Carla Kelly - Western Christmas Proposals

A RING, A KISS AND A CHRISTMAS WISH

THREE DELICIOUS SEASONAL STORIES

CHRISTMAS DANCE WITH THE RANCHER by Carla Kelly

Stranded, Katie becomes chore girl on Ned Avery’s ranch. He shows her unexpected kindness...and in exchange, she teaches him how to dance!

CHRISTMAS IN SALVATION FALLS by Kelly Boyce

Willa Stanford moved to Salvation Falls to start afresh, but then the past—in the shape of her former sweetheart—arrives at her door.

THE SHERIFF’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Carol Arens

When widower Roy Garner falls for lovely Belle Key, he’s hoping for a very happy Christmas. Until he discovers Belle’s dark secret...

Praise for the authors of

Western Christmas Proposals

CARLA KELLY

“Kelly is a master at emotional, uplifting romances.”

—RT Book Reviews on The Wedding Ring Quest

KELLY BOYCE

“Boyce captures the spirit of the American West.”

—RT Book Reviews on Salvation in the Sheriff’s Kiss

CAROL ARENS

“Sensational… Western fans will enjoy Arens’ sense of humour, fast pace and continuous action.”

—RT Book Reviews on Wed to the Texas Outlaw

CARLA KELLY started writing Regency romances because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars. She enjoys writing about warfare at sea and the ordinary people of the British Isles rather than lords and ladies. In her spare time she reads British crime fiction and history—particularly books about the US Indian Wars. Carla lives in Utah and is a former park ranger and double RITA® Award and Spur Award winner. She has five children and four grandchildren.

A life-long Nova Scotian, KELLY BOYCE lives near the Atlantic Ocean with her husband—who is likely wondering what he got himself into by marrying a writer—and a golden retriever who is convinced he is the king of the castle. A long-time history buff, Kelly loves writing in a variety of time periods, creating damaged characters and giving them a second chance at life and love.

CAROL ARENS delights in tossing fictional characters into hot water, watching them steam, and then giving them a happily-ever-after. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, beach camping or lounging about a mountain cabin. At home, she enjoys playing with her grandchildren and gardening. During rare spare moments you will find her snuggled up with a good book. Carol enjoys hearing from readers at carolarens@yahoo.com or on Facebook.

Western Christmas Proposals

Carla Kelly

Kelly Boyce

Carol Arens

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Table of Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A RING, A KISS AND A CHRISTMAS WISH THREE DELICIOUS SEASONAL STORIES CHRISTMAS DANCE WITH THE RANCHER by Carla Kelly Stranded, Katie becomes chore girl on Ned Avery’s ranch. He shows her unexpected kindness...and in exchange, she teaches him how to dance! CHRISTMAS IN SALVATION FALLS by Kelly Boyce Willa Stanford moved to Salvation Falls to start afresh, but then the past—in the shape of her former sweetheart—arrives at her door. THE SHERIFF’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Carol Arens When widower Roy Garner falls for lovely Belle Key, he’s hoping for a very happy Christmas. Until he discovers Belle’s dark secret...

Praise Praise for the authors of Western Christmas Proposals CARLA KELLY “Kelly is a master at emotional, uplifting romances.” —RT Book Reviews on The Wedding Ring Quest KELLY BOYCE “Boyce captures the spirit of the American West.” —RT Book Reviews on Salvation in the Sheriff’s Kiss CAROL ARENS “Sensational… Western fans will enjoy Arens’ sense of humour, fast pace and continuous action.” —RT Book Reviews on Wed to the Texas Outlaw

About the Authors CARLA KELLY started writing Regency romances because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars. She enjoys writing about warfare at sea and the ordinary people of the British Isles rather than lords and ladies. In her spare time she reads British crime fiction and history—particularly books about the US Indian Wars. Carla lives in Utah and is a former park ranger and double RITA® Award and Spur Award winner. She has five children and four grandchildren. A life-long Nova Scotian, KELLY BOYCE lives near the Atlantic Ocean with her husband—who is likely wondering what he got himself into by marrying a writer—and a golden retriever who is convinced he is the king of the castle. A long-time history buff, Kelly loves writing in a variety of time periods, creating damaged characters and giving them a second chance at life and love. CAROL ARENS delights in tossing fictional characters into hot water, watching them steam, and then giving them a happily-ever-after. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, beach camping or lounging about a mountain cabin. At home, she enjoys playing with her grandchildren and gardening. During rare spare moments you will find her snuggled up with a good book. Carol enjoys hearing from readers at carolarens@yahoo.com or on Facebook.

Title Page Western Christmas Proposals Carla Kelly Kelly Boyce Carol Arens www.millsandboon.co.uk

CHRISTMAS DANCE WITH THE RANCHERby Carla Kelly Christmas Dance with the Rancher Carla Kelly

CHRISTMAS IN SALVATION FALLSby Kelly Boyce

THE SHERIFF’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSALby Carol Arens

Extract

Copyright

Christmas Dance with the Rancher

Carla Kelly

To my Trask cousins, scattered around the US now, but who grew up in the ranching life near Worden, Montana. I recall some early Christmases in both Montana, and in Cody, Wyoming, where my father was raised. My cousins figured largely in those memories and remain important to me.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen ,

My years as a writer of Regency-era historical fiction were preceded by earlier times as a writer of Westerns. My first successes came writing about Native Americans, soldiers, stockmen, miners and mountain men and were somehow hardwired into my writer’s brain. They remain there even now, except for occasional excursions into writerly territory.

I sometimes have to plead for a chance to write about the American West, but it’s always worth it. I’ve known cowboys and Indians and miners, and I know them to be a fairly taciturn lot, not fans of flowery conversation or anything smacking of insincerity.

Nineteenth-century ranching was a hard life, and Christmas sometimes got short shrift. Ranchers and sheepherders probably understand better than most the kind of desperation that will force a young father and mother to gladly take whatever humble space was offered in a barn. They knew a lot about mangers and hay, and necessity.

I can almost guarantee other Christmas stories you read will be far more flowery and romantic than this one. What you’ll find in Christmas Dance with the Rancher is courage, doing what the day requires and deep emotion welling up from hearts that, although hardy, are tender.