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Smoky Mountain Matches #12
A Lawman for Christmas
The Gift of Family
Committed to her spinsterhood, Isabel Flores isn't about to trust a man with her hard-won independence or her heart—especially not lawman Ben MacGregor. But when a little boy is abandoned on her property, the so-called "Debonair Deputy" of their small Tennessee town helps her care for the child. And Isabel begins to hope he might be more than just a handsome flirt.
Ben is well aware of Isabel's aversion to love and has his own secret reasons for avoiding relationships. But as he and Isabel do their best to make the holiday special for their young ward, Ben wonders if he could be a family man after all. Will this Christmas be the first of many for Isabel and Ben's little instant family?
Committed to her spinsterhood, Isabel Flores isn't about to trust a man with her hard-won independence or her heart—especially not lawman Ben MacGregor. But when a little boy is abandoned on her property, the so-called "Debonair Deputy" of their small Tennessee town helps her care for the child. And Isabel begins to hope he might be more than just a handsome flirt.
Ben is well aware of Isabel's aversion to love and has his own secret reasons for avoiding relationships. But as he and Isabel do their best to make the holiday special for their young ward, Ben wonders if he could be a family man after all. Will this Christmas be the first of many for Isabel and Ben's little instant family?
284 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2017
36 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kirst
77 books255 followersKaren Kirst was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn't until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. The pursuit of her dream would take longer than she first anticipated...years, in fact. In the fall of 2010, she got the happy news that Harlequin Love Inspired Historical wanted to publish her manuscript-a true blessing from God. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom, and romance writer. She enjoys reading, hosting tea parties and spending time with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this story and the way Isabel gradually warmed up to Ben as he proved to her through his actions that he isn't who she assumed him to be. They have a good chemistry, especially when they became friends and the attraction between them leads to thoughts of more. The addition of Eli into their care brought to light the secret yearnings Isabel and Ben both have to be parents. There is an element of danger with a bank robber on the loose and a mystery to solve- where did Eli come from and who left him with the Flores girls? A sweet story set during the holidays, it made me want to cozy up next to the fire after decorating the house with evergreen boughs and cloves stuck in oranges ;)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
August 23, 2020
3.5 stars
A fun old-timey story about Gatlinburg in the early 1900s. I haven’t read others from the series and didn’t realize it was a series when I grabbed it, so I think I would have understood Ben better if I’d already known him from other books. Isabel was an interesting and engaging leading lady. Overall an enjoyable time to spend a few hours.
A fun old-timey story about Gatlinburg in the early 1900s. I haven’t read others from the series and didn’t realize it was a series when I grabbed it, so I think I would have understood Ben better if I’d already known him from other books. Isabel was an interesting and engaging leading lady. Overall an enjoyable time to spend a few hours.
November 10, 2017
Take two people who have resigned themselves to living their lives one way but are too stubborn to see something new and wondrous opening up before them and you have the makings for an emotional love story. Cue this reader's gnashing of teeth as she embarks on a reading frenzy.
Honestly, I wanted to knock heads together in the hopes of rattling some brain cells to life. Ben is stuck in the past, firmly believing he has nothing to offer a wife. (Puleeeeze! My curled toes beg to differ.) He's sweet and kind and gentlemanly and determined to do the right thing...even when we all know it's the wrong thing! LOL And Isabel has allowed her father's scandalous past to define everything about her present which definitely closes off a hopeful future.
All that changes one fateful night when these two lives are entwined in an astonishing way. Danger and mystery and an abandoned child continuously pull them together during the most hopeful season of all. An old-fashioned Christmas romance that embraces the true meaning of the season.
Honestly, I wanted to knock heads together in the hopes of rattling some brain cells to life. Ben is stuck in the past, firmly believing he has nothing to offer a wife. (Puleeeeze! My curled toes beg to differ.) He's sweet and kind and gentlemanly and determined to do the right thing...even when we all know it's the wrong thing! LOL And Isabel has allowed her father's scandalous past to define everything about her present which definitely closes off a hopeful future.
All that changes one fateful night when these two lives are entwined in an astonishing way. Danger and mystery and an abandoned child continuously pull them together during the most hopeful season of all. An old-fashioned Christmas romance that embraces the true meaning of the season.
December 15, 2021
I enjoyed this finish to the 'Smokey Mountain Matches' series. I liked how many of the couples that we 'met' throughout the series played a part in Ben and Isa's story. I especially liked how their relationship was built on friendship first, which grew into love as they spent time in each other's company trying to figure out the mystery of Eli's presence on the Flores farm.
I do think there was a missed opportunity for people to remind both Ben and Isa that they needed to trust in God for their futures, and for Ben and Isa to take that reminder and put it into action, but, all in all, it was a good read.
I do think there was a missed opportunity for people to remind both Ben and Isa that they needed to trust in God for their futures, and for Ben and Isa to take that reminder and put it into action, but, all in all, it was a good read.
December 28, 2017
This is the first book I've had the pleasure of reading from Karen Kirst. I was delighted with the characters, the setting, and the storyline. This story is sure to warm your heart and put you in the Christmas spirit. I could so clearly picture the town of Gatlinburg, TN that I felt like I was there.
While I've not yet read the other 11 books in the Smokey Mountain series, I didn't feel at all lost in this story. Yes, there are brief mentions of other characters, but not once did I feel lost. If anything It made me want to read the other books to find out the details of their stories.
Isabel is a strong and independent, blacksmith forge savvy women of the mountains. The last thing she wants is a man interrupting her plans. But under her rough exterior beats the heart of a woman who longs for a family (even if she has buried it so deep, that she forgot).
"Debonair Deputy" Ben MacGregor smiles and the ladies swoon at his feet. He is a self-proclaimed bachelor. However, his actions call into question the sincerity of his claims with the ladies of the town.
When a bank robbery goes wrong, and then a little boy is abandoned on her doorstep, Isabel and Ben are thrust together to not only prevent another robbery but to uncover the mystery of where this little boy came from. Will the tender, trusting smiles of an adorable 4-year old, warm their hearts and change their minds?
Karen Kirst not only breathes life into the setting but the characters as well. From the first page to the last, the story never once lost momentum. I give this story 5 stars. I am looking forward to finding copies of the earlier books in this series, as I'm sure I will enjoy them just as much as I have this one.
(I purchased a print copy of this book from Walmart. I am not required to write positive reviews. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.)
While I've not yet read the other 11 books in the Smokey Mountain series, I didn't feel at all lost in this story. Yes, there are brief mentions of other characters, but not once did I feel lost. If anything It made me want to read the other books to find out the details of their stories.
Isabel is a strong and independent, blacksmith forge savvy women of the mountains. The last thing she wants is a man interrupting her plans. But under her rough exterior beats the heart of a woman who longs for a family (even if she has buried it so deep, that she forgot).
"Debonair Deputy" Ben MacGregor smiles and the ladies swoon at his feet. He is a self-proclaimed bachelor. However, his actions call into question the sincerity of his claims with the ladies of the town.
When a bank robbery goes wrong, and then a little boy is abandoned on her doorstep, Isabel and Ben are thrust together to not only prevent another robbery but to uncover the mystery of where this little boy came from. Will the tender, trusting smiles of an adorable 4-year old, warm their hearts and change their minds?
Karen Kirst not only breathes life into the setting but the characters as well. From the first page to the last, the story never once lost momentum. I give this story 5 stars. I am looking forward to finding copies of the earlier books in this series, as I'm sure I will enjoy them just as much as I have this one.
(I purchased a print copy of this book from Walmart. I am not required to write positive reviews. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.)
December 23, 2017
A Lawman For Christmas by Karen Kirst. Another great book in the Smoky Mountain Matches series. Isabel Flores didn't have a good childhood. Because of her father. She doesn't want to get married. She lives with her two sisters. Ben MacGregor is a deputy. He does want to marry. When he was a teenager he was very sick and was told he would never had children. He had a girlfriend who told him she didn't want to marry someone who wasn't a full man. Ben didn't want any woman to be stuck with him. But when Isabel is attacked by a robber and he watches over their house in case the robber came after her since she saw his face. One night a 4 year old boy is left at her door. Isabel and Ben take care of the boy. They get attached to the boy. Come to find out there is a 3 month old baby who is the sister to the boy. They locate the boys uncle who left the boy at Isabel's door. A very good story.
November 10, 2017
Ben MacGregor was a local deputy and sworn bachelor. When an illness in his late teens took his ability to have children, he felt like half a man. He wanted to remain a bachelor so he wouldn't potentially hurt women, because we wouldn't be able to father a child. When he rescues Isabel Flores who is a sworn spinster things begin to change. This is a beautifully written historical romance!
November 15, 2017
Lawman for Christmas
Oh no! I just read this was the last book in the series. Please say it isn't so. I was hoping Honor would have her story. I have adored this series that takes place in one of my favorite vacation spots. It was a very good read. I do appreciate that she brought back all the characters for one final good-bye.
Oh no! I just read this was the last book in the series. Please say it isn't so. I was hoping Honor would have her story. I have adored this series that takes place in one of my favorite vacation spots. It was a very good read. I do appreciate that she brought back all the characters for one final good-bye.
November 28, 2017
It was a bittersweet read as this is the last book in the series. It was well written. Loved getting to know more about Ben and why he's a confirmed bachelor. The only thing I was slightly disappointed in was how anti-climatic one of the mini-plots was resolved. Overall it was a sweet romantic story.
December 3, 2017
Loved It
This can't be the last book in the series. I love this town and I love the O'Malley family that kicked of the series. So happy for Ben and Isabel. If you have not read this series it is a wonderful series to read. The series is all about family, friends, community and most of all the love of God. Cannot wait to see what the author come up with next.
This can't be the last book in the series. I love this town and I love the O'Malley family that kicked of the series. So happy for Ben and Isabel. If you have not read this series it is a wonderful series to read. The series is all about family, friends, community and most of all the love of God. Cannot wait to see what the author come up with next.
November 15, 2017
Loved the characters & how they came together for the love of a little boy.
December 31, 2017
Love a book with a strong female in it. I also loved he bond between the sisters. I’ll have to go back and read the books I missed!
December 27, 2018
A sweet story, worth the read.
August 11, 2019
Wow! I completed 10 (+2 previously) of the Smoky Mountain Matches series this summer! Ohhhhh yeah! I think that alone deserves a self - five star rating :P
I was pleased to FINALLY read Ben's story - you know, the town's notorious bachelor / flirt. The story touched my heart for a variety of personal reasons as part of the story-line dealt with the knowledge of infertility. However, there is always hope, as Ben came to realize, with the love and support of his heroine, Isabel.
OMG. I am just so HAPPY that I completed reading this series during my summer break. I will be passing all of these books to my mom (haha - happy reading, mom :)) and I am now looking forward to digging my teeth (or rather, eyes??) into an old skool Native - American historical - western romance for the next week or so... as it's been awhile.
I was pleased to FINALLY read Ben's story - you know, the town's notorious bachelor / flirt. The story touched my heart for a variety of personal reasons as part of the story-line dealt with the knowledge of infertility. However, there is always hope, as Ben came to realize, with the love and support of his heroine, Isabel.
OMG. I am just so HAPPY that I completed reading this series during my summer break. I will be passing all of these books to my mom (haha - happy reading, mom :)) and I am now looking forward to digging my teeth (or rather, eyes??) into an old skool Native - American historical - western romance for the next week or so... as it's been awhile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2024
The Spinster and the Bachelor
The Deputy and the Spinster found each other very interesting, but neither was going to let the other find out their feelings. When at last with the help of a four year old little boy, Isa could finally admit her true feeling, The deputy always knew Is a was special and he would do pretty much anything to protect her. I think teens to older people would enjoy this book. Read it and see how true love can blossom.
The Deputy and the Spinster found each other very interesting, but neither was going to let the other find out their feelings. When at last with the help of a four year old little boy, Isa could finally admit her true feeling, The deputy always knew Is a was special and he would do pretty much anything to protect her. I think teens to older people would enjoy this book. Read it and see how true love can blossom.
May 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this Love Inspired, Historical romance. I voluntarily chose to review this clean story and I've rated it a 5*. There were a lot of small twists and turns to these two who really wanted children to love. This is where the magic of Christmas works. A nice feelgood feelings in the ending.
June 29, 2021
Sweet read.
August 24, 2023
Ben enjoys charming the ladies. Isabel is quiet and tries to go unnoticed because of her unfaithful father who's passed away. But little Eli and Fran bring them together in the best way
December 29, 2025
sad the series is over but enjoyed reading every one of them!
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November 1, 2017Miniseries: Smoky Mountain Matches
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November 13, 2017Miniseries: Smoky Mountain Matches
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews