And the Mountains in Reply

The Carols of Christmas #9

by Sienna Peake

A heartfelt, Christmas romance set in the rugged wilderness of 19th century Arizona with themes of faith, hope, and family.

Genres: Christmas

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2025

Reviews

[Madisyn Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the Mountains in Reply by Sienna Peake is a sweet little novella that takes place in Arizona. Sarah and Elijah are endearing main characters, and Peake did well creating solid character arcs and an engaging plot. I enjoyed the faith content, Sarah's determination to help every child, no matter their background, and how Peake reminded readers through some secondary characters that no one is too far gone, no matter their past or profession.

A delightful addition to The Carols of Christmas multi-author series, you will enjoy And the Mountains in Reply if you like Christian historical romance novellas that capture the Christmas spirit, treat you to a wholesome romance tale, and leave you wanting to read more books by the author.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No positive review was required and all opinions expressed are my own

[Lover of books · Rating 4 out of 5]

this a very sweet romance. and a good palette cleanser.

[Ellie Hollows · Rating 5 out of 5]

It always makes me smile to get a notification that I have another of Sienna Peake's books to read.

For starters, it could not be more perfect that Sienna chose Angels We Have Heard on High, my favorite Christmas Carol.

I love Sarah. Her tenacity that every child should have the chance to learn is so sweet and such a good reminder that every child is precious in the sight of God.

And Elijah. Love that he's a carpenter it just fits the Christmasy vibe of the story. I also so love how he stands firm on his morals despite the mockings of others. It can be hard, but we can't follow the crowd.

And all the other characters - not-so subtle Mr. Carson, jolly Mrs. Johnson (who wouldn't like a lemon drop 🤭), kind, caring Reverend Fletcher, and all the others - are so well done... you never feel like they're side characters, but people you would love to have an acquaintance with.

and building the stables that was literally the cutest senario 💕. The gloves 🤣... Ooo, and the Elk one too🦌!!!

The dessert setting is obviously different than her other books, but she did a phenomenal job with its description 😍.

I also want to applaud the author for tackling a bit of a tough subject. She handled it so discreetly, probably one of the best ways I've seen so far, for which I so want to thank her.

I also loved that she included so much more faith and hopes she keeps writing like this. I so needed the message that the past doesn't define us that God is a God of second-chances.

CW (only for younger readers): saloon girls and their street (handled as I said very discreetly), alcohol (always negative), slight PTSD, racism (always presented in a negative light), tingling touches, cheek nuzzling

My Rating/Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5)/ 18+

Such a sweet Christmas Novella! I definitely want to read it again, already ☺️.

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

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith-centered and heartwarming

With although not original but well-developed plot, easy and engaging style, and wonderful characters this novella is a pleasant read.
Though sweet and clean romance is definitely present in this novel, it is Elijah’s return to God’s caring grace that captures attention. Battling the memories of past tragedies and failures, he doesn’t want anything to do with seemingly uncaring God. However, the presence of Sarah in their small town out West, shining the light of Christ to the kids in need, makes him reconsider his life choices. It’s quite a beautiful story!

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

[Virginia Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical romances that are clean and sweet. This one had an uplifting message as an added bonus.

Sarah is searching for a new start and trying to honor her parents' memories and legacy of serving others.

Elijah is haunted by a past that makes it hard to get close to anyone.

A friendship blossoms between the teacher and carpenter as they work to bring the small town's families together for a Christmas celebration.

I liked how the hero and heroine supported each other and how a misunderstanding towards the end didn't tear them apart.

The last line after the declaration made me sigh with happiness and the epilogue assured the couple's contentment in years to come.

I received an ARC and share my honest review of this delightful story which has been added to my Keeper shelf.

[Kaitlin M · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the Mountains in Reply is a sweet, historical romance with faith themes based on the carol Angels We Have Heard On High.

After moving away from the only family she has left, Sarah settles in a small town in Arizona to become their school teacher. She is intent on reaching all of the children from every background and stands up for their right to an education.

Elijah is the town carpenter with a haunted past. After a series of losses, Elijah is struggling with feeling that God even cares about him anymore. When Sarah comes to town and he ends up tasked with escorting her to meet the families of the children that need encouragement to attend school, he slowly starts to see the light in the world and return to his faith.

This was a very sweet novella with lots of Christmas and faith themes.

Thank you to Sienna for including me on her ARC team! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4✨

Short and sweet! 🫶🏼
Meaningful themes and lovable characters, and with just enough Christmas to satisfy, but not enough that it can only be read during the holidays. 😉🥰
Sarah and Elijah were so sweet, and the school children! 💕💕💕 I also loved how the title tied in with Sarah being in awe of her new surroundings, and praising God for them. 🥰

(Thanks to the author for this arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🫶🏼)

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I heard this collection of Christmas novellas, The Carols of Christmas, was coming out, I was super excited to dive into them.

This was an adorable little story. I loved Sarah’s determination to teach ALL the children of the town. I enjoyed her interactions with Elijah as well. Even though this is a novella (only a little over 100 pages) I found the characters and story to be well developed.

The Christmas elements didn’t really enter the story until the end, but they fit into the story really well.

I can’t wait to read more of this series!

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so appreciated a few of the themes woven throughout this story. Themes of believing God has good things for us, even when that moment seems the opposite. And the theme of seeing every person of equal value. Tenderly written about characters that seem to have lost themselves with hard times. Uplifting and full of hope. Perfect reminder of Christmas.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rtc

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Gibson arrives in Prescott, Arizona with nothing but determination, a few belongings, and her carefully prepared lesson plans. As the town’s very first schoolteacher, she hopes for a simple new beginning—but instead finds herself face-to-face with the complicated realities of frontier life.

Some families, especially those with mixed Native heritage or connections to the town’s brothels, hesitate to send their children to school. Old prejudices and local politics cast long shadows over Sarah’s hopes for a unified classroom. But Sarah is quietly relentless. She believes deeply that every child deserves the chance to learn, to be seen, and to imagine a future beyond their circumstances.

Her heart is truly the shining thread of this story.

As Christmas approaches, Sarah decides that a schoolwide Christmas concert might be exactly what the town needs—a way to highlight the children’s hard work and gently encourage people to gather as a community again. It’s sweet, earnest, and full of the charm that frontier holiday stories are known for.

Enter Elijah Phelps, a taciturn but deeply kind carpenter who has spent years trying to remain unnoticed after difficult experiences in the military. Sarah and Elijah orbit each other quietly at first—shared glances, small conversations, an unspoken understanding—but it’s clear early on that they see goodness in one another long before either is ready to admit it.

Elijah’s uncertainty about his worthiness makes their romance feel tender and deeply human. Sarah’s compassion, paired with Elijah’s steady, humble presence, creates a bond rooted in trust. Their relationship grows in the softest ways, full of mutual support, whispered encouragement, and a longing neither expected to find.

And the Mountains in Reply is a cozy, heartfelt holiday novella that blends community, faith, and frontier charm into a sweet reminder of how love—and purpose—often arrive exactly when we need them most.

[Debs O Osin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Sienna Peake I have read, and it was a good read.
Without giving away much, it is a short story about the main characters wanting to start over and follow their passions. They were both beautifully written characters, and I could see the author's vision.
Although, I prefer longer books, this one wrapped up quite well.
The characters were not in-depth because of the length of the book but overall, it was a warm and fluffy Christmasy read.
Thank you for the ARC Copy, my review is unbiased.

[Loretta F. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing wrong with this story is that it's too short! ;) The author does a wonderful job of quietly emphasizing the hand of God in everyday life as well as the value of every person, regardless of background. Sarah Gibson is an enthusiastic young lady who practices what she believes, down to the point that God is a God of second chances. Both Sarah and Elijah are great fictional characters that portray human emotions in a realistic way.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful clean historical western style Christmas story with definite Christian themes. I loved it! The two main characters overcame some very real hurdles, and in doing so, grew exponentially! The research that the author did showed in her writing from the town and the types of characters there, to what songs would be known and sung. There was only one kiss and it was at the very end, so I would consider this appropriate for teens, too. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was a sweet story of second chances and acceptance. I liked how the story played out regarding the town people's fears. It had wonderful characters, inspirational moments, and HEA. This is the first book I have read from Sienna and it was well written. This was an ARC copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an uplifting and hope filled romance with a cosy feel. Sweet and charming, it does have strong Christian themes and messages, but they are not so overwhelming as to be off putting to a reader who is not deeply Christian.

I received an ARC and leave an honest review.

[Jewel Carrie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many good things that I could say about this book--from the way the male main character is a carpenter (like Jesus), to the way the female main character is a teaching who truly desires every child regardless of background or educational experience to receive an education.

[Kennedy Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story love the storyline and characters thanks for writing it can't wait for the next one

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

And the Mountains in Reply
The Carols of Christmas
By Sienna Peake

Sarah Gibson is about to become Prescott, Arizona's first teacher. She left behind the life of luxury she was used to living in Philadelphia. Here she's determined that all children will be able to attend her school, and with the help of local carpenter Elijah Phelps she extends the invitation to the children some deem unfit for school.

Elijah isn't the most sociable of men, nope he has scars both visible and of the soul. For him, his work in Prescott is a temporary stop on his way further west. Helping Sarah with various school related tasks gives him a glimpse into what could be, but he knows if she learns the truth about his past, she'll turn her back on him.

And the Mountains in Reply is a story of grace, second chances, and seeing worth in others. A lovely and sweet romance, perfect for teens and older who want a clean read.

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