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McKettricks #10

A McKettrick Christmas

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Lizzie McKettrick is coming home for Christmas. And Indian Rock's new schoolteacher has a surprise in store for her family--a special young man, Whitley Carson. He might seem a little too interested in the McKettrick money, but Lizzie's certain Whitley cares for her deep down.

Yet fate has a surprise of its own for Lizzie: Dr. Morgan Shane. When their homebound train is halted by a massive avalanche, injuring and stranding its passengers, the handsome doctor takes charge--with Lizzie by his side.

Despite their growing bond, Lizzie and Morgan know time is running out. With another avalanche looming and the train's food supply dwindling, it's going to be a bleak Christmas Eve. But with faith, hard work and a little extra help from a most unexpected source, they just might find their way home to celebrate a McKettrick family Christmas after all.…

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

238 people are currently reading
1117 people want to read

About the author

Linda Lael Miller

552 books3,218 followers
The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a spacious property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for jenjn79.
723 reviews266 followers
February 11, 2009
This was a short, sweet, Christmas tale featuring another of the (historical) McKettricks. Since it's one of those gift-sized hardcovers that's only 280 pages of decent-sized, widely-spaced print, I read it in only two short sittings. But it was still enjoyable to read.

The McKettrick in this story is Lizzie McKettrick, who is the little girl Holt (McKettrick's Choice) didn't know he had until she was brought to him at 12-year's of age. Lizzie is now almost 20. She's finished schooling away from Indian Rock and is returning home to be a school teacher. She's also bringing with her Whitley Carson, who she hopes will propose over the Christmas holiday. But then their train is buried in an avalanche and Lizzie sees a little too much of Whitley's true character. Not only that, she's drawn to the handsome doctor aboard the train, Morgan Shane, who is traveling to Indian Rock, at Kade McKettrick's invitation, to be the new town doctor. Lizzie knows that if they survive and are rescued, she won't marry Whitley. Whether she'll marry Morgan, she doesn't know.

I love reading about the McKettricks. They're such a fun, loyal bunch. And it was nice to get a chance to revisit all the characters from the original historical McKettrick series.

This book is just really sweet and tender. The romance is on the low-key side and doesn't really get above a PG-13 rating. Most of the story is about them stuck in the train, with a subtle building of the feelings between Lizzie and Morgan. I thought there could have been a little more outward romance. That part of the story never really kicks into high gear. The book just kinda slips from them circling each other to them engaged. There's not even a first time scene (if you know what I mean) it's just slightly reminisced about. So to a certain extent the romance angle came up a little short.

But it was still a nice, light-hearted holiday tale to read. The kind that makes you smile and feel sappy. So even though the romance was on the low-key side, it was a good book to read and I enjoyed it quite a bit. If you're a fan of the McKettricks series, then you'll probably enjoy this one as well.
Profile Image for Carol.
37 reviews45 followers
February 17, 2009
Thhe McKettrick family that Linda Lael Miller has written of have all gathered for Christmas. You'll be reunited with all of the Mckettrick men and their wives in this tale. It had me laughing, crying and saying to myself "No one writes a better western romance". A beautiful story of love,family ,miracles and strength. Loved it.
Profile Image for Eastofoz.
636 reviews411 followers
January 10, 2011
Pure over-ripe fruit sweetness here with no h/h storyline development and fade to black only scenes when it comes to the few pages of romance. Very Christmassy but a dumbdowned story. Schmaltz and molasses 100%, yuck :-/
Profile Image for Anne Osterlund.
Author 5 books5,391 followers
March 13, 2016
A quick, charming Christmas story about a train-car load of passengers trapped in an avalanche, all of whom must learn about both themselves and each other in order to survive through the holiday. Including a headstrong potential schoolmistress, a skeptical young doctor, and a highly unusual peddler.
Profile Image for Carol.
959 reviews40 followers
December 10, 2023
I enjoyed this continuation of the McKettrick saga. The setting was unusual, strong, intelligent heroine and a satisfying conclusion, with a little bit of Christmas magic mixed in. I have read other books about the McKettricks, but I don't think that is necessary to enjoy this story.
Profile Image for Debby Lee.
Author 38 books93 followers
October 26, 2024
Fantastic book. Heartwarming plot. There was the right amount of suspense and all the characters were likeable.
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,955 reviews128 followers
June 26, 2018
Book Info
ebook, 384 pages
Published November 1st 2008 by Harlequin Books(first published January 1st 2008)
original title A McKettrick Christmas
ISBN 1426823754 (ISBN13: 9781426823756)
edition language English
series McKettricks #10
characters Lizzie McKettrick, Morgan Shane
places United States
other editions (9)
Source:Kindle version borrowed from Public Library

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BOOK SYNOPSIS


Lizzie McKettrick is coming home for Christmas. And Indian Rock's new schoolteacher has a surprise in store for her family--a special young man, Whitley Carson. He might seem a little too interested in the McKettrick money, but Lizzie's certain Whitley cares for her deep down.

Yet fate has a surprise of its own for Lizzie: Dr. Morgan Shane. When their homebound train is halted by a massive avalanche, injuring and stranding its passengers, the handsome doctor takes charge--with Lizzie by his side.

Despite their growing bond, Lizzie and Morgan know time is running out. With another avalanche looming and the train's food supply dwindling, it's going to be a bleak Christmas Eve. But with faith, hard work and a little extra help from a most unexpected source, they just might find their way home to celebrate a McKettrick family Christmas after all....

My Thoughts


As a longtime fan of author Linda Lael Miller and a fan of the McKettrick family saga books, although have only read a short list out of all of them, my pleasure with this heartwarming tale that was Lizzie McKettrick's story was fully realized from start to finish.

Lizzie was a great leading character, a true forward thinking female who used the inner strength gifted to her to help others when she herself was frightened and yet facing each obstacle calmly as it came up while trapped with her fellow travelers.

The best part about stories set at Christmas is the fact you know there will be miraculous events that take place, in this case the rescue and subsequent aftermath that lead to not only an HEA for Lizzie and Morgan that is very sweet and heartwarming as well as things turning out positively for all the characters who were involved in the train wreck.

I look forward to reading more about this fictional family in future.

[Kindle version borrowed from Public Library]
Profile Image for Krissie.
260 reviews8 followers
December 29, 2014
Lizzie McKettrick is coming home for Christmas. And Indian Rock's new schoolteacher has a surprise in store for her family�a special young man, Whitley Carson. He might seem a little too interested in the McKettrick money, but Lizzie's certain Whitley cares for her deep down
9 reviews
December 11, 2008
I've never read anything by her before, but really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the whole McKettrick series.
Profile Image for Becky.
78 reviews9 followers
March 1, 2009
I enjoyed this book. It was the first LLM book I have read and now it looks like I'm going to have to read the rest of the series. Since it's #10, I have a lot of McKetterick reading to do! :)
Profile Image for Delia.
93 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2008
I totally love this entire series......and never get tired of the new stories that allow me to "visit" w/this family......
Profile Image for Kim.
1,380 reviews30 followers
January 13, 2009
For a Christmas romance, I really liked it. Little romance, some suspense, lots of characters to get to know, and the spirit of Christmas.
Profile Image for Brittany.
606 reviews15 followers
December 21, 2023
I do read westerns, mostly from William W. Johnstone, and his westerns are oddly cozy but also have action in them. Now a Western romance is different, and I have to say, I...weirdly enjoyed this. I don't read a romance that much, and all it took was a nice cowboy on the cover to make me say, "Yeah, why not, let's read it." and boy howdy did I enjoy this one. It is very different from the bandits, shoot 'em up type books I like to read, but this one was pretty sweet.

Lizzie McKettrick is on a train heading to Indian Rock with Whitley Carson she was going to introduce to her family and maybe marry when an avalanche hits the train. There on the train, Lizzie meets and falls in love with Dr. Morgan Shane. While on the train, waiting on the promised saviors, she started to realize that Whitley is a manchild who didn't give a flying frick about helping people, and tried to go out in the deep snow, to try and escape. Instead, he broke his leg, got drunk, and told a baby to shut up. Yikes on bikes.

Once they were saved and everyone made it to Indian Rock, that's when Lizzie realized that she wasn't in love with Whitley and was in love, somehow, with Dr. Morgan. Even though she's about to be the new schoolteacher to Indian Rock's bright young students, she doesn't know her feelings for the new doctor, who will have to deal with weird ailments coming from beautiful young ladies who want the doctor's bedside manner. But after thinking about it and spending Christmas with her huge family, that's when she decided, even with the help of an "angel" by the name of Mr. Christian (or "Mr. Christmas" as the children on the train called him), that she did love him, and that she waited to marry him, which she did.

The funniest thing about this short book was the fact that one of the students, whose father was on the train and got sick, made her promise to be the teacher even if she was pregnant, which cracked me up, but I'm glad Lizzie made that promise to him. But the one good thing about this book was that she and Whitley became friends, and he went back to San Francisco and found himself a nice young lady to spend the rest of his life with.

Might read more Western romances if they're written like this, I pleasantly enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for Barbara.
182 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2025
Lizzie McKettrick is coming home for Christmas. And Indian Rock’s new schoolteacher has a surprise in store for her family—a special young man, Whitley Carson. He might seem a little too interested in the McKettrick money, but Lizzie’s certain Whitley cares for her deep down.

Yet fate has a surprise of its own for Lizzie: Dr. Morgan Shane. When their homebound train is halted by a massive avalanche, injuring and stranding its passengers, the handsome doctor takes charge—with Lizzie by his side.

Despite their growing bond, Lizzie and Morgan know time is running out. With another avalanche looming and the train’s food supply dwindling, it’s going to be a bleak Christmas Eve. But with faith, hard work and a little extra help from a most unexpected source, they just might find their way home to celebrate a McKettrick family Christmas after all. . . .
Profile Image for Shelly Hammond.
1,923 reviews
January 1, 2019
This is a terrific little story!
When a train is held captive by an avalanche the passengers must find a way to survive. There aren't a ton of people on the train luckily but those that are on it include older folks, young children, and injured or sick as well as our two main characters a spunky yet reserved young lady named Lizzie McKettrick and a Doctor named Morgan Sloan. Although Lizzie has brought a suitor along with her to meet her family for the holidays... well, I can't tell you what happens!
This is a great story of being tough when needed, survival, belief and lots of Christmas as well. It's not very long so I probably already said too much but I hope I didn't. If you get the chance to read this story you should. It's so very good!
660 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2023
Whitley Morgan Lizzie Woodrow

It's been 2 years since Lizzie has been home. She was bringing Whitley home to meet the family. She thought he might be The One. But the longer the ride the more she wondered what she saw in him. He had something unkind to say about each passenger. He with his head in his book he made no effort to get to know anyone. Morgan was walking with the baby trying to give the young mother a break when the avalanche hit. The mothers arm was hurt Morgantown dressed it. The peddler had clean towel to use as a sling. Whitley complained about pain and needing something for it.
Lizzie was sure her family would come
A great story very well told. Fell in love with most of the characters. Woodrow is the one you'll never forget
Profile Image for What to read next ........
351 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2023
What a wonderful read , l was so surprised 😯

Great storyline, very well written, for a short and sweet Christmas 🎄 story.

The characters were there to fall in love with , such a beautiful ending, it really puts a smile on your face 🩷

Its been 2 years since Lizzie has been home .

Lizzie was bringing Whitley home , to meet the family.

She thought he might be the one .

But the weather has different ideas, thanks to an avalanche, the train 🚂 has derailed.

Not knowing if they would die or be rescued, the passengers do what they could do to survive.
A surprising end of the story, you won’t be disappointed.
293 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2017
I am a huge fan of Linda Lael Miller and once again she didn't disappoint me. Lizzie McKettrick is coming home for Christmas after spending time in San Franscico. Her beau, is with her when the train is caught in an avalanche. Also, on the train is Morgan, who is a doctor moving to Indian River. Lizzie soon finds out that her beau is a self centered person and refuses to help the other passengers on the train. After being stuck on the train for a couple of days, her family arrives and takes them to safety.
Profile Image for Val.
1,385 reviews7 followers
December 2, 2018
The McKettrick clan is back this holiday season and one of their own is in trouble. Lizzie is on her way home when the train she's riding on gets caught in a snowy avalanche. Being stuck with strangers and the man she wants to propose to her in a blizzard on a derailed train car isn't how Christmas is supposed to go. With the help of a angel in disguise Lizzie makes the best of the situation and gets exactly what she wants for Christmas.
646 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2018
I've read a few of the Mc Kittrick series and this one does not disappoint. Lizzie Mc Kittrick is returning home at Christmas after finishing school to be come a teacher and Morgan Shane is traveling to her home town to be Dr. there. The train gets hit by avalanche and they manage to keep the few passengers alive and her family ends up coming to the rescue. One year later, they re married and the story continues. Look forward to reading more of this series.
1,337 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2021
Great Story with very Belivable Characters. Lizzie is coming home for Christmas and to introduce her family to Whitley her boyfriend. She is hoping Whitley will ask for her hand during the Visit. Her life changes during the train ride home. An Avalanche happens and blocks them between a mountain covered in snow and a drop off.The Engineer and crew are killed leaving a handful of people trapped. Thank the Lord a Doctor is on board.
Profile Image for Maria.
2,376 reviews50 followers
March 28, 2023
This one got off to a bang and didn't slow down until nearly the end. I loved Lizzie's story, although the ages, as in some of the other books, were off, so that made it a bit confusing. In Jeb's story Lizzie was ten when she joined her father, Holt. In this one, she was supposedly twelve, which threw Katie's age off. I am a very logical person, and these kinds of changes from book to book throw me off, but the story itself is provocative and stirring and possibly my favorite so far.
14 reviews
December 17, 2024
I only game this three stars because it is sappily sweet but I did enjoy reading it especially in December surrounded by all the Christmas lights and decorations. It was a calming distraction to read a book with characters who are kind, strong and loving. My father passed over 30 years ago but I felt the warmth & comfort of being loved by him while reading about Lizzie and her father. Recalling that warm feeling made this book worthwhile for me to read
Profile Image for Deb.
Author 3 books2 followers
February 4, 2017
Although this is a romance (and I knew who was going to end up with whom), I was hooked from the opening.

I love Linda Lael Miller's writing style. It is clear and clean. Her characters are also engaging and full-bodied.

I chose this for a Christmas read, but will be reading more of Linda's writing.

Thoroughly enjoyable read.

1,144 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2024
Christmas

What an enchanting novel. Morgan and Lizzie definitely have a Christmas to Remember! This novel starts off with extremely wintry weather with the hope of a rescue. A McKettrick Christmas is such a delight. A wonderful Christmas read, that will leave the reader with a heartfelt smile. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Julianne.
111 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2017
Yegads, is this what sells? Schmaltz and superficial romance and throbbing bosoms and such? Oh, I read it alright but geez, it's thin on actual character development and story. There's not a lot holding this together except a little spitfire from Lizzie, the main character.
Profile Image for Ana.
91 reviews
July 2, 2022
Pure love and joy. This book had me turning page after page. If you love Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life angel vibes then this is the book for you. Some reviewers think this book sucked but they must be channeling their inner Whitley Carson…
Profile Image for Karli Herder.
111 reviews
December 5, 2023
Mostly an easy read. Set in the late 1800’s so some of the language they used back then threw me for a loop. I don’t read the back of the books before starting and was def in for a surprise with this book. Thought it was going to be a light lovey dovey read
303 reviews
December 20, 2024
Excellent Book

I highly recommend ALL of Linda Lael Miller books. This is great Christmas romance and this author never disappoints. The author's character's are well thought out and the reader feels included in the story. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews

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