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Christmas Roses
Celia Anderson doesn't need anything for Christmas except a few more boarders, which are hard to come by in this small mining town. She certainly doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a wandering carpenter finds lodging at her boarding house, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle to get roses during a harsh Wyoming winter. But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .
Amanda Cabot invites readers to cozy up with a romantic, heartwarming tale of the greatest gift of all--love.
Amanda Cabot invites readers to cozy up with a romantic, heartwarming tale of the greatest gift of all--love.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2012
181 people are currently reading
1344 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Cabot
40 books993 followersWith both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than forty novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
November 19, 2012
Christmas Roses is such a sweet, cozy little read. By sweet, I mean like fresh baked chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven. Shame-faced I'll admit this is my first Amanda Cabot book, but I'll no doubt be stacking up on Cabot books. Cabot brings to life this little community in the Wyoming Territory and makes us feel right at home. We're invited into Celia Anderson's boardinghouse with kindness and a homey feel. Like going to Grandma's, or hot chocolate on a snowy winter's night.
One of the things I like about Cabot's characterization of Celia is that the reader was not just told she's an immigrant for Sweden. Cabot brings her to life on the pages so the reader can experience the life of this woman. And Mark Williams, he's not just a traveler passing through. Cabot couldn't have provided a better occupation than a carpenter for this loveable hero, he pays attention to small details.
Celia's faith is strong, even given the recent heartache she's endured, and Mark, like in all things takes notice.
I won't spoil it for you, but there is plenty emotional conflict to keep these two separated, which leads to a satisfying Christmas miracle.
If you are looking for a book to curl up beneath your favorite afghan and sip hot cocoa, or you're looking for the perfect holiday gift for that special reader in your life, consider Christmas Roses.
December 13, 2022
Newly widowed with a baby, young Cecelia owns and operates a boarding house. She is struggling to make ends meet when a carpenter comes along looking for a room. He’s in town searching for the father who abandoned him as a boy. His kindness towards Cecelia helps her realize that she wants more than a convenient marriage to one of the men in town.
This is a cozy Christmas read, one I really enjoyed. I like the short length of most of the Christmas books I’ve been reading. With so much to do in December, it’s easy to finish these kinds of sweet stories.
This is a cozy Christmas read, one I really enjoyed. I like the short length of most of the Christmas books I’ve been reading. With so much to do in December, it’s easy to finish these kinds of sweet stories.
August 14, 2016
Wyoming, 1882. Celia Anderson is the owner of a boardinghouse, she is a young widow and has a little daughter to raise. All she wants for Christmas is some more boarders to help her improve her finances. Furthermore, she does not want to remarry unless she finds the right man, a special man who must love her and her daughter and also grant her secret wish: she would love to have roses for Christmas, a particular wish since it is impossible to find roses during the cold winter. When an itinerant carpenter arrives in search of his father, she starts to feel something precious she did not think possible to experience in her life and she starts to hope that the magic Christmas brings with it can give her a new happiness and peace.
When I finished this story I was happy to have found it. “Christmas roses” is lovely. Amanda Cabot wrote a delightful novella that you can read at any moment, not only at Christmas. The journey of a man in search of his father has a double meaning. Mark Williams is searching for his earthly father without knowing that maybe he needs to find his heavenly father to start a real life. Eventually he will find something and someone that will change his life forever.
I enjoyed a lot reading this book. It is a simple story but thanks to its simplicity it becomes great. Sometimes it is quite difficult to follow and consequently to love a complicated plot, even the best one. But this tale gives readers something worth thinking about and hope for the future. Its deepest meaning, in fact, is that miracles can really happen.
A very sweet story I highly recommend!
When I finished this story I was happy to have found it. “Christmas roses” is lovely. Amanda Cabot wrote a delightful novella that you can read at any moment, not only at Christmas. The journey of a man in search of his father has a double meaning. Mark Williams is searching for his earthly father without knowing that maybe he needs to find his heavenly father to start a real life. Eventually he will find something and someone that will change his life forever.
I enjoyed a lot reading this book. It is a simple story but thanks to its simplicity it becomes great. Sometimes it is quite difficult to follow and consequently to love a complicated plot, even the best one. But this tale gives readers something worth thinking about and hope for the future. Its deepest meaning, in fact, is that miracles can really happen.
A very sweet story I highly recommend!
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Celia Anderson doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a traveling carpenter finds lodging at her boardinghouse, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle, though, to find roses during a harsh Wyoming winter.
But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .
REVIEW: Amanda Cabot is well-known for her sweet, tenderhearted historical romances, and Christmas Roses lives right up to that billing. Although a short novella (only 175 pages), it has a good plot and the hero and heroine both draw you right into the story. It didn't feel rushed at all even in its brevity. The surprising twist to the ending adds a special touch of the Christmas miracle. A quick, easy and enjoyable read that all historical romance fiction fans should enjoy. Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate, a warm quilt, next to the fire or Christmas tree and treat yourself to an afternoon delight.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "None of us can do it alone. It's only our foolish pride that makes us think we can. Fortunately, for us, God will help. All We have to do is ask."
"It's not a matter of deserving. God will help you because he loves you."
"He felt as if an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders, leaving in its place the gentle, featherweight touch of peace.
But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .
REVIEW: Amanda Cabot is well-known for her sweet, tenderhearted historical romances, and Christmas Roses lives right up to that billing. Although a short novella (only 175 pages), it has a good plot and the hero and heroine both draw you right into the story. It didn't feel rushed at all even in its brevity. The surprising twist to the ending adds a special touch of the Christmas miracle. A quick, easy and enjoyable read that all historical romance fiction fans should enjoy. Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate, a warm quilt, next to the fire or Christmas tree and treat yourself to an afternoon delight.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "None of us can do it alone. It's only our foolish pride that makes us think we can. Fortunately, for us, God will help. All We have to do is ask."
"It's not a matter of deserving. God will help you because he loves you."
"He felt as if an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders, leaving in its place the gentle, featherweight touch of peace.
December 4, 2019
This was such a good book! I loved the story and couldn’t put it down. I was so happy with the ending!:)
December 23, 2023
3.5⭐️ rounded to 4⭐️
Though it started a little slow, I ended up really enjoying this sweet story and it’s characters. The romance was squeaky clean. It has a nice Christmassy feel. There is some depth to it. Mark and Celia both have had tragedy in their more recent past. Still I didn’t find this story heavy. The spiritual aspect was okay. I wish the author had gone into a bit more detail about what exactly happens there in Marks growth. Still it was a nice, Christmas book.
Recommended: ages 13+
Content: abandonment, loss
Though it started a little slow, I ended up really enjoying this sweet story and it’s characters. The romance was squeaky clean. It has a nice Christmassy feel. There is some depth to it. Mark and Celia both have had tragedy in their more recent past. Still I didn’t find this story heavy. The spiritual aspect was okay. I wish the author had gone into a bit more detail about what exactly happens there in Marks growth. Still it was a nice, Christmas book.
Recommended: ages 13+
Content: abandonment, loss
February 24, 2023
Christmas Roses was a sweet Christmas story. I loved the way Christmas roses played into the storyline - so cute!
The romance was nice and wasn't too rushed. I enjoyed Mark's character and felt for him in his search for his father.
All in all, Christmas Roses was a good read and I recommend it if you are looking for an easy, Christmas read.
The romance was nice and wasn't too rushed. I enjoyed Mark's character and felt for him in his search for his father.
All in all, Christmas Roses was a good read and I recommend it if you are looking for an easy, Christmas read.
December 5, 2024
A cute, sweet, predictable Christmas story.
October 2, 2014
I'm not usually one to read novellas. The word count can make it tricky to tell a full story. There was something about the idea of this historical where a widow isn't looking for a husband -- unless there's a man who can find her roses in the middle of a Wyoming winter. Celia Anderson has several suitors, but she's really content providing for her daughter and caring for her boarders. Then a carpenter wanders into town on a mission to find his father. In this man who is sensitive to her needs she sees what being cared for could be. But she wants someone who understands her soul, too.
This is a sweet story. It doesn't take long to read, but felt full and rich -- not easy to do within the limitations of a novella. The setting is real, the characters varied, and the romance just right. If you're one who loves Christmas stories, you must read this one. And if you love a sweet romance, then you'll also enjoy Christmas Roses.
September 27, 2012
Great read by Amanda Cabot! Rich Christmas characters, sweet fireside romance, and it definitely puts one in the sentimental mood for a warm, gingersnap type of Christmas. So excited to share this with the family and my friends
December 31, 2020
"Christmas is the season of miracles"
This is a beautiful love story between Mark an itinerant Carpenter looking for his father and Celia a young widow running a boarding house.
What Celia wants is a man who loves her for who she is not only for her cooking or motherhood skills but her man who can find a way to give her Roses even in Winter.
This is a beautiful love story between Mark an itinerant Carpenter looking for his father and Celia a young widow running a boarding house.
What Celia wants is a man who loves her for who she is not only for her cooking or motherhood skills but her man who can find a way to give her Roses even in Winter.
November 29, 2019
Beautiful!
Christmas Roses is one of the most beautiful Christmas romance stories I have read in a long time. It was tender and touching, and I loved everything about it - the storyline, the writing, and the lovable main characters. I didn't want it to end.
Loved it, loved it!
Christmas Roses is one of the most beautiful Christmas romance stories I have read in a long time. It was tender and touching, and I loved everything about it - the storyline, the writing, and the lovable main characters. I didn't want it to end.
Loved it, loved it!
December 15, 2017
I really loved this book! The setting is 1882 Wyoming, just before the Christmas season. A stranger to the small town of Easton finds himself unexpectedly interested in a young widow who runs a boarding house to provide for herself and six month old daughter. Although neither of them has any intentions of marrying, the story is further complicated by the attentions of two men who have also thought that Celia would make a good wife for them. The dialogue is very realistic and entertaining. Three year old Aaron stole my heart. A great read at any time, but especially at Christmas.
December 9, 2019
This is a sweet read for Christmas. Fairly predictable and it ends a little too abruptly. With that said, at Christmas time this is perfect because we all have so bc much going on!
March 6, 2018
A 3 star rating is a bit high, but Christmas gives you an extra star in my book. As a historical romances go, this was like a soft core Harlequin Romance that I read when I was 12. Widow woman running a boarding house with a 6 month old baby meets an itinerant carpenter looking for his father. It was a nice holiday read if you are into historical Christian Fiction romances.
December 23, 2020
A sweet tale of love and reconciliation at Christmas in the Old West
December 29, 2013
Novellas are always really hit or miss for me, especially Christmas-themed ones. Sometimes they can seem a bit too trite or forced in their messages, and other times the characters just aren't developed enough for the short length of the story. Given that I picked this book up for free on Kindle, I was exceptionally pleased to find that it didn't fall into either of these categories.
A few people have commented that the story is predictable, and given that it's a simple romance with a Christmas message, it's probably true. But Amanda Cabot takes a well-worn romantic storyline and makes it endearing and compelling with characters that you can't help but care about, as well as a small-town setting that fits the sweet message in this book. There were just enough secondary characters for the town to feel real, but not too many that they felt like cardboard cut-outs. Celia's obsession with roses and the descriptions of her boarding house made it feel like home by the time I finished this book.
Celia's personal conflict wasn't quite as interesting as Mark's, but the interplay between them was compelling. I did worry that Mark's spiritual struggle would become a bit cliche, as it seemed to be fitting the typical "I've lost my faith because a bad thing happened to me" mould, but the way in which he regained his belief in God and the beautiful sermon at the end of the story were definitely original and believable.
A few things happened right at the end of the book regarding Mark's family that felt a bit rushed, so because of that and the fact that Celia's conflict was a bit weak, I think I'd give this book 4.5 out of 5 rather than full marks. In spite of its flaws, Amanda Cabot crafted a sweet, endearing Christmas story with relatable characters and a original take on an oft-told message. It's definitely one of my favourite Christmas reads of 2013.
A few people have commented that the story is predictable, and given that it's a simple romance with a Christmas message, it's probably true. But Amanda Cabot takes a well-worn romantic storyline and makes it endearing and compelling with characters that you can't help but care about, as well as a small-town setting that fits the sweet message in this book. There were just enough secondary characters for the town to feel real, but not too many that they felt like cardboard cut-outs. Celia's obsession with roses and the descriptions of her boarding house made it feel like home by the time I finished this book.
Celia's personal conflict wasn't quite as interesting as Mark's, but the interplay between them was compelling. I did worry that Mark's spiritual struggle would become a bit cliche, as it seemed to be fitting the typical "I've lost my faith because a bad thing happened to me" mould, but the way in which he regained his belief in God and the beautiful sermon at the end of the story were definitely original and believable.
A few things happened right at the end of the book regarding Mark's family that felt a bit rushed, so because of that and the fact that Celia's conflict was a bit weak, I think I'd give this book 4.5 out of 5 rather than full marks. In spite of its flaws, Amanda Cabot crafted a sweet, endearing Christmas story with relatable characters and a original take on an oft-told message. It's definitely one of my favourite Christmas reads of 2013.
November 20, 2012
If your parent had abandoned you when you were a child, would you search for him/her for two years when you were an adult?
That’s the premise for Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot. Mark Williams was abandoned by his father when he was a child. Now, he’s determined to find his dad, trying to discover why he’d left his mother alone to raise Mark. Mark’s mother had told Mark that his father had died when he was a youngster. However, after his mother’s death, he discovers that his mother had not been telling him the truth about his dad.
Mark goes on a two year search from town to town, trying to find his dad, using his carpentry skills to make a living. When he stops in a small Wyoming town, seeking lodging while he continues his search, he meets Celia Anderson. Celia, a Swedish woman, is raising her daughter alone since her husband was killed in a mining accident one year ago. Celia is drawn to Mark, however, he’s bitter against his absentee father, and he’s also bitter against God. It appears that there’s no way that a relationship could work between them.
This was a light read that you can finish in a few hours. The story was refreshing. I felt that the conflict between the characters was deep and realistic. I also loved the small, close-knit, religious town. The townspeople socialized together, enjoying a group dinner on Thanksgiving. It’s heartwarming to see an entire town celebrating a holiday with one another. I thought it was interesting that Celia was Swedish. You learn a bit about Swedish customs, plus, there’s a great-sounding Swedish pound cake recipe in the back of the book!
Many thanks to Baker/Revell for providing me with a free review copy!
That’s the premise for Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot. Mark Williams was abandoned by his father when he was a child. Now, he’s determined to find his dad, trying to discover why he’d left his mother alone to raise Mark. Mark’s mother had told Mark that his father had died when he was a youngster. However, after his mother’s death, he discovers that his mother had not been telling him the truth about his dad.
Mark goes on a two year search from town to town, trying to find his dad, using his carpentry skills to make a living. When he stops in a small Wyoming town, seeking lodging while he continues his search, he meets Celia Anderson. Celia, a Swedish woman, is raising her daughter alone since her husband was killed in a mining accident one year ago. Celia is drawn to Mark, however, he’s bitter against his absentee father, and he’s also bitter against God. It appears that there’s no way that a relationship could work between them.
This was a light read that you can finish in a few hours. The story was refreshing. I felt that the conflict between the characters was deep and realistic. I also loved the small, close-knit, religious town. The townspeople socialized together, enjoying a group dinner on Thanksgiving. It’s heartwarming to see an entire town celebrating a holiday with one another. I thought it was interesting that Celia was Swedish. You learn a bit about Swedish customs, plus, there’s a great-sounding Swedish pound cake recipe in the back of the book!
Many thanks to Baker/Revell for providing me with a free review copy!
November 22, 2012
Celia Anderson is a young widow with a baby daughter and is praying that more boarders will show up to help her make ends meet. The last thing she wants is to remarry even if it means her daughter would have a father.When wandering carpenter Mark Williams arrives on her door looking for a place to stay, she doesn't expect him to work his way into her heart. After all, she'll only remarry if the man she marries brings her roses for Christmas. Mark is searching for answers and finds the small Wyoming town a good spot to stay for the winter before continuing on his quest. He sure wasn't expecting to have his heart stolen by a beautiful widow and her infant daughter. He also wasn't expecting to make peace with the God she loves. Will he figure out a way to give Celia roses for Chirstmas?
This is the first book I've ever read by Amanda Cabot. This was a really sweet story that shows how Christmas is a time of miracles. Mark learns to let go and finds that dreams can come true. Celia learns love again. This is a very sweet Christmas book and made me glad to visit the season.
I received this book for free from the publisher, Revell Books, for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Available in September 2012 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Recommended for fans of Melody Carlson, Christmas stories, Thomas Kinkade, Cindy Woodsmall.
Rating - 4 stars
This is the first book I've ever read by Amanda Cabot. This was a really sweet story that shows how Christmas is a time of miracles. Mark learns to let go and finds that dreams can come true. Celia learns love again. This is a very sweet Christmas book and made me glad to visit the season.
I received this book for free from the publisher, Revell Books, for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Available in September 2012 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Recommended for fans of Melody Carlson, Christmas stories, Thomas Kinkade, Cindy Woodsmall.
Rating - 4 stars
December 5, 2012
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Christmas Roses is a wonderful story about Celia Anderson. Celia is a single mom who runs a boarding house, providing for she and her daughter. She knows her daughter needs a dad, but doesn’t want to marry because of need, she wants a marriage of love. Well, then Mark comes into the picture!
This is a sweet, charming and heartwarming historical story that would be wonderful for everyone to read for Christmas. I love the beautiful cover, and the story just goes right along with what the cover shows. Amanda Cabot creates realistic and amazing characters to tell her Christmas story, and I enjoyed getting to know each character as the story unfolds. Around Christmastime I try to read all of the Christmas stories I can, and I am honored to read and review Christmas Roses. This is a story that will stay with you throughout the Christmas Season.
“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
This book was provided by Revel Publishers for me to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
Christmas Roses is a wonderful story about Celia Anderson. Celia is a single mom who runs a boarding house, providing for she and her daughter. She knows her daughter needs a dad, but doesn’t want to marry because of need, she wants a marriage of love. Well, then Mark comes into the picture!
This is a sweet, charming and heartwarming historical story that would be wonderful for everyone to read for Christmas. I love the beautiful cover, and the story just goes right along with what the cover shows. Amanda Cabot creates realistic and amazing characters to tell her Christmas story, and I enjoyed getting to know each character as the story unfolds. Around Christmastime I try to read all of the Christmas stories I can, and I am honored to read and review Christmas Roses. This is a story that will stay with you throughout the Christmas Season.
“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
This book was provided by Revel Publishers for me to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
November 22, 2012
This is a sweet Christmas novella, I really enjoyed the story. The author's writing really pulls you in to the story, and you get to know the characters even in the short amount of pages. I really like these old fashioned Christmas stories, and this one really fit the niche nicely for me.
I thought Mark was very sweet, he was always so helpful without ever looking for credit. Celia was a different kind of strong. She was so strong in learning to run a boarding house after her husband passed away, and taking care of her baby all by herself. But she was never stubborn and she always asked for help when she needed it.
The secondary characters were great as well, which to me shows what a good writer Cabot is. She made me want to get to know the whole town, and find out everyone's personalities.
Overall, a sweet Christmas novel with great characters and a lovely romance.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I thought Mark was very sweet, he was always so helpful without ever looking for credit. Celia was a different kind of strong. She was so strong in learning to run a boarding house after her husband passed away, and taking care of her baby all by herself. But she was never stubborn and she always asked for help when she needed it.
The secondary characters were great as well, which to me shows what a good writer Cabot is. She made me want to get to know the whole town, and find out everyone's personalities.
Overall, a sweet Christmas novel with great characters and a lovely romance.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
September 28, 2012
Christmas Roses is a wonderful novella and, to me, everything a novella should be. It didn't feel rushed at all, like so many of them do. I was able to lose myself in the story immediately - I love when that happens! I didn't stop reading until I reached the end and what an ending - it was so sweet and perfect!
While this is a Christmas story, I think it could be read and enjoyed any time of year. It's definitely a book I plan on rereading at least once a year...and I may even reread it again this year because I loved it that much! If you are looking for a great book with a Christmas theme, I completely recommend that you read this book. And if you are a fan of historical fiction, you should definitely read it.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
While this is a Christmas story, I think it could be read and enjoyed any time of year. It's definitely a book I plan on rereading at least once a year...and I may even reread it again this year because I loved it that much! If you are looking for a great book with a Christmas theme, I completely recommend that you read this book. And if you are a fan of historical fiction, you should definitely read it.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
September 17, 2012
Celia Anderson is recently widowed and has no thought of remarrying, especially not to the two men that have shown her interest in the past months. If she were to consider marriage again, it would be for love this time, not as an arrangement by her parents.
In search for his father, Mark Williams finds himself in a small town in Wyoming. What he hadn’t expected to find was a woman and child that win his heart. With his carpentry skills, Mark crafts a gift for Celia, along with a question, in hopes of winning her heart.
At only 172 pages, CHRISTMAS ROSES by AMANDA CABOT, is a quick read. A sweet and heartwarming story, just in time for Christmas with a surprise ending.
In search for his father, Mark Williams finds himself in a small town in Wyoming. What he hadn’t expected to find was a woman and child that win his heart. With his carpentry skills, Mark crafts a gift for Celia, along with a question, in hopes of winning her heart.
At only 172 pages, CHRISTMAS ROSES by AMANDA CABOT, is a quick read. A sweet and heartwarming story, just in time for Christmas with a surprise ending.
September 10, 2015
Christmas Roses is a very sweet novella. Though somewhat predictable, I enjoyed this sweet tale of widowed Celia and the traveling carpenter. The writing was perhaps a bit too sugary for my taste at times, but it was definitely worth the read.
November 25, 2015
Finally got around to reading this book. I very much enjoyed it! It's a typical sweet story of finding love at Christmas, and as such is necessarily predictable, but I'm a sucker for this type of story and relished every minute.
December 5, 2013
Lovely short Christmas romance. Will the widow marry the traveling carpenter or the stable father...
December 1, 2025
Cozy Christmas romance! And a Christmas miracle!
October 31, 2021
My Rating: 3 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Review:
A very cozy Christmas read. It’s October and I’ve brought the Christmas stories out early! This is my second holiday romance this month and I just can’t get enough of the festivities.
I really enjoyed the small town setting in Easton Wyoming. White Christmases are my favourite, living in Alberta, it doesn’t feel like Christmas without the freezing temperatures and several meters of snow on the ground.
Unfortunately, I found the romance between Celia and Mark a little insta-lovey… I wish their relationship would’ve developed more gradually throughout the story. I also would’ve like to see a more happen within the plot, it’s like time was passing for the characters but I wasn’t really seeing much happen until the very end, then everything happened all at once… I wasn’t happy with everything that was revealed at the end…I won’t say anything more because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone.
Overall, an enjoyable and quick Christmas read.
My Review:
A very cozy Christmas read. It’s October and I’ve brought the Christmas stories out early! This is my second holiday romance this month and I just can’t get enough of the festivities.
I really enjoyed the small town setting in Easton Wyoming. White Christmases are my favourite, living in Alberta, it doesn’t feel like Christmas without the freezing temperatures and several meters of snow on the ground.
Unfortunately, I found the romance between Celia and Mark a little insta-lovey… I wish their relationship would’ve developed more gradually throughout the story. I also would’ve like to see a more happen within the plot, it’s like time was passing for the characters but I wasn’t really seeing much happen until the very end, then everything happened all at once… I wasn’t happy with everything that was revealed at the end…I won’t say anything more because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone.
Overall, an enjoyable and quick Christmas read.
January 9, 2026
Christmas Roses is a gentle, emotionally grounded story that kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Celia is a young widow with a baby, doing her best to build a life by running a boarding house. What I appreciated most was how clearly the story distinguished between men who wanted a wife for convenience and security—and one man who simply showed up with quiet kindness and respect.
Mark, a boarder and cabinet maker, expresses care not through pressure or expectation, but through small, thoughtful acts that make Celia’s life easier. He sees her as a person, not as someone meant to fill a role, and that difference matters.
The romance unfolds softly and patiently, honoring grief, choice, and the desire to be loved for who you are rather than what you can provide. I found the story warm, sincere, and deeply satisfying, and I would happily recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven, faith-forward historical romance.
Celia is a young widow with a baby, doing her best to build a life by running a boarding house. What I appreciated most was how clearly the story distinguished between men who wanted a wife for convenience and security—and one man who simply showed up with quiet kindness and respect.
Mark, a boarder and cabinet maker, expresses care not through pressure or expectation, but through small, thoughtful acts that make Celia’s life easier. He sees her as a person, not as someone meant to fill a role, and that difference matters.
The romance unfolds softly and patiently, honoring grief, choice, and the desire to be loved for who you are rather than what you can provide. I found the story warm, sincere, and deeply satisfying, and I would happily recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven, faith-forward historical romance.
December 9, 2018
4.5*
A short, sweet, and tender historical romance, Christmas Roses is a wonderful Christian novel(la?) by a talented author. Celia's heart aches. After a too-short marriage to a man she could never fully give her heart to, she is left with an infant and a boardinghouse with too few boarders and too many undesired beaus. Yet she warmly welcomes a mysterious stranger with a past, hoping to ease the spiritual and physical burdens of another for a short time. Mark, meanwhile, finds himself falling for the beautiful widow, but he can't help but wonder - would she even want a man like him, a man afraid to rely on God, a man who might be just like his father, who abandoned him as a boy? But it's Christmas in Wyoming, and with God, love might just win the day… if only a few roses can be found in the middle of a harsh Wyoming winter.
A short, sweet, and tender historical romance, Christmas Roses is a wonderful Christian novel(la?) by a talented author. Celia's heart aches. After a too-short marriage to a man she could never fully give her heart to, she is left with an infant and a boardinghouse with too few boarders and too many undesired beaus. Yet she warmly welcomes a mysterious stranger with a past, hoping to ease the spiritual and physical burdens of another for a short time. Mark, meanwhile, finds himself falling for the beautiful widow, but he can't help but wonder - would she even want a man like him, a man afraid to rely on God, a man who might be just like his father, who abandoned him as a boy? But it's Christmas in Wyoming, and with God, love might just win the day… if only a few roses can be found in the middle of a harsh Wyoming winter.
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