Christmas at Holly Hill

Winds Across the Prairie

by Martha Rogers

Can Clayton Barlow prove he has changed his ways in time for Christmas?

 

It is October 1898, and Clayton Barlow has just returned home after serving time in prison for his part in a bank robbery. His family welcomes him, but the townspeople are skeptical. Bored with life in the small town but determined to make a new start, he goes to work with his father, hoping to regain the town’s trust. 

 

Clayton recognizes the schoolteacher at the Prairie Grove School as his childhood friend, Merry Lee Warner, and old feelings surface. Still, he doubts that he could ever get a woman like Merry to love him.

 
As the townspeople prepare for Christmas, their suspicions about Clayton lead to trouble. Will the trusting heart of an unlikely new friend be enough to restore Clayton’s relationships with his neighbors and reunite him with God and Merry?

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Historical

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Martha Rogers is a former schoolteacher and English instructor. She served as a newsletter editor for the writer's organization, Inspirational Writers Alive! for six years and is the state president. She is also the director for the annual Texas Christian Writer's Conference and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Her first novel Not on the Menu (May 2007) is a part of Sugar and Grits, a novella collection with DiAnn Mills, Janice Thompson, and Kathleen Y'Barbo. Rogers has a Master's Degree in Education, worked for twenty-eight years as a secondary teacher, and has worked as a supervisory teacher at University of Houston Clear Lake and as an instructor of English Composition at Houston Community College. Martha and her husband live in Houston, Texas and have worked with teenagers at First Baptist Church for twenty-four years.

Reviews

[Mayda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clay has made some bad choices in his young life, but he has paid his dues to society and has returned home. His parents have welcomed him back after five years in prison for his part in a bank robbery, but others in the small town are not so forgiving. Author Martha Rogers has done a good job with the setting of the story, which takes place at the turn of the twentieth century. It’s Christmas, and the pretty school marm is also helping with her family’s orphanage. She had had a crush on Clay when they were classmates, and it has not lessened with the passing years. Whether or not they can or even should have a lasting relationship is the crux of the tale. This quick read is a gentle tale of redemption and forgiveness as well as one of trust.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place back in Prairie Grove Kansas in the year 1898. Clay Barlow has just returned home to an uncertain future, he has just been released from prison, after serving 5 years for bank robbery.
It had been his Dad who had turned him in, but he is surprised that both his parents forgive him, and welcome him with open arms. There a few in the town who are not happy to see a jail bird...they will not forget or forgive.
When he reconnects with with Merry Warner, he finds old feelings returning. He ends up having to make some really tough decisions. When the gang he hung out with returns, you will wonder if he will take up with them again. When a young girl is held captive, and beaten, will he risk prison to help rescue her.
This is a sweet holiday read, filled with God loving people. We find some who are not as fortunate as others, and then those who are willing to give the Holiday Spirit and Christ's love to others all year long.
Don't miss Christmas at Holly Hill, and find a good heartwarming read.

I received this book from the Publisher Realms, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Paula-O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Martha out on the prairies..."Christmas at Holly Hill"


This is not a big Christmasy book as I thought when I started it. Holly Hill is an orphanage and the couple that run it with their daughter love children so much that it just seems like a big loving family.

Clayton Barlow has just came back to town after serving time in prison, he got into trouble when young with a group of young men that were up to no good. To make matters worse -his father-was the one that let the sherriff know he had been involved in a robbery. Clay only wants to come back to town and earn respect again -mostly from his aging parents.

Most of the towns people are not too forgiving but right away he runs into an old school chum,Merry Lee Warner, whom he had went to school with and even had a crush on before things went bad for him. She is a loving caring person and accepts him as he his and wants to renew their friendship. Can Clay prove that he has changed his ways and have others accept him?

Martha Rogers has these characters pull us into their lives as the pages turn, chapter after chapter. Soon we are hoping right along with Clay for them to see he has changed.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by this author. Really enjoyed this story about Clay coming home after 5 years in prison only to find that his friend Merry, who had moved away before he went to prison, has now returned. Most of the townspeople have accepted him back home, but there are those who are sure he'll go back to his life of crime. Instead he does all he can to prevent other crimes and to get the town to forgive his laps of judgment years ago.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the two other books I have read by Martha Rogers. It was also not your typical fluffy Christmas book. I really enjoyed this story, even though some of the events did seem forced. That characters were well done and I loved the western feel to it. Overall not Martha Rogers best work, but good.

I think it is very fun that this my 100th book of the year should also be the first Christmas book of the season.

[Connie Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

good Christmas read.

[Carolyn Hutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a lighthearted and warm Christmas story with a bit of a mystery and romance!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute Christmas story!

[Paula White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable.

[Debra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read it, but won't be reading any more of these novels. Got it because it was a Christmas book.

[Julie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the perfect easy read. Loved the main characters of Merry and Clay.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooo Good!

[Patricia Kemp Blackmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clayton Barlow arrives at his Father's store not sure what kind of welcome if any he will receive. You see he has been in prison for the past five years of his life for bank robbery.
To his surprise and great pleasure his parent's welcomed him back with open arms. His father did advise him to keep on the straight and narrow and stay away from bad company.
But not everyone was as glad to see him back home. When Merry Lee Warner, the new Prairie Grove school teacher caught sight of Clayton standing in the door of his father's store she ran to him throwing her arms around him. Merry was his sweetheart when she was sixteen years old. But he must not let on how much he is still in love with her for fear of destroying her reputation with the school board. He has to prove to this community that he is a changed man before he let's her know how he really feels. If not he might have to leave town.

Merry was so glad to see him but he did not seem to have the same feelings. This really hurt and confused her. She would not give up, she would come and talk to him everyday until she figured out where her school sweetheart was under this man's tough exterior.

Has Clayton turned his life around? Does he trust God enough to ask for help? He feels as if God had turned His back on him when he went to prison.

Many of us feel at times that God may have abandoned us when in reality we abandoned Him. God is constant He never leaves us. Clayton's character learned this lesson the hard way and then God Blessed Clayton Abundantly with a Very Merry Christmas.

Martha always entertains me with her writing. The characters are bold, heroic, soldiers of God ready to do his bidding. I always come away feeling as if I have learned a great lesson after reading one of her books.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Charisma/Realms for review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is my own opinion.

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[Sara Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you about the book a little first. Christmas at Holly Hill is set right before the turn of the twentieth century in a small town in Kansas. Everyone knows everyone. Everyone knows everyone's business. Was Clay Barlow strong enough to prove to his hometown he had changed? Would he ever be able to regain his father's trust? Let alone the rest of the town.

Clay comes home after 5 years in prison. He runs into an old friend. She is now the schoolteacher and feelings from his past bubble up. He is worried that his past will effect her and tries to keep his distance. Merry wants to at least be friends with Clay, but it seems like he just keeps pushing her away.

The story starts in October and ends on Christmas. As the town prepares for Christmas trouble starts brewing. There is a fire that leaves a little boy orphaned. A new family is in town and things aren't what they seem to be on the surface. The gang that got Clay in trouble before starts showing up again. Will Clay get pulled back into it all?


Before I started reviewing for Charisma House I had not read historical fiction. This is my second one and I think I am hooked. Martha Rogers develops the characters so completely. The faith of each character is so prevalent and it is refreshing. The story is page turning, gripping, and heart felt.

This is a great read, especially at this time of the year. Get yourself a blanket, cup of coffee or hot chocolate, grab this book and enjoy.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christmas novels – and this is the perfect time to start reading them and I’m glad I kicked off my Christmas novel reading with Christmas at Holly Hill. Martha Rogers has a way of pulling you into the story and making you feel a part of the characters – I got swept up in the story right from the start, which made it all the more enjoyable since I didn’t have to slog through the first few chapters to get pulled in. I also liked how the characters had dimension, it wasn’t all about me, they seemed real with real emotions whether it was dealing with the gossips regarding actions in the past or trying to bring justice to a young girl, the characters all had substance and I appreciated that.



It may not be your typical Christmas novel with lovey dovey feelings, although there is some romance but thankfully nothing that would leave a Christian woman blushing or needing smelling salts! I haven’t read the other books in the Winds Across the Prairie series, but that is going to change, however you don’t have to read the other books in order for this book to be read as we near the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and enjoy it. If you are looking for a quick Christmas centered read then make Christmas at Holly Hill your first.

***Special thanks to Althea ******** for sending me a review copy.***

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY HILL, though predictable, was a sweet story that draws you into the holiday season.

After five years in prison, Clayton Barlow returns to his hometown of Prairie Grove. Getting a cool reception from the townspeople, Clayton realizes he needs to prove he is no longer the rebellious teen who fell in with the wrong crowd. When he recognizes Merry Warner, his childhood friend, he imagines what life would be like with such an exceptional woman at his side. But he puts his daydreams aside not wanting to taint Merry’s reputation.

Merry Warner has always had a crush on Clayton Barlow. Having him back in town allows her to think that maybe they could become more than friends. But with Clayton showing little interest in her, she realizes she might just be pining for something that isn’t there.

A turn of events in town has the citizens of Prairie Grove suspecting Clayton of falling back into his criminal ways. Once the truth of Clayton’s ways are revealed, will the townspeople be willing to forgive him his past?

I enjoyed CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY HILL. It was a sweet story. Even though it had a predictable storyline, I still enjoyed the journey. There were a few places I feel the author could’ve heightened the tension and added more drama. But all in all, a nice story to usher in the holiday spirit.

Book provided for review purposes.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Clayton Barlow returns to Prairie Grove, Kansas after serving time in prison, he's not sure what kind of welcome he'll receive. While his parents welcome him back with open arms, other townspeople aren't as nice. Merry Warner has always had a crush on Clay and is thrilled when he returns. Protective of her reputation as the town school teacher and thinking people won't approve of her dating a former criminal, Clay is reluctant to let himself fall for Merry. But, an orphaned boy, an abused girl and the Christmas season have a unique way of softening Clay's heart.

I loved these characters and found the story sweetly compelling and while it was a bit predictable, I was anxious to find out what happened with Lily and whether Jonathan's wish came true. Light Christian, it's a delightful Christmas read. I've enjoyed Martha Rogers' Winds of the Prairie series. The story stands alone well and this was a terrific Christmas addition to the series.

[J.C. Morrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you go home again? is one of the classic questions that we see in books and movies alike.


And…more often than not, it is the one where we see the most interesting story lines!

Christmas At Holly Hill
is no exception to that.


I REALLY hope to see more Christmas books from Martha Rogers!

I have read many stories with this sort of theme and this is certainly among the best!

Martha has a way with words and with characters and their stories!

From the moment Clayton steps off the train, we are “with him” emotionally.

I’m not about to ruin anything for you but Martha writes the story so well – it’s impossible not to put yourself in the characters’ shoes.

Again… Well done Martha! An exceedingly well-written book.


I said it before and I’ll say it again. I LOVE finding new authors!

And I hope to see many more wonderful books by such a talented author!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful Christmas story, this book is set in a small prairie town in the late 1800's. The characters of Merry and Clay seem like people you would want to be friends with in real life. They knew each other in the past, and then meet again when Clay returns home after an absence of five years serving time in prison. The varied reactions of the townspeople to Clay's presence seemed very realistic and true-to-life. There is suspense, romance, and a holiday surprise. The writing style is easy to read, but not really as descriptive and flowing with adjectives and adverbs as some books. It reads quickly, and is worthwhile, although I did find it somewhat predictable. I do recommend it as a Christmas, "feel good" type read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at Holly Hill is a sweet story of love and redemption. Though some of the subplots are heartbreaking, Merry’s strong faith and innocence flavor the story. Her belief that love is possible and that lives can be changed ultimately makes a difference not only to Clayton, but to others within the town, and it will cause a cynical reader to reconsider, as well.

Rogers’ smooth writing style draws the reader into the story. I couldn’t put this story down, and I didn’t want to. With fun characters, an old-fashioned setting, and a beautiful holiday timbre, this is a great Christmas story.

I received a free copy of Christmas at Holly Hill from Charisma House in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

You think you got problems! This book will encourage you. Clayton deals with being an ex-con, Merry Warner still loves him even though her Dad was a sheriff, and Lily turns out to be in trouble. Poor 4 year old Jonathan loses his family when their house burns.
The judgemental status of some in church still happens today and not just to ex-cons. It happens to many people.
A story of Christmas blessing but so much more. Clayton gets a second chance. Merry believes in him all along. Little Jonathan gets his Christmas wish of a family - thanks Jesus for answering his prayers.
This is a page turner that hold you in its character. I feel truly blessed for eading it.

[Lisa Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked reading this book! There was plenty of adventure, accusations and misunderstanding. I think many people (I know I can) relate to being misunderstood. Another aspect of the story that impressed me was the willingness to help those in need. It is so easy to be caught up in our own lives and not see the needs of those around us. I liked the fact that she wove characters from her earlier books into the story so you could learn more about your friends. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[April Suter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A visit to Holly Hill, a lovely home to Merry's family and many orphans. Merry's young love Clay has returned after five years serving his time for hanging out with a bank robbing game and he is trying to make it right with the community and with God. A little Jonathan loses his family and comes to live at Holly Hill and now he has a special Christmas wish.

293 pages

[Jenny Bowker · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a waste of the time I spent reading this. I am not even sure why I finished it - perhaps there was one story line less stupidly improbable than others. If you like fatuous religious moralising you may enjoy it. Pixels of Ink did not warn me that it was a Sunday school prize written by a modern American teenager with appropriate language levels.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story to bring us back to Holly Hill. So nice to meet new characters & hear about people from past books. A great Christmas read & a must have for the inspirational reader but then any Martha Rogers book is a must read.

[Natalie Krusenstjerna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down! Such a great story of the struggle of trust. I loved the ways the themes were pulled together and became a great story all in all. :)

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book of redemption, second changces, love, and the importance of putting God first in all your relationships.