancher, a Preacher man, wounded war heroes, an uncle who needs a wife are charmingly paired up with the heroines, each with their own secrets and struggles, in these stories all centered around Christmastime. An enjoyable set of novellas. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Inc. for my copy of A Joyful Christmas by Cynthia Hickey; Liz Johnson; Vickie McDonough; Liz Tolsma; Carrie Turansky; Erica Vetsch in exchange for an honest review. It published September 1, 2020.
I really regret not reading this sooner! Even if you’re on the fence about short stories, like me, these are heartwarming enough to charm any reader! Sweet, heartfelt, and gentle, there’s something for any Christmas and historical fiction lover!

This was such a delightful collection of Christmas stories set in 1800s America. I so enjoyed each story, if I had to choose a favourite, it would be Erica Vetsch’s Christmas Service. A few of the other stories weren’t terribly Christmassy and only briefly mentioned the holiday season, but Christmas Service was full-on Christmas from beginning to end. Each of these tasteful Christian romances made the heart swell with longing and had wonderful themes of faith, family and forgiveness.

Welcome to love during the late 1800’s at the Christmas holidays. A rancher, soldier, stagecoach owner, logger, an artist and a blacksmith find the love of their lives. Six women who know their own minds and are determined to serve God and their families to the best of their abilities. When these two people meet, they overcome obstacles and danger to find the love God has given them for each other. Their lives will change, and new families will be formed all at A Joyful Christmas.

The authors whose stories are in this six story anthology. They bring love to these couples through War, threats and overcoming obstacles. There’s a marriage of convenience, strangers meet and acquaintances getting to know each other. All these author’s faith in God shows as their characters have a strong connection also and feel Him guiding them. A Joyful Christmas is an anthology of Christmas story that are perfect to read in the Holiday season or anytime of year. You’ll fall in love with an old fashion 1800’s Christmas.

What's better than a Christmas novella? A collection of them! This one features several authors I enjoy, and I found all the stories to be engaging and heartwarming. I love reading Christmas stories any time of the year, and being able to feel that special holiday spirit that is inspiring and uplifting. These are all historical settings, with compelling plots and relatable characters. Perfect for binge reading or spreading out over a busy time of life, with quick access to a happy ending.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

A Joyful Christmas is a collection of six historical Christmas novellas. Each story is heartwarming and heartfelt. The characters are enjoyable and loveable. Its a page turner and well written. I loved each storyline.
I read and and reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book All thoughts and opinions are of my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Inc for letting me read this book.

Hardships to romance. Touching historical stories that will warm your holiday season. Each so different but with such wonderful endings.
These can touch you throughout the year. Wonderful characters with wonderful stories!

Romance, clean, period; collection; Christian faith elements
Collection of Christmas romance, some set in the Civil War. I chose to review this collection as I love one of the authors. This was a mixed read for me. Some of the novellas were strong and compelling, with good pacing and natural resolution. Others felt a bit forced, or rushed. Novellas are a tricky genre sometimes to 'complete' a story without those faults. All in all though, it was a fun holiday read, and a fun way to pass some time. Would still recommend to others to read.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

A Joyful Christmas is a collection of six historical Christmas novellas written by Cynthia Hickey, Liz Johnson, Vickie McDonough, Liz Tolsma, Carrie Turansky, and Erica Vetsch.

The novellas, A Christmas Castle, A Star in the Night, An Irish Bride for Christmas, Under His Wings, Shelter in the Storm, and Christmas Service, are an unconnected collection that span several years and locations. It’s difficult to pick a favorite because each has a part that will tug on your heart. From cattlemen and lumbermen aiming to protect to wounded men torn between love and duty. All of them meet strong women whose care breaks down defenses, giving both a chance to experience joy once again.

If you’re a fan of an enjoyable Historical romance (or six!) set around Christmas, then definitely grab a copy of A Joyful Christmas.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

This was a wonderful Christmas read. This book is made up of six historical, Christian fiction that are all set at Christmas. There is not a lot of Christmas cheer, but there is information about how Christmas was celebrated in past years. There is a variety of settings such as the Civil War, Gold Rush time and in Arizona in the 1800s. Not only are they set at various times, but the plots are totally different such as hiding a soldier, proxy bride, trying to keep custody of a minor relative and more. I did not like the stories all the same but they were all good. Even in novellas, the plots were well-developed with great characters. There was a Christian overtone to all the stories, as well as love and romance. I think my favourite story was An Irish Bride for Christmas by Vickie McDonough followed closely by A Christmas Castle by Cynthia Hickey. If you are looking for some heartwarming, Christian Christmas romance in small doses (I read this one over a few days, one story a day) then this is a great pick for you.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and these stories are an uplifting way to get into the holiday spirit. They are wholesome and romantic. I have been sitting down to read one as I snuggle under my Christmas quilt each evening. I really like how I can finish the stories in one sitting. I feel transported to the different historical times, and I like knowing that good will prevail in the stories. They have a Christian worldview that is shared in a way that fits the story lines.

I love a good Christmas story so what could be better than 6 Christmas stories in one book. Some of my favorite authors and all the novellas getting me into the holiday spirit. All six stories are worth reading. Are they all great? No but it's hard to develop a storyline when the writer has to cram everything into a short story. A couple of the stories could actually be developed into a full length novel! But my Christmas cravings were satisfied! Curl up with some hot chocolate and a fuzzy blanket and enjoy the season!
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

One of the things I enjoy doing as the end of the year approaches is curling up with a good Christmas-themed book. Somehow, doing this gets me prepped for the sights, activities, and sounds of the season. If this is something you also enjoy doing, then this book is an excellent choice to jumpstart your holidays.
The six novellas in this book have been crafted by authors who are great at providing readers with laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments that will be remembered long after the stories have ended.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley but the thoughts expressed are my own.

It snowed last night so the desire to start "Christmasing" is all consuming. This is a great book to get yourself in the Christmas spirit with or without snow.

The six stories are just the right amount of read to enjoy one every couple of nights. Each one had me thinking of Christmas in a different way it seemed.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it as a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

I received an ARC from NetGalley to prepare for this honest review.

This is a collection of enjoyable stories written by talented authors. These stories are shorter in length, but the authors did a great job of making each story seem complete. I liked all of the couples in these stories, and there was enough variety in the storylines that I didn’t feel as if the stories were repeating themselves as I was reading. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, you’ll enjoy these stories with Christmas as the background for each story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I love a good Christmas story and this book delivers!! A time so magical and wonderful that this book will surely melt your heart!!

If you are looking for short, sweet, Christmas themed historical fiction - this Novella Collection is for you!
If you like historical fiction period, I think you will truly enjoy it.
It's one of those books perfect to curl up by the fire with a hot cup of tea and read.

This was my first time reading work by any of these authors and I was not disappointed

Each tale was special and unique in its own way.
Definitely a collection worth checking out!

***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***

Six historical romance novellas set around Christmas time. I had not read any of the authors' works except for Erica Vetsch's, whom I had identified as an author to look out for as a result of reading her work in a previous collection of novellas. Most of the stories were fairly enjoyable - I struggled a bit with some of the writing styles in others. But I'm too fussy sometimes – I'm sure some readers will enjoy all of them!

The spiritual elements are light where the main characters are Christians and pray. I would call these wholesome romance stories with a Christian setting. The one by Erica Vetsch does carry a Christian truth skillfully woven into the story. I do not read fiction for spiritual inspiration but when it happens, it's a bonus!