What do you think?
Rate this book
Hardman Holidays #3
The Christmas Calamity
Have you ever had something take you by surprise?
Experience the magic of the holiday season in this sweet Victorian romance.
Dependable and solid, Arlan Guthry relishes his orderly life as a banker’s assistant in Hardman, Oregon.
His uncluttered world spins off kilter when the beautiful and enigmatic prestidigitator Alexandra Janowski arrives in town, spinning magic and trouble in her wake as the holiday season approaches.
Experience the magic of the holiday season in this sweet Victorian romance.
Dependable and solid, Arlan Guthry relishes his orderly life as a banker’s assistant in Hardman, Oregon.
His uncluttered world spins off kilter when the beautiful and enigmatic prestidigitator Alexandra Janowski arrives in town, spinning magic and trouble in her wake as the holiday season approaches.
233 pages, ebook
First published November 10, 2014
397 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Hatfield
164 books1,320 followersA hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 2, 2019
..
The Christmas Calamity is the third installation in the 'Hardman Holidays' series that focuses on Arlan Guthry, the junior partner of the local town bank -and- Alexandra Janowski, the Amazing Alex, a traveling Phantasmagorical and Prestidigitator. The reader will see these two unusual words repeatedly throughout the readings. It became quite annoying at times.
DESCRIPTION:
Experience the magic of the holiday season with this sweet Victorian romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield . . .
Dependable and solid, Arlan Guthry relishes his orderly life as a banker’s assistant in the small town of Hardman, Oregon. He has good friends, a great job, and the possibility of marriage to the town’s schoolteacher.
His uncluttered world tilts off-kilter when the beautiful and enigmatic prestidigitator, Alexandra Janowski, arrives in town, spinning magic and trouble in her wake as the holiday season approaches.
Magic, humor, and heartwarming moments blend in this sweet holiday read.
The entertainment of interwoven characters from installation to installation was gratifying.
This clean series, with the exception of some passionate kisses, provides a wide array of Holiday and romantical experiences in the town of Hardman, Oregon. It is an enjoyable series and I would recommend it to those that enjoy this genre.
-------------------------------
The Christmas Calamity
(A Sweet Victorian Holiday Romance)
(Hardman Holidays Book 3) Kindle Edition
Print Length: 278 pages
..
The Christmas Calamity is the third installation in the 'Hardman Holidays' series that focuses on Arlan Guthry, the junior partner of the local town bank -and- Alexandra Janowski, the Amazing Alex, a traveling Phantasmagorical and Prestidigitator. The reader will see these two unusual words repeatedly throughout the readings. It became quite annoying at times.
DESCRIPTION:
Experience the magic of the holiday season with this sweet Victorian romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield . . .
Dependable and solid, Arlan Guthry relishes his orderly life as a banker’s assistant in the small town of Hardman, Oregon. He has good friends, a great job, and the possibility of marriage to the town’s schoolteacher.
His uncluttered world tilts off-kilter when the beautiful and enigmatic prestidigitator, Alexandra Janowski, arrives in town, spinning magic and trouble in her wake as the holiday season approaches.
Magic, humor, and heartwarming moments blend in this sweet holiday read.
The entertainment of interwoven characters from installation to installation was gratifying.
This clean series, with the exception of some passionate kisses, provides a wide array of Holiday and romantical experiences in the town of Hardman, Oregon. It is an enjoyable series and I would recommend it to those that enjoy this genre.
-------------------------------
The Christmas Calamity
(A Sweet Victorian Holiday Romance)
(Hardman Holidays Book 3) Kindle Edition
Print Length: 278 pages
..
February 5, 2018
If you are in the mood for a wonderful Christmas story, one full of adventure and romance, then "The Christmas Calamity" by Shanna Hatfield is the story for you. Dive into this small town and see what has all of the towns people talking!
December 17, 2017
I actually couldn’t finish this book ....it was too hokey.
October 19, 2015
The Christmas Calamity
Introduction:
Do you like phantasmagorical books? What about ones about teachers? Or perhaps you like bankers? Oh, and did I mention big words? You’ve come to the right place, Ladies and Gentlemen! Step right up and prepare to be amazed.
Characters: 1/1
Alexandra is a colorful character with insecurities and creativity. Arlan was introduced in the previous two books and the quiet, sometimes uptight banker stole my heart in this book. As they work out their differences and fall in love, they each grow as a person.
Dialogue: .75/1
There were a few historical details (more on that later) that caused me to bringe a little, but otherwise, the dialogue was well done.
Plot/Storyline: .5/1
Overall, the plot and storyline were well-paced, well-written, and suspenseful at times. However, there were a few historical details that I believe were off. ***SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT*** Alexandra becomes the temporary schoolteacher and has a small house to live in. While she lives there, Arlan comes to visit her without a chaperone. Often. Without repercussions. Even if Alexandra and Arlan are known by the whole community and everyone knows that nothing compromising is happening between them, this is not how teachers were allowed to do things back then. Teachers were held to higher standards than most, especially the female teachers. I don’t know exactly when that changed, but I am fairly certain that was still the case during the time this book is set. ***END OF SPOILER ALERT***
Overall writing quality: .75/1
As with the first two books, the writing quality is excellent. And also like the first two books, the heated kisses were described a little more than I cared for.
Un-put-down-ability: 1/1
I stayed up too late to read this and instead of doing what I should have the next morning, I read the end of this book instead.
Conclusion: 4/5
When I first saw this was about a magician, I was a little concerned since I have some pretty strong convictions about magic. From what I could tell, it appeared that all of the magic in this book is sleight of hand and illusions. If you answered yes to any of the questions at the beginning of this review, you will most likely enjoy this book.
Note: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Introduction:
Do you like phantasmagorical books? What about ones about teachers? Or perhaps you like bankers? Oh, and did I mention big words? You’ve come to the right place, Ladies and Gentlemen! Step right up and prepare to be amazed.
Characters: 1/1
Alexandra is a colorful character with insecurities and creativity. Arlan was introduced in the previous two books and the quiet, sometimes uptight banker stole my heart in this book. As they work out their differences and fall in love, they each grow as a person.
Dialogue: .75/1
There were a few historical details (more on that later) that caused me to bringe a little, but otherwise, the dialogue was well done.
Plot/Storyline: .5/1
Overall, the plot and storyline were well-paced, well-written, and suspenseful at times. However, there were a few historical details that I believe were off. ***SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT*** Alexandra becomes the temporary schoolteacher and has a small house to live in. While she lives there, Arlan comes to visit her without a chaperone. Often. Without repercussions. Even if Alexandra and Arlan are known by the whole community and everyone knows that nothing compromising is happening between them, this is not how teachers were allowed to do things back then. Teachers were held to higher standards than most, especially the female teachers. I don’t know exactly when that changed, but I am fairly certain that was still the case during the time this book is set. ***END OF SPOILER ALERT***
Overall writing quality: .75/1
As with the first two books, the writing quality is excellent. And also like the first two books, the heated kisses were described a little more than I cared for.
Un-put-down-ability: 1/1
I stayed up too late to read this and instead of doing what I should have the next morning, I read the end of this book instead.
Conclusion: 4/5
When I first saw this was about a magician, I was a little concerned since I have some pretty strong convictions about magic. From what I could tell, it appeared that all of the magic in this book is sleight of hand and illusions. If you answered yes to any of the questions at the beginning of this review, you will most likely enjoy this book.
Note: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2014
A Sweet Story For The Holidays!
I so enjoyed this third book in the Hardman Holiday series. After reading The Christmas Bargain and The Christmas Token, I was very taken with Arlan and wished for him to have a book of his own. And of course, he would have to have a beautiful heroine to round out the story and a hea and the author gave him one in the form of Alex. Shanna Hatfield wrote another wonderful book filled with humor, romance, family and a little suspense. She brought back the wonderful characters from the previous books along with new ones that added to the story, especially the little children. This book can be read by itself but for added pleasure, I recommend starting with the first one. A wonderful clean romance you can enjoy now and anytime of the year and one I will enjoy again. JudyE
I so enjoyed this third book in the Hardman Holiday series. After reading The Christmas Bargain and The Christmas Token, I was very taken with Arlan and wished for him to have a book of his own. And of course, he would have to have a beautiful heroine to round out the story and a hea and the author gave him one in the form of Alex. Shanna Hatfield wrote another wonderful book filled with humor, romance, family and a little suspense. She brought back the wonderful characters from the previous books along with new ones that added to the story, especially the little children. This book can be read by itself but for added pleasure, I recommend starting with the first one. A wonderful clean romance you can enjoy now and anytime of the year and one I will enjoy again. JudyE
December 22, 2017
Oh my! I laughed and cried throughout the entire story. Ms. Hatfield certainly has a wonderful gift when it comes to putting her imagination to paper, as is experienced with this book. Her characters are well thought out and perfectly set in a time period that not only suits them, but enhances them as well. Arlan being the perfect hero, stopping to help a fellow being stuck on the side of the road, even though the fellow turned out to be a damsel in distress that was about to turn his well organized life totally upside down. Who would have ever thought Alex would find all she never knew she was looking for in life, thanks to Gramps giving out on her at such an inappropriate time? But damsels in distress obviously don't get to choose where their wagons decide to break, and even her magic can't hold a candle to that of fate.
Absolutely worth the read. Loved it!
Absolutely worth the read. Loved it!
November 19, 2018
Each one of the Hardman series by Shanna Hatfield makes me we wish for simpler times and there really was a Hardman Oregon to escape the hustle and bustle of this life. Christmas Calamity was quite a delightful read. I loved the enigmatic prestidigitator Alexandra Janowski she was such a complete opposite of Arlan Guthry and just the woman he needed to make his solid dependable daily life anything but ordinary. I love how Shanna Hatfield can take two completely opposites and make their lives mesh in ways a ordinary person would never think. Shanna Hatfield has gift of storytelling very few people have. Her books give such a uplift in spirits and are a true blessing of Heaven to read
December 29, 2020
Arlan and Alex
This is a sweet, humorous love story written by Shanna Hatfield. She has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters. She has filled this tale with excitement, adventure and surprises galore. You will enjoy discovering how Arlan and Alex find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet, humorous love story written by Shanna Hatfield. She has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters. She has filled this tale with excitement, adventure and surprises galore. You will enjoy discovering how Arlan and Alex find their happily ever after.
January 10, 2023
A free spirited independent woman breezes into town and sets calm dependable bank teller Arlons worl
I have been anticipating Arlan's story. He's dependable hardworking mild mannered and well respected in town as someone who is willing to step up when needed. Alex is a magician who's wagon breaks down outside of Hardman . Arlan finds her there and offers assistance. The more he tries to help the more she resists. She has a secret and can't stay in town long without being in danger but it will take weeks to repair her wagon. I love the way the story unfolds with both characters trying to resist the attraction they both feel but for very different reasons. Alex is kind and very independent. She soon makes friends and becomes a part of the community.
I love visiting Hardman and catching up on the news about previous characters and speculating about who will be next to have their story told.
I have been anticipating Arlan's story. He's dependable hardworking mild mannered and well respected in town as someone who is willing to step up when needed. Alex is a magician who's wagon breaks down outside of Hardman . Arlan finds her there and offers assistance. The more he tries to help the more she resists. She has a secret and can't stay in town long without being in danger but it will take weeks to repair her wagon. I love the way the story unfolds with both characters trying to resist the attraction they both feel but for very different reasons. Alex is kind and very independent. She soon makes friends and becomes a part of the community.
I love visiting Hardman and catching up on the news about previous characters and speculating about who will be next to have their story told.
December 3, 2021
Heartwarming Christmas Romance!
Having read a few books from the Hardman Holidays series, I have had this on my to-be-read list. It had not only a great storyline with a wonderful hero but a unique heroine who was also a magician and teacher. The relationship Miss Alex had with her students was so endearing. The sweet romance and banter between Arlan and Alex made for such an entertaining read! Add to the mix some danger to be dealt with and this was a story that kept me fully engaged. I have enjoyed everything I have read by this author and look forward to reading more titles from her backlist!
Having read a few books from the Hardman Holidays series, I have had this on my to-be-read list. It had not only a great storyline with a wonderful hero but a unique heroine who was also a magician and teacher. The relationship Miss Alex had with her students was so endearing. The sweet romance and banter between Arlan and Alex made for such an entertaining read! Add to the mix some danger to be dealt with and this was a story that kept me fully engaged. I have enjoyed everything I have read by this author and look forward to reading more titles from her backlist!
December 9, 2017
I enjoyed Alex and Arlan's story. This Christmas Calamity kept me on the edge of my seat. It had romance, intrigue and some comedic content. When a traveling magician (Alex) arrives in town things begin to change for Arlan the local bank worker. He's intrigued by her and befriends her. When a position opens up at a local school house for a teacher Alex decides to temporarily take over the teaching position to pay for her wagon repairs. Alex begins to fall in love with the town and the people, wondering if she can leave.
December 30, 2022
Very enjoyable book. I was uncertain a banker employee and gypsy like vibrant character like Alexandra would ever hit it off but they are simply fabulous together. There was considerable intrigue, great detail of some of the intricacies of the magic tricks (great research by Shanna Hatfield as usual), and delightful storytelling from classroom antics, to a community pulling together for one of its own, to the unfolding of a beautiful love story between Arlan and Alex. Iit was a lovely book.
September 29, 2025
Amazing stories
So amazing how a person's path can change. From on the road to finding love, the path has changed. Alex goes from running to changing children's lives where they find learning fun not boring. Alex a
lso finds love and makes many good friends. A little drama with finding! her father's killer to saving a young child life even though he has given her many sleepless nights. Love does prove to be uplifting joy in the end.
So amazing how a person's path can change. From on the road to finding love, the path has changed. Alex goes from running to changing children's lives where they find learning fun not boring. Alex a
lso finds love and makes many good friends. A little drama with finding! her father's killer to saving a young child life even though he has given her many sleepless nights. Love does prove to be uplifting joy in the end.
February 28, 2020
Fantastic book
This is the story of Alexandria and Arlan. There's some mystery, intrigue, and, of course, some magic. As usual, Shanna has made these two characters come alive. I love getting to know the residents of Hardman and feel like I've been a part of the community myself. Highly recommended book.
This is the story of Alexandria and Arlan. There's some mystery, intrigue, and, of course, some magic. As usual, Shanna has made these two characters come alive. I love getting to know the residents of Hardman and feel like I've been a part of the community myself. Highly recommended book.
January 29, 2023
Magic and romance
This story had a little magic, a dash of crime and a ton of romance. Alex was running from the men who murdered her father and were after her. She didn't expect to have extensive repairs on her wagon before she could continue her journey. It was this unexpected delay that changed her life.
This story had a little magic, a dash of crime and a ton of romance. Alex was running from the men who murdered her father and were after her. She didn't expect to have extensive repairs on her wagon before she could continue her journey. It was this unexpected delay that changed her life.
December 12, 2016
A delightful Christmas story
I really enjoyed this story. It was filled with love, suspense, Christmas, joy and did I say love. This is an entertaining read for any season of the year!
I really enjoyed this story. It was filled with love, suspense, Christmas, joy and did I say love. This is an entertaining read for any season of the year!
May 25, 2017
Amazing calamity
Romances are meant to entertain, this one does that. Characters are meant to be brought to life with words, this one does that. It's the words Shauna Hatfield used book after book to tell a story of love in a new way that is simply amazing.
Romances are meant to entertain, this one does that. Characters are meant to be brought to life with words, this one does that. It's the words Shauna Hatfield used book after book to tell a story of love in a new way that is simply amazing.
August 8, 2017
I wanted to love this one, but I had to settle for liking it. It's set in the 1880s, so the diamond engagement ring and Jingle Bells threw me right out of the story. Those things came about later. Jingle Bells wasn't a Christmas Song until the early 20th century.
December 5, 2017
Could he be under her magical spell?
Love at first sight. Decision of choosing between two women; defending one's reputation, and helping find justice for her father's death. Exciting reading
Love at first sight. Decision of choosing between two women; defending one's reputation, and helping find justice for her father's death. Exciting reading
January 3, 2018
Sweet and clean
This is a fun, sweet romance. I loved the idea of a female magician in the old west making her own way in the world, and the way she used magic tricks as a teacher. Well done.
This is a fun, sweet romance. I loved the idea of a female magician in the old west making her own way in the world, and the way she used magic tricks as a teacher. Well done.
March 17, 2018
Great series
I have really enjoyed the books in this series. I like the fact the characters from the first books carry through into the next which gives an ongoing story and let's you see what happens with the previous characters.
I have really enjoyed the books in this series. I like the fact the characters from the first books carry through into the next which gives an ongoing story and let's you see what happens with the previous characters.
November 25, 2018
Another magical tale from Hardman. I LOVE these characters and how we get to follow them year by year. Arlan and Alexandra's story did not disappoint and it left me excited to read the next installment. Thank you Ms. Hatfield!
February 7, 2022
What a fun book! I love it when the main character is a little different from what she should be. Nothing like following in your father's footsteps. Prestidigitator turn school teacher who teaches with just a little magic! It's wonderful.
Well done!
Well done!
December 15, 2017
Amazing!
Alex and Arlan are turkey terrific characters, especially Alex! I love them both so dearly, and their story warmed my heart.
Alex and Arlan are turkey terrific characters, especially Alex! I love them both so dearly, and their story warmed my heart.
January 1, 2018
Free download. Sweet story, but the writing could have been better.
December 28, 2018
This was a great third book in the Hardman series. Blake and Ginny finally see each other after several years and find out they do still love each other. They are married after several conflicting problems but find they can work things out together for good.
January 12, 2019
Awesome
Another awesome story! So entrancing and captivating! Enjoy reading all of these sets of stories. They are fast paced and enthralling.
Another awesome story! So entrancing and captivating! Enjoy reading all of these sets of stories. They are fast paced and enthralling.
January 23, 2019
Hffgdufugg
Khufjxusfehchc jhfuff jbjfg khgkg khgjc jhjfj hhg nj jjh jhgg nnh jhh nbb bv bhh jh hh b hgg hgj
Khufjxusfehchc jhfuff jbjfg khgkg khgjc jhjfj hhg nj jjh jhgg nnh jhh nbb bv bhh jh hh b hgg hgj
December 27, 2019
Sweet story, but needs some major editing of verb tenses. The past simple is often used instead of past perfect, causing confusion at times.
February 18, 2020
Enjoyed the book
I like how Shanna Hatfield keeps bringing in more family and friends into the story. Just ordered the next in the series.
I like how Shanna Hatfield keeps bringing in more family and friends into the story. Just ordered the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews