Silver Trail Christmas

Caleb Marlowe #3

by Nik James

In this riveting historical western, feared gunslinger Caleb Marlowe is out to save his partner from the ruthless ambition of the town's railroad-obsessed power broker.

For years, Caleb Marlowe has been following a hard trail. But fate finally seems to be smiling on him. The ranch he and his partner have been building is ready for a herd of longhorns, and a ghost from his troubled past is about to dance at the end of hangman's rope. With winter descending on the Colorado boom town of Elkhorn, Caleb's future looks bright.

But in the wild West, a man's fortune can turn with the speed of a mountain storm. When his partner is jailed for murder, his herd taken by rustlers, and his ranch nearly destroyed, Marlowe knows someone is trying to run him off. His nemesis, Elijah Starr, has been pardoned and hired by Judge Patterson—the local power broker—to build a railroad, and they are two men who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Marlowe stands alone against a gang of hired killers. The stakes could not be higher, and the cards are stacked against him. A final shootout is coming, but in Elkhorn no one—especially Caleb Marlowe—goes down without a fight.

Genres: Westerns

360 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published October 11, 2022

About the author

Nik James, Jan Coffey, and May McGoldrick are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.

Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.

Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.

Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.

The authors make their home in California.

Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.

MAY McGOLDRICK

Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist

The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)

Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)

Arsenic and Old Armor
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Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
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Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
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A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
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Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)


NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas

JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks

NONFICTION

Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century

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Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
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Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bursts into action from the get go and never lets up! Good western read that keeps interest and will stir up every emotion in the meantime, with an interesting mix of characters from every niche.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Trail Christmas by Nik James
Caleb Marlowe 3

Caleb’s friend and ranching partner, Henry Jordan, races into chapter one carrying news that requires immediate attention quickly setting the stage for upcoming events that will impact the two of them, their friends, and their future depending on the outcome of the story. Old and new issues and enemies rear their heads with surprises, twists, turns, and hardship to face before the last page. Great addition to the series!

What I liked:
* Caleb: left abusive home at sixteen, survived on his own, met someone who changed his life, varied job history, tracker, sure-shot, quick-draw, fights for what is right, true friend, helps those in need, building a new life on his ranch, sweet on Sheila
* Henry: good friend, ladies’ man, trouble-magnet, eloquent, tease, nice guy, has potential, eager to find out what will happen next in his life
* Sheila: Doc Burnett’s daughter, raised on the East Coast, educated, adapting to the West, strong, adaptable, friend to many, openminded, sweet on Caleb
* Paddy: orphan living with the Rogers family hoping to be taken in by Caleb
* Bear (big dog) and Pirate (horse): Caleb’s friends that are more than animals
* Doc Burnett: educated, wise, helps all, war surgeon, would like for him to find someone someday, too
* Curious about Belle Constant – owner of saloon and associated businesses…think there is more to her and her story than we might realize
* Red Annie O’Neal: independent, wears men’s clothing, Sheila’s friend, carries the mail, travels a lot, strong, capable, intriguing – hope to see more of her in the futur
* Bass, Duke, and Tex: longhorn trail herders that met hard times, good men, honest, hope they show up in the next book
* The plot, character development, pacing, and writing
* That most of the bad guys were dealt with…though there are a few remaining and no doubt other troubles to be faced in the next book
* The positive hopeful ending and hoping that Karma hits a few more for what they have been up to

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like…some rather reprehensible characters and acts perpetrated by them
* Having to wait for the next book in the series

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

"When you know the right thing to do, only a coward or a villain ignores it."

I was anticipating the next addition to the Caleb Marlowe's series, and Silver Trail Christmas did not disappoint.

Caleb Marlow and his recently released from jail partner Henry Jordan are getting to work on building their ranch. With a barn and house for Henry almost complete, they are just waiting for the longhorns to arrive. Unfortunately Caleb's no good father is out to destroy Caleb's life once again in any way he can. The odds seem to be stacked against Caleb this time, and he has to decide to give up and stay and fight for the future he's trying to build.

Caleb continues to be the morally gray character I've come to love. He does what needs to be done to survive the unforgiving terrain he lives on. He's a gunslinger and a killer, but he doesn't hesitate to stand up for and help those in need. It's never a dull moment for him, whether it's dealing with dishonorable men or nature's wild life. And you know I lived for the softer moments he allowed himself in this one when it came to the young lad Paddy and of course with Miss Sheila. I also very much enjoyed finally getting to know Caleb's partner Henry. Especially with his own point of view, he charmed he quite quickly, and I looked forward to his chapters.

Overall, Silver Trail Christmas was a fantastic addition to this Western historical fiction series. I was glued to the pages and fully invested as it seemed Caleb couldn't catch a break, and I was anxious to find out how he'd overcome everything thrown at him. Thankfully, the ending is completely satisfying and ends on a bright note while the characters celebrate the holidays. It's filled with revenge, outlaws, bandits, found family and setting down routes, all set during a Colorado winter.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read historical western but something in the blurb attracted my attention. I found it well written and entertaining story, the pace is right and the characters are well developed.
It was an interesting read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caleb Marlow and his recently released from jail partner Henry Jordan are getting to work on building their ranch. With a barn and house for Henry almost complete, they are just waiting for the longhorns to arrive. Unfortunately Caleb's no good father is out to destroy Caleb's life once again in any way he can. The odds seem to be stacked against Caleb this time, and he has to decide to give up and stay and fight for the future he's trying to build. Caleb continues to be the morally gray character I've come to love. He does what needs to be done to survive the unforgiving terrain he lives on. He's a gunslinger and a killer, but he doesn't hesitate to stand up for and help those in need. It's never a dull moment for him, whether it's dealing with dishonorable men or nature's wild life. And you know I lived for the softer moments he allowed himself in this one when it came to the young lad Paddy and of course with Miss Sheila. I also very much enjoyed finally getting to know Caleb's partner Henry. Especially with his own point of view, he charmed he quite quickly, and I looked forward to his chapters. Overall, Silver Trail Christmas was a fantastic addition to this Western historical fiction series. I was glued to the pages and fully invested as it seemed Caleb couldn't catch a break, and I was anxious to find out how he'd overcome everything thrown at him. Thankfully, the ending is completely satisfying and ends on a bright note while the characters celebrate the holidays. It's filled with revenge, outlaws, bandits, found family and setting down routes, all set during a Colorado winter.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. I enjoyed reading it and finished in half a day. I was slightly baffled by the title. It made me think I wonder what a cowboys Christmas is like getting excited to read it. Well I still have no idea! I don't think Christmas was ever mentioned gutted. Oh well let's talk about the story. I really enjoyed this story as most of it was ranch based. As calab wants to settle down but gets tied up with some cattle rustlers. There is plenty of action and gunslinging in this one. The author writes well with plenty of description. This creates a great sense of atmosphere and tension. I liked how in this novel we got to know more of calebs past and his teenage years. Very interesting! And I must say shocking. This book has a great medium pace that was fitting for the story. I really loved it when caleb gets a blast from his past leading to a good ending. ;) I actually rated this book 3.5 stars rounded up as it was better than an average rating. Its wasn't that far off the 4th star but I can't give it as I always stay honest to myself. This book is great if you loved old style western books like w w Johnstone. I do recommend that you read all the books in the series as I think this is book 3 in the series.
Many thanks to the author and publishers for creating another enjoyable read.

[A Busscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

these story lines just get better and better. SO unrealistic in that Caleb can launch off a cliff, drop 100ft, hit a tree with slows his descend than wake up, ride his horse down the mtn for 1.5 days, save his house from being burned down, rustle up the killers and do it all in 2 days! Cracks me up, typical western book, easy breezy to laugh at how 'superman' they were back in the rugged frontier days. I do like that the romance b/t Caleb and Shiela was backseat and she wasn't in distress and they don't get married after knowing eachother for all of 10 min.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Caleb Marlowe series a well written Western story that kept me turning pages. There is drama, suspense, danger, revenge, outlaws, bandits, surprises, twists, turns, and found family. This is a new Author to me. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Viktoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I am not big on historical romance, but I requested this book due to the description. This is the third book in this series, and it was easy to read and follow along. The book was written very well, and it was very entertaining. I would recommend this book to anyone who reads romance.

[Jen Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Western story. I didn't realize this is the 3rd book in the series. So, I didn't know what happened in earlier stories that were mentioned here. But I followed along well enough. I think this book is OK to read as a stand-alone. Good storyline. Would recommend. Listened to the audiobook for free through the Hoopla App. Would recommend. Would read others in the series in the future. 4 stars

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry into the Marlowe series, action packed, good story, perfect western. Enjoy readers!

[Krys · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM