Four award-winning and best-selling inspirational authors take you back to times gone by with this heart-warming collection of old-fashioned romance at its best! From 20th century Boston to the forested hills of 19th century Idaho, these talented romance writers offer a taste of faith, hope and love in this delightful collection.
"Sophie’s Other Daughter" by Mary Connealy
Laura McClellen is just answering a call for her big sister, Doctor Beth, at the Reeve's home. Ike Reeves shows up for a surprise Christmas visit, exhausted and filthy. Ike claims the right to escort Laura home and outlaws after Ike turn a simple ride into a fight for their lives.
"A Town Called Christmas" by Ruth Logan Herne
When gruff English pioneer Edward Stillwell offers a former prostitute a job, he gets more than he bargained for: a wagon train more! With winter rolling in, can Sylvie’s faith, hope and optimism be just what the guilt-laden Idaho rancher needs to love Christmas—and people-- again?
"Designs on Love" by Myra Johnson.
Ranch foreman Jacob Collins has had designs on Vera Mae Beasley since their schooldays. When the pretty seamstress returns home to settle her late family's affairs, Jacob hopes his Christmas surprise will win her heart and convince her to stay.
"A Whisper of Hope" by Julie Lessman
With a husband dead set against adoption, Charity O’Connor Dennehy has barely a whisper of hope for more children, but if hope doesn’t disappoint … will it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 65 books and novellas. Her most recent three book series are: Braced for Love, A Man with a Past and Love on the Range for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers. Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.
A collection of four very different novellas by four Seekerville authors.
"A Whisper of Hope" by Julie Lessman I love Julie Lessman's books and I read her novella first. This is a story about Charity, set in Boston during the Great Depression and her desire to adopt a child after she begins volunteering at an unwed mother's home. But Mitch says absolutely no to a baby. Of course Charity takes his words literally and finds a way around his denial. Meanwhile her much older husband struggles with his fear that he is facing heart disease--a nice bibliotherapy element. I'd recommend that if you haven't read Julie's other novels in the Boston series that you do so first before you read the novella. At the minimum, read Charity and Mitch's novel.
"A Town Called Christmas" by Ruth Logan Herne I don't think I've read Ruth Logan Herne's books before but I LOVED this story and I will read more of her books. Since my grandfather was a first generation Brit who became a cowboy for a while, I was particularly intrigued by this story. LOVED the redemption of the sweet heroine. A tear jerker and absorbing story!
"Designs on Love," by Myra Johnson. This was SO good. Heart-breaking loss for a young seamstress is met by God's answer via a young rancher who has loved her since childhood. Powerful story and I had to keep reading until I was done.
"Sophie’s Other Daughter" by Mary Connealy Mary Coneally fans will not be disappointed. She delivers a western rancher story with an unexpected Christmas story involving criminals who must be corralled.
Nov 17 SOPHIE’S OTHER DAUGHTER Mary Connealy Wow! I can't even imagine a family of boys like this one! I loved the mischief in the middle of the story, and the fact that they were childhood classmates. A perfect ending!
Nov 21 A TOWN CALLED CHRISTMAS Ruth Logan Herne This was beautiful! I love how Edward changed so much and Sylvie excuded such grace!
Nov 24 DESIGNS ON LOVE Myra Johnson So much sadness in this story, "but God", (my two most favorite words) has plans of hope and a future! Very well written, this was hard to put down!
The Seekers of Seekerville present a collaboration of historical, holiday-themed novellas by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, Myra Johnson, and Julie Lessman.
"Sophie's Other Daughter" by Mary Connealy returns to the McClellan and Reeves clans, following the youngest - and girliest- of Sophie's four daughters and her old nemesis Ike Reeves. Stuck with Ike as an escort home from the birth of another Reeves baby, Laura is furious to discover Ike has a gang of outlaws hot on his trail. In traditional Connealy style, the story has plenty of guns and humor, and it was great to return to those characters that I have enjoyed so much. It is a perfect epilogue to Petticoat Ranch and subsequent novels.*
In Ruth Logan Herne's "A Town Called Christmas," a reclusive English immigrant ends up hosting a wagon train on his Idaho ranch for the winter. In spite of the inconvenience, he finds himself drawn to the sweet little widow he hires as his housekeeper. A fun tribute to Idaho's pioneering and immigrant history, the story is written with a heavy dose of humor, but it also has a serious thread to tug at the heartstrings.
Myra Johnson's "Designs on Love" sends a young seamstress home to Texas to take care of her parents' estate - and debts - after the yellow fever outbreak takes their lives. While taking on some dressmaking to help cover the debts, an old friend steps back into her life to help her. I enjoyed learning a bit more about Texas history, and anything about sewing naturally piques my interest. Overall, a very sweet love story.
Julie Lessman returns to her O'Connor saga in "A Whisper of Hope," following Charity and Mitch Dennehy as Charity yearns for more children after a decade of barrenness following their twins. Volunteering at an orphanage isn't helping eliminate the yearning, especially after a cross-eyed waif steals her heart . . . Lessman's story is a good reminder to continue to hope whatever the circumstances, and to let go of our own plans and trust God's to be better than anything we come up with. A heartwarming tale, it oozes love and hope and faith.**
While the four stories have little in common but the Christmas theme (and that they are historical, rather than contemporary), they form a solid collection. Connealy's and Herne's are both westerns and heavy on the humor, while Johnson and Lessman sport a stronger serious thread. Whether in the mood for familiar characters or new faces, a lively tale or sweet love story, there is something for everyone in this highly enjoyable collection.
*This story is best having read Petticoat Ranch and Calico Canyon first (being the two books most related to the story), though really it's best to read all three related trilogies for absolute fullest enjoyment: Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters.
**Again, best read after the two trilogies, Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change
another novella collection read by some authors I follow. Mary Connealy's Sophie's Other Daughter which is Laura n Ike's story. Ike's sister Hope is born and the family n community are in shock surprise over her birth. It seems Grace is going to change the way things have been now having a girl to bring up in a male home. (the previous collection I read was Luke n Lillian's story) Ruth's book A Town named Christmas was an interesting setting in Idaho. English family settled in a nameless town where the wagon trains pass through on the trip to Oregon. The wagon train was too late to cross as winter was setting in n the wagon master took their money with false promises. Edward intervened when the wagon master was being disrespectful to Sylvie and from their she gets invited out to the farm but she asks that the other wagon trailers as its late in the season n had no money. The romance blooms between Edward n Sylvie but they both had to reveal their past secrets. Designs on Love. About dreams Jacob n Vera Mae had when young n now after the war n yellow fever epidemic brings these two together. A Singer sewing machine n a horse called Curly holds most of the story that blooms for these two to make a life together. A Whisper of Hope by Julie continues on the O'Connor family story. The 6 adults children of Patrick n Marcy having spouses n children (some from orphanages as Gabe who they had adopted) Charity had a dream of a houseful of children (as she herself had been from a big family) had twin children. Mitch her husband worries that he is old n that he could have a heart attack that would leave his children fatherless. so he isn't really interested in having adopted/ or foster children as he didn't see it as being fair if something happened to him. Charity prayers, O'Connor women pray for God's will n plan to be revealed. Mitch know his wife n signs so he ploughs through the game plan and says no to Charity's dream. She hands the matter to God n respects Mitch's decision. Surprise. I really liked reading about these characters again n being introduced to Winnie. Now to read the contemporary collection.
Laura and Ike meet up again when Ike returns home to be a doctor. Laura is at his house to check on Ike's mother. After working together to deliver the surprise of their lives, Ike realizes he wants Laura in his life. Clay and Sophie have plenty to say about that, in Mary Connealy's humorous way of telling a great story! Totally loved this one and was fun to revisit the McClellan and Reeves families.
Update: Feb 2015: Just finished reading this part of the book to my boys and they thought it was great to catch up with what was going on in the Reeve's household while we read the Montana Marriages and Sophie's Daughters series.
A Town Called Christmas:
Sylvie spent her younger years living a life that was not good. When the wagon train taking her out west stops in Idaho and the train master takes off without them, she finds herself relying on the help of Edward Stillwell and his father. Soon other families join them and they work together to get through the winter. When Sylvie and Edward are forced to marry, everything changes for both of them. Can they make it work out for them?
Really enjoyed this story!
Designs on Love:
When Yellow Fever takes her family, Vera Mae returns home to pay her father's debts and sell his mercantile. She's been away at design school. Jacob Collins has been eagerly awaiting Vera Mae's return because he's been in love with her for some time. He has a hard time convincing her to stay though. Then she starts getting orders to design and sew dresses for some of the ladies in town.
The Whisper of Hope:
Mitch and Charity Dennehy from a previous book by this author have a small family. Now Charity is trying to get Mitch to adopt or at least do foster care for a child. Mitch has had a health scare and since his own parents weren't around for him, he's opposed to adopting a child he might leave behind. Enjoyable story.
JULIE LESSMAN'S "A WHISPER OF HOPE": A BEAUTIFUL, INSPIRING HEART-WARMING CHRISTMAS DELIGHT!!!!
Fans of JULIE LESSMAN'S Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change novel series will love the opportunity to reunite with the O'Connor family - especially Charity and Mitch - in the heartwarming novella "A WHISPER OF HOPE", one of four novellas by four authors, in the Hope For The Holidays Historical Collection. All of Julie's trademark story elements are present: passion, romance, realistic characters that steal your heart, angst, unexpected "twists and turns", inspiration and a happy ending.
Laughter and tears are just two of the emotions you'll experience as you follow Charity's antics in her quest to add another child to her household - yes, she's up to her "old tricks" - and you'll fall in love with adorable little charmer Winnie. You'll finish reading "A Whisper of Hope" with a contented sigh and only one regret: it wasn't long enough!!!!
This is a collection of novellas from four very gifted writers. Each one is well written and enjoyable. This is a collection I will want to read again.
Sophie’s Other Daughter by Mary Connealy is the first novella in the collection. It was a wonderful read that I enjoyed very much. I loved everything about this story. There was just enough humor mixed in.
A Town Called Christmas by Ruth Logan Herne comes next. Another wonderful story which I absolutely loved. The message of beginning anew in Christ was so powerful.
Designs on Love by Myra Johnson is the third story. A delightful story of hope restored after losing all her family in a yellow fever epidemic. I loved every part of this story which was well written.
A Whisper of Hope by Julie Lessman is the final story. This was a great ending to this collection. I loved being able to read more about the O’Connor family with such a heart rending story of hope and love.
I loved this collection. Sophie's other daughter: Laura and Ike captured 6 outlaws that took them on a short journey into love and marriage. A town called Christmas: Edward and Sylvie are linked together after Edward rescues her from a tongue lashing from the wagon master. She ends up working for Edward and his father Walter which leads to their love and marriage. Designs on love: Jacob's mission is to make Vera his wife after she loses her entire family to yellow fever. Whisper of Hope: This appears to be the ending story of the O'Connor family which has prior novels. Charity after 12 years has been unable to have more children. She is still up to her old tricks but Mitch is older and wiser. He is on to her. God has a blessing in store for the both of them.
There are four Christmas stories in this book set, it's no secret that Julie is my absolute favorite author. When this beautiful book downloaded onto my kindle I immediately found Julie's book and began reading. I had missed the O'Connor clan and was thrilled to have another book to read about them. In this book, Charity is up to her old tricks again, she wants another baby in the worst way, she hasn't been able to get pregnant since the birth of the twins, so she is determined to convince Mitch to adopt. What ensues in the pages of this book, is the true meaning of Christmas, full of love, laughter and family that only Julie can create. Highly recommended!
I will add to this review as I read the other three stories.
Mary Connealy’s “Sophie’s Other Daughter” Crazy Good Read with everything you’d want in a MC book! I can’t wait for Dec so I can read it again!
Ruth Logan Herne’s “A Town Call Christmas” Unlikely hero, reformed heroine, crazy circumstances combine for a beautiful ending that shines with the true meaning of Christmas! The well written delightful antic of the children made me smile.
Myra Johnson’s “Designs on Love” Hope out of tragedy. A realist story of people coming together in difficulties. You’ll love the horse Curly!
Julie Lessman’s “A Whisper of Hope” One of Julie’s Very Best! Full of fun, action, and heart! I’ll remember this one!
This was such a good story! It’s definitely one I’ll read again…
I applauded Edward, when he came to the defense of Sylvie Schuler, just recently a wife, mother – and widow.
Now, I could go on . . . and tell you what happens – and it’s really good. But that would ruin the story for you. You’ll just have to read it for yourself – and I heartily encourage you to do so.
Ruth Logan Herne writes such a moving, picturesque, story – that I could see the mountains and the wagons. Sylvia and Edward became real people to me. I expect they’ll do the same for you, when you read A Town Called Christmas.
Love the 4 stories. Each is different and good in its own way. The seekers have an online blog and got together to write this collection and I have enjoyed each story. I like how each story is so different. 2 stories Mary Connealy's and Julie Lessman's both are stories involving characters from previous series but you can read them on there own and still follow them no worries. The other 2 are stand alone stories. This is another good read, if you like Christmas and historical stories this is a great read.
I loved this novella collection! This book consists of 4 inspirational historical romance novellas that are each unique and enjoyable. I've been a hardcore fan of both Mary and Julie for several years, but Ruth and Myra are new to me. I truly enjoyed their stories and styles, making this book a win on all counts. Loved it, ladies! Can't wait to see more.
This is an excellent collection, every novella is great! For fans of Julie Lessman's O'Connor family, this is a must read! Each novella is engaging, all the characters are endearing, the stories have a variety of settings, and they all have the common thread of hope. It leaves me wanting more from these authors which I will gladly be seeking! Well done, ladies and thank you!
Some of the books are good, but I felt only two were truly a Christmas story, however it felt like the books just ended and they had so much potential to go on with the story and the authors could have added more chapters
Well I really enjoyed Mary Conneally's story, which started out this collection. Unfortunately I became more and more bored by the end with Julie Lessman's (I guess I'm just not a fan of her writing...).
I love reading Christmas stories over the holidays so usually read several anthologies. This was my favorite of 2015. I enjoyed the stories, all from authors I'd never read before, but whom I've now added to my reading list.
4 in 1 --Includes book 3.5 of Connealy's Sophie's Daughters series --Includes additional story to Lessman's Daughters of Boston series *Great collection!