"Opening her home doesn't mean opening her heart - or does it?"
Reviewed by Clare O'Beara
Posted October 19, 2014
Romance Historical | Holiday | Inspirational
I enjoy the historical fiction written by Winnie Griggs
and combining
her romances with the winter holiday season seems like a
perfect fit. Winnie Griggs wrote A Family For Christmas
so I was hoping for another equally vivid revisiting of
the
past. HER HOLIDAY FAMILY is set in Texas and continues
her Texas Grooms series.
Simon Tucker has arrived in the small township of
Turnabout
with no fewer than ten orphans. Luckily Reverend and Mrs
Harper support his drive to see the children well cared
for, though it wasn't originally his job. The lady who
ran
an orphan home was afflicted with a stroke while
travelling, and Simon had merely agreed to escort her.
Now
he feels responsible for the outcome of her mission. He'd
prefer to keep the children together but who could
accommodate ten, even for a short time?
Eileen Pierce, widow of a wealthy businessman, has a
substantial empty home. She's not too friendly with
everyone, and endeavours to maintain her status although
she's now far from well off. Pride and determination not
to
be outdone prompt her to open her home, and she agrees to
let the Ladies Auxiliary group provide meals. Any
Christian
would do as much, she tells herself, and there is no need
to get involved with the children - or their well-spoken
escort.
I liked that as a cabinetmaker, Simon sees that he can
make
himself useful around the brick-built house which has
needed repairs, but the children provide the life that has
been lacking. I was amused by all the hitches that come
along, like a shortage of plates or the legal issue
relating to a permanent orphan home. And how Eileen,
trying
to live up to expectations, surprises even herself.
The small town is well supplied but I was surprised that
there is a sweet shop and a toy shop. The Thanksgiving
party is
memorable and I was pleased with the outcome of the gently
simmering romance. This heartwarming tale makes a fine
addition to the series by Winnie Griggs and will be
enjoyed by just about anyone.
If you are looking for a
lively tale with troubles and contrasts, HER HOLIDAY
FAMILY
is a great book to start with and then you might go back
and read the earlier books in the Texas Grooms
inspirational romance series.
SUMMARY
Reserved widow Eileen Pierce never considered herself the
kind of woman who was cut out to be a mother. She wouldn't
know what to do with one child, much less ten. But when
handyman Simon Tucker is stranded in town with a group of
young orphans at Christmastime, she discovers she can't
just
turn them away. Simon knows there's more to Eileen than meets the eye.
Though his easygoing demeanor immediately clashes with her
buttoned-up propriety, Simon's kindness soon melts
Eileen's
stern facade. Simon and the children already upended
Eileen's quiet, orderly life. Will they do the same to her
guarded heart? Texas Grooms: In search of their brides...
What do you think about this review?
Comments
1 comment posted.
Re: Opening her home doesn't mean opening her heart - or does it?
It makes me want to read the book. The plot interests me and I can see the
possibilities unfolding already!
(Susan Scheelk 2:12pm November 11, 2014)
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