Christmas at Goddard Downs

Sunburned Land #6

by Juliette Duncan

A Christmas celebration, an engagement in doubt…

Maggie and Frank are excited to welcome the entire family home for Christmas. It’s been too long since they were all together, and since Frank’s heart attack, they cherish each moment spent with their family.

Plus, there could be two engagement announcements!

Janella’s bringing Wade to Christmas, and everybody’s expecting Sean to finally pop the question to Elizabeth.

The whole cattle station’s buzzing with anticipation.

But Sean still has niggling doubts.

Since Uncle Frank appointed him as co-manager of Goddard Downs, his life has changed for the better, and at last he feels like somebody, and yet, he can’t shrug off his father’s words.

Although he loves Elizabeth, how can he expect her to marry him when his dad could be right and he could fall into his old ways at any time?

Elizabeth Martin’s had enough of waiting for Sean to propose, and Bree's offer to travel the world and nurse wherever the Lord leads holds appeal.

But can she leave Sean? The thought distresses her.

But does she love him enough to wait forever for him to propose?

What if he never does?

How can she join his family for Christmas when all eyes will be on them?

It’d be easier not to go.

She’ll pick up another shift, make her excuses.

Somebody needs to care for the sick while everyone else celebrates the birth of Jesus.

Can this impasse be broken? Can Sean find the courage to face his fears and commit to Elizabeth before he loses her?

Will Elizabeth choose to travel the world, or will this Christmas be one that will change her life forever?

Join the Goddard family for a Christmas to remember. Christmas at Goddard Downs is Book Six in the Sunburned Land Series, a contemporary Christian romance set in the beautiful, rugged and remote Kimberley area of northern Australia. Grab your copy now and be blessed.

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2022

About the author

Juliette Duncan is a USA Today bestselling author of Christian romance stories that ‘touch the heart and soul’. She lives on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast, Australia, and writes Christian fiction that encourages a deeper faith in a world that seems to have lost its way. Most of her stories include an element of romance, but the main love story in each of her books is always God's amazing, unconditional love for His wayward children.

Juliette and her husband enjoy spending time with their five adult children and eleven grandchildren, When not writing, Juliette and her husband I love exploring the wonderful world we live in.

Please feel free to contact Juliette by email (author@julietteduncan.com) or via Facebook.

Reviews

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved going back to see what the Goddard family was into. Wow! Flood, Hunches, Engagements, and babies. All at Christmas time! It was awesome. I don't want this series to end, but sadly this is the last of the series. Maggie and Frank and their family will be a part of me from now on. If you like clean inspirational books, you will enjoy 'Christmas at Goddard Downs'. I highly recommend. You don't have to read the other books in the series to enjoy this book. Although, the entire series will warm your heart. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Dot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Goddard Downs proves again this author can tell a wonderful tale! This time we say a sad farewell to the family many have read about. The characters are so real I do feel like I’m losing friends! Plenty this time to keep us guessing and a reminder of God’s faithfulness and our need to trust. This is a most enjoyable read whether Christmas time or any time. I have read it as an ARC but these are my own reflections. Read and enjoy!

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Goddard Downs by Juliette Duncan is her final story in the Sunburned Land series. Readers find the family all gathered at the family home for holiday celebrations but all does not go smoothly and the family learns again that God is in control and can do amazing things in and for those who seek Him. Engagements, near disasters, a baby on the way, all amidst the usual Christmas family customs, certainly kept my attention. The story moves quickly and faith in God is woven throughout reminding the reader that God is in the business of reconciling us, not only to Himself but to those around us. Readers who enjoy family sagas will not want to miss the full series and especially this book that wraps up the lives of the characters we have come to know and love. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas — a time for family to get together and enjoy each other
BUT it doesn’t always work like that. Sean decides to leave - takes a horse - and goes through the river — but falls. Almost drowns. Almost gives up. But his girlfriend and father find him in time. . . . and that is just one the amazing lines in this story. As always Juliette Duncan write a superb book!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Maxine Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Book #6 in the "Sunburned Land" series. It was a great finish to the series which I enjoyed very much.

[Glenda Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad to say goodbye to the Goddards. Their lives have proven time and again that God has a plan for each of us. For each of them overcoming struggles included the support of the family and their faith. Congratulations on the 2 engaged couples. I won’t say who!

A copy of this book was provided by the author with no obligation to post a favorable review. (But I love her books!)

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect Christmas time read! It’s a story of learning to trust God with your life no matter your past mistakes and insecurities. It’s about loving unconditionally through it all. It has a little something for everyone with tender moments, suspense, romance and a happily ever after.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am at a disadvantage in this series as this is the only book I received in this series and it is the very last one so I don’t know what went on in all of the other books, but I still enjoyed this book. Juliette Duncan did a wonderful job as usual sharing the Bible & Bible verses as always. She always prays & gives God all the glory & honor. When you read her books you know what you’re going to read, you don’t have to worry. There was a lot of good news right at Christmas with almost a tragedy. Sean almost drown, Caleb found him in time so instead of a tragedy we have two engagements & a baby born on Jesus’s birthday. You will love how this book ends. I do wish I could have read the other books in the series, but I did enjoy this one & I think you will too.

I got this ARC book for free & I am giving my review for free in my own words. This is a wonderful Christmas story you will just have to read right through to the end. Enjoy!

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching novel about family and faith and how those two things when given their proper place can carry us through life’s journey, both the good times and bad. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book of the Sunburned Land series but while it makes me sad this is the last one, I think it may also be my favorite. It’s always great to pick up a book and feel as if the characters are family. Reading this story felt like old home week. Some of my favorite things about this book is that prayer is a regular part of life. And the Goddard family lives out a life of faith while facing continued challenges. Additionally, I love the theme of overcoming self doubt by realizing we are loved like crazy by our Creator. Lastly I love that the interplay and relationships in this faith are true to life and relate-able. The goddards have their rebels, the black sheep, the prodigals, the broken and hurting, the lonely etc but they always find a way together just as family should be.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which centered around a family Christmas gathering at Goddard Downs. Lives and stories intertwined--from the youngest to the eldest. Mrs. Mary, the matriarch, was a beloved soul "who found joy in a dangerous storm and smiled through her pain." When trouble seemed to destroy a joyous Christmas Eve celebration, everyone teamed together; and "[the] day with all its twists and turns became a day of blessings. . ." It was so encouraging as the folk of Goddard Downs relied on God for their challenges. I highly recommend this book. Though I haven't read the entire series yet, I can't wait to read the next story from the series on my Kindle. I'm sure I won't be disappointed!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone is coming home for Christmas at Goddard Downs and Maggie and Frank are so excited. Joshua and Stella are coming with their kids from their station. Serena and David with their kids are taking a break to stay home. Sean and Elizabeth will be there. Finally Janella is coming back with her kids and is bringing Wade, the new man in her life. So much has changed. Janella has come into her own by finishing culinary school and opening her restaurant, and opening her heart to love. This will be a Christmas where God and the love of family will shine. A great conclusion to this wonderful, faith filled series

[Edwina Cowgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Christmas At Goddard Downs” is the final book in the Sunburned Land series. However it can be read as a standalone book as the author does an excellent job of bringing the reader up-to-date on what happened in the previous books. This reviewer feels that readers would enjoy the series reading from Books 1-6. This Book is a sweet Christian romance book with a good dose of drama, Christian wisdom, and wonderful Christmas traditions and celebrations. Grab your favorite hot beverage, curl up in front of a roaring fire with a comfy blanket and enjoy an afternoon reading this delightful book.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in this series and I'm sad. This series has been so good and this book is no different. The characters are from the other books, but you could read it without having read them. This one takes place at Christmas time and it includes 2 engagements and a new baby. What could be better than a baby on Christmas day? The characters are great and I love the way the author uses prayer and Bible verses to get the Christian view across. I think anyone that enjoys Christian fiction will really enjoy this book.
I did receive a copy of the book, but this review is my own.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book! I love Juliette Duncan’s Bible sharing and Bible verses throughout a good, clean story. One person was missing and many were out looking. The mood was somber. Frank follows where he thinks God is leading him to find Sean. After a tense time they returned home with Sean. There was celebrating at Goddard Downs with two engagements and the birth of a baby on Christmas!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at Goddard Downs is book six in the A Sunburned Land series. This book focuses more on Frank and Maggie's extended family especially his nephew, Sean, who lacks self-confidence because of a statement his father made when he was younger. You will enjoy life on the cattle station in Australia when four generations come home for Christmas! Christmas at Goddard Downs includes romance, danger and even an unexpected birth! I recommend the book to others. I listened to Christmas at Goddard Downs on YouTube. This is my honest opinion.

