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Big Sky Country #4
Montana Bride by Christmas
A Practical Bride.
Widowed preacher Hugh Arness needs a wife- not for love, but to bring stability to his quiet Montana home and his withdrawn young son, Evan. He never expects Annie Marshall- a woman far too young and far too lovely for his liking- to be the one answering his ad. Agreeing to a trial arrangement until Christmas, with her strict grandfather keeping watch, Hugh resolves to find a more suitable bride before the season's end.
For Annie, the chance to find security without risking the heartbreak of love feels like a blessing. Determined to prove she belongs, she pours her heart into creating a home to cherish- one Hugh won't want to let go. But as she wins Evan's trust and begins to thaw Hugh's guarded spirit, she discovers the kind of home and happiness she never thought possible.
As the holiday weaves it's magic, will the walls around Hugh's heart finally come down? As the snow deepens and Christmas draws near, will their practical parntership transform into the family they both secretly long for?
(previously published with HQ, Love Inspired)
Widowed preacher Hugh Arness needs a wife- not for love, but to bring stability to his quiet Montana home and his withdrawn young son, Evan. He never expects Annie Marshall- a woman far too young and far too lovely for his liking- to be the one answering his ad. Agreeing to a trial arrangement until Christmas, with her strict grandfather keeping watch, Hugh resolves to find a more suitable bride before the season's end.
For Annie, the chance to find security without risking the heartbreak of love feels like a blessing. Determined to prove she belongs, she pours her heart into creating a home to cherish- one Hugh won't want to let go. But as she wins Evan's trust and begins to thaw Hugh's guarded spirit, she discovers the kind of home and happiness she never thought possible.
As the holiday weaves it's magic, will the walls around Hugh's heart finally come down? As the snow deepens and Christmas draws near, will their practical parntership transform into the family they both secretly long for?
(previously published with HQ, Love Inspired)
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2017
About the author
Linda Ford
221 books380 followersLinda Ford grew up devouring books and making up stories in her head—often late at night when she couldn't sleep. But she hadn't planned to write. Instead, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, that dream came true. She married, had four homemade children, adopted ten and lived (at times, endured) the dream.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 10, 2017
This story made a big impact on me. Not only is it beautifully written with some heartbreaking issues like mental and physical child abuse, but the main characters and their faith in God is such a central, natural part of their lives, and it is openly, honestly, and unashamedly brought forward in every aspect of their lives. I loved it, it is an encouraging and inspiring example how to live your life when faith in God is your guiding light.
Hugh Arness is a kindhearted and a good man. Yes, he is the preacher, so one might expect that, but I think his character would have been the same no matter what his profession was. He loves the Lord and his son, that is palpable. All his life he has struggled with inadequacy, thanks to his mother's own problems. He is not looking for love, he has learned the hard way that hoping to be loved leads only for disappointments. He finds Annie Marshall way too attractive and lively and young to accept her proposal of marriage of convenience.
Annie is determined to start her own life yet to avoid love and romantic relationships to escape from more heartbreak. To marry the preacher and take care of his son, that would be enough for Annie for the rest of her life. If only her stubborn, meddling family would allow her to move on. Annie's heart is gold, she is sweet, smart, considerate, and kind. She radiates of life, goodness, and love, it was impossible not to smile when she walks into a room.
There is so much to love about this story I ended up inhaling it at one sitting, unable to put it down until the end. The characters are by no means 'perfect', they struggle with their faith and with their convictions, with their own character fails. Yet there is healing, there is growth, there is maturing, and most of all, there is love. The abuse Hugh's son has experienced, and his healing and learning to trust again touched my heart. The care and patience they show to him, space and time they give to him so he could feel safe and secure again delivered some emotion filled scenes.
Montana Bride by Christmas is a beautiful story on many levels, it is an exemplary tale of God's love, guidance, and living in faith and growing as a Christian. It is a beautiful story of the healing powers of the love of a family, the feelings of belonging, being accepted, being enough, being loved. It is an adorable story of falling in love despite all circumstances, against your will and better knowledge. The most delightfully charming ending to this absolutely lovely little family makes me still smile just thinking about it.
~ Five Spoons!
Hugh Arness is a kindhearted and a good man. Yes, he is the preacher, so one might expect that, but I think his character would have been the same no matter what his profession was. He loves the Lord and his son, that is palpable. All his life he has struggled with inadequacy, thanks to his mother's own problems. He is not looking for love, he has learned the hard way that hoping to be loved leads only for disappointments. He finds Annie Marshall way too attractive and lively and young to accept her proposal of marriage of convenience.
Annie is determined to start her own life yet to avoid love and romantic relationships to escape from more heartbreak. To marry the preacher and take care of his son, that would be enough for Annie for the rest of her life. If only her stubborn, meddling family would allow her to move on. Annie's heart is gold, she is sweet, smart, considerate, and kind. She radiates of life, goodness, and love, it was impossible not to smile when she walks into a room.
There is so much to love about this story I ended up inhaling it at one sitting, unable to put it down until the end. The characters are by no means 'perfect', they struggle with their faith and with their convictions, with their own character fails. Yet there is healing, there is growth, there is maturing, and most of all, there is love. The abuse Hugh's son has experienced, and his healing and learning to trust again touched my heart. The care and patience they show to him, space and time they give to him so he could feel safe and secure again delivered some emotion filled scenes.
Montana Bride by Christmas is a beautiful story on many levels, it is an exemplary tale of God's love, guidance, and living in faith and growing as a Christian. It is a beautiful story of the healing powers of the love of a family, the feelings of belonging, being accepted, being enough, being loved. It is an adorable story of falling in love despite all circumstances, against your will and better knowledge. The most delightfully charming ending to this absolutely lovely little family makes me still smile just thinking about it.
~ Five Spoons!
October 17, 2017
Hugh, a minister, has finally located his missing son. He can't keep a nanny and so he does the next best thing. He advertises for a wife. But when Annie applies for the position, Hugh is reluctant to accept her offer. He's seen Annie in the past and he doesn't trust that she'll stay and be responsible. His son has some severe issues stemming from the trauma he experienced while missing and Hugh needs a mature, responsible woman who can help his son speak again. Annie convinces him to agree to a trail period and moves her grandfather and herself into his home. Both will need to learn patience and trust as they work together for his precious son.
This was a unique start to the whole marriage of convenience type story. I loved the grandfather and the little boy and how they added depth to the story. The writer did a great job of creating interesting and authentic characters. She wove the important messages of faith, trust, and reliance on God into the plot without making it come across as a sermon. The book is clearly part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this author.
I received a copy of this book by NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This was a unique start to the whole marriage of convenience type story. I loved the grandfather and the little boy and how they added depth to the story. The writer did a great job of creating interesting and authentic characters. She wove the important messages of faith, trust, and reliance on God into the plot without making it come across as a sermon. The book is clearly part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this author.
I received a copy of this book by NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
October 14, 2017
Montana Bride By Christmas a Montana Cowboys series by Linda Ford. A Historical romance that takes place in 1890. Preacher Hugh Arness advertised for a convenience bride. His wife took their son and left then she died. Hugh was trying to find his son. He had to pay twenty five dollars to the person who had his son and treated him like an animal. He doesn't talk or let people touch him. Annie Marshall is 19 and applied for the position. She wants to get away from her brothers at the ranch. Annie and her grandfather move in with the preacher and his son. Annie talks to the child and sings to him and brings him out of his corner on the kitchen floor. Where he stays all the time. A lot goes on in this book. Well worth reading.
December 29, 2025
2.5 stars
This is book 4 in the series and I haven't read the other books, but aside from a few hints that made me think the other books were about Annie's brothers, this was a stand alone.
Well, I liked the two main characters and found the story line about Evan interesting though a few times I wondered how accurate it all was. The fact that Hugh repeats over and over and over, in nearly every chapter and often multiple times in a chapter, that Annie won’t stay around, he can’t keep her there, she won’t last, she’ll leave, he needs to find someone else because it wouldn’t be fair if he asked her to stay, and other variations of the same thing, drove me crazy! I get it! You don’t think she’ll stay! But good grief! I don’t need or want to hear it fifty times! The book isn’t that long!
Both Annie and Hugh are dealing with a lot of fear and neither one seems willing to let it go and trust God until the end.
Clean, Christian story.
This is book 4 in the series and I haven't read the other books, but aside from a few hints that made me think the other books were about Annie's brothers, this was a stand alone.
Well, I liked the two main characters and found the story line about Evan interesting though a few times I wondered how accurate it all was. The fact that Hugh repeats over and over and over, in nearly every chapter and often multiple times in a chapter, that Annie won’t stay around, he can’t keep her there, she won’t last, she’ll leave, he needs to find someone else because it wouldn’t be fair if he asked her to stay, and other variations of the same thing, drove me crazy! I get it! You don’t think she’ll stay! But good grief! I don’t need or want to hear it fifty times! The book isn’t that long!
Both Annie and Hugh are dealing with a lot of fear and neither one seems willing to let it go and trust God until the end.
Clean, Christian story.
January 20, 2026
Best book I’ve read in a long time
I truly enjoyed reading this book.
The characters were warm and natural.
Each one had a secret wish. I especially loved the little boy, Ethan, who couldn’t or wouldn’t join in and be part of the family. He was accepted as he was and no demands were made on him to change his behavior, leavujg it up
To him for when he felt it was safe to do so.
I loved the fact that they found him a puppy
and allowed him to keep it in the house with him to offer him comfort,’support and a companion.’The ending of the story was perfect.
This was a family who believed in and trusted God,’but it was not preachy. Rather their faith in God was a natural part of their lives and they relied on Him for guidance in their daily lives. This is the first book that I have read by
this author and I am looking forward to reading many more of her stories so I hope she plans
to keep busy writing them!! And by the way, I highly recommend this book.
I truly enjoyed reading this book.
The characters were warm and natural.
Each one had a secret wish. I especially loved the little boy, Ethan, who couldn’t or wouldn’t join in and be part of the family. He was accepted as he was and no demands were made on him to change his behavior, leavujg it up
To him for when he felt it was safe to do so.
I loved the fact that they found him a puppy
and allowed him to keep it in the house with him to offer him comfort,’support and a companion.’The ending of the story was perfect.
This was a family who believed in and trusted God,’but it was not preachy. Rather their faith in God was a natural part of their lives and they relied on Him for guidance in their daily lives. This is the first book that I have read by
this author and I am looking forward to reading many more of her stories so I hope she plans
to keep busy writing them!! And by the way, I highly recommend this book.
December 10, 2025
Most of the story occurred within the four walls of the house, which I found a little boring, but still a cute and fun read. My favourite character was probably Evan, but overall, I found the characters to lack a bit of personality. I felt like all we knew of them was what was told to us, rather than shown, making the characters a bit two-dimensional . I just really wish we got to see more character development throughout the novel, especially considering that nothing much happened in terms of the plot, since the plot revolved around their character's interacting and growing.
I did like the faith elements though, and overall it was a sweet story.
I did like the faith elements though, and overall it was a sweet story.
December 17, 2025
I love Linda Ford’s books, but this story was extra special. I got a feel for how tenacious Annie is from page one, yet she is also soft and gracious. Even though she is young, only 19, she has the maturity of someone much older, making her relatable. The story revolves around Hugh and Annie helping his 4-year-old son adjust to being back home (no spoilers as to where he’s been). The author handles serious topics realistically yet with sensitivity. Neither Hugh nor Annie want a “real marriage,” and in fact Hugh doesn’t want to marry her at all. I loved watching their relationship grown, and Annie’s Grandfather is a wonderful character. The discussions she has with her family who try to coddle her and tell her what’s best are great, and I love that she gets the last word. There is lots of food for thought, and best of all a lovely HEA.
February 6, 2026
When Annie applied to become a nanny to Hugh's son Evan and to enter into a marriage of convenience, we all surmise how it will end. However, with Hugh's stubbornness and Annie's perseverance and personality and unsuitable other applicants, he was compelled to use her services under the watchful eye of Grandfather Marshall.
History of child neglect and abuse is handled very gently and Annie just had the knack of how to capture Evan's attention. To find out how and how long it took is for you to ferret out. A page-turner, with many tender scenes, interfering brother's and their opinions as well as the women of the church needing to get in their five cents. Linda Ford provided me with quite a few hours of amusement and inspiration.
History of child neglect and abuse is handled very gently and Annie just had the knack of how to capture Evan's attention. To find out how and how long it took is for you to ferret out. A page-turner, with many tender scenes, interfering brother's and their opinions as well as the women of the church needing to get in their five cents. Linda Ford provided me with quite a few hours of amusement and inspiration.
October 5, 2017
This is book four in the Montana Cowboys series, however it is a stand alone book. I have not read any in this series and had no problem keeping up with what was going on.
Annie Marshall is a loving, caring, determined girl who is afraid to truly love again. Hugh Arness is a caring father who wants what is best for his troubled son, but Hugh feels unlovable.
This book is full of misunderstanding, healing, and learning to love and trust. I enjoyed how the author developed her characters and their ups and downs.
Annie Marshall is a loving, caring, determined girl who is afraid to truly love again. Hugh Arness is a caring father who wants what is best for his troubled son, but Hugh feels unlovable.
This book is full of misunderstanding, healing, and learning to love and trust. I enjoyed how the author developed her characters and their ups and downs.
May 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this Love=Inspired Historical romance. It pulled me in from the beginning. I bought this from a school yard sale and I voluntarily chose to review it. This pulled me in from the beginning and held on tight throughout. Just kept wanting to know what would happen next. This also touched the heart from the beginning. Not sure exactly how this child was treated but he was loved by his father who finally found him. Add a lost puppy into this mix and it was a great story. I rated this clean story 5*.
June 30, 2025
I enjoyed the book! Hugh had finally found his son but he son was withdrawn and almost feral. He advertised for a wife with the understanding that it would be a marriage of convenience. Annie decided to apply - with all of her brothers married, she felt unneeded at the ranch.hugh felt she was too young and wild for the position but agreed for her to act as a nanny/housekeeper for four weeks. This book is part of a series but can be read standalone (but you’ll want to read the other books in the series!). I highly recommend reading this book!
June 27, 2025
This is an excellent series and a great book! Hugh has always been told he is worthless, not good enough. Annie has lost so many people that she loved she just is not going to love again so she can avoid heartache. Throw in Evan, Hugh's four-year-old son that was taken away by his mother then abused following her death and you have a wonderful heart wrenching story. And of course there is a darling, intuitive puppy that understands and loves them all. Don't miss this story!
April 30, 2026
Lovely story
This was such a beautiful story. Evan's journey was beautifully written. The ending was absolutely lovely. I was so pleased they gave the dog to him. Animals, especially dogs, are amazing at sensing human struggle. The only thing I would have preferred done differently was the duration and repetitiveness of their struggle around love and fear. Anyway, it worked out in the end. Again, really liked little Evan!
This was such a beautiful story. Evan's journey was beautifully written. The ending was absolutely lovely. I was so pleased they gave the dog to him. Animals, especially dogs, are amazing at sensing human struggle. The only thing I would have preferred done differently was the duration and repetitiveness of their struggle around love and fear. Anyway, it worked out in the end. Again, really liked little Evan!
September 10, 2026
This was a sweet love story about two people determined never to fall in love again. Hugh and Annie are both good people trying their best in difficult circumstances. Although I did find Annie's pushiness to be a touch annoying at times. (I think it came from a place of insecurity.) Other than that, I thought this was a good book. I found the journey Hugh and Annie go on as they fall in love to be delightful. I would read more by this author.
July 9, 2025
God understands our confusion
He needs someone to look after his son, which is why he proposes a marriage of convenience, but can he handle it turning into something more? This is a book that makes one face child abuse and brokenness head on and realise that if we let Him God will transform it all into His best.
He needs someone to look after his son, which is why he proposes a marriage of convenience, but can he handle it turning into something more? This is a book that makes one face child abuse and brokenness head on and realise that if we let Him God will transform it all into His best.
October 29, 2025
Montana Bride
Once again, Ms Ford has delivered a wonderful story about demonstrating and giving love to the affirm as well as to a lost child that was abused and left alone. Although his early life was a home of live, it still had the diversity and sadness of the mother looking for something other than motherhood.
Once again, Ms Ford has delivered a wonderful story about demonstrating and giving love to the affirm as well as to a lost child that was abused and left alone. Although his early life was a home of live, it still had the diversity and sadness of the mother looking for something other than motherhood.
December 9, 2025
Amazing
What an incredibly difficult call; to help heal and restore a child from such trauma. The whole story was deftly handled, and the recovery heart felt. The relationship grew nicely over time. Loved grandparents Marshall. What a lovely character! A really heart warming read. Enjoyed it.
What an incredibly difficult call; to help heal and restore a child from such trauma. The whole story was deftly handled, and the recovery heart felt. The relationship grew nicely over time. Loved grandparents Marshall. What a lovely character! A really heart warming read. Enjoyed it.
December 22, 2025
Beautiful story
I loved this book so much! It was very well written with lovable, relatable characters, sweet romance and God’s wonderful truths woven throughout. The chemistry between Hugh and Annie was so good and the story of sweet little Evan was perfectly heartwarming. I loved it all!
I loved this book so much! It was very well written with lovable, relatable characters, sweet romance and God’s wonderful truths woven throughout. The chemistry between Hugh and Annie was so good and the story of sweet little Evan was perfectly heartwarming. I loved it all!
January 7, 2026
Wonderful story
I loved Hugh and Annie! The entire story about Evan was both heartbreaking and uplifting. And adding a lost dog to the mix was perfect. I also really enjoy hearing about the other family members and catching up with their lives. Grandfather did a superb job with his family.
I loved Hugh and Annie! The entire story about Evan was both heartbreaking and uplifting. And adding a lost dog to the mix was perfect. I also really enjoy hearing about the other family members and catching up with their lives. Grandfather did a superb job with his family.
August 25, 2026
She didn't want love, he felt un loveable but the lord had other plans. Hugh had just found his son and was needing a helpmate in his life to help care for Evan. Annie decided she wanted to take on caring for Evan and marry the pastor without involving her heart. This is an incredibly beautiful story of how what's meant to be will be with a little hope, faith, and love!
October 1, 2025
Great reading!
In joyed reading this book! The characters are beautifully presented! They show great character, exhibiting high morals! Reading these stories I am taking back to the 1900 century in the western town.
In joyed reading this book! The characters are beautifully presented! They show great character, exhibiting high morals! Reading these stories I am taking back to the 1900 century in the western town.
October 4, 2025
marriage of convenience, bah humbug!
Faith over fear. What a struggle it was for this couple to overcome but they made it! And little Evan was the most heart warming part of this story.
Faith over fear. What a struggle it was for this couple to overcome but they made it! And little Evan was the most heart warming part of this story.
December 10, 2025
Inspiring
This was just a great story! This family was fabulous, brothers as they should be and a grandfather to crave. The couple moved through many stages but the star was Evan, the resilience of children.
This was just a great story! This family was fabulous, brothers as they should be and a grandfather to crave. The couple moved through many stages but the star was Evan, the resilience of children.
December 11, 2025
Loveless Bride
Annie had decided that she was done with love. She answered Hugh's ad for a marriage of convenience but he thought she was too young and energetic to settle with him and his young son who had so many problems. She asked for 4 weeks to prove her worth.
Annie had decided that she was done with love. She answered Hugh's ad for a marriage of convenience but he thought she was too young and energetic to settle with him and his young son who had so many problems. She asked for 4 weeks to prove her worth.
December 14, 2025
so heart warming.
Montana Bride kept me captivated. A heart warming story that’s hard to put down. The characters became my friends. I cried with them. I laughed with them. I felt their joy and sadness. Thank you Linda Ford for this novel.
Montana Bride kept me captivated. A heart warming story that’s hard to put down. The characters became my friends. I cried with them. I laughed with them. I felt their joy and sadness. Thank you Linda Ford for this novel.
December 16, 2025
A very moving story!
A determined young woman answered the Minister's ad for a wife in a marriage of convenience to help care for his home and son. Determined to prove that she was the right person, she found what she wouldn't admit that she needed.
A determined young woman answered the Minister's ad for a wife in a marriage of convenience to help care for his home and son. Determined to prove that she was the right person, she found what she wouldn't admit that she needed.
December 22, 2025
This was the first book I read by Linda Ford, and I absolutely loved it. The characters were so likable. It was the perfect love story to read at Christmas time. I only wish there was another book to continue their story. I didn’t want it to end.
December 26, 2025
Beautiful story!
A well written story with great characters. Two people who really needed each other. A Christian theme through out. Hugh was only looking for someone to care for his son and was willing to marry someone only for that. However, God had a different plan.
A well written story with great characters. Two people who really needed each other. A Christian theme through out. Hugh was only looking for someone to care for his son and was willing to marry someone only for that. However, God had a different plan.
December 26, 2025
Recommend
Delightful book that reminds us of God’s gentle love and that love casts out fear. I recommend this book for those who enjoy a nice romance with Biblical truth woven throughout.
Delightful book that reminds us of God’s gentle love and that love casts out fear. I recommend this book for those who enjoy a nice romance with Biblical truth woven throughout.
January 16, 2026
A young woman plans to make a life without love
I liked this book because the young girl planned to just help without expecting love so she didn't get hurt. Adding a scared young boy to the story lets her show just how loving she can be and goes beyond what even she realizes.
I liked this book because the young girl planned to just help without expecting love so she didn't get hurt. Adding a scared young boy to the story lets her show just how loving she can be and goes beyond what even she realizes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews