In Thy Tender Care

The Carols of Christmas #1

by Courtney Ranger

When an epidemic hits their small town at Christmastime, can a schoolteacher with a grudge and a doctor with a secret still share the light of the season with those without hope?

Lydia Miller loves teaching her students and living with her sister and adorable nephew, but her life gets turned upside down when an influenza epidemic hits her hometown right before Christmas. When a man she’s sworn to hate forever, Doctor Andrew Williams, knocks on her door asking for her assistance in providing medical aid to her community, she turns him down flat. However, as the epidemic comes to affect more people she cares about, she finds it hard to ignore the needs in her community and finds herself forced to spend too much time in the doctor’s presence.

As the epidemic rages and broken hearts seek healing, can God reveal that He truly holds all in His tender care?

Genres: Christmas, Historical Romance, Christian, Historical, Romance, Historical Fiction

115 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2025

About the author

Courtney Ranger has loved reading for longer than she can remember. She won her first national writing competition as a first grader and has been writing ever since, although she much prefers writing fantasy and historical fiction to essays about career aspirations. When she's not preoccupied with a book of some form or another, you can find her masquerading as her alter ego at the local hospital. She has a weakness for dark chocolate and has declared liquid glue her arch-nemesis.

Reviews

[Courtney Ranger · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO IN THY TENDER CARE!!!!!!!!! It is currently available in as an ebook and in Kindle Unlimited! I am working on getting the paperback uploaded!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this incredible journey!!!!!!!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE I'M AN AUTHOR NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm feeling ALL THE THINGS right now. Currently, I think I'm excited for y'all to read it!!!!!!!!!!! This is just so... so... surreal!!!!!!!!

[Katherine Weda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm speechless. Courtney Ranger and her debut novella, In Thy Tender Care, have left me in awe.
In her historical Christmas-time novella, Miss Ranger crafts a powerful story centered around overcoming grief through faith and helps readers rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
But Courtney's book would not be complete without a hefty dose of sibling banter and a sweet romance that sneaks up on both Lydia and the reader.
Miss Ranger's novella is moving, easy to read, with relatable characters, a compelling plot and a unique voice that left me wanting more. She made me fall in love with side characters Eva and Anna and I don't want to leave this small town in Texas until they receive their own tales.
I cannot say it enough: I am blown away by Courtney's writing and I will be sure to try every piece she puts forth in the future.
I received an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Madisyn Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story in The Carols of Christmas multi-author series, In Thy Tender Care follows Lydia, a schoolteacher who finds her world turned upside down when an epidemic overtakes her town.

I've read many books with the trope enemies-to-more, but one of my favorite takes on this will always be a one-sided enemies-to-more, which is how Ranger spins the relationship between Lydia and the doctor she thoroughly dislikes. Or, that's what she tells herself, anyway.

The reader is also treated to a story full of perseverance, hope, family, and the why behind Christmas. We receive hints of future couples, should Ranger continue to write historical (I'm demanding she does), adorable kiddos, and moments that will pull the heartstrings.

A tender tale, In Thy Tender Care is a lovely Christmas historical romance.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for promotional purposes. A positive review was not required an all opinions expressed are my own.

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and delightful debut! I loved every minute and finished it like 3 hours...lol...Goodreads was being weird, so I just now got in to review it. :)

Characters:
Lydia was stubborn and funny, and I adored how much she loved her nephew and sister and even her students.
Dr. Andrew Williams was such a nice guy! I honestly felt bad for him and the way that Lydia treated him from the beginning...but as the story goes on, their romance blossoms so sweetly.

Romance:
Such a sweet, clean romance.

Language:
N/A

Violence/Gore:
There is an influenza outbreak and many deaths...some of which are young children. It was a touch of heavy but there are beautiful themes intertwined throughout.

Overall:
I throughly enjoyed the story and the nice pace and deep themes. There was something so wholesome and sweet about the whole story and the delightful happy ending!

Recommend for age 14+

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. 🥹🫶🏼 The romance was on point and so sweet…had me giggling and melting. 😭🫠💗
Theme wise, the reminder that we are in God’s tender care left me a little bit in awe, there is something so holy and precious about it. And using our talents for God, and how it’s not really a choice is a needed reminder. 💕💕💕
I loved this so much!!! I’ll one hundred percent be rereading it. 🙂‍↕️🥰🤗

🎄☕️✨🐎💕🌙🕯️👶🏼🍪📖

Content notes: death and illness, two brief, non-steamy kisses. 🫶🏼

(Thanks so much to the author for this arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🤗)

[Kendall Hoxsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!

I absolutely adored the debut by Courtney Ranger! The characterization, plotting, and writing were fantastic! I highly recommend reading this sweet novella during the Christmas season!!

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Thy Tender Care
The Caroles of Christmas
By Courtney Ranger
This was a lovely read. It kept me reading late into the night because I had to know what happened as schoolteacher Lydia Miller and town doctor Andrew Williams join forces to care for the town's residents who become ill during an influenza outbreak.

In the beginning, Lydia has some misgivings about Doctor Williams when he can't save everyone under his care. She is more than a little vocal in her doubts. But when she actually sees him working, Lydia realizes she may have misjudged him.

And when Lydia questions why this had to happen at Christmas, an elderly patient makes her rethink her understanding of Christmas and its true meaning. This results in some good old-fashioned soul searching, especially after Doctor Williams says he is more concerned with a patient's soul health than their bodily health when he is at their side and knows their earthly life is near.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
This was a nice clean western style Christian romance, taking place around Christmas time. I really enjoyed how the main character grew both as a person, and in her faith as the story progressed! Even though the story was short, it contained a very welcome Christmas message, and felt complete.

[Kyrie Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I do the best I can with the skills and knowledge He has given me, but I’m not called to save people. I believe that He has called me-us, all of us, to love, comfort, mourn, serve. I can’t do His job for Him, but I can do those four little things.” - Dr Andrew Williams

10 STARS!! I absolutely loved this book that made me laugh and cry. Courtney Ranger is a master at writing banter and the first half had me hooked on her humor! The second half was more raw with the harsh realities of an epidemic that brought me back to my days as a medical student... How it felt to lose patients despite doing everything I could... How it felt to speak to the family members afterwards, all the crying with them and wrestling with my faith through a storm of despair, anger, all while asking WHY WHY WHY without ceasing. It was amazingly cathartic to see my emotions reflected in the characters, and Ranger's faith shines through her characters' conversations and their healing journey.

I didn't go into this book expecting my wounds as a physician to be prodded open, but the story patched me together again most tenderly. I feel stronger now in my faith in Christ. Such a jewel of a book!!

Other Fave Quotes:
“Yes, we want Christmas to be a happy time, a celebration, even, but that’s not how it works. We don’t have Christmas for the happy times. We have Christmas—we were given Christmas—because we need Someone to wipe away our tears.”

“If we only needed prayers when we experienced illness, the good Lord would get mighty bored up there.”

[Saraina Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for cozy Christmas books to add to my collection, and I was THRILLED when Courtney first announced the Carols of Christmas series! Needless to say, I loved every minute of In Thy Tender Care!!! It's a wholesome, darling story with relatable characters I quickly fell in love with, and a beautiful theme of hope amidst despair and brokenness.

With a scarlet fever epidemic ravaging Lydia's hometown, there are topics like loss and grief, which feel so raw and real. (That scene with Lydia punching the dough, ughhh! 😭 It was so well written.) And yet there are also cozy elements that lend a warm, homey feel to the story, from cookie baking to Lydia's cute little nephew.

The romance is just adorable, and I LOVED the swoony enemies-to-lovers romance between Andrew and Lydia <3 The gradual shift in their relationship was delightful and had me turning page after page to see how it would be resolved! (Also I was so here for the sister rep 😆 The banter between Lydia and her sister added so much to the story!) And when I realized Lydia was a pianist it made me so happyyy! 🤭 I loved how "Away in a Manger" wove into the story so seamlessly.

I can't wait to see more from Courtney Ranger, and I recommend this book to anyone who wants a fast-paced, bittersweet Christmas novella that tugs on your heartstrings and points you to the Light of the World. Complete with cookies, carols, romance, and banter, this is the perfect way to spend a cozy winter afternoon. ❄️

[Ellie Hollows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this story.

#1. Definitely because of all the Christmas Cookies mention...😉.

#2. Lydia's and her sister's dry wit is hilarious, I laughed so hard🤣.

#3. The romance is light and sweet. It's so cute that she hates him until she doesn't. And them making Christmas Cookies together🤌🏻🫠 💖.

#4. I love Dr. MCs, and Andrew is so cute and protective...

Need I say more 😏. The list could go on and on...

I read this book in under three hours, it was that good. The author has a wonderful grasp of knowing just how to get you invested in the story- I felt all the emotions, swells of love, joy, and sorrow- along with Lydia. I think it might have been that I really loved that it is in first person POV.

And the wonderful reminder of the Why of Christmas- God knew we needed Someone to care and comfort us-that just touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

CW (younger readers only): tingling touches, a thought of (Kiss me).

My Rating/Age Recommendation:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (why not make it a 10 out of 10)/ 16+

This had to be the best Christmas Story I have read this year🎄. I definitely want to read everything Courtney Ranger writes! And... I really need a physical copy for my shelf too (like as in right now 🤭)!!!

I received a complimentary ARC, but all opinions expressed are my own.



.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). Y'all, I did not expect this to make me cry, but I couldn't help it! The humour pulled me right in, and it wasn't long before I loved both Lydia and the doctor. Their story was the sweetest thing! But I also really loved the message—the reminder that even in the most shattering of circumstances, we are in the Lord's tender care... Yeah. This was good. Well done, Courtney Ranger. 💙

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Jewel Carrie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, I knew I was going to enjoy reading this book. The author personified an apple and wrote that it had the “audacity” to roll next to another character. That line alone perfectly captured the author’s clever writing style and gave such a clear sense of the FMC Lydia’s personality.

The forced proximity trope was done so well. I also loved the bond between Lydia and her sister. Their relationship felt real and heartfelt. The recipe at the end was such a cute touch too!

Just a heads up: there is some heavier content, including death and a scene involving a dead body, but it’s handled with care and fits naturally into the story and influenza plot line.

And I have to say, there are so, so many good quotes in this book. I kept wanting to highlight every other page!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, faith-centered story of forgiveness and love

In this novel there are so many great things like a well-developed plot, engaging style, and wonderful characters, but my favorite part is probably the change Lydia undergoes as her callous, unforgiving heart learns to see God as the loving Father who always hears and cares, in life and death, and to remember to extend forgiveness she’s received through Christ to others. Her attitude toward Andrew whom her guilt-ridden mind has painted as evil, her understanding of her faults, her ability to love, - all undergo healing. And that’s very beautiful.

This is my first foray into the author’s work but I found it interesting, inspirational, and heartwarming.
However, the romance though sweet, with a beautiful ending, felt a bit undeveloped, or not as obvious due to one POV. But because I believe the focus was on God’s care in little and big ways, I am not taking a star off.


Possible triggers: death, grief, epidemic.

I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kathy Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I think I went through every emotion the FMC did as I read this book. It was so good! I cried along with her and swooned along with her. The author does a great job bringing you along in the story. I read it in one sitting! I definitely recommend it!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4 1/2 Stars!

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a clean Christian historical romance book and part of the series The Carols of Christmas. The main characters are Andrew and Lydia. Andrew is a doctor and Lydia is a schoolteacher. Lydia doesn’t care for Andrew so when an epidemic happens and Andrew asks Lydia for help she turns him down. Will she end up helping him? When the epidemic gets worse will they be able to help people get better? Will Lydia change her mind about Andrew after she spends time with him. I loved watching them get to know each other better while taking care of the sick. I think this book is a reminder that God is with us. He is holding us even when we don’t realize it. That God is our healer. I loved the side characters in this book. This book is short so I won’t say anything else. Overall, this was a good book.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect Christmas read for anyone that needs a hopeful message during this time of year. Some people feel grief during the holiday season which can be incongruous with the festive season. This book captures both. It has many sad parts but is ultimately hopeful. It’s essentially a Blue Christmas service in book form. It had a nice message and was a really sweet story and very poignant as well. I’ve really been enjoying this series!

[Leialoha Humpherys · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄 A Tender, Uplifting Christmas Gem — Pure Cozy Historical Goodness 🎄

"In Thy Tender Care" by Courtney Ranger is one of those rare debut novels that slips quietly into your heart and then stays there. A beautiful blend of cozy Christmas charm, heartfelt relationships, and inspiring Christian themes, this book was exactly what I needed—and it pulled me right out of my reading slump.

Set against the backdrop of an influenza outbreak, the story balances grief, hope, and healing with such grace. Though the subject matter brings inevitable sadness, it never becomes heavy or overwhelming. Instead, Ranger threads every chapter with light—faith, community, small joys, and the spirit of Christmas even in hard times. It’s wholesome, uplifting, and deeply moving.

The relationship between Lydia and Andrew absolutely stole my heart. Their chemistry is gentle, slow-burning, and full of quiet, meaningful moments. I wanted to shake Lydia more than once (in the sweetest way!!) and yell “Just give the man a chance!”—but the payoff was so worth it. Their connection is tender, respectful, and rooted in sincerity. The single, sweet kiss? Perfection.

This book shines in the cozy moments too—cookie making, piano playing, simple acts of kindness that break up the intensity and bring warmth to the page. The Christmas atmosphere is enchanting without ever feeling cheesy, and the historical setting is beautifully rendered.

The Christian elements were another highlight—woven in with authenticity, depth, and comfort. They uplift without ever preaching, grounding the story in themes of faith, compassion, service, and trust in God’s timing.

And the side characters? I adored them. Eva and Anna absolutely deserve their own stories, and I hope Courtney Ranger gives us more from this world—I’m already attached.

Short, sweet, comforting, and spiritually nourishing, In Thy Tender Care is the perfect holiday palette cleanser read. Clean, wholesome, and heartfelt, it’s a story I’ll gladly revisit every Christmas.

Courtney Ranger’s debut is a triumph, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. ❄️❤️📖

[Lj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance with lots of Christmas time baked goods. While often bittersweet, it comes to a satisfying 'happily ever after' conclusion. The writing style is supurb and makes the setting and characters really come alive.

I received an ARC and leave and voluntarily leave an honest review.

[Sherry Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have been great,but the shift from her hating him to loving him was way too fast. There was never a resolution or conversation as to why she was treating him that way. She didn’t even apologize! I did get really emotional when Frankie died,it was heartbreaking.

[Megan Mohler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was cute. A quick read. Loved the gospel message throughout.

Loved the dedication : "To those who make Christmas merry, even when it is not."

Found multiple small errors - mostly missing punctuation.

[Jessica Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars rounded up

The story took a minute for me to get into, but once I was sucked in, I enjoyed it very much! I look forward to reading more by Ms. Ranger :)