[Anne Bester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to the last book in the series of Goddard Downs and it didn't disappoint. There are some interesting twists and turns that will keep you reading till late at night when you should have gone to sleep! I really enjoyed this book as well as the whole series. I am sad to see the series end as there is so much more to tell.....
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 6th book in the Sunburned Land series is the perfect holiday fit. The story is sweet, romantic, adventurous and family centered just as were the other books. It was wonderful to see the family all together again and catch up with all of the characters. Having said that, it could definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone as well. Ms. Duncan never fails to give a good, enjoyable read.

I received this book from the author as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas At Goddard Downs

Australia the land of the free and fancifull. Wow what a great story on Frank and Maggie as they live their lives on Goddard Downs a cattle spread that was large and covered a very big are. The people were great and the story was great as well. Loved the little bible verses throughout the story, they just added that little something extra. Waiting for the next book. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Just Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved

I’ve read the whole series about the Goddard family and sad to see this is the end of the series. This series is the first books by Juliette Duncan that I’ve read but I promise it won’t be the last! Loved loved her messages and writing so wonderful. I will admit a few times I had to look up a word or two she use because it was not the English spelling but not complaining, I loved seeing the difference. So thankful to find her Christian based books!

[Linda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, clean read. As everyone gathers to celebrate Christmas there is drama and anxiety but these characters go to prayer before anything else! A heartwarming tale of faith, trust and holding on to love and its promises. I will miss Goddard Downs and the characters but am very satisfied by the ending tale.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at Goddard Downs is a great wrap-up to A Sunburned Land series. I enjoyed reading about the love felt and displayed by the married couples and about the difficulties between a long-time dating couple and how their faith brought about the answers to those problems. If you haven't read the series, I think that you'll still enjoy this book.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette Duncan’s books Christmas At Goddard Down:
This book is filled with a amazing family who are always there for each other. You will read about loving relationships, struggles with getting older and near tragedy. You will feel God working throughout this amazing book. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review.

[Kimberly Bartle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series

Much like Kingsbury, she gives you real characters with real problems and focuses on the Lord as their solution. I didn't think it was possible to have a fictional family weave their way into my heart more than the Baxters, but Duncan has done it with the Goddards!
I've read the entire series and in the process have added an author to my favorites list!

[Judy G Spivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of the Goddard saga. What could be better than a Christmas story.

A little sad to leave the Goddard and their Australian homestead. I have grown in my faith as the individuals in the stories vrew. God is good in the good times and bad. Grab book #1 and enjoy the journey.

[Jeanne Plante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Goddard Downs

I've loved everyone of the Goddard Downs series. I've loved everyone of them as they are not only heartwarming but exciting to read. I couldn't pick a favorite if I tried. They all are fun and adventurous to read, but they also remember to keep God and His amazing love sprinkled throughout the entire series. Keep up the good work, Juliette.
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Jeanne

[Audrey Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was the best ending to this series about the Goddard family where the family gathers together for Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus as well as other births/new beginnings. This book and the whole series are both uplifting /encouraging for anyone struggling to face life's ups and downs with hope in a life in Christ Jesus and being a part of His family.

[Judith Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Finish!

This series has been a wonderful and enjoyable series to read. I will miss reading about this family. The ending is fantastic. Good job Juliette. Looking forward to your next series.

[Sue Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great but sad end to this series of books. Must read them in order so you can follow the characters lives. What can one say except it’s Christmas with the Goddard’s and as you would expect there is plenty of drama. An easy 5⭐️. Thanks to Juliette and her publisher.

[Diane Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt

I've dealt enjoyed reading this series. The characters have depth, and the plots are challenging. No easy answers, but hard fought victories. Definitely recommend this series.

[Ruth Ann Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series A sunburned land series

This was the last book I this series. Great stories positive love connections and mingling tragedy and problem resolution with human and spiritual beliefs, reactions. I started this as a second series and feel so close to the author