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One Special Christmas: A Texas Hill Country Small Town Historical Romance
It will take a miracle to salvage her dreams, but Christmas is the season of miracles, isn't it?
Fearing this may be her young brother's last Christmas, Greta Engel is determined to make Otto's dream of spending it at the foot of Pikes Peak come true. She'll do anything, even selling a priceless family heirloom, to get them away from Houston and the man who threatened both of them. But the trip to the fabled mountain is more arduous than she'd anticipated and a crisis leaves them stranded in the Texas Hill Country.
Even though it's only a temporary stay, Greta finds much to like about Sweetwater Crossing, including the opportunity to manage the town's tearoom. And then there's Matt Nelson, the all too handsome man who's running for sheriff. She wants to trust him when he proposes they serve as chaperones to help his brother win the woman of his dreams, but what if she's making a mistake like the one she did in Houston? What if the rumors are right and there's more to Matt's request than he's admitted?
Greta's head tells her she and Matt can be nothing more than friends, but her heart has other ideas.
Fearing this may be her young brother's last Christmas, Greta Engel is determined to make Otto's dream of spending it at the foot of Pikes Peak come true. She'll do anything, even selling a priceless family heirloom, to get them away from Houston and the man who threatened both of them. But the trip to the fabled mountain is more arduous than she'd anticipated and a crisis leaves them stranded in the Texas Hill Country.
Even though it's only a temporary stay, Greta finds much to like about Sweetwater Crossing, including the opportunity to manage the town's tearoom. And then there's Matt Nelson, the all too handsome man who's running for sheriff. She wants to trust him when he proposes they serve as chaperones to help his brother win the woman of his dreams, but what if she's making a mistake like the one she did in Houston? What if the rumors are right and there's more to Matt's request than he's admitted?
Greta's head tells her she and Matt can be nothing more than friends, but her heart has other ideas.
- GenresChristmasHistorical
255 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2024
20 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Cabot
40 books995 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 18, 2024
It was so lovely to be back in Sweetwater Crossing for Christmas! I have come to really love this town and specifically the Vaughn sisters and their growing families, so I’m just delighted that author Amanda Cabot allowed us to return for a holiday visit. One Special Christmas can be read just as well as a standalone title (if you don’t mind knowing how the romances turn out… which really you can figure out from the back cover of those books anyway lol), though you’ll likely want to go back and read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing once you’re done because you’ll want to know the Vaughn sisters’ stories after you meet them too!
Fearing the worst, Greta Engel wants to make her ailing brother Otto’s wish come true – to spend Christmas at the foot of Pikes Peak – but his worsening health and a wagon on its last legs forces them to take a detour to Sweetwater Crossing. This obviously-Divine direction sees them in exactly the right place to treat Otto’s illness (if you’ve read the series and immediately thought of Burke, you’re correct) and for Greta to make some much-needed money while he recuperates. I loved watching her really come into her own while managing the tearoom, particularly as she ‘Christmas-ifies’ it for the holidays. My mom and I enjoy going to tearooms for a girlie afternoon tea, complete with yummy scones and tiny sandwiches and delectable little desserts, but we love it even more when we can go during Christmas. So I could readily picture the transformation under Greta’s ideas and feel the cozy & cheery vibes she created. And Otto – he is such a cutie! I adored him, and he also has my favorite line in the book – “It’s okay if you smooch.”
Matt Nelson is a newcomer to Sweetwater Crossing but he’s got a heart to serve people, which places him in Greta’s path and in her life as she’s pulling into town with an obvious need of help. He’s instantly drawn to her and, the more time he spends with her, the more he admires her spirit and her strength. It’s so sweet watching them fall in love, even with the expected obstacles to them being together beyond friendship – because their friendship is so wonderful to read that it almost (ALMOST) didn’t matter to me whether they acknowledged their deeper feelings or not. But of course no one was happier than I was when the way becomes clear for them to pursue something more (see Otto’s line I quoted above), and I cheered them on in all their sweetness and heartfelt feelings!
Bottom Line: One Special Christmas by Amanda Cabot is delightfully festive, endearing, romantic, and warmly-written. The characters – new and old – easily move into your heart and set up residence, and I loved the sweet and meaningful faith lessons tucked away in this entertaining story. Because this isn’t just a tale about Christmas or family (the ones you’re born into and the ones you choose) or even romance, though it’s wonderfully all of those things. It’s also a novel about discovering your God-given purpose and embracing it, even when the road isn’t easily navigated for whatever reason. It’s about asking God what HIS plans are for you and then listening for His answer. And it’s about obeying when He takes you in a different direction than you – or those closest to you – intended to go, trusting that His ways are higher than yours. I enjoyed everything about One Special Christmas, and I highly recommend it for any time of year!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Fearing the worst, Greta Engel wants to make her ailing brother Otto’s wish come true – to spend Christmas at the foot of Pikes Peak – but his worsening health and a wagon on its last legs forces them to take a detour to Sweetwater Crossing. This obviously-Divine direction sees them in exactly the right place to treat Otto’s illness (if you’ve read the series and immediately thought of Burke, you’re correct) and for Greta to make some much-needed money while he recuperates. I loved watching her really come into her own while managing the tearoom, particularly as she ‘Christmas-ifies’ it for the holidays. My mom and I enjoy going to tearooms for a girlie afternoon tea, complete with yummy scones and tiny sandwiches and delectable little desserts, but we love it even more when we can go during Christmas. So I could readily picture the transformation under Greta’s ideas and feel the cozy & cheery vibes she created. And Otto – he is such a cutie! I adored him, and he also has my favorite line in the book – “It’s okay if you smooch.”
Matt Nelson is a newcomer to Sweetwater Crossing but he’s got a heart to serve people, which places him in Greta’s path and in her life as she’s pulling into town with an obvious need of help. He’s instantly drawn to her and, the more time he spends with her, the more he admires her spirit and her strength. It’s so sweet watching them fall in love, even with the expected obstacles to them being together beyond friendship – because their friendship is so wonderful to read that it almost (ALMOST) didn’t matter to me whether they acknowledged their deeper feelings or not. But of course no one was happier than I was when the way becomes clear for them to pursue something more (see Otto’s line I quoted above), and I cheered them on in all their sweetness and heartfelt feelings!
Bottom Line: One Special Christmas by Amanda Cabot is delightfully festive, endearing, romantic, and warmly-written. The characters – new and old – easily move into your heart and set up residence, and I loved the sweet and meaningful faith lessons tucked away in this entertaining story. Because this isn’t just a tale about Christmas or family (the ones you’re born into and the ones you choose) or even romance, though it’s wonderfully all of those things. It’s also a novel about discovering your God-given purpose and embracing it, even when the road isn’t easily navigated for whatever reason. It’s about asking God what HIS plans are for you and then listening for His answer. And it’s about obeying when He takes you in a different direction than you – or those closest to you – intended to go, trusting that His ways are higher than yours. I enjoyed everything about One Special Christmas, and I highly recommend it for any time of year!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 22, 2024
What a treat it was to be back in Sweetwater Crossing! For those who have read The Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series, you will be delighted to know all your favourite characters are back, plus a few new ones to make this a book you want to pick up!
Greta Engel comes to Sweetwater Crossing as a new character who has come from Houston with her little brother Otto in tow. Unfortunately, Otto is sick and Greta needs help fast. With her wagon on its last legs and her horse in dire need of attention, she finds herself in Sweetwater Crossing and that's when her life changes for the better.
Matt Nelson is also a new character who helps Greta and is quickly taken by her. The love story for these two is very sweet and all the more special with the Christmas season thrown in, where everything is just a bit more magical!
I enjoyed the faith element of this book and of course, seeing all the characters again. Thank you, Amanda Cabot, for giving us one last visit to Sweetwater!
If you haven't read the series, this book can be read as a standalone, but why deprive yourself? Go out and get the other books in the series because you won't regret it!
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest review.
Greta Engel comes to Sweetwater Crossing as a new character who has come from Houston with her little brother Otto in tow. Unfortunately, Otto is sick and Greta needs help fast. With her wagon on its last legs and her horse in dire need of attention, she finds herself in Sweetwater Crossing and that's when her life changes for the better.
Matt Nelson is also a new character who helps Greta and is quickly taken by her. The love story for these two is very sweet and all the more special with the Christmas season thrown in, where everything is just a bit more magical!
I enjoyed the faith element of this book and of course, seeing all the characters again. Thank you, Amanda Cabot, for giving us one last visit to Sweetwater!
If you haven't read the series, this book can be read as a standalone, but why deprive yourself? Go out and get the other books in the series because you won't regret it!
I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest review.
September 27, 2024
What a delightfully satisfying reunion with the folks from Sweetwater Crossing, Texas, courteous of super-talented storyteller Amanda Cabot! I dearly love this fictional Texas Hill Country small town and its residents (especially the Vaughn sisters), and I am so glad that Ms. Cabot decided to write this wonderful Christmas story as a companion to her amazing Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. Newcomers Greta Engel and her young brother Otto, who need a Christmas miracle, and honorable rancher Matt Nelson headline the cast of memorable characters who advance the story beautifully. I felt I was right there with them sharing their joys and sorrows. The well-paced, captivating plot flows smoothly with a few heartwarming twists. A strong faith thread and sweet romance round out this heartwarming story. I love this book and highly recommend it as a perfect read for Christmastime or any other time of the year! NOTE: Even though there are carryover characters from the series, this book can easily be read as a standalone. I encourage you to read the series, though, because it is so good and well worth your time!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author via Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author via Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
October 28, 2024
The fourth book you never knew you needed
Unless you're like me, who ALWAYS wants a fourth book... And a fifth, and a sixth.... I hate to see stories end, so getting some extra time in Sweetwater Crossing was super exciting to me. It flows naturally from several months after Into the Starlight ends and takes place in the months leading up to Christmas. And while it definitely has Christmas scenes and themes, it also is simply a great story. Since the story follows Greta and her little brother, who is school age, there's a lot more focus on friendship as well. Beluah continues to melt hearts, and I hope she'll show up in future Amanda Cabot books sometime.
Unless you're like me, who ALWAYS wants a fourth book... And a fifth, and a sixth.... I hate to see stories end, so getting some extra time in Sweetwater Crossing was super exciting to me. It flows naturally from several months after Into the Starlight ends and takes place in the months leading up to Christmas. And while it definitely has Christmas scenes and themes, it also is simply a great story. Since the story follows Greta and her little brother, who is school age, there's a lot more focus on friendship as well. Beluah continues to melt hearts, and I hope she'll show up in future Amanda Cabot books sometime.
October 8, 2024
Not only was this book entertaining, it was uplifting. The plot wraps around a sister, Greta, caring for her seriously ill younger brother. I shared her agony. It’s hard to wait in difficult situations and often harder to trust the Lord. Each character was real, and although they tried to help each other, they also wrestled with their own shortcomings. The plot thickened as two brothers with good intentions made a bargain, but their plans backfired. The small-town gossip was very real. Cabot’s historical details made settings come alive so that I experienced the scenes, from a cozy tearoom to a western livery stable. Faith elements and references to the Bible are seamlessly woven into the plot, but the novel doesn’t push religion. Instead, it encourages the heart that God can use broken pieces of our lives. Readers will also be blessed by the Author Notes. I’ve enjoyed several novels by Amanda Cabot, and this might be my favorite. It’s far more than historical fiction or Christmas romance—it shows love through actions and words.
November 17, 2024
Here’s a great read for the holiday season set in Texas a few years after the Civil War. Greta Engel is desperate to get her brother the medical help he needs while running from a persistent suitor. She finds two doctors in Sweetwater Crossing, and a job to pay for their expenses while Otto recuperates. Matt Nelson is immediately drawn to Greta but is campaigning to become the town sheriff, if he can convince his father of the idea.
As Otto improves, Greta settles into life in the new town but feels she can’t stay there. When her past chases her down, will she run or stay where she’s found friendship and perhaps love?
There were quite a number of characters to keep up with, but they contributed to the community feel of the story.
As Otto improves, Greta settles into life in the new town but feels she can’t stay there. When her past chases her down, will she run or stay where she’s found friendship and perhaps love?
There were quite a number of characters to keep up with, but they contributed to the community feel of the story.
October 10, 2024
This One Delivers All The Feels
Amanda Cabot takes us back to Sweetwater Crossing in this heartwarming, touching romance that delivers all the emotions—joy and laughter, as well as heartbreak and loss. I’ve read many of Ms. Cabot’s books; this one was my favorite by far. I laughed at the antics of young Otto and his friend Beulah, a young girl we’ve met in other stories. I cried as Greta and Matt struggled with and then found their true path. The Christmas season brings extra meaning to this sweet romance, which makes it perfect in so very many ways. I rarely read books twice, but this one is definitely going on my keeper shelf so I can read it again and again.
Amanda Cabot takes us back to Sweetwater Crossing in this heartwarming, touching romance that delivers all the emotions—joy and laughter, as well as heartbreak and loss. I’ve read many of Ms. Cabot’s books; this one was my favorite by far. I laughed at the antics of young Otto and his friend Beulah, a young girl we’ve met in other stories. I cried as Greta and Matt struggled with and then found their true path. The Christmas season brings extra meaning to this sweet romance, which makes it perfect in so very many ways. I rarely read books twice, but this one is definitely going on my keeper shelf so I can read it again and again.
January 2, 2025
Look for breathtaking romance in a special time of year and in a special town in Amanda Cabot's ONE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS, a Sweetwater Crossing Novel. Familiar characters show up along with some newcomers, Matt Nelson, who is running for sheriff, and Greta Engel, who is desperately seeking answers for the health problems that plague her little brother Otto. Finding a place to belong amidst the backdrop of a small town's Christmas preparations gives the holiday a sparkle far more important than any artificial glitter could impart. As always, Cabot does not disappoint. No question that this is a 5-star book!
September 24, 2024
My thoughts: One Special Christmas is a historical romance set in Sweetwater, Texas. I've loved every book in the series so far and was so glad when Ms Cabot decided to write a Christmas novel set there. Ms Cabot is one of my favorite historical authors. If you like historical Christmas stories you will want to read this book. Highly recommended. I was given a copy for you and all opinions on my own.
October 4, 2024
One Special Christmas was truly a gift. When I finished the last in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing trilogy, After the Shadows, I was sad it was over. You can imagine my excitement when Amanda Cabot wrote One Special Christmas — another page turner I couldn’t put down! I highly recommend this beautiful love story with more unforgettable characters! You’ll enjoy Greta and Matt’s story any time of year, but it’s especially perfect as Christmas approaches!
November 2, 2024
This was a fun treat, a Christmas story back in Sweetwater Crossing. New characters, but a chance to see and catch up with everyone we found so endearing in the three novels. I enjoyed the story and the relationship with Greta and her brother, as well as the romantic story that evolved. Best enjoyed if you’ve read the series, but could also introduce you to the characters and then you could go back and read the other books.
December 8, 2024
a journey to true love
Wow! What a good Christmas surprise with a great message! It can be so hard to trust after being hurt in the past. However, God has good plans and we simply need to trust Him and accept them. Well done!
Wow! What a good Christmas surprise with a great message! It can be so hard to trust after being hurt in the past. However, God has good plans and we simply need to trust Him and accept them. Well done!
November 9, 2025
Amanda Cabot goes back to Sweetwater Crossing to tell the story of what happened to the Albrights ranch. One Special Christmas tells the story of the new owners and of Greta and her brother Otto. Greta is looking for healing for Otto while running from their past. She finds a family that she has to learn to trust. In the process, she unexpectedly finds herself falling in love. Now she has to decide what to do about it. I like the sweet romance and the learning to trust after a bad relationship.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews