Christmas at Holly Hill...Review

About the book:
Can Clayton Barlow prove he has changed his ways in time for Christmas?

It is October 1898, and Clayton Barlow has just returned home after serving time in prison for his part in a bank robbery. His family welcomes him, but the townspeople are skeptical. Bored with life in the small town but determined to make a new start, he goes to work with his father, hoping to regain the town's trust.

Clayton recognizes the schoolteacher at the Prairie Grove School as his childhood friend, Merry Lee Warner, and old feelings surface. Still, he doubts that he could ever get a woman like Merry to love him.

As the townspeople prepare for Christmas, their suspicions about Clayton lead to trouble. Will the trusting heart of an unlikely new friend be enough to restore Clayton's relationships with his neighbors and reunite him with God and Merry?

When Clayton Barlow returns to Prairie Grove, Kansas after serving time in prison, he's not sure what kind of welcome he'll receive.  While his parents welcome him back with open arms, other townspeople aren't as nice.  Merry Warner has always had a crush on Clay and is thrilled when he returns.  Protective of her reputation as the town school teacher and thinking people won't approve of her dating a former criminal, Clay is reluctant to let himself fall for Merry.  But, an orphaned boy, an abused girl and the Christmas season have a unique way of softening Clay's heart.

I loved these characters and found the story sweetly compelling and while it was a bit predictable, I was anxious to find out what happened with Lily and whether Jonathan's wish came true.  Light Christian, it's a delightful Christmas read.  I've enjoyed Martha Rogers' Winds of the Prairie series.  The story stands alone well and this was a terrific Christmas addition to the series.

Thanks to First Wildcard and Charisma Media for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Martha Rogers here.  You can purchase your own copy here.  You can read the first chapter here.

Read 10/12

* * * *
4/5 Stars

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