Under the Texas Mistletoe - by Karen Witemeyer

I just love Karen and her ability to suck you into her stories. This is the perfect book to get you in the mood for the Christmas season! It's a cozy read, that packs a punch. Don't miss out, put this on your Christmas TBR!

Under the Texas Mistletoe is a collection of 3 novellas by Karen Witemeyer all set during the Christmas season! I love Christmas and I love Karen Witemeyer so I ignored my feelings about novellas (too short to get a good) and went for it!!! So far I am regretting nothing!!!! I’ll come back and update my post as I finish each one because I don’t want to forget anything! #1 A Texas Christmas Carol So, so good!!!! I absolutely loved Felicity and the “Scrooge-like” Evan! My only disappointment was that it was not longer! I wanted to know so much more about them. Maybe they will have a future cameo in another book! How wonderful would that be!!! #2 An Archer Family Christmas One of my first favorite books was the Short Straw Bride and the 1st of the Archer Brothers series! The Christmas story brings the family together and tells the story of a wonderful Christmas gift for Cassie and Jim…although adventure and sadness come with. I love reading follow up books about my favorite fictional people and this novella is a fabulous follow up! #3 Gift of the Heart This story is a rerelease that had been previously published. I had read this story before but it is such a sweet story! The story is loosely based on the story of Ruth and Naomi except Ruth is the mother. Overall I loved the Christmas themed stories, especially A Texas Christmas Carols. If you enjoy novellas and the Christmas season, you can’t not read this collection this holiday season! I am ever so grateful to Bethany House Publishers for my copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own!

I never tire of Christmas and I have a list of books and movies that I love to revisit each year during the holiday season. I now have a new book by Karen Witemeyer to add to that list! Under the Texas Mistletoe is a collection of three novellas that are set in Texas during the 1890s, and they carry the Witemeyer trademarks of humor, romance, family, and faith. I found myself smiling and laughing, but there were also moments of tears. Memories of past Christmases with my family are often bittersweet, and these stories of Christmas and family filled me with the same emotions. Each novella is a joy to read, and I love Witemeyer's mission to share the true meaning of Christmas in each of them. 'A Texas Christmas Carol' has a Texas banker who thinks like Ebenezer Scrooge but is capable of causing heart palpitations; 'An Archer Family Christmas' introduces a tiny baby who promises to bring love and joy to the Archer family; and 'Gift of the Heart' features a widow who must sacrifice a family heirloom so that she can secure shelter for her and her daughter. All three are lovely, heartwarming tales that allude to treasured Bible stories, and there are three added bonuses. Who wouldn't like two Christmas recipes, a look at some American Christmas traditions of the 19th century, or an inspiring devotional about the greatest gift ever given? Under the Texas Mistletoe is an absolute delight and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical romance and Christmas-themed stories. Reading it will surely put you in the Christmas spirit! I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers. There was no obligation for a positive review and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.

What a way to kick off the Christmas season! As the director of music at my church “Christmas” typically starts pretty early for me. I am already starting to look ahead to December and starting to listen to some Christmas music here and there. I have loved reading “Under the Texas Mistletoe” by Karen Witemeyer. It totally put me into the Christmas spirit. Even if you aren’t ready for Christmas yet, purchase “Under the Texas Mistletoe” and put it in your “to be read” pile. You won’t regret it! I promise. The first novella in Karen Witemeyer’s 3-in-1 collection is “A Texas Christmas Carol”. Margaret Talley is determined to get Scrooge-like Mr. Evan Beazer to make a Christmas donation for helping the local poor. Evan wants nothing to do with her and tries what he can to shake Margaret off of his back. Margaret takes a different approach in order to help open Mr. Beazer’s eyes to the people around him. As I was reading this story Margaret reminded me of Christ and His pursuit of us. Even when we let Him down He is still there. He doesn’t leave us. He never gives up on us. I am just totally in love with the Archer family and every story that is part of this series. “An Archer Family Christmas” is the perfect addition and conclusion to the series. I can relate to Cassandra and that adds to my absolute love of this novella. Cassie’s love for her nieces and nephews and her heart for children is so endearing. I also love her relationship with Jim Archer—swoon worthy. The best way to describe “An Archer Family Christmas” is a warm and fuzzy feel good story with heart racing adventure. The third story in “Under the Texas Mistletoe” is “Gift of the Heart”. It is probably the sweetest story I have read. It’s a story you want to re-read immediately after finishing the last page. It is by far one of my favorite books. It’s hard to talk about it without risking giving spoilers! Ruth is such a good mama to spunky, fun Naomi. Bo Azlin. Enough said. Uh! Talk about an awesome guy! I love how real he is. He also adds a charming humor to the mix that is so good it makes you stupid smile where ever it is you are reading it. This book is such a great way to start the Christmas season but also readable all year round. It was fun to read the devotional, Christmas history, and cookie recipes that were woven between these three stories. You really can’t go wrong with this book. I provides all the feels in it’s pages. Definitely a book you’re going to want added to your shelves.

Under the Christmas Mistletoe is a heartwarming holiday trio of novellas from one of my favorite go-to authors, Karen Witemeyer. Of the three stories, my hands down favorite was “A Texas Christmas Carol.” I found Witemeyer’s retelling of the beloved Dickens classic utterly charming. Her Scrooge-like hero, Evan Beazer, who is totally swoon-worthy, is no match for Felicity Wiggins, a woman determined to uncover the good man hidden behind Evan’s grumpy exterior. I especially liked the spiritual emphasis Witemeyer gives the book by using three angels, rather than spirits, to make Evan take a critical look at his own heart. In the end he realizes that, “It’s not the size of the gift that pleases our Lord, but the heart that gives it.” An Archer Family Christmas brings all those magnificent Archer brothers and their families together for this sweet Christmas story about love, courage, and sacrifice. The Archer’s never disappoint readers with their fierce loyalty and devotion for one another. This action-packed novella centers around Jim and Cassie and the answer to their prayers—the unexpected gift of a baby shortly before the mother dies in childbirth—if they can keep the child’s outlaw father from stealing him back. Fans of the Archer family series will love this novella, but it stands on its own just fine. In a Gift of the Heart, Witemeyer gives her holiday take on the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi. Suffering from past hurts due to his birth defect, Beauregard (Bo) Azlin is sullen and withdrawn and convinced he’ll never find true love. But all that changes when he meets Ruth’s seven-year-old spirited daughter, Naomi, who brings light, laughter, and even a sense of purpose, into no-nonsense Bo’s life, leaving both Bo and Ruth to discover that second chances are worth waiting for. Oh, and one of the coolest things about the Under the Texas Mistletoe Collection are the Bonus Features: Why a Baby? A Christmas Devotional, American Christmas traditions of the 19th century, and Christmas recipes. I especially enjoyed the devotional about why Christ came as a baby instead of as a grown man when he didn’t begin his public ministry until he was an adult. Very inciteful. Infused with Witemeyer’s trademark humor, attention to historical detail, and scriptural truths, Under the Christmas Mistletoe is sure to warm your heart this Christmas season. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Under the Texas Mistletoe is a collection of Christmas Historical Romance Novellas by Karen Witemeyer. She is among one of my favorite authors and this one does not disappoint. It was fun catching up with characters from her previous books. The novellas include: A Texas Christmas Carol An Archer Family Christmas Gift of the Heart I enjoyed every single one of these novellas. They are exactly what I would expect from this author. Fun entertainment that keeps me reading until the end. I am giving Under the Texas Mistletoe a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoyed reading historical romance novella collections. As always, I will be looking forward to more by Karen Witemeyer in the future. I received a paperback copy of Under the Texas Mistletoe from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This collection is fantastic! The stories are wonderful, and the added bonuses of a Christmas devotional, recipes, and a bit of history on some cherished Christmas traditions sprinkled between the novella stories make this a can't miss book for anyone who loves Christmas! The first story in the collection is a take on Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" and it's absolutely charming. Evan Beazer is a perfect representation of a Scroogelike character and Felicity is a charming foil to his cranky miserly self. A truly fun story about someone learning what is truly important during the Christmas season. In "An Archer Family Christmas" we get a new visit with the beloved Archer family. It's a fast paced and exciting Christmas Eve story with a couple of sad bits but a happy ending. I loved getting to see the Archers again! The last story is actually one that released previously in the novella collection "The Christmas Heirloom" with three other authors. It has an adorable little girl and a spunky cat which makes for a fun sweet story, which is basically the type of stories Karen is known for writing. It is a great story and full of Christmas spirit. This is a set I will read over and over, there is no doubt. A completely charming set of stories guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit, no matter what time of year! I did receive a copy from the author for review, however, I also purchased the audio copy of this book as well as an additional paper copy to get a special edition with a bonus story not found in the regular edition. All thoughts are my own.

A Texas Christmas Carol - A clever and completely charming Texas take on the Dickens' classic. An utterly delightful read with engaging characters with names that are fun twists on their inspirations. Eben is a smart businessman, with really great ideas. He is a clever man, but likes to keep people at a distance with his gruff exterior. I loved how Felicity challenges Eben, and draw him out. Such a wonderful twist on a traditional story, with strong faith that points to the true meaning of Christmas. An Archer Family Christmas - The holidays are hard for Cassie and Jim Archer, but when a stranger shows up in need it just might be the answer to prayers. A heartwarming story of faith and family that finds all the of the Archers together for Christmas. I loved seeing all the couples together for Christmas, as well as getting to know the people at the neighboring boarding school better as well like Myra and her family. An exciting, action-packed read, with strong themes of faith and family. Gift of the Heart - A widow puts up a treasured broach for collateral on a loan from a wealthy land-owner to help her and her daughter make it through their first Christmas in a new home. Ruth is a hardworking mother, and the last thing that she wants to do is ask for help, she is a great mother to her young daughter. Naomi is so cute, and I loved how outgoing and friendly she is. Bo is impressed by Ruth's work ethic and charmed by Naomi's honest innocence and accepting nature. A heartwarming romance, with an adorable little girl, I enjoyed the characters and the Texas setting of this re-telling of the Biblical story. A highly enjoyable read. Overall, an excellent collection of Christmastime novellas from one of my favorite authors, with familiar faces and familiar timeless tales told in a fresh way. An excellent gift for Christmas or anytime, I read the whole book in one sitting, and you won't want to miss it! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Three great stories in one book - you get triple the reading pleasure :) Each of the three stories spoke to me in different ways, for different reasons. "A Texas Christmas Carol" brought out the lover of classics in me. The ode to Dicken's famous story was subtle but so much fun. The play on the names of the three strangers was too clever, as well as the other nod to the classic characters - Evan Beezer, Timothy Little and Robert. Everyone has a heart down deep, many are just well guarded due to prior hurts. I love Christian fiction because the faith and circumstances of the characters strengthen my own faith. I must say, however, that this is one of the rare works where some of the words in the book spoke to me in the same way that a sermon would. I loved this passage - " ...there's a reason that God calls himself I Am and not I Was or I Will Be. Now is the only place where change happens. Regretting the past or fretty about the future might motivate you, but it doesn't change you. You must seize the moment you are standing in and make a commitment to be better, trusting that the I am is standing with you, lending you his power." Wow! As an adoptive mom, "An Archer Family Christmas" had all the warm fuzzies that make a great Christmas story. I always love adoption stories because they are such a great reminder of how we are all adopted into His family by our Heavenly Father. I haven't read the other Archer stories yet but will be finding them ASAP to know more of the backstory to this special family. Finally, "Gift of the Heart" touched me because the main character is a man with a disability who feels that no one will ever love him because he is "damaged." As someone who is married to someone with a disability, it warms my heart to see the message this story gives that no one is too "damaged" to be loved for who they are. Too many times the disabled are token characters or sidekicks in stories, or simply aren't even included. I loved how Witemeyer showed how special this man was despite his limitations. As a part of Karen's Posse (group for her readers), I love seeing the story that she had gotten our input on come to life - she did a poll for names suggested for Evan Beezer, seeing one of the stories dedicated to our group, and having a mention of our annual ornament exchange included. As a reader and a fan, it really makes it feel like Karen truly values her Posse.

Under the Texas Mistletoe is a delightful treat for the Christmas season that warms the heart with romance and holiday cheer. Karen Witemeyer simply never disappoints, and this book is no exception! The first novella is an utterly creative and thoroughly enjoyable retelling of A Christmas Carol--set in Texas with a Scrooge-like character as the hero! I never thought someone could make a Scrooge character dashing and romantic, but I never should have doubted Karen Witemeyer. Of course she achieved this with her unmatched storytelling style! The second novella is a heartwarming holiday tale of the Archer family that allows us a peek at the happy marriages of the four Archer brothers, and the subsequent family fun of Christmas with their children. The story focuses on Jim and Cassie and their struggle to start a family, and how their prayers are answered with a Christmas miracle of an unexpected adoption. A swoon-worthy rescue scene with Jim and Cassie is the best part of this story, and the glimpse of how they love and fight for each other is precious. This story was my absolute favorite, and any fan of the Archer clan that we met in Short-Straw Bride, Stealing the Preacher, and A Cowboy Unmatched simply cannot miss it! The third novella is a sweet and romantic story of a reclusive landlord Bo, who falls swiftly and completely in love with a sweet and sacrificing single mother who comes to town. Ruth has surrendered a family heirloom to Bo as collateral for a loan to set up a new life for her and her daughter, but then she finds herself smitten with the landlord--who quickly becomes so much more. This sweet love story featuring a spunky seven-year-old and the joy of the holidays is both hilarious and romantic! These three novellas---combined with a devotion, interesting historical insights, and some holiday recipes---make this collection perfect for readers as they head into the Christmas season, and I highly recommend it! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher for review purposes, but my thoughts are my own. I really did love it!