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Free Christmas short story.

Tied to the Malloy Family series

When Ethan Malloy finds a redheaded stranger in his house, will he recognize the fiery Isabel is meant for him?

ebook

First published October 28, 2014

11 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Beth Williamson

73 books413 followers
Beth Williamson, who also writes as Emma Lang, is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her books range from sensual to scorching hot. She is a Career Achievement Award Nominee in Erotic Romance by Romantic Times Magazine, in both 2009 and 2010, and a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.
Beth has always been a dreamer, never able to escape her imagination. It led her to the craft of writing romance novels, fueled by Reese’s and tenacious pursuit of the perfect story. She’s passionate about purple, books, and her family. She has a weakness for shoes and purses as well as bookstores.
Life might be chaotic, as life usually is, but Beth always keeps a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and a cowboy on her mind. ;)

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5 stars
46 (43%)
4 stars
34 (32%)
3 stars
20 (18%)
2 stars
5 (4%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
701 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2019
Far too short, disappointed

I loved the beginning of this story, different from all the others. Then in a twinkling, it was finished within the space of half an hour. Why? Ethan had been the Malloy that intrigued me throughout th e series. Hardly mentioned, but always there to help his family. He deserved a better story like all the other characters.
It began with quite a supernatural aura which I loved and would have liked to see it develop. That is the only reason I have it 3 stars. I should have known as the price was not similar to the others! So, so disappointed.
Profile Image for Kimberly Walter.
1,638 reviews15 followers
March 22, 2015
Ethan Malloy is grieving his first wife who died two years ago on Christmas Eve. He feels utterly alone and backs away from his overwhelming family, but they love him and are only want him happy.
Fiona Carmichael came to Wyoming for a housekeeping job, she is on her way there during winter when her horse pulling the buggy refuses to move, but she gets out it bolts leaving her there in the cold.
She is led to a house that has a lantern burning, but once she gets there nobody is home, so she sets making herself comfortable getting warm and putting food and coffee on.
After visiting his wife's grave, he walks home and discovers a lantern burning but he knows he didn't leave it lit.
Both Ethan and Fiona were led to each other. They both now have hope for the future and Ethan can now stop grieving and move on.

Its a nice short little story, wish it was longer. It was sad and bittersweet, and had hope for a future together.
Profile Image for Farrah.
1,248 reviews210 followers
October 13, 2014
A quick and sweet romance, The Present was a lovely read and I really enjoyed it.

Both main characters were great. Fiona was clever and knew her own mind. Ethan was very sweet, an honorable man that was absolutely adorable. I thought both were likable.

The romance was sweet. It felt more like the promise of a romance than a full relationship though, probably because the story is short and only covers a small section of time. Regardless, I still thought they were great together and they definitely had enough chemistry to heat things up.

The plot moved quickly and I was engaged the entire way through. I really liked the story and the ending was great.

The Present was a lovely historical romance novella that I liked. It was definitely a quick, enjoyable read. Romance lovers, this is a book you'll want to check out.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Cathy.
788 reviews
October 11, 2014
"The Present" by Beth Williamson is the story of Ethan and Fiona. Absolutely loved Fiona - she's bubbly and honest and full of life. Despite some sad circumstances and moments of pity on her part (understandably), she always holds her head up high. Ethan, a grieving widow, isn't sure what to make of her and that is where the fun lies. Despite being a novella, I thought Ms. Williamson did a great job of introducing the characters, some back story and what both were feeling and thinking. It was good to see Ethan's family as well, whose stories are told in the rest of the books of the series. However, this can be read easily as a stand-alone. I would certainly recommend this for a quick, light, fun read! (Received ARC fromNetGalley)
Profile Image for Cathy.
788 reviews
December 2, 2014
"The Present" by Beth Williamson is the story of Ethan and Fiona. Absolutely loved Fiona - she's bubbly and honest and full of life. Despite some sad circumstances and moments of pity on her part (understandably), she always holds her head up high. Ethan, a grieving widow, isn't sure what to make of her and that is where the fun lies. Despite being a novella, I thought Ms. Williamson did a great job of introducing the characters, some back story and what both were feeling and thinking. It was good to see Ethan's family as well, whose stories are told in the rest of the books of the series. However, this can be read easily as a stand-alone. I would certainly recommend this for a quick, light, fun read! (Received copy from NetGalley for honest review)
Profile Image for Heather.
1,434 reviews25 followers
October 5, 2014
This was my first introduction to the writing of Beth Williamson/Emma Lang. My disappointment is that it was a novella, so it didn't give me as much time as I would have liked to enjoy her writing. However, since I picked up this book late into the series, the story provided enough of a tease that I have to go back and reading the preceding installments. Now I need to add more books to my TBR list and have another great author to watch out for.
Profile Image for Gina.
278 reviews22 followers
November 22, 2014
Awwww Ethan. Knowing Ethan has been so sad throughout the Malloy's series made The Present such a sweet story. Fiona is perfect for Ethan and their story makes a person believe in new beginnings. I don't read historicals but Beth Williamson/Emma Lang is one author I'll make an exception for. Loved it!
Profile Image for Sasha.
92 reviews4 followers
March 26, 2015
I love the Malloy's

This was such a sweet addition to an already incredible series. I loved Ethan in his siblings books and I'm happy that he got his second chance at life and love, he needed it. Short and sweet and perfect for a must read series!
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,492 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2014
Great series

This is another great story in a good series. The Family all find perfect love even if it comes about in strange ways.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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