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Cecil’s Christmas Mail Order Bride
This Christmas, love arrives unexpectedly in Idaho Springs—by stagecoach.December 1887 - When mail-order bride and nurse Gwendolyn Wright steps off the stagecoach, she expects a new beginning as bride to Idaho Springs’ handsome young doctor, Cecil Cody. But Dr. Cody seems oblivious to their matrimonial arrangement. As snow blankets the dusty streets this Christmas, Gwendolyn discovers more trouble than tidings in this untamed town. Suspicion and rumors plague her efforts to bring holiday spirit and health to the sick townspeople.The unlikely pair must learn to heal wounds and soften hearts for misunderstandings to unravel. Can unexpected Christmas magic spark love’s flame between a man with no bride and the woman who has traveled so far to win his wary affection?This is a clean, wholesome, standalone novella written from a Christian worldview. It has a happily ever after and features down-to-earth characters with real world problems who overcome them by grace and love.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
About the author
P. Creeden
91 books53 followersP. Creeden is the sweet romance and mystery pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author Pauline Creeden. Her stories feature down-to-earth characters who often feel like they are undeserving of love for one reason or another and are surprised when love finds them.
P. Creeden married her college sweetheart, who she also met at a horse farm. Together they raise a menagerie of animals and their one son, an avid reader, himself. Animals are the supporting characters of many of her stories, because they occupy her daily life on the farm, too. From dogs, cats, and goldfish to horses, chickens, and geckos—she believes life around pets is so much better, even if they are fictional.
P. Creeden married her college sweetheart, who she also met at a horse farm. Together they raise a menagerie of animals and their one son, an avid reader, himself. Animals are the supporting characters of many of her stories, because they occupy her daily life on the farm, too. From dogs, cats, and goldfish to horses, chickens, and geckos—she believes life around pets is so much better, even if they are fictional.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 1, 2024
First read of 2024, and it didn't disappoint. I got this on a whim for the stuff your Kindle event that Amazon had recently, and I'm glad I got it.
This was a super cute and sweet Christmas historical romance with excellent faith walked out by the characters. Cecil had a moment in the story where he stood up for Gwendolyn, and yallllllll I swooned and cheered him on! Total cinnamon roll.
I highly recommend if you love sweet Christian historical romances at Christmas time.
This was a super cute and sweet Christmas historical romance with excellent faith walked out by the characters. Cecil had a moment in the story where he stood up for Gwendolyn, and yallllllll I swooned and cheered him on! Total cinnamon roll.
I highly recommend if you love sweet Christian historical romances at Christmas time.
November 22, 2023
Lately I have been reading and enjoying historical western fiction books. This was no exception.
Gwendolyn has finished her nurse's training but is unable to find a job as a nurse. So she is now working in the hospital's laundry room and sharing a small apartment with a totally unsuitable roommate. When she sees an advertisement looking for mail-order brides out west she knows God has called her to answer the advertisement.
Dr. Cody's mother has arranged for Gwendolyn to become his nurse without telling him of her plans. When Dr. Cody and Gwendolyn meet she is confused by his reception. Neither is what the other expected. Dr. Cody makes no mention of her becoming his wife along with being his nurse and Gwendolyn thinks she has misunderstood the situation.
Gwendolyn's nursing care for a young mother to be living above the saloon endears her to all the women living there. But the church women shun her because of it which upsets Gwendolyn. She decides to leave Idaho Springs but an influenza outbreak requires her to stay and nurse the sick after Dr. Cody succumbs to the flu himself.
Anyone looking for a happy read with a bit of a mystery included should enjoy this lighthearted book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinions and comments are entirely my own.
Gwendolyn has finished her nurse's training but is unable to find a job as a nurse. So she is now working in the hospital's laundry room and sharing a small apartment with a totally unsuitable roommate. When she sees an advertisement looking for mail-order brides out west she knows God has called her to answer the advertisement.
Dr. Cody's mother has arranged for Gwendolyn to become his nurse without telling him of her plans. When Dr. Cody and Gwendolyn meet she is confused by his reception. Neither is what the other expected. Dr. Cody makes no mention of her becoming his wife along with being his nurse and Gwendolyn thinks she has misunderstood the situation.
Gwendolyn's nursing care for a young mother to be living above the saloon endears her to all the women living there. But the church women shun her because of it which upsets Gwendolyn. She decides to leave Idaho Springs but an influenza outbreak requires her to stay and nurse the sick after Dr. Cody succumbs to the flu himself.
Anyone looking for a happy read with a bit of a mystery included should enjoy this lighthearted book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinions and comments are entirely my own.
January 9, 2024
4.5 Stars! Great Mail Order Bride -Maybe???
Cecil is a lonely, busy doctor in a smaller mining town looking for a nurse. It still comes as a surprise that a nurse is arriving from Denver when but he is grateful. When the pretty nurse is found in a compromising situation the small town tongues make big tales fly! How can he ever make this work situation work? And Gwen, she's beautiful, sweet, a qualified nurse and sharp mentally. She was expecting to get off the train from Denver and fulfill the dreams of a MOB with a wedding in quick style. Whoa! It's time for some communication but sickness sweeps the town just before Christmas. The hurdles pile up almost as fast as gossip can spread. This was a great read for any age (saloon girls are mentioned but that's all - so no swears, sex, tingling attraction) so younger teens can even enjoy this. It might rate 5 stars by most people but if I don't keep it on my kindle it can't earn 5stars. Have fun!
Cecil is a lonely, busy doctor in a smaller mining town looking for a nurse. It still comes as a surprise that a nurse is arriving from Denver when but he is grateful. When the pretty nurse is found in a compromising situation the small town tongues make big tales fly! How can he ever make this work situation work? And Gwen, she's beautiful, sweet, a qualified nurse and sharp mentally. She was expecting to get off the train from Denver and fulfill the dreams of a MOB with a wedding in quick style. Whoa! It's time for some communication but sickness sweeps the town just before Christmas. The hurdles pile up almost as fast as gossip can spread. This was a great read for any age (saloon girls are mentioned but that's all - so no swears, sex, tingling attraction) so younger teens can even enjoy this. It might rate 5 stars by most people but if I don't keep it on my kindle it can't earn 5stars. Have fun!
June 23, 2024
4.5 stars
This was a fun mail-order bride story. Cecil's mom sends a message that she is sending him a nurse for Christmas. However, mom sends Gwendolyn there to be his nurse AND his bride. Cecil is clueless about the marriage part and Gwendolyn is confused but whatever..... It was kinda mean of mom to not let her son know since Gwendolyn thinks she is being rejected as a bride. Anyway, I loved how doctor and nurse worked so well together. It really was a good match in either a professional or personal relationship.
I also loved the teen girls who seemed to make the best out of their situations in life. And their kindness is repaid in a life changing way.
This is Christian lit but wasn't preachy, except once when the topic was used as a great set down for gossiping. It was well deserved.
No sex, language or violence
This was a fun mail-order bride story. Cecil's mom sends a message that she is sending him a nurse for Christmas. However, mom sends Gwendolyn there to be his nurse AND his bride. Cecil is clueless about the marriage part and Gwendolyn is confused but whatever..... It was kinda mean of mom to not let her son know since Gwendolyn thinks she is being rejected as a bride. Anyway, I loved how doctor and nurse worked so well together. It really was a good match in either a professional or personal relationship.
I also loved the teen girls who seemed to make the best out of their situations in life. And their kindness is repaid in a life changing way.
This is Christian lit but wasn't preachy, except once when the topic was used as a great set down for gossiping. It was well deserved.
No sex, language or violence
November 9, 2023
This is a sweet and heartwarming story with many twists and turns. This is Gwendolyn and Cecil's story, and the character development is outstanding. Gwendolyn, a nurse, travels to Idaho Springs having been hired to be the local doctor's nurse as well as his MOB. Cecil, the local doctor, believes Gwendolyn is coming only as his nurse and knows nothing about a MOB. It seems Cecil's mother has made all the arrangements. As the couple works together, will Cecil's hard heart begin to soften and will he recognize his feelings for Gwendolyn before she leaves town to take a job somewhere else. Be sure and don't miss this great story; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
December 27, 2023
Lovely
What an enjoyable tale this is. I especially like how it begins with the characters before they meet. Appreciated the fact that the 'girls' were employed in a honest manner, despite it being at the saloon. As she says, people are fickle and too quick at making judgements without checking the facts. Yes, joy is a choice. The ending was very well done. So satisfying to have all the loose ends nicely tied up. Definitely recommend it. A good, clean, interesting read. Well done.
What an enjoyable tale this is. I especially like how it begins with the characters before they meet. Appreciated the fact that the 'girls' were employed in a honest manner, despite it being at the saloon. As she says, people are fickle and too quick at making judgements without checking the facts. Yes, joy is a choice. The ending was very well done. So satisfying to have all the loose ends nicely tied up. Definitely recommend it. A good, clean, interesting read. Well done.
October 21, 2023
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
This is a short and sweet mail-order bride story with a bit of a twist. The groom-to-be doesn't know a thing about the arrangement! (Mom did it and I love her attitude about it!)
It works out because it forces the couple to get to know each other.
They have a few little adventures that allow for that. Overall it was a fun read.
This is a short and sweet mail-order bride story with a bit of a twist. The groom-to-be doesn't know a thing about the arrangement! (Mom did it and I love her attitude about it!)
It works out because it forces the couple to get to know each other.
They have a few little adventures that allow for that. Overall it was a fun read.
January 22, 2024
Cecil is a busy doctor in the west and really needs a nurse. His mother decides to put an advertisement for a nurse/mail order bride for her son without his knowledge. When the stage arrives, he greets Gwendolyn and finds himself speechless and flustered by her beauty. They quickly make a great team and help the town through an influenza outbreak. I absolutely loved Cecil and Gwendolyn's story. A truly sweet, clean, historical read.
November 1, 2023
We’ve all heard “mother knows best”. Well, perhaps Cecil’s mother did know best, but she might have needed to communicate what she knew a little better. P. Creeden has given us a wonderful story of miscommunication that all works out in the end. It makes for an interesting and entertaining tale while Cecil and Gwendolyn get on the same page. As I expected, I enjoyed this book.
November 26, 2023
sweet Christmas read
This is a sweet Christmas read. A doctor needing help in the form of a nurse and a nurse who is looking for work yet signs up to be a mail order bride. When she shows up to marry but the doctor thinks she is only the nurse. What happens when the nurse is mixed up with the saloon and is talked about in town. An enjoyable read.
This is a sweet Christmas read. A doctor needing help in the form of a nurse and a nurse who is looking for work yet signs up to be a mail order bride. When she shows up to marry but the doctor thinks she is only the nurse. What happens when the nurse is mixed up with the saloon and is talked about in town. An enjoyable read.
November 30, 2023
New to me author 😊
I truly enjoyed this story, although dear Cecil was a bit slow with realizing certain things. Scatterbrained would be a good description of him. But thankfully Gwendolyn was patient and kept him in her heart. I just wish they would have communicated more.
Sweet epilogue 💖
I truly enjoyed this story, although dear Cecil was a bit slow with realizing certain things. Scatterbrained would be a good description of him. But thankfully Gwendolyn was patient and kept him in her heart. I just wish they would have communicated more.
Sweet epilogue 💖
January 4, 2024
This was my first book by this author but it won't be my last. You will love this sweet, clean, inspirational story set in Idaho Springs, Colorado in the late 1800's. A doctor, a meddling mother, and a nurse that thinks she is also a mail-order bride. It doesn't get any better---and you will be thankful that medical practices have advanced!
February 14, 2024
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I loved the innocence of the time, even though there was an incident with "men" not behaving well. But the overall theme is positive and pure. I loved it. In a world where so many things are so complicated, it is nice to escape and enjoy reading a well written book about love and hope for a better future.
October 30, 2023
I enjoyed the book! Gwendolyn thought she was coming as a nurse and a mail order bride. Cecil thought she was only coming as a nurse. This is a clean wholesome book. I highly recommend reading this book!
December 29, 2023
Delightful!
This is a wonderful rom2ance story. The doctor needs a nurse, which his doting mother arranges for him as a mail order bride. He doesn't have a clue as he treats the lovely woman as only his nurse.
This is a wonderful rom2ance story. The doctor needs a nurse, which his doting mother arranges for him as a mail order bride. He doesn't have a clue as he treats the lovely woman as only his nurse.
February 10, 2024
A cute and clean romance. I enjoyed that they both were religious. It fell a little flat on how they interacted with each other. I felt the ending wrapped up rather quickly for me. It was an easy,light read.
June 27, 2024
Delightful
I just love this author! This story was sweet and totally delightful. It was wonderful how they continued their jobs in a professional manner even when the town was antagonistic.
I just love this author! This story was sweet and totally delightful. It was wonderful how they continued their jobs in a professional manner even when the town was antagonistic.
December 30, 2023
Fun read. I like the premise of the book. The ending was expected but the way it ended was delightful. I recommend CECIL'S CHRISTMAS MAIL ORDER BRIDE.
Shelved as 'do-not-finish'
January 1, 2024DNF 37%. The Christian angle was spread on too thickly for my particular taste, but your mileage may vary.
January 2, 2024
Lovely
The book could have used a bit more editing, but it was a delightful, sweet romance. I loved it :)
The book could have used a bit more editing, but it was a delightful, sweet romance. I loved it :)
January 2, 2024
A very cute, sweet romance. The book could have used a bit more editing, but I loved it :)
January 2, 2024
feel good read - if a hallmark christmas movie was a historical fiction book 😍
January 4, 2024
Sweet holiday tale with a historical setting. The miscommunication was a nice element as it played throughout the book. There were some very sweet moments.
January 5, 2024
Very sweet story, easy to read and relaxing.
January 10, 2024
Sweet story
January 10, 2024
Really sweet
Mail order bride books are always fun to read! Gwen and Cecil are a great couple and it was fun seeing their story unfold.
Mail order bride books are always fun to read! Gwen and Cecil are a great couple and it was fun seeing their story unfold.
January 28, 2024
Charming little story!
February 14, 2024
hmmmmm
A very nice and clean read… I’m a sucker for mail order bride books. This book is well written and the two main characters have the sweetest love story.
A very nice and clean read… I’m a sucker for mail order bride books. This book is well written and the two main characters have the sweetest love story.
February 29, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Cecil’s Christmas Mail Order Bride, and I'd highly recommend checking it out!
March 20, 2024
Good story
This was fun to read with the doctor clueless that his nurse was supposed to be his bride. A very good historical novel. It is a page turner.
This was fun to read with the doctor clueless that his nurse was supposed to be his bride. A very good historical novel. It is a page turner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews