Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Gilbert Girls #5

Forever Christmas

Rate this book
A lonely cowboy. A young widow. A Christmas to remember.

Elizabeth Hartley Campbell arrives at the Crest Stone Hotel, widowed and searching for the brother she hasn't seen in seven years. Distraught to learn he's left, she takes a job as a Gilbert Girl at the hotel's restaurant. She quickly befriends the other girls and finds comfort in helping the hotel prepare for Christmas—until a wayward cowboy wanders in from the snow and sits at her lunch counter.

Landon Cooper didn't mean to stop at the hotel, and he certainly didn't intend to stay longer than one night. After all, a job that will pay him more money than he could ever make as a ranch hand awaits him in Canon City—if he can stomach the thought of turning outlaw. But it's hard to think straight when Elizabeth is nearby, and he finds himself hanging pine boughs and lugging a tree through the snow for her instead of riding away.

Even though Elizabeth fears falling for another cowboy, and Landon knows she won't forgive him if she knew what he had planned, they find themselves growing closer. With a blizzard threatening on Christmas Eve, both Elizabeth and Landon will need to learn to trust in love, or be driven apart forever.

Forever Christmas is the fifth book in the Gilbert Girls series, but can be read as a standalone novel. Like all of Cat's books, this sweet and clean historical romance will warm your heart and fill you with hope.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2019

349 people are currently reading
232 people want to read

About the author

Cat Cahill

83 books68 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
375 (59%)
4 stars
173 (27%)
3 stars
73 (11%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,277 reviews36 followers
December 22, 2021
A beautiful and heartfelt story of two people who truly do need each other but with the future seeming so uncertain, it will take a blizzard, illness and decision making for them to reach their HEA.

Elizabeth is a widow who had a very unhappy marriage and is now searching for her brother to make things right. She finds herself some work at the Crest Stone Hotel and it's there that she makes friends and shines as the Christmas decorator. Landon is a loner and ranch hand who is making his way to another job, this one which will make him an outlaw but lots of money. When he stops at the hotel for one night, his plans go awry when he meets Elizabeth and before he knows it, he's in love! Now he needs to decide what to do with his plans!!!

I thought this was well written and kept my interest throughout the story.
Profile Image for Nati.
137 reviews14 followers
December 30, 2023
2.5 stars
As other readers said, too much insta love.
Also, I'm not too fond of all the male/female roles. I think it's quite sexist, though I'm aware that, given the times where this story takes place, that's normal. But this, plus the whole insta love, put me off. Fortunately, the blizzard came (in the story) and made things more interesting. At some point, previous to the blizzard, I was quite close to not finishing the book, a first for me, but I was curious, so I tried to read as fast as possible. Then it got better.
Overall, it's wholesome, don't get me wrong. I like the Christmas magic, the brother's attitude, the friendships... but it was a bit too much. And trust me, I read a lot of romcom and Christmas stories, but this wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,474 reviews18 followers
December 15, 2019
Good story!

Perfect for Christmas, but great anytime! Sweet second chance in a life that has taken a wrong turn and one that's about to take a wrong turn. Lovely read!
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
November 11, 2019
ONE EXCITING CHRISTMAS TREAT!!!
Rack 'em up! Cat raised the bar, broke the mold, seized the dynamics, mastered the whole kit-n-ka-boodle with this blazing spin fusing this baby together one jagged piece at a time. Cat racks 'em up and sends 'em spiraling with this sensational, mesmerizing, heart pounding, pulse racing, block busting treat. Shenanigans, trips, snags, dips, dodges, mishaps and mayhem takes you on one incredible adventure with this enthralling storyline and tumultuous plot. Add intrigue, challenges and electrifying suspense and you have one intense, page flipping dynamo thrusting this jewel into a tailspin with astonishing impacts. This bad boy showcases 100% on point realism, kicking up a churning vortex chocked-full of daunting circumstances that keep you flipping page after page. The chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing a growing bond and amplifying affections that catapult this jewel to life flawlessly. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and blossom along with the graphically detailed scenes there's no trouble interpreting each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Awesome job Cat, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
1,003 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2021
It's another romance for one of the Gilbert Girls. This book finds the hotel being decorated for two Christmas weddings.
"Elizabeth Hartley Campbell arrives at the Crest Stone Hotel, widowed and searching for the brother she hasn't seen in seven years. Distraught to learn he's left, she takes a job as a Gilbert Girl at the hotel's restaurant. She quickly befriends the other girls and finds comfort in helping the hotel prepare for Christmas--until a wayward cowboy wanders in from the snow and sits at her lunch counter.
Landon Cooper didn't mean to stop at the hotel, and he certainly didn't intend to stay longer than one night. After all, a job that will pay him more money than he could ever make as a ranch hand awaits him in Canon City--if he can stomach the thought of turning outlaw. But it's hard to think straight when Elizabeth is nearby, and he finds himself hanging pine boughs and lugging a tree through the snow for her instead of riding away.
Even though Elizabeth fears falling for another cowboy and Landon knows she won't forgive him if she knew what he had planned, they find themselves growing closer. With a blizzard threatening on Christmas Eve, both Elizabeth and Landon will need to learn to trust in love, or be driven apart forever." synopsis copied
Profile Image for Sandra Hart.
Author 24 books347 followers
January 2, 2026
Crest Stone, Colorado Territory, 1875

After the death of her husband, Elizabeth Campbell spends all her money on a train ticket to the Colorado Territory in search of her brother. Upon learning that he’s in California with his new bride, Elizabeth takes a job as a waitress at the hotel her brother built.

In dread of his next job, Landon Cooper stops at a fine hotel for the night. His waitress at the lunch counter captivates him, but he’s not worthy of a good woman—especially after he completes his new job. Still, he can’t forget her. When she enlists his help in decorating the hotel for Christmas, he extends his stay.

Elizabeth’s marriage had not been a good one. It wouldn’t be wise to marry another cowboy, yet Landon stirs her heart. But what secret is he keeping?

The story captivated my attention from the first chapter as believable characters drew me into their plight. The hero’s decision kept me wondering as the story unfolded.

Characters from earlier novels are introduced seamlessly into the story, making me want to read the whole series.

I will look for more books by this author.

496 reviews10 followers
November 11, 2019
Rating: 4.5 stars

The battle for easy money or right. Which will win?

What I liked and engaged me as a reader:

• In this book, you were drawn in by wanting to understand the complex personalities and past lives of Elizabeth and Cooper. As the story progressed the more you wanted to discover more about these characters.
• The minor players, the present and past Gilbert Girls, added depth to the storyline.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• This was a fun escape through a western romance.
• There were no spelling or editing problems I could see in this story. I enjoyed a well edited book.
• The pacing of this story was good. It was neither too fast nor too slow and it flowed smoorhly.
• This was a clean read and I appreciate that.
• This story had a happily ever after ending.

I was given a free copy of this book by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
425 reviews9 followers
November 12, 2019
Elizabeth is at the end of her rope, her husband has died and she used the rest of her money to get to Crest Stone to see her brother. He no longer lives there but Mrs. McFarland offers her the opportunity to work at the lunch counter, which she jumps at. Landon arrives at Crest Stone to spend the night to have a warm bed and a warm meal before he heads to Cannon City to meet with friends who want him to work with them. This is the beginning of how Elizabeth and Landon meet but there is much in store for them at the little valley in the woods. With a little bit of action and suspense and a bunch of romantic thoughts from the women, Ms. CAHILL gives us another heartwarming episode in the Gilbert Girls series. You will enjoy spending time with all the girls again as Penny and Dora look forward to their double wedding.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for BlueJeansAndTeacups.
670 reviews24 followers
July 7, 2023
I downloaded this book because an author I follow forwarded a list of freebies from a blog she follows. In THIS case, it actually was a sweet, clean read.
I enjoyed this story aside from the very rushed romance. It's basically an unexpected love-at-first-sight kind of story set in Colorado Territory, 1875.
I am giving it 3 stars = Good
Elizabeth Campbell is a widow, looking for a fresh start.
Landon Cooper is also looking for a fresh start but in the wrong sort of way.
They chance upon each other at the same hotel and are immediately drawn to one another.
A blizzard brings challenges to them and other hotel guests (just the right amount of danger).
Light faith in the form of praying.
Odd epilogue in that it took place the very same day the last chapter ended, but that was just my own notice perhaps.
I downloaded this book when it was offered at zero cost on Amazon.
All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 45 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023
36 reviews
February 25, 2021
One Woman, One Cowboy and a Monster Snow Storm

Elizabeth traveled from the California gold mines to Colorado n search of her brother . The last she knew he was building a hotel in Crest Stone and she needed to see him. Instead of her brother, she found herself hiring on at the hotel until she could afford to continue looking. While decorating the hotel for Christmas, Elizabeth met a hotel guest who helped her cut limbs for decorating, helped hang the decorations and brought her a holiday surprise. But, Elizabeth sensed that Landon was hiding something or holding something back from her . With a blizzard brewing, Christmas weddings planned for the hotel and a train missing, would there be a Merry Christmas in Crest Stone? Read about Elizabeth, Landon and their new friends in this romantic Christmas story.
Profile Image for NATIVE TEXAN.
200 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2025
Sweet but pointless fluff

FOREVER CHRISTMAS, Cat Cahill, 12/06/2025
After their parents died, older brother takes care of younger sister until she runs away to California to marry a cowboy-turned-miner that brother warned her against. Seven years of no contact, the newly widowed sister returns to find her brother, not knowing what her reception may be. Brother is long gone so she finds a job waitressing in a fancy hotel where she meets "the one" who unfortunately is another penniless cowboy. He was on his way to another town to join acquaintances in a rustling scheme which is ongoing for only a few months and will leave him rich and able to buy his own place but he stops dead in his tracks when he meets "the one" at the hotel where he stopped for the night. Being with her but broke, outweighs being an outlaw and rich. And everyone lives happily ever after.
Profile Image for Teresa Bertolio.
638 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2019
Elizabeth and Landon are wonderful characters who found each other when each was struggling with life. Elizabeth's husband has just died, and he emotionally abused her, leaving her untrusting of men and others. She is given a job as a Gilbert Girl to raise some money, while she waits to find her brother, her only kin. Landon was just stopping through and has to decide if he wants to strike it rich with cattle rustling just once, so he can buy a ranch. All he knows is ranching. Can they help each other? Find out in this beautiful story set at Christmas time! Lots of action, suspense, and romance:) I highly recommend this book! Happy Reading!
1,925 reviews5 followers
December 17, 2019
Forever Christmas

Great book, the fact that a young woman has used her last little bit of money to take a train to find her brother only to arrive and find that he is not there. She then tells the lady of the hotel offers her a job and a room till she is on her feet. She meets a cowboy and then a snowstorm happens to stop the train with her brother and sister in law on board and her friend helps to rescue them and the other passengers on the train. A wedding and a love affair all take place at this hotel. This was a Free read and a great one. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
1,187 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2020
This is another one of the Gilbert Girls books by the amazing author Cat Cahill.
It is a sweet, clean, heartwarming historical romance. The scene is the west at Christmas, filled with the excitement of the season. This is the story of Landon and Elizabeth. The characters are so engaging that it makes you want them to get together. The ups and downs of their emotional drama brings you along for the ride, as they sort out their feelings, past experiences, and the barriers they experience. The storyline is filled with romance, danger, surprises and suspense. It is an excellent read that is definitely worth your time.

I received this book for free and have voluntarily left a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,497 reviews5 followers
March 4, 2021
Recently widowed and destitute, Elizabeth Campbell, arrives at the Crest Stone Hotel, in search of her long-lost brother. Unfortunately, he is not there temporarily. Penniless, she is offered a position as a hotel waitress in order to make money to support herself. Landon Cooper has been spurned by a woman from his past. He has the opportunity to make quick money to purchase a ranch, so he can have hopes of settling down with a family in the future. He is reluctant to take the job, as it is not legal. This sweet book has a theme of not letting a painful past keep you from a love-filled future. Set at Christmastime, the book is joyful and celebrates the bonds of true friendship.
Profile Image for HAL.
425 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2023
Nothing like no money and lots of snow for Christmas!

Elizabeth comes to town to find her brother. He's not there. But she lands a temp for the hotel. A scruffy cowboy is trying to continue to a distasteful, criminal "job" so he can have his dream. He decides to sleep in comfort for one night and maybe convince himself to like the opportunity before him before moving on but a fetching waitress keeps gluing his feet in the town and he helps her decorate. What? The scenarios can be a bit contrived but overall, this is a fun, clean read with all the lose ends tied up in a festive bow. Any age can read this and enjoy.
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
914 reviews79 followers
December 7, 2024
Set in the remote community of Crest Stone, Colorado Territory in 1875, this book is a heartwarming Christmasy addition to the sweet Gilbert Girls historical western romance series. I love these stories about the courageous Gilbert Girls, inspired by the real-life Harvey Girls, who work as waitresses in a hotel restaurant. With a smoothly flowing and well-paced plot, wonderful characters, a beautifully sketched setting, challenging romance, interesting history, and a dash of faith, this is an engaging, entertaining read for Christmastime or any time! NOTE: Each book in the series is a standalone read although there are carryover characters.
1,288 reviews3 followers
December 9, 2024
Good theme for the book - made you really stop and think. What would I do if I wanted something so bad but had to do something that was illegal to get the money? Landon had a big decision to make. He was so torn between going to Canon City to meet up with his cowboy friends to steal cattle from ranches they had worked on. It would have made him the money he needed to get his own ranch. But Elizabeth has stolen his heart and he can't seam to get his mind off of her. How close he gets to going for his dream and the circumstances around that led you to the edge of your seat. The train disaster was a harrowing, cold rescue for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rebekah Morris.
Author 119 books269 followers
December 25, 2024
3 stars
I picked this book up one day when it was free. The cover didn’t attract me, but either I didn’t have time to check into the book and just decided to grab it that day and look later, or the synopsis caught my interest. Not sure which, but I ended up with the book.
I started reading expecting to give up quickly, but actually found myself interested. I liked the characters, and the setting was unique. There were a few times I felt things weren’t quite realistic, but most people probably wouldn’t notice.
There was really no real meaning of Christmas, but there were some prayers.

Overall it was an enjoyable read but I'm not sure I'd read it again. At least not soon.
Profile Image for Lynn.
Author 4 books8 followers
December 30, 2024
This was an intriguing tale. I love how the hero and heroine find the hotel in different manner - both searching for something. Elizabeth is looking for her brother while Landon is looking for a way out of making a choice that he knows is the wrong.

While Christmas plans and weddings are made, Elizabeth and Landon find something neither was looking for -love.

I enjoyed the thrill of the train subplot. That whole scenario had me anticipating turning the next page.

A lovely little tale for the holiday.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books47 followers
November 10, 2019
Such a beautiful Christmas story! The characters drew me in right away, I was so caught up in Elizabeth’s dilemma. There is so much to love about this story, the characters, the hotel, the Christmas cheer and love that is shared. I found myself totally lost in the pages of this incredible book that took me back to a simpler time. This story will put you in the mood for all things Christmas!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
1,044 reviews11 followers
January 25, 2021
Christmas weddings

Elizabeth is a widow looking for her brother, Monroe (from book one). Landon is a down-on-his-luck cowboy with only two options: remain a broke ranch hand or become a cattle rustler. Then he meets Elizabeth and instantly besotted and more confused about his future. For her part, Elizabeth has already been married to a jerk of a cowboy-turned-miner, and even though sparks are flying between her & Landon, she holds back. Short book, good story.
Profile Image for Suze Prescot.
Author 12 books31 followers
January 2, 2024
Sweet Cowboy Romance

Widowed and almost penniless, Elizabeth travels to find her brother, uncertain of the reception she will receive. She takes work in a hotel while she waits, and here she meets Landon.
Set in the 19th century and set at Christmas, this is a clean romance, with good characters and an interesting storyline. Cahill peoples the hotel with a variety of characters and throws in a life-threatening situation as well.
Very festive and enjoyable.
1,027 reviews11 followers
November 11, 2019
This is a sweet and heart warming Christmas story evidencing that wishes do come true at Christmas. This is Elizabeth and Landon's story; both of whom have suffered some hardships in their life and have much to overcome past and present before they reach their HEA. The character development is excellent and the story is very well written. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
4,589 reviews31 followers
November 12, 2019
I very much enjoyed this book. It is always good to catch up with our friends in Crest Stone. Everything came together to get Elizabeth and Landon together. Landon has to make a hard choice but his reward for making the right one makes it worthwhile. Cat Cahill’s characters are well-developed and the story line has just the right amount of suspense. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,646 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2019
This is a sweet heartwarming Christmas book. This is the perfect book to curl up in your favorite reading spot and escape with. The author's words brings the story to life, you can see the scenery and feel all the emotions. This is a book I will read again. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,497 reviews23 followers
December 12, 2020
What a delightful historical romance written for Christmas time. I love all stories regarding the Gilbert Girls and this time period. The story was sweet but yet adventurous. The characters were very well crafted. The story-line kept my interest from beginning until the ending. I recommend and loved this book.
2,237 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2020
Ebook

She’s a widow, finding her brother is her only hope. She arrives at his hotel but he’s not there. She gets a job as a waitress and waits on a grumpy cowboy. She wants nothing to do with him but he’s cute and she’s drawn to him. He has a secret and it causes them to part. But he changes his heart to love pe and trust her.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
7 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2020
Lovely book to cuddly up with

Grab a warm cup of your favorite drink and snuggle up, this book will keep you drawn in until you finish it. A book all wrapped up about the main character, Elizabeth and the cowboy learning to love, hope and forgive will definitely pull at your heart strings as you follow their journey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.