The Christmas Letter

by Kaitlynn Clarkson

She’s got nowhere to go. He helps her. Now it’s her turn … and he’s in danger

Rena Beckwith is broke and broken. Or at least, her heart is after the man she loves turns out to be a scoundrel. Unable to return home, she heads deeper into Montana on a mission with an uncertain ending.

Samuel Farley is grateful to his sister for sending the pretty young woman to his home right when he needs an assistant. They soon become friends, and Samuel feels the stirring of something more as they work together to care for the local schools.

But a crisis looms and he is forced to focus on uncovering the trail of corruption that threatens to engulf him. As feelings for Rena grow, he must decide if the future is worth fighting for, and Rena must choose between opening her heart or fearing the risk. They are forced apart as trouble closes in, and Samuel has no idea if he will ever see her again. It’s something he fears even more than the danger he’s in.

The Christmas Letter is Book 1 in The Christmas Train series. It is clean and wholesome with no swearing, steamy scenes, or violence. It contains brief references to the faith of the characters. It can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed as part of the series.

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2024

About the author

Kaitlynn Clarkson writes sweet, mostly Christian romance stories with the intention of making her readers feel good. She writes across several genres including historical and contemporary. She loves to make people smile.

When she’s not engaged in sunshiny activities or writing feel-good stories, Kaitlynn is dealing with the real world. This includes life on a farm on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, where she lives with her husband and two children.
She loves to play the piano and trombone in her spare time.

Reviews

[Jasmine (Jazzie) [Jesus Loves You!!] · Rating 4 out of 5]

~My Thoughts~
Y'all, this book was so sweet! The Christmas Train was so neat, and I especially loved Mr. Paul, though I do wish they both had more page time.

Some things I did think could have been explained more, and for a book titled The Christmas Letter, it really didn't have all that much to do with Christmas, but it was still really good.

I only wish we had more time with the characters in this book!

~Characters~
Rena and Samual were both pretty good. I really liked them. I do wish that there was a bit more about them getting over their respective romances, but for the size of this book, it was fine.

I really liked just about all of the side characters we got to know a bit more, too!

~Content Warnings~
(Warning! 🚨 Before you go any further, there is a chance that something I've said about the content could possibly be a bit spoilerish, so please proceed with caution!)

Faith based/Christian:
Mentions of the Lord. Characters go to church multiple times.

Violence:
There wasn't really any violence, but a character didn't receive some life-threatening warnings.

Sexual Content/Romance:
Falling in love, obviously. Kissing. Noticing how pretty or handsome someone is. Mentions of a lady's figure.

~Other Notes~
I'd recommend this to readers 14 years old and older.

~Will I Read the Rest of the Series/More from this Author?~
Absolutely!

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

The Christmas Letter is the first book in the Christmas Train series by Caitlin Clarkson when Rena arrives to be married she has met with rejection and violence by her already married fiancé. This is how she winds up boarding in the Home with her friend Ada‘s cousin Solomon with an introduction letter in hand. There is way too much in this book to give a brief concise summary so I will just say Ada’s cousin is a superintendent of schools and since Rena is a teacher she thought maybe he could get her friend a job. He cannot but thankfully he owns a boarding house where he offers for Rena to stay although Ada also put in a proposal of marriage Solomon claims that’s not something he’s looking for but once he meets Rena and she starts being his secretary. Sooner than later they become very close but Solomon has bigger fish to fry because it seems someone on the school board has been double dealing. Solomon wants to put a stop to it but the people you would usually run to are the ones he eventually hast to hide from and all the while his feelings Farina and hers for him or growing. It seems Rena has finally found a place to be but will Solomon live long enough to make it permanent? I know this isn’t the best review this really was a great book with a great plot I loved mama yeah you really don’t see mini Chinese Americans and western books and I was happy to see some in here in the great historical detail she put in their story for the short amount of time there in the book so kudos to Miss Clarkson this was a great mail order bride story and I cannot wait for the next one. I would definitely have to say western mail order bride romances or my absolute favorite niech genre and I am really enjoying the ones Miss Clarkson is putting out.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rena and Ida went to teacher’s college in Chicago together. William, son of Ida’s much older brother, visited the ladies and started a romance with Rena. When he left to return to Montana, he declared his love, promised to write, but did not propose. Fast forward and Ida invites Rena to move to Montana where she can surprise William and get a teaching job. However when she arrived, Rena got a heartbreaking surprise. Meanwhile Samuel Farley, another older brother of Ida’s who was much closer to her in age, had recently taken the position of superindent of schools in Helena. Ida sent Rena to Helena on the Christmas train with a letter of introduction for her brother. On the train with Rena was Emma, a Helena school teacher, with whom she struck up a friendship. Upon arrival in Helena, low on funds, needing a job and place to stay, Rena sought out Samuel. As it turns out, he needed an assistant, and since his office was in his home and he rented a room to an older couple, he offered her housing and a job. Samuel was nursing his own broken heart, as he had planned to marry Mary, who put him off with a letter. So now you have two people who are trying not to live in ‘what could have been’ mode and move on with their lives. Things were progressing until the threats started. Edward, the accountant Samuel had hired, found some financial irregularities in the school account books. Attempting to investigate put Samuel’s life in danger, but it gave his heart perspective. Emma and Edward are just adorable together, and Rena and Samuel each seem to aid each other in letting go of their previous relationships. The most heroic of all is Mrs. Rourke, the all knowing housekeeper. Although Mrs. Baldwin’s not too bad with a fire poker. This story has just enough danger to keep you on your toes, but you never forget that it is a love story. It is well written with spot-on dialogue, emotional ups and downs, lingering looks and a smattering of kisses. This is such a lovely and entertaining start for a new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical western Christmas story full of love and hope. This is the kind of book that could be read aloud without the risk of offending anyone. It is a wholesome story but reads smoothly without any overt messaging.

The character development is very well done. You learn the depth of emotion for Samuel and Rena. Through them, you get a feel for many of the other rich characters in the book.

The love story is slow burn but told in a very romantic fashion. It is reflective of the times portrayed in this story. This was often how love came to be in the late 1890's in America's west.

There is intrigue and drama to be sure. The suspenseful subplot keeps the reader turning page after page. You won't be able to stop yourself from cheering on Rena in her endeavors.

A lovely read for Christmas. A wonderful read for any time of the year. A lovely story about life and love in late 19th century Montana. The beginnings of a wonderful series. This book is a great standalone read. I personally look forward to the story of Ida's life and love!.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mr. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel is the new superintendent of the Helena, Montana school district, which seems to be having financial problems. He has recently received a letter from his fiancé breaking off their engagement. Rena, a schoolteacher in Chicago, moves to Miles City, Montana, to stay with her best friend Ida who is also Rena’s boyfriend’s aunt. Upon her arrival, she discovers the “boyfriend” has just married another. So, Ida sends Rena to Helena with a package and letter for her brother. She soon discovers the brother is Samuel. Since she is now homeless and jobless, Samuel offers her both a home and a job. But Samuel has his own problems with the school board, along with some other influential businessmen. They want Samuel gone. Why? To what extent are they prepared to go to get rid of him?

This is an enjoyable historical romance with good Christian principles.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young couple, both having recently experienced similar shocking disappointments in their future plans, are brought together by providence and become colleagues and friends in the small frontier town of Helena, Montana.
When danger follows Samuel, the newly appointed schools’ superintendent, Rena his assistant and lodger, and friends Emma and Edward join forces to uncover the irregularities discovered in the school system.
Ms Clarkson has once again, extended her writing skills into a new genre which does not disappoint readers. From European ancient history to contemporary and western sweet romance, to romantic comedy and, most recently her new “Christmas Train” series, western romantic suspense, this author continues to write easy to read and HEA books that hold the full interest of her readers. Although the characters in this series are encountered again in following books, each novella is an independent story (ie no cliffhangers 😊).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two wrongs Can make a right.
Samuel Farley was anxiously waiting for his fiancé to arrive on the train. When she failed to disembark, he came to the conclusion that she must have been delayed and would arrive tomorrow, but when he arrived home a letter was waiting, informing him she would not be coming at all.
Rena had received a letter from her friend Ida to join her for Christmas. Rena was not officially engaged to Ida’s nephew yet, but she was hoping if she came and surprised him he would be excited to see her. Unfortunately, when she arrived, her friend told her she had tried to let her know in time, but Matthew had been married three days earlier.
This is a charming, sweet western Romance. It is a good paced intriguing storyline. The characters are a joy to get to know and the conflict was just right not too complicated for a easy afternoon read. It is a clean, wholesome romance with no foul language.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very sweet romance with some suspense that made the story even better. Rena left her life and parents in Chicago to travel to Montana to see her friend, Ida, as well as the man she's in love with, William. When she arrives in Miles City, she finds out that William has married someone else. Samuel is the school superintendent in Helena, Montana. He met wonderful lady, Mary, while visiting friends in Chicago. When he moves to Helena, he and Mary correspond via mail and he eventually proposes. The day Mary is to arrive by train, Samuel eceives a letter from Mary stating she has changed her mind. Back in Miles City, Ida decides to Send Rena to her brother, Samuel in Helena in hopes he can help Rena get a teaching job. This story reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and sometimes we need bad things to happen to lead us in the correct direction. This story has wonderful secondary characters also. I highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Labbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rena leaves Chicago to surprise William who said he loved her but never asked to marry her. She arrives at her friend’s, Ira’s house to find that William had married the week before. Devastated Rena travels to Helena, Montana to Ira’s brother, Samuel hoping he has a teacher position for her. Scared and unsure of her future Rena finds more than she could’ve dream of.
Samuel Farley is devastated after waiting at the train station for his fiancé but she’s not on the train. When he arrives back at his house, he has a letter from her breaking their engagement. As the Superintendent of the school district he continues to improve on the education of the children. Then Rena is at his door in need of help. Eventually the two broken hearts shares their own heartbreak to each other and finds a friendship. But who is trying to get rid of the Superintendent?
Continue to read the developing relationship with a mystery of who is behind the threats.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet clean story - I like the way Clarkson began the book with Rena and Samuel in love with someone else. They both thought they had found love only to have their hearts broken by people who obviously put themselves first. Rena goes out west to find her intended has married someone else. Hoping to get a teaching job she agrees to deliver a letter to her friends brother, Samuel. Samuel still healing from his own heartbreak agrees to help Rena by offering her a job as his assistant. There is, however, more going on the the town that Samuel realizes as his life is threatened and he and Rena must deal with the fear of losing each other before their lives together can begin. This book has something for everyone: mystery, love, friendship and a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rena is a charming young teacher in Chicago. She has a friend from college days and her nephew who came to visit while they were finishing school. He wrote wonderful letters and convinced her they had a relationship but never made a commitment. Her friend Ida, convinced her to come visit and hopefully get a job in her city. Things did not turn out as expected and Ida sent her on to her brother in yet another city.
Things were not as they should be in that city but Ida's brother helps her. It is a very sweet story with some twists and other characters that help to fill the story out. I hope you enjoy this story but I don't want to tip you off to the mystery that awaits you in the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel and Rena have both been hurt by the one they thought they would marry. Rena was impulsive to go west in pursuit of William, but she was at crossroads finishing her teaching contract, not having another, and missing her friend Ida who sends Rena on to her brother Samuel after what her nephew William did. But although Samuel is the superintendent of schools his life is far from easy as he and his accountant uncover missing funds with the school and his life is threatened. There was some mystery and suspense over that. Samuel and Rena start off as friends and become more in this Christian historical romance.

[Glynis Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes what we expect in our lives, doesn’t turn out that way!

Samuel and Rena’s story shows how the heart can recover from hurt and disappointment and go on to rise above and triumph, in spite of it.

This lovely, sweet, easy to read romance, really tugs at the heartstrings.

The Christmas Letter is a simply written but engaging, happily ever after love story. I’m looking forward to reading more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of a series and I cannot wait until the next one comes out.

Rena decides to take a school friend up on her invitation to move from Chicago to Montana. She also will get to see her friend's nephew, who she has feelings for. But what happens when it doesn't work out? Where can she go?

This was a great story with likeable characters and a little bit in intrigue and mystery. Definitely a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bitter disappointment has Samuel Farley the superintendent of schools in Helena wondering what to do when Fate plays a part by sending Rena to him. Working with Samuel as his assistant emotions come into play and there is a mystery to be solved too. An intriguing read with romance and a mystery to keep you guessing to the finish. I received this ARC copy via Booksprouts and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a couple of bumps in the road in the story as the characters come together. There are some feelings but there are some underlying secrets that could cause a problem. Like the two characters. Strong female character that went through a lot but is forced to move on. A handsome man in trouble is always a good start. The holidays also add an unexpected twist to every story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

They're both shocked when the person they thought was their HEA chose otherwise. Now he's alone and facing opposition from the school board. She's far from home with limited funds. Will they be able to help each other? Who's against him and why?.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paige Pangrazio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed from beginning to end. The relationship between Rena and Samuel is an amazing and beautiful one. I could feel their love from the start. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

ups and downs of romance

I was excited to read a story about both a Christmas train and and a Christmas letter,
Other than being disappointed that the Christmas train was a very minor part of the story the author did a fun job of weaving disappointment in current romances to finding romance that was meant to be.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

perfect fit
Rena and Samuel are both struggling, but sometimes the adversaries we are confronted with help us understand other people better. So after finding out they can work together successfully, chances are the perfect love match could be possible, too.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a new series. Samuel and Rena’s story has some adventures, a bit of mystery, and a few twists. Good start to the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet clean romance that has just enough drama and conflict to keep you turning the pages. It has a wonderful cast of characters and the author the author brings the book to life with her words. You feel like you are there. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Kaitlynn Clarkson; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Christmas Train Series; it can be read as a stand-alone book but would be better if read in order.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rena and Samuel

Rena and Samuel end up working together after both of them had been jilted. Eventually, they both admit their feeling for each other. However, danger lurks around them, and they must stop the evil that has sunk its tentacles into the town.

[Dorothy Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

The hard experiences of a young school teacher, both in love and life in general, led to a happy ending. There is a simplicity in the writing, no great mystery is hidden.

[Abigail Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Just wish it were longer! I will say a lot of times when a story is this short it can be shallow but this one was anything but shallow. This was the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be my last.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a good read. It was quite an entertaining read from start to finish. Recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

This was a sweet, clean inspirational suspense with plenty of romance, too! Very enjoyable book which I found hard to put down. On to Book2!

[Karen Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sweet Story!

A story of choices, good and bad, and how they suffered the consequences, both good and bad!
I enjoyed Book 1 and look forward to Book 2😉❤️

[RaKae Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a great story

I can’t wait to read the 2nd book in the series. This was such a joy. Excited to read this series