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Christmas #10
A MacCallister Christmas
A New York Times Bestseller
From bestselling authors William W. and J.A. Johnstone comes a special action-packed holiday Western tale of peace on earth and bad will toward men...
Ever since he left Scotland to start a new life in America, Duff MacCallister has stayed true to the values and traditions of his clan in the Highlands. But as Christmas approaches, he yearns to reconnect with his family--even the ones he hasn't met yet. This year, two of his American cousins--twins Andrew and Rosanna--will be joining Duff for the holidays at the Sky Meadow Ranch. That is, if they manage to get there alive...
En route from Cheyenne to Chugwater, the twins' train is held up by not one, but two vicious outlaw gangs. The Jessup gang has been using the Spalding gang's hideout to plan the robbery. The Jessups just lost two of their brothers in a bank job gone wrong--courtesy of Duff MacCallister--and they're gunning for revenge. Together, these two bloodthirsty bands of killers and thieves are teaming up to make this one Christmas the MacCallisters will never forget. They're taking everything: The train. The money. The MacCallister twins. And a woman from Duff's past who just might be the greatest present of all.
But Duff's got a gift to deliver, too. It's called gun-blazing justice. And unlike that train, it can't be stopped...
From bestselling authors William W. and J.A. Johnstone comes a special action-packed holiday Western tale of peace on earth and bad will toward men...
Ever since he left Scotland to start a new life in America, Duff MacCallister has stayed true to the values and traditions of his clan in the Highlands. But as Christmas approaches, he yearns to reconnect with his family--even the ones he hasn't met yet. This year, two of his American cousins--twins Andrew and Rosanna--will be joining Duff for the holidays at the Sky Meadow Ranch. That is, if they manage to get there alive...
En route from Cheyenne to Chugwater, the twins' train is held up by not one, but two vicious outlaw gangs. The Jessup gang has been using the Spalding gang's hideout to plan the robbery. The Jessups just lost two of their brothers in a bank job gone wrong--courtesy of Duff MacCallister--and they're gunning for revenge. Together, these two bloodthirsty bands of killers and thieves are teaming up to make this one Christmas the MacCallisters will never forget. They're taking everything: The train. The money. The MacCallister twins. And a woman from Duff's past who just might be the greatest present of all.
But Duff's got a gift to deliver, too. It's called gun-blazing justice. And unlike that train, it can't be stopped...
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 27, 2020
155 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,040 books1,392 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 17, 2020
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this charming cowboy christmas book
it has the elements of a good christmas book with a western feel about it..made me want to eat beans and sausages....and a good cup of coffee....
what train ride in a western isnt held up by outlaws...and the repercussions of this train ride are felt for years after...
but this story begins in scotland with a young american couple visiting scotland and its there the story being with the young man making the aquaintence of the old man who tells him the story of drew macallister
i think i have found another genre and author that i like....
it has the elements of a good christmas book with a western feel about it..made me want to eat beans and sausages....and a good cup of coffee....
what train ride in a western isnt held up by outlaws...and the repercussions of this train ride are felt for years after...
but this story begins in scotland with a young american couple visiting scotland and its there the story being with the young man making the aquaintence of the old man who tells him the story of drew macallister
i think i have found another genre and author that i like....
October 24, 2020
Another visit to Chugwater Wyoming and a meeting With Duff MacCallister. The story starts and ends in Scotland although I would have liked a connection with the tourists there. Duff is a great creation from the house of Johnstone. I am seldom dissapointed with this series and this is no exception. I am thankful to #Netgalley #KensingtonBooks and #Pinnacle for letting me read this book. Keep them coming.
December 22, 2020
4.3 stars. This if nothing else this was a fun listen. Duff MacCallister is expecting family for Christmas at his Wyoming 'Sky Mountain' ranch. This tall tale has three wise men, Falcon MacCallister who is good on his feet, with a gun, and with his fist. Two gold miners who have no gold until they do, an infant who has lost his parents to robbers, Indians, and a production of Shakespeare's "A Christmas Carol". Plus, a deranged woman with a grudge who claims to be a witch, and the Jessup gang.
November 16, 2020
Duff Maccallister is planning to spend his holidays with his family in America. However, it may take a bit for them to arrive and arrive safely. When the train that his twin cousins, Andrew and Rosanna, is on is held up, trouble comes from all over. Two gangs gunning for revenge plus a young woman who wants her own vengeance make for an interesting trip. Meanwhile Falcon, who is coming by horseback, runs into his own difficulties. Will the family get to spend Christmas together or will revenge be had? I love how these characters interact with one another. I love books set at Christmas and this was no exception. Duff and his family are truly men and women of honor. I look forward to more in the series. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
December 17, 2020
A Scottish witch, train robbers, bank robbers, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, cantankerous gold miners and more than a few gun fights - what more could you ask for in an old west Christmas story? Fun, enjoyable and thrilling western take that also captures the magic of the Christmas season.
November 6, 2020
Great mystery story
Lots of intrigue. Very enjoyable read with numerous twists and turns. Actually two stories in one, but combined into the real story.
Lots of intrigue. Very enjoyable read with numerous twists and turns. Actually two stories in one, but combined into the real story.
October 26, 2020
The 10th stand alone Christmas themed Johnstone western has the same quality hallmarks as every one of their titles. Each book carries multiple threads that will eventually come together to reinforce the western spirit of Christmas. A MACCALLISTER CHRISTMAS centers on Duff Mac Callister, a tough man who immigrated from Scotland many years ago. He worked and fought hard, settling in Wyoming where he has built a family dynasty. This year there Duff will be joined by some of the younger generation of MacCallisters on his ranch in Chugwater. But first they will have many adventures that bring to life the everyday challenge of living in an era that is responsible for taming and settling this wild frontier.
This is a perfect example of a well written story, no matter the genre. The Johnstone name is famous for giving their fans a true wild west adventure while telling the stories of their many well known and loved characters. This title is for anyone who loves westerns, Christmas stories of families coming together to celebrate or just an old fashioned good guys against the bad guys tale.
This is a perfect example of a well written story, no matter the genre. The Johnstone name is famous for giving their fans a true wild west adventure while telling the stories of their many well known and loved characters. This title is for anyone who loves westerns, Christmas stories of families coming together to celebrate or just an old fashioned good guys against the bad guys tale.
November 5, 2020
Very good read, couldn't put the book down....
November 1, 2020
A MacCallister Christmas
Another great 😊 western with a lot of action. I always enjoy the Christmas books. I look forward to the next book 📖 on the MacCallister’s.
Another great 😊 western with a lot of action. I always enjoy the Christmas books. I look forward to the next book 📖 on the MacCallister’s.
November 4, 2020
A Fun And Entertaining Adventure!!!
This the newest book in the MacCallister series of books by William W. Johnstone is definitely one of their most entertaining.
This the newest book in the MacCallister series of books by William W. Johnstone is definitely one of their most entertaining.
October 30, 2020
As always a wonderful read. I am never disappointed by Williams books. And his Christmas ones are always filled with the western adventure we love as well as the family love and Christmas spirit.
October 15, 2020
This was my first ever historical cowboy book and I quite enjoyed it. There are many members of the MacCallister family spread over America and some still back in Scotland. We meet Duff, and his cousins Falcon, Andrew and Rosanna. Andrew and Rosanna are on their way to the town of Chugwater by train, along with a young Scottish lady (who says she knew Duff when he lived in Scotland and were good friends). The train is held up by a notorious gang of outlaws and they take not only the belongings of the people on the train but the young Scottish lady as well. Meanwhile Falcon is traveling solo and comes across two wagons being set upon. He manages to shoot as many as he can of the outlaws and the rest run away. The only person left alive is a baby boy. Falcon takes him with him.
The story runs on three levels, firstly Duff and his friends plus local law enforcement go after the outlaws to bring the young lady back to Chugwater. Another layer is who is the Scottish lady who says she knew Duff from back in Scotland. The next layer is about Falcon and all that he encounters on his way to Chugwater. Finally, there is Andrew and Rosanna (both actors) deciding to put on a production of A Christmas Carol in Chugwater and the locals having parts.
It was a well written story, with engaging characters. I did enjoy it but as it was my first time reading a historical cowboy story I found the pace slower than I am used to. I would recommend it.
The story runs on three levels, firstly Duff and his friends plus local law enforcement go after the outlaws to bring the young lady back to Chugwater. Another layer is who is the Scottish lady who says she knew Duff from back in Scotland. The next layer is about Falcon and all that he encounters on his way to Chugwater. Finally, there is Andrew and Rosanna (both actors) deciding to put on a production of A Christmas Carol in Chugwater and the locals having parts.
It was a well written story, with engaging characters. I did enjoy it but as it was my first time reading a historical cowboy story I found the pace slower than I am used to. I would recommend it.
October 5, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A man vacationing in Scotland with his wife hears a tale of the American West.
Two MaCallisters that are actors, are going to visit their cousin Duff in Wyoming. They find another Scot girl, who claims to have a relationship with him, and bring her along. It turns out she has a hidden agenda.
Meanwhile, another cousin, Falcon is on his way to the ranch as well.
Then there's bank robberies, train robberies, shooting and riding, and riding and shooting, and an homage to The Three Godfathers.
Not bad, despite the hokey Scottish accents.
A man vacationing in Scotland with his wife hears a tale of the American West.
Two MaCallisters that are actors, are going to visit their cousin Duff in Wyoming. They find another Scot girl, who claims to have a relationship with him, and bring her along. It turns out she has a hidden agenda.
Meanwhile, another cousin, Falcon is on his way to the ranch as well.
Then there's bank robberies, train robberies, shooting and riding, and riding and shooting, and an homage to The Three Godfathers.
Not bad, despite the hokey Scottish accents.
December 20, 2020
I was tempted to give this book 5 stars as I liked the plot, action and characters so well and mostly the ending. It was also a page turner and held my interest. These stories just aren't realistic for me. All the bad guys are brought to justice and somehow all the good guys come out OK which seems typical of Johnstone's work that I've read so far.
For sheer entertainment value it's a good book. There were a few grammatical errors such as using the wrong tense about 3/4 of the way through, but it didn't bother my reading too badly. As always, just a bit too unbelievable.
For sheer entertainment value it's a good book. There were a few grammatical errors such as using the wrong tense about 3/4 of the way through, but it didn't bother my reading too badly. As always, just a bit too unbelievable.
February 24, 2021
WOW! I had not read or even heard of this author before this book but I intend to read more of his writing. Every chapter was full of action. Gun fights, cat fights, train robberies, bank robberies, claim jumpers, rescues of damsels in distress, there's not one boring moment in this story. It may seem like too much but its not. There's even a revenge angle and a love story.
I don't know if Johnstone's other books are this interesting but I intend to find out. This was like watching on of those old westerns on TV, loved all the action!
I don't know if Johnstone's other books are this interesting but I intend to find out. This was like watching on of those old westerns on TV, loved all the action!
November 27, 2020
Wild Christmas story
I thought the begining was great. It started in modern times in Scotland with an old timer talking to a tourist from America. The story about Duff and his cousins that took place in the 1800's at Christmas time is just what you would expect. There is a bank and train robbery and a kidnapping as well! Duff, his cousins, and ranch hands are a unique group that can handle anything that comes their way.
I thought the begining was great. It started in modern times in Scotland with an old timer talking to a tourist from America. The story about Duff and his cousins that took place in the 1800's at Christmas time is just what you would expect. There is a bank and train robbery and a kidnapping as well! Duff, his cousins, and ranch hands are a unique group that can handle anything that comes their way.
March 17, 2021
The whole gang is here, Duff, Elmer, Wang Chow, and Megan. Andrew and Roseanne stage actors and the wandering Falcon are coming separately for a visit.
Lots of action with a bank robbery, train robbery, Indians, kidnapping, a baby, a hostage, a bully and his henchmen, two old gold miners with a partner and his hired gun men, a whore and a few people with blood debts to settle all rolled up into an interesting story.
Lots of action with a bank robbery, train robbery, Indians, kidnapping, a baby, a hostage, a bully and his henchmen, two old gold miners with a partner and his hired gun men, a whore and a few people with blood debts to settle all rolled up into an interesting story.
January 1, 2022
An action Western with plenty of drama
These westerns obviously won't be winning any Pulitzer prizes, but they're great for what they are. Plenty of action, a surprising amount of drama, and engaging characters that have just enough personality to keep them from blending together. I believe this is the third western I've read from this author, fourth novel overall, and I've enjoyed every one.
These westerns obviously won't be winning any Pulitzer prizes, but they're great for what they are. Plenty of action, a surprising amount of drama, and engaging characters that have just enough personality to keep them from blending together. I believe this is the third western I've read from this author, fourth novel overall, and I've enjoyed every one.
December 27, 2025
I enjoyed this action-packed western that is filled with outlaws and heroes. The MacCallister men are the classic hard-hitting men who mete out justice when necessary, but won’t kill unnecessarily. I appreciate that there is no swearing and the men are honorable and have good hearts, even to the point of caring for an infant after his parents are killed. I plan on reading another book written by these authors.
December 25, 2020
My annual Christmas "shoot 'em up." The MacCallisters certainly lived up to the tradition of turning potential Christmas tragedy into an "all ends well" tale. Except for the "owlhoots", greedy landowners and despicable desperados who get nothing in their stockings but coal and lead.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
November 30, 2021
Oh my, my, my, If you like high action westerns with the feel of mystery the William W. Johnstone,
J.A. Johnstone Christmas books are absolutely without a doubt some of my very favorites. With each book I think, "YES, I almost forgot how good these really are". Whether the McAllister's or the Jensen's these books are great.
J.A. Johnstone Christmas books are absolutely without a doubt some of my very favorites. With each book I think, "YES, I almost forgot how good these really are". Whether the McAllister's or the Jensen's these books are great.
January 3, 2022
Another good western story involving Xmas celebrations with western gun fights and bank robberies. Falcon and Duff MacCallister are the main hero’s, each telling the tale and eventually both ending up together to save the day so Christmas celebrations can be had.
W.W.Johnstone does pull any punches when bad guys appear they seldom get wounded they die.
W.W.Johnstone does pull any punches when bad guys appear they seldom get wounded they die.
November 22, 2023
DNF-got to p. 63. Sorry, but the Scottish brogue came out as IRISH, and that irritated me to no end. The characters were flat as pancakes, and every cliche was included in the story--the bank and train robbery, the Chinese cook who was also a martial artist. Give me a break. This was boring and awful. Yuk!
November 26, 2023
4.5 stars This book is totally out of my normal reads. I think it is the first western I have read since Daniel Boone. Even though a shoot 'em up cowboy is not my normal read, it was very well written and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. So, even though I may not begin reading the western genre, I would probably read this author again.
September 14, 2021
Another of my grandma's books. She loves her westerns and was really happy to send me a box of them to read! On the whole, I find them interesting to read. So far I haven't found any favorites but I'll keep trying!
September 21, 2021
Can't put it down
Amazing story. Enjoyed every minute reading this book. I had a hard time putting this book down. Even at the bank, I continued to read it while waiting in line. Thank you! I love the author!
Amazing story. Enjoyed every minute reading this book. I had a hard time putting this book down. Even at the bank, I continued to read it while waiting in line. Thank you! I love the author!
October 11, 2020
Nice Western with a lot of violence. A few unexpected turns.
November 2, 2020
An old fashioned cowboy story with gunfights on almost every page.My husband will like this. 😂
November 11, 2020
I like the MacCallister series with him Elmer Wang and Megahn. Their exploits put you just like your their.
December 6, 2020
Small town Christmas with cowboys, shootouts, damsels in distress. It's all here. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews