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A Southern Belle looking for peace after the war - An outlaw turned rancher, determined to start over - Can two people from opposite worlds find happiness together in Angel Creek this Christmas?
Viola Destine followed her friends to Angel Creek, Montana, only to be robbed on the stage. When a hero comes along and saves her, she has no plans to allow the outlaws to get away with stealing her possessions.
When the stage is late, Simon Clayton needs to find out why. What he finds is a dead stage driver and a Southern Belle, but the box he is expecting is gone. Determined to get his property back, he never expects the belle to follow him into danger. Or, to fall in love with someone like Viola.
In the end, can Simon hand her over to the man she came to Angel Creek to marry on Christmas Eve? Will Viola proceed after sharing a kiss with him? Or, will it take a Christmas miracle to change the course of their paths?
Viola Destine followed her friends to Angel Creek, Montana, only to be robbed on the stage. When a hero comes along and saves her, she has no plans to allow the outlaws to get away with stealing her possessions.
When the stage is late, Simon Clayton needs to find out why. What he finds is a dead stage driver and a Southern Belle, but the box he is expecting is gone. Determined to get his property back, he never expects the belle to follow him into danger. Or, to fall in love with someone like Viola.
In the end, can Simon hand her over to the man she came to Angel Creek to marry on Christmas Eve? Will Viola proceed after sharing a kiss with him? Or, will it take a Christmas miracle to change the course of their paths?
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2019
188 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 10, 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 irritated with Viola a few times, because she insisted on doing things that would ruin her reputation and would put her in danger. She was so determined to get back her stolen property, which is fine, but her actions were really pretty dumb. She was lucky that Simon watched out for her and made sure she was OK.
It also bothered me that Viola and Simon didn't really talk to each other much. If they had communicated as they should, some of their problems could have been avoided. It always bothers me when a couple has problems because of a lack of communication -- seems like the author does it 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 irritated with Viola a few times, because she insisted on doing things that would ruin her reputation and would put her in danger. She was so determined to get back her stolen property, which is fine, but her actions were really pretty dumb. She was lucky that Simon watched out for her and made sure she was OK.
It also bothered me that Viola and Simon didn't really talk to each other much. If they had communicated as they should, some of their problems could have been avoided. It always bothers me when a couple has problems because of a lack of communication -- seems like the author does it 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 14, 2020
Arson at Angel Creek?
Viola lived in Charleston from her earliest days. Her family had a plantation and slaves. The large Plantation house had been burned to the ground during the Civil War and the slaves the family owned had been freed. Viola inherited a small telescope from her favorite uncle. He gave it to her just before he passed. She had great memories of star-gazing with her uncle since childhood. Viola did not have hopes of a marriage in Charleston, so she decided to become a mail-order bride in Angel Creek where some of her childhood friends had gone to find a spouse. She excitedly packed her belongings, including the telescope, and traveled by train most of the way to Angel Creek, then completed the trip by stagecoach.
As bad luck would have it, the stagecoach was robbed and her treasured telescope was taken. She was not about to let the robbers keep her telescope, so she jumped on a horse and followed them. Will she retrieve her beloved telescope? Will she marry the man who sent for a Mail Order Bride, or will she fall in love with someone else? Read Viola and find out!
Viola lived in Charleston from her earliest days. Her family had a plantation and slaves. The large Plantation house had been burned to the ground during the Civil War and the slaves the family owned had been freed. Viola inherited a small telescope from her favorite uncle. He gave it to her just before he passed. She had great memories of star-gazing with her uncle since childhood. Viola did not have hopes of a marriage in Charleston, so she decided to become a mail-order bride in Angel Creek where some of her childhood friends had gone to find a spouse. She excitedly packed her belongings, including the telescope, and traveled by train most of the way to Angel Creek, then completed the trip by stagecoach.
As bad luck would have it, the stagecoach was robbed and her treasured telescope was taken. She was not about to let the robbers keep her telescope, so she jumped on a horse and followed them. Will she retrieve her beloved telescope? Will she marry the man who sent for a Mail Order Bride, or will she fall in love with someone else? Read Viola and find out!
December 16, 2020
It felt like....home..
No! Simon realised it is Viola that felt felt like home, her not the place, she gave is heart peace.
Simon feels unsettled and lost, not sure where he should be or what his future holds. Is he an outlaw? A bounty hunter? A rancher? A failure? He has no idea until he meets the very feisty Viola and then he finally realises it doesn't matter what his occupation is, as long as he is husband to his stargazer, a man who loves and is loved in return.
Viola may be a dreamer, but she is an adventurous dreamer and is determined to live her life the way she wants, not confined to an arranged marriage in Charleston. However she appears to have bitten off more than she bargained for when her stagecoach is held up by outlaws, never one to back down she lets her anger get the better of her. Can she live with the repercussions of decisions made in anger or will she regret those too?
I loved both Simon and Viola, they took action when needed and followed through with decisions made, they have personality and fire which makes them enjoyable to visit. Another great book in the Angel Creek series and available on Kindle Unlimited too.
No! Simon realised it is Viola that felt felt like home, her not the place, she gave is heart peace.
Simon feels unsettled and lost, not sure where he should be or what his future holds. Is he an outlaw? A bounty hunter? A rancher? A failure? He has no idea until he meets the very feisty Viola and then he finally realises it doesn't matter what his occupation is, as long as he is husband to his stargazer, a man who loves and is loved in return.
Viola may be a dreamer, but she is an adventurous dreamer and is determined to live her life the way she wants, not confined to an arranged marriage in Charleston. However she appears to have bitten off more than she bargained for when her stagecoach is held up by outlaws, never one to back down she lets her anger get the better of her. Can she live with the repercussions of decisions made in anger or will she regret those too?
I loved both Simon and Viola, they took action when needed and followed through with decisions made, they have personality and fire which makes them enjoyable to visit. Another great book in the Angel Creek series and available on Kindle Unlimited too.
January 29, 2020
Another awesome story by Cyndi Raye. I always enjoy her books, she just has a flair for writing.
Viola has lost her entire family during the civil war. She is all alone in her home. Her friends are all leaving to go west to become Mail Order Brides. She can't leave her home, can she? All her memories are here. Then something happens to make up her mind to follow them west. As she nears Angle Creek outlaws strike the stagecoach and steal her prize possession.
Simon is waiting for the stage to bring him his money so he can improve the ranch he inherited from his brother. It is late so he decides to go see what is the problem. He finds a dead stage driver and a woman who is very angry. He sends his hands back with the coach and goes to find the outlaws. Viola takes one of the horses and follows him. She can not let her uncle's telescope be lost. She does not care that she is endangering her reputation by being alone with him in the mountains.
I recommend this book to all who like good clean reading with twists and turns and wit and happy ever after.
Viola has lost her entire family during the civil war. She is all alone in her home. Her friends are all leaving to go west to become Mail Order Brides. She can't leave her home, can she? All her memories are here. Then something happens to make up her mind to follow them west. As she nears Angle Creek outlaws strike the stagecoach and steal her prize possession.
Simon is waiting for the stage to bring him his money so he can improve the ranch he inherited from his brother. It is late so he decides to go see what is the problem. He finds a dead stage driver and a woman who is very angry. He sends his hands back with the coach and goes to find the outlaws. Viola takes one of the horses and follows him. She can not let her uncle's telescope be lost. She does not care that she is endangering her reputation by being alone with him in the mountains.
I recommend this book to all who like good clean reading with twists and turns and wit and happy ever after.
July 17, 2021
A "fake" marriage to save her reputation
Viola came to Angel Creek to find a husband. Instead, she found a hero. The robbing of the stagecoach was just the beginning of her troubles. The robbers took her prized possession - the telescope her uncle gave her before he died. They also took Simon's strongbox with his life savings. Simon & Viola's determination to get their possessions back led to a "fake" marriage to save her reputation. But it was their determination to catch the final criminal that melded their relationship into a real marriage. This story had aa exciting end that made it all the more good.
Viola came to Angel Creek to find a husband. Instead, she found a hero. The robbing of the stagecoach was just the beginning of her troubles. The robbers took her prized possession - the telescope her uncle gave her before he died. They also took Simon's strongbox with his life savings. Simon & Viola's determination to get their possessions back led to a "fake" marriage to save her reputation. But it was their determination to catch the final criminal that melded their relationship into a real marriage. This story had aa exciting end that made it all the more good.
September 8, 2020
Post war Viola from Charleston seeks a new life when there are not many beaus to choose from so she heads to Montana to join her friends. Unfortunately, she is robbed on the stagecoach of a sentimental telescope given to her by a beloved uncle who once was a pirate. In comes Simon who is in pursuit of the robbers for the money that was also stolen. Teaming up together for a common purpose, they fall in love. Fast-paced story, often not very realistic but entertaining in its telling. Sweet and clean with a lovely cover for those who enjoy this genre.
January 30, 2020
Great series......
I'm enjoying this story about the adventures of a woman in the city of Charleston, right after the Civil War. About two years had passed, and there was not much left of the beauty of the city, most of the town was burned or destroyed. Viola was one of the last of a group of women friends left in the city, she was going to fellow her friends to Montana.
I'm enjoying this story about the adventures of a woman in the city of Charleston, right after the Civil War. About two years had passed, and there was not much left of the beauty of the city, most of the town was burned or destroyed. Viola was one of the last of a group of women friends left in the city, she was going to fellow her friends to Montana.
December 9, 2020
Sweet Historical Christmas Romance
Now this was a wonderfully sweet story! After reading a few of the books that weren't sweet, I was ready to give up, but I just need to stick with authors I trust! Cyndi weaves an incredible story filled with a brave and unpredictable woman, and a man, who's man enough to love her, just as she is!
Now this was a wonderfully sweet story! After reading a few of the books that weren't sweet, I was ready to give up, but I just need to stick with authors I trust! Cyndi weaves an incredible story filled with a brave and unpredictable woman, and a man, who's man enough to love her, just as she is!
August 5, 2022
Good story and characters
There's plenty of believable action in the story. A few emotional events to bind the characters into a sort of family and a sweet HEA.
Viola does a few things... not quite proper in her time, but she is aware of it and accepts the consequences.
The past that Simon is a bit ashamed of helps him save the day, and abused the boys he took in play an important part.
There's plenty of believable action in the story. A few emotional events to bind the characters into a sort of family and a sweet HEA.
Viola does a few things... not quite proper in her time, but she is aware of it and accepts the consequences.
The past that Simon is a bit ashamed of helps him save the day, and abused the boys he took in play an important part.
January 5, 2020
Viola and Simon’s Story
I have enjoyed reading the Angel Creek Christmas Brides Books. It’s really a great series. Cyndi Raye is one of my favorite authors and i know I will always get a good story from her books. I hope you enjoy Viola’s story as much as I did.
I have enjoyed reading the Angel Creek Christmas Brides Books. It’s really a great series. Cyndi Raye is one of my favorite authors and i know I will always get a good story from her books. I hope you enjoy Viola’s story as much as I did.
March 9, 2020
I loved Viola and Simon's story! I loved how they each had their own reason to go after the bandits. It was a wonderful and entertaining book and I always and am never disappointed to stories by Cyndi Raye. Thank you.
April 9, 2021
My favorite of the series so far...
Love the characters, and especially Viola. Head strong, smart, and adventurous. I think that mail-order brides in that era would have to be pretty tough and have adventurous souls.
Love the characters, and especially Viola. Head strong, smart, and adventurous. I think that mail-order brides in that era would have to be pretty tough and have adventurous souls.
December 27, 2019
Viola
A southern belle full of fire and able to fend for herself because the war had changed her life. Friends in Angel Creek and a new vision of hope.
A southern belle full of fire and able to fend for herself because the war had changed her life. Friends in Angel Creek and a new vision of hope.
December 31, 2019
Loved it!
February 4, 2020
Good
Great read, love this series. Fell in love with the woman hero in this book...love feisty women to don't now down
Great read, love this series. Fell in love with the woman hero in this book...love feisty women to don't now down
February 9, 2020
Pleasant
This was a warm pleasant read. It continues the great series that will keep you tuned in. Viola was a strong character
This was a warm pleasant read. It continues the great series that will keep you tuned in. Viola was a strong character
July 6, 2020
Very enjoyable and well written story
I found this book by this author very good. Lots of action, new ideas and a handsome hero. Enjoyed reading this story very much.
I found this book by this author very good. Lots of action, new ideas and a handsome hero. Enjoyed reading this story very much.
September 22, 2020
Enjoyed this novella.
January 4, 2021
Loved it!!
A robbery and a hunt for the robbers leads to the adventure of a lifetime. An ex outlaw/bounty hunter and a souther belle find their home.
A robbery and a hunt for the robbers leads to the adventure of a lifetime. An ex outlaw/bounty hunter and a souther belle find their home.
January 22, 2022
Wonderful read! Cyndi Raye weaves a tale with two strong characters, a few convicts, love, and community strength.
November 29, 2019
Viola Destine's family has lost so much due to the Civil War. She decides to go to Angel Creek, Montana to become a Mail Order Bride. The letter is written, but Viola reaches Montana before the letter. Accosted by thugs on the stage coach just outside of Angel Creek, her prized possession is taken from her. She vows she will get it back at all costs.
Shipping his money to Angel Creek by stage is Simon Clayton. It is hidden in a strongbox in a compartment. Alas it is discovered and taken. Simon sets off to regain his property. Viola decides he knows what he is doing and follows him.... Bringing about a string of events that will tie them together as Husband and Wife. Will they weather the storms and remain a couple?
The cast of characters created in the book will tell the story. They are well written and the plot is one that keeps you reading from beginning to end. I loved the book and am sure you will too!
I received an ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review.
Shipping his money to Angel Creek by stage is Simon Clayton. It is hidden in a strongbox in a compartment. Alas it is discovered and taken. Simon sets off to regain his property. Viola decides he knows what he is doing and follows him.... Bringing about a string of events that will tie them together as Husband and Wife. Will they weather the storms and remain a couple?
The cast of characters created in the book will tell the story. They are well written and the plot is one that keeps you reading from beginning to end. I loved the book and am sure you will too!
I received an ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review.
December 1, 2019
This is actually the first book in this series that I've read (I do have another couple in my TBR list), the author kindly sent me an advance copy of the book although this did not affect my review.
Viola was on her way to Angel Falls to become a mail order bride when the stagecoach she was in was robbed by a group of outlaws,taking an item from her that meant a great deal to her personally.
The outlaws were chased away by a small group including Simon, a reformed outlaw who had a large amount of money on the coach that was also taken. He follows the outlaws and the feisty Viola follows along.
A Southern Belle who had lost almost everything in the Civil War and a reformed outlaw who had inherited a ranch from his brother are maybe an unlikely couple, can they recover what they lost and maybe have a Happy Ever After?
Viola was on her way to Angel Falls to become a mail order bride when the stagecoach she was in was robbed by a group of outlaws,taking an item from her that meant a great deal to her personally.
The outlaws were chased away by a small group including Simon, a reformed outlaw who had a large amount of money on the coach that was also taken. He follows the outlaws and the feisty Viola follows along.
A Southern Belle who had lost almost everything in the Civil War and a reformed outlaw who had inherited a ranch from his brother are maybe an unlikely couple, can they recover what they lost and maybe have a Happy Ever After?
December 2, 2019
After losing a lot, including her favorite uncle, Viola left to become a mail order bride in the place her friends have already started their new lives. But before arrival her stagecoach got robbed and gone is her most beloved possession. When Simon arrives at the stage coach he finds his box gotten robbed and goes after the outlaws. Viola follows and there the adventure starts.
A marriage of convenience, fighting outlaws and together stargazing brings what they both need, a home. Great story.
A marriage of convenience, fighting outlaws and together stargazing brings what they both need, a home. Great story.
December 4, 2019
This is a beautifully written addition to this holiday series. Ms Raye writes a story full of love and adventure that I think you will definitely enjoy!
December 2, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting.
November 30, 2019
The lady has Grit
The author pulls you in with the main character in trouble. That not the being of what will come next. Read and find out.
The author pulls you in with the main character in trouble. That not the being of what will come next. Read and find out.
November 30, 2019
Another excellent story! Thank you for all your hard work!
November 16, 2020
Spunky main character
4 1/2 star
The main young lady was spunky and knew what she wanted in life and wasn’t gonna stand a side and let people treat her as if she was a delicate southern belle
Even though this is listed as a Christmas book,there really isn’t anything Christmas about it until the very end when they mention it will be a merry Christmas
Also would recommend for my advanced preteen reading friends
4 1/2 star
The main young lady was spunky and knew what she wanted in life and wasn’t gonna stand a side and let people treat her as if she was a delicate southern belle
Even though this is listed as a Christmas book,there really isn’t anything Christmas about it until the very end when they mention it will be a merry Christmas
Also would recommend for my advanced preteen reading friends
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews