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Culdee Creek Christmas #2
One Perfect Gift
Jessica Ashmore has brought her young daughter to the Colorado high plains in the winter of 1933. A penniless widow, Jessica is hoping for employment as an office nurse. Though the job she wants is no longer available, she is grateful to at least be offered a temporary position taking care of stroke victim Abby MacKay at Culdee Creek Ranch. Abby's son Sean, an embittered WWI veteran who many view as a coward and deserter, is none-too-pleased with the arrangement--and he doesn't hide it very well. But Christmas is a time of love and forgiveness, and their antagonism starts to give way to far deeper feelings. Can Sean and Jessica ever hope for a life together? Will they be able to find that one perfect gift?
160 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2008
42 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Morgan
37 books382 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Kathleen began her career writing contemporary romances and soon moved to historical and futuristic romances. She sold her first book, a futuristic romance, in April 1990 while stationed in Korea as an Army nurse. Additional romances soon followed, until she had sold a total of fifteen books in the general market, establishing a loyal readership along the way.
Since that time, she has received numerous awards for her work, including a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award and Career Achievement award, and The Literary Times award for Literary Excellence in the Field of Romantic Fiction. She was also a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist.
Kathleen now focuses her writing talents in the area of inspirational fiction, offering readers characters who struggle to redefine their growing faith in everyday life.
Kathleen began her career writing contemporary romances and soon moved to historical and futuristic romances. She sold her first book, a futuristic romance, in April 1990 while stationed in Korea as an Army nurse. Additional romances soon followed, until she had sold a total of fifteen books in the general market, establishing a loyal readership along the way.
Since that time, she has received numerous awards for her work, including a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award and Career Achievement award, and The Literary Times award for Literary Excellence in the Field of Romantic Fiction. She was also a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist.
Kathleen now focuses her writing talents in the area of inspirational fiction, offering readers characters who struggle to redefine their growing faith in everyday life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 26, 2019
I almost didn't finish this book. It was predictable from the first page to the last. It's character's, and the story itself, didn't go deep enough for me. Emotion was lacking. I wanted to feel far more than I did.
There were bright spots. Once Jessica Ashmore finds herself at Culdee Creek Ranch, I immediately took a liking to the majority of the MacKay family she met. A ranch that felt like home.
The book picks up considerably from page 111 to its ending on page 152. With my favorite passage being found on page 111. Best nugget of advice came from a six year old, "You need to trust Jesus more. Maybe if you trust Jesus more, things won't get so messed up."
The major pitfalls, for me, were the different dialects/accents present; and, conversations that weren't realistic enough. There was much that could have been delved into far more deeply; but, for the most part, this book remained a surface read.
Had more story been developed; perhaps, I would've liked it more. For what's offered, over the course of 152 pages, it's an okay read. However, it was, and is, just an okay read.
How gentle and loving certain folks are, the kind of caring that just naturally shines from certain people's eyes, that's what made me finish this book and that's the part of this book that I hope to have stay with me. The rest is the rest and will fade quickly.
Despite the feeling of warmth, certain characters brought with them, I can't say I recommend this book. Its simply too trite:
"Oh, bah humbug!" Predictable material is simply not what the majority of reader's want.
There were bright spots. Once Jessica Ashmore finds herself at Culdee Creek Ranch, I immediately took a liking to the majority of the MacKay family she met. A ranch that felt like home.
The book picks up considerably from page 111 to its ending on page 152. With my favorite passage being found on page 111. Best nugget of advice came from a six year old, "You need to trust Jesus more. Maybe if you trust Jesus more, things won't get so messed up."
The major pitfalls, for me, were the different dialects/accents present; and, conversations that weren't realistic enough. There was much that could have been delved into far more deeply; but, for the most part, this book remained a surface read.
Had more story been developed; perhaps, I would've liked it more. For what's offered, over the course of 152 pages, it's an okay read. However, it was, and is, just an okay read.
How gentle and loving certain folks are, the kind of caring that just naturally shines from certain people's eyes, that's what made me finish this book and that's the part of this book that I hope to have stay with me. The rest is the rest and will fade quickly.
Despite the feeling of warmth, certain characters brought with them, I can't say I recommend this book. Its simply too trite:
"Oh, bah humbug!" Predictable material is simply not what the majority of reader's want.
November 11, 2009
A young woman "Jessica" and her young child "Emma" move from Baltimore to just outside Colorado Springs to start a new life after loosing her husband.
When Jessica finds a nursing job on a ranch, she meets Sean (a war veteran), a widow himself but with baggage that he carries within himself that keeps him from loving anyone again because of his past.
The loving ways of Jessica and Emma grow upon Seans parents and eventually Sean. The so called baggaged is finally explained and the truth is revealed of Seans past. Finally on Christmas Eve, love moves in and Jessica and Sean admit their love for one another.
A great story for a wintery christmas.
When Jessica finds a nursing job on a ranch, she meets Sean (a war veteran), a widow himself but with baggage that he carries within himself that keeps him from loving anyone again because of his past.
The loving ways of Jessica and Emma grow upon Seans parents and eventually Sean. The so called baggaged is finally explained and the truth is revealed of Seans past. Finally on Christmas Eve, love moves in and Jessica and Sean admit their love for one another.
A great story for a wintery christmas.
July 31, 2021
the library had a 'Christmas-in-July' display; as i abhor summer, i gleefully picked up a few of the books to put myself in a wintry mood.
but erghhhhh, this was not what id expected.
★ publishers and authors, PLEASE, for the love of all that is good in this world, PLEASE let your readers know somewhere in the jacket description that your book contains GodStuff©. please. ★
im an atheist, but i do understand and tolerate or overlook the occasional religious reference.
'She thanked God everyone made it out of the hurricane intact.'
'He sent up a quick prayer that things would be ok.'
'Every night before bed, she prayed for guidance.'
etc.
you know, inclusions which generally sound natural and not like obvious posturing. conversational 'thank Gods' or mental 'Lord, give me strengths'. even a lengthier bit about God can be fine if it's in one spot and gets the point across and then we continue the story.
but diatribes and lectures and monologues about The Lord™; scripture quotes and Bible references and 'Reading God's Word™'; inserting GodStuff© into every, or nearly every, plot point or conversation or possible space available feels incredibly contrived - and uncomfortable. it feels like you're reading the dialogue of cult members - and their desire to make -absolutely- everything revolve round Their Beliefs.
if you're religious but don't get why it's uncomfortable or an issue, try this:
imagine substituting whatever god you believe in for one you don't.
are you Christian? imagine replacing all the GodStuff© with lengthy prayers to Allah,
or quote after quote from 'Dianetics',
or frequent references to the Divine Earth Mother,
or excessive exaltation of Kim Kardashian -
anything that makes you feel squicky about it as a target of worship.
then, imagine not knowing about this in advance.
even the best author's book can be quickly ruined by GodStuff© if the reader isn't interested in or looking for it.
as for the rest of the book, it was ok. a quick read, meant to be a feel-good story of second chances and redemption in an earlier time setting. some research clearly went into this, though it needed a bit more for accuracy.
this book had a lot of potential, but it relied too heavily on the '[insert-God-here]' method for plot devices - and as substitutes for meaningful storytelling.
but erghhhhh, this was not what id expected.
★ publishers and authors, PLEASE, for the love of all that is good in this world, PLEASE let your readers know somewhere in the jacket description that your book contains GodStuff©. please. ★
im an atheist, but i do understand and tolerate or overlook the occasional religious reference.
'She thanked God everyone made it out of the hurricane intact.'
'He sent up a quick prayer that things would be ok.'
'Every night before bed, she prayed for guidance.'
etc.
you know, inclusions which generally sound natural and not like obvious posturing. conversational 'thank Gods' or mental 'Lord, give me strengths'. even a lengthier bit about God can be fine if it's in one spot and gets the point across and then we continue the story.
but diatribes and lectures and monologues about The Lord™; scripture quotes and Bible references and 'Reading God's Word™'; inserting GodStuff© into every, or nearly every, plot point or conversation or possible space available feels incredibly contrived - and uncomfortable. it feels like you're reading the dialogue of cult members - and their desire to make -absolutely- everything revolve round Their Beliefs.
if you're religious but don't get why it's uncomfortable or an issue, try this:
imagine substituting whatever god you believe in for one you don't.
are you Christian? imagine replacing all the GodStuff© with lengthy prayers to Allah,
or quote after quote from 'Dianetics',
or frequent references to the Divine Earth Mother,
or excessive exaltation of Kim Kardashian -
anything that makes you feel squicky about it as a target of worship.
then, imagine not knowing about this in advance.
even the best author's book can be quickly ruined by GodStuff© if the reader isn't interested in or looking for it.
as for the rest of the book, it was ok. a quick read, meant to be a feel-good story of second chances and redemption in an earlier time setting. some research clearly went into this, though it needed a bit more for accuracy.
this book had a lot of potential, but it relied too heavily on the '[insert-God-here]' method for plot devices - and as substitutes for meaningful storytelling.
October 25, 2022
Oh my goodness! Sean made this DEEPLY unpleasant to read. I found him rude & volatile. It was too much abeg. If something is bothering you, carrry yourself & sort it out instead of taking it out on others. Even worse when it’s done to someone you done.
Ugh. A poor character in my opinion. & for a short book that’s saying something
Ugh. A poor character in my opinion. & for a short book that’s saying something
February 27, 2022
One Perfect Gift
I enjoyed reading this short sweet book, I was always trying to figure out what would be the next scene in the next chapter. So it was not boring. I do like an Epilogue at the end, instead of an abrupt ending. That would be my only complaint. J🐣
I enjoyed reading this short sweet book, I was always trying to figure out what would be the next scene in the next chapter. So it was not boring. I do like an Epilogue at the end, instead of an abrupt ending. That would be my only complaint. J🐣
March 25, 2018
A small, predictable Christian story.
November 16, 2018
Such a sweet family and cute story. Definitely had me smiling almost the whole way through. Read it in a day, had a trouble putting it down
December 11, 2018
Good love story.
Good story. Fast read. Good writing. Just what I needed to relax at bedtime. I liked the Christian message also.
Good story. Fast read. Good writing. Just what I needed to relax at bedtime. I liked the Christian message also.
December 13, 2018
Short but good.
This is only the second book that I have read by this author and I have really liked them. Will have to find out what else she has written.
This is only the second book that I have read by this author and I have really liked them. Will have to find out what else she has written.
December 31, 2018
This was such a cute story set in Colorado. The little girl Emma was my favorite character.
January 21, 2019
Great author
Not her best book. I love her writing an have read most of her books. A good read I thought it started out as older in time then it was.
Not her best book. I love her writing an have read most of her books. A good read I thought it started out as older in time then it was.
December 20, 2019
A Delightful GIFT for the Reader on your Christmas List!!
November 29, 2020
I enjoyed this one much better than I did the first one. I'm glad I didn't give up on the series or the author. I will read book three.
December 16, 2021
A short book on two people struggling to find themselves. I enjoyed it and knew how it would end. I do wish it was a little longer.
January 2, 2022
Nice easy read even if predictable.
January 27, 2022
This was a nice short story for an afternoon read. Set in 1933 Colorado.
December 12, 2023
This is the second book in the Cudlee Creek Christmas series. It really doesn't feel like a series, none of the characters from the first book make an appearance, but it is a nice Christmas story and reads very quickly.
December 25, 2024
I do a full review at my blog: https://aligarcia22.wordpress.com/202...
January 24, 2010
If you're familiar with Kathleen Morgan's Brides of Culdee Creek series, this is a continuation of the MacKay's story, though it can also be read as a stand-alone. Personally, I fell in love with the entire MacKay clan when I read the series a few years back, so I was excited to find One Perfect Gift in my stocking this past Christmas!
We get to catch up with most of the MacKay's during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, but we also meet Jessica (Jessie) Ashmore and her six-year-old daughter, Emma. When we first meet Jessie and Emma, they're on their way to Colorado Springs, Colorado in pursuit of a new job Jessie has obtained working as a nurse for Dr. Elizabeth Starr. Due to unforeseen circumstances, things don't work out quite as Jessie had envisioned. This unexpected turn of events is what makes this story so heart-warmingly touching.
Sean MacKay has become the ranch foreman at Culdee Creek. He also helps his parents, Conor and Abby, out as much a he can. Sean's past has taken over his life, so much so, that he has pretty much isolated himself to the ranch. He avoids any unnecessary trips to town, in order to avoid unwanted speculation of his past. Sean is still very heart-broken and bitter about events that took place while he was stationed in France during his stint in the American Expeditionary Force; they were so extensive that his marriage suffered greatly. He has also turned his back on God, which causes his parents to pray that much harder for him to come to the realization that even though he can't seem to forgive himself, Jesus is right there waiting.
Jessie and Sean rub one another the wrong way as soon as they lay eyes on each other, but this makes for an interesting story. Neither of them are afraid to stand up for themselves and confront the conflict head-on. If you enjoy a little tension in your romances, then you're gonna enjoy this one immensely! It moves pretty quickly, it's only 152 pages, but there's a great story packed in those few pages.
We get to catch up with most of the MacKay's during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, but we also meet Jessica (Jessie) Ashmore and her six-year-old daughter, Emma. When we first meet Jessie and Emma, they're on their way to Colorado Springs, Colorado in pursuit of a new job Jessie has obtained working as a nurse for Dr. Elizabeth Starr. Due to unforeseen circumstances, things don't work out quite as Jessie had envisioned. This unexpected turn of events is what makes this story so heart-warmingly touching.
Sean MacKay has become the ranch foreman at Culdee Creek. He also helps his parents, Conor and Abby, out as much a he can. Sean's past has taken over his life, so much so, that he has pretty much isolated himself to the ranch. He avoids any unnecessary trips to town, in order to avoid unwanted speculation of his past. Sean is still very heart-broken and bitter about events that took place while he was stationed in France during his stint in the American Expeditionary Force; they were so extensive that his marriage suffered greatly. He has also turned his back on God, which causes his parents to pray that much harder for him to come to the realization that even though he can't seem to forgive himself, Jesus is right there waiting.
Jessie and Sean rub one another the wrong way as soon as they lay eyes on each other, but this makes for an interesting story. Neither of them are afraid to stand up for themselves and confront the conflict head-on. If you enjoy a little tension in your romances, then you're gonna enjoy this one immensely! It moves pretty quickly, it's only 152 pages, but there's a great story packed in those few pages.
November 16, 2008
Review:
Jessie travels with your six year old daughter Emma from Baltimore to Grand View, Colorado and for Jessie even though it was 1933 it could have been moving out the the wild west. She had been offered a job as a nurse for Dr. Beth Starr. Upon arrive though she finds out she doesn't have a job. What will she do?
Dr. Starr feels really bad so she makes a suggestion that she go and work as a living in nurse for her mother who just recently had a stroke. Beth's father was all for it and well what could Jessie do, she had not money, so she goes out to the Culdee Creek Ranch. She senses that Sean MacKay one of Beth's brothers does not see Jessie and her child as a welcome relief for his father. He sees them as two more mouths to feed.
Sean MacKay has had a lot of hurt in his life and a lot of things have hardened his heart towards people and God. Jessie has had her own hurts and mistrust. At first Sean and Jessie don't get along but then they find a happy medium and try and become friends.
Emma tries to tell her mommy that God has everything under control, but Jessie is not so sure. With only working for room and board she is still penniless and doesn't know what the future holds.
Will Jessie and Sean get past their past and see a future or will some misunderstandings send the both in different directions. It is Christmas at Culdee Creek and things can get mighty interesting.
I have never read a book by Kathleen Morgan, but after reading One Perfect Gift, I would like to read more about Culdee Creek. The characters are sweet, the story is sound. One Perfect Gift is a great Christmas story about accepting the love that is standing in front of you. God's Love. God's love is that One Perfect Gift.
January 29, 2019
I can't put Kathleen's books down! Thank you for your Soulful writing. Candace
I enjoy all Kathleen's books.
Very Soulful, can't put them down.
I love the scenery she describes and the characters.
Candace
I enjoy all Kathleen's books.
Very Soulful, can't put them down.
I love the scenery she describes and the characters.
Candace
December 1, 2016
Jessie leaves Baltimore to start a new job only to find herself and her daughter at loose ends. She finds a way of supporting themselves for room and board at Culdee Creek ranch. Here she helps a family come together once again and finds more than she bargained for. This is a simple, fun story. Most enjoyable.
June 2, 2014
A cute little 1933 Christmas story. Jessica takes her daughter to Colorado to be a nurse, a job that is not there when she arrives. The doctor finds her a temporary job to help the MacKays on their ranch when the magic of Christmas appears in many hearts.
Currently reading
December 2, 2008i just started to read this one it sounds interesting...
December 14, 2008
Reading for my Christmas book for book club
December 28, 2008
I grabbed something quick at my Mom's house at Christmas It was a nice quick read of Christian fiction. Predictable.
February 18, 2009
About two families going through very rough times, and in the end help each other out through an organ transplant.
Read
January 6, 2010Good holiday story.
July 25, 2011
Wow - wayyyy too predictable...
July 2, 2014
Great book. Can't wait to read more of her work!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews