Christmas at Dove Creek

by Scarlett Dunn

With snow on the prairie and the stars heralding new hope, it's the season for the lost to find their way home ― and love to unite solitary hearts . . . Lily Starr is determined to shepherd a helpless group of outcasts from Missouri to Wyoming by Christmas ― including a pregnant woman whose blessed event is drawing near. So encountering handsome Thorpe Turlow along the dangerous trail is a welcome unexpected gift. Besides, he’s another challenge Lily isn’t about to resist.

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

545 pages, Hardcover

Published December 21, 2016

Reviews

[Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas at Dove Creek By Scarlett Dunn

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Scarlett Dunn's story of a miss-matched group of travelers seeking to make the journey from Missouri to Wyoming headed by the fearless Lily Starr is one of thrilling adventure but left this reader a little disappointed.

I'm going to be a little harsh with this review - there were just some things in this story that did not agree with me. Its not often that I get this picky about these things but I would have really loved this book if they didn't throw me off. First, no offense to anyone with this name, but the name Thorpe just does not a romantic name make. I am used to authors putting unusual names in books but this was not a good fit in my opinion. It puts me in mind of a hulking bully type man who uses his fists more than his brain and this is not ideal when starting a romance. How many people can imagine sighing "Oh, Thorpe..." without immediately bursting out into laughter?......that would not be me. Second, I know Ms. Dunn was intending to show that everyone makes mistakes but I was not okay that she had Lily be so completely fine with Thorpe's affair with his ex-fiance. I would not be one to hold past mistakes against someone but Thorpe didn't really show any true remorse for what happened, just thought it was a waste of time to regret it - and Lily just accepted this with no problem. Perhaps this fictional character is better than I but I would have liked it better if she had pointed him to God to seek true forgiveness. Further, I never felt that Thorpe was ever really shown as a Christian. If this is supposed to be a Christian Romance I expect the main characters in the story to be, or at some point in the story become, just that - Christians. Ms Dunn tells of his attending church and going to see the pastor to ask him to marry Thorpe and Lily but there was very little to indicate his spiritual state. Third, I found some of the phrases and thoughts that Ms Dunn wrote for Thorpe in relation to Lily to be a little to risque for this type of book. Having a character tell another that he "wanted her" rather than saying he loved her, writing that two characters were exhausted after their wedding night, and that a character "couldn't keep his hands off his new bride" is just too crude and descriptive for my liking. I would have loved for Ms. Dunn to preserve more of the specialness of the deep relationship married couples share by not having her readers imagination sparked by these phrases. Fourth, I did not like the way that whiskey flowed pretty freely throughout the book. It was like it was expected of every man to want to drink whenever they sat down for conversation. I'm not going to tell people whether or not they should drink but I do think Thorpe's familiarity with drink is what led him to attempt to seduce Lily one night at his ranch. Again, not in keeping with a "Christian" book. And finally, I found it a little odd that this book was called "Christmas at Dove Creek" but the majority of the book took place in the Fall and only the last 50 pages were at Christmas and at Dove Creek Ranch. Perhaps Ms. Dunn should have chosen a more appropriate title.

There were many things that I did like in this book, however, and I wanted to share some of them as well. I found Lily's kindness to all who crossed her path to be really great. She was non-judgemental towards everyone no matter their treatment of her or their past mistakes. Ms. Dunn created a very lovely Christ-like character in her and she is why I finished the story. I also was intrigued by the relationship that Lily had with the wolf Blue who had become her companion and defender. It is unusual for a wolf to want to remain with humans rather than fend for itself and I liked how Ms. Dunn had Blue be the one Lily depended on until Thorpe came along to take his place. I also liked how Blue was the one to find and return Lily's grandfather to her. Her grandfather's story of having and caring for a wolf of his own when he was a boy came full-circle in Blue's devotion to Lily. The adventurous parts of this book were very well written and the best part of the story I thought. Each confrontation and chase was appropriately descriptive and thrilling and I was glad to see that Ms. Dunn allowed her heroine to have equal skill in defending others as did the hero. Its not often that an author chooses to make her heroine skilled in weaponry and I was glad to see Ms. Dunn take this risk that paid off in her writing. Lastly, I really liked Lily's true faith and willingness to share God's love with others. Lily wanted everyone to know they were loved and cared about no matter their mistakes and she was never pushy in her sharing of her beliefs. Ms. Dunn showed how Christians should treat others through Lily and it reminded me to be kind and caring when I speak with others of my beliefs. But, although these are some of the redeeming qualities in this book, I would be hesitant to recommend it to others without telling them of my issues with the story. I will have to consider whether or not to purchase this book for my shelves in the future.

I received this E-book from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

[Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a romance, and it follows the standard romance format. It could also use some editing as there were errors in a handful of places throughout the book. But overall it was a light, enjoyable read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:

She rides like an angel and she’s a crack shot. And Lily Starr is determined to shepherd a helpless group of outcasts from Missouri to Wyoming by Christmas—including a pregnant woman whose blessed event is drawing near. So encountering handsome Thorpe Turlow along the dangerous trail is a welcome unexpected gift, for he's as formidable as he is reserved. Besides, understanding this gentle, secretly wounded man is another challenge Lily isn't about to resist...

After the heartbreak he's found, Thorpe just wants to retreat to his peaceful Dove Creek ranch. But he's never met anyone as resourceful and straightforward as Lily. Somehow, she's reigniting his faith and giving him the courage to trust again. And if they survive the arduous trip ahead, he'll do whatever it takes to give her a lifetime of joy and love…
Review:

I rarely give out five stars, but this one is defiantly a five star book. From the very first page to the last you can’t stop reading. First we meet Thorpe and become very intrigued with him and can’t wait to find out more about him. Then you meet Lily and you can feel the connection between her and Thorpe and can’t wait until Thorpe realizes that he’s in love with her. I’ve read other books written by Scarlett and this is by far her best.

With all her books the plot is fully developed and wonderfully brought to life. The editing is perfect, I didn’t find any errors, which I feel take away from the flow and overall enjoyment of a story.

Conclusion:

Would you recommend this book to others? YES

Would you read other books by this Author? YES

Is this book a Novel or Novella? NOVEL

Is this book priced correctly? The ebook is at the top of what I’d pay for an ebook as I live on a budget and won’t spend more than the price listed for this book. The paperback price is very fare.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Dove Creek by Scarlett Dunn

Sharpshooter Lily Starr saves Wyoming rancher Thorpe Turlow in more ways than one in this historical Christmas romance. Thorpe joins Lily’s small group of travelers on their journey from Missouri to Wyoming and with Indians, bandits and weather to contend with it is an eventful trip indeed.

The travelers eventually include:
Lily: looking for her grandfather and traveling with a horse, mule and Blue – her blue-eyed wolf
Dora: saloon girl looking for a new life
Isabelle: pregnant and on her way to marry a soldier
Jed: blacksmith looking for his brother
Thorpe: disillusioned rancher
Stone: Marshall taking bandit in for hanging
Harlowe: bandit hoping to escape hanging

This is a sweet tale of hope and love with a big dose of faith and promise. I wasn’t expecting quite so much “faith” but it was still a very enjoyable, well written, intricately plotted story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

[Susan Schild · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a wholesome, uplifting and romantic Christmas tale featuring a good-hearted, handsome rancher and feisty heroine, read Author Scarlett Dunn's latest, CHRISTMAS AT DOVE CREEK. The plot was exciting and I rooted for Thorpe and for Lily every step of the way. I liked learning about the old West and the realities of traveling across the wild country to make new lives. This book is a page turner and feel good read with my favorite, a happily ever after.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you start to read this story, one is captured by the magnificent backdrop, wonderful characters, and ever-evolving plotline. I never knew what would happen next on the journey from Missouri to Wyoming. This book pays homage to the pioneer spirit and the undauntable faith in God that the people had in our younger history.

My only disappointment was that both leads were incredibly handsome/beautiful.  The author spent too much time lauding the beauty of each main character. With so few women in the West, they didn't have to be beautiful to get married. The ratio of men to women was so off-balanced that any woman could find a husband in that day and time.

Because I read so many books of this genre, I'm always in search of unique plots (too often they are the same tried-and-true tropes). This book filled that bill very nicely. I couldn't wait to turn the pages to find out what would happen next.

[Gail Barger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book I picked up on hoopla digital to read that would fulfill a category for a reading challenge I'm participating in! Had not heard of the book or author but I did end up enjoying the book for the most part. A small group of unlikely travelers head out from Missouri late in the year to make it to Wyoming for Christmas. The trail is dangerous, they encounter troubles with Indians, outlaws, and sickness along the way and are helped out by a handsome cowboy and a marshall. Lily is kind hearted and wants to help those she meets while searching for her grandfather. A pretty good Christmas story even though it was fairly predictable!

[Janie Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Christmas story.

This is just the most wonderful book I've read in a long time. The combination of romance, suspence, and Christian reading is what makes it such an entertaining read.
I will continue to buy books by Scarlett Dunn. She definitely does not disappoint!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, tender story based during the 1800s. Although there were plenty of occurrences for which you had to suspend belief, it gave it more of a fairy tale feeling. The book was full of good & evil, strength & tenderness, love & loss. A mild Christian message. No sex or profanity. Just a nice story with plenty of suspense but an overall triumph of good over evil.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably closer to 3.5 but as always, I rounded up. This was a good story with a strong romance. I liked both couples and thought their journey west was a fun one to read about. One of the quibbles I have with it, though, is that it is a touch long. There were times when it seemed to drag. I would read more by this author.

[Kristi Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warmhearted historical Christmas romance. Strangers who meet during dangerous times and become a small group of travelers, determined to reach Wyoming each for their own reasons. They become a family along the way.
A sweet story of love, faith and hope.

[Laurie DelaCruz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical cheesy Christmas novel

[Alh]

interesting...light reading

[kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dnf at 79%.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dunn's historical Western romance was a refreshing story told in the spirit of Christmas. Danger lurks around every bend as a weary and haphazard band of travelers cross the northern prairies on their way to Wyoming during the midst of a fierce winter. Criminals, hostile Native Americans, winter storms, wolves, and more seem to pursue them, but Lily - our heroine - holds onto hope and faith... and maybe a little love with a handsome cowboy. With just the right amount of faith, classic Western tone and setting, and a diverse cast of characters, this book was a delight to read - pulse-pounding, tear-wrenching, and heart-warming all at once!

[Patricia Kemp Blackmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorpe Turlow is headed on a long ride back to his Ranch in Wyoming.  His luck is about to run out when he is rescued from a confrontation with a group of Indians on his tail.  He finds himself in the camp of several women and one lone man. This rag tag group is traveling from Missouri to Wyoming praying to arrive by Christmas.  Thorpe decides to joined the group due to the fact that the journey is dangerous and he can not see how their leader, crack shot Lily Starr thinks she can be their sole protector.

The journey brings additional oddballs to their group such as an outlaw wanted for murder and the Sheriff whom arrested the said outlaw.  This makes Thorpe and Lily uneasy having the outlaw travel with them.  One of the women is pregnant and due to deliver in December this is why they must be at the end of the journey before the baby comes.

Lily and Thorpe can not deny the spark growing between them.  But they can not give in to that spark due to both of their lack of trust in the opposite sex.   They keep hitting a wall in their trek to Wyoming.  They knew from the beginning it would be hard but not as hard as what they have had to face. there for no time for sparkin.Will they make it to Wyoming unscathed?  Is there a rainbow at the end of their trail?  The good Lord only knows.  He will lead and protect them if they trust and believe in Him.Lily is one tough little lady. Maybe she can find someone to care for her instead of her feeling like she is the only one that can get the job done.  Trust!You will not want to put this book down. It is  fast, furious, full of adventure and danger at every turn of the page.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Kensington/Zebra Books via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was in no way compensated for this review it is my honest opinion. 

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miracle - if I had to say one word about the book I would say Miracle. The whole book leads up to a faith Blessed GOD given miracle - I won't tell you what it is but it will give you the Christian goosebumps if you will. It is about a bunch of rag tag misfits moving cross country in a wagon train as it were. They went through incredible circumstances ie, Indians, weather, and the country itself. The one thing I loved the most was that the author brought faith into the whole book - I mean how could you have gone through all that they did - especially the leader of the whole thing ( are you ready everyone) Lily - yes it was a women - and she held up her own - and she kept them safe - she had help from a rancher Thorpe - now - there must be a romance a bruin mustn't there be? well I can't say but you need to get the book to find out - and I can't say if everyone makes it or not. But each one of the characters are characters and you will enjoy each one of them. You know - you will feel like part of this family when you start reading - you cannot help yourself but put yourself in the wagon train - what kind of character are you? So, what is the miracle - I can't tell you that - but you can find out.....in the book. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky for Thorpe Turlow that Lily Starr was a crack shot and was in the right place at the right time. Indian braves wounded Thorpe as he was travelling across Missouri in 1868. Not only was she a good shot, but was determined to make sure that Thorpe’s injuries didn’t kill him. She had been part of a wagon train that parted company with her and a group of outcasts heading from Texas to Wyoming. They needed to be at Fort Laramie by Christmas. After Lily saved Thorpe, he continued to travel with them as a sort of protection. Beset by Indians, outlaws, bad weather and other dangers, the group made their way to Thorpe’s ranch to winter until spring.

Having read two other books that Scarlett Dunn has written, I was pretty sure I would really enjoy “Christmas at Dove Creek”. I was not mistaken because Ms. Dunn’s characters are very well developed as is her story. Even though this book is sort of “Christmasy”, it definitely not just a Christmas read. I was totally engrossed in this book and I recommend it to others who enjoy reading about the wild west and those heading westward.

I received a free print copy of this book from NightOwlReviews.com. No review positive or otherwise was required – all opinions are my own. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-nR, and other reviews on my blog at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a good plot line and the writing was pretty good, but it was quite plodding. The author describes every single little detail about everything and it moved very slowly. It would have been better had the pace been a bit faster. Also, this is a Christian fiction and there were parts of it that I thought pushed the envelope some. The main male character seemed obsessed with getting the female character in bed, saying many times, "I want you. Let me love you." This made me uncomfortable. So I cannot really like it that much. I preservered and tried my best to thoroughly enjoy it, but I just couldn't. The author's writing was good enough that she could have left out those racy parts. I don't want to hear that from a Christian book. Also, there was not that much of God in the book, either.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Net Galley.

[Shonda Franks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This last month I have been randomly picking out Christmas books to read. I came across this book and started reading the first chapter. Now this type of book cowboy\country\home on the range type books used to be in my wheelhouse, but I haven't read one in years if it doesn't have anything to do with ass-whipping and cat o nine tails. Meaning, Its been forever I have read a book that the man still thinking he is the protector and the woman must listen to his spoken word. Now I am more into strong female characters that take matters into their own hands, That being said this book started out well with a woman leading the way on a dangerous trip, not to say she was not capable to doing it, but she clearly wanted a man to show her\protect her blah blah blah.

The story line is great. I was interested. It could have been worse. Happy reading :)

[Terry Houchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I couldn't put it down. I had to find out what Lily was going to do next. For a woman that had so many talents, she sure got herself into some trouble.

I loved the Christmas Miracle! It gave me goose bumps. I liked the symbolism that went with the two doves.

I think it only fitting that two people who give so much of themselves to help others, find true happpiness.

I love Blue! Wouldn't it be cool to have a wolf as a protector?

If you like stories set in the late 1800's, wagon trains and settlers, you will like this story. The fact that the author throws in a romance or two and gun fights with bandits is just the icing on the cake.

Give this book a try. I think you will like the story.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating, romantically sweet story of love, faith and compassion. The characters are each fascinating in their own way. Thorpe is kind, giving, stubborn and distrustful. Stone is tough, kind and gentle. Lily is independent, loyal, brave and caring, with a penchant for picking up strays. Isabelle is strong, determined and vulnerable. As they trek across the country they face danger, of both body and heart, and learn to rely on each other. It's beautiful and brilliant.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Lisa Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great writing about hardships on wagon trails headed north to Wyoming and of a woman able to defend herself with a gun. Great depiction of a christian woman who was non-judgmental and kind to all she met. The wolf guide was a nice touch, though a little mystical sometimes. However, this book failed in the area of romance and barely spoke of Christmas which is why I chose this book in the first place.

[Gina Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, great character development, solid and believable external conflicts and then you get to the end and realize why there's very little internal conflict with both main characters. What I found wonderful was the authentic Cajun flavor of the dialogue, the story, the details even though it is set in Colorado. Great job by the author, the editor, and the publisher. Thanks for a good read!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Beautifully written. Laughter, tears, inspiration galore.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Dove Creek is a great read. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
5 stars

[Jenny Falcone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett Dunn sets up an amazing historical tale with a resourceful, to the point, crack shot lead woman.

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction. Loved it!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great inspirational romance.