73. On a Midnight Clear

73. On a Midnight Clear. Karen Witemeyer. Tracie Peterson. Misty M. Beller. 2025. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, novella, Christmas novellas, christian fiction, christian romance]

There are three novellas in ON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR. All are historical fiction, historical romances. Tracie Peterson's novella is The Shepherd's Heart. Misty M. Beller's novella is No Room at the Inn. Karen Witemeyer's novella is A Star in the West.

A Star in the West is set in Waco, Texas, circa 1890. 

First sentence: THREE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST TO ARRIVE TOMORROW. The headline caught Stella Barrington's eye as she cleaned up her father's breakfast dishes.

I'll start by reviewing my stand-out favorite, favorite of the three. I adored Karen Witemeyer's A Star in the West despite it being about math and/or science. Professor Ignatius Barrington, has invited the three professors to Baylor University for a conference of sorts. Stella Barrington, our heroine, has been corresponding with a young man, a professor, Frank N. Stentz. The two have become friendly-friends. Neither is absolutely certain how the other feels. She has all the feels for him; he has all the feels for her. But they've not had that conversation, that vulnerable I like-like you, do you like-like me conversation. Now the two will be meeting in person for the first time. Will he want to pursue a relationship? Will he not? And conversely, he is thinking will she want a relationship with me...what if she rejects me...etc. Over a short span of time, these two make a connection...but will it be enough for a proposal. 

I underlined (this was a digital library read) so many places in this one!!!! SUCH a great, sweet story. I loved it. 

I would rate this story easily a five stars.

Quotes from A Star In The West

Writing a man who lived a thousand miles away had seemed safe enough. The two of them would never meet. He worked at Harvard, for pity's sake. She had nothing to fear in striking up a friendship. And when the letters had become more personal? Well, it was like living in her very own novel. A place where she could pretend to be beautiful and clever, the type of woman to engage the interest of a scholarly gentleman. A gentleman she'd come to respect and esteem. Perhaps even love. 

Besides, God had arranged her features the way he'd seen fit, and she'd not argue with the Creator over his artistic inclinations. He hadn't given her beauty, but he'd given her other blessings--ones she wouldn't trade even if offered the choice. A loving home, a supportive faith community, a passion for learning, and an empathy for others struggling to find their way. Things that carried lasting value. 

Her insinuation made his jaw clench. He looked her straight in the eye and refused to let his nervousness divert his gaze again. "You're right. There is a reason you haven't yet had a suitor. Because until today, I was in Massachusetts. I apologize for my tardiness." Now it was her turn to blink. Once. Twice. Three times. "You're in earnest?" He nodded. Then, just to ensure there was no misunderstanding, he added words. "I am." 

"Don't let fear steal your chance for happiness, Miss Barrington," Annabelle whispered. "If God can make a path through the Red Sea, he can clear a way through whatever obstacles stand in front of you, too. So don't go running back to Egypt just yet."

It reminded me that holding tight to something just because it's familiar isn't always as safe or good as one might think. Sometimes we have to try something new to discover blessings only God can see.

No Room At The Inn is set in Nebraska territory (Wyoming) circa 1861. 

First sentence: Hope Palmer slid her knife through the last of the dried apple pieces, letting them drop the bowl on the table in front of her. 

Hope Palmer and her brother run an inn for the stage coach. A storm brings them unexpected guests for the holidays. One of whom is Noah Bentwood. The other is a young lady he is accompanying--having been hired by her father. She falls for him. He knows he's about to leave with little reason to return. But he does find her charming, etc. During their few days together will love develop. 

This was my least favorite of the story. I felt that while there was some character development, it was a minimum of character development. Most of the story is about a 'missing' heirloom--a knife--that she plans to gift her brother. The plot is so thin and uninteresting. I also found myself doing a lot of overthinking. She is a baker--in the west, not really close to civilization as such. I'm fairly certain railroads had not gotten through that far yet. Though I could be wrong. Things come by stage coach. Hence the stage coach inn. Yet she is reckless with her baking--sugar, chocolate, spices, etc., In my opinion. Perhaps I've just read other pioneer stories where sugar is almost hoarded for extremely special occasions. It was an okay read. I liked the romance well enough. 

I would rate this one three stars.

The Shepherd's Heart is set in Nebraska circa 1875.

First sentence: For a moment that dawn, everything seemed completely perfect.

Angellyn Lewis (aka Angel) was jilted on her wedding day, or perhaps the night before her wedding. One or the other. Yet she feels like she's heard a voice from above telling her she'll have a husband by Christmas. It's September. Visiting with a close family friend, she learns of a former childhood friend, recently widowed, who's looking for a woman to marry to help him raise his children. She has very fond feelings of their friendship, and so she agrees. He lives in Wyoming so off she goes to be his bride. Will these two who marry for convenience fall truly in love with each other? 

I tend to love marriage of convenience stories. This one was fun. I DO personally wish it had been a full length novel. I do feel it was a bit rushed. I think with a bit more time--and less rushing--it would have easily been a five stars. I really found myself liking both Angel and Vincent (Duran). I just felt that they went from being awkward friends to not being able to keep their hands off each other. One page it was, she'd get the bedroom and he'd sleep in the barn. And then the next chapter they're in bed together. I kept looking for what I'd missed. Maybe I did truly miss something. But I thought it was good. 

I enjoyed two out of the three stories very much. I would definitely reread The Shepherd's Heart and A Star in the West. I was not as fond of No Room at the Inn. But I didn't dislike it enough to regret my time. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

60. The Librarian's Journey

The Librarian's Journey: Four Historical Romances. Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Marilyn Turk, Kathleen Y'Barbo. 2021. [October] 352 pages. [Source: Review copy]

The Librarian's Journey is a novella collection published by Barbour. It contains four novellas--all historical romance. The theme is FDR's pack horse librarian program part of the Works Progress Administration during the Depression. Essentially, librarians traveling in country/rural areas where bookmobiles did not/could not go.

Love's Turning Page by Cynthia Hickey is set in the Ozark Mountains. FDR's program technically didn't serve this area/community. So the author took a few liberties. I wouldn't have minded those liberties with location, but, I wasn't a fan of the story overall. This book had...UNNECESSARY villains. Characters that serve absolutely no purpose whatsoever except to wear the bad guy villain hat and provide a cheap excuse for a hero to emerge as THE HERO and save the heroine. It's bad enough when a romance has one...but when a story has more than one...well...I have a hard time liking it. I also thought the hero wasn't all that likable. 

For Such A Time by Patty Smith Hall is set in Georgia. Ruth Sims, our heroine, is a former nurse. She lost her job due to budget cuts due to the Depression. She never wanted to be "a librarian," but she needs a job. She's returned home to the community she grew up in, and she's reunited with a former love--now a school teacher. Reunited as in they are now working closely together to serve the community. She longs to serve the community...but as a nurse...not a librarian. Can this new job give her the opportunity to do a bit of both? I liked this story. I did. 

Book Lady of the Bayou by Marilyn Turk is set in Mississippi. I really liked this story. Lily Bee Davis is the book woman. She meets a little girl, Evie, and Evie's reclusive father. (The father just happens to be super cute.) As she begins to serve the community, she loses her heart as well....I already mentioned I enjoyed this one. I thought the characters were well done. I loved that this story loves calling out certain books by name. Like Lily choosing The Velveteen Rabbit and Winnie the Pooh for Evie especially. Other titles are included as well for other patrons--I remember someone reading Little House in the Big Woods and maybe Pollyanna.

The Librarian and the Lawman by Kathleen Y'Barbo is set in West Virginia. It may just be my favorite and best from this collection. (Though I also really loved the third novella). Lottie Trent, the heroine, hasn't had the easiest life. Her family has secrets. Secrets BIG enough that they've had to change their name and move around a bit. Secrets that keep her parents a little jumpy and over-protective. Lottie falls in love--sorta instantly--with Clay Turnbow. Clay has declared his love and his intentions to marry her. She thought about it for like five minutes and was like WOW that would be great. Things didn't work out then--1925? 1926?--but ten years later when they are both in different places in their lives and careers...it might just. Clay is now an FBI agent going undercover...and Lottie is a book woman. I really loved this last story so much. I loved the characters and the plot. 

Overall, the book collection only gets better and better as you go along. I would rate the first story as two stars. The second as three stars. The third as four stars. The fourth as five stars. I am glad the stories were arranged this way. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

109. Joy to the World: A Regency Christmas Collection

Joy to the World: A Regency Christmas Collection by Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, and Erica Vetsch. 2020. Kregel. 336 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Joy to the World contains three holiday-themed novellas set in Regency England; the novellas are Heaven and Nature Sing by Carolyn Miller, Far as the Curse is Found by Amanda Barratt, and Wonders of His Love by Erica Vetsch. 

First sentence of Heaven and Nature Sing: THE MUTED GOLD-and-rose-flowered wallpaper of the drawing room seemed to dip and sway as Lady Grantley’s words crept past Edith Mansfield’s disbelieving ears.

Premise/plot: Edith Mansfield is attending a house party--hosted by her godmother. When she arrives she learns that her former fiance, George Bannerman, is also a guest. The two were madly in love last Christmas, unfortunately, after saying yes to his proposal, she had to take it back the next day. This
Christmas will they fall in love again? Will she get a second chance with his heart? Will he forgive her for not explaining fully why the engagement had to end? Is she still in his heart? 

My thoughts: I found this story thoroughly charming. Yes, it is a bit reminiscent of "Last Christmas," but it's super sweet and not a bit annoying. I enjoyed the characters and the plot.

First sentence of Far as the Curse is Found: EVEN THE SKY wept at the sight of him. Dwight Inglewood, the Earl of Amberly, stared out the rain-streaked window of the carriage. London, that grand and fabled city, wore the raiment of a storm. Thunder growled. Thick clouds hung low in the sky. Rain pelted the carriage roof. Pedestrians, dark-garbed blurs of movement, hurried down cobbled streets.

Premise/plot: Dwight Inglewood, our hero, wears a mask to hide his war scars; he shuns the world because he fears rejection--no, he fears repulsion. He doesn't want to be labeled a 'monster' or 'beast.' Nor is he seeking pity. He's content--for the most part--to stay hidden away in the country and remain out of sight and out of touch with the world. But this December sees him visiting London for a few days on business. And while there he rescues Jenny Grey, our heroine--not once but twice! He offers her a job--as a housekeeper in training--at his country estate (he's an earl, of course). And there's a place for her baby, Anna, as well. Can opening his heart to her friendship prepare the way for opening his heart to the wider world? Can she see past his scars and love him just the way she is? Will a few fights in the falling snow and a wondrous library work its magic?

My thoughts: This *has* to be inspired by Disney's Beauty and the Beast. It is a CHARMING and heart-warming story of second chances and redemption. I love, love, loved this one so much.

First sentence of Wonders of His Love: DID A TURTLE ever protest the restrictions of its carapace? Did the canary resent the cage, no matter how gilded, and imagine soaring through the sky? Did a sheep long to leap like a stag and escape the paddock? Cilla played another series of arpeggios on the pianoforte, letting her mother-in-law’s monologue about her various aches and dissatisfactions drift around her. This day varied little from those that had come before it, for weeks, months.

Premise/plot: This novella is set at Haverly Manor. Our heroine, Cilla Haverly, is a widow with a baby--a girl. If her baby had been a son, he'd be the heir. Alas, her husband's younger brother has inherited the title and estate. Him and his wife are expecting a child of their own soon. The mother-in-law (Cilla and Charlotte's mother-in-law) has commissioned portraits of the happy couple to be painted. Hamish Sinclair is a portraitist. He is hoping to be accepted soon in the Royal Academy of Artists. He is immediately attracted to Cilla--but is it mutual???--he can't resist drawing and sketching her and her young baby as well--even though his 'real' commission is of the duke and duchess. Will this holiday season give Cilla a voice and a choice? 

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. Primarily because it stars a Scots man, HAMISH SINCLAIR. Scottish dialect gets me every single time. It's one of my biggest weaknesses. Now the story is good too--solidly good. 

Overall I greatly enjoyed the three stories. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

3. Serving Up Love

Serving Up Love: A Harvey House Brides Collection. Tracie Peterson. Karen Witemeyer. Regina Jennings. Jen Turano. 2019. Bethany House. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [Christian Fiction; Historical; Romance]


Serving Up Love is a novella collection with four stories. Each heroine is a Harvey House girl. The stories are: “A Flood of Love,” by Tracie Peterson, “More Than a Pretty Face,” by Karen Witemeyer, “Intrigue a la Mode,” by Regina Jennings, “Grand Encounters,” by Jen Turano.

A Flood of Love by Tracie Peterson is an enjoyable historical romance. Gretchen’s heart has been broken in the past. In returning to her hometown, she didn’t expect to see the man who broke her heart, her near fiancé Dirk. But a chance meeting with his daughter leads to the promise of maybe just maybe something more. But a natural disaster may prove an insurmountable obstacle to their happily ever after.

I would rate this 4/5.

More Than a Pretty Face by Karen Witemeyer is a lovely historical romance. This one stars Rosalind Kemp a character first introduced in More Than Words Can Say. She is Abby’s sister!!! She is on the run from her past—a secret that was first revealed in that book. Can Caleb, her most loyal customer, love her as is?! He’s pursuing her and wanting a future, Will a secret from her past dissuade him?!

I love Karen Witemeyer. I am admittedly biased since I adored More Than Words Can Say. 5/5

Intrigue a la Mode by Regina Jennings is another enjoyable historical romance. This is the only of the four to have a mystery suspense element to it. Something illegal is happening at this particular Harvey House...and searching for clues may bring these two strangers together.

I liked this one. 3/5

A Grand Encounter by Jen Turano is a satisfying historical romance. Myrtle is a likable heroine for sure. She has an extremely handsome and loyal customer. The problem? He’s super quiet and shy. He may like like her—many of the other waitresses think so—but he’s never said a word....until his super talkative brother comes to town. Jack has to start talking to stop his brother from scaring her away...will these two find a way to be together?

I rate this one 5/5.
© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

1. The 12 Brides of Christmas

The Twelve Brides of Christmas Collection. Barbour Books. 2015. 544 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Historical; Romance; Christian]

The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection is a novella collection featuring twelve holiday-themed romances. It features novellas by Margaret Brownley, Mary Connealy, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot,  Susan Page Davis, Miralee Ferrell, Pam Hillman, Maureen Lang, Amy Lillard, Vickie McDonough, Davalynn Spencer, and Michelle Ule.

Love Christmas stories? Love historical romance? Love predictable-but-oh-so-sweet romances? Want to give the screen a rest and cuddle up with a good book instead? I do recommend The 12 Brides of Christmas. I read one to two stories per day this past Christmas vacation.

The Festive Bride by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

First sentence: Southern Illinois, 1886 Roy Gibbons stirred the pot of oatmeal while doing his best to ignore the state of his kitchen. “Papa, it shouldn’t look like that.” Eight-year-old Elisbet glared at him. “I can’t wait until our Christmas mama gets here.”

Premise/plot: Roy Gibbons is a widower who is looking for a marriage of convenience--his children have asked for a new mama for Christmas. Can he find them a mama by Christmas?!?! 

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. I thought Alma and Roy made a great couple! I'd rate this one 5/5.

The Nutcracker Bride by Margaret Brownley

First sentence: Kansas, 1880 Thunderous hoofbeats broke the silence on that gray December day.

Premise/plot: Lucy finds herself caught in the middle of an ADVENTURE or a predicament. Take your pick! It involves outlaws, a Texas ranger, and an ailing father....

My thoughts: As much as I enjoyed the first story, I loved this one even more!!! The ending was so incredibly satisfying. Definitely 5/5.

The Christmas Star Bride by Amanda Cabot

First sentence: November 27, 1885 Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory There had to be a way. Esther Hathaway punched the dough with more force than normal.

Premise/plot: Esther wants her niece to have a super-super-super special gift for her Christmas wedding. For five generations, there have been star ornaments with painted miniatures of happy couples. But Esther will have to find a painter--and fast if she wants the tradition to continue. 

My thoughts: I take back what I've said before...this is my favorite...I just LOVED, LOVED, LOVED  Esther and Jeremy!!!! 5/5

The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy

First sentence: Lone Tree, Nebraska Monday, November 29, 1875 Being a teacher was turning out to be a little like having the flu. Simon O’Keeffe. Her heart broke for him at the same time her stomach twisted with dread for herself. 

Premise/plot: A school teacher is TROUBLED by one of her students...if only she could find a way to engage his interest...but in doing so...she might just have caught the attention of the boy's father....will she find love for Christmas.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. But I honestly didn't love it as much as the earlier novellas in this collection. 3/5

The Christmas Tree Bride by Susan Page Davis

First sentence: Wyoming, 1867 Polly Winfield dashed about the dining room, setting up. On days the stage came through, she and her mother always prepared to serve a full table. The passengers would eat quickly, reboard the stagecoach, and hurry away toward the next station.

Premise/plot: Polly REALLY, REALLY, REALLY wants a Christmas tree for their western home--something to remind her of Christmases long, long ago. Will she get her tree and a love of her own this Christmas?

My thoughts: Compared to the other stories, I found this one a bit silly. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed it enough to keep reading--I read at least one novella each night. But this one didn't wow me like some of the earlier stories. 3/5.

The Nativity Bride by Miralee Ferrell

First sentence: Goldendale, Washington September 1875 A pillow connected with Curt Warren’s backside, and he staggered but caught himself. “Where did you come from, Deb? I didn’t even see you there.” He raised his down-filled pillow above his head and ran across the Summers’ kitchen after sixteen-year-old Deborah Summers as her laughter filled the air.

Premise/plot: Curt and Deborah have loved each other forever....but their relationship faces obstacles and hardships...will these two ever say I do?!

My thoughts: I think this story did a great job with redemption. 4/5

The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman
First sentence: Sipsey Creek, Mississippi, December 1887 Samuel Frazier’s heart skittered into double time when Annabelle Denson rushed into the sawmill. She grabbed his arm, her touch sending a jolt of awareness coursing through him.

Premise/plot: Annabelle is dreaming of a white Christmas, a trip to Chicago to visit her cousin, Lucy, and maybe just maybe a little bit of love. But what she doesn't realize is that she doesn't need a trip to find her one true love...she just needs to open her eyes to what is right in front of her...

My thoughts: The narrator seems a little silly and immature. I find myself drawn more to the stories where the heroines are a little older and wiser...that being said...this wasn't a bad story...just a tiny bit silly. 3/5

The Gift-Wrapped Bride by Maureen Lang
First sentence: Chicago, Illinois November 1848 Boom! Snap! Pop, pop, pop! Sophie’s scream echoed the sudden whinny of horses startled by shots exploding on the busy Chicago street.

Premise/plot: Sophie thinks she knows everything about Noah Jackson...but what she doesn't account for is time, maturity, and God's grace. Will Sophie end up falling in love with the BULLY from yesteryear?!

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. 4/5

The Gingerbread Bride by Amy Lillard
First sentence: Ozark Mountains, Arkansas, 1870 “Madeline!” Maddie Sinclair winced at the sharpness in her sister’s tone.

Premise/plot: Maddie just knows that the love potion she bought from her neighbor has worked and the man she's been dreaming of is noticing her at last....too bad she feels too guilty to say yes to his proposal.

My thoughts: I HATED this story. I thought it was all kinds of stupid. I don't know if a character could get any more annoying than Maddie. 1/5

The Fruitcake Bride by Vickie McDonough
First sentence: Bakerstown, Missouri December 1890 Sitting on the edge of her seat, Karen Briggs wiped the dust off the train window with her handkerchief and searched the crowded depot for her fiancé. With a loud hiss, the train shuddered to a stop. She’d had the whole journey to ponder her decision to marry Clay Parsons. Had she made the right choice?

Premise/plot: Karen has come to marry her sweetheart, a pastor, but begins feeling overwhelmed by the expectations the town has for what a preacher's wife should be...will he convince her that she is the one?!

My thoughts: I liked this one! 3/5

The Snowbound Bride by Davalynn Spencer
First sentence: Spruce City, Colorado 1885 Arabella Taube clutched her small carpetbag as tightly as her breath and turned her back to the coach car. The man in the brown bowler had watched her all the way from Denver. He was watching her now through the window. She was certain of it.

Premise/plot: Arabella Taube is running away from her family...but her plans go awry when she becomes snowbound with a stranger and his family. Will this happy accident lead to a happily ever after?!

My thoughts: I liked this one. 3/5

The Yuletide Bride by Michelle Ule
First sentence: Fairhope, Nebraska, 1873 Ewan Murray’s fingers shook so much, he had trouble tightening the tuning nut on his fiddle. After four long months, the moment he’d dreamed of beckoned. Surely she wouldn’t be late to church.

Premise/plot: Ewan loves, loves, loves, loves Kate. But her family thinks he doesn't have enough money to support her. Can he earn $70 by Christmas to prove that he can?!

My thoughts: I liked this one. It was sweet but slightly silly. Both Ewan and Kate are musicians. And Kate learns to play or "play" the bagpipes in this one. I liked it. 3/5

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible