Lincoln is a widower who takes in Juliana and her charges when they are stranded with no place to go. Lincoln had been looking for a housekeeper or governess or last resort a wife. Jjuliana is perfect for him and his daughter. Simple, sweet love story.
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I enjoyed this historical holiday romance. I liked the compassion shown by both hero and heroine. Although the romance was rushed, considering the rugged life of a rancher and attitude toward Native Americans in 1910, it worked. Rancher Lincoln finds Juliana with young children alone in train station so offers them a ride.
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There is just some sort of pull for me and Linda Lael Miller's Creed books. Though I admit to being surprised that this one historical in nature, I may have almost enjoyed it more than the previous 3 titles in the series that are set in contemporary Stillwater Springs, Montana. I loved the rag tag family and getting to learn more about the ancestors of the Tyler, Dylan and Logan. I will certainly continue reading the last three books of the series. ( )

My mom always buys Christmas novels this time of year and she gives me the best to enjoy.

A Creed Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller is exactly what I look for in a Christmas novel.. historical fiction, romance, rural setting, holiday theme, and a little sex thrown in for fun. Of course the story is predictable and the ending happy, but isn't that what you want in mindless, pre-holiday reading?

Happy holidays! ( )

In the eyes of Juliana Mitchell's brother, she fell from grace. She refused to marry the man he selected, insisted on becoming a schoolteacher, and, even worse, moved to Montana to teach at the Indian School. So, when the school closed, and she wanted to protect four children, he refused to help her. There weren't many choices for a woman in 1910.

Fortunately, Lincoln Creed, owner of Stillwater Springs Ranch, had been advertising for a governess for his seven-year-old daughter, Gracie, or, if that failed, a housekeeper. As a stop-gap measure, he offered Juliana and her four students a place to stay on the ranch, until Lincoln and Juliana could come to some decision. To the surprise, and embarrassment, of both adults, Gracie was convinced he brought Juliana home to marry her, and give her a Mama.

Linda Lael Miller's Christmas story is so much more. It's a novel that points out the discrimination against Indians. And, it's obvious that ranch life in the early 1900s was not an easy, romantic life. Childbirth was difficult, and women frequently died, or lost their babies. It's a romantic story, with warm, sexy romantic scenes between a married couple. Most of all, it's the story of strong people, trying to survive, and make a life, while doing the "right" thing, because of love. ( )