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The Yuletide Bride
Ewan Murray and Kate McDougall hold a mutual appreciation for music—and each other. But as she comes of age, Ewan realizes he must do something to prove his worth to her banker father. Will a refurbished heirloom and a sudden snowstorm be the key to earning permission to marry?
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2014
6 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Ule
17 books110 followersABOUT MY BOOK REVIEWS
IF NO STARS, it means I know the author, so, on principle I do not review unless I absolutely adore the book--and I will tell you why.
ONE STAR means I didn't like the book.
FIVE STARS are rare . . .
BIO
“Tell me a story,” has been my question since birth.
Since I love them so much, what better way to share the fun and interesting things I've learned than in writing stories myself?
I'm a “retired” Navy wife who has lived all over the United States and even Hawai’i.
Raised in San Pedro, California, a melting pot of many languages and cultures, I've traveled the world meeting people and laughing my way through ridiculous circumstances.
I love history, music, books, reading, my terrific family, amusing friends, travel opportunities and irony.
A New York Times and ECPA bestselling author of five novellas and a Navy SEAL novel, in 2017 I'm the biographer of Mrs. Oswald Chambers and essayist in Utmost Ongoing: Reflections on the Legacy of Oswald Chambers.
IN 2018, I published A Poppy in Remembrance, a World War I coming-of-age story.
You can learn more about me, my books, thoughts, stories and ideas at my website: www.michelleule.com
Note to readers: As part of my job as editorial assistant, I've been asked not to review books represented by Books & Such Literary Agency, though I can include them in my "read" list.
IF NO STARS, it means I know the author, so, on principle I do not review unless I absolutely adore the book--and I will tell you why.
ONE STAR means I didn't like the book.
FIVE STARS are rare . . .
BIO
“Tell me a story,” has been my question since birth.
Since I love them so much, what better way to share the fun and interesting things I've learned than in writing stories myself?
I'm a “retired” Navy wife who has lived all over the United States and even Hawai’i.
Raised in San Pedro, California, a melting pot of many languages and cultures, I've traveled the world meeting people and laughing my way through ridiculous circumstances.
I love history, music, books, reading, my terrific family, amusing friends, travel opportunities and irony.
A New York Times and ECPA bestselling author of five novellas and a Navy SEAL novel, in 2017 I'm the biographer of Mrs. Oswald Chambers and essayist in Utmost Ongoing: Reflections on the Legacy of Oswald Chambers.
IN 2018, I published A Poppy in Remembrance, a World War I coming-of-age story.
You can learn more about me, my books, thoughts, stories and ideas at my website: www.michelleule.com
Note to readers: As part of my job as editorial assistant, I've been asked not to review books represented by Books & Such Literary Agency, though I can include them in my "read" list.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 16, 2016
This is one of my favorites of this series so far. The addition of the bagpipes was so hilarious and their final use so surprising! I loved the characters and the plot.
October 25, 2014
The 12 Brides of Christmas: Book #5 ~"Ewan Murray and Kate McDougall hold a mutual appreciation for music—and each other. But as she comes of age, Ewan realizes he must do something to prove his worth to her banker father. Will a refurbished heirloom and a sudden snowstorm be the key to earning permission to marry?" - description used from Amazon.com
Ewan returns home from a period of traveling intent on asking for Kate, a friend since childhood, to marry him. Her father who is concerned Ewan will not be able to provide for Kate the way he wants sets a goal that Ewan must meet by Kate's birthday in order to gain permission. While Ewan sincerely seemed to love Kate, the impression I kept getting from her was that she wanted to marry someone for the convenience of being able to pursue her love of music. Even in a scene where she fights with her father that she should have the right to choose, it never seemed like she was in love and wanting to spend the rest of her life with her best friend, she just wanted to avoid being stuck with a stuck-up banker and be allowed to love her music.
My honest opinion, so far the Yuletide Bride has not been my favorite of this collection of stories. I never really got into the story and characters, and as explained, could not buy the love that was supposed to be between the two leads.
December 12, 2014
The Yuletide bride
Ewan is told by Kate dad to earn so much money in a few months to be able to marry her. He plays the fiddle and she tries to learn how to play the bagpipes. He take a job as a school teacher, he uses a different method to teach which one was thru music. Loved the determination of Ewan to be able to earn the money to be able to marry
Kate.
Ewan is told by Kate dad to earn so much money in a few months to be able to marry her. He plays the fiddle and she tries to learn how to play the bagpipes. He take a job as a school teacher, he uses a different method to teach which one was thru music. Loved the determination of Ewan to be able to earn the money to be able to marry
Kate.
July 25, 2019
Title: The Yuletide Bride
Author: Michelle Ule
Series: The 12 Bride of Christmas, 5
Format: ebook, bind-up
Length: N/A
Rating: 2 stars
Synopsis: Ewan Murray and Kate McDougall hold a mutual appreciation for music—and each other. But as she comes of age, Ewan realizes he must do something to prove his worth to her banker father. Will a refurbished heirloom and a sudden snowstorm be the key to earning permission to marry?
Favourite character: N/A
Least favourite character: Kate's "fiancée"
Mini-review: I wasn't a fan of this. I don't like books that have parents who don't care about what their kid's wishes are. Also, books where the author misuses words or a character who is supposed to be humble or kind and acts like a spoiled brat for no real reason.
Fan Cast:
Ewan Murray - Liam Aiken
Kate McDougall - Madelaine Petsch
Author: Michelle Ule
Series: The 12 Bride of Christmas, 5
Format: ebook, bind-up
Length: N/A
Rating: 2 stars
Synopsis: Ewan Murray and Kate McDougall hold a mutual appreciation for music—and each other. But as she comes of age, Ewan realizes he must do something to prove his worth to her banker father. Will a refurbished heirloom and a sudden snowstorm be the key to earning permission to marry?
Favourite character: N/A
Least favourite character: Kate's "fiancée"
Mini-review: I wasn't a fan of this. I don't like books that have parents who don't care about what their kid's wishes are. Also, books where the author misuses words or a character who is supposed to be humble or kind and acts like a spoiled brat for no real reason.
Fan Cast:
Ewan Murray - Liam Aiken
Kate McDougall - Madelaine Petsch
December 30, 2020
What an absolutely charming story. I liked it more than I expected.
"Each morning he woke before the sun to read the family Bible and plat hymns on his fiddle. The Word of God fired his brain; the music of God lubricated his spirit." 🎻
As Josiah works hard to earn Kate's hand & meet her father's expectations, his character shines. The ending was emotional & oh so sweet. My one tweak would be to experience the wedding.💒 This was a cozy country old timey read easily read in under 2 hours. I purchased this book and all opinions are mine alone.
4☆= I really liked it.
"Each morning he woke before the sun to read the family Bible and plat hymns on his fiddle. The Word of God fired his brain; the music of God lubricated his spirit." 🎻
As Josiah works hard to earn Kate's hand & meet her father's expectations, his character shines. The ending was emotional & oh so sweet. My one tweak would be to experience the wedding.💒 This was a cozy country old timey read easily read in under 2 hours. I purchased this book and all opinions are mine alone.
4☆= I really liked it.
December 19, 2019
This one was super cute! Ewan and Kate share a love of music, and Ewan makes a deal with her father for her hand in marriage. If Ewan can make $70 in six months to prove he can take care of Kate, he can marry her despite his rival suitor (a banker named Josiah). Sometimes love makes a way even when it feels impossible!
December 12, 2019
Must love this musical tale.
A perfect show of love, respect, and devotion from a father wanting what's best for his daughter. The strong young man fighting to win the hand of a life long friend. Great story!!!
A perfect show of love, respect, and devotion from a father wanting what's best for his daughter. The strong young man fighting to win the hand of a life long friend. Great story!!!
March 30, 2021
Of course I love this novella!
The mixture of music, math, and love on the cold prairie makes for a fun story full of wit, insight, and a devoted helpmeet.
Not to mention squawking bagpipes and a merry fiddle!
The mixture of music, math, and love on the cold prairie makes for a fun story full of wit, insight, and a devoted helpmeet.
Not to mention squawking bagpipes and a merry fiddle!
December 11, 2023
OMG. I cried foe every reason under the sun. Well done.
December 23, 2014
*Book Description*
Nineteen year old Ewan Murray knew his life would be hard when his parents died and he has a plan for his life. He just never dreamed it would be so impossibly hard to execute with so many people putting him and his parents down for their love in helping others, Indians or not. Now he's asked his true love's father, Mr McDougal, for his daughter's hand and he agreed. Except there's a catch...he must earn $70 by Kate's Christmas birthday. Can he do it? And will Kate's enthusiasm, faith, and love in him inspire him to try?
Kate McDougal has always been in love with Ewan Murray and the beautiful music they make together. Now, he's asked her to make music with him forever...him and the pompous banker. Both men fighting for her heart, only one succeeding, who will make up the music of their lives? She knows her father loves her and wishes a full life for her but will he ever realize that Ewan is what she wants and not money? Will they make it together in time for a yuletide miracle?
*What I liked*
I loved multiple things about this book...things unique to it. Like Ewan's hard working attitude and refusal to surrender their deal, Mr. McDougal's loyalty to Kate's well being, and Kate's faith in Ewan. All these wonderful qualities in her characters make Michelle's book really special and enjoyable. Michelle will have readers jumping up and cheering for Ewan as he struggles for the one he loves.
*What I didn't like*
This was a beautiful book. Some may say that they don't like the father's attitude in not granting permission to Ewan right away.I'm one of those 'get angry with them' people but even though I was sad with Ewan and Kate for awhile, I thought her father noble in his choice and respected him for that.
*My Rating*
I give 'The Yuletide Bride'...
5 stars!
*Why my rating is what it is*
My rating is five stars because of Michelle's special characters and their attitudes through whatever life threw at them. It made reading truly wonderful and her writing was fantastic throughout the book!
*I received this book from author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.
Nineteen year old Ewan Murray knew his life would be hard when his parents died and he has a plan for his life. He just never dreamed it would be so impossibly hard to execute with so many people putting him and his parents down for their love in helping others, Indians or not. Now he's asked his true love's father, Mr McDougal, for his daughter's hand and he agreed. Except there's a catch...he must earn $70 by Kate's Christmas birthday. Can he do it? And will Kate's enthusiasm, faith, and love in him inspire him to try?
Kate McDougal has always been in love with Ewan Murray and the beautiful music they make together. Now, he's asked her to make music with him forever...him and the pompous banker. Both men fighting for her heart, only one succeeding, who will make up the music of their lives? She knows her father loves her and wishes a full life for her but will he ever realize that Ewan is what she wants and not money? Will they make it together in time for a yuletide miracle?
*What I liked*
I loved multiple things about this book...things unique to it. Like Ewan's hard working attitude and refusal to surrender their deal, Mr. McDougal's loyalty to Kate's well being, and Kate's faith in Ewan. All these wonderful qualities in her characters make Michelle's book really special and enjoyable. Michelle will have readers jumping up and cheering for Ewan as he struggles for the one he loves.
*What I didn't like*
This was a beautiful book. Some may say that they don't like the father's attitude in not granting permission to Ewan right away.I'm one of those 'get angry with them' people but even though I was sad with Ewan and Kate for awhile, I thought her father noble in his choice and respected him for that.
*My Rating*
I give 'The Yuletide Bride'...
5 stars!
*Why my rating is what it is*
My rating is five stars because of Michelle's special characters and their attitudes through whatever life threw at them. It made reading truly wonderful and her writing was fantastic throughout the book!
*I received this book from author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.
October 24, 2014
When Ewan Murray returns to his hometown, he never imagined having to "earn" the hand of his beloved childhood playmate, Kate McDougall. But Duncan McDougall drives a hard bargain; Ewan, a struggling musician since the death of his parents, must hand over $70.00 dollars by Kate's eighteenth birthday on Christmas Day. As luck would have it, Ewan is not the only suitor that Kate has attracted. The handsome and very wealthy banker's son, Josiah Finch, has his eye on the beautiful daughter of Fairhope, Nebraska's mercantile owner and Josiah has no intention of giving her over to a "simpleton'.
Fortunately, there is no question in Kate's mind about who she will marry. "Ewan has what I want. Music in his soul and love for God." The two young people do indeed share a deep love for music; Ewan on his fiddle and Kate with her flutes. When Kate optimistically decides to sew her own wedding dress out of vintage material, she discovers an old bagpipe among her grandmother's belongings and determines to resurrect the old instrument, but its squeaky, squawky sounds don't have the desired effect. Until a near blizzard hits the town of Fairhope.
Ewan is thrilled when the position of school teacher becomes available, allowing him the opportunity to earn a good portion of the money he needs by Christmas. He also works tirelessly through-out the community doing odd jobs by day or night and assisting Kate's brother with mercantile deliveries. But it doesn't seem to be enough.
Enjoy reading this simple tale of how the "best man wins" just in time for Christmas. I received an advance copy of this holiday novella in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fortunately, there is no question in Kate's mind about who she will marry. "Ewan has what I want. Music in his soul and love for God." The two young people do indeed share a deep love for music; Ewan on his fiddle and Kate with her flutes. When Kate optimistically decides to sew her own wedding dress out of vintage material, she discovers an old bagpipe among her grandmother's belongings and determines to resurrect the old instrument, but its squeaky, squawky sounds don't have the desired effect. Until a near blizzard hits the town of Fairhope.
Ewan is thrilled when the position of school teacher becomes available, allowing him the opportunity to earn a good portion of the money he needs by Christmas. He also works tirelessly through-out the community doing odd jobs by day or night and assisting Kate's brother with mercantile deliveries. But it doesn't seem to be enough.
Enjoy reading this simple tale of how the "best man wins" just in time for Christmas. I received an advance copy of this holiday novella in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 25, 2014
This was part 4 of the 12 Brides of Christmas series that I have been reading. This part is by Michelle Ule.
It is a story set in the pioneer times of a young man Ewan who loved to play the fiddle and he also loved Kate MacDougall.
However, Kate's father had different plans for her, that she marry Josiah Finch, the son of a well-to-do banker. He was not in favor of having Ewan being the husband of his daughter. Ewan did not have a promising occupation, nor money or a fitting home in which to properly provide for Kate.
Kate's father told Ewan in order to have him change his mind, it would be necessary for Ewan to earn $70.00 by the time of Kate's 18th birthday on Dec. 25th. At this time in history, this was a large amount and definitely would be a big undertaking, but Ewan loved Kate and was determined to win her hand and the approval of her father.
The other suitor, Josiah, seemed also not to be Kate's choice for a husband and a forced or arranged marriage was not something she wanted either. Will Ewan be able to change the mind of Kate's father or will she find herself married to Josiah against her wishes?
This was a really sweet story and I liked it alot. I am really enjoying reading this series of books and was happy to see that the author, Michelle Ule was also a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan. My favorite book series as I grew up in my small Minnesota town!
I received a free ebook copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given.
It is a story set in the pioneer times of a young man Ewan who loved to play the fiddle and he also loved Kate MacDougall.
However, Kate's father had different plans for her, that she marry Josiah Finch, the son of a well-to-do banker. He was not in favor of having Ewan being the husband of his daughter. Ewan did not have a promising occupation, nor money or a fitting home in which to properly provide for Kate.
Kate's father told Ewan in order to have him change his mind, it would be necessary for Ewan to earn $70.00 by the time of Kate's 18th birthday on Dec. 25th. At this time in history, this was a large amount and definitely would be a big undertaking, but Ewan loved Kate and was determined to win her hand and the approval of her father.
The other suitor, Josiah, seemed also not to be Kate's choice for a husband and a forced or arranged marriage was not something she wanted either. Will Ewan be able to change the mind of Kate's father or will she find herself married to Josiah against her wishes?
This was a really sweet story and I liked it alot. I am really enjoying reading this series of books and was happy to see that the author, Michelle Ule was also a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan. My favorite book series as I grew up in my small Minnesota town!
I received a free ebook copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given.
October 26, 2014
The Yuletide Bride if the fifth book in the 12 Brides of Christmas series. Ewan Murray and Kate McDougall have been childhood friends and both share a love of God and music. Ewan plays a fiddle and Kate flutes. They have enjoyed playing music together for a long time. Ewan, an unemployed teacher and a musician struggling to find his place since the death of his parents returns after a season of finding work by playing his fiddle. Ewan has returned to ask Duncan McDougall , Kate's father for her hand in marriage. Ewan finds out that the banker's son Josiah Finch has also asked for her hand. The bankers son can afford to take care of Kate and provide a good life for her but Kate chooses Ewan over Josiah. Kate's father the mercantile owner wants what is best for his daughter so he makes a deal with Ewan. To receive his blessing Ewan must earn $70.00 dollars by Christmas Day which is also Kate's eighteenth birthday. Ewan takes every job he can find to try to earn the $70.00. When the job of school teacher in town opens up he takes the job with hopes of earning enough money and proving he can provide and take care of Kate to her father. With just a few days until Christmas Ewan finds himself a few dollars short. Will Ewan make Kate his Yuletide Bride or has he failed to meet the challenge? I received this book from Barbour Publishing for my honest opinion which I have given. I enjoyed reading The Yuletide Bride and I think this is another great Christmas story to enjoy for the holidays.
January 8, 2016
The Yuletide Bride has been one of my favorite short stories in this collection of Christmas stories so far of the 5 I have read. While with many of these in the collection there is a clear indication from the outset as to just who the heroine would end up with, in this story there was some clear doubt. This was something I appreciated as it gave the story have a little more weight to it and there was a clear sense of there being consequences for actions or lack of action. Additionally, I liked that this story wasn’t at its core about two people falling in love in a ridiculously short time frame. There is a relationship already there from the start that is built upon over time and the characters interest in each other actually makes sense. At play against the interest of love is the responsibility of Kate’s father to only agree to a match for his daughter with someone who has shown that he can take care of his daughter. It was very well done.
I did notice a sense of good guy vs. bad guy in this story. Not that one was a criminal or a terrible choice, but there was the guy who wants to help everyone and the guy that is just looking out for himself. It made it easier for the reader to decide who they supported for Kate’s hand.
There are elements of Christian faith throughout this story – it is used to show where the characters get their strength from and was believable to their nature. It was not heavy-handed or preachy here.
This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court.
I did notice a sense of good guy vs. bad guy in this story. Not that one was a criminal or a terrible choice, but there was the guy who wants to help everyone and the guy that is just looking out for himself. It made it easier for the reader to decide who they supported for Kate’s hand.
There are elements of Christian faith throughout this story – it is used to show where the characters get their strength from and was believable to their nature. It was not heavy-handed or preachy here.
This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court.
December 1, 2014
Review Title: You'll Want to Read Ule Again! (review of Yuletide Bride by Michelle Ule)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
I finished reading this book on Thanksgiving Day. It was like the perfect sweet treat, a mental dessert, for a blessed day. The story involves a theme of what people will do to make themselves ready for marriage. The stakes are high with what seem to be insurmountable goals. Conflict presents in an easy answer, but one that does not offer true love.
I really appreciated the musical emphasis in this book because music is so much a part of the Christmas season. The story is entertaining, and the characters are believable. Michelle's thorough research gives details to make the story vibrate with authenticity.
I have read other works by this author, and have found each to be engaging and well worth my time in reading. Although this book is classified as a Christmas read, it is a good short read for any time of the year. Don't you like to receive gifts throughout the year? Open this gift from Michelle and enjoy the story and the beauty of love felt through a couple who sacrifice to get God's future best for their married years.
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
I finished reading this book on Thanksgiving Day. It was like the perfect sweet treat, a mental dessert, for a blessed day. The story involves a theme of what people will do to make themselves ready for marriage. The stakes are high with what seem to be insurmountable goals. Conflict presents in an easy answer, but one that does not offer true love.
I really appreciated the musical emphasis in this book because music is so much a part of the Christmas season. The story is entertaining, and the characters are believable. Michelle's thorough research gives details to make the story vibrate with authenticity.
I have read other works by this author, and have found each to be engaging and well worth my time in reading. Although this book is classified as a Christmas read, it is a good short read for any time of the year. Don't you like to receive gifts throughout the year? Open this gift from Michelle and enjoy the story and the beauty of love felt through a couple who sacrifice to get God's future best for their married years.
November 5, 2014
A sweet short story on how true love overcomes all. Ewan and Kate have been friends since they were kids. Knowing each other forever makes them comfortable. They both share a love for music, and when they get together the music they make is amazing. Ewan knows that he wants to spend the rest of his life with Kate. But can he convince Kate that he is the man for her. Josiah Finch is also hoping to claim Kate as his bride and he could provide a life of ease for her. Will Kate choose love or luxury? Will Kate’s father allow her to follow her heart? The Yuletide Bride is book number 5 in the 12 Brides of Christmas series. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a little suspense mixed in. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing in return for my honest option. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 6, 2014
Ewan and Kate are fun and entertaining characters. Ewan comes back to town in hopes of marrying his childhood love Kate. Kate has another man courting her. Kate’s dad has said yes to this other suitor! Ewan won't go down without a fight!
A story of family, love, sacrifice and learning to grow up make this a wonderful Christmas novella. Great secondary characters add good depth to the story and keep it going. I enjoyed the banter and lessons learned between the characters. The author also has humor sprinkled in to make you smile – all I can say is: bagpipes.
I highly recommend this part of the 12 Brides of Christmas series!
I received the book for an honest review.
A story of family, love, sacrifice and learning to grow up make this a wonderful Christmas novella. Great secondary characters add good depth to the story and keep it going. I enjoyed the banter and lessons learned between the characters. The author also has humor sprinkled in to make you smile – all I can say is: bagpipes.
I highly recommend this part of the 12 Brides of Christmas series!
I received the book for an honest review.
December 27, 2016
I loved this story. I didn't want it to end. I loved the characters and the story line. This novella was amazing. I wish it could have been longer and more developed. It would have been an amazing full length novel. I would definitely recommend this novella to anyone looking for a good short Christmas novella.
December 5, 2014
This one made me cry. I used to play the flute so I do know how music can fill your soul. It would be awful to live without music. I received this ebook for a fair and honest opinion from Barbiur Publishing.
July 16, 2022
3.5 stars. Not my favorite of this series that I've read so far, but a sweet Christmas story nonetheless. I thought the heroine acted a bit childish and immature at times in the beginning, but she grew on me by the end of the story. I loved the music aspect!
July 22, 2015
Wonderful read
I loved this story of love triumphing over money and possessions. Ewan and Kate were meant to be in God's eyes. This story is so heartwarming you won't want it to end. I recommend this and all of the other writings by Michelle Ule. She is a wonderful storyteller:)
I loved this story of love triumphing over money and possessions. Ewan and Kate were meant to be in God's eyes. This story is so heartwarming you won't want it to end. I recommend this and all of the other writings by Michelle Ule. She is a wonderful storyteller:)
November 3, 2014
Such a cute Christmas story!
I would be interested in reading more from this author!
I would be interested in reading more from this author!
December 7, 2014
A wonderful Christmas novella of hope and proper priorities. I have loved all of these 12 Brides of Christmas novellas so far.
December 16, 2014
Kate and Ewan have to earn the right to marry. Can he get enough odd jobs before Christmas, Kate's birthday, to satisfy her father's desire to make sure Ewan can provide for her?
December 30, 2014
A great story demonstrating hard work paying off for the good!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews