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A Joyful Love

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One spark of hope. One act of courage. One joyful love.Caleb Birke once believed adventure waited somewhere beyond the horizon. But after wandering the world, he discovers the one place his heart longs to be is right where he began—home in Lovely, Oregon. Now devoted to preserving his family’s legacy of fine silverwork, Caleb lovingly crafts everything from heirloom sleigh bells to western saddle silver, each piece carrying stories of the past and hope for the future.

A routine delivery trip to Baker City becomes anything but ordinary when he meets Laramee Scott—a lively, sharp-witted horse trainer who steals his breath and quickly claims his heart.

After fleeing a scandal in Texas, Laramee is grateful to find refuge with her aunt and uncle in Eastern Oregon. The land, the horses she loves, and the freedom to rebuild her life are exactly what she needs—until one unexpected encounter with Caleb makes her wonder if she wasn’t running from her past, but being led toward her future.

As Christmas draws near and snow begins to fall on the high desert, Caleb and Laramee discover that love—like silver—can be shaped, refined, and polished into something lasting. But only if they are willing to trust their hearts... and believe that sometimes the greatest gift of all is the courage to love.

A tender, heartfelt holiday romance, A Joyful Love is filled with family legacies, jingling sleigh bells, and the timeless hope Christmas brings.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

58 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Shanna Hatfield

164 books1,324 followers
A 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

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,980 reviews175 followers
January 1, 2026
TEXAS TORNADO TEARS TERROR ON TWO OUTLAWS

The story picks up where book one, A Joyful Ring, left off, and now Caleb Birke is an adult. He left Lovely, hoping to make his way and see the world, but that didn’t turn out as he had dreamed. After being away and spending time in San Francisco, California, earning enough money to move back to Oregon, this is home. On a trip over to Baker City, Oregon, he will see a lovely young woman that he can’t get off his mind.

Laramee Scott has escaped the gossiping at home in Goodacre, Texas, and has come to Baker City, Oregon, to stay with her Uncle Luden and Aunt Georgia Scott until spring. While she was outfitted by her mother, it isn’t the clothing she is comfortable in. At least back home, her father allowed her to work the ranch, training horses, riding in jeans, and he also taught her how to rope and shoot. How exciting that Uncle Luden is willing to allow her to help him train the horses he sells.

The story takes place in 1910 and begins in September of that year when Laramee arrives in Oregon to stay with her relatives. It isn’t long before she makes a friend, Lily Jordan. These two girls both have a love for horses. Caleb Birke will travel from where they live in Lovely to Baker City, often to either deliver merchandise or to pick up new orders. He will be mesmerized by Laramee, and it won’t be long before they are introduced. When Lily and Laramee spend a few days together, they will ride into Lovely and shop at Birke’s Bells, where they see the beautiful sleighbells, ornamental bells, and stunning silver jewelry. That visit will come with an invitation to have lunch with Caleb, his father, and grandparents—the start of a friendship—to more.

This was another delightful story of the Birke family with a new sweet romance. Laramee is allowed some freedom to do what she loves, like working outdoors with the horses. It has been the most freeing she has felt in the last six months. Nothing like being gossiped about when she was the one done wrong. I loved the sweet, slow romance that develops between Caleb and Laramee, but it also includes his entire family and how they embrace Laramee. Caleb learned that family means everything and found his perfect place with his parents and grandparents. Meeting the woman of his dreams makes it even sweeter.

“If we don’t make time for the things that bring us pleasure and fill our hearts, we’re leaving joy on the table.”

I loved the story, the emotions, the characters, and the lessons it conveyed. I enjoyed learning about Saint Lucia, which is also featured in 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.

NOTE: I read this book with my paid subscription to Kindle Unlimited
169 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2025
A Joyful Love is a sweet romance book to sink into and let it take you on a story that is romantic, inspiring and a whole lot of fun. I really liked the way it connects to other books written by Shanna Hatfield (Baker City Brides Series) as you already know some of the characters.
Right from the start you can tell that Laramee doesn't necessarily fit into society's expectations for young ladies. I loved the scene with her purple hat, as big as a wagon wheel - it told me so much about her personality and we saw her traits of independence, the way she accepted herself and was happy to not always fit into the young lady's rules and expectations for the time. Throughout the story we saw that she was able to focus on what is important (relationships) rather than what others say is important (being able to cook and wear the right clothes). 
Laramee and Caleb have instant attraction even from a distance. Caleb works for the family silversmith business in the town of Lovely (which has grown a bit lovelier since book 1 in this series!) alongside his father and grandfather. When Laramee and friend Lily come to look around their shop these men are only too happy to gently push them to spend time together. They don't need much encouragement as they are both fascinated by each other. As they get closer to Christmas their love is apparent to them (and everyone around them), but can they take the final step into their future together?
I really appreciated the focus on the joy of family and belonging that was shown throughout this story. And the laugh out loud moments, especially when Laramee trussed up two guys to a tree! The little tit bits of history throughout were something I really like as it helps me place this story in history. This is a book I did not want to put down and it has left me eagerly awaiting book 3 in the series.
Profile Image for Sharon.
54 reviews
December 16, 2025
I loved this book! You get to venture back from the beginning and see characters from the previous book that is so fun. We meet Laramee who has had to leave home from an embarassing situation with a fiance that left her. She got to her Aunt and Uncles house who have a store she works in near Baker city. She loves horses and is thrilled to work with horses and ride when she can which she loves to do. spreads joy where ever she goes. After a public heartbreak, she goes to stay with her aunt and uncle near Baker City to help her uncle train horses. She meets Caleb who captures her heart. this story has some moments that can leave you on the edge of your seat, then laughing at what happens when 2 men attempt to rob her on the trail she takes to get to town. As they become friends, and she meets his family, she realizes that this is the kind of love she has been looking for. One of the scariest, but funniest scenes is when two men try to rob her as she is riding on the road into town. It is so fun when we get to meet characters from book one like Sheriff Tully and Maggie McGregor in Baker City. I really enjoyed moving forward and having the books connec with the silver bell from past generations. This is such a wonderful story, you won't want it to end, and thankfully you won't have to wait, you can continue you on to book three! ENJOY!
236 reviews6 followers
November 7, 2025
What a fun book to read. Laramee is not your typical western woman, to her mother's chagrin, but she is full of life and spreads joy where ever she goes. After a public heartbreak, she goes to stay with her aunt and uncle near Baker City to help her uncle train horses. The first time she and Caleb see each other, there is something that draws them together. As they become friends, and she meets his family, she realizes that this is the kind of love she has been looking for. One of the scariest, but funniest scenes is when two men try to rob her as she is riding on the road and she deals with them, leaving them tied to a tree while she gets the sheriff. I always enjoy seeing past characters like Lily Jordan, Sheriff Tully and Maggie McGregor in Baker City. It's like seeing old friends meeting new ones. I also love the connection of the bells that goes back generations. A wonderful, fun story.


I received a copy of this book from the author as an ARC, but this is an honest, heartfelt review.
Profile Image for Cindy y.
166 reviews
November 20, 2025
Part of a new series, A Joyful Love is the continuing story of the Birke family. Caleb is the son of Gunder and Risa from A Joyful Ring. He meets Laramie Scott who has left her home in Texas amid a scandal from a broken engagement. She has come to Baker City to stay with her aunt and uncle. I love revisiting Baker City during the timeline of the Jordan’s, McGregor’s and Sheriff Tully from the Baker City Brides series. Also, mischievous Lily Jordan is grown up and her and Laramie become fast friends.
Caleb and Laramie’s meeting and “courtship” was sweet and very endearing. I loved Laramie’s independent streak and her love for the outdoors and all things horses. Caleb was learning the silver working of his family, carrying on the tradition of the Birke legacy.
This was such a sweet story. I highly recommend it!

I received an ARC from the author but my review is voluntary and my own opinion.
763 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2026
Caleb and Laramee's story is beautifully written and keeps you reading long after you planned to be asleep! From the first moment they laid eyes on each other the attraction was intense. Each time they meet, their longing for each other grows.. They seem to fit into each other's families with such ease that everyone knows that one day they will choose each other for life.
I loved the time they spent together, alone and with family. Learning new customs from Caleb's family continually drew Laramee's heart to him.
Caleb designed silver bells, saddle enhancements and spurs. His craftmanship was incredible. Along side his father and grandfather who were also silversmiths. Their shop was incredible, displaying all of their crafted items.
Laramee trained horses alongside her uncle. She was good at it and she had learned the trade from her father.
Together Caleb and Laramee will form a wonderful team.
230 reviews6 followers
November 6, 2025
This was such a great story! I loved that Caleb and Laramee were interested in each other as soon as they saw each other, even before they met. Laramee was such a delight! She was feisty and independent, and handled herself so well, even though she was hurt by the situation back home. And Caleb – he was such a great gentleman with a wonderful heritage! I loved all of the little things along the way that he did to show his love and care for the people in his life. I also loved the advice that Caleb’s father Gunder gave him concerning marriage. It was advice from the heart based on experience about how to have a joyous love. There were laugh-out-loud moments at times, as well as visits with people I felt like I knew from other books. This was a well-written, tender, sweet romance that kept me reading way too late at night. I look forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Linda R.
490 reviews
November 9, 2025
Caleb Birke is following in his father and grandfather's footsteps, working as a silversmith in their shop in Lovely, Oregon. Caleb is known for making silver accent pieces, as well as sleigh bells.

Laramee Scott has come to stay with her aunt and uncle outside of Baker City to escape the gossip of a scandal back home. Laramee loves horses and is looking forward to helping with her uncle's horse training business.

A Joyful Love is the second book in Shanna Hatfield's new holiday series, Silver Bell Sweethearts. I loved Caleb and Laramee's story. Thane Jordan of Baker City Brides is one of my favorites, so it was nice to see a glimpse of him. Also, the mention of the Hudson family from last Christmas season was a treat.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.
353 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2025
Another great story in the Silver Bell Sweethearts Series! Laramee left her home in Texas to get away from gossip about her broken engagement. She finds her true calling in Baker City with her Uncle where she is an accomplished horse trainer. Caleb Birke has traveled the world to seek his calling just to find out that it is at home in Lovely, continuing the family legacy of working in silver. When they accidently meet in Baker City they both feel the connection and wonder how they can see each other again. You will laugh and cheer on the good guys—or good girl when she single handedly gets the better of the two desperados that intend her harm on the road. Once again, Shanna Hatfield weaves a wonderful sweet, clean romance full of faith, family traditions, commitment, and love. Don’t miss it!

Profile Image for Hannah.
194 reviews
November 13, 2025
Caleb and Laramee were so perfect for each other. I loved her adventurous spirit and that she made short work of a couple of outlaws, even though she was somewhat rattled by the ordeal. I loved getting to meet a little more of the family, ie, grandparents, and briefly learning about what happened to Maybelle and the boarding house owner's niece in their own lives.
Birke's Bells are such a unique thing, I would love to be able to go and stand in their little shop in Lovely and see all the wondrous things they create there. Caleb has such a beautiful, warm family around him, supporting him in everything. And Laramee thrives on the love she receives from them along with her own Aunt and Uncle.
I loved this book, and basically I love anything from Shanna Hatfield. I know I'm in for a treat just reading any of her books. They're all sweet, wholesome and beautiful.
386 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2025
Laramee goes to spend the winter in Baker City, OR with her aunt and uncle because of an incident that happened at home. Caleb is a talented silver craftsman living in the nearby town of Lovely. As they get to know each other, will love bloom? Would Laramee be willing to permanently move to Lovely, leaving behind her parents?

This is a lovely Christian romance with wonderful Christian aspects such as leaning on God’s leading, gratitude to God for everything, and joy. I especially enjoyed all the family interactions and seeing Caleb’s parents and grandparents who starred in their own stories in the series.

Favorite quote: “It’s wonderful the way you’ve woven your traditions together, like threads that have been woven into a remarkable tapestry and legacy of love.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
Profile Image for April Wilson.
403 reviews18 followers
November 12, 2025
This is a beautiful, Christmasy novel that gets you set for a Christmas dreams are made of. Both Caleb and Laramee get the gift they didn’t know they wanted for Christmas: true and forever love. They see each other, are drawn to each other, and discover the love of their lives. They don’t fight the attraction; they just let things work out as they will.

It was such a tender and gentle story; they make a great couple, loving each other for exactly who they are. Family is a high priority throughout the story. Just a great wholesome read!

I enjoyed it. 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.
Profile Image for Diane Jewell.
509 reviews21 followers
November 17, 2025
A Joyful Love by Shanna Hatfield ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book follows A Joyful Ring. Both of which are stand alone and doesn't end in a cliffhanger. Characters crossover

A Joyful Love is Caleb and Laramee's story. A sweet, clean, faith filled romance.
Laramee has been sent from her home in Texas to live in Baker City. She's going to help train horse with her Uncle. Horses are her passion.
She has her wall up when it comes to men after a break In Texas. How will Caleb convince her to give him a chance?

If you want to read more pre-order your copy today for a November 20th release date. Prepare to have your heart warmed with this love story.

I'm so excited this isn't the end of the series. More books to come.
2,690 reviews19 followers
November 20, 2025
This is the second book in this new series, and I really enjoyed how it touched my heart. Laramee was a breath of fresh air with her free spirit attitude and her love for life as she stayed with her aunt and uncle to help train Uncle Luden's horses in Baker City, Oregon.

Caleb was the third generation now of the Scott family, who were well known for their silver bells and jewelry. It was so nice to see that the legacy continued to be passed on from one generation to the next generation. The sparks were flying when these two characters first met each other, and they continued to grow.

The book was full of sweet characters, a family's love, merging traditions, and romance. I enjoyed learning about Saint Lucia as the Burke's originated from Sweden. There's even a delicious cookie recipe I want to try baking. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
23 reviews
November 20, 2025
This is the 2nd book in this series. The next generation of Birke men. Caleb is the son of Gunder and Risa. He leaves the town of Lovely for a few years, but comes back to Lovely to work in the shop with his father and grandfather.
One day as he's in town he sees a beautiful young women with Luden and Georgia Scott. He later finds out she's Ludens niece who has come to stay with them.
Laramie has left her hometown in Texas to get away from gossip about her. She loves horses and works to train them, her father taught her and now she can work with her uncle Luden training horses.
On their way to their home, Luden waves to a handsome young man driving a delivery wagon. Caleb Birke.
This is their story finding love. You'll love this story of the 2nd generation of Birke men.
Profile Image for Joyce Marion.
511 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2025
Laramie Scott has arrived in Baker City, OR to spend the winter with her aunt and uncle. She had been engaged to marry, but her fiance ran off with her best friend the day before the wedding. (Sept 1910). Laramie loves training horses. Her mother felt that she needed to be more ladylike. Caleb Birke makes silver bells and silver decorations for saddles. He lives in Lovely, OR. While making a delivery in Baker City, he notices Laramie. He is quite taken with her. They meet and become friends. Laramie's marriage in TX had been arranged, but she thought she loved the man. As she gets to know Caleb, she realizes that she didn't know what love really was. Such a sweet book. Full of family traditions.
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,403 reviews
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 Love is set in 1910 in Lovely, Oregon. Gunder Birke's grandson, Caleb Birke is preserving the family's legacy of fine silverwork. Sleigh bells and western saddle silver each telling a story. A delightful continuation of the holiday series with realistic characters, page turning plot and believable resolution. Will Caleb and Laramee Scott have the courage to love?

Shanna Hatfield does an excellent job incorporating details from Book 1 A Joyful Ring into this story. But this reader would have enjoyed a Birke family tree and timeline. Since book 2 is 34 years later.

2,259 reviews12 followers
December 5, 2025
A Joyful Love

This is such a sweet and heartwarming story. Caleb Birke did not want to stay in Lovely following in his father’s footsteps until he went on his own adventure. He discovered that family and home was important to him. So he returned home and chose his own path while still following his family legacy of working with silver. While delivering silver studded saddles, and spurs, and sleigh bells to be sold at the livery in Baker City, he is entranced with the beautiful Laramee Scott as she arrives to spend some time with her aunt and uncle. Laramee has come north from Texas to escape a scandal not of her own making. She finds herself to be captivated with Caleb, the young silversmith. I recommend you read their story for more.
Profile Image for Tracy Sylvester.
1,022 reviews9 followers
November 12, 2025
This is the second book in the Silver Bell Sweethearts Series. Our story starts out in Baker City Oregon in 1910. Caleb Birke works in the family silver industry, making everything from silver bells to jewelry and even saddle parts. In town one day Caleb sees a woman who captures his attention and he instantly feels a connection. Laramee Scott travels west to spend time with family and have a fresh start. When Laramee meets Caleb Birke she can’t seem to get him from her mind, even while working with horses. This was an incredibly well written, sweet, clean romance that takes place near the holidays. I found it a truly enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Lana Burton.
318 reviews15 followers
November 20, 2025
What an exciting, adventurous read about Laramee, a young, female horse trainer, and Caleb, whose family are silversmiths. I enjoyed reading about this amazing young woman and the amazing young man she meets…Will they fall in love? How can it be when he doesn’t live where she wants to settle down and when he wasnt even looking for anyone to share his life with. But, as soon as he laid eyes on her, his heart said to him “She’s the one!” This book is so full of family love and features amazing feats by Laramee, with her roping skills that made me laugh! I am so loving this series! You really need to read the nooks! I’m so thankful to be on the arc team!! 📕♥️🤗
211 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2025
A Joyful Love is an inspiring novel. I celebrated so many emotions with everyone in this novel. Joyful love is often fleeting and yet when you think about it so many thoughts come to mind. Giving, sharing, embracing all the God has given us and opening our hearts to share that with others. A place to belong and share with others. Laramee and Caleb find that as they become friends and then so much more. A bonus was seeing Sheriff Tully appear and some others from Baker City and also revisiting the city of Lovely and seeing how it had grown and changed. I do hope there is another book in this series.
R. Fody
11-5-25
Profile Image for Laura Michelle.
130 reviews14 followers
November 16, 2025
Another wonderful story in this series! I loved being able to catch up with familiar characters from book one. Caleb was such a great character, full of love and honest and upright. Laramee was a another interesting character.. I love her unique name and her take charge attitude, her zest for life and the love she had in her work. Georgia and Luden were wonderful as doting uncle and aunt, full of wisdom and love.
1,410 reviews16 followers
November 20, 2025
this is a wonderful story. Caleb is back in town and runs into Laramee who is in town visiting her aunt and uncle. Caleb works in the silver business with his family , she works with her uncles horses, this is another great story that combines some of the people from the other towns could not stop reading looking forward to the next book/ i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review
Profile Image for Marty Moore.
765 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2025
Caleb Birk was on a routine trip to Baker, OR, however, it turned out his whole life was about to change. He sees Laramee Scott, with her Aunt and Uncle and is intrigued. When he sees her with another young lady from the community, he is smitten.
This is a sweet story about how two people can be attracted to each other after just one encounter. I love reading about Baker, OR where so many amazing stories are centered around.
Profile Image for Jeannette Harbottle.
742 reviews10 followers
November 21, 2025
It took me a while to get my head around the fact that Caleb is the next generation of Birke’s and that the old acquaintances of the Baker City series were also older than when I read their stories, but having done that, I really enjoyed Caleb and Laramee’s story, and the interweaving of the two series.
I loved the three generations of Birkes and there interactions and love for each other and the reference to Laramee’s need to allow God to guide her.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,508 reviews27 followers
November 21, 2025
Caleb and Laramee are so sweet. Caleb was thunderstruck the first time he saw Laramee. She pretty much felt the same way. Laramee has come to Baker to visit with her uncle and aunt. Laramee is horse mad and very independent. Caleb has decided that he doesn't care is Laramee can cook, he isn't marrying her because he wants a housekeeper. He loves her with his whole heart, but he isn't sure she feels the same. Will she stay in town? Does she love him and will she want to marry him?
Profile Image for Sharon S.
999 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2025
Wonderful addition to the Silver Bells Sweetheart series by Shanna Hatfield.
Laramee arrives in Baker City to stay with her aunt and uncle after a situation sent her away from Texas.
Caleb is a silversmith who lives in Lovely but comes to Baker City often.
There is a definite attraction but only time will tell what will come of it.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,922 reviews29 followers
November 7, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

The whole family was charming and realistic. Some of the characters were older versions of the characters from the previous books, but some were from previous series.

I loved the story. The author included some drops of wisdom regarding life and love that should stick with the reader.
1,282 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2025
This is a great series!!!
Who is the new girl in town? Why had she come to stay with her aunt and uncle? What happened in Texas that sent her this way?
The Birkes are a family of silversmiths who work in their own shop. Laramee and her friend wander in to look at their work. And then it begins!
Profile Image for Ann.
95 reviews
November 12, 2025
Shanna Hatfield has outdone herself again, with A Joyful Love. Laramee Scott and Caleb Birke are the two main characters in this sweet story. Once you start reading you’ll have a hard time putting down this book, I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Everything expressed is my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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