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Emma Bowen and her friends have lost nearly everything to the war and starting over has been almost impossible for the Charleston women. So, when their friend, Caroline, received an encouraging letter from Julia Bailey offering a solution to their problems, they all jumped at the chance to leave the ravages of war behind.
Colin Cassidy, former Union Army captain, was reported killed in battle more than a year ago. And after what he has done, he’d rather let everyone go on thinking him dead. He’d rather spend the rest of his worthless life numbing his guilt at the bottom of a whiskey bottle than have his family learn the truth about what he's done. But when his brother, Quinn, shows up on his doorstep, he kidnaps Colin and forces him to spend Christmas in Angel Creek, Montana.
Emma desperately needs to find a purpose for her life. Colin doesn't want a life at all. Can a Christmas miracle bring two enemies together through one more Christmas miracle?
Colin Cassidy, former Union Army captain, was reported killed in battle more than a year ago. And after what he has done, he’d rather let everyone go on thinking him dead. He’d rather spend the rest of his worthless life numbing his guilt at the bottom of a whiskey bottle than have his family learn the truth about what he's done. But when his brother, Quinn, shows up on his doorstep, he kidnaps Colin and forces him to spend Christmas in Angel Creek, Montana.
Emma desperately needs to find a purpose for her life. Colin doesn't want a life at all. Can a Christmas miracle bring two enemies together through one more Christmas miracle?
- GenresWestern RomanceChristmas
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2019
193 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Peggy McKenzie
40 books56 followersWhere Love Becomes Legendary...
Renowned as a best-selling author of Western historical and contemporary romance, Peggy McKenzie, also writes sexy, steamy Western contemporary romance as Nikki Malone, is a storyteller who has elevated love to legendary heights. Her passion for narratives steeped in the rich tapestry of the old West, brimming with adventure, second chances, and, above all, romance, has defined her literary journey.
The spark was ignited when she found herself captivated by the timeless love story of Miss Kitty and Marshal Dillon. Inspired, Peggy embarked on a mission to craft tales that resonated with her own unique voice and perspective. In 2016, she unveiled her debut novel, marking the beginning of a prolific career that has seen the publication of twenty-five captivating works...and counting.
Formerly a cowgirl hailing from the heart of Oklahoma, she thrived in the adrenaline-fueled worlds of barrel racing and team roping, Peggy now calls East Texas home. Nestled right in the heart of cowboy country, this locale serves as the perfect backdrop for her literary explorations. It is here that she immerses herself in the essence of rugged, flawed heroes and the resilient, courageous women who dare to love them.
Peggy McKenzie doesn't just write stories; she crafts experiences. Open one of her books, and you won't simply read a tale; you'll live it. For Peggy, the pages of her books are where love becomes legendary.
Open one of her books and discover...
"where love becomes legendary!”
"Heartwarming sweet romance at its best."
Sylvia McDaniel-USA Today Best-Selling Author
"You will not just read a story by Peggy McKenzie, you will live it."
Hildie McQueen-USA Today Best-Selling Author
To learn more about Peggy and her books,
visit her website @ https://www.peggymckenzie.com.
And, follow Peggy on her adventures through Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, BookBub, Goodreads, and Tiktok.
Gain access to bonus content @ https://www.peggymckenzie.com/newslet... and receive up-to-the-minute news about contests, new book releases, new audiobook releases, and live events!
Renowned as a best-selling author of Western historical and contemporary romance, Peggy McKenzie, also writes sexy, steamy Western contemporary romance as Nikki Malone, is a storyteller who has elevated love to legendary heights. Her passion for narratives steeped in the rich tapestry of the old West, brimming with adventure, second chances, and, above all, romance, has defined her literary journey.
The spark was ignited when she found herself captivated by the timeless love story of Miss Kitty and Marshal Dillon. Inspired, Peggy embarked on a mission to craft tales that resonated with her own unique voice and perspective. In 2016, she unveiled her debut novel, marking the beginning of a prolific career that has seen the publication of twenty-five captivating works...and counting.
Formerly a cowgirl hailing from the heart of Oklahoma, she thrived in the adrenaline-fueled worlds of barrel racing and team roping, Peggy now calls East Texas home. Nestled right in the heart of cowboy country, this locale serves as the perfect backdrop for her literary explorations. It is here that she immerses herself in the essence of rugged, flawed heroes and the resilient, courageous women who dare to love them.
Peggy McKenzie doesn't just write stories; she crafts experiences. Open one of her books, and you won't simply read a tale; you'll live it. For Peggy, the pages of her books are where love becomes legendary.
Open one of her books and discover...
"where love becomes legendary!”
"Heartwarming sweet romance at its best."
Sylvia McDaniel-USA Today Best-Selling Author
"You will not just read a story by Peggy McKenzie, you will live it."
Hildie McQueen-USA Today Best-Selling Author
To learn more about Peggy and her books,
visit her website @ https://www.peggymckenzie.com.
And, follow Peggy on her adventures through Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, BookBub, Goodreads, and Tiktok.
Gain access to bonus content @ https://www.peggymckenzie.com/newslet... and receive up-to-the-minute news about contests, new book releases, new audiobook releases, and live events!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 27, 2021
A disaster
There are a number of word errors a proofreader could have fixed.
The h was over the top.
The plot was a manipulated mess.
The purpose of this book is to preach, not to present a romance. Nothing romantic about it.
The supporting characters have 2 children. The baby boy is referred to as Baby Quinn. Then we find out his name is Colin, after his uncle.
At one point the daughter is upstairs getting ready for bed, but there has been no dinner served. Then the parents go out for dinner and say the daughter is at someone else's house.
This is shabby story telling. An author who can't keep up with her own story.
It's a sub-par story, even without the errors.
It's also an embarrassment for Christians when the writer doesn't possess the writing skills to tell a story.
Disastrous and shameful.
There are a number of word errors a proofreader could have fixed.
The h was over the top.
The plot was a manipulated mess.
The purpose of this book is to preach, not to present a romance. Nothing romantic about it.
The supporting characters have 2 children. The baby boy is referred to as Baby Quinn. Then we find out his name is Colin, after his uncle.
At one point the daughter is upstairs getting ready for bed, but there has been no dinner served. Then the parents go out for dinner and say the daughter is at someone else's house.
This is shabby story telling. An author who can't keep up with her own story.
It's a sub-par story, even without the errors.
It's also an embarrassment for Christians when the writer doesn't possess the writing skills to tell a story.
Disastrous and shameful.
December 13, 2019
Absolutely heartwarming story to make this book worthwhile for everyone. Absolutely impossible to not enjoy and want more.
July 17, 2021
An unexpected love story
The story of Emma and Colin begins with a cantankerous former union soldier whose guilt over his inability to save his troops has driven him to despair and whiskey. First, Emma comes to Angel Falls to find a husband. While staying with a kind family, she learns that the husband of her benefactor has gone to find his brother, Colin, who resists his brother's help. When Colin arrives to his brother's home, he continues to resist all help. The only person he can't resist is Emma, who has suffered as much as he has. Her sympathy and understanding break through Colin's resistance and they end up falling in love. This story of pain and love show how God can break through the deepest of heartache. I loved this tale of two aching hearts finding comfort in love.
The story of Emma and Colin begins with a cantankerous former union soldier whose guilt over his inability to save his troops has driven him to despair and whiskey. First, Emma comes to Angel Falls to find a husband. While staying with a kind family, she learns that the husband of her benefactor has gone to find his brother, Colin, who resists his brother's help. When Colin arrives to his brother's home, he continues to resist all help. The only person he can't resist is Emma, who has suffered as much as he has. Her sympathy and understanding break through Colin's resistance and they end up falling in love. This story of pain and love show how God can break through the deepest of heartache. I loved this tale of two aching hearts finding comfort in love.
August 4, 2020
I was hoping for a clean book but the main characters have hardly known each other for more than maybe a day and suddenly they are alone in the house. It starts with a kiss and suddenly he's reaching up her skirt! Good thing they were interrupted before more happened but it still didn't sit well with me.
As well, Emma is hoping to find a husband but then she's off to the saloon and shooting back the whiskey with Colin with no regard for how damaging that would have been to her reputation.
I didn't enjoy this book and can't recommend it at all.
As well, Emma is hoping to find a husband but then she's off to the saloon and shooting back the whiskey with Colin with no regard for how damaging that would have been to her reputation.
I didn't enjoy this book and can't recommend it at all.
December 14, 2020
A very mixed bag!
Emma and Colin have so much emotional baggage and grief to deal with and whilst Emma comes to Angel Creek hoping to heal and move forward, Colin resents being brought to Angel Creek and has no intention of staying or healing...needless to say there are a number of confrontations, misunderstandings and 'moments'. There were a couple of these incidents that I wasn't sure about..I found them a little hard to believe, as were the reactions of people around them...but otherwise I enjoyed this book and the journey Colin takes.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
Emma and Colin have so much emotional baggage and grief to deal with and whilst Emma comes to Angel Creek hoping to heal and move forward, Colin resents being brought to Angel Creek and has no intention of staying or healing...needless to say there are a number of confrontations, misunderstandings and 'moments'. There were a couple of these incidents that I wasn't sure about..I found them a little hard to believe, as were the reactions of people around them...but otherwise I enjoyed this book and the journey Colin takes.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
January 16, 2021
Very good book!
I've been reading this series but around 2 weeks. Some catch your attention more. I had tears in my eyes for a lot of it.. Even having a few slide curb my cheek. I can never get over how destructive and horrible the Civil War must have been. This author did a good job of taking you to the horrors that occurred there. The man in the barn at the end was almost my undoing. This was my first book by this author.. it won't be my last. A very good read.
I've been reading this series but around 2 weeks. Some catch your attention more. I had tears in my eyes for a lot of it.. Even having a few slide curb my cheek. I can never get over how destructive and horrible the Civil War must have been. This author did a good job of taking you to the horrors that occurred there. The man in the barn at the end was almost my undoing. This was my first book by this author.. it won't be my last. A very good read.
December 8, 2020
Tragedy and romance
She moved West to join her friends. All of her family was dead. She met the sheriff's brother who was having a hard time from war memories. They managed to work through their problems.
She moved West to join her friends. All of her family was dead. She met the sheriff's brother who was having a hard time from war memories. They managed to work through their problems.
January 4, 2021
Touching Story
The pain and sacrifice of war is starkly portrayed in this book. You can feel the pain and loss that they feel. The author brings you in to the story. A great read.
The pain and sacrifice of war is starkly portrayed in this book. You can feel the pain and loss that they feel. The author brings you in to the story. A great read.
April 9, 2021
Beautiful Story
Loved this story of purpose, fate, redemption, and forgiveness. Different then others in series, but loved the entire story and personalities of the characters.
Loved this story of purpose, fate, redemption, and forgiveness. Different then others in series, but loved the entire story and personalities of the characters.
May 11, 2023
I have found this series to be fun, light reads. I did not enjoy this one though.
September 25, 2024
I love this whole series so far. I love the idea of it. The characters are well written and each story is very different.
January 9, 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 found it a bit unbelievable that Emma and Colin fell in love after only a couple of days, especially since Colin was so determined to punish himself. He was annoying, rude, and generally unpleasant -- yet Emma loved him almost immediately? I didn't buy it.
***** Minor Spoiler Follows *****
One thing that bothered me about this story was the unrealistic recovery Colin made. I have no problem with Christian content in books, but it was too much when Colin was immediately fine after realizing that God didn't blame him for what happened, so he shouldn't either. Yes, knowing God loved him would have helped a lot -- but it takes years of counseling to recover from the type of survivor's guilt that Colin had. Some people with survivor's guilt never completely recover. Please, Christian authors, realize that prayer and redemption don't completely solve all the problems that people (and the world) face. Redemption and God's love are wonderful, and I am a believer, but we should be realistic about what we gain from our faith. Even with God's help, we have to work toward our own healing.
***** End of Spoiler *****
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 found it a bit unbelievable that Emma and Colin fell in love after only a couple of days, especially since Colin was so determined to punish himself. He was annoying, rude, and generally unpleasant -- yet Emma loved him almost immediately? I didn't buy it.
***** Minor Spoiler Follows *****
One thing that bothered me about this story was the unrealistic recovery Colin made. I have no problem with Christian content in books, but it was too much when Colin was immediately fine after realizing that God didn't blame him for what happened, so he shouldn't either. Yes, knowing God loved him would have helped a lot -- but it takes years of counseling to recover from the type of survivor's guilt that Colin had. Some people with survivor's guilt never completely recover. Please, Christian authors, realize that prayer and redemption don't completely solve all the problems that people (and the world) face. Redemption and God's love are wonderful, and I am a believer, but we should be realistic about what we gain from our faith. Even with God's help, we have to work toward our own healing.
***** End of Spoiler *****
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, 2019
Emma (Angel Creek Chris Brides Book 9)
Another great story. Quinn’s brother had been reported dead after a battle,but recently Quinn received word that his brother was alive but in a bad shape down in Tennessee . He traveled to Tennessee and found his brother, drunk and smelling like he had not bathe in a month. Quinn knocked him out
, put him on a boat, to take him to Angel Creek with him. It really gets interesting from this point on. A must read.
Another great story. Quinn’s brother had been reported dead after a battle,but recently Quinn received word that his brother was alive but in a bad shape down in Tennessee . He traveled to Tennessee and found his brother, drunk and smelling like he had not bathe in a month. Quinn knocked him out
, put him on a boat, to take him to Angel Creek with him. It really gets interesting from this point on. A must read.
November 23, 2019
This is Emma and Colin's story and the character development is excellent and you find yourselves feeling Colin's sense of hopelessness. It takes a lot of hard work for the couple to reach their HEA. The story was very good so I did give it 5 stars but was very disappointed by the amount of profanity in it. I felt like it contributed nothing to the actual story.
January 29, 2020
Great series......
I've been enjoying reading this story, Emma, the woman was lonely, most all her friends in Charleston had left to go to Montana as Mail Order Brides. She had finally talked herself into going out to join them, even though she didn't have a man lined up to marry.
I've been enjoying reading this story, Emma, the woman was lonely, most all her friends in Charleston had left to go to Montana as Mail Order Brides. She had finally talked herself into going out to join them, even though she didn't have a man lined up to marry.
February 4, 2020
Wow
Wow is what I am left with after reading Emma. Colin is a list soul that list his faith. Emma was struggling as well after the war, with God's help they both found their refound faith as well as each other
Wow is what I am left with after reading Emma. Colin is a list soul that list his faith. Emma was struggling as well after the war, with God's help they both found their refound faith as well as each other
November 25, 2019
Christmas miracle
A great story how the North and South comes together. Your going to love reading this book I truly enjoy it .
A great story how the North and South comes together. Your going to love reading this book I truly enjoy it .
December 18, 2019
Wonderful Story.
Emma and Colin's story was amazing
I loved JC in the book, that was great, enjoyed reading more about Quinn and Sarah . Thank you Peggy McKenzie.
Emma and Colin's story was amazing
I loved JC in the book, that was great, enjoyed reading more about Quinn and Sarah . Thank you Peggy McKenzie.
December 26, 2019
Emma
A truly southern lady who is feisty and independent looking for some happiness after the war tore her life to shreds finds her heart in Angel Creek.
A truly southern lady who is feisty and independent looking for some happiness after the war tore her life to shreds finds her heart in Angel Creek.
January 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Great story.
January 28, 2020
Angel Creek Book 9
Two lost souls. One that believes in second chances. One that believes you only get one chance to do it right.
Two lost souls. One that believes in second chances. One that believes you only get one chance to do it right.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews