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Hardman Holidays #5

The Christmas Quandary

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Holiday surprises await two lonely hearts in Hardman

Tom Grove just needs to survive a month at home while he recovers from a work injury. How bad can it be to return to Hardman for the holiday season? He arrives to discover his middle-aged parents acting like newlyweds, the school in need of a teacher, and the girl of his dreams already engaged.

After the loss of her parents and her fiancé abandoning her to spend a year abroad, Lila Granger needs a change of scenery. She leaves her home in New York to spend a few months with relatives in Hardman, Oregon. The idea of stepping off the train into a place that gives her a true sense of coming home never entered her mind. Neither did the notion of falling in love with a man who clearly can’t wait to get away from the small town.

The Christmas Quandary is a sweet Victorian romance, full of laughter and heartwarming moments, perfect for a holiday read.

212 pages, ebook

Published November 10, 2016

414 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

Shanna Hatfield

164 books1,322 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 45 reviews
Profile Image for ✨ Gramy ✨ .
1,382 reviews
December 4, 2019
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The Christmas Quandary is the fifth book in the sweet, historical series of 'Hardman's Holiday's' written by Shanna Hatfield. It has definitely been a pleasure to add all the characters from this series as friends. I will miss them when the series concludes.

Columbia River Pilot left Hardman after his heart what shattered more than a decade ago. His grief leads him to change his environment and he became a Columbia River Pilot in Portland.


BOOK DESCRIPTION:

He returns home to bury his best friend and his past,
never expecting to fall in love with the woman who destroyed his heart.

Adam Guthry returns to his hometown of Hardman, Oregon, to pay his last respects after the sudden death of his best friend. Emotions he can’t contain bubble to the surface the moment he sees the girl who shattered his heart eleven years ago.

Widow Tia Devereux escapes her restrictive life in Portland, returning to the home she knew and cherished as a girl in Hardman. She and her four-year-old son, Toby, settle into the small Eastern Oregon community, eager for the holiday season. Unfortunately, the only man she’s ever loved shows up, stirring the embers of a long-dead romance into a blazing flame.

When her former father-in-law, a corrupt judge, decides he wants to raise oby, Adam may be the only hope she has of keeping her son.


This is listed under Christian, Historical, and Western. This clean and wholesome series, with the exception of some passionate kisses, provides a wide array of Holiday and romantical experiences in the town of Hardman, Oregon. It is an enjoyable series and I would recommend it to those that enjoy this genre.

˃˃˃ Love sweet holiday romances set in the splendor of the Victorian era?
Don't miss out on the rest of the Hardman Holidays series!

The Christmas Bargain (Book 1) - As owner and manager of the Hardman bank, Luke Granger is a man of responsibility and integrity in the small 1890s Eastern Oregon town. When he calls in a long overdue loan, Luke finds himself reluctantly accepting a bargain in lieu of payment from the shiftless farmer who barters his daughter to settle his debt.

The Christmas Token (Book 2) - Determined to escape an unwelcome suitor, Ginny Granger flees to her brother’s home in Eastern Oregon for the holiday season. Returning to the community where she spent her childhood years, she plans to relax and enjoy a peaceful visit. Not expecting to encounter the boy she once loved, her exile proves to be anything but restful.

The Christmas Calamity (Book 3) - Dependable and solid, Arlan Guthry relishes his orderly life as a banker’s assistant in Hardman, Oregon. His uncluttered world tilts off-kilter when the beautiful and enigmatic prestidigitator Alexandra Janowski arrives in town, spinning magic and trouble in her wake as the holiday season approaches.

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Profile Image for Glenda Kinard.
223 reviews5 followers
December 3, 2018
Can I just move to Hardman yesterday??? I love this quaint little place. Christmas Quandary the 5th book in this wonderful wonderful Hardman series was just as fantastic as the four previous books. Tom Groves who we meet in book three as a student and assistant to the Alex has come back home to Hardman to recover from a injury. Lila Granger who has come to Hardman to stay with relatives while waiting on a fiancé to come home from studying overseas. The minute Tom and Lila’s eye meet the sparks start. One simply must read this story to find out how Lila and Tom can end together even after said fiancé shows in Hardman to claim his intended. Shanna Hatfield is such a Wonderful Author that can write the most Heartwarming stories with just the right amount of tenderness,laughs and sass.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
December 27, 2016
This was such a heartwarming read of going back to ones roots. Who said you can never go home has never lived in a town like this and feels the pull of their love. There is nothing like a small town where everyone knows everyone, helping and doing what needs to be done. It is almost as if they are one Big Family. To be able to go home feel their love as they pull you in taking your troubles a way for a little while. Touching base, meeting new people, hugging old ones and just getting lost as you catch up. Sometimes going back brings you to a better time and place in your life, it might even have some bad memories but at the same time it might bring it all back around and right it’s self letting you find what your heart most desires.

What wonderful character they are so full of surprises. One comes home to recover from an accident the other comes home because she is feeling lonely. Both have so much going for them so many miles apart but both know there is something missing. Tom doesn’t plan on helping out with the children and Lila doesn’t plan on helping him. Neither had plan on the attraction they feel and the pull that is so strong. Lila is soon to be married to another man. Tom is finding his self wishing he was that man. These two are going to have to work out what they truly want and if they can find some middle ground long distance relationships just do not work. What will Lila do about her soon to be groom if she decides she is right where she needs to be.

I loved this little town and the people in it. The supporting characters are just as wonderful as the main. It was so nice to come back and visit with some past characters, catching up with them and finding out what is new in their life. From the first book in this series I have always felt like I was coming home, visiting family and friends between these pages. This is one author that knows how to pull you in keeping you laughing and smiling as she spins her humor in her plots. Giving you a delightful story that keeps you eyes glued to the page through the twists and turns she writes. I was so pulled in I didn’t know it was so late. I just could not put it down until I finished it. What’s a little lost sleep when you can be this entertained? I might have been tired the next day but I sure was wearing a smile which made my day so much better. Everyone needs laughter in their life and no one does it like Ms. Hatfield. I love her sense of humor which comes out in her stories. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series to come out. If you are looking for a new author and a clean read that keeps you laughing you should pick up this series. Very few authors can give you a story where their love shows right through the pages like this author can.
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Profile Image for Lillian.
1,085 reviews68 followers
December 20, 2021
The Christmas Quandry by Shanna Hatfield is the fifth installment of her historical series Hardman Holidays. I thoroughly enjoy this series and look forward to reading it each year. It’s an older series that’s been out for a while and is fully complete for those that like to binge read series 😉 In this installment, we see a grown up Tom Grove find his happily ever after when he returns home for the Christmas holiday with a new character, Miss Lila Granger, Luke and Ginny’s younger cousin.

Tom is one of my favorite characters, and I was excited to realize this book was mostly from his POV. He is kind and empathetic to those around him. He genuinely has a good heart, and it’s been fun seeing his character grow up during the series. The book starts with Tom arriving in Hardman after an on-the-job injury puts him out of work while he is healing. He can’t exactly type a news article and chase down stories with a broken severely broken arm (crushed in the printing press). On arrival he finds that Alex and Arlan are expecting a new little one, and the pregnancy is taking a toll on her. Tom is asked to take over teaching duties until after the holidays when Alex should be feeling better, and there to help him is Lila.

I love Lila! She sees life as an adventure, and mischief constantly dances in her eyes. It’s easy to understand Tom’s instant attraction to her. She reminds him of his own mother in her joy for life. Despite the hardships she’s faced in the last year (losing both her parents in a horrific accident), she meets each new day with a smile. The only problem is she is already engaged to another. Knowing there is no future for them, Tom tries (and fails) to put distance between them, but the heart wants what the heart wants. I loved seeing this relationship evolve from friendship to something more. The two characters are written so beautifully, and their heart ache and love shines through to the reader.

Overall, I loved The Christmas Quandry. Tom and Lila are easy to root for. The historical fiction piece is on the lighter side, yet it is still there. The author’s notes at the end of the book point out the liberties she’s taken as well as the true historical pieces. I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a holiday romance.
Profile Image for Julie Jobe.
259 reviews
November 10, 2016
Another sweet and sassy read by Shanna Hatfield with some funny and wonderful surprises within the very first chapter! I absolutely loved the chance to catch up with the delightful Hardman folks we already know as well as get to know better some we’ve only gotten a glimpse of in the past. Ms. Hatfield has a way of creating whole towns with lovable families and characters you'll get to know, fall in love with, and want more of. Once you've read one of her books in a series, you'll want to read the rest to get to know the other characters. (While I highly recommend the other books in the series, this book can be read as a stand alone and it’s not necessary to have read the other books in order to follow the storyline.) Each character is different and has their own personality and background and it’s so much fun to get to know each of them. I loved getting to know Tom Grove better in this book and meeting Lila. Tom is a kind yet masculine hero you can’t help but root for and Lila is sweet while also being quite full of sass. I enjoyed both characters very much. While I did like Lilac a great deal, I did grow frustrated with her indecision and seeming inability to see what was right in front of her nose. Thankfully at least (Spoiler Alert), she does finally come to her senses and the story makes good on delivering a HEA. The Christmas Quandary is a very enjoyable read to check out, especially right here around the holidays!
**I was provided a copy of this book by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Kay Defreese.
664 reviews44 followers
June 29, 2017
Another sweet Christmas romance by Shanna Hatfield. This book started out making me laugh in the first five pages. Tom Grove has been living in another city working as a writer. We got introduced to Tom when he was still a student in Alex's classroom. His parents were not expecting him home and he walks in on his parents when they were having a romantic moment. Something is going on in the town. Seems like everyone is expecting. Filly is not expecting but she does have a two month old baby.
I loved this romance but got frustrated by Lila Granger. She was a little too wishy washy. She knew toward the end of the book that she did not love the man she was engaged to but she did not have the gumption to break it off with him and go with her true love. Well, you know how most love stories go. The girl ends up with who she is supposed to be with but in the meantime there are some broken hearts.

I am loving this series. I'm hoping that she will write some love stories with the children all grown up. How about one with Toby and Erin?
Profile Image for Theresa.
319 reviews
March 27, 2020
Sweet Read

I have loved each book in the series so much and this book is no exception. Shabbat once again made the characters come alive. I would love to live in Hardman. I feel like I know the people so well and think I'd for right in. I love reading stories that show how people supported each other and were always ready to help. The people of Hartman are exactly that type of people. I wish we could all go back to a time when everyone mattered and was cared about. This is a very sweet story that brought tears of sorrow and joy to my eyes. If you're like me, you will love to read this story too.
155 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2022
Sweet read

I love anything written by Shanna Hatfield. This one is no exception. She knows how to draw you in and make you a part of this community. As if these are your neighbors and best friends. Tom has been a character since book three and here he is now grown up and back in town filling in as a substitute teacher. In comes another member of the Granger family.
These two are perfect for each other.
This book is perfect for anyone interested in a sweet holiday read. Although this is wonderful anytime of year. It is a clean read.
Profile Image for Marty Moore.
763 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2023
Christmas is a time for love

Again, this is my new favorite book! I really enjoyed the characters and storyline. Tom came home with a broken arm because he was unable to work until it healed. Lila was in town, staying with her cousin after her parents untimely death. Lila was betrothed to a man who went overseas to study for a year then they would wed and she would go back to New York. That was the plan. There's just one problem, what happens to the best laid plans when hearts are involved?
Profile Image for Mary Gallo.
423 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2020
Another sweet read

This was a very sweet story and that is not bad. Everybody likes dessert, right? I enjoy reading these stories on a cold night. The true loving warms my heart. Lila was an energetic character and Tom is hard working. Both are willing to give and take in this relationship. While being younger than most couples, they still know what true love means. This story will leave you feeling happy.
Profile Image for Vickie Raynor.
1,178 reviews17 followers
November 12, 2016
Another timeless book by Shanna Hatfield. I was taken back in time and got to know the townsfolk and the era. I was feeling everything the characters felt as I was laughing,crying and smiling throughout. Tom and Lila stole my heart. Every book I read by this author amazes me with how she is able to draw me in from the beginning. Can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Nana.
390 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2017
Returning home to recoup from a broken arm; brings more changes than Tom could fathom.

Who would have thought he would become a big brother at his age. Substitute teaching opens up a future he did not anticipate.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,334 reviews10 followers
December 19, 2017
So sweet!

This story was Sweet, romantic, and just plain wonderful! I have adored Tom since Christmas Calamity, and am so glad he got his own story. Lila is a terrific match for him.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,925 reviews6 followers
March 19, 2018
Great series

The more books I read in this series the better I like them. This had me smiling as I was routing for these two characters to get together. Can't wait to read the next one.
359 reviews
January 8, 2019
Tom Grove has come back home to recover from a broken arm but gets much more than he expected with his parents expecting, the teacher he enjoyed needing a substitute, and a girl visiting family sweeping him off his feet. Lila Granger is finding Hardman the home she never knew she needed and her family and friends better than anything she's experienced before. Can Tom and Lila figure out their place in this wonderful Oregon town? Ms. Hattfield gives us a lovely ride in this 5th installment of the Hardman Holiday series.
168 reviews
January 8, 2019
This was another excellent book in the series. It held your interest and kept you reading to find out what happens next. I would like to visit a place like Hardman. The people really are friendly and caring. Ready to read the next one. I have loved all the books.
Profile Image for Jane Goss.
110 reviews
January 13, 2020
A Happy Ending

This series is so well written. The Characters are so real and each book brings the towns people along. Friends and Families come together. Great clean books. Recommend to anyone.
2,620 reviews16 followers
December 31, 2020
Tom and Lila

This is a sweet, exciting and adventurous love story written by Shanna Hatfield. She has done an excellent job with the plot and the characters. You will enjoy discovering how Tom and Lila find their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Lila.
448 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2021
Naturally, I like this one! After all, the female protagonist and I share the same beautiful first name. Lila Granger, a cousin to Luke and Ginny, comes to visit while her fiance is studying abroad. Tom Grove comes home to Hardman while his right arm heals, only to find that his one true love to be is there.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Hinton.
440 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2021
Sweet story

Tom has such a sweet story. I'm so glad Shanna thought to give him his own story.
"I may not bring money into this marriage or anything of great material value, but the one thing I can give you is an abundance of unconditional love.”-Tom
330 reviews
February 15, 2023
happily ever after

If only real life could be as sweet as Tom and Lila’s story. Although I couldn’t believe it when she left town with Emerson after she kissed Tom! My heart broke!!! But she redeemed herself with that song!
2,674 reviews
September 20, 2023
Our story starts with the hero’s world turned upside down. It was interesting to see the teenager of earlier novels grown up and being responsible. That he finds his way through all the confusion and romance set in his way shows he has become the man he could be. (I hope that’s not a spoiler!)
Profile Image for Medenna.
782 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2024
Tom Grove and Lila Granger’s story

Tom returns to his home town to heal a broken arm. Lila comes to spend time with family. Good story. Maura adds such a little shot of sunshine with her little precocious self.
1,258 reviews
December 2, 2020
Lila and Tom

I enjoyed this book about a newspaper man and a New York girl falling in live. It was somewhat predictable.
860 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2022
I am thoroughly enjoying this series.
31 reviews
January 31, 2017
Fantastic Christmas Victorian romance series. Thoroughly enjoyed!!!!
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,630 reviews
December 22, 2020
I have been enjoying this whole series. Do start with #1. Each book builds on the previous ones, and I love keeping up with those characters I met in earlier books. In this one Hatfield does a good job with the girl trying to choose between two men.
Profile Image for Kelli.
518 reviews12 followers
December 31, 2020
I liked the characters but hated the “triangle”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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