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The Gingerbread Man
Hannah Tate is raising her children alone after her husband's death. Keeping her homestead running isn't easy, but when chores get done that she didn't do, she wonders who her mysterious helper is. Her daughter insists it's the Gingerbread Man who comes late at night. But Hannah has no time for such nonsense. Or does she? John Sullivan lives alone outside Harper Falls, trapping for a living. When circumstance brings him to meet the woman he's been helping in secret, he doesn't expect to find love once again. But he'll risk his life more than once to finally hold her forever.
- GenresChristmas
140 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2021
20 people want to read
About the author
Kim Turner
9 books95 followersKim Turner writes western historical and contemporary romance, and discovered her passion of writing at the age of eight. Kim graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and later completed her Master's Degree in Adult Education. Working as a registered nurse educator & Quality Analyst for over thirty seven years, she enjoys studying the medical treatments of the old west and keeping up with the latest western movies and television series. While she loves reading anything from highlanders to pirates, she claims to have an unquenchable thirst for the American cowboy when choosing her reads. Kim lives south of Atlanta with her husband and calls her greatest accomplishment the birth of one daughter and the adoption of another from China-neither of which came easy. Kim is a member of Georgia Romance Writers. Kim's motto: IT'S ALL ABOUT A COWBOY AND THE WOMAN HE LOVES.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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November 18, 2021This is the story I wrote for my sister...it means a lot for that reason. Hope everyone enjoys it!
October 20, 2024
The Gingerbread Man is a cute historical Christmas Story. It’s sweet to read on how two people who are from different backgrounds and areas North and South meeting up after they both have lost their much loved partners. They also share an enemy who has made trouble within the town.
January 22, 2022
Rating: 3.5 stars
Sometimes you're just in the mood for some warm cookies and milk. The Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner might fit that literary niche if you've got a hankering for a sweet, caring, protective, loner, good guy hero who has already fallen from afar for a beautiful, widow mother of two barely getting by on the cold, wintery, post civil war frontier. Throw in the fact, he's been her early secret Santa helper for some time only made him extra swoon worthy, folks.
Sully (John Sullivan) was a soft spoken widow himself. Both having loved their dearly departed didn't detract from this new beginning of hope and love that very quickly blossomed between them. They each acknowledged their pain and loss but didn't let it keep them from moving on to this new chance of happiness. At only 126 pages, it didn't surprise me overly much that aspect was rushed. There was only one very steamy scene between the sheets, btw.
A little thick on the children's western frontier dialect and stereotypical infatuated bad guy scenario had me having to roll with parts of it. The graphic descriptions of animal trapping and preserving as a means of income and survival, though to be expected in this era, may be disturbing to some. Along with one violent trigger content scene involving Hannah, the heroine. Not to worry, as this hero lives up to his title, folks.
This quick, mostly predictable read was worth it to me to travel down a romance venue I seldom think to venture (western romance). Maybe it helped it was actually snowing outside, which is also a very rare occurrence in my neck of the woods, my fellow romance book loving friends.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: The Gingerbread Man, Series: Christmas Cookies (Book 1), Author: Kim Turner, Pages: 126, stand-alone with HEA & epilogue, both celibate widows, heroine has 2 children, post Civil War romance, loner caring good guy hero, one graphic steamy scene, 1 trigger content scene, animal trapping & preserving content.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not rewarded or compensated in any form for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or any PR firm.)
Sometimes you're just in the mood for some warm cookies and milk. The Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner might fit that literary niche if you've got a hankering for a sweet, caring, protective, loner, good guy hero who has already fallen from afar for a beautiful, widow mother of two barely getting by on the cold, wintery, post civil war frontier. Throw in the fact, he's been her early secret Santa helper for some time only made him extra swoon worthy, folks.
Sully (John Sullivan) was a soft spoken widow himself. Both having loved their dearly departed didn't detract from this new beginning of hope and love that very quickly blossomed between them. They each acknowledged their pain and loss but didn't let it keep them from moving on to this new chance of happiness. At only 126 pages, it didn't surprise me overly much that aspect was rushed. There was only one very steamy scene between the sheets, btw.
A little thick on the children's western frontier dialect and stereotypical infatuated bad guy scenario had me having to roll with parts of it. The graphic descriptions of animal trapping and preserving as a means of income and survival, though to be expected in this era, may be disturbing to some. Along with one violent trigger content scene involving Hannah, the heroine. Not to worry, as this hero lives up to his title, folks.
This quick, mostly predictable read was worth it to me to travel down a romance venue I seldom think to venture (western romance). Maybe it helped it was actually snowing outside, which is also a very rare occurrence in my neck of the woods, my fellow romance book loving friends.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: The Gingerbread Man, Series: Christmas Cookies (Book 1), Author: Kim Turner, Pages: 126, stand-alone with HEA & epilogue, both celibate widows, heroine has 2 children, post Civil War romance, loner caring good guy hero, one graphic steamy scene, 1 trigger content scene, animal trapping & preserving content.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not rewarded or compensated in any form for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or any PR firm.)
December 1, 2021
One of the things I love about Kim Turner's western romance books is how she makes you feel like you are right there in Harper Falls, Wyoming, back in 1875. Just read the first paragraph in the prologue and you'll see what I mean:
"The howl of the wind sounded like a lone wolf calling into the silver winter night. John "Sully" Sullivan tied his horse, Sage, to a tree in the edge of the forest. A homestead sat in the distance, smoke from the chimney leaving a trail across the stillness of night. He took a moment to blow a bit of warmth into his gloved hands and waited out a long hiss of wind as snow flurries began."
Wow! That puts you right there, feeling the chill in the air and you can almost smell the smoke from the chimney. But the story gets even better. Sully, a former confederate soldier, is a bit of a loner. He sees the struggles Hannah Tate endures trying to maintain her homestead while raising two children after her husband dies. He stops by every now and then in the early morning hours before Hannah awakens, and does a few chores for her without her knowledge. Things like mending a fence or carrying firewood to her porch. Hannah's little girl sees the mysterious stranger on one of those mornings and immediately starts calling him "The Gingerbread Man". Love unfolds and there is a bit of drama too. No spoilers, but this turned out to be a really good Christmas story with characters you will love.
"The howl of the wind sounded like a lone wolf calling into the silver winter night. John "Sully" Sullivan tied his horse, Sage, to a tree in the edge of the forest. A homestead sat in the distance, smoke from the chimney leaving a trail across the stillness of night. He took a moment to blow a bit of warmth into his gloved hands and waited out a long hiss of wind as snow flurries began."
Wow! That puts you right there, feeling the chill in the air and you can almost smell the smoke from the chimney. But the story gets even better. Sully, a former confederate soldier, is a bit of a loner. He sees the struggles Hannah Tate endures trying to maintain her homestead while raising two children after her husband dies. He stops by every now and then in the early morning hours before Hannah awakens, and does a few chores for her without her knowledge. Things like mending a fence or carrying firewood to her porch. Hannah's little girl sees the mysterious stranger on one of those mornings and immediately starts calling him "The Gingerbread Man". Love unfolds and there is a bit of drama too. No spoilers, but this turned out to be a really good Christmas story with characters you will love.
December 21, 2021
This was an amazing novella that puts you right in the past with the characters. It’s set in 1875 Wyoming in the winter so there is a lot of snow… but it’s the author’s words that put you there in the cold, struggling through the blizzard, and more. Hannah is a widow with two children trying to survive on her own. What she doesn’t know is that “Sully”, a trapper who knew her husband, has been helping her out in secret. Her daughter Gertie calls him the gingerbread man as he is bundled up and looks like the cookies they bake. There’s also a bad guy who is determined to make Hannah his. As this is a romance, you can figure out who she ends up with, but it’s not an easy path that is taken. Note: trigger alert for some readers as there is a strong abuse/near-rape scene. It’s brief but it is there. Still, the story is really good and keeps you turning the pages to the satisfying ending.
Recommendation: If you love your historicals and strong, silent heroes, definitely pick this one up. It’s worth the read.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Recommendation: If you love your historicals and strong, silent heroes, definitely pick this one up. It’s worth the read.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
December 22, 2021
Hannah Tate is raising her children alone after her husband's death. It hasn’t been easy but after chores get done which she nor her adolescent son completed, she wonders who her mysterious helper might be. While her daughter insists it’s The Gingerbread Man who comes late at night, Hannah has no time for such nonsense.
A veteran of the War of Aggression, John Sullivan lives alone outside Harper Falls, trapping for a living and coping with horrific memories of too much violence and death. When circumstance brings him to meet the woman he’s been secretly helping, he doesn’t expect to find love once again.
But he’ll risk his life more than once to finally hold her forever.
Our Review: This delightful Western romance is made that much better with author Turner’s flair for using the costumes, customs and speech patterns common to the time. Featuring two lonely people who have lost everything—only to find it again. This is the perfect solution to the rush and bother surrounding modern holiday celebrations. Treat yourself by taking time to sit by a glowing fire with a warm cup of tea, and perhaps a warm gingerbread cookie, and travel back in time to meet John and Hannah and follow their adventures in finding love again. It’ll warm your heart. Promise.
Based on a scale of 1-5, The Gingerbread Man deserves a 5.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
A veteran of the War of Aggression, John Sullivan lives alone outside Harper Falls, trapping for a living and coping with horrific memories of too much violence and death. When circumstance brings him to meet the woman he’s been secretly helping, he doesn’t expect to find love once again.
But he’ll risk his life more than once to finally hold her forever.
Our Review: This delightful Western romance is made that much better with author Turner’s flair for using the costumes, customs and speech patterns common to the time. Featuring two lonely people who have lost everything—only to find it again. This is the perfect solution to the rush and bother surrounding modern holiday celebrations. Treat yourself by taking time to sit by a glowing fire with a warm cup of tea, and perhaps a warm gingerbread cookie, and travel back in time to meet John and Hannah and follow their adventures in finding love again. It’ll warm your heart. Promise.
Based on a scale of 1-5, The Gingerbread Man deserves a 5.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
December 23, 2021
The Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner
Christmas Cookies
This Christmas historical romance may be shorter in pages but still filled with warmth, love, and holiday cheer. A feel-good story that sent me to bed with a smile on my face last night.
What I liked:
* Sully: a good man who lost much and went West to make a new life for himself after the war
* Hannah: a good woman who lost her husband and is making the best life she can for her children
* Gertie and Henry: Hannah’s children who added a lot to this story
* The believability of the story and the way it was written
* That Sully was so good with both Hannah and her children
* Hannah’s love for her children and willingness to work hard
* Thinking about what life might have been like when this story takes place
* The Gingerbread Man tie-in
* Remembering making gingerbread cookies, houses, and such during past holiday seasons
* That the bad guy – there was one – met his match
* All of it except…
What I didn’t like:
* The bad guy…a predictable character but also beneficial to the story’s plot
Did I enjoy this story? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Christmas Cookies
This Christmas historical romance may be shorter in pages but still filled with warmth, love, and holiday cheer. A feel-good story that sent me to bed with a smile on my face last night.
What I liked:
* Sully: a good man who lost much and went West to make a new life for himself after the war
* Hannah: a good woman who lost her husband and is making the best life she can for her children
* Gertie and Henry: Hannah’s children who added a lot to this story
* The believability of the story and the way it was written
* That Sully was so good with both Hannah and her children
* Hannah’s love for her children and willingness to work hard
* Thinking about what life might have been like when this story takes place
* The Gingerbread Man tie-in
* Remembering making gingerbread cookies, houses, and such during past holiday seasons
* That the bad guy – there was one – met his match
* All of it except…
What I didn’t like:
* The bad guy…a predictable character but also beneficial to the story’s plot
Did I enjoy this story? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
September 7, 2022
The Gingerbread Man
Christmas Cookies
By: Kim Turner
Narrated by: Dawson McBride
Everything I love about Kim Turner's writing it packed in this warm, holiday story. Hannah is a widow with two children, working hard and trying to get by. Lately, things around the house are being done for her, and her adorable daughter told her it's the Gingerbread Man. John has been helping her out, and by chance they finally meet. Who thought it would bring both the love and happiness they deserve? Hannah is a strong woman, raising her children to be respectable and responsible. John has found his second chance at love, and now given it, he is going in! But this is the old West, and nothing is ever without a little danger! Turner gives us some suspense, some romance and a look back when times are simpler. I love this story, the cookies, the Gingerbread Man, the way livelihoods are earned and food is put on the table. It's real and heart warming. Love this novella!
Dawson McBride tells us this story with his easy pace and phenomenal voices. I could listen to him all day as he is a consummate storyteller. He easily gives us Hannah and John, then switches to the kid voices with such ease, it's like a movie. This is a great listen!
Christmas Cookies
By: Kim Turner
Narrated by: Dawson McBride
Everything I love about Kim Turner's writing it packed in this warm, holiday story. Hannah is a widow with two children, working hard and trying to get by. Lately, things around the house are being done for her, and her adorable daughter told her it's the Gingerbread Man. John has been helping her out, and by chance they finally meet. Who thought it would bring both the love and happiness they deserve? Hannah is a strong woman, raising her children to be respectable and responsible. John has found his second chance at love, and now given it, he is going in! But this is the old West, and nothing is ever without a little danger! Turner gives us some suspense, some romance and a look back when times are simpler. I love this story, the cookies, the Gingerbread Man, the way livelihoods are earned and food is put on the table. It's real and heart warming. Love this novella!
Dawson McBride tells us this story with his easy pace and phenomenal voices. I could listen to him all day as he is a consummate storyteller. He easily gives us Hannah and John, then switches to the kid voices with such ease, it's like a movie. This is a great listen!
December 11, 2021
The Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner is a spicy, western romance. I loved the homesteading she described in detail and the hardships of a single parent in the Old West. Hannah is the town beauty who manages to juggle it all. I loved how her vulnerability (in her loneliness since her husband’s death) was hidden beneath a strong woman who stands up for her son to the town bully. I was rooting for her from page one to get her Prince Charming.
Sully is just the rugged cowboy Hannah needs. He’s completely swoon-worthy with hard-won muscles, expressive eyes, and soft-spot for Hannah’s sone Henry. My favorite scenes (besides the naughty one) were between Henry and Sully in the wilderness. I loved their interplay and how they bonded over survival skills. The final scare had me on the edge of my seat. While I never wanted the book to end, I raced through the action to make sure Hannah and the kids were okay. I was that connected to the characters.
Overall, I highly recommend this Christmas romance to anyone who loves westerns, homesteading, or the heart-pounding love story that can only be found in Historical America.
Sully is just the rugged cowboy Hannah needs. He’s completely swoon-worthy with hard-won muscles, expressive eyes, and soft-spot for Hannah’s sone Henry. My favorite scenes (besides the naughty one) were between Henry and Sully in the wilderness. I loved their interplay and how they bonded over survival skills. The final scare had me on the edge of my seat. While I never wanted the book to end, I raced through the action to make sure Hannah and the kids were okay. I was that connected to the characters.
Overall, I highly recommend this Christmas romance to anyone who loves westerns, homesteading, or the heart-pounding love story that can only be found in Historical America.
January 18, 2022
The Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner is a charming Christmas story that can be read any time of year. Hannah is a widow with two young children. Sully is a widower and Hannah's closest neighbor. He's admired Hannah ever since her husband died, but has kept his distance, secretly helping Hannah with the heavier chores under the cover of darkness. But his secret is revealed when Hannah's daughter spies him from her window one night, decorates a gingerbread cookie to resemble him, and then, convinces her mother of Sully's identity. Grateful for his help, and for his willingness to teach her son the fur trade business, Hannah strikes a friendship with Sully and soon finds herself battling her conscience over honoring her late husband's memory.
The Gingerbread Man is wholesome family charm at Christmastime, ripe with cookies and snow, and so much more. Hannah and Sully both bring sorrow from their pasts to their friendship and tiptoe around a growing attraction. Toss in a vile villain who cheats Sully money owed for his furs and has his sights set on Hannah and you'll find yourself quickly engrossed in the story and hoping for a happy ending.
The Gingerbread Man is wholesome family charm at Christmastime, ripe with cookies and snow, and so much more. Hannah and Sully both bring sorrow from their pasts to their friendship and tiptoe around a growing attraction. Toss in a vile villain who cheats Sully money owed for his furs and has his sights set on Hannah and you'll find yourself quickly engrossed in the story and hoping for a happy ending.
December 8, 2021
I don’t usually read historical novels, but I really enjoyed the summary and found the story to be an enjoyable read. Hannah Tate’s husband died from the influenza and she and her children, Henry and Gertie, are living in their cabin. Times are hard and there is never enough money, but someone has secretly been helping them with the chores. Gertie tells her that it is the “Gingerbread Man” and that she has seen him. He is not the “Gingerbread Man”, but John “Sully” Sullivan has been secretly stopping by to help. He lost his wife and child when he fought during the Civil war and now makes his living trapping and selling the pelts. The owner of the Harper Falls Trading Post & Saloon has expressed an interest in Hannah and she dreads every time he tries to speak to her. Can Sully keep her safe and will they be given a second chance at love? A sweet romance. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
December 13, 2021
A snuggle up read!
Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner is a heart- rendering, tender story that reminds us of the importance of hope, giving, and love in the toughest of times. Precious little Gertie, who first sees the Gingerbread Man, knows from the start that he’s real & a good man. Lots of drama before this former soldier and loner can reveal his true self to the beautiful & independent widow he’s been secretly helping and admiring from a distance. Sit back with hot cocoa before the fire & enjoy this read!
Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner is a heart- rendering, tender story that reminds us of the importance of hope, giving, and love in the toughest of times. Precious little Gertie, who first sees the Gingerbread Man, knows from the start that he’s real & a good man. Lots of drama before this former soldier and loner can reveal his true self to the beautiful & independent widow he’s been secretly helping and admiring from a distance. Sit back with hot cocoa before the fire & enjoy this read!
December 4, 2024
This book a a bit different from what I usually read, and it made for the best palate cleanser. The story was quick, but full of heart. I wouldn't mind having my very own good-looking gingerbread man to secretly help out around the house. All of the characters were well-developed, and I couldn't seem to put it down. The dash of spice was just the right amount. I can't wait to read more from this author.
October 17, 2022
I very much enjoyed this book.
March 4, 2022
The Gingerbread Man (Christmas Cookies)
This is another very entertaining book from Kim Turner and I loved it. The different and interesting storyline flowed along, and I found Hannah and John a wonderful couple to follow along to their HEA. Recommend. JudyE
This is another very entertaining book from Kim Turner and I loved it. The different and interesting storyline flowed along, and I found Hannah and John a wonderful couple to follow along to their HEA. Recommend. JudyE
November 28, 2024
Reread to put me in the Christmas mood. Still enjoyable, if a slightly sappy ending. Nice epilogue.
Mar, 1, 2023
A gentle love story without angst. An actually nice hero, Sully, secretly helping out a lonely widow trying to raise 2 kids on her own. The kids were a huge part of the story, cute but not annoying. My 1st by this author and I’ll read her books again.
Mar, 1, 2023
A gentle love story without angst. An actually nice hero, Sully, secretly helping out a lonely widow trying to raise 2 kids on her own. The kids were a huge part of the story, cute but not annoying. My 1st by this author and I’ll read her books again.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews