Cowboys Under the Mistletoe: Five Christmas Christian Romance Novellas

by Kristen Ethridge, Danica Favorite, Liz Isaacson

Bring Five Cowboys Home for the Holidays with New Stories from Best Selling Christian Romance Authors

The Cowboy's Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge
Sarah Murdoch knew bringing her daughter, Jamie, halfway across the country to Port Provident, Texas would cause more anxiety than feel-good Christmas memories. But when Jamie bonds with Grant McCray, the owner of Beachcomber Stables, she begins to come out of her shell. Can this big-city mom learn to embrace small-town simplicity and let a heart-scarred cowboy make a little girl’s Christmas wish come true?

Memories + Mistletoe = Love by Danica Favorite
Mallory McPherson’s act of desperation in accepting a long-lost relative’s Christmas invitation brings up difficult memories she doesn’t expect. Cowboy Nolan Masters knows what it’s like to come from a painful past. Can the lessons he’s learned bring healing- and maybe a happily-ever-after- to Mallory?

Up on the Housetop by Liz Isaacson
Archer Bailey has already lost one job to Emersyn Enders, so he's beyond angry when he sees Emery at the ranch interview anyway. Then the owner of the ranch announces a contest to see which cowhand applicant can earn the most stars by Christmas. Whoever does will win the job. Will Emery and Archer be able to navigate the ranch, their close quarters, and their individual circumstances to find love this holiday season?

Wilde About You by Deb Kastner
When their best friends' wedding is about to collapse the night before the nuptials, the best man, wrangler Matthew Wilde, and the maid of honor, Riley Weaver, must work together to make their friends' Christmas wish come true. Despite their differences and a family feud, can Matthew and Riley embrace the holiday spirit--and each other--before the clock ticks down?

Home for Hope by Jessica Keller
When Hope Beckett crashes on Rider Longley’s property during a snowstorm, she wonders if life could get any worse. Running from her troubles, she can’t afford to stay in Bitterroot Valley for long. But Rider’s kind and steady personality makes it hard to leave, especially in the midst of the Christmas season.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2017

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Ethridge loves watching waves at the beach, eating the perfect taco, and reading books that leave her with a smile. Some would say her superpower is keeping alive one husband, three children, and six guinea pigs during their adventures across Texas--but that's not entirely true. She actually earned her sparkly cape for writing her signature style of Sweet Escape Romances--stories with hope, heart and happily-ever-after--for Harlequin's Love Inspired line, Hallmark Publishing, and Laurel Lock Publishing. One reader (who wasn't her mother) called Kristen's books "very good escape fiction" and that's pretty much the nicest thing anyone's ever said to her.

Kristen always wants to make new book best friends. Receive an exclusive free story by joining her mailing list at www.kristenethridge.com/newsletter. You can also follow her adventures in writing at www.facebook.com/kristenethridgebooks.

Reviews

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed these novellas. The common theme of cowboys helping people and falling in love is present in each story. I wish there was a table of contents so you could easily read the novellas in any order.
5 stars for Home for Hope by Jessica Keller! This story involves domestic violence. Its hero Rider was first introduced in Keller's Home for Good - another great story but it's not necessary to read it first. Really liked the characters and felt their feelings and actions were believable. I hope someday soon Keller has chance to write Kate and Tripp's stories.
5 stars for Memories + Mistletoe = Love by Danica Favorite! This story also involves domestic violence survivors and the characters' memories may trigger memories for readers. That being said, I thought Favorite handled the situations very well. Mallory and Nolan had a honest and sweet romance. I really liked these characters too and found them to be very real in their thoughts and what they dealt with. I hope stories are written about Meredith and her sisters. I loved Nolan's protectiveness of Ernie and the Grant family.
4.5 stars for The Cowboy and the Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge! I enjoyed another trip to Port Provident. I thought single mother Sarah's devotion to her adopted daughter Jamie and all her efforts to provide for her was very real. Grant's Biblical quote of "Speak the truth in love" fit his romance with Sarah and their personal struggles. I hope to read Ellie's story in the future.
4.5 stars for Wilde About You by Deb Kastner! I enjoyed this story about Matthew and Riley as work together to save their friends' wedding. Great story of forgiveness.
4 stars for Up on the Housetop by Liz Isaacson! Great story about Archer and Emery competing for a job while falling in love.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet holiday romance!

THE COWBOY AND THE CHRISTMAS WISH A Port Provident Novella By Kristen Ethridge
What began as a very sour attitude about spending Christmas with her family on the beach, turned into a dream come true before she even knew she had dreamed it!  Cowboys don't usually ride the shores of Texas, but these two fish out of water find their new home and family in this sweet beachfront romance!

MEMORIES + MISTLETOE = LOVE By Danica Favorite
This was so powerful!  How is math the calming tool that Mallory has used all these years to cope with heartache and pain?  You'll find out in this wonderful story of God's power to heal broken hearts, restore right relationships, give hope in dark situations, and love unconditionally! I am better because I read this incredible book!  Thank you Danica!

UP ON THE HOUSETOP A Gold Valley Romance, Book 7 By Liz Isaacson
Wonderful!  I loved how their animosity turned into them being forced together and eventually falling in love!  The ending was really good, but I can't wait to receive the "bonus chapters" in my email to complete the story!!

The bonus chapters were a delight to read and available free to those requesting them.  Link available in the book!

WILDE ABOUT YOU Book One: Weddings by Wilde By Deb Kastner
I laughed at the final scene!  Very cute!  I'm looking forward to hearing how Ash and Matthew work out their differences!  It's sad how one person's greed can affect so many people's lives!

HOME FOR HOPE A Bitterroot Valley Novella By Jessica Keller
I really enjoyed this suspense filled romance!  I love the second chance/redemption theme!  I especially enjoyed the fact that this hero is an every day Joe.  He's not described as handsome or well built, yet not repulsive either!  He's a typical quiet guy with a heart of gold and a desire to act with courage and decency!  We need more hero's like Rider!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read three of the stories, so far; and liked them all!

The Cowboy and the Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge
Once I started reading this story, I couldn’t stop reading, until I finished it! Sarah is upset to be in Texas, where it is hot, for Christmas; and it is so not like her family’s regular Christmas routine. Her adopted daughter, Jamie, is very sensitive to change and Sarah is worried. However, Jamie sees the horses, and she is excited and more talkative than usual with the cowboy who leads the trail rides. It has a marvelous message to it, as well. Read it, and see if you agree with me.
Memories + Mistletoe = Love by Danica Favorite
Mallory loses her job and decides to say “yes” to a visit with her Aunt, over Christmas. When she arrives at the ranch where her aunt works, she meets Nolan. But first impressions aren’t good between them. As they decide to be nice to each other, a discover an unexpected bond. A wonderful story, with an excellent ending!
Up on the Housetop by Liz Isaacson
Actually, the first novella I read of this series. Archer, wants a job as a ranch hand, yet seems to lose potential jobs to Emery, the girl next door!? I don’t want to spoil it by telling too much. I think you will be amazed how it all turns out, … perfect for everyone, just in time for Christmas!
I highly recommend this set—beautiful stories, clean romance and happy endings!

[Dawn Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is specifically for Liz Isaacson's Up on the Housetop

Archer just wants to be a cowboy and prove to his father that he can be successful and hold down a steady job. But, when his next door neighbor continues to compete with him on key job opportunities, he struggles with how to react. He wants to be angry, but at the same time he's attracted to her. And, when they're thrown together in a contest to see who's the best for the job, he has no choice but to work together.

Emery simply needs a job. A job that will help pay the bills and support her sister. The fact that she's deliberately trying to take a job away from her handsome neighbor should make her feel ashamed of herself, but desperate people do desperate things. And, when she has to work with him in a contest, it's not all bad.

As Archer and Emery get to know each other better, they struggle to reconcile their feelings for each other while still trying to solve their own financial situation. Can a solution be reached that will still allow them to be together?

What follows is a sweet story of two strong willed people who know what they want, but not necessarily how to get it. It's fun to read how they solve their problems.

Romance - PG / kissing
Language - PG / clean
My rating - 5 stars

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy's Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge
Sarah adopted Jamie and wants to make sure she has a better life. She resents having to visit Texas with her parents for Christmas because Jamie is very withdrawn. Little does she realize she is missing a few key elements Jamie is yearning for. Grant has never connected with someone as quickly as he does with Jamie. A quick heartfelt read.

Memories + Mistletoe = Love by Danica Favorite
Mallory's life has finally shattered. She has been denying it for the last six years after the loss of her mother. She does not know what she will do but will finally visit her aunt over Christmas. Nolan enjoys his life as the ranch foreman and is not very interested in any of the women, but something about Mallory tugs at his heart.

Up on the Housetop by Liz Isaacson
Emersyn is in a difficult situation, looking for a job and trying to avoid her neighbor. Archer wants to prove to his father he can find and keep a job. The more he learns about Emersyn, the more he wants to be with her but she cannot seem to accept assistance with any grace. A sweet read.

Wilde About You by Deb Kastner
I was so in to this story of the Wildes and the Weavers, a family feud (internal and external), and Riley and Matthew. I wished there was more resolution with the feud over the land, between Ash and Matthew.

Home for Hope by Jessica Keller
Hope is desperate to get away from her ex with her twins. Desperate enough to run without necessities and head north into a snow storm. She knows she must continue to move, but Rider makes her want more than she ever felt she could have. Rider is wonderful and with everything he has gone through deserves an HEA.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read Cowboys Under the Mistletoe in its entirety, and my review is therefore only for Up on the Housetop by Liz Isaacson. This sweet romance about neighbours who are competing for the same job touches the heart. Despite his desperation to impress his difficult father, Archer is the kind of guy you want in your corner. Although Emersyn has made it abundantly clear that she doesn’t need anything from him, when she runs into difficulties, Emersyn has to put her pride in her pocket and ask Archer for help. When they start to cooperate with one another, they find that they have more in common than they thought. This story is fairly short and can be read in an evening. It is also clean and well-written, with an object lesson we could all learn from. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot speak for all of this short-stories; however, I can speak for the one by Liz Isaacson!

"Up on the Housetop" by Liz Isaacson was absolutely wonderful. I was a little skeptical about reading this short-story, because of the fact that it is in with other authors that I am unaware of' however, the love story between Emery and Archer was beautiful!

If someone has more on their plate then Emery, I have never met them. I could not image all of the things that she had to endure in silence, just to make sure that her crippled sister was taken care of; but to her it was all worth it for the joy of keeping her family safe and well cared for. Thankfully, a blessing in disguise lived right next door by the name of Archer.

Archer is the typical man's man, even if his father cannot see it. Wanting to prove himself, he goes for the local cowhand position- quickly rising to the top and becoming one of the best cowboys that Jace has ever seen. Will this position work out along with a relationship with Emery? Can he handle both and keep everyone involved happy?

God's plans our not our own, this story is an excellent reminder of this.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up on the Housetop by Liz Isaacson
This sweet read went by so fast. It felt like it was over before I’d even realized I’d started. Archer has the strong silent type thing down to a T. Emery was a little more difficult for me to get a handle on. She’s carrying around a lot of baggage that encourages her to make decisions that left me wondering. As we find out more about her history, it all begins to make so much more sense and my heart broke for everything she was dealing with. This pair is just adorable together. They each inspire the other to be better people. And I was in awe of the lengths that the crew at Horseshoe Home was willing to go to for “their people”.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved "Up on the Housetop" by Liz Isaacson, one of the stories in this set. Archer and Emery start off with a feisty attitude toward each other, which only makes the eventual love story that much sweeter. You can count on Ms. Isaacson's stories to be full of heart, brilliantly written, and packed with authentic characters finding the love of their lives. This story alone is well worth purchasing the set. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "Up on the Housetop" by Liz Isaacson. Next door neighbors who appear to not like each other and fighting for the same job. These two were adorable. Emery and Archer both have hurts that the other doesn't know about. A great book on not judging a book by its cover. A sweet, clean romance. Hoping Glenna gets her own book.

[Linda Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Holiday Tale

A woman who has run from a violent man meets a nice guy
She is afraid her former.lover will find her and hurt her and their children and anyone else who is around. Her son is autistic; I like the way he was.drescribed and the mention of therapeutic horseback riding. I enjoyed the story but there were some editing errors.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a warm blanket,cuddle up with your favorite hot drink and prepare to spend some time with cowboys.
Cowboys,kids,Christmas,God, and romance fill this collection of novellas.
This collection is recommended for those who like Christian Christmas romances.

[Emily F - Seriously Sweet Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, sweet, and fun!

This was a quick, sweet and fun read! I really enjoyed each of the author's stories and look forward to reading more by each of them. I only wish some of the stories were longer, but for novellas, these were great.

[Pam Graber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know about the other books in this set but if all of them are like Liz Isaacson's Up On The Housetop, this will be a love-filled, cowboy-fest. What a great way to kick off the Christmas season!

[Ginger Solomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stories

I like each of these individual stories. They were heartwarming and enjoyable.

I was disappointed in the amount of errors, though. While there weren't tons, several of the stories had a good many more than they should.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars across the board

I rate all 5 novellas in this boxset a solid 4 stars. Each and every one had likable characters, a good plot and follow-through. There were a few typos in at least one of the stories but nothing that bothered me overmuch. Well worth the time to read.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up on the Housetop is the only story in this set that I have read. As always with this author, I enjoyed the story. Definitely a good one to read.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The spirit

Christmas spirt shines through all of the stories. A nice collection, of authors to compliment the the different cowboys and their lady’s.

[Susan Emery-O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Stories!

Loved these stories, about second chances and opposites attracting. But all learning to lean on God through their struggles. Can't wait to read more by these authors.

[B.A. A. Mealer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romances

Fun reads for the holiday season. Like the sappy holiday movies. Nothing special or really memorable but fun mindless reading.

[Keira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean, kind, Christmas-y stories, really sweet reads and thoroughly enjoyed each one.