The Evergreen Bride

Mississippi Piney Woods

by Pam Hillman

New--The 12 Brides of Christmas! You're invited to a Christmas wedding...that is twelve of them! Discover the joy of an old-fashioned Christmas romance with these twelve heart-warming stories. Brand-new stories from renowned inspirational fiction authors that take you into the heartland of historical America will releas each week starting October 6.

#3: The Evergreen Bride
Mississippian Annabelle Denson dreams of visiting cousins in Illinois and seeing a white Christmas. In the face of her excitement, Samuel Frazier hides his growing affection for her behind a quiet smile and a carpenter’s lathe. Samuel starts to worry that if she goes, Annabelle won’t return. Can he convince her to stay?

Don't be late! Watch for all 12 stories:
October 6 - #1: The Advent Bride
October 13 - #2: The Nutcraker Bride
October 20 - #3: The Evergreen Bride
October 27 - #4: The Gift-Wrapped Bride
November 3 - #5: The Yuletide Bride
November 10 - #6: The Gingerbread Bride
November 17 - #7: The Nativity Bride
November 24 - #8: The Christmas Tree Bride
December 1 - #9: The Festive Bride
December 8 - #10: The Christmas Star Bride
December 15 - #11: The Snowbound Bride
December 22 - #12: The Fruitcake Bride

...have yourself a Cozy Little Christmas!

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

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2014

About the author

CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of. www.pamhillman.com

Reviews

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet novella about a Mississippi Miss who wants to journey to Chicago to visit a cousin in order to experience a white Christmas. Can she see the prize before her in Samuel, her brother’s best friend and partner in a saw mill? School teacher Annabelle longs to see a white Christmas. Samuel’s thoughtful gift shows her that she doesn’t have to venture far in order to find happiness.
Well written, happy story, just in time for Christmas.
*I received this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet short story that will get you in the mood for Christmas.
Often we don't realize what we have even though it's right in front of our face until it's too late.
Annabelle Denson dreams of a white Christmas but to experience it she'll need to travel to Illinois for the holiday which is far from Mississippi and Samuel Frazier. Samuel is her brother's business partner and has loved Annabelle for a long time but can not make his intentions known until he is financially stable. She is hoping to find a beau on this Christmas trip, will Samuel be able to convince her he can be more than a friend or will what's in his heart continue to stay hidden?

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, I love stories of unrequited love! You can just feel Samuel's longing for Annabelle, but he wants to wait until his fledgling business has the means to support a family before he declares his affections. Even though he'll miss her, he doesn't say anything to put a damper on her trip. The sweetness of the story comes from Annabelle's slow awareness of Samuel as an extremely attractive man with his strength, steadiness, and quiet humor. This novella was such a pleasure to read! For only 99 cents, it's a fabulous deal for a delightful story.

(I received a copy of this book from a giveaway which did not affect the honesty of my review)

[Natalie Gleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story! Hard to put down.

Annabelle reminds me of myself in so many, many ways. Very relate-able. And Samuel... *swoon* Can't help wishing he was non-fictional. ;) The plot is inventive and keeps you turning pages.

Unique setting of the piney woods of Mississippi. Loved the saw mill work descriptions and the "general store." Ha! That was a fun one.

This story sneaked up on me with several "aw moments." Loved the characterization, subplots, and the heart-warming romance! Would recommend to anyone who loves a good story. Can't wait to read more from Pam Hillman!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Evergreen Bride, Pam Hillman weaves a breathlessly romantic tale of one man's unrequited love and one woman's dawning awareness. Annabelle Denson frequently stops by her brother's fledgling sawmill and tells his business partner Samuel Frazier all about her dreams of a white Christmas far away from Mississippi. Will she ever see him as more than a friend or will her trip to Illinois for the holiday be permanent?

This novella wins my award for single most romantic moment in the collection! As a fellow snow-enthusiast, I completely related to Annabelle's wish and my heart got all melty inside when I read about Samuel's gift to her. Seriously swoon-worthy. Watching Annabelle slowly begin to see Samuel as an attractive man and watching Samuel love her from afar (and then not so afar lol) also brought its share of swooning. Make sure you have a fainting couch and/or fan on hand for this one!

[Shannah Mauney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pam Hillman knows how to write a romance. Even though this story was short, the romance was exceptionally written and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annabelle Denson has never seen snow, and she dreams of a white Christmas with her Illinois cousins. Her best friend Samuel Frazier is just starting out in his woodworking business, he had along hidden his true feelings for Annabelle, but is now afraid that once she leaves that she may not come back.

A sweet friends to lovers Christmas romance. I loved the strong sense of family and friendship, I liked how Samuel wants to be the best kind of man and provider for a future wife. Annabelle loves to learn and experience new things, I liked that she wants to branch out and explore a little.

Overall, a enjoyable Christmas romance, with great characters and themes of faith. It is a short read, so I don't want to spoil too much!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a Historical Fiction Christmas Story by Pam so I wasnt sure what to expect but I have to say I really enjoyed this one.

It was so cozy to read on a cold snowy December Day.

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Annabelle was definately my favorite especially with her determination to get to Illinois for a White Christmas.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in Slippery Creek, Mississippi especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Good Historical Fiction Christmas Story. Can't wait to read more by Pam in the future!!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, so typical, we often don’t see what is right before our eyes.
Annabelle Denson has been dreaming forever, of seeing a white Christmas, and now the chance has presented itself with an invite from her cousin in Illinois. She is a new teacher and the school will be closed for three weeks for the Holiday.
Samuel Frazier, realizes his love for Annabelle may never achieve a union, she might find someone in Illinois and never return. How can he let her know he wants more than friends?
Will Annabelle return? Will there be another Christmas together with her family here in Piney Woods Mississippi, and of course, Samuel?
Come and see how this quick reads unfolds, and a gift from the heart!

I received this book through The Calico Crew, and was not required to give a positive review.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun historical novella that was originally a part of the 12 Brides of Christmas Collection. It’s a sweet friends-to-more story between Annabelle who is itching to visit snow and cousins in Chicago for adventure and Samuel who is the steadfast, hard-working, and tender-hearted Mississippi business partner and best friend of her brother. Their friendship is fun and genuine but Samuel harbors deeper feelings that Annabelle doesn’t realize until she’s ready to leave for her grand adventure. His tender care of Annabelle is quite lovely and I loved Annabelle’s large family. I also enjoyed learning about the logging process in the Mississippi region during the late 1800s. It’s a wonderful Christmas novella that you can finish in one sitting and sigh in appreciation at the end.

I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, simple story of 2 blossoming, Christmas romances.🎄

"Samuel Frazier’s heart skittered into double time when Annabelle Denson rushed into the sawmill."

"What would it be like to be kissed? By Samuel even? She’d imagined her first kiss, and a few times she’d tried to picture her first beau, but never in a million years had she imagined being held securely in Samuel’s strong arms, his gaze capturing her lips."

The secondary romance involves Annabelle's brother, Jack.

Jack and Samuel own a sawmill together.

Annabelle dreams of a white Christmas, but she'll have to leave Mississippi to find it. Or will she?

3☆ I liked it.

About an hour read.

I was graciously gifted an eVersion of this book by the author for my honest opinion. All opinions are mine alone without compensation or expectation.

[Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet little read that will get you in the mood for Christmas! Annabelle just wants to enjoy a white, snowy Christmas. Samuel loves her, but doesn’t want to tell her until he gets his business in better shape. Samuel is so sweet to her! The gift he gives her is perfect!




I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful characters! Such a sweet and fun story set around a Christmas time. I enjoyed how sweet and romantic this story is with two partners who want more than a thriving business. The author sets the story to where you can smell the evergreens and hear the buzz of the saw. This is a story that will definitely grab your heart and have you thinking on the sights and smells of Christmas.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third story in the 12 Brides of Christmas series.
Annabelle Denson has long dreamed of going to Illinois to visit her cousin Lucy and of having a White Christmas and this year she is going! Annabelle is a pretty, young school teacher who stops by the saw mill each day after school to visit her brother Jack. Samuel Frazier is the co-owner of the saw mill and brother Jack's best friend. Annabelle enjoys the friendship and easy conversation with Samuel and thinks of him as a good family friend. Samuel who has feelings for Annabelle has been hiding his feelings from her for some time. Each day after school Annabelle stops in and tells him of all her plans and hopes for her visit to her cousins and Samuel is enjoying each opportunity he gets to spend time with her. Annabelle's brother Jack is going to propose to his girl on Christmas Eve
and when Jack suspects Samuel's feeling for his sister he teases Samuel that he had better speak up about his feelings for Annabelle because she just might be swept off her feet during her White Christmas visit and not come back. Sam has a decision to make and how he solves it is perfect! I enjoyed reading how the magic of the Christmas season just brings out the romance in a person!! If you enjoy Historical Romance and a delightful Christmas story you will enjoy The Evergreen Bride. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing in return for my honest opinion. The opinion expressed is my own.

[Jaquelyn Scroggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet short story about how we are sometimes blind to the great things that are right in front of us. We often take for granted what we have, and don’t realize it’s true value until something causes us to. Annabelle Denson has been dreaming of going to Illinois to visit her cousin Lucy for the longest time. She can think of little else but going there and having a white Christmas. Samuel Frazier and Annabelle’s brother Jack are best friends and they own a sawmill together. Samuel has had feelings for Annabelle, but wants to wait to court her until he is making more money, and he thinks he has all the time in the world. Annabelle is too lost in planning for the trip, and thinking about everything they are going to do, to notice how Samuel feels. Will she see what’s right in front of her before it’s too late? Will Samuel tell her how he feels before she leaves and meets someone in Illinois? Evergreen Bride is a sweet love story that shows how one moment in time can open up our eyes to great possibilities. Evergreen Bride is book number three in the 12 Brides of Christmas Series. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance, and a quick satisfying read. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing in return for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little delayed and unseasonal review – but I didn’t want to wait until next winter to post the review of this book I read last Christmas.

The Evergreen Bride is an excellent inclusion in the 12 Brides of Christmas series! One of my favorites. It is such a sweet story. All Annabelle wants is to have white Christmas and come the end, she certainly gets one! Samuel is in love with Annabelle, but isn’t sure if she reciprocates, however he is willing to let her go to Illinois so she can have what she wants most. Annabelle and Simon are two people dancing around the idea of being interested in one another but not being willing to reveal too much about themselves. I loved the motivations behind these characters.

I really liked how the title was well integrated into the story. Samuel and his partner, Jack, Annabelle’s brother, run their own sawmill. The sawmill figures into the story as a frequent setting. I’ll let you figure out how the titular bride figures into things ;) There is nothing surprising here or twists and turns, but it is a straightforward light romance.

Such an innocent story that comes together well at the end.

I hear rumor that there will be a sequel coming potentially titled The Lumberjack Bride.

This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court blog.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Evergreen Bride was the 3rd in a series of 12 wonderful stories of Christmas Brides. Pam Hillman weaves a lovely story of the Christmas Season.

Annabelle has plans to leave her home in Tennessee for a 2 week Christmas trip to Chicago. The story infers as though perhaps she is hoping that by making the trip to her cousin Lucy's that there might be a chance of her meeting a new beau.

Her brother and his friend Samuel own a lumbering business together and Annabelle does not see the opportunities that are right at her very doorstep.

This is such a sweet story of Christmas and finding love. A wonderful Christmas romance. I truly enjoyed the happy feelings that this book created for me. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. It is a very enjoyable read and historical romance.

I received an ebook version of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was amazing! I absolutely LOVED it! The characters were really believable and I fell in love with them immediately. The story moved fast enough that it was interesting the entire time but not fast enough that it wasn't believable or was choppy as most novellas usually are. This author did an amazing job writing a novella. I loved the entire story and hated anytime I had to stop reading. I only put the book down when I had to. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good romance. It was by far on of my favorite stories and definitely my favorite of this series so far. I hope the rest are this amazing and that the author has other amazing books. My only complaint is that it was not nearly long enough. I wanted to keep reading about the characters and their lives. This novella was absolutely amazing!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cozy little romance story! Annabelle dreams of a white Christmas and plans a trip up north to Chicago. Her brother’s sawmill partner, Samuel, is sweet on her and realizes he doesn’t want to lose her. The story of these two finding out their feelings for each other while keeping up with life’s demands and hardships made this a beautifully sweet romance. This author has a knack for giving the characters engaging personalities and loveable quirks that draw you in and make you root for them. I could feel the sparks and tension while reading the scenes between Annabelle and Samuel. I also loved the ending – how perfect! You have to read this to find out! You won’t be disappointed – I highly recommend.
I received this book for an honest review.

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful Christmas story!

This historical romance set in 1887 in Sipsey Creek, Mississippi, is filled with sweet love.

I liked the enthusiastic school teacher, Annabelle Denson, who is determined to fulfill her dream of a white Christmas by traveling over her holiday to visit her cousin in Chicago, Illinois.

Sawmill owner, Samuel Frazier, is my kind of hero, with his gentleness, quiet manner, and sincere desire to make Annabelle happy.

Lovely surprises and touches of a country Christmas make this novella a charming story---a perfect story to feel the warmth of Christmas love!

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the Christmas Brides and is just as good as the first two. Annabelle wants to spend Christmas where there will be snow and try to find a husband. Samuel is in love with Annabelle but doesn't feel he can ask her to date him until he has enough money. What will happen? I received this novella from Barbour publishing for a fair and honest opinion.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet novella. I love Christmas books and this was no exception! Sometimes what we think we want is minor to what we really want. I loved the message in this book. This is the first I have read from Pam Hillman and it will not be the last.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The evergreen bride

Annabelle always wanted to see snow and have a white Christmas but lives while it does not snow. She is supposed to take a trip to where it snows. Samuel loves her but she does not know it. A very enjoyable read.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story of love hiding in plain sight. All she wants is a White Christmas. And when she gets it, Annabelle is surprised at what it looks like. Samuel finds that sometimes all you need is to speak out and make your wishes know .

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! Such a sweet little story. I'm enjoying this series of Christmas stories quite a bit.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Characters are loveable while the story givesvnew love a season to grow. I recommend this book and even the series to all.

[David Walsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Handmade gifts from the heart

I love that Samuel gave her the white Christmas with a handmade gift made from the heart. She no longer had to leave to find it.

[Judybelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've heard the saying "That the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" well this book is somewhat on that order......All Annabelle Denson wants is a white Christmas, She is so bored with the ole Mississippi Christmas that she has each year. She longs to go north to visit her cousins in Chicago who always have a white Christmas. Who knows maybe she will meet a dashing young man who she will fall madly in love with and he with her. She shares her longing for a snowy Christmas with her best friend Samuel Frazier. He is a long time friend of her and her brother. Samuel is just starting out in his own woodworking business. He is in love with Annabelle but has hidden his true feelings from her. He is afraid if she leaves she will never return. How can the shy Samuel let her know his true feelings for her? Will she remain in Mississippi? Will she return his love? Also it was interesting to read about the logging process in the Mississippi region during the late 1800s. There was and still is lots of pine trees. Still has a logging industry.....You will enjoy reading this novella in The Piney Woods Collection.......I received this book through The Calico Crew, and was not required to give a positive review, but am happy to do so.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first page of The Evergreen Bride, a novella by author Pam Hillman. Annabelle Denson is a pastor's daughter and teacher, a young woman whose mission in life is to experience a white Christmas. The chances of that happening in Mississippi are rare, but her father has given permission for her to travel to Chicago to visit a cousin over Christmas. She's sure to have snow there!
Samuel Frazier is her life-long best friend, as well as her brother's business partner. The mill they run is on Annabelle's way home from school, and she stops in frequently for a hello and chat. What is obvious to her brother is completely lost on Annabelle, though...Sam's feelings for her.
But Sam is a quiet sort, and he'd never get in the way of Annabelle's dream of a Chicago visit. He's just worried she will meet a young man while there.
Can Annabelle's eyes be opened to what is right in front of her? Can her dream of snow unfold, just maybe in a different way than planned?
Find out in The Evergreen Bride. I cannot wait to read the next Mississippi Piney Woods story!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman was originally part of the novella collection 12 Brides of Christmas. Now it is a standalone novella and part of the Mississippi Piney Woods series.

All Annabelle Denson wants is a white Christmas. And maybe a beau. What she doesn’t know is that her best friend, Samuel Frazier, already loves her.

Best-friend to lovers is not usually my favorite trope, but The Evergreen Bride caught me completely by surprise! It is incredibly sweet and heartwarming and left me all the good feels of Christmas.

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas and looking for a story to give you that ‘aww’ feeling, then definitely download a copy of The Evergreen Bride. It’s so good!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.