A wonderful compilation of stories by some fabulous authors! I liked how each story pointed to the true meaning of Christmas- the birth of Jesus! ( )

Nine Historical Romances during American Pioneer Christmases....The American pioneer didn't have an easy life, but a snug little log cabin was a blessing against the forces of winter. Beside a cozy fire, surrounded by log walls built off his own land, a frontiersman could feel like a king. All he really needed was someone to share his castle. In this exclusive collection of nine Christmas romances, readers will relive a pioneer Christmas with all its challenges and delights as penned by some of Christian fiction's bestselling authors.

Nine different stories centered around Christmas during the American pioneer years. Life may have not easy living in a log cabin during harsh winters, but these frontier people met the challenge and found love overflowing. You will travel from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin and then to Texas, Colorado and Oregon in this adventurous book of short stories.

The Christmas Secret by Wanda Brunstetter: Elizabeth discovers an awful secret in her deceased mother's diary days before she is to marry David. She leaves him a letter and flees town. Can David discover the truth and find Elizabeth and set things right?

Snow Angel by Margaret Brownly: A snowstorm traps schoolteacher Maddie with her students in a dilapidated log schoolhouse, along with a somewhat disgruntled Sheriff. It makes for a very interesting few days as everyone learns to get along.

Christmas Traps and Trimmings by Kelly Eileen Hake: Wilhelmina escapes an unwanted marriage, travels across the water and arrives in Kentucky in 1811 to find the man her deceased father entrusted her to for her care. Trapper Sam Carver is at a loss as to what to do with this lovely young woman, but sending her back to England is not an option.

The Courting Quilt by Jane Kirkpatrick: Mary Bishop runs a dry goods store. Her and Richard Taylor will team up together as Richard takes her wares out to the customers who can't make it into her store. But Richard's charming sales tactics will backfire on him and Mary must learn to help and trust him once again.

A Star in the Night by Liz Johnson: A wounded Union officer is found by Cora in Confederate territory. Her and her grandfather must help him recover and he in turn will help Cora with the haunting dreams she has of all the bloodshed the war is causing.

Under His Wings by Liz Tolsma: Adie suddenly finds herself orphaned in the middle of a logging camp when her father dies in an accident. Noah Mitchell is determine to save her and her reputation and offers to marry her and take care of her as her father would want. Adie must learn to rely and trust a man she barely knows.

The Dogtrot Christmas by Michelle Ule: Molly is helping her widowed brother take care of his small child while they build a home in Texas. But the real owner of the land they thought was theirs appears, and tension along with a spark of romance begins.

A Grand County Christmas by Debra Ullrich: Awnya is found on the verge of starvation by Amadeus in the Colorado mountains as a snow storm is beginning. He takes her to his home where his children are and through the storm Awnya falls in love with the family atmosphere and Amadeus must help her to see how God is working even in this very unusual situation.

Christmas Service by Erica Vetch: Beth is in charge of the Christmas pageant and doesn't think she needs any help. But the town blacksmith sets out to help her anyways and show her his growing love for her in all that he does. ( )

9 historical romances during American Pioneer Christmases.

I didn't read all the stories in this anthology. I was looking for something Christmasy to help me get into the spirit of the season. This book will work for you, if you like your stories sugary sweet. I discovered that I prefer to read a story that is primarily "noir" with a dash of sweetness thrown in at the end. ( )