Although I'm less familiar with Jillian Hart's work than the other two, I'm particularly fond of Cheryl St. John's stories. I've also read a good number of Carol Finch's works and find her to be a fine writer. Thus, I was looking forward to reading this trio of short stories about Christmas.

The Cowboy's Christmas Miracle (Jillian Hart) -- This story fluctuates between trite and corny. I hate to waste the paper describing it. Caleb McGraw, just out of jail for a crime he didn't commit, finds out he has a son. He travels to see his son, just once and meets the woman who took the child into her home. Feeling too guilty to explain, Caleb falls for Caroline (a widow who also lost her son in the past). When she finds out the truth, she doesn't want to hear Caleb's explanation. (frankly, who cares?) (2 stars)

Christmas at Cahill Crossing (Carol Finch) -- This short story was released about the same time as the book listed below. It is tangentially related to the Cahills of that series. Rosalie Greer gets caught in a sudden blizzard and is fortunately found by ex-Texas Ranger Lucas Burnett before she freezes to death. There is instant chemistry between the two but Rosie is a fashionable business owner and Lucas doesn't think they belong together. This is a charming story about opposites that have much in common. (4.5 stars)

A Magical Gift at Christmas (Cheryl St. John) -- US Marshal Jonah Cavanaugh and three other marshals are protecting a gold shipment on a train traveling to Denver. Meredith Abbott is traveling in a private Pullman car on the same train, at the end, with the mail car. Johan finds two stowaway hiding in the mail car, children hoping to travel to Denver to find their father (because their mother has died). Now, suddenly, Jonah is responsible for three others, as well as the gold shipment. The shootout causes damage to the Abbott's train car, but Jonah keeps everyone safe.

When they arrive in Denver, Meredith's intended asks her to marry him. But the two children have gotten under her skin and Meredith decides that she wants more than a society marriage. This is a great story; just what one would expect from this author. (5 stars)

Series contributed to: Cahill Cowboys
The LoneRancher (2011)

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Jillian Hart's story-Enjoyable the whole way through. The "discovering a lost child" plot was handled differently than I've seen before. That was refreshing. Her writing is engaging and the character's growing attraction and relationship was fun to read, mainly because each character was aware they were attracted to the other and didn't try to hide it. that was also refreshing! The heroine could have exhibited a bit more faith at one point but then the story would have been over too soon.

Carol Finch-I have tried numerous times to read this author's work. I know she receives consistently high marks from ratings seen here so I tried again. Disappointingly, after forcing myself to read over half of the story, I just could not continue. For me her writing style falls flat. Had I been able to finish and enjoy this story as well, my star rating would have been higher for the overall book.

Cheryl St.John-An engaging read and wonderful story that I wish had a bit more romance in it. The bulk of the action took place on a Pullman railway car, a private, luxurious train car. The writing was solid and the action exciting but I would have enjoyed more of the characters emotions and attraction to each other revealed throughout the story. An excellent story the whole way through, it fell shy in the romance department.

The Cover-what is up with putting a kid on a cover of a romance book?

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