Kathryn Albright - Wild West Christmas - A Family for the Rancher / Dance with a Cowboy / Christmas in Smoke River

Acclaim for the authors of Wild West Christmas :

JENNA KERNAN‘Kernan does a great job of mixing action, suspense, romance and the exciting details of the Alaskan gold rush.’ — RT Book Reviews on GOLD RUSH GROOM

‘Opposites attract in this adventurous Western set against a blistering Texas landscape, with authentic dialogue, energetic protagonists and gun-toting outlaws.’

— RT Book Reviews on THE TEXAS RANGER’S DAUGHTER

KATHRYN ALBRIGHT‘Fans of Western and marriage-of-convenience romances have it all in this quick-paced love story.’ — RT Book Reviews on TEXAS WEDDING FOR THEIR BABY’S SAKE

‘Set against the Battle of the Alamo …

THE REBEL AND THE LADY manages to tell a tender love story against an intense, grim background.’

— All About Romance

LYNNA BANNING‘Banning pens another delightful, quick and heartwarming read.’ — RT Book Reviews on SMOKE RIVER BRIDE

‘Flowing, beautiful, intelligent, and always historically accurate.’

— goodreads.com on LADY LAVENDER

JENNA KERNANspent much of her childhood wandering in the woods of the Catskill Mountains, navigating the forest at her father’s instruction, so books of adventure and romance hold a special place in Jenna’s heart. Outdoorsmen have always been irresistible to her, and her husband, James, is no exception. Jenna now lives north of New York City in the Hudson Valley, USA, across the river from her beloved Catskill Mountains. She visits the grassy meadows and quiet groves often in her imagination. You can contact Jenna at www.jennakernan.com

An obstetrics nurse, sonographer and medical writer, KATHRYN ALBRIGHTwas delighted to add ‘published novelist’ to her bio when her first completed manuscript made the finals in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest and was picked up by Mills & Boon. She writes American-set historical romance, and her award-winning books are inspired by the real people and events of the past. She lives in the Midwest and loves to hear from her readers at www.kathrynalbright.com

LYNNA BANNINGhas combined a lifelong love of history and literature into a satisfying career as a writer. Born in Oregon, she has lived in Northern California most of her life. After graduating from Scripps College she embarked on a career as an editor and technical writer, and later as a high school English teacher. An amateur pianist and harpsichordist, Lynna performs on psaltery and harp in a medieval music ensemble and coaches in her spare time. She enjoys hearing from her readers. You may write to her directly at PO Box 324, Felton, CA 95018, USA, e-mail her at carowoolston@att.netor visit Lynna’s website at www.lynnabanning.com

Wild West Christmas

A Family For the Rancher

Jenna Kernan

Dance with a Cowboy

Kathryn Albright

Christmas in Smoke River

Lynna Banning

www.millsandboon.co.uk

CONTENTS

Cover

Praise Acclaim for the authors of Wild West Christmas : JENNA KERNAN ‘Kernan does a great job of mixing action, suspense, romance and the exciting details of the Alaskan gold rush.’ — RT Book Reviews on GOLD RUSH GROOM ‘Opposites attract in this adventurous Western set against a blistering Texas landscape, with authentic dialogue, energetic protagonists and gun-toting outlaws.’ — RT Book Reviews on THE TEXAS RANGER’S DAUGHTER KATHRYN ALBRIGHT ‘Fans of Western and marriage-of-convenience romances have it all in this quick-paced love story.’ — RT Book Reviews on TEXAS WEDDING FOR THEIR BABY’S SAKE ‘Set against the Battle of the Alamo … THE REBEL AND THE LADY manages to tell a tender love story against an intense, grim background.’ — All About Romance LYNNA BANNING ‘Banning pens another delightful, quick and heartwarming read.’ — RT Book Reviews on SMOKE RIVER BRIDE ‘Flowing, beautiful, intelligent, and always historically accurate.’ — goodreads.com on LADY LAVENDER

About the Authors JENNA KERNAN spent much of her childhood wandering in the woods of the Catskill Mountains, navigating the forest at her father’s instruction, so books of adventure and romance hold a special place in Jenna’s heart. Outdoorsmen have always been irresistible to her, and her husband, James, is no exception. Jenna now lives north of New York City in the Hudson Valley, USA, across the river from her beloved Catskill Mountains. She visits the grassy meadows and quiet groves often in her imagination. You can contact Jenna at www.jennakernan.com An obstetrics nurse, sonographer and medical writer, KATHRYN ALBRIGHT was delighted to add ‘published novelist’ to her bio when her first completed manuscript made the finals in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest and was picked up by Mills & Boon. She writes American-set historical romance, and her award-winning books are inspired by the real people and events of the past. She lives in the Midwest and loves to hear from her readers at www.kathrynalbright.com LYNNA BANNING has combined a lifelong love of history and literature into a satisfying career as a writer. Born in Oregon, she has lived in Northern California most of her life. After graduating from Scripps College she embarked on a career as an editor and technical writer, and later as a high school English teacher. An amateur pianist and harpsichordist, Lynna performs on psaltery and harp in a medieval music ensemble and coaches in her spare time. She enjoys hearing from her readers. You may write to her directly at PO Box 324, Felton, CA 95018, USA, e-mail her at carowoolston@att.net or visit Lynna’s website at www.lynnabanning.com

Title Page Wild West Christmas A Family For the Rancher Jenna Kernan Dance with a Cowboy Kathryn Albright Christmas in Smoke River Lynna Banning www.millsandboon.co.uk

A Family for the Rancher A Family For the Rancher Jenna Kernan

Dear Reader Dear Reader , This Christmas, I’m pleased to introduce you to an odd couple. Alice Truett is an entitled young miss, determined to prove her metal by bringing the orphaned nephews of her best friend to their uncle, the only man she’s ever loved. She thinks he left her because she failed to tell him that she was a wealthy heiress, but the truth is very different. Dillen Roach once had prospects, but that was before his father abandoned him, leaving Dillen to support his sister and mother. Dillen once held hope that he could make his fortune and return for Alice. But he failed, and now, instead of returning for her, she’s returned for him with two little boys in tow. He thinks she’s come out of Christian goodness, and she plans to be home for the holidays. I’ll promise that Alice will be with her family for Christmas, but it won’t be the family she expected. Come along as Dillen and Alice heal old wounds and give two boys a Christmas to remember. If you enjoy my story, please let me know on Goodreads or Amazon. You can write to me at www.jennakernan.com . And for the very latest news, follow me on Twitter, @jennakernan, or find me on Facebook. Merry Christmas! Jenna Kernan

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

Dance with a Cowboy

Dear Reader

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine