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Julia Hamel always dreamed of a Christmas wedding and hers would be a dream come true if she wasn’t marrying a man she’d never met. Traveling across the country as a mail-order bride took a leap of faith, and she’s determined to make the best of her new life despite that fact her husband seems to be hiding something. But nothing she does seems to please him and Matthew’s distant despite her best intentions. When she meets a mischievous old man and takes his advice on how to make her husband happy, his ideas backfire in the worst possible ways and as Christmas draws closer, Julia begins to think leaving home may have been the worst mistake of her life.
Matthew Bailey never wanted a wife—until he saw Julia. He married her without much thought and hoped her presence would be enough to finally distract him from the fact it was the one time of year he wished he could forget. Painful memories keep him distracted and when the girl who mistook his kindness for a wedding proposal stirs up trouble, Matthew has to decide what he really wants. If its Julia, then he has to bare his soul and confront his past but dredging up those old memories is still painful. Can the love of a woman he knows nothing about be enough to make him want to live again? And will Julia stay once she’s seen the worst in him?
Matthew Bailey never wanted a wife—until he saw Julia. He married her without much thought and hoped her presence would be enough to finally distract him from the fact it was the one time of year he wished he could forget. Painful memories keep him distracted and when the girl who mistook his kindness for a wedding proposal stirs up trouble, Matthew has to decide what he really wants. If its Julia, then he has to bare his soul and confront his past but dredging up those old memories is still painful. Can the love of a woman he knows nothing about be enough to make him want to live again? And will Julia stay once she’s seen the worst in him?
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2018
409 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Lily Graison
48 books459 followersLily Graison is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical western romances. She also writes a variety of genres under the name L. R. Grasion. Most all of her stories lean heavily to the spicy side with strong female leads and heroes who tend to always get what they want. On occasion, she can be found penning ‘sweet’ romances with chaste kisses and wholesome values. Ever a romantic, she believes in love at first sight and has a tendency to fall for bad-boy romance heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 11, 2018
Christmas love
This is such a quick sweet story. Julia comes to Angel Creek to marry Matthew Bailey only he doesn't know about it. Once he does he goes to tell her he can't marry her but once he sees her he decides to marry her. He takes her back to his ranch and they start their married life but it's never consummated. She meets an old guy named Abe and he gives her some advice but not very good advice. I loved Abe though. And I loved Prudence his sister. She really was a strong woman. There is a wannabe other woman named Cora who is just hateful. She wanted Matthew and Matthew had told her if she wasn't married by 25 he would marry her. He was just being nice. But then she started turning down suitors and stuff because she loved the H. She was very mean to the h and it caused a little angst. Matthew doesn't like Christmas because he had a tragedy happen but slowly Julia brings him out of that. It's really a very cute, sweet story. And short too. Read in like 45 minutes. No ott sex scenes and mostly fade to black. A little detail but not alot. Safe and read in KU. I think I found a new author that I am going to like.
This is such a quick sweet story. Julia comes to Angel Creek to marry Matthew Bailey only he doesn't know about it. Once he does he goes to tell her he can't marry her but once he sees her he decides to marry her. He takes her back to his ranch and they start their married life but it's never consummated. She meets an old guy named Abe and he gives her some advice but not very good advice. I loved Abe though. And I loved Prudence his sister. She really was a strong woman. There is a wannabe other woman named Cora who is just hateful. She wanted Matthew and Matthew had told her if she wasn't married by 25 he would marry her. He was just being nice. But then she started turning down suitors and stuff because she loved the H. She was very mean to the h and it caused a little angst. Matthew doesn't like Christmas because he had a tragedy happen but slowly Julia brings him out of that. It's really a very cute, sweet story. And short too. Read in like 45 minutes. No ott sex scenes and mostly fade to black. A little detail but not alot. Safe and read in KU. I think I found a new author that I am going to like.
May 6, 2019
This second visit to Angel Creek, Montana gives us a minor glimpse of the "wilder" side of things. Julia marries a rancher. She actually gets attacked by wolves. *gasp*
I have a bit of a weakness for the mail-order bride trope. These women had to be so brave to leave their homes and everything - and everybody - they knew to travel hundreds of miles to marry a stranger. The trials. The hardships. The great unknown. It does tickle my fancy.
This series touches on all that, but in a rather watered down way. The actual challenge of survival is missing. I realize this is supposed to be a story as told to children, but lack of real hardship is disappointing.
The characters are written well. They are likable. The story is good enough to hold my attention. The ending is sweet. Mostly an enjoyable read if a bit too sweet for my taste.
I have a bit of a weakness for the mail-order bride trope. These women had to be so brave to leave their homes and everything - and everybody - they knew to travel hundreds of miles to marry a stranger. The trials. The hardships. The great unknown. It does tickle my fancy.
This series touches on all that, but in a rather watered down way. The actual challenge of survival is missing. I realize this is supposed to be a story as told to children, but lack of real hardship is disappointing.
The characters are written well. They are likable. The story is good enough to hold my attention. The ending is sweet. Mostly an enjoyable read if a bit too sweet for my taste.
January 3, 2020
This is an OK Western romance, with mostly likable characters. It is a sweet romance, and does not contain sex scenes. There were a few editing problems, and I thought the story was a bit too unrealistic.
I did get a little irritated with Matthew and Julia a few times, because most of their problems were caused by a lack of communication. If they had just taken the time to talk to each other, most of their issues could have been avoided. It always bothers me when a couple has problems just because they don't talk -- seems to me like authors do that just to add unnecessary angst.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
I did get a little irritated with Matthew and Julia a few times, because most of their problems were caused by a lack of communication. If they had just taken the time to talk to each other, most of their issues could have been avoided. It always bothers me when a couple has problems just because they don't talk -- seems to me like authors do that just to add unnecessary angst.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
December 7, 2020
Simple misunderstandings...
...which could easily have been avoided if people just talked!
Julia is shy and quiet, she wasn't sure about being a mail order bride but agreed to come to stay near her friends. She has no idea what to expect and nobody she can confide in, becoming more and more confused, withdrawn and feeling rejected. But Matthew is used to outgoing women who say what they think and/or need and so he equates her being quiet to her being unhappy.
Matthew lives in his head far too much, his past haunts him and makes it difficult to see exactly what he has in Julia. Can he forgive himself and embrace their future with both hands before it is too late or will he lose her because he is drowning under guilt?
This book is heartbreaking in parts, has some light relief courtesy of Abe and is beautifully sweet when they finally begin talking and loving.
Part of a multi author series that is available on Kindle Unlimited this second book continues as the first did as a story being told as a memory to eager grandchildren and great-grandchildren at Christmas time.
...which could easily have been avoided if people just talked!
Julia is shy and quiet, she wasn't sure about being a mail order bride but agreed to come to stay near her friends. She has no idea what to expect and nobody she can confide in, becoming more and more confused, withdrawn and feeling rejected. But Matthew is used to outgoing women who say what they think and/or need and so he equates her being quiet to her being unhappy.
Matthew lives in his head far too much, his past haunts him and makes it difficult to see exactly what he has in Julia. Can he forgive himself and embrace their future with both hands before it is too late or will he lose her because he is drowning under guilt?
This book is heartbreaking in parts, has some light relief courtesy of Abe and is beautifully sweet when they finally begin talking and loving.
Part of a multi author series that is available on Kindle Unlimited this second book continues as the first did as a story being told as a memory to eager grandchildren and great-grandchildren at Christmas time.
July 22, 2023
I listened to this one on audio. I did like the narrator. With this audiobook publisher, there tends to be a random sound or sets of sounds. It's hard to describe. It's not at the end of a chapter but in a chapter. Anyway. It was ok, a tiny annoying, but eh. ANYWAY. I am loving this series. I like first of all, that they all have the same cover, just with the title different. I do wish the number in the series was on it, but that is ok as well. I am just nitpicking. I love how each book starts out with the grandkids asking the grandma for their story. I myself loved listening to Grandma's stories at Christmas time. I really enjoyed this story. I thought the characters were great as well. Abe, oh Abe. I like you. You remind me of a similar thing I had happen to me many moons ago.
April 25, 2020
Another awesome story in this series.
I loved this second story in this series and I believe this author is new to me. I loved the heroine and the hero and their strange beginnings to their marriage. Thank goodness for the butting in sister as if not for her, these two wouldn't be married and they probably would have had a boring life. Yeah for great secondary characters. This story I suggest you get after reading the first one. Oh and the one truly obnoxious woman in town. Talk about crazy people and their faked hysterics. Yeah, she is a real winner for sure.
I loved this second story in this series and I believe this author is new to me. I loved the heroine and the hero and their strange beginnings to their marriage. Thank goodness for the butting in sister as if not for her, these two wouldn't be married and they probably would have had a boring life. Yeah for great secondary characters. This story I suggest you get after reading the first one. Oh and the one truly obnoxious woman in town. Talk about crazy people and their faked hysterics. Yeah, she is a real winner for sure.
November 10, 2018
A sweet start to the holiday season! Matt and Julia struggle to get to know each other for a while because they each carry some emotional baggage. Their troubles are made worse by a scheming woman who wants Matt for herself but love triumphs in the end. I liked how Matt's sister and the old man helped them work out their problems and come together. I prefer Lily's longer books but this was a quick, sweet read, a good start to the holiday season.
December 3, 2018
I love Julia's story
Five women starting their lives over as Mail- order brides in Angel Creek in so entertaining and adventurous. I loved Julia's and Matthew's story. The secret bride the jealous fiancee makes exciting reading. Matthew has a secret about Christmas past that threatens to tear them apart. I hope you read Julia and the other ladies in this series. I recommend you read any title by Lily Graison
Five women starting their lives over as Mail- order brides in Angel Creek in so entertaining and adventurous. I loved Julia's and Matthew's story. The secret bride the jealous fiancee makes exciting reading. Matthew has a secret about Christmas past that threatens to tear them apart. I hope you read Julia and the other ladies in this series. I recommend you read any title by Lily Graison
December 11, 2019
Julia (Angel Creek Christ Bride book 2)
Another great story. Julia was the really shy one of the five ladies to travel to Montana from Charleston. She was to be married to Matthew Bailey. Only he ghastly shown at he church to tell her he could not marry her. Well, she was so beautiful to him, he could not do it. Well, they had their issues learning each other, but it is well worth reading. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
Another great story. Julia was the really shy one of the five ladies to travel to Montana from Charleston. She was to be married to Matthew Bailey. Only he ghastly shown at he church to tell her he could not marry her. Well, she was so beautiful to him, he could not do it. Well, they had their issues learning each other, but it is well worth reading. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
November 9, 2018
A charming mail-order bride tale for the holidays! Julia Hamel arrives in town to be a mail-order bride, but the only problem is, her groom isn't the one who requested her. Matthew Bailey's sister is the one responsible, but once Matthew sees Julia, he's completely enamored. This story had just the right amount of drama to keep you guessing and the I love the chemistry between the characters.
November 18, 2018
Mail order with drama
Matthew and Julia's story is a short story but filled with lots of characters and drama that you rarely see in stories about mail order brides. I'm this there is Cora who stirs up trouble for the couple as well as his sister Prudence who sent for Julia without Matthew knowing about it. Good read.
Matthew and Julia's story is a short story but filled with lots of characters and drama that you rarely see in stories about mail order brides. I'm this there is Cora who stirs up trouble for the couple as well as his sister Prudence who sent for Julia without Matthew knowing about it. Good read.
September 9, 2019
Julia (Angel Creek Christmas Brides Book 2) By Lily Graison
Five stars, she is a good author.. Julia was ready to be a mail order bride in every way.. But Matthew had a lot of past hurt inside him.. There was action
and some sensuality... But he turn around his life around when he was losing Julia.. Good ending..
Five stars, she is a good author.. Julia was ready to be a mail order bride in every way.. But Matthew had a lot of past hurt inside him.. There was action
and some sensuality... But he turn around his life around when he was losing Julia.. Good ending..
December 2, 2020
Historical Christmas Romance
I wouldn't categorize this book as sweet. Their foreplay is described in too much detail in my opinion, even though their making love scenes are left to the reader's imagination.
And as much as I enjoyed the actual story, I have a hard time with Abe, as well, and who he was.
I wouldn't categorize this book as sweet. Their foreplay is described in too much detail in my opinion, even though their making love scenes are left to the reader's imagination.
And as much as I enjoyed the actual story, I have a hard time with Abe, as well, and who he was.
February 23, 2021
No squealing women.
Why oh why do authors think women squeal and scream? You would never write that about a man. It takes away from the story. I like a book that I get so involved in that it feels real and believable... then some woman squeals or screams. It is like being hit with a cold wash rag. And just like that, the magic of the story ends. Please🙏 rethink.
Why oh why do authors think women squeal and scream? You would never write that about a man. It takes away from the story. I like a book that I get so involved in that it feels real and believable... then some woman squeals or screams. It is like being hit with a cold wash rag. And just like that, the magic of the story ends. Please🙏 rethink.
October 12, 2022
My Musings
A sweet and wholesome romance with endearing characters and a heartfelt plot. Julia is a marvelous heroine, A perfect southern belle. Matthew is a honorable hero who wants to do the right thing with his e expected bride. I enjoyed the strong love between Matthew and his sister. Happy reading!
A sweet and wholesome romance with endearing characters and a heartfelt plot. Julia is a marvelous heroine, A perfect southern belle. Matthew is a honorable hero who wants to do the right thing with his e expected bride. I enjoyed the strong love between Matthew and his sister. Happy reading!
November 23, 2018
Matthew and Julia
Julia was one of the five mail order brides from Charleston and Matthew owned a cattle ranch in Angel Creek. This is the story of their romance and love story. It is a very good read. I enjoyed reading it lot and I feel like you will too.
Julia was one of the five mail order brides from Charleston and Matthew owned a cattle ranch in Angel Creek. This is the story of their romance and love story. It is a very good read. I enjoyed reading it lot and I feel like you will too.
January 7, 2019
Good story!
This story was good. Due to lack of men to marry, after the civil war Julia and her friends decided go to west as mail order brides....Julia’s story was eventful and intriguing. It could have been longer.
This story was good. Due to lack of men to marry, after the civil war Julia and her friends decided go to west as mail order brides....Julia’s story was eventful and intriguing. It could have been longer.
October 18, 2019
Just as good as the first book.
Eagerly downloading the next lol. It was just as good as the first book. I enjoyed the sweet romance and hope the others in the series are sweet as well.
Eagerly downloading the next lol. It was just as good as the first book. I enjoyed the sweet romance and hope the others in the series are sweet as well.
December 20, 2019
Julia’s Story
I am enjoying reading the Angel Creek Christmas Brides series so much! I’ve read the first two and have Ruby’s story download to read next. Julia’s story is well writing and I highly recommend this book. I hope you will read the book and enjoy it as much as I did!
I am enjoying reading the Angel Creek Christmas Brides series so much! I’ve read the first two and have Ruby’s story download to read next. Julia’s story is well writing and I highly recommend this book. I hope you will read the book and enjoy it as much as I did!
April 1, 2021
Another sweet Christmas Love story
Very sweet story. Loved how detailed the author was with her characters, so much so that her readers felt they knew Julia enough to know that no way was she capable of anything but kindness.
Very sweet story. Loved how detailed the author was with her characters, so much so that her readers felt they knew Julia enough to know that no way was she capable of anything but kindness.
November 11, 2018
Great
Wow, this was a great addition to the series. Julia and Matthew are perfect for you but there are few things standing in their way. The addition of Abe was perfect.
Wow, this was a great addition to the series. Julia and Matthew are perfect for you but there are few things standing in their way. The addition of Abe was perfect.
November 15, 2018
Such a sweet romance! Definitely worth a read.
November 19, 2018
Entertaining
A sweet story that leads to a celebration of love and happiness in the wild of Montana a southern girl seeks home and love.
A sweet story that leads to a celebration of love and happiness in the wild of Montana a southern girl seeks home and love.
November 27, 2018
Julia
Another sweet quick read about love in the old West. Mail order brides who were fortunate enough to find a new home and love.
Another sweet quick read about love in the old West. Mail order brides who were fortunate enough to find a new home and love.
December 2, 2018
Excellent
First book I have read by this author and it won’t be the last I loved her characters and the plot was very believable
First book I have read by this author and it won’t be the last I loved her characters and the plot was very believable
December 4, 2018
Loved it
What a great story. The character's and story kept me reading. Highly recommend this book and this series! Can't wait to read the next one.
What a great story. The character's and story kept me reading. Highly recommend this book and this series! Can't wait to read the next one.
December 29, 2018
Julia
This is a very sweet love story, with a very sweet ending. I read the bonus page and enjoyed very much as well. Recommend this series very much.
This is a very sweet love story, with a very sweet ending. I read the bonus page and enjoyed very much as well. Recommend this series very much.
November 17, 2019
Friends
What we do for friend ship . Sweet Julia left home and family to be like her friend. Read and find out how friendship works
What we do for friend ship . Sweet Julia left home and family to be like her friend. Read and find out how friendship works
December 7, 2019
Wonderful Romance!
I loved reading Julia and Matthew's story! Of course I've loved every Lily Gaison book I've read. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I loved reading Julia and Matthew's story! Of course I've loved every Lily Gaison book I've read. I look forward to the next book in the series.
December 29, 2019
Awesome
Another great nove!.Book two of Angel creek Christmas brides is one that u
You won't be Ble to put down
Another great nove!.Book two of Angel creek Christmas brides is one that u
You won't be Ble to put down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews