Their Christmas Miracle

By Lynne Marshall

Hunter Wood wants to be respected. A talented cook, he’s ventured out on his own, opening a breakfast and lunch diner in Charity, Montana. He’s got a lot to prove—mostly to himself—and more than a few people to convince he’s a changed man.

Tracy Blevin is a registered nurse and pie baker extraordinaire, who is drawn to a most unlikely man, Hunter Wood. A nurturer by profession, she likes to feel needed, but the only thing Hunter needs her for is her pies. Their friendship has changed over the last six months as business partners. The more time Hunter spends with Tracy, the more he finds things to like about her. She's smart, organized, and...those bright green eyes and delicate mouth are really starting to get to him. Maybe it's time to move beyond just partnership...

When a Montana winter car crash leaves a baby an orphan, Godfather Hunter, lives up to his promise, taking in the ten-month old. With the season of miracles upon them, Hunter can no longer deny his strong attraction towards Tracy. Is her life-long wish for her own family finally being answered this Christmas?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• Release date: Nov 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781947636491

Lynne Marshall

USA Today Bestselling author Lynne Marshall used to worry she had a serious problem with daydreaming, then she discovered she was supposed to write those stories!  A late bloomer, she came to fiction writing after her children were nearly grown.  Now she battles the empty nest by writing romantic stories about life, love, and happy endings. She's a proud mother and grandmother who loves babies, dogs, books, music, and traveling.

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Chapter One

Mid November

"What are you doing up?" Tracy Blevin checked the wall clock in the Wood’s Café kitchen, it was only one a.m. and she was just getting started with her baking for the night.

Couldn’t sleep with all the racket, Hunter Wood, the owner of Wood’s Café said, trying to sound gruff, but not coming close to pulling it off. He’d appeared at the side kitchen door, bottom of the staircase that led to his loft-styled apartment.

Oh sure, don’t blame me for your insomnia.

Hunter grinned, that terrific smile that always caught her off guard. His nearly black hair, shaved short on the sides was long enough on top to comb straight back from his forehead, which he’d done. Though these days, she liked that he’d started to part it on the side, had even grown a thin jaw-line beard, looking all trendy, like a modern-day businessman. You’re right. I decided to serve pulled pork sandwiches for lunch today and I’ve got to get the meat going. Needs to cook long and slow to be tender and juicy.

She rolled out a ball of pie dough. You’re making my mouth water. For the past three months, they’d mostly played tag-team in the kitchen, her working after midnight, after her real job as an RN, him on the early morning through lunchtime shift. The hours his café was open.

Tracy could have sworn something had sparked between Hunter and her the day their mutual good friends Joe Collins and Taylor Clark got married. He’d catered the meal and she’d handled dessert, a perfect match. Whatever it was then, seemed to have fizzled since May, probably because of her. In other words, the usual story for Tracy’s love life. Which she’d finally laid to rest two years ago, after the last going-nowhere relationship. RIP.

She’d admired him from afar when he used to work at Donna Lee’s diner, liked his light olive skin and long hair, with the hint of Native American heritage in his eyes and mannerisms. She’d learned he was one-quarter Crow. She’d also kept her thoughts to herself about being drawn to him, used the excuse of his being thirty and her thirty-two to brush the attraction aside. Any excuse would do, since she’d been disillusioned by love one too many times, and really a girl had to know when to say when. Now she worked for Hunter part time on top of her regular job as an RN at the Charity Urgent Care, and what he paid helped toward her new cabin mortgage payments.

In other words, they were good for each other, as long as she didn’t want too much or get her hopes up. And she was grateful to him for quietly understanding.

But as she kneaded and rolled out her pie dough something occurred to her—lately, he kept making excuses to occupy the kitchen the same time she did. And, heaven help her, she liked it.

He opened the refrigerator that took up half of one wall, his jeans and T-shirt fitting like perfection, and grabbed two huge pork shoulders then generously hand seasoned them.

Wanting desperately to keep the conversation going, she went with the first thought to pop into her head. What would you think if I branched out and started making chicken or beef pot pies, maybe even vegan pot pies?

Sounds promising, he said, more interested in searing his meat in a huge pan.

I could freeze them. Sell them through you for people to take home and bake themselves.

Uh-huh. While the meat seared he chopped onions, celery and carrots rapidly, like a culinary master.

He clearly wasn’t paying attention to her. Maybe I could make JELL-O pot pies and add fingernails.

He stopped chopping, stared at her briefly with those bedroom eyes, then stepped over to the searing meat and flipped both humongous shoulders to the other side. You know what I think?

She waited for the answer to his rhetorical question, but he didn’t give one right away, so she gave the obligatory, Tell me.

That all we ever talk about is food.

He wasn’t the easiest guy to start a conversation with, and she’d never wanted to entertain the thought of getting to know him better when it might mess up their work relationship, so she’d always stuck to their mutual interest. But on his point, she’d play dumb. Really?

Tell me one thing you’ve learned about me lately, he challenged, turning his head and shoulder away from the stove, to catch her gaze.

She stopped rolling the dough to think. Being fall in Charity, with warmer than usual weather, he’d come downstairs in a short-sleeved tee-shirt, so she couldn’t help but notice. Uh, you’ve added another section to your tattoo? She stepped closer to see better. It looks like a sun symbol. The center was a red circle with black sunrays curling clockwise around it.

Anyone can see that, but do you know why I got it and what it means?

Another rhetorical question? She wouldn’t waste the time. Tell me.

After he poured some water over the pork, added the vegetables and covered two large pots, then turned on the burners to bring the water to simmering, he joined her at the pie station. Leaning on the counter, he pointed out the newest symbol on his left forearm. This may look like a common sun symbol, but if you’ll notice, it has seven rays, each representing an energy center. Most importantly, it’s the bearer of light.

Wisdom? Deep in thought, he didn’t reply. Does it give you energy? she persisted.

It identifies me as being a peace-loving person, and for a guy who spent two years in the pen, or Club Fed as some liked to call it, that says something, right?

Does it mean you’ve changed?

No. I’ve always been that way. Part of my upbringing.

Which must’ve made prison extra challenging. Must be a relief to have that behind you. She wanted to ask how he’d gotten there, what he’d done, but now didn’t seem like the right time. Would there ever be a right time?

Incarceration may be over, but I’ll never be rid of the experience. It’s made me abnormally independent, and I don’t trust many people.

I get that about you. She could have told him that from her observations of how he dealt with her, always keeping her at a distance, which suited her for her own reasons just fine. He’d never opened up until today. He struck her as the quiet observer type, and his personality style wasn’t exactly compatible with her need to feel needed. Good thing she was a nurse and got her fill of needy people at work, because she’d never expect him to ask her for anything. Okay, so it’s your turn to tell me something you’ve learned about me, she said, testing his skills of observation.

He took the huge covered pots of pork, now that the water simmered, and placed them in the industrial sized oven, lids on. How about if I ask you some questions instead?

Okay. She wasn’t sure if she liked this game or not.

Have you ever been married?

Oh, man, she really didn’t want to talk about that, but he’d asked so she owed it to him, since he seemed to be opening up. Yes.

And you’re not now. He glanced over his shoulder as he closed the stove.

Nope.

Why? He leaned against the counter beside the stove and folded his arms.

Good question. She fiddled with the next batch of pies, filling them, waiting for the oven. Anything to avoid eye contact. The whole thing was one big mistake. We were kids, didn’t know what we were doing, other than we thought that was the next step since we’d been dating for years and thought we loved each other. No way would she tell him the whole story. They’d have to be much better friends for that.

"Thought you loved each other?"

I didn’t have a clue what love was then. Her parents hadn’t exactly set a great standard for love.

And you do now?

She paused, dared to look at him, his dark eyes drilled into her. Still not sure. Her first big love after her divorce happened when she’d moved to Charity. His name had been Mark, and he’d made her think she was the center of his world, sweet talking her to heaven, letting her grow huge dreams about their future over the year they’d been together. Then waltzing in one day telling her he’d gotten a job offer in Wyoming as foreman of an even bigger ranch. No problem, she’d said, I’m a nurse, I can find a job anywhere. The problem was, he didn’t invite her to come.

So what happened to the marriage?

Oh, that? My first failure at love? I left. She fibbed and poured the lemon custard mixture into two baked shells, her brief marriage seeming so distant now, there’d been so many other failed relationships since. Bottom line, she’d tried so hard to overcompensate for her parents’ failed marriage, she’d driven her husband nuts. Constantly asking if he was happy, trying too hard at everything, determined to make their marriage everything her parents’ marriage hadn’t been. It’d all backfired, and Ryan withdrew, which made her try harder, so he pulled back further and further until he wanted to leave. She’d tried to talk him out of it, but reality came crashing around her, they didn’t belong together. She wasn’t mature enough to handle marriage. The final decision had been mutual. So why lie to Hunter?

You walked out? He sounded surprised.

Uh, yes. Not exactly.

So you’re a quitter.

He’d just tagged her with quitter when what she’d been guilty of was trying too hard. Why hadn’t she told him the whole truth? Because it was complicated and she was still ashamed of the fact that her husband had wanted to leave first. That leaving Tracy seemed like a pattern with men, including her last three boyfriends right here in Charity. Angry and feeling ambushed by Hunter, she struck out, "I am not."

She’d been clueless about real love back then. Now she wasn’t sure if it existed, except she’d seen evidence of it around her, like with Joe and Taylor. That’s what she wanted, but couldn’t see it for herself. Still, when she searched for her new home, then bought it, part of the draw was imagining a future there. It was a secret dream she’d kept to herself, because she was still afraid of more pain and heartache.

Her response, I am not, didn’t faze him. Your ex-husband might think differently. He picked up a few utensils he’d used and tossed them into the sink.

It stopped her. Made her think. Ryan had been fine with their breakup. She’d been the one to suffer. How dare Hunter stand there in judgment? You call yourself a peacemaker while jabbing a stick like that at me? Her vision coned down to a dark center with red lining, kind of like that sun symbol on his arm, except not remotely relating to peace. "And this coming from the wise recluse."

She shoved her pies with the meringue topping into the baking oven on the opposite side of the kitchen, and slammed the door. No way he didn’t get her message.

He observed her quietly for a moment, letting her calm down. Being a recluse was a survival tactic in prison.

Darn, he was playing dirty. How could she still be angry at him? Well, sometimes walking out is a survival tactic, too. Their situation had been immature and painful to recall. If they’d stuck it out, they would have stifled each other, probably wound up hating each other, too. Kind of like her parents.

Ugh, an awful pang in her chest forced her to accept she’d been doing a fine job of stifling herself ever since.

I’m sorry.

That you stepped over the line? Still, she was surprised by his quick apology. The men in her life never seemed able to do that. You are?

I’m not good at conversations.

I’ll have to agree with that. Now she was the one leaning against the counter.

Your pie smells good.

Great, and I don’t know what you put on that pork, but I can’t wait to try it for lunch.

I’ll save a sandwich for you.

Thanks.

Having returned to the one topic that was safe—food—they went about the rest of their business in silence, having only peeked into each other’s former lives. There was so much more he didn’t know about her, and she suspected the same with him.

Tracy knew Hunter went to the same Saturday night men’s group that Joe Collins did, because she was work buddies with Taylor, Joe’s wife, who called it an accountability group. She also knew most of the men were ex-convicts. The rest of the week he cooked for his breakfast/lunch café. She’d never seen him in the town bar. In fact, the only time she’d seen him in a social situation was last year when she’d dragged Taylor to the Annual Country Music Festival in Kalispell. He’d been there with Joe, danced with one of the waitresses from Donna Lee’s there, too, so she knew he had some social skills.

When she grabbed her sweater ready to head home, she stopped. Got any big plans for your day off? Being a small business owner, Sunday was the only day he didn’t work.

He checked on the pork with a forearm length oven mitten. Got a standing date every Sunday.

With a lady? Okay, she was nosy and knew it. Maybe a little jealous, too. Church? Yeah, she’d prefer that.

With a mare.

"With a horse or a politician?"

Horse.

A horse, who’d have thought? Well, at least it wasn’t a woman.

Chapter Two

Hunter’s standing ranch date, the Sunday before Thanksgiving...

Healing Heart Acres wasn’t about broken hearts, it was about healing the mind and soul, and it sheltered formerly abused animals and livestock to help that task along. Hunter volunteered every Sunday, something he’d been assigned to do during his two-year parole, but had continued long after because of the good the place did, not only for others, but for him, too.

Set near the basin of Glacier National Park, in country as perfect as the palm of God’s own hand, Hunter didn’t care about the long drive from Charity. Nearly three hours round trip, but well worth it. Except today, instead of being outside in the crisp air, enjoying that endless blue horizon view, he was cleaning stalls in the stables. But Marguerite, the ancient mare who’d been left to freeze to death by an uncaring owner three years ago, deserved the best. Right now, she was enjoying the fresh air in the pasture while he prepared to muck out the stall. Besides, he’d do anything Dr. Anderson, the veterinarian who owned the place, asked him to do out of being grateful for the peace of mind the center had helped return to him.

Wearing knee-high rubbers over his boots and sturdy gloves, he left the wheelbarrow by the stall facing out. Using a pitchfork to remove the manure and wet straw, he loaded the wheelbarrow and headed to the manure pile.

Weekends were open to the public. Which meant Sunday was a busy day on the ranch as many families and groups visited the petting zoo and corralled livestock. But the added noise didn’t tear even a tiny piece from the natural calm of the place. During the week, they worked one-on-one with people of all ages in various need of animal assisted therapy. He’d seen the wonders this place could perform, experienced it firsthand. Hunter still picked up on the healing vibes whenever he came here, and today peace welled up in his heart. He took out a kerchief from his back pocket, covered his nose and tied it behind his head. Then he returned to reality and dumped his wheelbarrow load into the manure pile, but with a smile hidden by the outlaw-styled rag.

Twenty paces out, he removed the kerchief. As he walked back to the stables, the distant hills and mountains of Glacier National Park captured his attention. He remembered how he and his first cousin, Andrew, used to camp with their families there in the summer. Hunter always looked forward to hanging out, enjoying the good times they’d had hiking, fishing, just messing around. He smiled as those memories filled him.

Their fathers were half-brothers, and where Hunter’s dad was half Crow and

Reviews for Their Christmas Miracle

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have not read the first book in this series but after reading this book I wouldn't mind reading the first book. The main leads, Hunter and Tracy were good. Although, I do have to say that someone kind of stole some of the spotlight from them. His name is Adam. Going from having a prison record to being a father to Adam has left Hunter clueless. Luckily, he had Tracy to help him. She is kind. As far as romance goes, there was no movement until more than the half way mark. From there kisses were stolen. The chemistry between these two was sweet. That is exactly how the whole story was...sweet. Kind of like a dash of Debbie Macomber thrown in the mix. This book will get you started in the holiday mood.

[newtzi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a lovely Christmas read. The characters are believable and easy to relate to. I love how the author kept the theme of Christmas throughout the book. The settings and descriptions just made me want to move in next door and visit the diner!

[dbhutch_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very good love story, the best Christmas love story I have read in awhile. I didn't want to put it down. I very real story line , awesome way to describe everyone and everything , and made me feel like I was right there in the cottage or cafe'

[booksandmunches · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Even though I only read this book two weeks after Christmas, it immediately brought me back in the festive Christmas-spirit. It was amazing! I read this novel in no time and enjoyed every second of it.The writing's fluent, makes you turn page after page after page. Not to mention the characters! I love how Lynne Marshall succeeded at making a story like Hunter and Tracy's feel so authentic, real and passionate. Not to mention little Adam! Even though that little baby wasn't overly present in the story, the impact he had was enormous and totally realistic.I'm happy I got to read this novel, I really am! Easily a five star-read for me!

[sandralb-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like to read Christmas stories to get me in the mood for the Holidays. Their Christmas Miracle by Lynne Marshall sure did the trick. I found it to be a sweet love story. The characters were very well done with honest problems and very genuine reactions. The relationship between Hunter and Tracy evolves in time from a good working relationship to something more serious. They both are working through past hurts and are ready for a second chance. A sudden tragedy with a beautiful baby involved, makes for a interesting and delightful read. It was a great story that can be read any time. Don't wait for the Holidays to enjoy this novel by Lynne.

[madlibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Hunter and Tracy have been lowly building a relationship when Hunter's life is turned upside down. He finds himself caring for his orphaned toddler godson and nurse Tracy steps up, offering assistance and a temporary place to stay. When Hunter's custody is threatened he offers Tracy a chance to become a family for real. But is a marriage for the sake of a child enough?This is a sweet Christmas tale with no surprises and the requisite rocky path to the happily ever after. Both Tracy and Hunter enter into their marriage agreement hoping that their mutual love for Adam will eventually translate into love for each other. Both come late to the realization that their love was there all along. Hunter's declaration on Christmas Eve comes complete with literal bells and whistle.Perfect for those readers who like their Christmas stories sweet and light.

[deslivres5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A quick, engaging read that was perfect for the holiday season.Lots of references to yummy food is always a plus for me.While most of the book takes place in space between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the long-standing friendship relationship between Hunter and Tracy grew and developed in those weeks and the romance was believable.I felt that Hunter did one thing out of character about 80% into the book, but the resolution to the issue rang true and I enjoyed the happy ending.I thank Tule Publishing for the ARC of this e-book.

[gincam · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Each new read from author Lynne Marshall is a treat, and in the case of "Their Christmas Miracle", her second book set in Charity, Montana, it's a holiday gift. This novella may be short in length, but it is a story you will long remember. Hunter Wood strives to overcome the painful images of his past by working hard to make a success of his own little eatery in Charity, Montana. Having served his time for the accidental killing of a man during a tragic hunting accident, Hunter wants to keep moving forward. His baker for the diner, Tracy Blevin, carries the sadness of her parents' unhappy marriage, along with her own divorce and other failed relationships. Tracy is also a registered nurse, and Hunter volunteers at a rescue ranch where animals find safety and shelter from abusive situations. They have loving hearts, but have yet to find their own true love. Working side by side, friendship and respect have grown between them--is there a chance for something more? When tragedy strikes once again, and Hunter finds himself the care provider for his infant cousin, Adam, Tracy helps in any way she can. Part of her own heartache is her longing to become a mother, and baby Adam is so very precious. With the holidays fast approaching, emotions are high, and there is much to deal with--Hunter must obey both the law and the traditions of his Native American heritage when it comes to keeping custody of baby Adam. Can Hunter and Adam help Tracy overcome her lack of faith in herself and find a happy future for them all? Will a tiny baby, so innocent and vulnerable, truly be "Their Christmas Miracle"? This is a wonderfully poignant contemporary romance from a gifted storyteller, and let me add this: "Food, glorious food, wonderful food!". This holiday tale is tastefully tempting! Be sure to also read "Her Baby, His Love", Book One in the "Charity, Montana" series.Book Copy Gratis Author

[cathygeha · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Their Christmas Miracle by Lynne MarshallCharity, Montana #2Sweet holiday romance – Hunter and Tracy know one another through using the diner kitchen and sometimes overlapping at work but are brought closer together when tragedy strikes Hunter’s family. The two are friends and become more over the pages of the book. I am not sure what the two saw in each other but am glad they found one another. If you are looking for a love story with a kiss or two set in a small town during the holidays then this might be the book for you.Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review. 2-3 Stars