Tamela Hancock Murray

First let’s acknowledge how beautiful the cover of this book is! It really evokes that country holiday feel. I always tend to read more faith based fiction during the holidays and Mountain Christmas Brides is perfect for that. There are nine short romance stories in this book (and isn’t it easier to find time to read short stories during the busy holidays?). Some of the stories are better than others, however I did have a couple of favorites. A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky is a show more sweet story involving a mail order bride. The writing was simple and straight-forward and included elements of Swedish Christmas traditions which I found really interesting. My other favorite was One Evergreen Night by Debby Lee. It includes interesting historical elements of life in a logging camp and a piglet named Bacon! If you enjoy sweet, romantic holiday fiction stories, then I recommend you give this book a try.
*I was provided with a copy of this book via Net Galley in exchange for my review. show less

Nine stories, two time frames. The first 1880 on a ranch in in Wyoming, the second in Washington territory at a logging camp area, the third in 1913 near Denver, Co during one of the worst snowstorms in it's history. They share characters and friends, which I love in this type of book. A mail order bride the groom doesn't know about, a tomboy, camp worker, some wealthy girls, a Parson's daughter to name a few. A delightful mix with tons of depth and characters you feel you know. If you want show more to cozy up with a good book that will keep you engaged, especially for the holidays, this is a great choice. Isn't that cover just gorgeous?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. show less

A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky is the first novella in this collection of nine stories that as the descriptions notes--celebrate faith and love in the Rocky Mountains. This sweet story begins with Annika leaving her twin sister and only relative to travel from Chicago to Wyoming as a mail-order bride. When she arrives in Laramie, surprises greet her. Just where is her husband to be? Will she be able to become a rancher's wife when she is fearful of horses? With a few twists and turns, a show more gentle hero, and a sense of strong faith in God woven throughout the author brings the reader a tender story with a satisfying ending. I look forward to reading the rest of the stories in this collection. show less

This book is a collection of four romance novellas. It is easy to pick up and put down because each story is under 90 pages. The story lines are straight forward and simple to follow. They share the same setting: a Colorado blizzard in 1913, and even the characters move from one story to another.

However, these are four distinctly different tales. The first is not written as well as the others, and quite frankly, that turned me off. The final novella is simplistic. Uneven writing makes for a show more frustrating read.

Characters are not well developed. Maybe it's me; I just don't care for romance novellas. I prefer plots with twists and turns. I appreciate sparkling dialogue and a bit of intrigue. A lover of romance stories might enjoy this book. show less