The Miracle of Peace: Western Christmas Magic

by Lynne Lanning, Keelie Mann (editor)

Peace? Clarissa scoffed. Peace was a fairytale. Love was something one could only dream of. Kindness and compassion were only possible between a mother and her child. Trust...impossible and dangerous.
How could Jeremy ever hope for Clarissa to believe in such simple things as trust, kindness, compassion and love, when she had never experienced a day without turmoil?
If he listened to his friends, he would give up and walk away, but for some reason he couldn't...

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2024

About the author

Lynne Lanning has such an effortless way of evoking emotion from her readers. Her characters are so realistic that the reader can feel their pain during trials and their joy during triumphs. Reviews state: "...it's as if Mrs. Lanning lived through this herself." "Couldn't put it down..." "A real page turner." Lynne enjoys turning history and her love of God into enjoyable, relatable stories with practical life lessons that can benefit people today. Each story tells of true bonds of love and loyalty, mixed with tough times and decisions, with a twist of humor and sometimes devastation...the same is true in life. With a blend of her own family members and heritage along with lots of fiction, it's hard to tell where reality stops and fantasy begins.

Reviews

[Michele Kerlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa was the opposite of a young woman. She was raised by Comanche outlaws and her father. She had to do whatever should could to stay alive. One day she was found by a group of men on a cattle drive. Jeremy was the owners son and a great Christian. Jeremy loved the lord and as he grew close to Clarissa he shared the Lords word with her. This is a book about love and following God. The story was amazing and I couldn’t not put it down.

[Jennifer Hibdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read!!!! History, humor and high jinks!!! I thoroughly enjoyed Lynne Lanning's The Miracle of Peace, Western Christmas Magic. The characters needed to find peace for themselves, as well as peace together. God was waiting for them. I appreciated the faith built into the story. It made sense in their life, just like normal people today weave their faith into everyday life. Clarissa and Jeremy were a delightful couple; it just took a while for Clarissa to agree to be a couple. Marriage of convenience & enemies to married tropes.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story, The Miracle of Peace by Lynne Lanning. Jeremy discovers a woman in bad shape , near their camp for the night. Clarissa can't trust anyone and pretends she doesn't understand them and doesn't speak. She is fed and keeps her eyes open at night. She can't go through what has happened in her past. Somehow, these men are different and might be the answer to her prayers. It is Christmas and miracles do happen. Lovely, inspirational story, with strong characters.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.

[Stephanie Ledin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Christmas love story of forgiveness and growth. Our FMC goes from outlaw to a child of God and shows God's love no matter what. Our MMC has already become a believer and has to trust that God will bring them together. Just an outstanding book to read. I definitely recommend this as a must-read this holiday.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

The story is part of Western Christmas Magic, and each story in the series is stand-alone and can be read in any order. They are clean, historical, heartwarming stories around the Christmas holidays. The series is compiled by various authors who each give a delightful tale of the magic of Christmas found in the hearts and souls of people.

The story will have the good, the bad, and the ugliness of people. It is a miracle that Jeremy Steele will find a woman while they are out on a cattle drive. She won’t speak, but she seems to understand. They feed her and shelter her—and no matter what, no one in the group harms her.
Eventually, Clarissa will share bits and pieces of her past and her escape to freedom, but she knows that Ramos will be hunting for her. She doesn’t want to see anyone hurt, but Jeremy wants to protect her. The group even meets up with a wagon train including a pastor, his wife, and members of his congregation that travel together.

It was a beautiful story of finding and accepting Christ as her savior. Of Jeremy assures her that she will be safe—and that includes from prejudice. The truth is, that gossip, bigotry, and jealousy are found, even by those who claim to be Christians.

“To have a friend, one must show themselves friendly.”

I liked Jeremy and Clarissa together. While it may seem like some people are trying to keep them apart, they prove to take a chance. One powerful lesson is that bad even happens to good people, and no matter what happens, you must keep the faith and trust God to get you through it.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so well written, exciting, interesting, and so full of love for a young woman he shouldn’t be in love with, that I couldn’t stop reading this story once I picked it up! Jeremy was smitten with one look at the dark-haired beauty, who seemed to be asleep, but he wasn’t sure if she was hurt or really asleep. They woke her and she didn’t speak because of her fear of what these men may do to her. So, they thought she just couldn’t speak! Clarissa finally had to speak to Jeremy, warning him that there was going to be lots of trouble from the outlaws she was involved with-her own father and his partner, a nasty, vulgar killer, Ramos, who would not stop until he had her back in his possession! But, these men had not tried to violate her in any sort of way. On the contrary, they pampered her! And, they were all so nice, even to one another, after working long, hard days herding the cattle they were taking back to Jeremy’s home. What kind of people were they? Who was this “God” they prayed to and thanked? She wanted to find out all about Him! This was such a fantastic book, and very fast-paced and stimulating! And, I love how it’s Happily Ever After turned out! This is a great book to buy when you need something really especially interesting and inspiring! I loved it and I know you will, too! I was on the AR team and this is my honest review. 🙏♥️💙💖

[D.M. Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cattle drive is dangerous enough, but add a woman escaping her past and you have a gripping story that takes you on an adventure in The Miracle of Peace by Lynne Lanning. Heartstrings are plucked for Clarissa as she races away from a traumatic past. A past that haunts her even as she becomes part of a cowboy's world. You can't help but be drawn into Clarissa's inner turmoil as she grapples with the weight of her perilous presence, feeling the burden of her potential danger to the men. In this briskly-paced story, love blossoms between the two main characters as they simultaneously challenge each other to live their faith. A beautiful gospel message is woven throughout the novel. Challenges arise for the interracial couple, forcing them to deal with prejudice and confront their deeper insecurities. The overall message of the book sparkles in the end, giving readers a faith-based sense of peace. With God's divine protection as a shield, dilemmas are overcome, bringing solutions and hope. A holiday gem that won’t disappoint. I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This engaging novella is part of the multi-author Western Christmas Magic series. The touching story features a beautiful and very unlikely heroine Clarissa and an honorable rancher hero Jeremy Steele. Raised as a Comanchero outlaw, Clarissa has been used and abused, trusts no one, and has never experienced any peace in her life. After an immediate attraction, Jeremy is determined to protect Clarissa and pursue a romantic relationship with her. With a well-paced plot, compelling characters, an atmospheric western setting, and a strong faith thread, this is an inspiring, entertaining read. I especially enjoyed Clarissa’s transformation as she learns about God and what true peace is. I think inspirational western romance fans will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa is running from those who are fighting her father and his men. She doesn't know if her father and his partner, Ramos, are dead or alive and prefers not to find out. She is found by Jeremy Steele who is working for his father's foreman, Terrance. They are bringing cattle back to Jeremy's father's ranch. Clarissa is afraid of the men as she has always been used and abused my her father and Ramos. After a couple of days and after seeing how nice and sincere Jeremy is and not being harmed by any of the men, she decides to open up to Jeremy. They form a bond. This wonderful story has suspense and sweet romance. I really enjoyed it. I wish the ending had been longer or there was an epilogue though. I highly recommend this book especially if you like romance and suspense together.

[Penny Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of inspirational Western romance, this book is a must-read. It’s an uplifting, engaging, and emotionally resonant story that will leave you with a warm heart and a smile on your face. The characters are rich and relatable, the plot is paced perfectly, and the faith thread adds depth and meaning without ever feeling preachy. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas romance or simply a story about redemption, The Miracle of Peace: Western Christmas Magic is a book that will capture your heart. I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristin Carmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing what finding the Lord and relying on Him can do! Here is a young woman forced into the life of an outlaw. She has managed to escape and is running for her life. She can't trust anybody. In the midst of a cattle drive some cowboys find her. What transpires from this point will keep you reading page after page.
Lynne has a Christian heart and a magnificent way of spellbinding the reader into all the fear, love and finding peace when fully depending on God. Absolutely wonderful book!

[Sharon Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you go wrong with any story from this Author. Bringing Christmas magic to us through Clarissa and Jeremy's story is so very touching this season, the perfect story. The amazing grace of our Father, miracles do happen. An emotional story sure to capture your heart. I was given an advanced copy of this story but was not required to leave a review. These are my own thoughts.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a riveting story, one I could not put down! Many challenges, so much danger, yet God was there, leading and guiding, His peace their umpire. Once you open its pages, the intrigue, suspense and touches of romance will envelop you heart and soul! A work of excellence!

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming and inspirational story of a life changed and love abounding that I absolutely enjoyed! In my opinion, this author’s writing keeps getting better! Looking forward to read whatever she writes next!

[Jill Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely read

Great story of Gods forgiveness and beginning a new life in Christ. The story is beautifully written and the characters or so real. Times in the west were tough and this book illustrates how love can conquer all.

[Debbie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book! There was excitement starting on the first page and it didn’t end until the last page! I highly recommend reading this book!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

This was absolutely a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.