jjares reviewed on 7/3/2020 + 3275 more book reviews

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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