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Christmas in Eden Valley #1
A Daddy for Christmas
Cowboy to the Rescue
Summoned by two little girls to help their mother in distress, Blue Lyons rushes to rescue widow Clara Weston. When the cowboy discovers the fatherless family has nowhere to go, he offers them food and shelter. But widower Blue won't get too close to the needy trio. He's lost too many people he's cared for, and he isn't about to set himself up for loss again.
For Clara, any dangers she may face on the frontier are preferable to staying with her controlling father. Although she's determined to keep her independence, Blue's kindness and tenderness are hard to resist. Can two pint-size matchmakers help Clara and Blue open their guarded hearts in time for Christmas?
Summoned by two little girls to help their mother in distress, Blue Lyons rushes to rescue widow Clara Weston. When the cowboy discovers the fatherless family has nowhere to go, he offers them food and shelter. But widower Blue won't get too close to the needy trio. He's lost too many people he's cared for, and he isn't about to set himself up for loss again.
For Clara, any dangers she may face on the frontier are preferable to staying with her controlling father. Although she's determined to keep her independence, Blue's kindness and tenderness are hard to resist. Can two pint-size matchmakers help Clara and Blue open their guarded hearts in time for Christmas?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2015
24 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ford
209 books359 followersLinda Ford grew up devouring books and making up stories in her head—often late at night when she couldn't sleep. But she hadn't planned to write. Instead, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, that dream came true. She married, had four homemade children, adopted ten and lived (at times, endured) the dream.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 28 reviews
August 24, 2022
I was intrigued in the beginning of this story, with Blue rescuing a stubborn mother and her two precocious daughters. The character development was promising, but then slowed as Clara repeatedly refused help or only accepted if she could prove to herself that she is contributing, even when it's encroaching on Blue's work. Blue's thoughts also stalled on his guilt and remorse, not allowing himself to feel worthy of happiness. The secrecy go old as well, and I eventually lost interest in seeing how it would all play out. I think it would have helped me for there to be more connection and revealing of layers earlier on in the book.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
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May 25, 2019I read A Daddy for Christmas by Canadian author Linda Ford during the Christmas season. It is categorized as Christian fiction, but is not what I would call preachy. It is a feel good story about neighbours helping neighbours, a cowboy helping a damsel and her two young girls in distress, falling in love and making faith and family a central focus of their relationship.
Both the cowboy and the damsel have faced some difficulties in their lives, one was running away from painful memories of loss, another from a domineering father who felt his daughter was incapable of raising his two grandchildren, never mind just taking care of herself.
The story takes place when the Midwest is still the Wild, Wild West, without much established and enforced rules of law and order. I quite enjoyed the adventure, exploration and new beginnings’ aspect of the novel. The story seemed representative of many easterners who headed west to make new starts and new lives for themselves. The book is perfect for the holidays with a totally expected and feel good happy conclusion. Both the cowboy and the damsel, despite their fears, allow themselves to be vulnerable and fall in love. The story conveys a strong sense of why character, independence and strength is so important; but equally important, is that it be counterbalanced by softness, humanity and sharing.
Ford’s writing kept me engaged throughout. Her writing is not syrupy but her plot, characters and outcome are definitely filled with a warm and fuzzy holiday feeling of love and sharing. 3 1/2 stars. 4 stars out of 7 stars but 3 stars using Goodread’s ratings.
Both the cowboy and the damsel have faced some difficulties in their lives, one was running away from painful memories of loss, another from a domineering father who felt his daughter was incapable of raising his two grandchildren, never mind just taking care of herself.
The story takes place when the Midwest is still the Wild, Wild West, without much established and enforced rules of law and order. I quite enjoyed the adventure, exploration and new beginnings’ aspect of the novel. The story seemed representative of many easterners who headed west to make new starts and new lives for themselves. The book is perfect for the holidays with a totally expected and feel good happy conclusion. Both the cowboy and the damsel, despite their fears, allow themselves to be vulnerable and fall in love. The story conveys a strong sense of why character, independence and strength is so important; but equally important, is that it be counterbalanced by softness, humanity and sharing.
Ford’s writing kept me engaged throughout. Her writing is not syrupy but her plot, characters and outcome are definitely filled with a warm and fuzzy holiday feeling of love and sharing. 3 1/2 stars. 4 stars out of 7 stars but 3 stars using Goodread’s ratings.
January 1, 2025
A Daddy for Christmas was a cute Love Inspired Historical read! I liked the characters and thought the romance was well written. Her daughters were so cute and it was sweet how they had a secret Christmas wish.
The story was a little slow at times and I felt like we were just waiting for something to happen. The ending was good and I think things wrapped up nicely.
All in all, A Daddy for Christmas was a fun read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The story was a little slow at times and I felt like we were just waiting for something to happen. The ending was good and I think things wrapped up nicely.
All in all, A Daddy for Christmas was a fun read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
December 17, 2019
I really enjoyed the 'depth' in this book: how Blue and Clara were able to help each other overcome their past grief and fears and trust completely in God. I also appreciated the way Clara's daughters were used to bring about this healing as well. I liked the theme of 'community', and how Clara learned that she could accept kindness from others, even when she was seeking to be strong and provide for her girls on her own.
I loved the setting, as well! It was fun to try and figure out where Edenvale might be located (y'know, were it a real place!), as I have family down in southern Alberta, and am familiar to some extent with the area. I also really enjoyed 'meeting' the good folks who helped run Eden Valley Ranch, and will be starting that series in the new year.
I loved the setting, as well! It was fun to try and figure out where Edenvale might be located (y'know, were it a real place!), as I have family down in southern Alberta, and am familiar to some extent with the area. I also really enjoyed 'meeting' the good folks who helped run Eden Valley Ranch, and will be starting that series in the new year.
October 6, 2015
4 STARS
Cute story. It was full of charm. It had some sad history, but hope for a better future. Some drama. A clean read. It was also full of scripture, prayer but not preaching just part of the story.
I loved the characters. Blue Lyons had a sad past. He was a loner and tried to stay away from children. He was working in the church making the pews.
Clara Weston is a widow with two cute kids. She doesn't want charity. She wants to prove she can take care of her daughters. She is planning to leave as soon as the stage comes back.
Eleanor is eight years old and Libby is seven. They pray for different things than their mom. They want to stay where they are.
I loved watching them interact with Blue. They helped him so much while he helped them.
I really like the series of Cowboys of Eden Valley. I look forward to reading sometime the books that I have missed in the series.
I like reading books by Linda Ford. They are uplifting, full of drama, trials and strong characters.
I was given A Daddy for Christmas to read from Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of it.
October 4, 2015
In this holiday installment in her Eden Valley Series, Linda Ford has created a wonderfully touching story that is sure to melt your heart this holiday season! Will the handsome Blue Lyons and widow Clara Weston be able to put past heartaches aside and give love one more chance? With well-developed characters, a charming setting, and an uplifting story line, Linda Ford has proven herself to be a very talented and gifted story teller. Her ability to evoke such strong emotions from the reader only enhances her writing making for a truly wonderful reading experience. A Daddy For Christmas is a must read for fans of inspirational romance this holiday season. FOUR stars!
October 15, 2015
The perfect recipe for a winning Christmas love story -- two adorable little girls with stars in their eyes, a brooding cowboy who can't seem to let go of the hurts from his past and an independent heroine determined to make her own way. Add in measured amounts of peril and risk and top with some pretty profound faith talk. Stir in a dollop of humour and set aside for the reader to savor. For the most satisfying results serve with hot chocolate and sugar cookies. :-)
October 2, 2015
A sweet book. I did not realize this was a series since it was my first time to read a book by Ms. Ford. I will be looking for others.
January 6, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much. It is a sweet story that focuses on 2 people who are struggling with hurt and, as a result, have shut themselves off from love. The author allows the reader to watch the Lord at work in their lives, as He puts the broken pieces back together.
I found that there is a series that comes before this one. Some of those characters show up in this book. There were no problems with that.. nothing unexplained.. but I plan to go back and read the Cowboys of Eden Valley series and then pick back up this series and finish it up.
I found that there is a series that comes before this one. Some of those characters show up in this book. There were no problems with that.. nothing unexplained.. but I plan to go back and read the Cowboys of Eden Valley series and then pick back up this series and finish it up.
December 19, 2019
3.5* I loved the character of Blue, and honestly it would have got a higher rating except that the characters kept mentally repeating the same things the whole book and it was a little annoying. But the story was good and I honestly loved how Clare handled the ending of her situation.
August 2, 2021
Lovely read.
October 13, 2015
Such an uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring story about building trust, and leaning on God in troubled time, believing He will guide us to the future He has planned for us, and trusting in Him, when it seems the plan we have is not the same as He has...
I adore this story! The town spirit of protectiveness, and how everyone is willing to help stand up for, and help each other as needed, no questions asked.
I loved Eleanor and Libby, the daughters of Clara. Those girls have such distinctive personalities, their loyalty to their mother, their trust in God, and the peculiar ways they see the world around them was refreshing.
Clara and Blue are both running from their past. Blue lost his family in a fire, and had shut down emotionally and socially ever since. The mother with two daughters, while helping him to build the pews in the church, melt down his defenses, steal a piece of his heart, and make a safe, comfortable home in there.
Clara was running from her father, who claimed she wasn't a fit mother, couldn't even take care of herself. Over and over Clara feels that she has to prove to everyone, she is capable, since her father had nearly broken her independent spirit.
Within each other, Blue and Clara find not only kindred spirit, but acceptance, respect, equal partners in life.
A delightful story, filled with love, faith, and learning to trust, and relaying on God's guidance
~ Five Spoons
I adore this story! The town spirit of protectiveness, and how everyone is willing to help stand up for, and help each other as needed, no questions asked.
I loved Eleanor and Libby, the daughters of Clara. Those girls have such distinctive personalities, their loyalty to their mother, their trust in God, and the peculiar ways they see the world around them was refreshing.
Clara and Blue are both running from their past. Blue lost his family in a fire, and had shut down emotionally and socially ever since. The mother with two daughters, while helping him to build the pews in the church, melt down his defenses, steal a piece of his heart, and make a safe, comfortable home in there.
Clara was running from her father, who claimed she wasn't a fit mother, couldn't even take care of herself. Over and over Clara feels that she has to prove to everyone, she is capable, since her father had nearly broken her independent spirit.
Within each other, Blue and Clara find not only kindred spirit, but acceptance, respect, equal partners in life.
A delightful story, filled with love, faith, and learning to trust, and relaying on God's guidance
~ Five Spoons
November 11, 2015
A Daddy For Christmas by Linda Ford. A historical book, 1882. Blue Lyons was once married. Lost his wife and two kids in a fire. Now he is a loner and didn't think he could love again. He is staying at a church in town making seats for the church. In comes seven and eight year old girls saying their mother needs help, she isn't moving. He rushes to her and carries her back to the church. She had fainted because she hadn't eaten anything. She is running from her father who wants her two children. They had taken the stagecoach to this little town. Clara Weston ends up helping Blue build the seats. The two girls help doing other odd jobs around the church. It makes them all feel needed. It is a very good story. Gets interesting when Clara's father finds her and the girls. A good read.
November 20, 2015
Linda Ford writes "A Daddy for Christmas" #1 book in series Christmas in Eden Valley.
This story is about a man named Blue, an unusual name but one his father gave to him. Blue is a loner and spends his time working at the church on making benches. He is know to do a good job with wood.
One day he is surprised when two little girls rushes in and ask for his help as their mother has fallen and won't get up.
He always helps when help is needed so rushes to the woman and soon finds that she is exhausted and dehydrated from not eating.
Soon she is working with Blue to pay her way for food and lodging.
Linda writes a wonderful story of compassion and two souls that need to find someone to share their lives with.
This story is about a man named Blue, an unusual name but one his father gave to him. Blue is a loner and spends his time working at the church on making benches. He is know to do a good job with wood.
One day he is surprised when two little girls rushes in and ask for his help as their mother has fallen and won't get up.
He always helps when help is needed so rushes to the woman and soon finds that she is exhausted and dehydrated from not eating.
Soon she is working with Blue to pay her way for food and lodging.
Linda writes a wonderful story of compassion and two souls that need to find someone to share their lives with.
March 8, 2016
I finally got around to reading this book and wish I had sooner. Love the story. It had been a little while since I had read the previous Eden Valley series. As I was reading this book, I kept feeling like I read of a similar place and heard of the accesory characters. I realized that it is another series, but continuing off of the previous one. Loved that series, love this one yoo. The story of love and how both Clara and Blue help each other confront their past, yet move on with their future, was told wonderfully. A mother's love as well as a father's love were both well visualized. Thank you for another wonderful book.
October 2, 2015
A Daddy for Christmas is a sweet read with a little bite thrown in. What is more adorable than two fatherless girls with hopes and dreams to begin again. Yet, there are scars and mistrust worn by both the lead characters preventing those dreams to move forward. This is a Christian Romance and there is a fair amount of 'religiosity; woven through the story. We learn and grow with the characters and there is a happy ending. An enjoyable read
Rating: 4
Content: mild violence, kissing, religious discussion
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 4
Content: mild violence, kissing, religious discussion
Source: Netgalley
February 5, 2016
Part of the Christmas in Eden Valley series.
Widower Blue is hiding by working on the new church's pews.
Widow and her 2 young, wary daughters are escaping from her controlling and demeaning father.
She's made it this far but the stage to her next stop is detained. She's trying to find shelter when she falls by a lake and passes out.
What will her daughters do?
Who will make sure she's warmed? And fed?
Where can she stay without accepting charity?
Where can she find work?
If her father finds them, will he take the girls away?
Where is a safe place?
Widower Blue is hiding by working on the new church's pews.
Widow and her 2 young, wary daughters are escaping from her controlling and demeaning father.
She's made it this far but the stage to her next stop is detained. She's trying to find shelter when she falls by a lake and passes out.
What will her daughters do?
Who will make sure she's warmed? And fed?
Where can she stay without accepting charity?
Where can she find work?
If her father finds them, will he take the girls away?
Where is a safe place?
December 26, 2022
Christmas 2022
Reading a Christmas story on a summer's day not like the winter season for Christmas in the northern hemisphere. Quick read to stay positive in hope for the future.
Blue and Clara's story along with two assistance Libby and Eleanor.
God's leading in healing and restoring is an individual time but we want to know it's God who is directing us. Christmas time can be isolating. running can be for safety n independence.
Reading a Christmas story on a summer's day not like the winter season for Christmas in the northern hemisphere. Quick read to stay positive in hope for the future.
Blue and Clara's story along with two assistance Libby and Eleanor.
God's leading in healing and restoring is an individual time but we want to know it's God who is directing us. Christmas time can be isolating. running can be for safety n independence.
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January 12, 2016"Set against the picturesque backdrop of Canada’s west country, this is a touching story of two individuals reluctant to give love a second chance. The story also highlights the power of redemption and restoration" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: Christmas in Eden Valley
Miniseries: Christmas in Eden Valley
December 8, 2015
A sweet Christmas story featuring a cowboy who has known too many loses and a widow with two small children. Clara has got to be one of the most stubborn women. She is set on proving she can be independent and take care of her children with no help whatsoever. Blue is just as determined to keep his heart firmly closed.
September 25, 2015
I must say I love this series by Linda Ford. She keeps characters from previous books engaged in the book you are reading to remind you of the happenings to all her characters.
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October 5, 2015Miniseries: Christmas in Eden Valley
October 23, 2015
A great heartwarming story, that helps a person remember that there are great people in the world.
October 28, 2015
read the first 2 chapters and you'll know the whole story. It's a cute fluffy read, but nothing special
December 14, 2015
Another Good For Ms.Ford!!!!!
There are no bad books from Linda Ford. Again she balanced romance,faith and the children in the book,perfect!!! As always I look forward to her future
There are no bad books from Linda Ford. Again she balanced romance,faith and the children in the book,perfect!!! As always I look forward to her future
August 9, 2016
This was a cute Christmas read with adorable kids and adults:)
December 24, 2015
Good historical inspie romance.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 28 reviews