First published 2009
Lincoln Creed struggles to raise his young daughter Gracie alone on his Montana ranch in 1910. The widowed rancher faces rustlers and harsh winter storms while barely managing to cook basic meals of beans and bacon. Gracie needs more than he can provide. She requires a governess who can teach her and cook proper meals, but Lincoln wants someone who won't pursue him romantically. Juliana Mitchell teaches at an underfunded Indian school after her family disowned her for refusing an arranged marriage. The twenty-five-year-old woman dedicates herself to her students and cares for two orphaned brothers. When Juliana encounters Lincoln and Gracie, she feels drawn to the handsome rancher and realizes marriage might appeal to her after all. She wants to help them, but the orphaned boys depend on her. Christmas approaches in this season of miracles, and Providence may find a way to unite Juliana, the boys, and the Creed family for Christmas Eve.
Genres: family, romance, christmas, historical-fiction, 20th-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, second-chance
Setting: Montana, Montana Ranch
Period: 1910
253 pages · Hardcover · HQN