A Gold-Fashioned Christmas

by Cathe Swanson

Sylvia Flynn never wanted to leave Golden Valley, Montana, and she never did. Now, as the town’s go-to event planner, she’s pouring her heart into the new Gold Rush-themed conference center that’s supposed to breathe new life into the community. With Christmas around the corner, Sylvia is busy creating magical holiday events that could make or break the town’s future. But when Michael Bishop, her high school sweetheart, shows up unexpectedly, Sylvia’s carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray.

Michael’s family moved away in his senior year of high school, and he never expected to come back. But when a client places an order for 800 perfect Montana Christmas trees, he’s drawn back to Golden Valley—and back to Sylvia. Crossing paths with her again wasn’t part of the plan, but the spark between them is undeniable.

As the town rallies to save itself and holiday celebrations unfold, Sylvia and Michael are forced to confront their past. With festive cheer in the air and second chances on the horizon, can they rekindle the love they once shared, or will old wounds keep them apart? This Christmas, love might just find its way back home to Golden Valley.

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

After 40 years of wandering (but always in lovely places and not in a desert), Cathe Swanson has recently returned to her childhood home and family in Minnesota.

In the summer, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their grandchildren and being outdoors, gardening, hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking. The long winters are perfect for writing books, playing games, reading, and indoor hobbies. Cathe's been a quilter and teacher of quiltmaking for 35 years and enjoys just about any kind of creative work, especially those involving fiber or paper.

Everything inspires new books! A lifelong love of quilting, Cathe’s Swedish heritage and an interest in genealogy led to The Glory Quilts series, and the Hope Again series is inspired by her life in the Midwest and experiences with the elderly, the military, and inner-city ministry. As a child of the 60’s, she’s currently having fun writing about hippies and the Jesus People movement.

Cathe writes books with creative plots and engaging characters of all ages, to glorify God and entertain and bless readers. Her heartwarming stories will make you laugh and make you cry—and then make you laugh again.

Reviews

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming off my high from The Christmas Camp, I wasn't sure Cathe could live up to that. Well... she did. While in a totally different way, this book had the same sense of fun and sweetness to it. Michael and Sylvia's past really did a number on them, but this is why I loved the book. The story was fun and I definitely want more in this "world" of hers, but as a second-chance romance, things were a bit more unexpected. Books need tension and conflict, but I loved that Cathe took those things in a different way in this book. Without being spoilery, the fact is, we don't have the mid-book breakup/horrible misunderstanding thing happening. Not in the way we usually see those. Instead, the force driving them apart is different and fun. I really loved it. Without that really great twist, it would've been a solid four-star read. But that was so well done, I had to give it five. It would have been robbery without it.

Full disclosure here: This book is in the 2024 Christmas Lights Collection: An Evergreen Christmas, as is one of my books. Cathe is a friend. But that doesn't change or influence my opinion of the book--for what it's worth.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be a little prejudiced as the author is my niece!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited when I realized that A Gold-Fashioned Christmas by Cathe Swanson returns to Golden Valley, Montana, where her story in last year’s collection also took place. I said at the time that I thought Golden Valley and its characters had more stories to tell, and I’m quite pleased that the author thought so too. This year’s story focuses on Sylvia (who we met last time) and her role as an event planner at the newly minted conference center, but it also brings in a blast from her past – namely, her childhood sweetheart (and almost-husband, once upon a time) Michael. I really enjoyed getting to know Sylvia’s personality, and her past, better in this story, particularly as that past relates to Michael and a whole heap of complex dynamics that still need to be untangled if their second chance has a chance. Michael’s history with Golden Valley, and with Sylvia, gives his character lots of great layers to delve into, and it was sweet to watch Michael and Sylvia fall in love with each other once more. I would easily welcome more visits to Golden Valley as Swanson has created such a unique community here. Could Gwen’s story be next?? (Yep, it is!)

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book as part of the An Evergreen Christmas collection)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main characters in A Gold-Fashioned Christmas have a history. Readers will learn more about Sylvia's and Michael's backstory as the story unfolds and the dilemma that Sylvia encounters regarding her career, her family, and her future. There are tension, setbacks, second chances, and romance.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book better than a lot of the Christmas romances I've read. The setting is lovely!