Jerry got caught up in a war he wanted no part of; one that left him paralyzed from the waist down on the day of Lee’s surrender. Now he stood the risk of losing his ranch if he wasn’t married by the deadline. But what woman wanted a man who may never walk again?
Leanne was left destitute as the war raged. Her hometown was now taken over by a wealthy criminal…and he had his sights set on her. She was given a choice…either marry this corrupt man, or she and her three friends would be forced into bondage as saloon girls. Not only did she desperately need a way to escape, but she had to take her friends with her.
Through an intense, dangerous scheme, the Lord answered her prayers but her chance at freedom came with a price…she had to become a proxy bride to a man who may never walk again.
The four Yankee hating women were temporarily relieved to find safety. But what will they do when they find out the man willing to rescue them is a decorated Union Officer? Can Leanne ever overcome her terrible memories of destruction, and strong hatred for Yankees, enough to live with this man, “til death do us part?”
My Review:
Woohoo! New-to-me author alert! Thrilled to have discovered Lynne Lanning and I will be looking for more of her books in the future. Her storytelling captured my imagination and my emotions and kept me riveted right to the end.
A heartwarming Christmas novella that begins in the springtime when both our hero and heroine find themselves in desperate situations that might just be alleviated if they work together. Eeeeeepp — not only a mail-order bride romance, but a proxy bride as well, which I don’t think I’ve read before.
While the majority of the story doesn’t have a holiday setting, the Christmas-y grand finale definitely earns this novella the right to be considered a holiday read.
Loved the significant faith content in ‘A Kindness for Christmas’ as Leanne and Jerry look to God for guidance and inspiration as they face difficult challenges. It’s never preachy — just bears a gentle testimony about the power of prayer, the healing forgiveness brings and the importance of living a God-centered life.
So grateful for bookish friend recommendations that led me to this inspirational fiction gem!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.
US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice
Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of the A Kindness for Christmas leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on November 2 2024.
Kav's Best Reads 
Yay! I’m thrilled you liked it. Finding a new indie author is so much fun, I keep finding them and when I do I’ll pass them along.
The proxy bride series was a new angle for me too. I had no idea you could marry someone with a stand-in and be married when you first meet. Desperate times, desperate measures and all that. Lynn Lanning did a great job making the whole storyline believable. There are 20 books in this series, but all are standalone. I’ve read 6 so far and have another 6 picked out based on the summaries. Series can be a great way to find new authors. I hadn’t read any of in this group before.
Happy reading Tuesday 🙂
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I just read Mail-Order Stonemason by Lynn that released 10/17. It’s another twist on mail-order, but with men being sent for. The series is called Honorable Husbands. It’s excellent and I recommend it. It’s not on audible yet but you can get it in paperback. So that’s my rec. of the week.
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I had heard about proxy brides way back in the Middle Ages used among the nobility but yes, the way she made the concept work here was really well done. I find these multi-author series both fascinating and scary — just because I loved one author doesn’t mean I’ll like the next one and for me, it could be an expensive fail since I don’t read ebooks. So glad for reading friends like you who can guide me. Thanks, Tracey!
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Okay — that title is hysterical because it sounds so opposite of what we’re used to. I’ve gotta find out why a stonemason is willing to be a mail order groom! Added the paperback edition to my growing Amazon list. Thanks again!
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You’re right, if I had to pay for every new author I tried I would never do it. Kindle Unlimited is perfect for trying new ones though for one monthly price. You’re also right that not every new one I try is a keeper. Some are definitely a “one and done” as the saying goes.
On the subject of the Mail-order Stonemason, Lynn sets it up so beautifully and believably, and it has a lot of depth for a shorter book, 230 pages in paperback I think. If you loved A Kindness for Christmas, I think you’ll love Mail-Order Stonemason.
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Sounds so good!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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It is! Good luck, Kimmy!
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A KINDNESS FOR CHRISTMAS sounds like the perfect way to get acquainted with a new to me author. Wonderful sounding story that I just know I would love to read.
Thank you for the great chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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Yes — novellas are the way to go for checking out new-to-you authors. I really enjoyed Lynne Lanning’s storytelling and she brings you right into the characters’ emotions. Good luck, Kay!
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Thank you for adding Indie books I didn’t know how to find! New authors to add to those we watch for new releases. This is a look beyond the surface story I would like to read. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com
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Thanks to everyone who contributed indie author suggestions on Sunday! I’ll be sharing many more over the next little while. Concentrating on Christmas and wintery themes so far. Have a Regency Christmas indie next week. eeeep. Good luck, Kathleen!
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ohhhh thanks for your review. I love the civil war. both my husband and son were reenactors for many years. I was behind the scenes. this sounds fabulous. and God is at work here. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
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That is so neat, Lori. I’ve read about reenactors in books — especially cozy mysteries! — and though it sounded fascinating. I don’t think we do that here in Canada. At least, not that I’m aware of. Good luck, Lori!
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It sounds like she managed to add a fresh focus on a more typical story line. Enjoyed the review and will look for her books. Thanks!
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It’s always so much fun to see how authors find different ways to approach a familiar trope. Good luck, CC!
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Ooohhhh! A Christmas Civil War Story! This sounds like a great read!!
Alison Boss nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
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Good luck, Alison!
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wow…so pretty. New author to me. Thanks for the. Blessings leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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Yes, isn’t that cover inviting? Good luck, Lucy!
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I hadn’t heard of this author but the book sure sounds like one I’d enjoy. Thanks for featuring it.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
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You’re welcome, Pam. Good luck!
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I am excited about this book and would love to read it.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
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Good luck, Melanie!
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New to me author as well. Sound like a different type of story then I’ve ever read. But I’ll go for it.
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It’s always fun discovering new authors! Good luck, Becky!
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Holy cow, this is part of a 20 book series!!! And it’s on Kindle Unlimited!! Thanks for tuning me into a new-to-me indie book, series and author….I’m putting these on my Christmas TBR list 😀
*Not an entry as I will be borrowing these at some point in time for Christmas*
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We have Tracey to thank — and she’s read more of the books in the series, I believe. KU sounds like a great way to meet new authors. Happy Reading, Trixi!
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Thanks for the intro to a new author! Sounds like a good one.
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
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You’re welcome, Patty. Good luck!
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Ooh, it sounds like a great read! I’ve never heard of this author before, I’ll have to look into her books. 🙂
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I’m excited to read more by her. Good luck, Sabrina!
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Always fun to find new authors that we like. The cover is so pretty too.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
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Good luck, rubynreba!
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