Bygone Christmas Brides, set in days gone by, is written by six authors sharing a bit of Christmas romance. Written by Ginny Aiken, Carla Gade, Pamela Griffin, Tamela Hancock Murray, Jill Stengl and Gina Welborn, these novellas will warm your hearts and spread a little welcome cheer as the summer wanes and darker evenings beckon.I enjoyed these stories, richly woven with tradition and the hope for love. Love at Christmas seems all the more poignant when the dreams of the young are often closer to the heart. Each bride carefully considered her groom, whether he knew he was being considered or not.
Lost and Found by Ginny Aiken A young woman vows to remain single rather than marry the wonderful man she loves. the only problems is: he works at the mine. She is the daughter of an 1870's Welsh mine owner who will not suffer the loss of one more person she loves to that mine.
'Tis the Season by Carla Gade This story is set in Schooley's Mountain, New Jersey. The doctor's daughter met a carpenter who rescued her after her horse got spooked and tipped her carriage. She kissed him soundly afterward, an untoward action by a young lady of 1820, especially one committed to remain single to care for her aging father. Time, it seems would find a solution to a life without her handsome young man.
I Saw Three Ships by Pamela Griffin tells the story of the love between Malcolm Sinclair and Rachel MacIvor. Set in Scotland in the middle of the 19th century, theirs is a love that formed as children and was torn apart when he was forced to leave unannounced for university. Now, he is the new Laird and must win back the love of the fiercely independent woman who wants no part of him or the rich life he can offer her.
Colleen of Erin by Tamela Hancock Murray Finn Donohue, owner of the largest mercantile in Dublin, has long admired Colleen Sullivan from afar. He'll eagerly order whatever she needs or wants, knowing it will bring her once again to his store. He has worked hard to overcome hardships he and his mother bore when his father long ago left him. His bitterness lingers and his hard heart is the one thing that stands between the kind and gentle spirit Colleen possesses. As they spend time together, events occur that causes her to wonder if he can possibly change. It is a Christma visitor who opens the young man's eyes to the truth of his spirit.
A Right and Proper Christmas by Jill Stengl A weary soldier returning from battle finds himself in the rector's home of a small town church. What he finds is incomparable love and service from a truly christian home. I found this novella inspiring for the unconditional love for mankind.
Mercy Mild by Gina Welborn What better tribute to the Christmas spirit than a story of an orphan finding a new home with loving parents? Try a woman afraid to love a man because of the promise that love could bring a child to her unwilling arms. I enjoyed this story for the hope and change anyone can receive in their life with a little faith and push from those who truly love.
Short though they are, novellas can give us a glimpse into a person's character more readily than a full book that needs to include a broader range of characters and events. If I like a novella I often hope it is the introduction of a new series being written by the author.
For the season, we are often so busy preparing for Christmas that we may not want to contemplate reading a full book. This collection is inspiring and sure to put a little extra spirit in your heart.
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