She’s an ambitious woman doctor new to the frontier. He’s a rugged ranch hand with no time for a greenhorn. It’s going to be a Christmas to remember!
Spencer Haglund is comfortable with his station in life. A ranch hand at Redemption’s Edge Ranch, he’s worked his way up the ranks to be one of their top cowboys. Setting a little money aside each month, he hopes to buy his own place one day. For now, his life is simple and uncomplicated. Until his path crosses with a woman stranded in Splendor. A woman whose bearing and demeanor signal nothing but trouble.
Eliza Gladstone fought disdain and bias during medical school and afterward while practicing in New York. Believing acceptance might be found out west, she sets out with a destination in mind and little understanding of the frontier. Being stranded in a small frontier town isn’t in her plan. Neither is coming across a stoic ranch hand who takes an instant dislike to her.
Receiving an invitation to visit the largest ranch in western Montana, she begins to see the stark differences between her life and the typical day breaking horses in the rugged frontier winter. However, another encounter with the arrogant ranch hand further solidifies her original decision to continue on to San Francisco when the weather clears.
A series of threats to the ranch and the town throw Spencer and Eliza together, even as they try to put distance between them. When a wagon train, slowed by a snowstorm, is attacked, Eliza joins the town doctors to help those wounded, cracking Spencer’s rigid dislike of her.
As Christmas approaches and their connection grows, Eliza finds herself facing a surprising decision. Accept the position as a doctor at the clinic and build a life in Splendor, or continue on, leaving the friends she’s made and the growing feelings between her and Spencer behind.
A Redemption Mountain Christmas, book twenty-seven in the Redemption Mountain historical western romance series, is a full-length, clean and wholesome novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
Linda Knight –
A wondrous feel good story as Dr. Eliza Gladstone came to Splendor on her way to San Francisco, but she got stranded by an early snow storm. She visited Redemption’s Edge Ranch, where her services were required during that visit. It was during said visit that she and Spencer Haglund got off on the wrong foot. They each showed their opposite upbringing of the rural country verses the big city. The people of Splendor were all so welcoming and inclusive that Eliza knew she had a decision to make. Especially, when the two doctors asked her to join their practice. Spencer saw Eliza enter act with the people of Splendor realizing that his first impression was wrong. The more time he spent with her the stronger his feelings became. Would Eliza stay in Splendor? Would Spencer and Eliza get together? I deeply enjoyed this story a wonderful reminder of the reason for the season.
Anne Morrison –
Loved this book, which set in the run up to Christmas ,and has all the things we have come to expect from this great series set in the growing town of Splendor, great characters, a real sense of community, intrigue and danger and of course romance. There is a lovely blend of familiar characters who have been there from the early books in the series to new ones, but the sense of community in the growing town continues, and it wouldn’t be a Shirleen Davies book without a blend of the familiar and the new in Splendor with some moments of danger or challenges that the people work through together, at it’s heart is community and a growing romance between a cowboy working on Redemptions Edge Ranch and a doctor who had no intention of stopping in Splendor till a blizzard cut off any hope of the stage coach travelling to the west coast till spring and she became involved in all the Christmas traditions in the town and found love with someone completely different.a very enjoyable book
Julie McAtee –
I recently read my first book by Shirleen Davies and loved it! The story follows Eliza, a pioneering woman doctor in the 1800s who faces skepticism in a male-dominated society. When she travels west to San Francisco, she gets stuck in the town of Splendor, where she meets Spencer, a ranch hand at Redemption Edge Ranch. Their initial meeting doesn’t go well, and Spencer quickly forms a dislike for her. Will that change and love blossom or will Eliza move on to San Francisco?
This clean, wholesome romance beautifully captures Eliza’s struggles and growth. Highly recommend!
MaryEllen –
A Redemption Mountain Christmas had a lot going on in it… all the usual western adventure stuff set in a small town and a nearby ranch. Plus, lots of family drama. There are also a couple of romances brewing, but this story focuses on the one between the stranded lady doctor and a ranch hand.
That was all plotted well. My one complaint is that the story frequently veered off to people who are given no introduction and no point of reference.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Becky Claxon –
I admired Dr. Eliza Gladstone going to college to be a doctor back in the 1800’s where it was still a man’s world. My admiration grew stronger when the doctors of New York wouldn’t give her many cases because she was a woman, then she decides to go to San Francisco to try out there. Because of the snow, she had to stay in Splendor until the snow would melt in the spring. She was an only child and did not have a lot of friends. I was glad to see her make friends in Splendor and two of the male doctors ask her to join their practice in town. She also met the two women whose husbands owned the Redemption ranch. Eliza started to get to know the surly ranch hand Spencer and saw a different side of him. It was so heartwarming watching the town all work together to help the orphans have a good Christmas. There were so many sweet relationships that made me happy. I encourage you to read the book.
MJ McLeod –
I always enjoy visiting Redemption Mountain and catching up with the characters. Spencer and Eliza’s story is so good. She’s a doctor from NY. The rub each other wrong in the beginning but after spending time together they each realize their first impression was wrong. I so enjoyed watching these two grow closer and watching Christmas in Redemption Mountain. A captivating read.
Andrew Agnew –
Spencer and Eliza…. Spencer a longtime ranch hand at Redemption’s Edge. Eliza, a female doctor, heading to the west coast, to explore the possibility to practice medicine, when a blizzard halts her travels in Splendor.
Then we have Crow raids, bank robbers, orphaned children, injured settlers from an Indian raid, lost family found, new birth and new love…..and not to forget Christmas!!
Another uplifting love story, where love transcends wealth, education and social standing.
Cathy –
Spencer meets Eliza as she gets off the stagecoach. He’s in town picking up supplies for the ranch and she is forced due to the weather conditions to stay in Splendor. They both feel that they are worlds apart she a doctor and he is a ranch hand. They also have a mutual attraction to each other which both are afraid to admit. Many trials and tribulations occur while they grow to learn about each other and whether to act on their attraction to each other. Very enjoyable read. Thanks for the ARC
Paula –
What a lovely Christmas story of community, fellowship and acceptance. A Redemption Mountain Christmas was not so much a story of enemies to more as it was of two people from different lifestyles learning to appreciate each other, extending friendship which led to a future together. By Shirleen Davies, you just know it will be great full of frontier life and people who are resilient, problem-solvers and care for their fellow man, woman or child.
Just when I thought I knew exactly what all would happen in this story a twist happened with changes for some. I don’t usually quote a book, but I felt as Eliza did, “Eliza found herself mesmerized by what they’d gone through for the life they’d created on the frontier. Her life seemed so old-fashioned and narrow in comparison.” When trials and survival are a part everyday life seems huge. For just a while, I am living big along with these wonderful characters of Splendor. Join by reading this wonderful story today.
Joyce Fritz –
Fighting the whole way from medical school through practice as a doctor, Dr. Eliza Gladstone has decided to leave New York to go out west with the hope of being accepted for her knowledge rather than being a woman. On her way west, she became stranded in Splendor by a winter snowstorm that will probably leave her there for several weeks to months until the weather lets up. It wasn’t part of her plan, but she finds this town is very accepting and the two town doctors have asked her to join their practice. Spencer Haglund works as a ranch hand at Redemption Edge Ranch and when Eliza is invited to spend a few days at the ranch, he finds she is definitely a very intelligent competent woman, but he didn’t like her for the start. As they get to know each other better, he realizes she has taken a place in his heart, and he wants her to stay. Will she be able to leave the friends she has made in Splendor and most of all will she be able to leave Spencer or will she stay. Christmas as they send time together, the answer if found.
Leah H Smith –
Dr. Eliza Gladstone finds herself stranded in Splendor due to impassible mountain passes on her way to San Francisco. She has had an isolated life due to pursuing her passion for practicing medicine, a rarity during her time. She hopes by travelling west new vistas will open for her, both professionally and personally. She’s never really allowed herself to dream of a forever home, complete with a husband and children. Spencer Haglund is a reserved ranch hand who is put off at first by Dr. Eliza’s reticent nature, but in watching her practice her skills, he soon gets glimpses of the warm caring woman beneath her facade. In turn, she becomes aware of the complexities of the seemingly simple townspeople and their increasing need for more medical care. Wolves, Crow raids, bank robbers, a family mystery among other exciting events, interspersed with rich glimpses of the holiday season, make for a warm inspiring holiday tale. Always great to catch up with former characters as well!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Marlene –
Doctor Eliza Gladstone has stopped in Splendor due to a snowstorm and her journey to San Francisco has been put on hold. Because it was difficult to work as a Doctor in New York, she was traveling to San Francisco for a new beginning. She took a room at the best place and was enjoying breakfast when she met others from the town and surrounding ranches. Having been introduced to Spencer Haglund from a local ranch, her interest in leaving seemed questionable. There is always something happening in the area such as Indian problems, cattle thieves or bank robbers but Eliza wasn’t undeterred about the idea of remaining in this wonderful community. The story is great with the Christmas holiday being celebrated and I loved the children, gifts and food. I felt I could literally smell the wonders from the kitchen. Thanks for an enjoyable read.
Cathy graves –
Eliza having qualified as a doctor sets out for a new life in the west where she hopes her skills will be valued. But a snow storm halts that plan and she’s in Splendor for a while. Once the local doctors meet her they want her to stay, and staying at the ranch shows her that she can use her skills here. At the ranch she meets Spencer and they are oil and water. The irritation between them continues but fate plays a hand , will it be a strong enough hand to keep Eliza in town and build a future with Spencer. No spoilers, get reading !
Gail K. –
I enjoyed “A Redemption Mountain Christmas” by Ms. Davies. Spencer Haglund is a ranch hand at Redemption Edge Ranch. One day he notices a mysterious visitor arriving in town. Dr. Eliza Gladstone has decided to travel from New York to California begin a new life–one without prejudice or maltreatment because she’s a female doctor and outnumbered in her field–but a snowstorm delays her trip. She’d always prided herself on being rational and not someone to make decisions based on emotions or whims; however, dealing with things sensibly and realistically now seems like a prison and begins to isolates her. Almost instantly after her arrival in Splendor, Eliza and Spencer have several clashes. Never had Eliza met a man so maddening yet so intriguing. As a crisis requires Eliza’s helping the two (male) doctors, folks get to know and accept her. Can Spencer fight his growing feelings for Eliza? After all, she’s much above his class and intelligence? Will Eliza accept an offer to stay on as a doctor for the fast-growing town, or will she say goodbye to those she’s become friends with so that she can complete her plans to travel to California?
Wolves, attacks by Indians, a bank robbery, are all new experiences for Eliza, and the folks in Splendor are not what she expected. Can they win Eliza over with their love and generosity, or will she travel on to California after winter’s melt finishes?
The book left me with a warm and sentimental feeling. I enjoyed the thoughtfulness of folks preparing to celebrate Christmas and welcoming strangers into their hearts and homes. I highly recommend this clean historical romance as well as the entire series.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Amanda –
Spencer works as a ranch hand at Redemption’s Edge Ranch he meets Eliza, a doctor, in Splendor, but is quite abrupt , he’s interested in her straight away but thinks she’s too intelligent for him. Eliza is only in Splendor because of the weather, she thinks she knows about the west but has a lot to learn!
Her skills are put to the test and her feelings for Spencer grow, but she’s passing through isn’t she?
Another great read in the series from Shirleen
Laura R –
This is a heartwarming Christmastime story that has plenty going on – starting with a female doctor who is stranded in Splendor due to the snow, the birth of a baby, found family, a new romance, and threats by multiple outside forces. Eliza Gladstone has decided to travel west to California to start a new life and hopefully get away from the bias she dealt with in medical school and beginning her career. However, she has preconceived opinions of what people living in Splendor and working at Redemption Ranch are like – ie, uneducated. For his part, Spencer has expectations of what Eliza will be like due to her East coast upbringing. But as they spend time together, they both find that need to keep an open mind.
Janine Waters (verified owner) –
Shirleen Davies book is always a joy to read. I start to write a review but find myself rewriting her book. Believe me when I tell you she does a much better job.
I received a ARC book for a fair and honest review. I have never read a book by MS Davies that I didn’t like. But I truly believe this is her best one yet.
Marlene –
Doctor Eliza Gladstone has stopped in Splendor due to a snowstorm and her journey to San Francisco has been put on hold. Because it was difficult to work as a Doctor in New York, she was traveling to San Francisco for a new beginning. She took a room at the best place and was enjoying breakfast when she met others from the town and surrounding ranches. Having been introduced to Spencer Haglund from a local ranch, her interest in leaving seemed questionable. There is always something happening in the area such as Indian problems, cattle thieves or bank robbers but Eliza wasn’t undeterred about the idea of remaining in this wonderful community. The story is great with the Christmas holiday being celebrated and I loved the children, gifts and food. I felt I could literally smell the wonders from the kitchen. Thanks for an enjoyable read.
patricia rose –
eliza arrives in splendor with a snow storm. spencer is a ranch hand . she is a doctor but most men do not want a woman doctor. then a wagon train is attacked and she help the other doctors with the people. this is a well written story could not stop reading it a wonderful story the people are interesting and you well like you are right there. i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review
MJ McLeod –
I always enjoy visiting Redemption Mountain and catching up with the characters. Spencer and Eliza’s story is so good. She’s a doctor from NY. The rub each other wrong in the beginning but after spending time together they each realize their first impression was wrong. I so enjoyed watching these two grow closer and watching Christmas in Redemption Mountain. A captivating read. I received the book in advance but truly loved it and voluntarily leave my review.
Linda Knight –
When Dr. Eliza Gladstone and Spencer Haglund first met, they got off on the wrong foot, but thanks to an early snow storm, they got a chance to get better acquainted. Especially, after the Indians attacked the wagon train and Eliza helped the two local doctors with the injured. Spencer got a whole new perspective of Eliza, while he watched her work with the travelers. They began to grow closer, and they each knew they had a decision to make. Would she stay or continue her trip to San Francisco? A wondrous story of the reason for the season. A must read book.
Laura R –
This is a heartwarming Christmastime story that has plenty going on – starting with a female doctor who is stranded in Splendor due to the snow, the birth of a baby, found family, a new romance, and threats by multiple outside forces. Eliza Gladstone has decided to travel west to California to start a new life and hopefully get away from the bias she dealt with in medical school and beginning her career. However, she has preconceived opinions of what people living in Splendor and working at Redemption Ranch are like – for example, thinking they are uneducated. For his part, Spencer has expectations of what Eliza will be like due to her East coast upbringing. But as they spend time together, they both find that need to keep an open mind.
Margaret –
Superb holiday, historical Western story. The characters are strong, resilient yet delightful. Eliza is a young Doctor who left the East traveling in hope of being accepted. When she gets stranded in Splendor, she’s unhappy. Spencer, a ranch hand at a major ranch isn’t sure what to make of her. When tragedy strikes they both learn more about each other. This book has it all action, danger, angst, drama, and romance.
Pat Harris –
This is a fantastic book from Shirleen Davies. I love reading Shirleen books so very much. And are good clean books with holds you interested from start to finish. This is an awesome series.
Rita Meston –
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/R3RYF6P3H5T9F5/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0DH31SBG9
Cathy Shea –
Spencer meets Eliza as she gets off the stagecoach. He’s in town picking up supplies for the ranch and she is forced due to the weather conditions to stay in Splendor. They both feel that they are worlds apart she a doctor and he is a ranch hand. They also have a mutual attraction to each other which both are afraid to admit. Many trials and tribulations occur while they grow to learn about each other and whether to act on their attraction to each other. Very enjoyable read. Thanks for the ARC.
Bonnie Blackledge –
Whenever I have an opportunity to read a book featuring the western town of Splendor, Montana, I jump at the chance. Splendor is the type of place where people take care of each other, especially those in need. This book features the characters of Eliza Gladstone and Spencer Haglund, two people from different backgrounds who share an attraction despite their differences. It was encouraging to read about how Eliza’s preconceived notions about the small western town were rejected as she learned to bond with the people there.
I enjoyed the parallel stories that added dimension to the book, such as the characters of Julia, Booker, and Lucien as well as Rose Keenan and Deputy Tucker Nolan. I predict some future romance in this small town.