Two full stories for the price of one (The Brides of Bliss County)

Charlotte Morgan has lived and worked in advertising in New York City for the last seven years. Now events conspire against her and her career and she heads back to Mustang Creek, Wyoming right before Christmas, wanting to help her elderly great aunt that raised her.

Veterinarian Jaxon Locke has taken a job in Mustang Creek partnering with another vet but he's really there to win over Charlotte's heart (or Charlie as he calls her).

Great aunt Geneva is hoping this young couple will get together, along with the mysterious Mrs. Klozz, who's cooking up a holiday storm in the kitchen and making all kinds of things happen otherwise.

I loved this light, sexy Christmas romance. All the characters are memorable and believable.

Dogs, a cat, a horse, mistletoe in strategic spots, meals made by Mrs. Klozz that I wish I could eat, and all kinds of plans to keep Charlie happy and in Mustang Creek make this a holiday book I will remember.

NOTE: I received this book from HQN Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

Christmas in Mustang Creek: The Brides of Bliss County is by Linda Lael Miller. It is a cute romance. You know how it will end but you don’t know how they will get there. That makes it easier to put the book down when life interferes, especially sleep.
Charlotte Morgan and Jaxon Locke met in New York City. She had a good job and a nice apartment and loved the life of a big city. Jaxon was a veterinarian but he wasn’t a fan of the city life. When he went back to Idaho to help while his Dad was ill, he and Charlotte broke up. She knew he wanted a life in Idaho and she wanted the City so it wouldn’t work. Then her life changed. She lost her job and had to return to Mustang Creek to check on her Aunt Geneve who she had to put in a nursing home. Something had to be done with the house and make sure her Aunt was fine.
Charlotte arrived in Mustang Creek in the middle of a blizzard. It was late so she decided to try the hotel for a room. However, with ski season and the blizzard, no rooms were available. However, an unexpected source offered the use of the extra bed in his room. Jaxon Locke had taken a job in Mustang Creek and just happened to arrive at the same time as Charlotte; however, he had a room reserved.
How will Charlotte cope with Jaxon in town? She has enough on her plate as it is. In addition, she has to cope with a meddling lady who is keeping Aunt Geneve’s pets and house going as well as all her friends who are still here in Mustang Creek.

I finally did it, last week after years of seeing people reviewing Linda Lael Miller's books I finally decided to bite the bullet after this one strayed across my path at the library a while back. I wasn't sure how Christmas at Mustang Creek would read since it is the fourth book in the Brides of Bliss County series but I was worried for nothing.

This was a quick and easy holiday read and one that I really needed. I'd read a pretty heavy sort of book and this was just the right amount of lightening up and it fit in perfectly with the season. I really enjoyed the small town feel of this book but I do wish it had been highlighted more because while I enjoyed the glimpses, they were all too brief and I found myself wanting to get to know they other characters in the town more.

I liked Charlotte and Jaxon together more than as individual characters, well that's not true. I like Charlotte better when she was with Jax as a couple because on her own she wasn't the most likable heroine for me. There was far too much inner dialogue on her end and her "rationale" to find reasons not to do things got annoying after while but I will say I loved how she took care of her elderly aunt, she loved her so much and that really came through and in the end when Charlotte opened up more I did come to like her.

Jaxon was a great hero all on his own. He's a vet, a country boy and he is completely head over heals in love with Charlotte, Mustang Creek and all the residents. He was such a sweetheart and he had no problem being henpecked by the women and being at their beck and call. In fact he seemed to really enjoy having women to take care of and I loved it. He was such a good guy and the way he delt with all the townsfolk was wonderful I'm glad he balanced out Charlotte.

Mrs. Klozz though was the true star of the book, with her baked goods, feasts fit for a king, a welcoming embrace, advice and some good old fashioned old lady meddling I couldn't not love her, She had a delightful sense of humour and she was such a lovely character she really made tied the whole book together and she embodied the feeling of Christmas for me.

This is one that was on the sweeter side of the romance scale and didn't delve into the intimate details much though there was a certain amount of sexual tension and and the odd innuendo but nothing you wouldn't be shocked by. It had all the fixins' of a holiday love story and while I did think Charlotte needed more character development and I wish we'd gotten to know more of the folks in the town.
I'm glad these two characters got their happily ever after.

I would definitely recommend this book to all fans of holiday romances. If you're a fan of Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle books Mrs. Klozz is sure to remind you of them. Check this one out if you're looking for a quick and sweet read to snuggle up with for the evening. I can't wait to read more of this series and enjoyed my experience reading Linda Lael Miller's work for the first time.

Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book

If you are searching for a Cowboy Swoon, Linda Lael Miller is a sure thing. She's mastered the Cowboy Swagger, tough on the outside but every woman's dream on the inside. And Christmas in Mustang Creek personifies it.

While this wasn't my favorite LLM book, it was sweet and endearing.

Charlotte Morgan grew up in Mustang Creek but considered herself a big city girl. And she flew the coup as soon as she could. While she loved the city, the men were something else. It seems the only man she might possibly have a relationship with was headed for small town America. Disappointed, Sara was called back to Mustang Creek to help out her family and maybe make a new life. And who was one of the first people she sees? The man of her dreams.

Jacob Locke fell hard for Charlotte while in the city but he knew he belonged in a small town. When the chance to become the vet in Mustang Creek was offered to him, he jumped on it. Who knew Charlotte would be there as well? Now he needs to decide if he is willing to risk his heart.

This was a fun romance full of Christmas magic and worth the read.

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Christmas in Mustang Creek, provided by netgalley.

Charlotte (Charlie) Morgan was raised in Mustang Creek, Wyoming, but left country life behind in order to experience the big city. Her relationship with veterinarian Jaxon Locke was seemingly perfect, but Jaxon loves the country life, and when he must go home to help with his father’s vet practice their relationship falls apart. Months later, Charlie’s out of a job and her aunt, who raised her after the death of her parents, is in failing health so Charlie decides to go back to Mustang Creek. However, she doesn’t expect to find Jaxon Locke there, too. He’s the new vet at the local Mustang Creek practice and he still loves Charlie with all his heart. CHRISTMAS IN MUSTANG CREEK is a sweet country romance which gives readers an uplifting sense of Christmas cheer. Of course, Jax and Charlie have a little help in the romance department from Mrs. Klozz, the woman who is staying at Aunt Geneva’s house while she’s in a nursing home. CHRISTMAS IN MUSTANG CREEK is a light romance with little conflict and a tender happily ever after.

Christmas in Mustang County looked cute and sweet when I read the blurb and it definitely lived up to my expectations even though I am nowhere near ready for the Christmas season to begin.

The story is centered around Charlotte and Jax … his quest to win her back and her quest to try to convince herself that Mustang Creek is not the place for her. There’s nothing exciting, nothing high-powered and certainly not a place for her to apply her advertising degree. But it does have certain charms to it. The friends she grew up with, cozy little stories and, now, Jaxon.

Jaxon tolerated the big city but, when he got the call to go back to Idaho, he was concerned for his father but excited to return to the wide open spaces, blue skies and the animals that he loved. His biggest regret was leaving Charlie. He tried to convince her that she should give it a chance, give him a chance but she wouldn’t. Stalking her FB page, he finds out that she’s going back to Mustang Creek. He doesn’t know if she is there to stay but it is worth moving there and taking the job offer from his friend to help out at his Veterinary Clinic.

A little bit of magic, a lot of meddling from the adorable Mrs. Klozz, the love of animals, a secluded cabin and a sleigh ride were all working against Charlotte and definitely in favor of Jax. Then throw in good meaning friends and planting a little idea into the right minds and Charlotte falls harder than the snow during a blizzard.

So, yes, the story was adorable but … it really moved a little too quickly for me. Charlotte was in love with Jax when they were in New York and their chemistry was off the charts. I love how fate kept throwing them together from the moment they both set foot in Mustang Creek. But, she just kept giving me whiplash. No, she wasn’t falling into his arms or bed; yes, she was; well, maybe she will; aw, what the hell, she can’t fight it. I was happy that she was giving into the magic that was being woven around them but I was also stunned. But, Jax didn’t surprise me at all … he was determined to make her see her place in Mustang Creek, in his bed and in his life, forever.

Linda Lael Miller actually brought the “sweetness” factor up a notch with this story filling it with every known decadent desert you could possibly imagine. Mrs. Klozz and Aunt Geneva, Mutley, Can-Can and Felix lit up this story and brought the fun factor into the book. She made sure that we understood what Charlie and Jax were thinking and how they got where they were by weaving their pasts into the present … made sure that we are still wondering just who Mrs. Klozz really was … she made sure that we smiled throughout the whole story. These are all characteristics that I truly love in an author.

Christmas at Mustang Creek by Linda Lael Miller is a 2015 HQN publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

This light and charming story is exactly what you want from a holiday read.

Charlotte- aka- Charlie is a city girl through and through. She has a career in advertising, lives in New York, and loves the hustle and bustle of city life. So when her boyfriend, Jaxon, makes the decision to leave the city, she can't see herself adapting to small town country living. So, sadly they go their separate ways….

But, as fate would have it, Charlie gets laid off from her job and discovers the aunt who raised her like a daughter, is having some health problems. So, Charlie heads back home to Mustang Creek to care for her aunt. But, wouldn't you know it… her 'young man' Jax is the new veterinarian in town.

Charlie moves back into her childhood home with her aunt's mysterious friend, Mrs. Klozz, positive her stay in Mustang Creek is only temporary. But, Charlie never stood a chance with Jax, her aunt, Mrs. Klozz and a few delightful and adorable pets,working double time to persuade Charlie she could have all she ever wanted in Mustang Creek.

As the holiday season approaches, warm and fuzzy, light and easy romances are always on the menu. This story should put you in the holiday spirit with snow, skiing, pets, wonderful homemade meals and cookies, with just a touch of magic thrown in.

I enjoy the big city versus the small town trope, but I also like a story that demonstrates making the best of what you have, sort of like making lemonade out of life's lemons. Charlie just needed to consider her options, and stop looking at her situation with blinders on. Compromise is always the key and this story proves it works, but might need a lot of patience and love to pull it off.

Any story that features pets will always rate high with me and this one has its fair share of cute fur babies to up the sweetness meter a few notches.

There is nothing too deep or overly dramatic, and it's pretty much standard holiday fare, but the dialogue stands out more with this story, written by a seasoned author, and I loved the touch of whimsy and magic, with Mrs. Klozz coming through for Charlie and Jax.

Cute story, recommended to fans of this author and to romance lovers looking to get a jump start on their holiday reading. This book is a great choice to start your holiday reading with. 3.5 rounded to 4

Christmas in Mustang Creek by Linda Lael Miller is a marvelous addition to The Brides of Bliss County series. This sweet romance takes place a few days before Christmas and it is a light-hearted and easy to read novel that old and new fans of the series are going to love.

Charlotte Morgan grew up in Mustang Creek but after college, her career in advertising led her to a dream job in New York. She loves the fast pace and vibrant atmosphere of big city living but when her aunt’s health begins failing and she loses her job right before Christmas, she knows it is time to return to her small hometown. As soon she arrives in town, Charlotte immediately crosses paths with Jaxon Locke, the veterinarian she dated while living in New York. She and Jaxon split up a year earlier when he returned to Idaho to take care of his father after he had a heart attack. Is it just a coincidence that Jaxon is moving to Mustang Creek just as Charlotte returns to town? Or is a little holiday magic responsible for their unexpected reunion?

Charlotte and Jaxon cared deeply for one another, but while Charlotte loved living in the big city, Jaxon longed to return to the wide open spaces back West. He never stopped caring for Charlotte so after his father returned to work, Jaxon eagerly accepted a job offer to join a vet practice in Mustang Creek. He was even more thrilled to discover that Charlotte was returning home and he is cautiously optimistic they can resume their relationship.

Charlotte returns to Mustang Creek with no clear plan for her future. She loves her career but she is torn between staying close to her beloved Aunt Geneva and moving to another large city where she can put her skills to use. She is stunned to discover that Jaxon is planning to settle in her hometown, but she still sees no way around their conflicting dreams. With a little help from the mysterious Mrs. Klozz, Aunt Geneva and a surprising business idea, Jaxon eagerly begins trying to convince Charlotte to give their relationship a second chance.

Christmas in Mustang Creek is another low key, blissfully angst-free romance from fan favorite Linda Lael Miller. As always, the characters are quite appealing, delightfully engaging and beautifully developed. The holiday season is the perfect backdrop for the renewed relationship between Jaxon and Charlotte and their romance is quite heartwarming. Mustang Creek is still the same warm and inviting town and the addition of Mrs. Klozz to the cast of well-meaning and caring townspeople adds a bit of whimsy to the storyline. Although it is the fourth installment in The Brides of Bliss County series, it can be read as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy for review.

Christmas in Mustang Creek is #4 in The Brides of Biss County, and is a delightful shorter story for the Christmas season.

Charlotte is returning home to the small Wyoming town to the house she shared with her aunt since childhood. Her aunt is now in a home, because she has a little dementia. Residing in the house is the warm, rather mysterious Mrs Klozz. (say her name out loud and you'll get the idea). A little Disney, but kinda sweet. She certainly has the Christmas spirit and is not about doing a little organising so that Charlotte is put in the path of Jax. She and Jax had been an item, but had parted company over a year ago. Now he too has come to the small town to help Nate in his vet practice. Mrs K sees to it that he is right in the action and right in the path of Charlotte.

Want to get into the Christmas spirit - this is an ideal book to put you into the scents and warmth and goodwill of this season. Mrs Klozz is a magical mystery, and she certainly adds to the spirit of Christmas.

There is goodwill aplenty, the small town ambience where everybody knows everything, and of course it has delightful animals, family and a hint of new birth. Some romance too of course.

Save this one up for near Christmas and you will be right there in the spirit of the season.

Christmas in Mustang Creek reminds me of Debbie Macomber’s Christmas books, but with a little more spice. The resemblance is strongest in the character of Mrs. Klozz, a warm, caring older woman with an almost magical touch in the kitchen, who seems determined to set Charlotte’s life to rights – and Jaxon’s too, while she’s at it. Add in a small town, a huge Victorian house, an adorable puppy, Christmas trees, and even a skiing trip, and you’ve got a comforting Christmas romance. There’s little real conflict, but plenty of warmth and charm. And how can you resist a hero who’s willing to move to a small town in hope of a second chance with the girl who got away?

This was my first introduction to Miller, and I am curious about the previous books in this quartet. Recommended for fans of RaeAnne Thayne and Debbie Macomber (with the caveat that there’s more heat.)

3.5 stars

FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.

REVIEW ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED on The Bookwyrm’s Hoard blog: http://bookwyrmshoard.com

Charlotte Morgan has come home to Mustang Creek to take care of her great aunt and to lick her wounds after losing her job. When she arrives home, veterinarian Jaxon Locke is there--unexpectedly. They'd had a thing going years earlier, and he's never forgotten her, but how could they get together when she claimed to be a city girl and he longed to go small town? Well, things have changed now.

Jax is intent on winning back Charlie, but she's quite sure she needs to keep Jax at arms' length. Trouble is, being in his arms is a lot more fun. How a variety of interesting characters, including one who acts more like Mrs. Claus than Charlotte can fathom, helps to bring Jax and Charlie together is a fun read perfect for the season.

PS The bonus novella about Copper Ridge is a nice touch, too.

This the Christmas novel I had been needing to get me into the right spirit and Linda Lael Miller delivers. There is always that relationship that didn't work out for whatever reason that leaves a hole in our heart and Miller takes us right to that space in Charlie's heart where Jax used to be and should have always been. This book is filled with the warmth of the holidays in writing that isn't hokey or sappy. Are there cute animals? Of course, the man is a vet after all. Are there second chances? Yes, and we all need one every now and then. Is there hope at the holidays? Yes! This book is a very hopeful story. We hope that dear Aunt Geneva will adjust to living in the assisted care facility, we hope that Jax can convince Charlotte that he really is the one for her, but most of all we hope that Charlotte can find what she has always wanted and needed and knew she needed in her life- home. This is a wonderful Christmas tale, complete with Mrs. Klozz, but I won't tell you any more. I don't believe in telling people what gift is inside the wrapping paper. Read it and unwrap this gem for yourself.

With the backdrop of the Wyoming mountains and a quaint town, Linda Lael Miller’s setting of her Brides of Bliss County series is gorgeous at the holidays.

It’s filled with familiar characters from previous books as well as a few new ones. One or two might even seem to possess magical powers! Or perhaps it’s simply the magic of the season. Either way, this is an entertaining book sure to cheer the reader.

Though I’m posting a review before October I have no doubt this will be just the book for fans of the series and Miller to get into the holiday spirit in a few weeks. I would suggest getting it now so you have it on hand when you’re ready to read it. Again, recommended to fans of the series, Linda Lael Miller, and contemporary romance. Although it’s the fourth book in the series it can easily stand alone.
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was by far my favorite story in this series, and the hero and heroine weren't even a part of the marriage pact in any way. Maybe that's it? I don't know. But I found Jaxson's persistence and Charlotte's confusion to be endearing. And what's a Christmas story without a Mrs. Klozz to help things along?

Obviously there was a bit of tongue in cheek zaniness going on with Mrs. Klozz and her meddling, but it really kept things fun. There were certain characteristics about Charlotte that could have been off-putting, but then Jax or Mrs. Klozz would do something to distract her and that would save her from own self.

I'm not sure if there will be any more books in this series, but if they are as fun and heartwarming as this one I will be on board.

A delightful story about the magic of Christmas. Charlotte has been in New York City working in advertising. It's not so fabulous to her now and she doesn't love her job anymore. When her great-aunt Geneva decides to go into an assisted-living facility, Charlotte decides to move back to Mustang Creek Wyoming.
What she doesn't know is that Jacon Locke, a veterinarian she dated in NYC, misses her and has just taken a job in Mustang Creek. Mrs Klozz is watching Aunt Geneva's house and she's kind of mysterious.
When Millicent Klozz is around, things seem to happen and she thinks Jaxon and Charlotte belong together.
This was a beautiful story and the added magic of Christmas made it wonderful.

I am addicted to holiday movies, reads and programming. Every year I look forward to February and December(the best times of year to feed my addiction.). Christmas in Mustang Creek brought the magic, romance and good feelings a couple of months early. Linda Lael Miller has provided an outlet of escapism that is a fairy tale come to life. Charlotte is in the doldrums and feeling sorry for herself. A trip home may be just the remedy to lift her spirits. The Hallmark card setting, the feeling of traditional values and love, the mystery in the air and lastly the beautiful romance made this story a dream to read. Was sad to see it end. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've been reading Linda Lael Miller stories for more than one hundred books and I love every single one of them. Christmas in Mustang County was especially sweet. The story takes place at Christmas and there's love in the air. And Bliss County is the perfect place to be, right alongside all the girlfriends from previous books. It's like family.

Who wouldn't fall in love with a cowboy who is always smiling! As always, the book is well-written and a joy to read. My only request would be about a hundred more chapters!

I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas in Mustang Creek is one of those fabulous books that I picked up to read the blurb, and then maybe just a page or two, and before I know it two hours have passed and I'm half way through the book.

It has been a while since I have had the pleasure of reading a book by Linda Lael Miller. It wasn't long into the first few pages that I quickly remembered why I love this lady's work. She has a flare for drawing me into the storyline and bonding me to the characters so quickly that I'm engrossed and lost in story land before I even notice that the pages are flying by.

Charlotte Morgan has faced some major changes in her life. Now she is on her way back to her home town and the home she was raised in. Her dear Aunt that raised her is in need of medical assistance and Charlotte has to come to grips with all the changes in her world. I quickly bonded to Charlotte due to her strong sense of family and loyalty. She's a very sweet and very smart lady that has reached a point in her life where nothing makes sense anymore. She needs to find herself and figure out what she is going to do next.

Jaxon Locke meet Charlotte in New York and has not been able to forget her and the love he has in his heart for her. Jax is one of those super sweet guys that loves animals, little old ladies, and Charlotte. How could you not fall in love with this guy. He's adorable!

Charlotte and Jax re-meet in an interesting situation that adds a touch of drama, humor, and tension to the story. These two are entertaining to watch while they are getting to know each other again, while they fight that massive chemistry between them, and try to out maneuver the meddling ladies in their lives.

Charlotte and Jax both have a lot of things to deal with in their own lives and a few things to work out together if they are going to find their way to a happily ever after.

I must mention Mrs. Klozz the little older lady that is taking care of Charlotte's Aunt's house until Charlotte arrives. She is also there to do some of the cookie, to spoil them all a little bit and do a whole lot of meddling in their lives after Charlotte arrives. She seems like the nicest, sweetest lady that everyone could use in their life even more at Christmas time.

Did I mention this is a Christmas story? Some of you know how much I adore Christmas stories, so you can imagine my joy reading this one.

Overall, Linda Lael Miller has written a fabulous reunion story, with great family connections, a few holiday mysteries, a whole lot of love, romance, and some very adorable animals to add in the perfect recipe for a great book. What is there not to love about this book? I know I sure couldn't find anything. I loved it!

I received the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Christmas in Mustang Creek.

A delicious tale of second chances over the Christmas season. Loved the chemistry between Charlie and Jaxon (and that man was hot, lol! Wanted to bash him a few times for being so totally in Charlie's face, but he was doing it for love, which kinda made it more adorkable than nasty).

Christmas in Mustang Creek is a perfect Christmas novel! It’s sweet, fun, and has just a touch of magic.
I loved the characters of Charlotte and Jaxon, but Mrs. Klozz just took the cake. She completely pulled this story from cute to perfect.

Great book, thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful scenery, decorations. Sharing the season with the ones you love. Lots of animals. A wonderfully written feel good Christmas story. A must read this holiday season.

This was a one afternoon read. Sweet but nothing unpredictable or too deep. For someone who have read many books by this author I unfortunately have to say I'm glad I did not purchase this book but that it was the library and read.