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McKettricks #14
A Lawman's Christmas
The sudden death of the town marshal leaves Blue River, Texas, without a lawman…and twenty-five-year-old Dara Rose Nolan without a husband. As winter approaches and her meager seamstress income dwindles, she has three options. Yet she won't give up her two young daughters, refuses to join the fallen women of the Bitter Gulch Saloon and can't fathom condemning herself to another loveless marriage. Unfortunately she must decide—soon—because there's a new marshal in town, and she's living under his roof.
With the heart of a cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn't interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship—and passion. And when they say "I do" to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman's Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife….
With the heart of a cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn't interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship—and passion. And when they say "I do" to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman's Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife….
249 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2011
177 people are currently reading
1216 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lael Miller
551 books3,243 followersThe daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a spacious property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
December 24, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I had a good time with this book. I have been a fan of Linda Lael Miller's writing for a very long time. I don't think that I have picked any of her books up in years though and I am pretty sure that I have never actually reviewed any of her work. I have enjoyed quite a few books from the McKettrick series so I was excited to pick this one up during a recent readathon. It ended up being a really enjoyable read for me.
Clay McKettrick moves to a small Texas town to take on the role of marshal. He is immediately welcomed by the town but one little girl ends up making a really big impression on him. He quickly learns that the little girl is the daughter of Dara Rose. Dara Rose was married to the former marshal and has found herself widowed with two little girls to support and almost no money to do so. Now that there is a new lawman in town, she knows that she will have to give up her home so that he can have the house.
Clay and Dara Rose were both great characters. Clay really is a good guy that just wants to do a good job. Dara Rose has been through a whole lot and has proven that she is tough and resourceful. Dara Rose always puts her children first and refuses to take the easy way out. I thought that these two were great together and I loved how great Clay was with the girls. I thought that their relationship progressed at a really nice pace and I was really happy with how everything turned out.
I would recommend this book to fans of western historical romances. This book was filled with wonderful characters, a touch of humor, some Christmas charm, and some heartwarming moments. I really liked the fact that Linda Lael Miller worked some of less than pleasant issues from this time into the story including the plight of women and children without a male in the house and the impact of poverty. I definitely plan to read more from this wonderful author soon!
Initial Thoughts
I had a good time with this one. I used to read Linda Lael Miller's books quite often but this is the first one that I have picked up in several years. I obviously have some catching up to do. I liked Clay, Dara Rose, and her girls a lot and thought that they all fit together perfectly. The plight of women who were left to fend for themselves and their children in this story was quite eye-opening.
Book source: Purchased
I had a good time with this book. I have been a fan of Linda Lael Miller's writing for a very long time. I don't think that I have picked any of her books up in years though and I am pretty sure that I have never actually reviewed any of her work. I have enjoyed quite a few books from the McKettrick series so I was excited to pick this one up during a recent readathon. It ended up being a really enjoyable read for me.
Clay McKettrick moves to a small Texas town to take on the role of marshal. He is immediately welcomed by the town but one little girl ends up making a really big impression on him. He quickly learns that the little girl is the daughter of Dara Rose. Dara Rose was married to the former marshal and has found herself widowed with two little girls to support and almost no money to do so. Now that there is a new lawman in town, she knows that she will have to give up her home so that he can have the house.
Clay and Dara Rose were both great characters. Clay really is a good guy that just wants to do a good job. Dara Rose has been through a whole lot and has proven that she is tough and resourceful. Dara Rose always puts her children first and refuses to take the easy way out. I thought that these two were great together and I loved how great Clay was with the girls. I thought that their relationship progressed at a really nice pace and I was really happy with how everything turned out.
I would recommend this book to fans of western historical romances. This book was filled with wonderful characters, a touch of humor, some Christmas charm, and some heartwarming moments. I really liked the fact that Linda Lael Miller worked some of less than pleasant issues from this time into the story including the plight of women and children without a male in the house and the impact of poverty. I definitely plan to read more from this wonderful author soon!
Initial Thoughts
I had a good time with this one. I used to read Linda Lael Miller's books quite often but this is the first one that I have picked up in several years. I obviously have some catching up to do. I liked Clay, Dara Rose, and her girls a lot and thought that they all fit together perfectly. The plight of women who were left to fend for themselves and their children in this story was quite eye-opening.
Book source: Purchased
July 25, 2011
Thunderation and spit! (gotta love the kid's cussing) I had a wonderful time starting and finishing this book. I've never read any LLM book let alone any earlier ones in the McKettrick series. So I was bracing myself for some sort of elaborate and intricate saga from the previous books.
But surprisingly this book really was just a homely, sweet and mellow story about Dara Rose Nolan and her two young daughters. She was the widow of the town Marshal supporting her children alone and on the brink of getting evicted. And the arrival of Clay McKettrick the new Marshal practically turned her entire life upside down inside out. For a town Marshal, Clay just about melt my heart with his sappiness.
One of my favorite wilting moments,
Then he said very quietly, "Just so we understand each other, Mrs. McKettrick, I do mean to bed you, right and proper, one day soon."
I might actually check out the McKettrick kinfolks after all.
But surprisingly this book really was just a homely, sweet and mellow story about Dara Rose Nolan and her two young daughters. She was the widow of the town Marshal supporting her children alone and on the brink of getting evicted. And the arrival of Clay McKettrick the new Marshal practically turned her entire life upside down inside out. For a town Marshal, Clay just about melt my heart with his sappiness.
One of my favorite wilting moments,
Then he said very quietly, "Just so we understand each other, Mrs. McKettrick, I do mean to bed you, right and proper, one day soon."
I might actually check out the McKettrick kinfolks after all.
July 9, 2019
Another fantastic addition to one of the best western romance series out there! Clay & Dara Rose's story is filled with heart felt sentiment, sizzling chemistry, & snarky humor! Add in 2 precocious children that will make you laugh out loud even as your heart melts, and you have the perfect western romance! Absolutely loved this one! A Must Read!
*4.5 stars
*4.5 stars
December 26, 2023
Just finished A Lawman’s Christmas, a historical Western romance, last night and loved it! This is a thrift store find, but I borrowed the audio from the library. It was a relatively short audio (6hrs 19min) with the book being only 249 pages.
Marriage-of-convenience
Adorable kids
Rescue dog
Heartwarming story
This is book 14 of the McKettricks, but can be read as a standalone. Each story focuses on a unique couple. I plan on reading more in the series!
Marriage-of-convenience
Adorable kids
Rescue dog
Heartwarming story
This is book 14 of the McKettricks, but can be read as a standalone. Each story focuses on a unique couple. I plan on reading more in the series!
September 13, 2025
A Lawman's Christmas is part of Linda Lael Miller's McKettrick Series. Sometimes you just want a good old fashioned sweet romance to get lost in, this was the perfect book for that.
I also enjoyed the coziness of the story. The snowy winter setting and Christmas as a backdrop to the story were nice to read about.
It's not just all sugary sweet, Dara Rose was facing poverty as were some of the other characters in the book. The author makes this aspect of the story realistic as these people fear a long harsh winter with the possibility of no food on the table or no roof above their heads.
The characters were all well written and I was quickly swept up in the story. Before I knew it, I had turned the last page and was a bit sad to see it end.
I also enjoyed the coziness of the story. The snowy winter setting and Christmas as a backdrop to the story were nice to read about.
It's not just all sugary sweet, Dara Rose was facing poverty as were some of the other characters in the book. The author makes this aspect of the story realistic as these people fear a long harsh winter with the possibility of no food on the table or no roof above their heads.
The characters were all well written and I was quickly swept up in the story. Before I knew it, I had turned the last page and was a bit sad to see it end.
October 7, 2011
I only just discovered Linda Lael Miller about 4 months ago, but I have to say, she's definitely crafted a winning formula for creating the most desirable cowboys, and Clay McKettrick is no exception.
The winter of 1914 finds Clay, the new marshal of Blue River, TEXAS, just settling into his role as lawman when Dara Rose, a young widow with two children and no where to go, arrests his heart. One way or another, Clay plans on making Dara his, and he's gonna have fun doing it, even if his amusement leads to her irritation.
I wish I had more to say about A Lawman's Christmas other than, it's a light, quick, overly polite read. There just wasn't much of a conflict presented in the story, which was a tad disappointing, and the few 'dire' circumstances that arose were easily enough resolved.
Having read a few other novels by Miller, I knew the whirlwind romance would be the focal point of this story, but I was kind of expecting/hoping to read about some type of action that Clay would have to deal with, like maybe a John Dillinger style bank robbery? But nope, things in Blue River, Texas were pretty quiet and uneventful.
One thing I've grown accustomed to when meeting Miller's male characters is that she tends to make life really easy for them financially. These men never need for anything and again, Clay was no exception. Also, his good will knows no bounds. Even when times are tough, you can count on Clay to bring you food during a blizzard or to pay you above minimum wage after a hard days work. And while I think these qualities showcased Clay's generous side, I also found myself feeling a little irritated by the continuous use of this trope in Miller's stories.
As a romantic interest, Dara Rose played her counterpart well. She resisted the high-handed cowboy for as long as she could, but let's face it, she didn't really want to hold out too long. And I can't say I blame her. Clay may have had an old-fashioned way of thinking, but deep down, he's a gentle soul who was very loving and kind-hearted. Yup, his momma raised him right!
Dara's daughters were a charming delight with their quick wit and spirited personalities, and it was sweet to see Clay accept them as his own quickly and easily.
A Lawman's Christmas is not a complex, plot driven novel for thrill seekers, but it is a perfect holiday romance read for a lazy day when you're snowed in and longing for a cowboy to come by with a hearty meal and a warm smile.
http://www.theunreadreader.com/2011/1...
The winter of 1914 finds Clay, the new marshal of Blue River, TEXAS, just settling into his role as lawman when Dara Rose, a young widow with two children and no where to go, arrests his heart. One way or another, Clay plans on making Dara his, and he's gonna have fun doing it, even if his amusement leads to her irritation.
I wish I had more to say about A Lawman's Christmas other than, it's a light, quick, overly polite read. There just wasn't much of a conflict presented in the story, which was a tad disappointing, and the few 'dire' circumstances that arose were easily enough resolved.
Having read a few other novels by Miller, I knew the whirlwind romance would be the focal point of this story, but I was kind of expecting/hoping to read about some type of action that Clay would have to deal with, like maybe a John Dillinger style bank robbery? But nope, things in Blue River, Texas were pretty quiet and uneventful.
One thing I've grown accustomed to when meeting Miller's male characters is that she tends to make life really easy for them financially. These men never need for anything and again, Clay was no exception. Also, his good will knows no bounds. Even when times are tough, you can count on Clay to bring you food during a blizzard or to pay you above minimum wage after a hard days work. And while I think these qualities showcased Clay's generous side, I also found myself feeling a little irritated by the continuous use of this trope in Miller's stories.
As a romantic interest, Dara Rose played her counterpart well. She resisted the high-handed cowboy for as long as she could, but let's face it, she didn't really want to hold out too long. And I can't say I blame her. Clay may have had an old-fashioned way of thinking, but deep down, he's a gentle soul who was very loving and kind-hearted. Yup, his momma raised him right!
Dara's daughters were a charming delight with their quick wit and spirited personalities, and it was sweet to see Clay accept them as his own quickly and easily.
A Lawman's Christmas is not a complex, plot driven novel for thrill seekers, but it is a perfect holiday romance read for a lazy day when you're snowed in and longing for a cowboy to come by with a hearty meal and a warm smile.
http://www.theunreadreader.com/2011/1...
November 29, 2011
A sweet old fashioned romance set in rural Texas of 1914. Clay McKettrick has left his family ranch in Arizona to be the temporary Marshall in the depressed little town of Blue River until he gets his cattle ranch up and running. Dara Rose is the previous marshall's widow and mother of two daughters, ages 5 and 6. She is virtually destitute and living in the house/shack that is meant for Clay to live in. Luckily for her, Clay is immediately taken with her and soon offers her a marriage of convenience that is a huge life saver, though he has every hope and intention of turning it into a true marriage eventually.
As with all of Miller's historical Westerns I've read, I really enjoyed the details of dally routines, hardships and satisfaction of life a century or so ago. And I love Miller's heroes. They are stand-up guys, strong, decent and fundamentally kind. Not saying they are perfect, some of them can be real jerks at times but they are deep down the kind of people who can be trusted and relied on to come through in the end. That is Clay, the laid back, laconic Marshall who has big plans for his life, the woman he falls in love with and the little girls he now considers daughters.
My only complaint is the story was too short. I would have liked to seen a bit more of the relationship between Clay and Dara Rose develop as well as a bit more info on how a couple of the secondary characters fared.
As with all of Miller's historical Westerns I've read, I really enjoyed the details of dally routines, hardships and satisfaction of life a century or so ago. And I love Miller's heroes. They are stand-up guys, strong, decent and fundamentally kind. Not saying they are perfect, some of them can be real jerks at times but they are deep down the kind of people who can be trusted and relied on to come through in the end. That is Clay, the laid back, laconic Marshall who has big plans for his life, the woman he falls in love with and the little girls he now considers daughters.
My only complaint is the story was too short. I would have liked to seen a bit more of the relationship between Clay and Dara Rose develop as well as a bit more info on how a couple of the secondary characters fared.
August 17, 2015
I spent my holidays reading the whole McKettrick's series.
Old western. Wonderful. I loved Dara Rose from the start. She's proud, she loves her daughters and she's ready to do anything for them. But she cannot marry a man who doesn't want her daughters.
Wonderful story!
Old western. Wonderful. I loved Dara Rose from the start. She's proud, she loves her daughters and she's ready to do anything for them. But she cannot marry a man who doesn't want her daughters.
Wonderful story!
January 4, 2020
Clay arrives in Blue River, having accepted a temporary post as sheriff in exchange for little pay and free housing. Poor fellow. When a young girl meets him at the station, offers to hold his horse, and then introduces him to her mama, Clay is toast. Naturally the child, her younger sister, and their fiery widowed mother are all camped out in the house the city has set aside for him. Clay refuses to move in and see the young widow and her children evicted. Of course, business in Blue River is a bit more complicated than that.
A Lawman's Christmas is a pleasant holiday romp with its heart in the right place. I especially liked spunky young Edrina, and I appreciated the forthright depictions of the family's poverty and the sparse options available to a young widowed mother with two children. This novella is actually the first half of the book I purchased. I haven't read the second enclosed novel yet, but when I do I will review that story separately.
A Lawman's Christmas is a pleasant holiday romp with its heart in the right place. I especially liked spunky young Edrina, and I appreciated the forthright depictions of the family's poverty and the sparse options available to a young widowed mother with two children. This novella is actually the first half of the book I purchased. I haven't read the second enclosed novel yet, but when I do I will review that story separately.
October 2, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
When Clay McKettrick accepts a job as the marshal of the small town Blue River, Texas, it’s not his only plan, but a means to achieve what he really wants: a wife, children, and a ranch.
The time is 1914. Hostilities in Europe are heating up; it’s only a matter of time until buyers will be looking for cattle to feed the armies. Clay plans to be ready. What he doesn’t plan on is falling for his predecessor’s widow.
Dara Rose Nolan is occupying the cottage promised to the new marshal as part of his pay package. But Dara Rose and her two small girls don’t have another place to go...not unless she decides to accept a neighboring rancher’s offer to be his housekeeper and send her daughters to the poor house. Clay, struck by the young woman’s plight and determination, decides he can bunk at the jailhouse until other arrangements can be made, but two things happen to change his mind. First, he’s attracted to the young woman and likes her precocious daughters, and second, the town council is going to evict Dara Rose and sell the cottage if Clay isn’t going to use it. A hasty marriage seems the expedient thing to do, but is it the answer or an attempt at a solution with even greater problems?
Dara Rose is also attracted to Clay, but can she risk telling the handsome lawman her own secrets? Can she risk her heart over a man who may turn out to be one more disappointment in a life of disappointments?
Ms. Miller has created a charming Christmas story that had me hooked from the first page. Dara Rose and her daughters were very much three-dimensional characters, and her hesitance around Clay understandable. I liked her resourcefulness and thrift, even though I didn’t buy the December productivity of her laying hens (mine all but stop laying in October and don’t begin again until February, but maybe California hens differ from Texas hens). Still, the eggs arriving in the nick of time makes for a sweet story.
I felt the epilogue was overdone in that it was an eleven page love scene which seemed like an add-on, just to show the reader that Dara Rose and Clay were going to have a steamy marriage. In the case of A Lawman’s Christmas with it’s charming setting and delightful characters, I think less is more. A fun, sweet and entertaining read.
When Clay McKettrick accepts a job as the marshal of the small town Blue River, Texas, it’s not his only plan, but a means to achieve what he really wants: a wife, children, and a ranch.
The time is 1914. Hostilities in Europe are heating up; it’s only a matter of time until buyers will be looking for cattle to feed the armies. Clay plans to be ready. What he doesn’t plan on is falling for his predecessor’s widow.
Dara Rose Nolan is occupying the cottage promised to the new marshal as part of his pay package. But Dara Rose and her two small girls don’t have another place to go...not unless she decides to accept a neighboring rancher’s offer to be his housekeeper and send her daughters to the poor house. Clay, struck by the young woman’s plight and determination, decides he can bunk at the jailhouse until other arrangements can be made, but two things happen to change his mind. First, he’s attracted to the young woman and likes her precocious daughters, and second, the town council is going to evict Dara Rose and sell the cottage if Clay isn’t going to use it. A hasty marriage seems the expedient thing to do, but is it the answer or an attempt at a solution with even greater problems?
Dara Rose is also attracted to Clay, but can she risk telling the handsome lawman her own secrets? Can she risk her heart over a man who may turn out to be one more disappointment in a life of disappointments?
Ms. Miller has created a charming Christmas story that had me hooked from the first page. Dara Rose and her daughters were very much three-dimensional characters, and her hesitance around Clay understandable. I liked her resourcefulness and thrift, even though I didn’t buy the December productivity of her laying hens (mine all but stop laying in October and don’t begin again until February, but maybe California hens differ from Texas hens). Still, the eggs arriving in the nick of time makes for a sweet story.
I felt the epilogue was overdone in that it was an eleven page love scene which seemed like an add-on, just to show the reader that Dara Rose and Clay were going to have a steamy marriage. In the case of A Lawman’s Christmas with it’s charming setting and delightful characters, I think less is more. A fun, sweet and entertaining read.
October 5, 2011
This was a very nice historical romance. Clay McKettrick comes to Blue River, Texas to mend a broken heart and start a life that isn't always being measured against his grandfather and uncles. He wants to make his own success. He also wants to start a family though love isn't really on his mind. He plans to build his own successful dynasty.
The first person Clay meets is 6-year-old Edrina Nolan. Her father was the former sheriff who recently died. When Clay returns her to her home he meets Dara Rose, the former sheriff's widow. She is in tough straights trying to survive as a widow and care for her children. She is currently living in the house that goes with the sheriff's job but the town fathers want to evict her so that Clay will have the house. Dara Rose is way too busy trying to survive to have any interest in love.
When the town fathers give Dara Rose an ultimatum, Clay proposes a solution. He will marry her and they can stay in the house together. Dara Rose accepts even though she doesn't love Clay because it is the best of several bad options. It takes time and perseverance for Clay to win Dara Rose's heart and trust. But he is just the man for the job.
What I like about Miller's romances is that twist that it is the man who is eager to settle down and have a family. This is different than most of the romances I read. I also like the strong family values in the story. This one was mainly a courtship story. There isn't any physical intimacy between Clay and Dara Rose until after they are married and in just the last few pages of the book.
Fans of Western romances will enjoy this one. I was a special fan of feisty Edrina Nolan and her more reticent but equally stubborn sister Harriet. Those two little girls could tug at anyone's heartstrings.
The first person Clay meets is 6-year-old Edrina Nolan. Her father was the former sheriff who recently died. When Clay returns her to her home he meets Dara Rose, the former sheriff's widow. She is in tough straights trying to survive as a widow and care for her children. She is currently living in the house that goes with the sheriff's job but the town fathers want to evict her so that Clay will have the house. Dara Rose is way too busy trying to survive to have any interest in love.
When the town fathers give Dara Rose an ultimatum, Clay proposes a solution. He will marry her and they can stay in the house together. Dara Rose accepts even though she doesn't love Clay because it is the best of several bad options. It takes time and perseverance for Clay to win Dara Rose's heart and trust. But he is just the man for the job.
What I like about Miller's romances is that twist that it is the man who is eager to settle down and have a family. This is different than most of the romances I read. I also like the strong family values in the story. This one was mainly a courtship story. There isn't any physical intimacy between Clay and Dara Rose until after they are married and in just the last few pages of the book.
Fans of Western romances will enjoy this one. I was a special fan of feisty Edrina Nolan and her more reticent but equally stubborn sister Harriet. Those two little girls could tug at anyone's heartstrings.
August 2, 2011
It's been awhile since I have read a book by Linda Lael Miller, makes me want to dig out my other books by her and reread them. Definately read more books of hers.
Clay McKettricks want to start his own ranch so he moved away from his family to texas. Clay plans to mark time over winter as a new sherriff in town. Thier is a small house that comes with the sherriff job, but the last sherriff widow and two daughters still live thier. Soon as Clay gets his horse of the train Edrina comes up to hold his reins so he can help the train conducter shut the car up. Edrina is up on the horse bareback when Clay turns around. I love Edrina she is smart,nice and funny at age 7. She tells Clay that now he is thier they will have to go to poor house.
Clay tells Dara Rose for now he will bunk at jail. The mayor tells her she needs to be out after Christmas if the new sherriff does not want it the town will sell the house.
Dara Rose does not know where to turn. Her choices are to be a ranch housekeeper and cook than after a year the ranger might marry her, but girls are not welcome. The other choice is work at brothel and girls cant live her. Thier is no way she is leaving her girls.
When Clay hears what the Mayor says he proposes marriage to Dara Rose right now it will be in name only and hope that one day will be a real mariage.
I like this good christmas story. I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.
Clay McKettricks want to start his own ranch so he moved away from his family to texas. Clay plans to mark time over winter as a new sherriff in town. Thier is a small house that comes with the sherriff job, but the last sherriff widow and two daughters still live thier. Soon as Clay gets his horse of the train Edrina comes up to hold his reins so he can help the train conducter shut the car up. Edrina is up on the horse bareback when Clay turns around. I love Edrina she is smart,nice and funny at age 7. She tells Clay that now he is thier they will have to go to poor house.
Clay tells Dara Rose for now he will bunk at jail. The mayor tells her she needs to be out after Christmas if the new sherriff does not want it the town will sell the house.
Dara Rose does not know where to turn. Her choices are to be a ranch housekeeper and cook than after a year the ranger might marry her, but girls are not welcome. The other choice is work at brothel and girls cant live her. Thier is no way she is leaving her girls.
When Clay hears what the Mayor says he proposes marriage to Dara Rose right now it will be in name only and hope that one day will be a real mariage.
I like this good christmas story. I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.
October 3, 2011
4.5 Stars
What an old-fashioned, feel-good Christmas story! I loved it! The story, and romance were slow and satisfying, with a great cast of characters.
I loved both Dara Rose's and Clay's relationship with her two little girls. The girls had real personalities, they weren't just props or seen as something for the main characters to 'take care of'. Clay's sweet side really came out where the girls were concerned. The family aspect of the tale was one of my favorite things about this book.
Clay was altogether a great lead, darn near perfect in fact. Definitely the strong, silent type, I would have thought Dara Rose would fall in love with him a little faster!
Even though I really enjoyed the book, a couple of things seemed a little exaggerated to me. Clay had a great job as the town marshal, but sometimes he threw his money around a bit too much as he were a millionaire. Also, the fact that on one in town was willing to help Dara Rose even the tiniest bit rang a little false for me. It seemed like it was going too far to make her situation seem really pitiful.
I loved the slow, country-fied voice of the novel. When done right, this is one of my favorite styles of writing, and Miller definitely does it right. Her dialogue, especially, is spot on an old fashioned country drawl.
A wonderful holiday romance about family and second chance at love.
book sent by publicist in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
What an old-fashioned, feel-good Christmas story! I loved it! The story, and romance were slow and satisfying, with a great cast of characters.
I loved both Dara Rose's and Clay's relationship with her two little girls. The girls had real personalities, they weren't just props or seen as something for the main characters to 'take care of'. Clay's sweet side really came out where the girls were concerned. The family aspect of the tale was one of my favorite things about this book.
Clay was altogether a great lead, darn near perfect in fact. Definitely the strong, silent type, I would have thought Dara Rose would fall in love with him a little faster!
Even though I really enjoyed the book, a couple of things seemed a little exaggerated to me. Clay had a great job as the town marshal, but sometimes he threw his money around a bit too much as he were a millionaire. Also, the fact that on one in town was willing to help Dara Rose even the tiniest bit rang a little false for me. It seemed like it was going too far to make her situation seem really pitiful.
I loved the slow, country-fied voice of the novel. When done right, this is one of my favorite styles of writing, and Miller definitely does it right. Her dialogue, especially, is spot on an old fashioned country drawl.
A wonderful holiday romance about family and second chance at love.
book sent by publicist in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
December 4, 2011
I really enjoyed the story in this book. I have enjoyed many books by this author and knew I would like this one as well. The story in this book is one of those feel good, happily ever after stories that are perfect for a holiday themed book. I absolutely loved Edrina. At 6 years old she is wise beyond her years as is her 5 year old sister. Edrina had a way of exasperating her mother while speaking the truth and getting answers to questions no one wanted to answer.
Clay McKettrick came to the town, what there is of it, of Blue River, Texas to be the new Marshall. He had all he could do to keep himself busy in such a small town but the minute he laid eyes on Dara Rose Nolan he knew he was in love. The journey that takes them from "hello" to "I love you" is quite a story and not to be missed.
I read this book in one night. It has characters you can fall in love with, ones you can relate to, and ones you might just smack if you could. I highly recommend this book for the holiday season or anytime.
Clay McKettrick came to the town, what there is of it, of Blue River, Texas to be the new Marshall. He had all he could do to keep himself busy in such a small town but the minute he laid eyes on Dara Rose Nolan he knew he was in love. The journey that takes them from "hello" to "I love you" is quite a story and not to be missed.
I read this book in one night. It has characters you can fall in love with, ones you can relate to, and ones you might just smack if you could. I highly recommend this book for the holiday season or anytime.
February 7, 2013
A warm oldfashioned Christmas romance. Ms. Miller can churn out these westerns a mile a minute, yet they never get stale!
Fortune has not been kind to Dara Rose, a newly widowed mother with two young children. With her husband, the town marshall killed, she faces eviction & destitution. With options (and money) running out, she worries if she will be able to keep her children safe with her. Moved by her plight, Clay McKettrick steps in, and offers marriage.
I love the slow pace of the 'homesteading' novels. I did feel that even though Dara Rose's poverty and suffering weren't romantisized, Clay McKettrick's throwing money left and right was a little improbable. This was ofcourse, in an era where people's wealth was tied to their property and didn't roam around with wads of cash in hand. The children, Edrina and Harriet were charming from the start, more so Edrina who went "Thunderation and spit!" for any surprising thing.
A short, solid romance for a holiday season.
Fortune has not been kind to Dara Rose, a newly widowed mother with two young children. With her husband, the town marshall killed, she faces eviction & destitution. With options (and money) running out, she worries if she will be able to keep her children safe with her. Moved by her plight, Clay McKettrick steps in, and offers marriage.
I love the slow pace of the 'homesteading' novels. I did feel that even though Dara Rose's poverty and suffering weren't romantisized, Clay McKettrick's throwing money left and right was a little improbable. This was ofcourse, in an era where people's wealth was tied to their property and didn't roam around with wads of cash in hand. The children, Edrina and Harriet were charming from the start, more so Edrina who went "Thunderation and spit!" for any surprising thing.
A short, solid romance for a holiday season.
August 1, 2018
I really enjoyed the plot...But...the reason I gave it four stars instead of five is the last chapter. I have to say that I was not into all the explicit sex details that Miller felt was necessary to explain. I like a good 'love making' scenario but honestly..an entire chapter of what goes on under the covers. This was a Christmas book...just some really nice romance would have been nice.
December 16, 2011
A warm Christmas tale starring a competent Dudley Do-Right hero, a precious seven year old child, her frightened sister and a distrusting mom. Readers will enjoy spending the holidays with Clay and his new family.
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December 1, 2018Miniseries: McKettricks of Texas
April 1, 2023
Set in 1914 at the start of WWI, the book really gives you an idea of what it must have been like for so many people in hard times out west. Men still wore guns. There were still marshals in small towns. But best of all, Sears and Roebuck sold houses that could be delivered. I remember once looking at an old Sears catalog that listed about four or five different houses one could buy at a fairly reasonable price for the times, so I was delighted that Ms. Miller picked that up and used it. The whole concept amazes me still. I kept thinking of my grandparents while I was reading this and wondering what it must have been like for them, only on the east coast, Chesapeake Bay area. They survived WWI (my granddad came home from that war) and the Spanish Flu and had three children. He died when my mother was four, and his widow had nearly the same situation as Dara Rose, except she had the support of family to fall back on. Still, food and clothing were short and Christmases were light on gifts, so this book really got to me.
November 5, 2018
Clay McKettrick is the new Marshall in Blue River, Texas, though it is only supposed to be his job until they find someone else to fill the office. He wants to get started on the cattle ranch that is his true reason for making Blue River home. In the meantime, he finds himself drawn to the late Marshall's widow, Dara Rose. She also still lives in what is supposed to be the Marshall home, supplied by the city for each man that fills the office. Since Dara Rose has nowhere else to go Clay allows her to stay there until she finds another home for herself and her two daughters. Dara Rose finds herself attracted to the new Marshall also, though she does not want to be.
Together they make some decisions that work for both of them falling deeply in love in the process.
Good characters. Dara Rose's daughters are spunky.
Together they make some decisions that work for both of them falling deeply in love in the process.
Good characters. Dara Rose's daughters are spunky.
January 2, 2021
I have stacks of Christmas themed books and I try get through at least a few every year around the holidays. I was a little concerned I wouldn’t easily get through this because I’ve never read any McKettrick books but happily, this stands alone just fine. In fact, while it stands on its own, it was written in just the right way to pique my interest in the rest of the McKettrick books. If you’re looking for things to criticize, I’m sure you’ll find some. But if you’re looking for a quaint, easy holiday read, this is a great little book to add to your list. In the midst of a progressively over commercialized Christmas season each year- there are plenty of reminders in this book to stop and think of a time when people were grateful for one special gift and would have thought what’s under many trees today to be over indulgent and unnecessary.
March 15, 2025
This is my first read of author Linda Lael Miller and I loved it. A historical romance novel circa 1914, it hit me on all counts. The characters are fully detailed and complement one another.
Dara Rose Nolan is the widow of a Texas lawman who died in a brothel. Now to add to her misery, she's about to be kicked out of the home she made for herself and her two small daughters.
The newly hired lawman, Clay McKettrick, has been promised the shack that comes as part of his salary.
Luckily, Clay has fallen for Dara Rose at first sight, so he declines to have her evicted.
Then again, a not-so-nice man of wealth, wants to force her hand, so attempts to buy the shack. He wants her for himself and tries devious tactics to obtain her.
All the characters resonate off the pages and into our imagination. Great story of ugly secrets and the fulfillment of dreams.
Dara Rose Nolan is the widow of a Texas lawman who died in a brothel. Now to add to her misery, she's about to be kicked out of the home she made for herself and her two small daughters.
The newly hired lawman, Clay McKettrick, has been promised the shack that comes as part of his salary.
Luckily, Clay has fallen for Dara Rose at first sight, so he declines to have her evicted.
Then again, a not-so-nice man of wealth, wants to force her hand, so attempts to buy the shack. He wants her for himself and tries devious tactics to obtain her.
All the characters resonate off the pages and into our imagination. Great story of ugly secrets and the fulfillment of dreams.
June 6, 2025
The sudden death of the town marshal leaves Blue River, Texas, without a lawman…and twenty-five-year-old Dara Rose Nolan without a husband. As winter approaches and her meager seamstress income dwindles, she has three options. Yet she won’t give up her two young daughters, refuses to join the fallen women of the Bitter Gulch Saloon and can’t fathom condemning herself to another loveless marriage. Unfortunately she must decide—soon—because there’s a new marshal in town, and she’s living under his roof.
With the heart of a cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn’t interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship—and passion. And when they say “I do” to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman’s Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife….
With the heart of a cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn’t interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship—and passion. And when they say “I do” to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman’s Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife….
June 16, 2018
This book was cute for words. The McKettricks are at it again, this time a story about the 3rd generation of rhe family from the Triple M ranch. Clay just became the marshal of Blue River Texas when he finds himself in bit of a situation. The previous marshal dies suddenly in the arms of dance hall firl, and leaves behind a wife and two daughters who are penniless and will lose the home they live in when Clay comes to town to become Marshal. Will Clay be able to do that, put her and her children in the street or will lovw hit him at seeing Dara Rose? This was an endearing story that easily van be read in one sitting. Love the attention to detail that was plced wirh characters and above all the story of how love can be found even when you believe all is lost
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January 9, 2023Part of the McKettricks series in which Clay McKettrick arrives in Blue Ridge, TX, intent of starting his own ranch there while serving, at least temporarily, as sheriff of the little town. First person to meet him when he departs the train is 6-year-old Edrina, the older daughter of Dara Rose, widow of the previous sheriff. She's still living in the sheriff's house, but the town council wants to kick her out so that Clay can move in. He nixes that idea until Dara is threatened in another way and solves that particular problem by proposing marriage to Dara.
How long will it take him to convince Dara that they'll be happy together when her first--but not only thought--is to keep her children safe?
How long will it take him to convince Dara that they'll be happy together when her first--but not only thought--is to keep her children safe?
May 27, 2023
I have enjoyed Ms. Miller's books over the years. I generally pick up her books to read when I want an easy read. Her characters are always well written. This was one in the McKettricks series & I always enjoy re-connecting with a character/series that I read about before. It's like stepping back into a family gathering. But each book in this series stands on it's own merits.
This story is about a young man starting out on his own, away from his family. Not because he doesn't like them but because he wants the distance in order to make his own decisions. Then he meets & falls in love with a widow with 2 daughters.
Hopefully, Ms. Miller will continue their story at some point in time. It would be interesting to read!
Good read & I've enjoyed it!
This story is about a young man starting out on his own, away from his family. Not because he doesn't like them but because he wants the distance in order to make his own decisions. Then he meets & falls in love with a widow with 2 daughters.
Hopefully, Ms. Miller will continue their story at some point in time. It would be interesting to read!
Good read & I've enjoyed it!
February 11, 2018
Since Clay McKettrick was often referred to as the family patriarch throughout the McKettrick series, it was nice that this book went back in time to tell his story.
Since he had been working on his father's ranch his whole life, it was unclear how a man in his late twenties had enough money to buy a 2,000 acre ranch, was able to buy a prefab house from Sears, and planned to buy cattle. It would have been nice to have that explained.
I didn't blame Dara Rose for being concerned since he was spending money like a drunken sailor. It wasn't normal for such a young man to have the kind of money that he supposedly had.
Other than that glaring oversight, it was an enjoyable story.
Since he had been working on his father's ranch his whole life, it was unclear how a man in his late twenties had enough money to buy a 2,000 acre ranch, was able to buy a prefab house from Sears, and planned to buy cattle. It would have been nice to have that explained.
I didn't blame Dara Rose for being concerned since he was spending money like a drunken sailor. It wasn't normal for such a young man to have the kind of money that he supposedly had.
Other than that glaring oversight, it was an enjoyable story.
December 9, 2018
Clay McKettrick and Dara Rose Nolan
I jumped a few to get to this Christmas story and it was a very enjoyable story for the holidays. It’s 1914 and Clay has left to start on his own in Texas. He is the new Marshall in Blue River and eventually wants to ranch here and start a family. But first he has to do his job and settle in.
Times are harsh and Dara is doing the best since she is living in the marshal’s home on borrowed time. What makes sense is to marry him for the convenience of staying out. It also helps that he is attracted to her. Cute kids, cute dog and a slow to love for Clay and Dara.
I jumped a few to get to this Christmas story and it was a very enjoyable story for the holidays. It’s 1914 and Clay has left to start on his own in Texas. He is the new Marshall in Blue River and eventually wants to ranch here and start a family. But first he has to do his job and settle in.
Times are harsh and Dara is doing the best since she is living in the marshal’s home on borrowed time. What makes sense is to marry him for the convenience of staying out. It also helps that he is attracted to her. Cute kids, cute dog and a slow to love for Clay and Dara.
September 6, 2021
This is a lovely historical romance. The heroine is likeable and her girls, Harriet and Edrina, adorable. The Christmas party at the end was a nice touch. Clean and sweet if you don't read the epilogue.
Dara Rose seemed to sense that he was looking at her, and she turned to meet his gaze, colored up again and looked quickly away. The girls returned to the kitchen just then, before anything more could be said, Harriet going on about that doll she meant to name Florence, and Edrina replying in lofty, big-sister fashion that Harriet ought to wish in one hand and spit in the other and see which one got full faster.
Dara Rose seemed to sense that he was looking at her, and she turned to meet his gaze, colored up again and looked quickly away. The girls returned to the kitchen just then, before anything more could be said, Harriet going on about that doll she meant to name Florence, and Edrina replying in lofty, big-sister fashion that Harriet ought to wish in one hand and spit in the other and see which one got full faster.
May 12, 2017
This was a cute story with way too many inconsistencies to rate higher. of course for me.the whole knee deep.snow in Texas killed one star. Piper' s poor pitiful me attitude and inability to launder clothes killed another star. why burn your only cloak because it had blood on it but make sure you cut it up first. she was also ready tok destroys quilt because it had some blood and mud on it.then whine because she had nothing warm? how can she love Sawyer when she didn't trust him at all???
so if you read this book as pure fantasy not romance it gets 3 stars
so if you read this book as pure fantasy not romance it gets 3 stars
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