Library Journal
In this heartwarming trilogy of Christmas-themed novellas by some of Harlequin's favorite historical authors, small towns in Colorado and Kansas and a Texas ranch provide the wintery backdrops and plenty of Old West ambience. Likable, spirited characters, many of whom have past issues with Christmas, enliven the appealing stories that, while not always predictable, are overflowing with family, love, and all the expected holiday festivities. A blizzard, a stranded, unwelcome stranger, and a baby on the doorstep disrupt the quiet life of an independent, Christmas-avoiding spinster with ultimately romantic results in Criswell's "Christmas Eve"; a fiery, "haunted" storekeeper rescues a tormented doctor turned gambler from a bounty hunter and ends up finding love and freeing them both from the past in Mary McBride's memorable "Season of Bounty"; and a mail-order fiance, three unwanted orphans, and the children's grouchy, resentful rancher uncle put their pasts behind them and form a family in Liz Ireland's especially well-done "Cowboy Scrooge." For readers who like their holiday historicals with a Western touch. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.