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A Joyful Ring: Wholesome Holiday Western Romance
A rugged freighter, a hopeful dreamer, and a Christmas they’ll never forget.In 1876, Gunder Birke leaves the daily struggle of Pittsburgh behind, determined to build a better life in the rough-and-tumble mining town of Lovely, Oregon. Hired as a freighter to haul dangerous explosives for the local mine, Gunder faces ongoing danger—but nothing as treacherous as the risk to his heart when he meets the beautiful and spirited Risa Hoffman.
After losing her mother and siblings, Risa has spent most of her life on the move with her father, never knowing what it means to have a real home. When she convinces him to settle in Lovely, the remote, uninviting town is far from the idyllic refuge she imagined. Still, Risa pours her hopes into building a future, working at the boardinghouse while dreaming of a finding a husband who can offer stability and comfort.
But when Gunder’s steady kindness and quiet strength awaken feelings she never expected, Risa must choose between the security she’s always longed for and the love that rings true in her heart.
As snow begins to fall across the rugged Oregon landscape, two souls discover that sometimes the most beautiful gifts come wrapped in hope, faith, and the promise of love.
A Joyful Ring is the first book in the wholesome holiday Silver Bell Sweethearts series.
After losing her mother and siblings, Risa has spent most of her life on the move with her father, never knowing what it means to have a real home. When she convinces him to settle in Lovely, the remote, uninviting town is far from the idyllic refuge she imagined. Still, Risa pours her hopes into building a future, working at the boardinghouse while dreaming of a finding a husband who can offer stability and comfort.
But when Gunder’s steady kindness and quiet strength awaken feelings she never expected, Risa must choose between the security she’s always longed for and the love that rings true in her heart.
As snow begins to fall across the rugged Oregon landscape, two souls discover that sometimes the most beautiful gifts come wrapped in hope, faith, and the promise of love.
A Joyful Ring is the first book in the wholesome holiday Silver Bell Sweethearts series.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
66 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Hatfield
164 books1,324 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 22, 2025
LOVELY IS A LOVELY PLACE TO FIND YOUR FORTUNE AND FUTURE
Gunder Birke saw an ad for a place called Lovely and decided to leave his parents' home in Pennsylvania to head west and make his way in the world. Lovely, Oregon, was anything but lovely, but he is here, has been offered a job as a freighter for the mine, and has already made a friend, Lars Hoffman.
Lars Hoffman and his only living child, Risa, moved around often after his wife and three younger children died during a cholera outbreak. He finally settled in Lovely, buying a lot and making a shack a home. He made improvements, such as sealing the cracks. They have a barn with animals and a garden. He even dug a cellar for them to keep things cool and stored safely. Lars works for the mine as a freighter.
The story will have Gunder arriving in Lovely and being hired immediately. He is to ride with Lars, proving he can handle the work, the mules, and the load carried out of the area to Baker City, and back with needed supplies. Sometimes, the return trip includes hauling explosives used in the mine. Lars will invite Gunder to have a meal at his home, where he will meet Risa. You could say there was chemistry between them—but he has nothing to offer her—and she wants more than a miner’s tent for a home.
“You need to ask yourself if a fine house with a man you can tolerate is better than a humble home with the man you love.”
“I hope you find the—peace and joy you are searching for, Risa.”
The story has plenty of moments with trials and decisions. It includes angst, emotions, and two people who like one another, but is that enough? Then there is a troublemaker girl in Lovely, whose actions lead to damage and theft—but also a moment for the preacher to use it as a sermon. The story isn't one romance, but two happening at the same time. How will fate intervene?
I loved the story, the emotions, the characters, and the lessons within the story. Knowing that this is a series, or saga of the Birke family, makes it even better. So don’t miss out, there is more with the Birkes and Lovely, Oregon. The story does not end on a cliffhanger, but on a segue into the next book.
Gunder Birke saw an ad for a place called Lovely and decided to leave his parents' home in Pennsylvania to head west and make his way in the world. Lovely, Oregon, was anything but lovely, but he is here, has been offered a job as a freighter for the mine, and has already made a friend, Lars Hoffman.
Lars Hoffman and his only living child, Risa, moved around often after his wife and three younger children died during a cholera outbreak. He finally settled in Lovely, buying a lot and making a shack a home. He made improvements, such as sealing the cracks. They have a barn with animals and a garden. He even dug a cellar for them to keep things cool and stored safely. Lars works for the mine as a freighter.
The story will have Gunder arriving in Lovely and being hired immediately. He is to ride with Lars, proving he can handle the work, the mules, and the load carried out of the area to Baker City, and back with needed supplies. Sometimes, the return trip includes hauling explosives used in the mine. Lars will invite Gunder to have a meal at his home, where he will meet Risa. You could say there was chemistry between them—but he has nothing to offer her—and she wants more than a miner’s tent for a home.
“You need to ask yourself if a fine house with a man you can tolerate is better than a humble home with the man you love.”
“I hope you find the—peace and joy you are searching for, Risa.”
The story has plenty of moments with trials and decisions. It includes angst, emotions, and two people who like one another, but is that enough? Then there is a troublemaker girl in Lovely, whose actions lead to damage and theft—but also a moment for the preacher to use it as a sermon. The story isn't one romance, but two happening at the same time. How will fate intervene?
I loved the story, the emotions, the characters, and the lessons within the story. Knowing that this is a series, or saga of the Birke family, makes it even better. So don’t miss out, there is more with the Birkes and Lovely, Oregon. The story does not end on a cliffhanger, but on a segue into the next book.
January 14, 2026
When Gunder Birke arrived in Lovely, Oregon he really wasn't sure what to think. It was just not how he pictured the town from the advertisement he had found. He came from Pittsburgh, PA and wanted a better life for himself and to be able to help his family back home.
Risa Hoffman and her father Lars lived in one of the shacks built to house mine workers families, but theirs had a different look to it. Lars had lost his wife and two of his daughters to illness, all at once. They moved around the country for years until Risa convinced him to settle down.
When Gunder arrived in town he went to the mine to ask about a job. Anything but working IN the mine. He was hired as a freighter, driving wagons of freight back and forth to and from the mine. Once or twice a week the freighter hauled back explosives and danger lived along with them on those runs. Lars Hoffman was his trainer.
Risa struggled knowing the attraction that she had for Gunder was not what she wanted for her future, but things tend to change when you realize LOVE is the most important thing in your life. Gunder already knew this part but was patient and kind. He wanted nothing more than to show Risa and her father that she was the most important thing in his life and that he would love and cherish her for the rest of their lives given that chance. This story opens up peoples lives and gives them the opportunities to enrich each others lives in doing so. Such a heartfelt book! You don't want to miss it!
Risa Hoffman and her father Lars lived in one of the shacks built to house mine workers families, but theirs had a different look to it. Lars had lost his wife and two of his daughters to illness, all at once. They moved around the country for years until Risa convinced him to settle down.
When Gunder arrived in town he went to the mine to ask about a job. Anything but working IN the mine. He was hired as a freighter, driving wagons of freight back and forth to and from the mine. Once or twice a week the freighter hauled back explosives and danger lived along with them on those runs. Lars Hoffman was his trainer.
Risa struggled knowing the attraction that she had for Gunder was not what she wanted for her future, but things tend to change when you realize LOVE is the most important thing in your life. Gunder already knew this part but was patient and kind. He wanted nothing more than to show Risa and her father that she was the most important thing in his life and that he would love and cherish her for the rest of their lives given that chance. This story opens up peoples lives and gives them the opportunities to enrich each others lives in doing so. Such a heartfelt book! You don't want to miss it!
October 19, 2025
When I pick up a Shanna Hatfield book I always know I will get a sweet and satisfying read - and this book was another winner. She set the scene so well right from the start as she introduced us to the not so lovely historical town of Lovely.
Gunder wants to build a life where he can support himself and a family and to do this he makes the decision to leave home in Pittsburgh and set out for Oregon where he hopes to find work and a better life. As he enters the town of Lovely he thinks there is nothing to redeem it but upon meeting Lars and his daughter Risa he finds friendship and a bright spot in the town. Risa and Lars had a tough time before they ended up in Lovely and while their home isn't much, it is secure and warm and Risa doesn't want to risk that. As Risa and Gunder get to know each other they both have to battle to balance their attraction with what they want for the future.
I loved the way Risa particularly listened to God. I also enjoyed the heritage of jewellery making that Gunder has and how he worked to keep that going himself. This book was one I read quite quickly as the story flowed nicely and had a wonderful balance of romance, drama and community. I am so looking forward to book 2 in the series.
Gunder wants to build a life where he can support himself and a family and to do this he makes the decision to leave home in Pittsburgh and set out for Oregon where he hopes to find work and a better life. As he enters the town of Lovely he thinks there is nothing to redeem it but upon meeting Lars and his daughter Risa he finds friendship and a bright spot in the town. Risa and Lars had a tough time before they ended up in Lovely and while their home isn't much, it is secure and warm and Risa doesn't want to risk that. As Risa and Gunder get to know each other they both have to battle to balance their attraction with what they want for the future.
I loved the way Risa particularly listened to God. I also enjoyed the heritage of jewellery making that Gunder has and how he worked to keep that going himself. This book was one I read quite quickly as the story flowed nicely and had a wonderful balance of romance, drama and community. I am so looking forward to book 2 in the series.
October 19, 2025
This was another delightful story by Shanna Hatfield. The love story of Gunder and Risa was a journey of coming to realize what really matters in life and learning to trust in the power of true love. When Gunder arrives in Lovely, Oregon, which isn't lovely at all, he takes a job at the silver mine as a freight driver. The man who is training him takes a liking to him and invites him to share meals with him and his daughter, and they become like family. As he and Risa get to know one another, their attraction grows, but neither is willing to give their hearts wholeheartedly. Gunder wants to have a house and land before he proposes marriage, and Risa wants a man who can provide a home and security. Eventually, with a little encouragement from friends and family, both Gunder and Risa, and her father and a widow friend decide that they deserve happiness, and that the most important thing to have is love.
I look forward to the next story in this series and all the people in Baker City.
I received a copy of this book from the author as and ARC, but this is an honest review.
I look forward to the next story in this series and all the people in Baker City.
I received a copy of this book from the author as and ARC, but this is an honest review.
October 21, 2025
Wanting a better life than the steel mills of Pittsburgh can give him, Gunder Birke heads west to the mining town of Lovely, Oregon. The mine manager gives Gunder a job as a freighter, alternating trips with Lars Hoffman, hauling out the silver and bringing back supplies from Baker City.
Risa Hoffman and her father, Lars, left Iowa after the death of her mother and three younger siblings. After wandering for years, Risa was tired of having no place to call home and convinced her father to settle in Lovely, where she works in the local boardinghouse.
A Joyful Ring is the first book in Shanna Hatfield's new holiday series, Silver Bell Sweethearts. Baker City is one of my favorite settings of this author, and it was nice to return to the small town. I am definitely looking forward to the next story.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.
Risa Hoffman and her father, Lars, left Iowa after the death of her mother and three younger siblings. After wandering for years, Risa was tired of having no place to call home and convinced her father to settle in Lovely, where she works in the local boardinghouse.
A Joyful Ring is the first book in Shanna Hatfield's new holiday series, Silver Bell Sweethearts. Baker City is one of my favorite settings of this author, and it was nice to return to the small town. I am definitely looking forward to the next story.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.
November 2, 2025
This was an inspiring read. We meet Gunder who is a strong character who arrives at the little town of "Lovely" Oregon. He comes here from an advertisement he say, but unfortunately it didn't quite accurately match the name and the town. Wd adventure back to when men would go to live and work in the mines. It was a hard living and their living conditions were very tough as most lived in tents or housing that could barely be called a house. Gunder has a special talent with jewelry that he is working on. He gets a job working with a man named Lars who drives the freight wagons to and from the city with explosives. It's a very dangerous way to make a living. Gunder then meets Lar's daughter Risa. We enjoy seeing this relationship develop from friendship to more. Lars never wants to see his daughter live in these conditions though so a relationship doesn't seem possible. Can he safely drive his loads to the city and back?
November 2, 2025
Loved this first book in the Silver Bell Sweethearts series! As the story begins you find that Lovely, Oregon, is not as lovely as described in the advertisement that brings Gunder from the dirty, crowded streets of Pittsburgh. When Risa convinced her father to stop running from the sadness of a lost family they ended up in Lovely with her father working as a freighter for the mines. When Gunder and Risa meet it is almost love at first sight, but Risa wants more stability than a mine worker brings. God works in both of their hearts to bring them to the realization that love comes first then with faith in Him good things will follow. Shanna Hatfield writes sweet, inspirational romance that flows with faith and family. You will smell the pies and want some of those cookies! I’m ready for the next installment in this series.
November 17, 2025
A Joyful Ring by Shanna Hatfield
Gunder and Risa's love story is an absolute must-read. This heartfelt tale truly pulled at my heartstrings, keeping me engaged with its compelling unknowns. The vivid descriptions of the mining town of Lovely and Baker City transported me there, making the scenes come alive. The scenery was so intricately detailed that I could see and feel everything as if I were present. Every time Gunder and Lars, Risa's father, handled and delivered explosives for the mine, I was on the edge of my seat, recognizing the peril in their dangerous work. I quickly fell in love with Gunder, Risa, Lars, and Gloria, who felt like family. Their shared love radiates warmth and joy that will touch your heart as well. I wholeheartedly recommend reading this enchanting story—you won't regret it.
https://a.co/d/brCBgKX
Gunder and Risa's love story is an absolute must-read. This heartfelt tale truly pulled at my heartstrings, keeping me engaged with its compelling unknowns. The vivid descriptions of the mining town of Lovely and Baker City transported me there, making the scenes come alive. The scenery was so intricately detailed that I could see and feel everything as if I were present. Every time Gunder and Lars, Risa's father, handled and delivered explosives for the mine, I was on the edge of my seat, recognizing the peril in their dangerous work. I quickly fell in love with Gunder, Risa, Lars, and Gloria, who felt like family. Their shared love radiates warmth and joy that will touch your heart as well. I wholeheartedly recommend reading this enchanting story—you won't regret it.
https://a.co/d/brCBgKX
November 26, 2025
A Joyful Ring
A sweet story of Gunder Birke, who leaves Pittsburgh for an adventure to the small town of Lovely, Oregon. Lovely turns out to be not so lovely but he finds a job of bringing explosives into the local mining company and lives in a tent provided by them. Rissa and her father lost the rest of their family to an illness and have traveled around a lot. Settling in Lovely with a small cabin is the closest she has come to having a place she can call home since they left the pain and loss behind. She only wants a man who is settled down and one who can provide a good future for her. The only other requirement is he cannot work for the mining company. But somehow Gunder seems to grab her attention with his kindness. This is a very enjoyable book. I would recommend you read it.
A sweet story of Gunder Birke, who leaves Pittsburgh for an adventure to the small town of Lovely, Oregon. Lovely turns out to be not so lovely but he finds a job of bringing explosives into the local mining company and lives in a tent provided by them. Rissa and her father lost the rest of their family to an illness and have traveled around a lot. Settling in Lovely with a small cabin is the closest she has come to having a place she can call home since they left the pain and loss behind. She only wants a man who is settled down and one who can provide a good future for her. The only other requirement is he cannot work for the mining company. But somehow Gunder seems to grab her attention with his kindness. This is a very enjoyable book. I would recommend you read it.
October 30, 2025
A gentle story of two hearts finding what they really want in life and trusting that God knows best when it comes to their future. Gunder comes to Lovely, which isn’t lovely, and begins work as a freighter. Risa is a sweet surprise in his life and he knows she is the one. Risa has lived a hard life and seeks security for the future; she has dreams and expectations of what that looks like. As much as she loves Gunder, can she give up those dreams? This Christmas she finds her answer.
I enjoyed their story. Some great supporting characters and lots of Christmas vibes. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. I enjoyed the novel. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
I enjoyed their story. Some great supporting characters and lots of Christmas vibes. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. I enjoyed the novel. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
November 14, 2025
What a lovely start to a new series by this inspirational author. Gunder and Risa live in a town called Lovely in 1876. However, it is a drab little town that does not exactly live up to its name at this point in time. Gunder works in the mine but in his spare time embarks on another way to earn some money and carry on his family’s heritage. Risa has spent her life taking care of herself and her family. Risa pours her energy into creating a cozy home for them both. When Reisa and Gunder meet and become more than friends, Risa comes to a crossroads. Does she stay and stay with what is familiar or take a chance on her forever with am man that loves her. The pages turn fast on this novel.
Roni Fody
October 15, 2025
Roni Fody
October 15, 2025
November 5, 2025
A sweet story unfolds as Gunder, seeking adventure, travels across the country to a town called Lovely. However, the town isn't quite as lovely as its name suggests, but Gunder chooses to stay. Living in a tent, he manages to secure a job as a freighter and meets another freighter, Lars. The two become close friends, and Gunder develops feelings for Lars' daughter, Risa. Despite his feelings, Gunder keeps his distance, knowing he has little to offer her. Risa grows to love Gunder but hesitates about marrying a man with nothing. Will Risa follow her heart or choose security? Gunder works tirelessly to build a future for Risa, but it will take time. Can they find a way to meet in the middle?
November 13, 2025
Gunder moves to Lovely, Oregon after reading about the small mining town. When he arrives, he realizes that the town does not live up to its name. However, he does find one part of the town that is truly lovely, inside and out: the young lady named Risa. But will Risa want to marry a poor man who is employed by the mine?
This is a lovely book with wonderful characters and a very interesting story. It contains romance, mystery, and Christian principles such as prayer and trusting in the Lord’s timing.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
This is a lovely book with wonderful characters and a very interesting story. It contains romance, mystery, and Christian principles such as prayer and trusting in the Lord’s timing.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
November 13, 2025
Absolutely beautiful story. Risa was such a clever young woman, making the most of the situation she had and knowing what she wanted. Risa's father was just such a good guy, I admired how he could take Gunder under his wing and teach him so much, yet at the same time he honoured his daughter and didn't want to let anything get in her way of what she wanted from life.
Risa is all grown up and her dad is learning to see that; Gunder can definitely see that, as can the intriguing widow in Baker city. I love that Lars gets his happy ending too, that was a pretty hilarious scene in the boarding house with the two women and Lars. Loved the start of this new series :)
Risa is all grown up and her dad is learning to see that; Gunder can definitely see that, as can the intriguing widow in Baker city. I love that Lars gets his happy ending too, that was a pretty hilarious scene in the boarding house with the two women and Lars. Loved the start of this new series :)
October 17, 2025
What a delightful story! This was so well written, that I felt that I was right there with Gunder and Risa in the not-so-lovely town of Lovely. Through the struggles of that time, a beautiful story came forth that showed the hearts of these two people. As they realized that they were very much attracted to the other, there were decisions that needed to be made that definitely pulled at my heart strings. I loved how the author brought Gunder and Risa together and the glimpse of the future that we were given. I look forward to the next book in this series.
October 29, 2025
This is the first book in a series of 3. It's a story of a young man leaving his family to start a new life of his own in a town in Oregon called Lovely. But when he gets there it is far from "lovely" but he finds a dangerous job being a freighter that hauls mine explosives. What he does find lovely in Lovely is another freighter's daughter. Can Rissa give up all she's worked on to make her and her father's property profitable for them? Another love story is also taking place. Can happiness come for both couples?
November 13, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story that took place in 1876 in the small mining town of Lovely, Oregon. I can't imagine how Gunder was able to leave his family behind in Pittsburgh for a place that was not how he imagined. He was a very brave man, especially with the freighter job he agreed to do.
This book was full of wonderful characters, sweet romance, and concentrated on Lars and his twenty-one year old daughter named Risa. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
This book was full of wonderful characters, sweet romance, and concentrated on Lars and his twenty-one year old daughter named Risa. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
November 26, 2025
Beautiful beginning to a new series by Shanna Hatfield called Silver Bell Sweethearts.
Lovely does not live up to its name when Gunder arrives in town looking for a job and opportunities.
Risa lives with her dad in the mining town. Though they are attracted to each she’s afraid of a relationship with a freighter and he feels he’s not worthy until he can offer her a wonderful life.
Can a miracle at Christmas bring happiness to a small group of people?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Lovely does not live up to its name when Gunder arrives in town looking for a job and opportunities.
Risa lives with her dad in the mining town. Though they are attracted to each she’s afraid of a relationship with a freighter and he feels he’s not worthy until he can offer her a wonderful life.
Can a miracle at Christmas bring happiness to a small group of people?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
October 21, 2025
this is a wonderful story. Gunder has traveled to the town for a job. and becomes friends with the man who is training him . he also becomes friends with his daughter. could not put thee book down. it is a story of starting over and learning to trust others and that they c an trust you. love that he also wanted to keep the trad of his grandfathers so he could pass it to his children looking forward to the next story i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review
November 8, 2025
A Joyful Ring takes place in Lovely, Oregon a rather ugly town and Baker City, Oregon. Main characters: Gunder Birke, Risa Hoffman. Secondary characters: Lars Hoffman and Gloria Franklin and a host of others. This lovely book includes: Dangerous job, friendship turns to love, jealousy, stealing and destruction, silver, and two weddings. A must read so you can find how it all comes together. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Everything expressed is my own.
November 8, 2025
A Joyful Ring is a sweet story set in a mining town in Oregon. Gunder and Risa’s relationship develops slowly. Risa convinced she needs financial stability more than love as well as the danger of Gunder’s job holds her back. I could feel Risa’s torment deciding whether to follow her heart or to play it safe and Gunder’s yearning for something he doesn’t think he deserves. It’s a delightful read.
November 13, 2025
Really Great Series
A really great Christmas Christian story by one of my favorite authors. I loved Risa and Gunder's story. I so enjoyed watching God work in their lives and see them get their HEA. We actually get 2 couples in this story Lars and Gloria also get a great second chance romance. It all makes for a captivating read that I didn't want to put down. A wonderful story
A really great Christmas Christian story by one of my favorite authors. I loved Risa and Gunder's story. I so enjoyed watching God work in their lives and see them get their HEA. We actually get 2 couples in this story Lars and Gloria also get a great second chance romance. It all makes for a captivating read that I didn't want to put down. A wonderful story
November 14, 2025
Such a wonderful story of love and resilience. Gunder did not expect the town of Lovely to be, well, not so lovely. At least he has a job delivering explosives by horse and wagon. Lars teaches him the ropes and takes him under his wing. Gunder meets Lars hard-working daughter Risa. A sweet relationship begins. But Risa does not want to live in a tent like he does. But providence steps in for them so they can be together.
November 14, 2025
Gunder leaves Pittsburgh to make his own way in the world and he ends up in a small mining town of Lovely where he meets Risa and her father Lars who works with him. They bond and friends then like family as Risa and Gunder both want a family of their own and with some prayers and guidance they know where they both belong. This is a lovely book with doubts we all have just as we are becoming adults but they found the answer they needed.
November 21, 2025
He's looking for a new place to build his life but names can deceive you. But people can surprise you. She wants security after the hardship she and her father had to endure. But what is more important love or security? Can he with his family tradition accomplish both?
This is a fun story in this new series. This author can bring a story together between characters and characters who we know and love from previous series. Looking forward to read the other ones in this series.
This is a fun story in this new series. This author can bring a story together between characters and characters who we know and love from previous series. Looking forward to read the other ones in this series.
October 30, 2025
Gunder travels from Pittsburgh to the west in search of a better life than what Pittsburgh can offer. He finds himself taking a job at a mine as a freight hauler and makes friends with Risa Hoffman and her father. This was a perfect start to the Silver Bell Sweethearts book series. There are so many wonderful characters that I can't wait to learn more about.
October 31, 2025
I loved the character of Gunder, he was strong, faithful and loving towards his family and friends. I related to Risa, how she knew what she wanted in life and how she wasn't afraid to take a chance on love and willing to put aside what she thought she wanted for what Gunder offered her. A great love story that was true and solid.
November 13, 2025
This is a great first book in this new series I so thoroughly enjoyed reading it - you want to have time to read as I was hooked and could not put it down! I love a good series and this one is excellent - on to the next one covering the generations to come! I read a beta version and freely leave my opinion!
November 13, 2025
This is a wonderful story, an added bonus was learning traditions from other countries. This story takes us back to Lovely, Oregon to visit with Birke family. There are now three generations so it's nice to follow them. I love stories where you could read each individually, but, you also get to follow families as they grow.
November 29, 2025
This reader enjoys Shanna Hatfield's holiday series. The Silver Bells Sweethearts spans 149 years of the Birke family and silver craftsmanship. A Joyful Ring is set in 1876 in Lovely, Oregon (which isn't very lovely). Gunder Birke is a hired freighter, whose passion is silver. A delightful start to a new holiday series with realistic characters, page turning plot and believable resolution.
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