Six historical Christmas romances prove life’s most priceless gifts come not in the form of polished gold or silver—but from the vast riches of a loving heart.
The Christmas Star Bride by Amanda Cabot
Wyoming, 1885—Esther Hathaway lost her one true love at Gettysburg twenty years ago, but she is still willing to celebrate her niece’s wedding by commissioning Jeremy Snyder to paint her portrait. Will Esther’s prayers for God to ease her loneliness be answered by a wounded vet?
A Token of Promise by Rebecca Germany
Alaska, 1897—Promised in marriage to a man she has never met in exchange for a place to call home, Charlotte Vance is headed to the Klondike and struggling not to fall in love with the wrong man. Gabe Monroe has found a bride perfect for his brother. A wife will help his brother run his supply business and raise his daughter, and Gabe will be freed to seek riches in the Yukon rivers after the spring thaw. But what will become of Charlotte when both brothers refuse to marry her—even though one loves her?
Band of Angel’s by Cathy Marie Hake
Colorado, 1893—The first time Jarrod McLeod dips his pan in the river, he strikes gold—a wedding ring! Sure the woman who lost it must be beside herself, he goes upriver to return it. He meets laundress Angel Taylor. She did lose the ring; however, she refuses to take the ring back. Jarrod’s first impressions of Angel are scandalous, but he soon discovers the truth, bringing her a Christmas gift to span the perimeters of time.
Winterlude by Colleen L. Reece
Alaska, 1930s—A single out-of-place snowflake in San Diego lures Ariel Dixon home to Ketchikan, Alaska, despite her wealthy fiancé’s protests. When she encounters slim, handsome Jean Thoreau, a childhood friend presumed dead, a swift rush of events changes the course of Ariel’s life. Drawn back to the home she loves, Ariel finds peace in the arms of the man who would not break a promise made long ago.
Christmas Bounty by MaryLu Tyndall
California, 1855—Caroline is a widowed mother alone in a small California town that is suddenly exploding with gold fever. When she sees the ship’s captain who once saved her and her husband’s lives on a scaffold to be hung, she must do something—even propose marriage.
Goldrush Christmas by Michele Ule
Alaska, 1897—When Samantha and her twin Peter book passage to Alaska in search of their missionary-minded father, they never imagined getting caught up in the rush for gold or that their neighbor would follow them. Soon their youth and inexperience is challenged on all fronts.
Posts with the custom taxonomy term Hake-Cathy Marie
The Reluctant Brides Collection
Take an adventurous ride along on the bumpy trail to love as six independent women of yesteryear are cautiously courted into matrimony by men they have both intrigued and hurt. Will troubles douse the sparks of love before anyone can become a bride?
An Unexpected Surprise by Rosey Dow
Angie McDonald has placed an ad for a mail-order bride—for her widowed brother-in-law and his motherless daughter. But when the beautiful Saundra arrives, Angie wonders if she’s made a mistake and woven a very tangled web. When will Angie learn to leave matters in the hand of God?
Ribbon of Gold by Cathy Marie Hake
Carter Steadman recently inherited ownership of the Steadman Mills. He is shamed when Isabel Shelly, one of his workers, boldly informs him of the inhuman working conditions at his mill. Carter is inexplicably drawn to this woman who has so little, yet gives so much. Her mere presence is forcing him to make a decision beyond his wildest imaginings.
Light Beckons the Dawn by Susannah Hayden
Percy Morgan has hidden her past and stifled her future with a gruff exterior and immersed herself in work at a remote lumber camp. Faced with friendships offered by the few women in camp and the attentions of the camp doctor, Percy must decide if she can take a risk and reopen the pain of the past so that healing can begin.
Reluctant Schoolmarm by Yvonne Lehman
When Christa Walsh steps off a train in the backwoods of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and reluctantly into the role of teacher, she finds the job more rewarding than she expected, winning the hearts of the children—and along the way, warming the heart of the man whose deception landed her the position.
School Bells and Wedding Bells by Colleen L. Reece
Freshly jilted and ready to take on the world, Meredith Rose Macrae enters an isolated Idaho hamlet with the force of a tornado. Neither she nor Last Chance will ever be the same. And Brit Farley, rugged head of the local school board, faces the challenge of exchanging the new teacher’s school bells for wedding bells.
Rose Kelly by Janet Spaeth
Rose believes a woman can do any job just as well as a man. But moving to Dakota Territory for six months to write articles on the homesteaders, she suddenly realizes that she may have taken on more then she can handle when trampling upon Eric Johansen private past.
The Sentimental Journey Romance Collection by Various Authors
The Sentimental Journey Romance Collection
1940s
Journey back to the great decade of the 1940s through nine romances that ignite despite the challenges and dangers of a world war. Couples meet under unique circumstances during the bombing of London, at military outposts, through covert operations to save children, as well as on the home front and the bond of love grows through shared ideals and faith.
A Texas Christmas by Various Authors
Spend Christmas in the Old West with six unconventional women who take on Texas-sized challenges—and unexpected romance. Bridget falls for a man opposed to her teaching Indian orphans. Polly is trying to hold her family together when her childhood love returns to town. Rugged rancher Charlsey is inexplicably attracted to a tenderfoot accountant. Vivian shuns marriage until meeting a nomadic photographer. Lacey’s cooking draws a quiet blacksmith out of his shell. Tracker Bessie Mae helps a ranger hunt down a villain.
The Bartered Bride Collection by Various Authors
The Bartered Bride Romance Collection: 9 Historical Stories of Arranged Marriages
Treasure this beautiful collection packed with all the angst of romance founded upon practical arrangements. Four sisters travel in answer to an ad before even corresponding with potential husbands. Two women bend to the will of their parents in taking husbands. A widow commits to a stranger in name only. And two women on the Oregon Trail hitch their lives to men they’ve just met. Will love blossom for convenience sake?
Serendipity by Cathy Marie Hake
1893 – Arkansas
Todd Valmer should have known better. A farmer who’s been through several disasters, he travels to Virginia to fetch his widowed mother to cook and help him around his Texas farm…or that was the plan until she keels over on the train and they get kicked off. Maggie Rose barters for a living and also makes soaps, lotions, and perfumes with a special rose recipe passed down from mother to daughter for generations. She hasn’t wanted to marry…until that handsome Texan shows up. Her heart skips a beat, and when he proposes, a hasty marriage follows.
What ensues, however, is a clash of culture and a battle of wills–and it’s clear they both mistook instant attraction and infatuation for love. As their marriage loses its sparkle and fills with disillusionment, Todd and Maggie must determine what is worth fighting for. He dreams of a farm. Maggie wants to fulfill the family tradition with her rose perfumes. Todd’s mother, however, has entirely different plans for her son that do not include Maggie. In light of their hasty marriage and mistaken dreams, is there any hope of recapturing their love and building a future together?
That Certain Spark by Cathy Marie Hake
1892 – Texas
Gooding, Texas, is about to gain a double blessing–a veterinarian and a doctor. But when siblings Enoch and Taylor Bestman arrive, the discovery that Taylor is a lady doctor has the town up in arms. Especially Karl Van der Vort, the town blacksmith, who becomes the first patient…against his will.
Though hesitant to believe in Taylor’s doctoring skills, Karl finds himself oddly protective of this surprising woman who dares to drive about town on her own, wearing the color red, for heaven’s sake! Taylor, on the other hand, wants only to prove that doctoring is her life’s calling, despite the town’s opposition. The result? Pride meets attraction head-on, and sparks begin to fly.
Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake
1892 – At Sea
As a nanny, Millicent Fairweather poured her energy and talents into the two young charges under her care–only to have them suddenly and without explanation sent to a boarding school. Bereft and unsure of where life will lead her, she agrees to accompany her sister and brother-in-law to America. They board the Opportunity, confident a better life awaits. Widower Daniel Clark determines to begin life anew in Gooding, Texas, operating a mercantile. But when his nanny leaves him stranded aboard the ship with his young son, he finds himself in dire need of assistance. Obtaining temporary help from steerage, Daniel is initially taken aback by the pretty bundle of energy who takes over his suite. Yet Miss Fairweather’s unique child-rearing techniques and tireless devotion to his son soon win him over. When tragedy ensues and a whirlwind decision is made, Daniel and Millicent’s lives irrevocably intertwine. Will love soon follow?
Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake
1890 -Texas
When Britisher Lady Sydney Hathwell’s father dies, the American who planned to wed her suddenly reneges. Stranded in America and penniless, Sydney contacts a relative in Texas who, mistaking her male-sounding name, invites his “nephew” to join him on his ranch. “Big Tim” Creighton, however, is appalled when this mincing fop arrives at Forsaken. He determines he’ll turn Fancy Pants Hathwell into a man before the boss returns home. From the get-go, he has “the kid” mucking stalls, clearing and plowing a field, and assisting with a difficult calving. But when Sydney’s true identity is uncovered, Tim resents being deceived. Yet in time, he also finds that he doesn’t like all the attention Sydney garners now that she’s wearing pretty gowns…Together Sydney and Tim will discover the importance of family and what it means to be a man–and a woman–of God.
Bittersweet by Cathy Marie Hake
Bittersweet (California Historical Series #2)
1860s – California
Laney McCain has unabashedly had her sights set on Galen O’Sullivan for years. And though Galen has treated her as nothing more than his best friend’s pesky tag-along sister, Laney dares hope that now is the time he will open his eyes and truly recognize the woman she’s become.
But the arrival of Ishmael and Ivy Grubb, squatters on the O’Sullivans’ land, diverts Galen’s attention. Though the Grubbs are crass and uneducated, Galen shows mercy and allows them to stay in exchange for help around the farm. But it becomes a decision he lives to regret….
Sometimes the Journey to Love Is Truly Bittersweet
Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake
Letter Perfect (California Historical Series #1)
1850s – California
If her own two feet don’t end up tripping her, Ruth Caldwell’s mouth is likely to get her into equal trouble. But Ruth has the best of intentions. Truly. It’s just that her attempts to live up to her mother’s expectations of how a lady should act have often yielded…well, less than impressive results.
Josh McCain is speechless when he sees Ruth step off the stage in Folsom, California. Sure, it looks like she’s been sleeping in her gown for the past week, but with a crown of riotous curls and those deep green eyes, she’s certainly the most beautiful woman he’s ever met.
But Josh soon finds the sparks that fly upon Ruth’s arrival aren’t the romantic type. With her legitimate claims to an inheritance, the Broken P Ranch’s future is suddenly precarious. And when Ruth’s “accidents”–going beyond even her normal bumbling ways–seem to take a sinister turn, Josh must decide where his loyalties lie.
Prairie Romance Collection by Various Authors
Relive history on the American Great Plains as penned by nine different multi-published authors. Follow pioneers, immigrants, and orphans through their adventures, heartaches, challenges, victories, and romances. You are sure to find more than one favorite among nine stories in this unique collection to warm your heart and inspire your faith.
Brides of Texas by Cathy Marie Hake
Accompany three brothers from the hills of Scotland to the plains of Texas. Robert, a doctor; Duncan, a cobbler; and Christopher, a lawman set up shop in a small Texas town and quickly make the acquaintance of local women. Tragedy has struck Mercy Stein on the eve of her wedding, leaving her soul battered. Alone and crippled, Carmen Rodriguez wears a protective shell of bitterness. Harboring a secret, Kathryn Regent always seems to be getting in others way. Can gifts left by their father help the brothers lead these women to healing faith?
Once Chance in a Million by Cathy Marie Hake
1800s – California
Having endured a grueling voyage from the British Islands, Mariam arrives at the Chance brothers’ ranch expecting to help her sister care for two children and six men. But Miriam is shocked to learn that her sister has died and her two nieces have been neglected. When the Chance brothers order Miriam to take the next ship back to her home, she digs in her heels. Her place is with her nieces – even if that reduces her chances of marriage to about one in a million. As the months pass, though, will Miriam come to believe that maybe one Chance is all she needs?