Title: A Sleigh Ride for Georgia
Author: Kimberly Grist
Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance
Book Blurb:
A baker abandoned and overlooked due to a childhood injury, she's longing for love and acceptance. A reclusive blacksmith who prefers horses to people. Can they find a way to co-exist or, even better, forge a partnership of the romantic kind?
Abandoned as a child, Georgia knows first-hand the results of chasing rainbows, searching for the proverbial pot of gold. That same lure called her father to California, leaving her to grow up in a children’s home. Even though she knows that there is little value in depending on anyone but herself, buried in her heart is the dream of her own happily ever after – a husband and family. Desperate, she accepts the advice of her pastor and applies to a matchmaking agency. If only someone would look past her inadequacies and see her potential, she would devote herself to ensuring his happiness and love him wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, she is out of time.
“Who was it that said desperate times demand desperate measures? The Lord forgive me if I’m wrong, but the next letter I write, I’m omitting the fact that I limp.”
Livery owner Joshua Jenkins admittedly enjoys horses more than people. Since his father and stepmother’s premature death, his focus expanded to caring for his younger sisters. The last thing he needs is a wife. Unfortunately, his family thinks differently and interceded on his behalf.
"It was my family's idea to invite this woman to marry me under false pretenses. Now, they need to help get me out of this mess. I don't have time for romance. I'm sure not about to traipse around on a star-gazing sleigh ride. My sleighs are for renting out to the locals or hauling heavy loads. The only time I venture out in the winter at night is for an emergency."
Excerpt:
“Another worry; she sounds too good to be true.” Joshua lamented as he kicked a piece of gravel with his boot. “Even if half of what they say is legitimate, a man ought to be sure he can provide for a wife and any children that may come along. As things stand, I’m not in the position to do that.”
“You can offer more than most, and the agency has selected your perfect helpmate.” Noah placed his hand on Joshua’s shoulder. “Miss Green has known her share of loss, the same as our family. That's another reason why she’ll be able to relate to the girls and comfort them in ways we can’t.”
“I hate that we have that in common.” Joshua swallowed hard, resisting the urge to revisit the time three years ago when influenza robbed his family of his father, stepmother, and sister. “I’ve always found comfort in the fact that we have each other.”
“Exactly. You’ll be doing the woman a favor by providing her with a family, a nice home, and plenty to eat,” Noah motioned with his thumb toward the log house. “The lodge will seem like a slice of Heaven.”
“She definitely won’t go hungry.” Sweat broke out across his forehead at the reminder that the author of the letter he carried close to his heart had grown up in such dire circumstances. He rubbed his chest. “It’s the long winters and remote location that worries me. In my application, I made my requirements clear. My request was a reputable woman under the age of thirty who is sturdy stock, pleasant, a good cook, and willing to live in a remote location.”
“What did you tell her about yourself?”
“Not much. I said I owned a livery and ran a stage stop. Mostly, I wrote about our family and the weather.”
“I always knew there was a hopeless romantic hiding behind that rough exterior of yours,” Noah snickered.
“There’s nothing romantic about marrying someone you’ve never met. A woman who grew up in an orphanage should be practical about things like that.” An unexpected flicker of emotion traveled through his veins as he placed the palm of his hand over the weight of the envelope resting in his vest pocket. A whisper of pleasure spread through his chest, illuminating his lonely spirit, and inspiring him to accept a challenge to meet the hopes and dreams hinted at within the paragraphs of the young woman’s letter. Suppressing the thought, he furrowed his brow. Lord, help the woman if someone like me is the best You have to offer.
Noah pounded his shoulder, interrupting his thoughts. “Of course, if you’ve changed your mind, maybe I ought to step in and court the little lady. If she’s resilient enough to cook for fifty orphans, she ought to be able to handle seventy or so lumberjacks.”
Joshua sent his brother a scowl as an unexpected sense of protectiveness pounded in his chest. “Can you imagine how much trouble the presence of a young single woman would cause at the lumber camp?”
“Yes, I can.” The deep chuckle from his brother’s chest caused Joshua’s brow to furrow. Is my brother laughing because the entire idea is ridiculous? Or is he up to something? As if on cue, Joshua’s stomach rumbled.
Noah waggled his eyebrows. “Besides, your bride–to–be is so pretty, it wouldn’t surprise me if you enjoy helping her untangle her yarn.”
“Not that it matters, but based on the letter of recommendation from her pastor, I got the impression she was plain. He described her as hardworking, kind, and compassionate, with a beauty that flowed from the depths of her heart.”
“That sounds like something a preacher would say. They're supposed to spout wisdom about beauty being only skin deep and such.” Noah coughed to cover a laugh. “Fortunately for you, Miss Green is a beauty.”
Joshua stiffened at his brother’s response. “You seem mighty sure of yourself. What makes you think the woman is pretty?”
“I’ve seen her photograph. Yes, siree, she’s lovely, with dark hair, creamy complexion, and a nice figure.” Noah winked. “As you say, looks don't matter; you only want a good cook.”
“Now I know you’re joking.” Joshua blew out a breath of relief. “We haven’t exchanged pictures.”
“Never been more serious in my life. Grandpa and I took care of that request on your behalf. Her likeness was so inspiring, we replied with one of our own.” Noah rocked on his heels. “We sent the photo of the family standing by the new barn. We were hoping that your ugly mug wouldn’t put her off and that she would have pity on the rest of us.”
Joshua opened and closed his fist as he studied his brother’s amused expression. “If I didn’t hold out hope that this is another feeble attempt to be funny, I would have already thrown you in the horse trough.”
“Now, don’t get yourself worked up over a photograph and a few letters. Knowing how busy you are, we figured to save time. We know you well enough to jot down a few thoughts on paper. Joanna even added some quotes from poetry that make you seem interesting.”
“The three of you think you have this all figured out, do you?” Joshua looked heavenward.
“Not just the three of us. Callie offered up ideas from that fairytale book of hers.”
“Are you telling me you asked for advice from our seven–year–old sister?”
“Didn’t ask, she offered. Between the four of us, Miss Georgia Green is well on her way to being smitten.” Noah puffed out his chest. “So, as long as you don’t muck it up, the hard part of your courtship is already done. We will all see the fruit of our labor when she arrives next week.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
November is a time to be thankful. What are you most thankful for this year?
Though their actions may seem insignificant to some, I am thankful for teachers, mentors, and volunteers who share their God-given talents with others. Their time and effort inspire hope, resilience, healing, and joy.
Why is your featured book worth snuggling up to?
As a mail-order bride from Tennessee, she is captivated by the charm of sleigh rides. Georgia imagines snuggling under blankets, enjoying the serene beauty of snow-covered fields on the way to her new home, with the jingling of sleigh bells enhancing the magic of the moment.
Her groom's view of sleigh rides starkly contrasts with her romantic vision. For Joshua, sleigh rides are just practical transportation for errands or rentals. He rarely ventures out at night in winter, only for emergencies. This difference offers a chance for the couple to grow and adapt, promising a captivating journey for readers.
For fans of historical romance set in the late 19th century, the journey promises a blossoming love story. As they navigate through disappointed hopes, they will witness the birth of a romantic relationship under a sky adorned with a thousand stars sparkling against the evening sky.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs November 1 – 30, 2024
Drawing will be held on December 2, 2024.
Author Biography:
Kimberly Grist is married to her high school sweetheart, Nelson. She and her husband have three adult sons, one with Down syndrome, and they are passionate about encouraging others.
Kim has enjoyed writing since she was a young girl; however, she began writing her first novel in 2017. “I believe you should come away refreshed and inspired after reading a book. Despite my best efforts, sometimes life is difficult. I need and want an outlet, an opportunity to relax and escape to a place where obstacles are met and overcome. My stories are designed to entertain, refresh, and inspire you, the reader. They combine History, Humor, and Romance with an emphasis on Faith, Friends, and Good Clean Fun.”
Social Media Links:
Website: https://kimberlygrist.com/
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Amazon: Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Grist/e/B07H2NTJ71