During her cross-country escape from ruthless relatives, private tutor Ara Taube ends up in a storm—physically and emotionally. Can she find her way out in time, or will she fall for the handsome horseman who threatens to capture her heart?
Cowboys. Gotta love 'em, right? That's why I write about them and their sweethearts, whether they live in 1800s Colorado or on a modern California ranch. My personal background in rodeo journalism helps me add a bit of cowboy reality to those stories.
My contemporary books are often found under Davalynn C. Spencer.
The Rocky Mountains offer rich settings for my historical novels, from actual cities with Wild West history to fictional towns tucked into the fold where granite ramparts meet grassy plains.
I've collected three "Bestseller" labels for novellas in Barbour collections, two Will Rogers Gold Medallions for Western Inspirational Fiction, and an international first-place award for my historical romance series, "Front Range Brides."
On the the run from an uncle who intends to marry her off for his gain, Arabella gets a job as a nanny out west. But when the train stops, she discovers one of her uncle's henchmen is following her. She stows away on a wagon driven by a farmer and ends up on the farm where he lives with his widowed mother and her brother. A big snowstorm prevents her from going to her employer right away, and she falls in love with the farmer.
I didn't realize this was an "inspirational" romance when I bought it, but the god stuff wasn't over the top, so it was fine. I liked the characters and the western setting. It's a fast, pleasant holiday read.
When Arabella Taube vaultsinto the back of a wagon with a snarling watch dog, she has no idea of the outcome; she just knows that she needs to escape from the clutches of her uncle's henchman; the man with the cold eyes and the brown bowler has been following her on the train all the way from Denver. Her Uncle Victor is determined to "sell her off" in marriage to the highest business bidder and Ara is just as determined to secure her freedom.
It was dark. It was cold. It was starting to snow and Nate Horne needs to get home before the full force of the approaching Colorado snow storm prevents his return. Imagine his surprise when a dainty sneeze escapes from the tarp behind him; and his even bigger surprise when enormous dark eyes peer at him from the end of his pointed gun. Frightened, half-frozen and at the point of tears, Ararbella Taube blows into Nate Horne's life like a blizzard. Just what is he going to do with this lovely creature?
Snowbound for days and unable to retrieve her belongings or continue on her trip to Leadville for a tutoring position, Ara finds comfort in the Horne's remote ranch. Nate's mother, Lilly and his Uncle Buck become like family; a family that Ara has never experienced. As days turn into weeks and weeks approach months; Ara realizes that she never wants to leave this place. But Nate is a man of few words and an unknown danger still lingers; this enchanting Christmas story is a page turner until the very end.
I received a copy of this novella from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
This cute Christmas novella takes place in 1885 as Arabella Taube, a young German woman, whose name means "dove", travels to accept a position as teacher for a man in Colorado. As she arrives she finds she is being stalked by a man who was probably hired by her Uncle Victor to return her home so that he can make a wedding arrangement for Arabella, something she was trying hard to escape from. As she tries to elude him, she finds her belongings on a wagon and tries to retrieve it and a growling and menacing dog does his all to keep it outside her reach. As the man nears, she hides in the wagon to avoid being caught by him.
Before she realizes what has happened, the wagon is heading out and she has no way to get off. She later finds that the wagon driver is a very kindly and handsome man, Nate. She ends up away from her destination and in the home of Nate and his mother. She finds herself very happy to be in this situation and becoming quite fond of Nate, but doesn't know whether he feels the same way. As the snow continues, she remains quite content to stay where she is. But Nate doesn't feel that this city woman would be as happy in the country and also has no idea of Ara's feelings towards him. It's a sweet story and a very fun Christmas read.
This is the first book that I have read from this author and enjoyed it very much. I hope I will be able to read more of her work in the future.
I received an e-book from the publisher for my honest review.
Trying to escape her Uncle's henchman, Arabella Taube hides in Nate Horne's wagon in a small Colorado town when her train has to stop due to a sudden winter storm. Discovered by Nate while making the trek back to the family home, he brings her home to wait out the storm where she also forms a friendship with his mother who is convinced Arabella is an answer to prayers. Stuck at the remote ranch for days due to the storm, Arabella begins to find comfort and the meaning of family as she's never experienced. As time passes, Ara realizes she does not want to leave, but with Nate being a man of few words is unsure if he shares the same affection she has developed for him. The Snowbound Bride is book 11 of the 12 Brides of Christmas, and is probably my favorite thus far of the Christmas collection. I wanted it to be a full-length novel instead of a short story so I could get more development and more background of the characters. This was my first story by Davalynn Spencer and after finishing I immediately went online to look for other books as I truly enjoyed her storytelling skills. I received this ebook compliments of the publishing company in exchange for honest reviews.
Escaping from her Uncle and his business deal of an arranged marriage for her, Arabelle Taube spies one of his henchmen and hides out in the back of a nearby wagon until he's gone. By the time the wagon's driver discovers he has a stowaway, it's too far and the snowstorm is too brutal to turn back toward town. Forced to wait out the storm for days at Nate Horne's remote ranch, she quickly forms a friendship with his mother who sees Ara as the answer to her prayers. When the weather clears, will Nate - and her heart - let her leave?
Davalynn Spencer's The Snowbound Bride is another from the collection that I would like to see expanded into a full-length novel. I grew quite fond of Ara, Nate, his mom, his uncle, and (especially?) Beetle the dog. A bit of a plot twist at the end affirms his mother's prayers, something I thought was really sweet and unique.
The Snowbound Bride, a sparkling story of Christmas love
The Snowbound Bride, by Davalynn Spencer, is a Christmas treasure of picturesque scenery, the tension of an unexpected meeting, and sweet, surprising love. From the first sentence, Spencer's mastery of descriptive language and masterful weaving of a web of love, drawing two lonely people toward each other will draw you in. The reader is kept guessing until the last moment, wondering what the outcome will be.
I highly recommend this winsome story of winter love in the Colorado Rockies. It is a Christmas must, for the romantically inclined.
I chose this book because I have enjoyed every book I have read by Davalynn Spencer thus far. I was not disappointed this time either! This story was filled with humor, courage, hope, and love. It made me smile several times as I read. As with her other books, Mrs. Spencer sprinkles humorous quips throughout. It's one of the reasons I love her books so much. The Snowbound Bride is a sweet book, and I'm delighted it found it's way to me.
A read to make you smile. Davalyn's descriptions are vivid. You feel the cold and the snow on your face. I love this author's style and have never been disappointed. If you want a heartwarming feel good tale this is for you. Thanks for another great Colorado story.
What a delightful read! I was caught up in Nate and Ara's story from the first page and enjoyed every minute of it. This is the first I have read by this author, but it won't be my last. The only complaint I have is that it ended too soon. I was furnished with a copy of this novella in return for an honest review. It's one I definitely recommend.
Historic American frontier 1885 Colorado. Sweet, very short romance; too short, but perhaps perfect for busy holiday season. Heartwarming. Hero is strong silent type. Liked all the characters, especially Hero's mother and his dog, Beetle
I love a good Christmas story any time of the year. What a sweet and touching story. Ara and Nate are destined to be together, as his mother knows from the beginning. But will they recognize it in time? Yet another reason Davalynn is one of my favorites.
This little story is a frontier tale. My favorite character was instantly the dog Beetle. Such a wise canine! But the hero and heroine and the hero's mother were quite fine too...
The story is one of the twelve in The 12 Brides of Christmas series by individual authors. Each story will read as a stand-alone and is a clean historical romance.
Arabella “Ara” Taube has left her family in Chicago and traveled westward to Leadville, where she has accepted a tutoring position for the bank’s president's children. But due to inclimate weather, the train will stop in Spruce City, Colorado. Ara must escape from a henchman working for her uncle that was also on the train and hides in a wagon, with a snarling dog and owner who sings off-key. What will happen when she is discovered as a stowaway?
“It’s all right. You’re safe here.”
The plot will have Ara fleeing and seeking a hiding place in a wagon. She can’t risk the henchman finding her, so she hides under a tarp. Nate Horne will be partway back to the ranch when he hears a sneeze and realizes someone is in the back. When he assesses the situation, he can’t turn back, so he continues the journey to the ranch. Ara will become their snowbound guest, but she feels welcomed for the first time in her life. Lily, Nate’s mother, and Buck, his uncle, treat her kindly, but Nate is aloof. So where does the leave her—will God guide her?
“I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
The winter weather, snowstorms, and snowdrifts make it impossible for Ara to return to Spruce City and contact the banker. She is without her trunk and clothes and at the mercy of the Horner family. Lily is making plans for Christmas, and that includes a tree that she sends Ara and Nate to bring home. Has God opened the door for Ara to stay at the ranch, and does Nate have feelings for her? Just like Christ came to humble beginnings, Ara has found herself welcomed among this ranch family.
“Warmth and shelter and love. The same things we all need. I’m sure He would have been most comfortable in this crib you’ve made.”
Decorating for Christmas, stringing popped corn and cranberries, and making star-shaped cookies add to the festive season. Adding greenery is the final touch, and Lily sends Nate and Ara to bring that in—but danger is lurking. Will this be what opens Nate and Ara’s eyes and heart to what they are feeling? Have Lily’s prayers been answered for her son, Nate?
Spruce City, Colorado 1885 Danger & Determination Ara is being followed by one of her wealthy uncle's henchmen. In a desperate attempt to escape she jumps into a wagon and hides under a tarp. A stubborn dog won't let her sneak out when the wagon pulls away. She soon finds herself stuck in a cabin with a strange family and no way to leave during a blizzard. Nate has grown up in the cabin and works the ranch just like his dad taught him. His ma tends to the cooking and mending and general female influence about the place. His uncle helps him run the ranch ever since his pa passed away 12 years ago. They are all extremely kind but Nate is a man of few words that Ara can't get to open up. The warmth and safety she feels in the cabin is unlike anything she's ever felt in her life before. As Christmas gets closer she wonders if she can leave her plans behind and be accepted for the first time in their life. I enjoyed reading this one very much. ☆☆☆☆☆ This novella is also featured in the book Christmas Wedding Bell Brides with 3 other authros/novellas.
Title: The Snowbound Bride Author: Davalynn Spencer Series: The 12 Brides of Christmas, 11 Format: ebook, bind-up Length: 48 pages Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: During her cross-country escape from ruthless relatives, private tutor Ara Taube ends up in a storm—physically and emotionally. Can she find her way out in time, or will she fall for the handsome horseman who threatens to capture her heart?
Favourite character: Beetle and Lilly Least favourite character: N/A
Mini-review: Cute book. I'm a sucker for books where the characters are snowed in. Especially if they fall in love. I loved Lilly and Beetle. Nate was good but because I'm currently binge-watching season 1 of NCIS: Los Angeles. I kept picturing Nate Getz.
Fan Cast: Arabella "Ara" Tabue - Phoebe Tonkin Nate Horne - Zachary Levi
This is a wonderful and inspirational western story of a young woman from Chicago who leaves behind an unloving grandma and a manipulative uncle to travel west to pursue a happier life for herself. Unfortunately, her uncle hired a man to find her and bring her back. Can she escape her uncle's domination and her grandma's hate? Will she find true love? I highly recommend this faith based book to everyone. I give it 5 stars.
Arab slow knows she's being to!!owed but that darn dog took her bag and she can't reach it in TBE center of the wagon bed. This is how she ends up at Nate's ranch where he lives with family. As days and weeks go by and they are socked in by weather the only thing lost is her heart.
Sweet, sweet story! Ara is on the run from a forced marriage planned by her wicked uncle. She hides in the back of a wagon as she’s being followed by one of his henchmen.
Little did Nate know that he had a stowaway….and a beautiful one at that.
Very enjoyable story. Loved the snowball fight scene ❤️
Arabella and Nate are snowed in at his homestead, along with his mom and uncle. Getting to know each other is difficult when he is a man of hardly any words and she is too polite to ask many questions.
I like the characters. I like the close-knit family Nate grew up in and Arabella wished she had. Can she be part of this one?
This was a short, sweet, and clean romance. I loved hate and Ara's story. I loved Lily and Buck as well as Beetle the dog. If you like sweet, clean (no sex but there is kissing near the end), you will love this book.
As a thought she plans were all gone when she couldn't continue on the train to her final destination. But the stop where she ended up was where she wanted to be all along.
This was a wonderful book. Davalynn Spencer brought the story to life in her descriptions. I almost felt like I was there. I loved the way Ara and Nate opened up to each other as the story progressed. I highly recommend this book.
Fun characters that make for a great story. A beautiful story of wanting a family that gives love freely. A tender romance that comes with a beautiful meaning in a name. This story will have you smiling with adoration!
I really enjoyed this story. It was hard to put down while reading. I liked the author illustrated love can be shown in either ways besides just verbally.