A review of three books from Silver Belles and Stetsons

Stone Mountain Christmas by Caroline Clemmons

I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to take a step back in time where there were rules and etiquette on mourning and moving on and how to court someone.

This book takes place in 1874 and centers around the community of Radford Crossing and Stone Mountain. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will definitely read more of this series as I would love the background of many of the characters. That being said I felt like I wasn't missing out on too much.

Celia Dubois has just moved back into town with her parents, George and Harriett Sturdivant, after the death of her husband. Her mother is depressed and Celia wants to bring the Christmas spirit back into their community.

Eduardo Montoya lives out at Stone Mountain with his parents and is very interested in courting Celia. Unfortunately Celia's parents are not happy with it, although Celia does begin to spend time with him. Yet Celia begins to laugh again and her parents wonder what has finally made her happy again.

One thing I found funny was that the teacher in town was gossiping over the "meanest kid" and everyone knowing who it was. In this day it is so politically incorrect that I truly enjoyed it in the story.

4 Stars

Christmas Redemption by Paty Jager

This book takes place in Pleasant Valley, Oregon in 1889.

Van Donovan was sent to jail 10 years ago for being the lookout in a bank robbery that resulted in the death of a man. Van has always wondered why he got such a harsh sentence but the man who killed someone got off. But Van is back and has learned to make boots while in jail and is back in town to make something of himself.

Tessa Harrison has goals of becoming a teacher but is struggling to save the money while she works at the local tavern. She is secretly living in an abandoned building after Judge Spencer took her house after the death of her father, who was the one killed in the bank robbery.

Then Van employs Tessa and sparks fly but both are still trying to overcome their pasts. Will they both figure out what really happened or will their curiosity get them in more trouble?

I love how everything tied together in the end! It was a pleasant surprise for sure. I can only imagine how hard life would have been for Tessa in that town.

4 Stars

A Hard Candy Christmas - Hebby Roman

This book takes place in Del Rio, Texas in 1895.

Clint Graham, ex-bounty hunter and current rancher, has just become the new sheriff in town. It is a job that not many are after due to the tension between the ranchers and Southern Pacific Railway workers. He moves into town and begins to live at the Kerr Boarding House.

Abigail Kerr Sandford works at her father's boarding house and lives there alongside her son, Kevin. Abigail is married but has no idea where her husband has gone after he stole money from her father. Abigail has a different relationship with her father that is very clear cut.

As Abigail and Clint get closer she has her guard up as she is still married. Yet when tragedy strikes Clint is right there to help her and Kevin through it. Abigail learns how much she can count on Clint. But when they are met with another unfortunate incident, will either survive?

I really enjoyed this book and the relationships between all the characters. It must have been super hard for Abigail to grow up in the environment that she did and it was sad that her siblings initially didn't support her as much as they should have. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

5 Stars