The first story in this romance duo by Linda Lael Miller is A McKettrick Christmas. Lizzie McKettrick is on her way home, not just for Christmas but permanently. She is excited to begin her new career as a school teacher and to introduce her family to Whitley Carson who she feels certain is destined to become her husband. But as they travel along the mountainous trails, their train gets derailed by an avalanche. Suddenly, they find themselves in a perilous situation along with the other travelers. They realize that it will take cooperation, resourcefulness, courage, and a big dose of luck to survive. And a few miracles wouldn't hurt.

Dr. Morgan Shane is abroad the ill-fated train on his way to start a practice in Indian Rock. Morgan quickly realizes that Lizzie is a willing, albeit strong- willed, woman who unflinchingly becomes his helper in tending to those injured or sick. It also becomes apparent that her travel-mate is quite the opposite. As Morgan and Lizzie work together, a mutual respect (and perhaps more) starts to develop. Lizzie is banking on her family coming to their rescue but, with her faith shaken, even she is looking for a Christmas miracle.

The second story, A Creed Country Christmas, finds Juliana Mitchell in dire straits, without a home for herself and her charges and no foreseeable solution. Her one hope is dashed when the eagerly awaited help from her brother Clay fails to appear. When her Indian school is closed, the students are shipped off to other institutions. She defiantly takes the last four with hopes of returning them to their families or finding suitable adoptive parents. But without any resources, she truly needs a miracle when in walks Lincoln Creed. The widower hopes for a positive responses to his ads for a homemaker, governess or, if necessary, a wife to help raise his young daughter Gracie.

Lincoln quickly assesses Juliana's plight and takes them all home to his ranch to give them a safe haven from the frigid weather as well as the racially motivated unwelcoming atmosphere of the town. Things become more complicated once they arrive at the ranch. True to her nature, precocious Gracie is open to having Juliana as her teacher but would rather she become her new mother. Juliana realizes that she and her charges aren't the only ones that need saving. Lincoln and Gracie need a special woman in their lives. Could she fit that role and give up her dream for a real marriage based on love? Stillwater Springs Ranch could be the answer to her dreams. Who knows what other Christmas miracles are still to come?

A McKettrick Christmas reacquaints us with the ever growing and devoted McKettrick clan -- kind of like going home for the holidays and seeing beloved people. It joyously conjures up visions of previous stories in the series. A Creed Country Christmas features the ancestors of characters in her Creed series. The characters are lovable, exasperating, and of course enjoyable -- typical Miller style. THE CHRISTMAS BRIDES is a good choice for Miller fans and followers of these two families.