"Trio of captivating Christmas novellas"

The Makenzie's: Lily by Ana Leigh

Lily Makenzie left her family home at the Circle M Ranch to spread her wings and hopefully find the man of her dreams. All she found in the town of Lamy was a handsome but, annoying Sheriff. One, that Lily felt wasn't taking proper care of his children.

Raising three young children since his wife died in child birth wasn't easy for Grady Delaney. He did the best he could while maintaining law and order and saving for his own ranch. Meeting Lily was like meeting no other women, she was head strong and opinionated but very beautiful as well.

When Grady is injured Lily helps out by moving in to help the children who have become so dear to her. She winds up nursing Grady back to health and during that time she falls in love. She never divulges her true feelings and had previously decided to head back home to the Circle M.

When Grady takes stock of his life he realizes how deep his feelings are for this feisty female. He goes after Lily and the children divulge a secret of there own.

Once again we are reintroduced to the endearing Mackenzie family. I have enjoyed many of the characters in their own books and Lily's was equally as good. Ana Leigh always warms my heart with her stories.

A Time for Angels by Carolyn Davidson

With her parents recently deceased, Honey Morris has the weight on her shoulders of raising her young sister, Hope and trying to keep their farm from going under. Rejected for a bank loan by Zachary Bennett, Honey has no idea what she is going to do.

Soon after a man loses his way in the snow and Honey and Hope take him in. They warm him up and give him a place to stay for the night. Unbeknownst to them, he is Zachary's grandfather, Joseph. Realizing that these two are in dire straights Joseph wants to pay back their kindness. He also enjoyed their company and knows they would bring happiness into his life. He makes Honey an offer of live in housekeeper and cook, which she graciously accepts.

Zachary thinks she has other motives which include using Joseph for his wealth. This is the furthest thing on Honey's mind and it takes Zachary some time to realize it but, Honey thinks that she is too far beneath Zachary's station and trys not to encourage the relationship. Realizing that love is not a social class or wealth but what is in their hearts, leads them to their destiny.

Carolyn Davidson pens a tale that crosses barriers all in the name of love. She shows not only romantic love between Zachary and Honey but also another tale. One of a lonely old man and a precious little girl who have an unbreakable bond. Ms. Davidson always comes through with a page turner.

The Long Journey Home by Kate Bridges

Two years prior Melodie Sutcliffe's husband was called to duty on their wedding day, never to return. She has been picking up the pieces of her shattered heart trying to move forward. Melodie has sucessfully opened a bath and barber house and now engaged to be married. However, her life is turned upside down, once again, when a scarred, scruffy stranger appears for a bath and shave. After transforming the man with her skills she thinks that she has seen a ghost because standing right before Melodie is her dead husband.

Logan Sutcliffe had no idea what he would find when he returned home. He was elated to find Melodie still in town and doing well but knew she would be shocked over his sudden appearance. He had changed so much in the last two years. Logan felt vurnerable with the scar on his face, a reminder of what he had endured. All he wanted was his life back with Melodie but her feelings and engagement stood in the way.

After Melodie's initial shock wore off she needed time to think. She didn't think that she could go back to her old life of being married to a Mounted Police, always wondering and worry if and when he would return home. She knew that she couldn't take the personal hell of going through a missing husband the second time. Her new fiance he was safe and sensible but deep down Melodie knew that there was no passion.

Logan vowed to win his wife back as he still loved her with all his heart. He just had to convince Melodie that she felt the same way. Little did he know that her feelings actually mirrored his but she was wrestling with fears.

Emotions, tension and the gift of a second chance at love, fill the pages of this story. Kate Bridges always hooks me with her irresistable heroes and spunky heroines. This is one author I can never get enough of.

Reviewed by Tami Sutton
Posted December 28, 2003

'THE LONG JOURNEY HOME' is the novella written by Kate Bridges. Christmas, 1888. Logan Sutcliffe, a veterinarian with the North-West Mounted Police, missing in action for two years and presumed dead, returns home in search of the bride he left behind on their wedding night. Melodie Sutcliffe has no idea her husband is still alive, and is hoping to spend the lonely holidays with the new man in her life....