An Arizona Christmas

Christmas #7

by William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone

Johnstone Justice. Made in America.

William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone deliver a special holiday gift for devoted fans of the Jensen saga--a warmhearted story of burning revenge, blazing bullets, and other Jensen family traditions . . .

Like most families, the Jensens gather together to celebrate the holidays. This year, since half the clan is scattered across the American West, they've decided to split the difference and meet up in Tucson. Matt and Luke will be there, for sure, and maybe Ace and Chance, too. That leaves Sally, Preacher, and Smoke Jensen, who've reserved three seats on a westbound stage to make sure they don't miss out on the festivities. What could possibly go wrong?

The first to strike is a sandstorm as blinding and deadly as any northern blizzard. Then comes an Apache ambush, forcing the passengers and drivers to seek shelter in a cave. Even if Smoke and Preacher manage to shoot their way out of this, they have another big surprise waiting--a ruthless gang of outlaws after the cargo of cash on the stage, happy to slaughter anyone who tries to stop them. If the Jensens hope to save Christmas this year, they'll need to save their own lives first . . .

Genres: Westerns, Christmas, Fiction, Holiday

391 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 27, 2017

About the author

William W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.

Reviews

[Darlene Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smoke and Sally Jensen plan a Christmas in Tucson AR hopefully with Smokes brothers Matt and Luke, long time friend Preacher and if possible cousins Ace and Chance. Smoke, Sally and Preacher start their trip by train where they Mr. Ballard, a newspaper man from Tucson who has travelled to the state capital for assistance for honest business people to keep dishonest Avery Tuttle from taking over the town. There is trouble with a bridge being out forcing the party to take a stage which is attacked by Indians, is in a raging sandstorm and bandits attempting to attack. The cousins make it to celebrate Christmas which ends with a shootout with bandits.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those Jensen's make it hard to put the book down. Each Christmas story is full of high action, integrity, hard work and the miracle. Wow these books are good.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a tradition for me to read the previous year's book in the Christmas series. But this year though, I give it 3 stars, I was rather disappointed. It is full of action as they always are, but this one was a bit more non-stop than the others. To the point where one says come on now. Also, if not for a few mentions of Christmas and Santa Claus, the book could be read at anytime of year and one would not even think it was really Christmassy. Yes, it was nice to reconnect with Smoke Jensen, his wife Sally, their old friend, Preacher and the rest of the Jensen family, but it did not feel Christmassy as the other books in the series did. I'd have been content to read this in the summer or even after the holidays. Like many Christmas books, regardless of genre, this one included a character called Nick, Nick Kimball, who had a snow white beard and kind of resembled Santa Claus; although he said Santa Claus is not a name he's been called. That was definitely a groan-worthy moment. I'm hoping the next book which came out earlier this year, A Sierra Nevada Christmas will be more to my liking next holiday season.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess it's true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Years ago, I sometimes read westerns as a bit of a palate cleanser between other more serious books. Eventually, I got tired of them because they all seemed sort of the same.

Well this is a typical western which chronicles the adventures of a small group of people on their way to a family reunion in Arizona. The challenges they encounter are exactly what you would expect in just about any western. Somehow, though, I had a great time reading this one and rooting them on as that Christmas reunion came closer and closer. I cheered for the good guys and booed at the villains and I came away glad that this book was a part of my holiday reading.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's probably safe to assume you are a fan of the western genre and most likely have read some of William Johnstone's other works, so you go into this knowing what to expect to a large degree. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. It was nice to see Smoke Jensen, while still a primary character in the story, take a little bit of a back seat to some other characters in terms of saving the day. I enjoyed the Kendall character that gave the story it's Christmas feeling by having a striking resemblance to Santa Claus and the way he showed up just in time to save the cornered travelers, including his arrival on a wagon (sleigh?) pulled by a team of 8 horses (reindeer?).

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever read any of Preacher / Smoke-Luke-Matt-Ace &Chance Jensen novels, you know the story. Bad guys, one will be snake fast on the draw, others will be slimy evil nasty creeps. There will be at least one idiot who will try to go up against Smoke-Luke-Matt-Ace or Chance and will lose badly. Some young punk or 2 or 3 will jump Preacher thinking he is a fail old man and they will become dead or hurt.

However the story is not bad, it is entertaining and really in the long run, that is want you are looking for.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, I was expecting this book to have been written back in the 50’s or 60’s because of the “non-politically correct” nature of the writing. I mean, it is pretty accurate as to how white people spoke back in the setting, but it still felt a bit uncomfortable to hear native people described in animalistic ways, in terms that would be highly offensive if used in real life nowadays.

I picked this one to read, having just spent time in Tucson and it is definitely a traditional western. The bad guys are bad, the good guys are good. Everything turns out right in the end.

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, so Christmas, the Old West and gunfights may be an odd combination, still sometimes I'm in the right mood and I enjoy these stories about Smoke Jensen, his buddies and family. Probably because they remind me of all those TV Westerns we watched when I was little. The writing is fine and this one, at least, was a bit more politically correct than Westerns tend to be. There's lots of action to keep the story moving, and even a visit from a possible St. Nick. No snow, though, only a huge sandstorm.

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh Boy! Cowboys, Indians, Bounty Hunters, Stagecoaches, Railroads, Sand Storms, Good Guys and Bad Guys AND the Battle of the Bulge. Good fun and great characters cover an event over Christmas in old Arizona in the 1880's. A western tale with all the elements and characters from a long running series about a family in the Old West and their ups and downs. Need to find the regular books now as this was a stand alone tale.

[Maria Jansson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner. I believe it would be safe to say that Johnstone is one of my favorite authors. I’ve lost track of how many of his books I’ve read. This one was filled with excitement from page one. I really enjoy reading books that takes place in my favorite places, which most of his books do. They always makes me wanna go on a road trip. Good thing the holidays are coming up around the corner. Lol

[David Burnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smoke and Sally decide on going to Arizona for Christmas, and they send work pit to Matt, Luke, and Preacher to join them. All three slowly make their way to Arizona after taking care of some business of killing some owl hoots who needed killing. By the time, the trio gets to Arizona, they learn that Smoke and Sally are nowhere to be found. The trio head out, taking the route Sally and Smoke should have taken. Can they find the couple in time?

[Russell Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterpiece...

This book was so well plotted. I had no problem following the characters , as every one was introduced. I don't really know who really wrote this book or others with William E Johnstone and JA. If it is really one or the other,they should get the credit. My guess is ja Johnstone writes them and I tip my hat to him. Fine writing !

[Janet Fleckenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

GreatSfory

This is the first book i. Which I have seen Ave and Can be mentioned si o I will go do some investigating to see if I can find out which book so have to read to meet them.I especially a noted all thf,cited t chirping the as storm. If wE !like Ovid p!aging i y mind as I aS track g. As usual Smkmd anznd Sally and Sen nd Dr fzj! God gdfgzkn.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seasonal joy

I am never disappointed by Mr. Johnstone. This was another page turner. Great Christmas story and good character development with a wonderful twist with Nick. Hope his next year's Christmas story is this good. Thanks.

[LeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celebration Western Style

A family reunion in Arizona for Christmas? Sure--if you don't mind outlaws, storms, and marauding Apaches dogging your journey and doing their best to spoil Christmas.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lively Western follows the Johnstone's writing formula of good guys with protective fast guns win and the evil no good cowboys loose. The women are beautiful and are respected and always love the good guys. Simple and true😂

[Michael Patton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the earlier Jensen family books

A fair read. The sandstorm bit was unbelievable . The author should have done more research. All in all, it was pretty good.

[Andrew A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Smoke clan tries to reunite for a Christmas gathering in Tucson, AZ territory. The irony of me reading this right now is that I am also traveling to (through) Tucson, AZ just before Christmas this year, spending the night there on the 22nd.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun read in the Johnstone franchise. Plenty of action and heart make for an entertaining trip through the Old West. A great time.

[Martha Peebles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book as always, love the books on Smoke and Sally. I also look forward to reading where the twins learn who their dad is. Thank you for a awesome read.

[Bertina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner - What a Great Western Christmas story

[Elizabeth Mckernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good western

[Trisha_loves_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of Smoke Jensen, his wife Sally, and friend Preacher. Making a journey from Colorado to Arizona for Christmas. Great western adventure.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good, as always, even if a little bloody/bloodcurdling for my taste.

[Mike H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santa Claus with a Gatling gun? Hmmm. I guess it beats dried out turkey with the in-laws.

[Ljohnston]

Another good Christmas story with lots of fun play and stories about crime and love.

[Lky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy William W. Johnstone's books. Easy, relaxing stories with a bit of tension but nothing to keep you up. Good to fall asleep to, which is a good thing.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio. A fun addition to the series. I love the "Graphic Audio - A Movie in your Mind" aspect. It makes for a fun listen!

[Andy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely interesting, but not as adventurous as I thought it'd be.

[Carolanne wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again set up to be about Christmas but not really.