Arlene James - Her Montana Christmas

A Yuletide Bride

It’s time for mistletoe and merriment—for everyone except Robin Frazier. As Jasper Gulch’s centennial celebrations reach their festive conclusion, her guilt is only mounting. The shy historian is hiding something—something that will affect everyone in town. And the more time she spends with pastor Ethan Johnson, creating an old-fashioned Christmas for his church, the more she realizes what this secret is costing her. He’s just the kind of man her heart longs for, and his kind brown eyes seem to say he might feel the same. Can she take a chance this Christmas and reveal who she really is—and what her heart is longing to say?

Big Sky Centennial: A small town rich in history…and love

Join Us at the Old Beaver Creek Bridge on New Year’s Eve

as We Commemorate

One Hundred Years of History

and Usher in a New Era

for Jasper Gulch!

We never thought we’d see the day! The Shaws and the Masseys have been reunited, the time capsule has been found, and, as we celebrate the actual day of Jasper Gulch’s founding, we will be reopening the Beaver Creek Bridge. We here in Jasper Gulch couldn’t be happier, and we suspect that somewhere, Lucy Shaw is smiling down on us. She’ll be smiling even harder when she sees that Robin Frazier is keeping company with pastor Ethan Johnson. But do you want to know why? Keep turning pages and find out as Big Sky Centennial reaches its heartwarming conclusion!

* * *

Big Sky Centennial:

A small town rich in history…and love.

Her Montana Cowboy by Valerie Hansen—July 2014

His Montana Sweetheart by Ruth Logan Herne—August 2014

Her Montana Twins by Carolyne Aarsen—September 2014

His Montana Bride by Brenda Minton—October 2014

His Montana Homecoming by Jenna Mindel—November 2014

Her Montana Christmas by Arlene James—December 2014

ARLENE JAMES

says, “Camp meetings, mission work and church attendance permeate my Oklahoma childhood memories. It was a golden time, which sustains me yet. However, only as a young widowed mother did I truly begin growing in my personal relationship with the Lord. Through adversity He has blessed me in countless ways, one of which is a second marriage so loving and romantic it still feels like courtship!”

After thirty-three years in Texas, Arlene James now resides in Bella Vista, Arkansas, with her beloved husband. Even after seventy-five novels, her need to write is greater than ever, a fact that frankly amazes her, as she’s been at it since the eighth grade. She loves to hear from readers, and can be reached via her website, www.arlenejames.com.

Her Montana Christmas

Arlene James

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders You have done, the things You planned for us. None can compare with You; were I to speak and tell of Your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

—Psalms 40:5

For Valerie Hansen, Ruth Logan Herne,

Carolyne Aarsen, Brenda Minton and Jenna Mindel.

Best of the best,

and I’ve been around long enough to know!

Bless you all.

DAR

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A Yuletide Bride It’s time for mistletoe and merriment—for everyone except Robin Frazier. As Jasper Gulch’s centennial celebrations reach their festive conclusion, her guilt is only mounting. The shy historian is hiding something—something that will affect everyone in town. And the more time she spends with pastor Ethan Johnson, creating an old-fashioned Christmas for his church, the more she realizes what this secret is costing her. He’s just the kind of man her heart longs for, and his kind brown eyes seem to say he might feel the same. Can she take a chance this Christmas and reveal who she really is—and what her heart is longing to say? Big Sky Centennial: A small town rich in history…and love

Introduction Join Us at the Old Beaver Creek Bridge on New Year’s Eve as We Commemorate One Hundred Years of History and Usher in a New Era for Jasper Gulch! We never thought we’d see the day! The Shaws and the Masseys have been reunited, the time capsule has been found, and, as we celebrate the actual day of Jasper Gulch’s founding, we will be reopening the Beaver Creek Bridge. We here in Jasper Gulch couldn’t be happier, and we suspect that somewhere, Lucy Shaw is smiling down on us. She’ll be smiling even harder when she sees that Robin Frazier is keeping company with pastor Ethan Johnson. But do you want to know why? Keep turning pages and find out as Big Sky Centennial reaches its heartwarming conclusion! * * * Big Sky Centennial: A small town rich in history…and love. Her Montana Cowboy by Valerie Hansen—July 2014 His Montana Sweetheart by Ruth Logan Herne—August 2014 Her Montana Twins by Carolyne Aarsen—September 2014 His Montana Bride by Brenda Minton—October 2014 His Montana Homecoming by Jenna Mindel—November 2014 Her Montana Christmas by Arlene James—December 2014

About the Author ARLENE JAMES says, “Camp meetings, mission work and church attendance permeate my Oklahoma childhood memories. It was a golden time, which sustains me yet. However, only as a young widowed mother did I truly begin growing in my personal relationship with the Lord. Through adversity He has blessed me in countless ways, one of which is a second marriage so loving and romantic it still feels like courtship!” After thirty-three years in Texas, Arlene James now resides in Bella Vista, Arkansas, with her beloved husband. Even after seventy-five novels, her need to write is greater than ever, a fact that frankly amazes her, as she’s been at it since the eighth grade. She loves to hear from readers, and can be reached via her website, www.arlenejames.com .

Title Page Her Montana Christmas Arlene James www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Many, Lord my God, are the wonders You have done, the things You planned for us. None can compare with You; were I to speak and tell of Your deeds, they would be too many to declare. —Psalms 40:5

Dedication For Valerie Hansen, Ruth Logan Herne, Carolyne Aarsen, Brenda Minton and Jenna Mindel. Best of the best, and I’ve been around long enough to know! Bless you all. DAR

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

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

The first day of December in Jasper Gulch, Montana, sparkled like diamonds. Pastor Ethan Johnson stood in front of the small, weathered parsonage that had been his home these past five months and inhaled early-morning air sharp enough to cut his California-born lungs to shreds, but not even the cold could dim his joy in the day. The snow from November’s freakish storm had finally melted, power had been fully restored and the distinct aura of Christmas permeated the atmosphere.

Ethan was excited to celebrate his first real Christmas as the pastor of Mountainview Church of the Savior. He loved the Lord. He loved being a pastor. He loved the people here in Jasper Gulch. He loved the beauty of Montana. He even loved the church building itself.

The unorthodox log-plank structure had taken on the shape of a cross over the years. It wasn’t at all what one expected or usually pictured when thinking of a church, and yet it fit its purpose supremely well. The belfry contained two brass bells, sadly no longer in use, and four large speakers through which the recordings of bells were played daily. Ethan admired everything about the place, from its broad plank walkways, to its steep, wood-shingled roofs, perhaps because it was his first pastorate or perhaps because it truly was a special place.