This dramatic historical tale starts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. A heavy snowstorm falls as Caleb O'Malley rides for shelter. The year is 1881, and although it's December the snow has come early. Rebecca Thurston is working on her family's farm when her dog hears a horse in the weather. When she finds Caleb unconscious, she recognises him and doesn't want anything to do with him. But he needs help, for injuries and cold. She hauls him home.

MARRIED BY CHRISTMAS paints a respectful portrait of Rebecca. She's a responsible young woman, living on the farm with only her sister Amy. At one time she admired Caleb, but now she blames him for the loss of her sweetheart. Since they can't send for the doctor, the girls will just have to take care of the man. When Caleb comes around, he remembers witnessing the murder of the town's sheriff, meaning that he's in danger if the killer realises he survived the bullet that pierced his leg. He can't put the two girls in peril.

Foreseeably at this period the respectable local folks think Caleb should marry Rebecca because they've spent time together, Amy being under age is not a real chaperone. Caleb feels obliged to offer in case he's unwittingly ruined the girl's moral standing, but she refuses so that's all right then. Or is it?

We think of the moral tone of the day as narrow-minded but when a female could take few jobs, and needed a lot of support if she had a child, the attitude makes more sense. Even a marriage on paper conferred respectability, though it might not be what the Reverend considered a real marriage. There is tension and laughter in the snowbound district as the threads of the tale weave together and Caleb gets to have what he considers his best Christmas - knowing that he must soon leave the little household. How can they all find happiness?

The period details are well realised and even the bad guys - and gal - are presented to us as real people with genuine motives. We can feel the cold and shiver in the icicle- bound barn. MARRIED BY CHRISTMAS is far from frivolous, making a fine addition to the series of inspirational Smoky Mountain Matches by Karen Kirst. This would be a good read for someone who enjoys strong romances as a Christmas present.