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Ornamental Match Maker #1
Carousel Horse Christmas
In the busy world of Party Planning, Audrey Alberton has no time for love, she’s not even sure she has time for Christmas as her calendar continues to fill through the Holiday season. Can one simple gift from an unknown giver change everything? Holden Bays has too much to do to be slowed down by an accident but when his truck and trailer are damaged moving through the city one chance encounter could turn his world upside down. Christmas Miracles come in small packages in this delightful sweet short western bundle of Christmas Cheer.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2018
169 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Danni Roan
120 books123 followersDanni Roan, born in rural western Pennsylvania, has always loved the country life. Her first work published under her real name, Paula Liddle-Beem, is a collection of folk essays about childhood in the lush, green mountains of PA. Being a teacher of English and English as a Second Language for the past twelve years has only inspired Danni’s love of writing Western Historical Fiction. After receiving her Masters of Education in Teaching English as a Foreign Language she determined to indulge her passion for fiction writing. Teaching both in the USA and abroad has exposed Danni to a wide range of people from all walks of life and she tries to capture that unique character in her work.
https://www.facebook.com/danni.roan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 23, 2021
This was such a cute story. I loved the HEA ending, but felt that it was rushed and the story itself could have ended more realistic.
December 11, 2020
Warning:: there are actual spoilers under the spoiler tags!
Absolutely ridiculous! Cute and sweet, but ridiculous.
If this were not the first in a series where Christmas Miracles was the clearest of themes, I would probably be grumbling up a storm!! Not a fan of insta-love , nor assumptions and misunderstandings stemming from a lack of communication.
Then there is the actual writing of this story .. proofread, people! Missing punctuation, run-on sentences, incorrect forms of words ('for' when they meant 'four') ... UGH!
But it was cute, it was sweet, and it's full of Christmas cheer, so 3 stars it is.
Absolutely ridiculous! Cute and sweet, but ridiculous.
If this were not the first in a series where Christmas Miracles was the clearest of themes, I would probably be grumbling up a storm!! Not a fan of insta-love , nor assumptions and misunderstandings stemming from a lack of communication.
Then there is the actual writing of this story .. proofread, people! Missing punctuation, run-on sentences, incorrect forms of words ('for' when they meant 'four') ... UGH!
But it was cute, it was sweet, and it's full of Christmas cheer, so 3 stars it is.
June 5, 2019
A mysterious romance
When Mrs Claus and the weather conspire to unite a couple don't try to stand in the way. Audrey and Holden did not see love coming but it came anyway
When Mrs Claus and the weather conspire to unite a couple don't try to stand in the way. Audrey and Holden did not see love coming but it came anyway
December 14, 2019
This was a sappy, Hallmark Christmas story. The characters were all right, and the story line–apart from the fact that it was supposed to be Mrs. Clause who sent the ornament and tries to match lonely hearts–wasn’t bad. It was kind of fun to read once when things were crazy and hectic, but I won’t be reading it again.
There are some things that made me roll my eyes at how unlikely they would be to happen. There were several kisses without details, some “electric feels” when fingers brushed, and instant love.
There was a nativity story at the church, but that was the only mention of Christian things or what Christmas is really about.
This story had multiple typos, most of the questions didn’t end with a question mark, and there were quotation marks missing or in the wrong place. It really needed a good editor.
There are some things that made me roll my eyes at how unlikely they would be to happen. There were several kisses without details, some “electric feels” when fingers brushed, and instant love.
There was a nativity story at the church, but that was the only mention of Christian things or what Christmas is really about.
This story had multiple typos, most of the questions didn’t end with a question mark, and there were quotation marks missing or in the wrong place. It really needed a good editor.
December 5, 2020
'You may be the answer to my prayers'
Could it possibly be...destiny? Holden and Audrey meet in unusual circumstances, but neither completely believe this can be a meet-cute and try to resist the chemistry bubbling between them.
Audrey sees the gorgeous cowboy but is convinced he is too good for her...what could he possibly see in her?
Holden is intrigued by the beautiful event planner but doubts himself, what could he possibly offer a city girl?
Thankfully the magic of Christmas keeps throwing them together until finally Dasher takes matters into his own hooves on a romantic Christmas sleigh ride.
I love this book, it has Christmas magic, slightly quirky characters, a romantic (if improbable) plot and just enough crazy to keep you hooked...the perfect Christmas romance recipe. This was a free download but the rest of the series (30 books) are available on Kindle Unlimited, this is a multi author series with a total of nine (I think) authors alternating....fantastic! I cannot wait to read the rest in the series.
Could it possibly be...destiny? Holden and Audrey meet in unusual circumstances, but neither completely believe this can be a meet-cute and try to resist the chemistry bubbling between them.
Audrey sees the gorgeous cowboy but is convinced he is too good for her...what could he possibly see in her?
Holden is intrigued by the beautiful event planner but doubts himself, what could he possibly offer a city girl?
Thankfully the magic of Christmas keeps throwing them together until finally Dasher takes matters into his own hooves on a romantic Christmas sleigh ride.
I love this book, it has Christmas magic, slightly quirky characters, a romantic (if improbable) plot and just enough crazy to keep you hooked...the perfect Christmas romance recipe. This was a free download but the rest of the series (30 books) are available on Kindle Unlimited, this is a multi author series with a total of nine (I think) authors alternating....fantastic! I cannot wait to read the rest in the series.
April 16, 2025
This is a very sweet and entertaining story of Christmas, probably the busiest time in most people's lives, and how two nice people find each other. One is a hectically rushed Colorado party and event organiser. The other is a ranch owner, along with his brother and mother, and his dun horse resembles a carousel horse ornament that arrives at the party planner's address. Can the two of them get time to get to know each other, and why does it feel like something is pushing them to meet more than once?
I would note that when four related women have names starting with L, naming a flatmate starting with L also, isn't the best choice. This could happen in real life, but it's better not to confuse readers. I eventually gave up trying to keep them all straight.
You need to suspend disbelief or agree that magic can occur at the end of the year. A romance with no suspense, and with people who've had a bad dose of luck but are getting beyond it, makes for a positive read. Colorado in the snow sounds beautiful.
I read a Kindle version of this novella. This is an unbiased review.
I would note that when four related women have names starting with L, naming a flatmate starting with L also, isn't the best choice. This could happen in real life, but it's better not to confuse readers. I eventually gave up trying to keep them all straight.
You need to suspend disbelief or agree that magic can occur at the end of the year. A romance with no suspense, and with people who've had a bad dose of luck but are getting beyond it, makes for a positive read. Colorado in the snow sounds beautiful.
I read a Kindle version of this novella. This is an unbiased review.
December 15, 2019
Danni Roan writes incredible stories, this one no exception.
Don't you just love a wonderful, mad dash at Christmas where there is so much going on and Prince Charming finds you in the middle of traffic on a snowy day when his horse trailer is in an accident and all but one horse ran out as the door opens? He is riding his horse Dasher when he sees the woman he's waited for all his life in the car that hit his horse. They are off trying to gather up the other horses he was transporting.
This is a crazy, exciting, fast paced story with the heroine as a party planner, finds she just happens to need a ranch and all that goes with it, for a party and just happens to have a card left by a very handsome cowboy. Do I need to say more?
I loved this story and ended up reading it from start to finish. How can you not love a handsome, sexy cowboy who literally sweeps his heroine off her feet?
I highly recommend this story and the Ornamental Matchmaker series.
Don't you just love a wonderful, mad dash at Christmas where there is so much going on and Prince Charming finds you in the middle of traffic on a snowy day when his horse trailer is in an accident and all but one horse ran out as the door opens? He is riding his horse Dasher when he sees the woman he's waited for all his life in the car that hit his horse. They are off trying to gather up the other horses he was transporting.
This is a crazy, exciting, fast paced story with the heroine as a party planner, finds she just happens to need a ranch and all that goes with it, for a party and just happens to have a card left by a very handsome cowboy. Do I need to say more?
I loved this story and ended up reading it from start to finish. How can you not love a handsome, sexy cowboy who literally sweeps his heroine off her feet?
I highly recommend this story and the Ornamental Matchmaker series.
July 3, 2020
I have been dipping into this series and realised that I'd not yet read this first in the series. Each book is separate, although some are interconnected, and are set both in American Historical and Contemporary times.
This book is contemporary, Audrey is a party planner when she receives an ornament of a horse from Mrs Claus. Coincidentally she has a surprise meeting with a real horse and, the following morning, the accompanying rider.
The two are attracted to each other and start a business relationship, but can this evolve into real life?
These books are always a welcome escape from life's struggles in these times, with that touch of magic, faith and not forgetting romance that I really enjoy.
This book is contemporary, Audrey is a party planner when she receives an ornament of a horse from Mrs Claus. Coincidentally she has a surprise meeting with a real horse and, the following morning, the accompanying rider.
The two are attracted to each other and start a business relationship, but can this evolve into real life?
These books are always a welcome escape from life's struggles in these times, with that touch of magic, faith and not forgetting romance that I really enjoy.
December 9, 2019
I really wanted to like this book. It started off great, but the more the story progressed, the less appealing I found it. As an editor, I try not to be too critical of editing issues as I know how hard it is to find and correct all errors. But this did not appear to even been edited at all. Wrong words were used often (probably from spellcheck being used as the editor), and if there were any commas used, I don't recall them. I found myself having to re-read sentences to understand the meaning. But I persisted to the end to learn the mystery of the carousel horse ornament and the sleigh. Alas! We were left hanging wondering where these objects came from.
August 15, 2020
Loved this book!
The storyline of this book was so sweet that I couldn't put it down. I have always enjoyed Christmas romances, and this one was no exception. The four aunts were a special treat; everyone should be blessed with a set like these. Ms Roan's idea to have a series based on gifts from Mrs. Claus was genius! I wish the story had better proofreading. Far too many grammatical errors pulled this quick read down from 5 stars to 4. Otherwise, it was a very goodread. I am loking forward to working my way through tne entire series!
The storyline of this book was so sweet that I couldn't put it down. I have always enjoyed Christmas romances, and this one was no exception. The four aunts were a special treat; everyone should be blessed with a set like these. Ms Roan's idea to have a series based on gifts from Mrs. Claus was genius! I wish the story had better proofreading. Far too many grammatical errors pulled this quick read down from 5 stars to 4. Otherwise, it was a very goodread. I am loking forward to working my way through tne entire series!
December 11, 2020
I listened to the audiobook of this story. Great narration and entertaining. It's Christmas time and Audrey is a party planner and is so swamped with work. One day she received a package with a carousel horse ornament in it. Audrey doesn't know who sent it, Mrs Claus it says, but probably her aunts. Holden is a busy person too, but when he has accident on the highway, he has to get on his horse and get away from the scene. He rides pass Audrey in her friends car. She thinks it looks just like her ornament. The next day he is knocking on her door. Good things come in small packages.
December 24, 2021
Nice story
A busy party planner gets a mysterious gift of a carved wooden horse ornament, and next day her friend nearly collides with a man riding a horse that looks the same.
A man receives a sleigh with a note that he needs it more than the owner does.
The two are thrown together to plan a party with a Western theme in spring.
Her friends and aunts start plotting their marriage.
Nice, but it also feels pressured and rushed, which is wjy I rated it 3 stars. It is a story that deserbes more character development..rm?⁰⁰
A busy party planner gets a mysterious gift of a carved wooden horse ornament, and next day her friend nearly collides with a man riding a horse that looks the same.
A man receives a sleigh with a note that he needs it more than the owner does.
The two are thrown together to plan a party with a Western theme in spring.
Her friends and aunts start plotting their marriage.
Nice, but it also feels pressured and rushed, which is wjy I rated it 3 stars. It is a story that deserbes more character development..rm?⁰⁰
December 18, 2022
This was my first book by Danni Roan. I am a sappy Christmas story lover, so this fit right into what I was looking for. It was a sweet and clean story with a romance that starts with a cowboy named Holden Bays trying to ride his horse, Dash, to capture his other horses that got away after someone hit his horse trailer in an accident. And for those who think this is silly...yes, animals do get out on the road accidentally. I live in a rural farming area. I was heading out one day and there was the biggest cow I'd ever seen standing right in the road in front of me! I thought it was a cute book and took me back to young love when you dream of meeting your handsome prince!
December 9, 2020
Although this novel is very sweet with an 'insta-love' holiday theme someone seriously needed to edit this book. There were so many missing commas and quotation marks, and incorrect spelling (for/four, the/that), it made reading the book difficult at times, requiring rereading sentences several times to gain the correct meaning. The ending was also frustrating as the two hour difference in where Holden and Audrey live was never addressed.
December 24, 2020
A very sweet Hallmark-type story, Carousel Horse Christmas is filled with warm scenes of home and romance. This is normally not the type of book I read, but at Christmastime I can enjoy down-home easy to read fiction.
I did have a little difficultly with the lack of quite a few commas, and the perspectives were not partitioned cleanly into separate scenes.
All in all, it still was a sweet little Christmastime book.
I did have a little difficultly with the lack of quite a few commas, and the perspectives were not partitioned cleanly into separate scenes.
All in all, it still was a sweet little Christmastime book.
December 19, 2021
This was a typical Christmas cozy. However, I really enjoyed this book. There was just enough Christmas glitter type magic to bring back fond memories of years past. I noticed some critical reviews claiming the horse on the highway was impossible. I live in a city with large surrounding rural towns. Our Humane Society's Lost & Found pages, say it all. Anyone missing a couple of horses, cows, goats, rabbits, roosters? Not to mention cats and dogs. Reality is stranger than make believe.
December 24, 2021
Sweet Christmas Romance
A bit of Christmas magic is on tap for this sweet holiday romance. A holiday carousel horse ornament, a stately horse and Christmas sleigh, and a special set of circumstances set the scene for a "chance" meeting for two people to fall in love. This was a fast, easy read with nothing objectionable. No adult language or content, just a sweet story of love at first sight.
A bit of Christmas magic is on tap for this sweet holiday romance. A holiday carousel horse ornament, a stately horse and Christmas sleigh, and a special set of circumstances set the scene for a "chance" meeting for two people to fall in love. This was a fast, easy read with nothing objectionable. No adult language or content, just a sweet story of love at first sight.
January 12, 2022
It is like they knew each other always
A wonderful beginning to a very special Christmas series full of wonder and delight as a magical Christmas ornament changes the life of those who receive them. The first one was a beautiful carousel horse that looks just like the horse that ran down the road with the handsome cowboy riding him after an accident that changes her life forever. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more on this series.
A wonderful beginning to a very special Christmas series full of wonder and delight as a magical Christmas ornament changes the life of those who receive them. The first one was a beautiful carousel horse that looks just like the horse that ran down the road with the handsome cowboy riding him after an accident that changes her life forever. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more on this series.
November 19, 2023
Sweet Contemporary Romance
Having Mrs. Claus as the matchmaker in this series, and having Santa deliver presents to children are the things I don't particularly like in this series/book, but that's the gist of the whole thing. I was looking for a multiauthor series for Christmas that was at least mostly available with Kindle Unlimited. I prefer Historical but this series is a mix of Historical and Contemporary sweet romances. And, it's a very cute story.
Having Mrs. Claus as the matchmaker in this series, and having Santa deliver presents to children are the things I don't particularly like in this series/book, but that's the gist of the whole thing. I was looking for a multiauthor series for Christmas that was at least mostly available with Kindle Unlimited. I prefer Historical but this series is a mix of Historical and Contemporary sweet romances. And, it's a very cute story.
November 15, 2018
Another beautifully written Christmas story! I love this time of year. Well written characters. Bravo!
This time of year needs stories that just make you feel good and this one does that. It did for me. I know you will enjoy it too.
I received an ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review.
This time of year needs stories that just make you feel good and this one does that. It did for me. I know you will enjoy it too.
I received an ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review.
December 22, 2019
A beautiful magical Christmas story!
Holden - horse ranch
Audrey - Catering business
Current time
I enjoyed reading this captivating story that is fantastically written with a magical plot and charismatic characters. Their story has a wonderfully sweet HEA!!!!
However I do wish the epilogue included how they combine their life together.
Holden - horse ranch
Audrey - Catering business
Current time
I enjoyed reading this captivating story that is fantastically written with a magical plot and charismatic characters. Their story has a wonderfully sweet HEA!!!!
However I do wish the epilogue included how they combine their life together.
November 14, 2020
In the busy world of Party Planning, Audrey Alberton has no time for love. Can one simple gift from an unknown giver change everything? Holden Bays have too much to do to be slowed down by an accident but when his truck and trailer are damaged moving through the city one chance encounter could turn his world upside down.
A nice story, putting me in the Christmas Spirit.
A nice story, putting me in the Christmas Spirit.
December 2, 2020
Who is the Secret Matchmaker?
Very good wholesome romance. A young Professional Party Planner receives a package with an intricate carving of a carousel horse inside. And that sets things in action for the rest of the story. So if you're looking for a fun Christmas story with adventure and surprises, you don't want to miss this read!
Very good wholesome romance. A young Professional Party Planner receives a package with an intricate carving of a carousel horse inside. And that sets things in action for the rest of the story. So if you're looking for a fun Christmas story with adventure and surprises, you don't want to miss this read!
December 23, 2021
Christmas magic in the air!
Party planner meets Cowboy. It all starts with a gift if a carousel horse. A sweet romance . Cozynup in your favorite chair with a cup of tea, or cocoa and read this charming book. Predictability can still be fun. Enjoy this clean, charming, Christmas story.
Party planner meets Cowboy. It all starts with a gift if a carousel horse. A sweet romance . Cozynup in your favorite chair with a cup of tea, or cocoa and read this charming book. Predictability can still be fun. Enjoy this clean, charming, Christmas story.
December 29, 2021
Love can come at any time
A great story that everyone will enjoy! Audrey is a party planner and it's Christmas, the busiest time of the year. She meets this cowboy by chance and needs his help with a party. They are very attractive to each other, but they are from different worlds. Do they have a chance to make it work or is their worlds too far away?
A great story that everyone will enjoy! Audrey is a party planner and it's Christmas, the busiest time of the year. She meets this cowboy by chance and needs his help with a party. They are very attractive to each other, but they are from different worlds. Do they have a chance to make it work or is their worlds too far away?
December 25, 2022
The Ornamental Matchmaker Series is clever and this is the perfect book to kick off the series. I love merry-go-rounds (even at my age), so was immediately drawn to the cover. The story was heartwarming and fun, and the characters well-developed. Holden is a dreamy hero. I enjoyed watching Aubrey and Holden fall in love. A quick, wonderful read any time of year.
June 29, 2023
Carousel Horse Christmas
by Danni Roan
Book 1 of 39: The Ornamental Match Makers
This book was excellent; it truly captures the spirit of Christmas. I was interested from the very first page. The sleigh ride parts were so wonderful and I loved all the lovable characters. Absolutely fantastic story!
by Danni Roan
Book 1 of 39: The Ornamental Match Makers
This book was excellent; it truly captures the spirit of Christmas. I was interested from the very first page. The sleigh ride parts were so wonderful and I loved all the lovable characters. Absolutely fantastic story!
December 4, 2018
A Wonderful Book
What a wonderful Christmas Story and a happily ever after. This book holds your interest and keeps you guess up to the end. Audrey and Holden have a wonderful time.
What a wonderful Christmas Story and a happily ever after. This book holds your interest and keeps you guess up to the end. Audrey and Holden have a wonderful time.
December 11, 2018
An ornament, a horse, a sleigh, and snow
Mrs. Claus is matchmaking, but how? An ornament arrives. A live horse with cowboy appears. A sleigh is delivered. Now can an event planner and a cowboy find love? I think this is first in a series.
Mrs. Claus is matchmaking, but how? An ornament arrives. A live horse with cowboy appears. A sleigh is delivered. Now can an event planner and a cowboy find love? I think this is first in a series.
December 12, 2018
Christmas magic
A wonderful Christmas story. Great characters and interesting plot. With a busy life and job can a gal stop and contemplate love. A guy just never knows when love is going to surprise him.
A wonderful Christmas story. Great characters and interesting plot. With a busy life and job can a gal stop and contemplate love. A guy just never knows when love is going to surprise him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews