Her Christmas Wish


In my last blog, I cWishing for a Cowboy Smrowed about my brand new story in a brand new Christmas anthology from a brand new publisher. Today I want to share that story with you.

Her Christmas Wish is one of eight novellas in the Christmas Anthology, “Wishing for a Cowboy,” from Prairie Rose Publications. There’s also some bonus content — each story has a recipe in it and those recipes are in the book, too.

“Wishing For a Cowboy” hits the cyber-shelves on November 1, perfect timing to buy a stocking stuffer for those romance readers on your list.

By the way, Prairie Rose Publications is a new imprint dedicated to western historical romances written by women. Check it out at www.PrairieRosePublications.com.

Now let me introduce you to Katie & Will from Her Christmas Wish …

HER ONLY WISH FOR CHRISTMAS WAS THE MAN WHO LEFT HER BEHIND.

Even a woman capable of living on her own…
Kathryn McConnell is a widow celebrating a milestone birthday alone. Though she feels a woman should be able to mourn the passing of her thirtieth birthday any way she wants, she won’t turn away a cowboy in need of lodging—until she learns it’s the man she’d expected to marry thirteen years earlier.

…never forgets her first love.
Will O’Brien had challenged his father’s prejudice against the woman he loved only to discover he was unable to stand against his family’s wealth and connections. Without a way to support his bride, Will struck out for the west, determined to earn a living for them both. When he returned after two years with no word from Katie, he found she’d married another and moved away. Heartbroken, he returns to his work, but never stops hoping to find her.

When chance lands Will at the remote stagecoach station run by the widowed Kathryn, he grabs at the opportunity he’s been handed, hoping to win back the only woman he has ever loved.


“William Matthew O’Brien. You picked a fine time to finally make an appearance.”

“Katie?”

His eyes widened in surprise. And no wonder. The last time she’d clapped eyes on him had been in Chicago and she’d been thinking he might propose.

Will dropped the reins of his mare and strode across the yard, not stopping until he’d backed her against the cabin wall. “My Katie.”

His kiss was masterful, reaching, and still irresistible. So much better than memories. She managed to remain stiff for one moment then melted against him as if thirteen years hadn’t passed since the last time she’d been in his arms.

“Happy birthday, Katie,” he breathed into her hair. It was enough to break the spell he wove around her.

“No!” She shoved him back a step. “You left me once and broke my heart. I’ll not be letting you draw me in so you can do it again.”

“I left? That must be why I arrived at your home only to discover you were gone. Married. And your father…” His jaw stiffened as he stopped the words, held back on giving voice to the reminder of why she’d finally had to leave the hopeless dreams of him behind.

“You thought I’d just wait? Waste my whole life when I hadn’t a word from you in… I won’t discuss this anymore. I’ve important things that need tending.”

For an instant she thought he’d refuse to let her go. It was in his eyes to hold her there. Thankfully, he took a step away from her, allowing her to escape into the yard.

“Katie, I never expected to see you way out here. Are you waiting on the next stage?”

“I’m through with waiting. I run this station.” The shock on his face gave her a measure of satisfaction.

“Alone?”

The note of disbelief had her temper flaring again. “I’m not in the habit of lying. This place was my husband’s dream and I chose to make a go of it after he died.” She didn’t mention that she hadn’t wanted to come here in the first place. “If your horse needs tending, you’ll find what you need in the barn. A bed and three meals for you is seven cents a day, plus three for the horse.” His hesitation surprised her. He’d come from a wealthy family in Chicago, something his father had mentioned frequently.

“I’ll pay for my horse, Katie, but I’ll spread my bedroll in the barn or out here.”

As much as she wanted to let him sleep in the brush, just to keep him as far away as possible, she’d never refused hospitality to anyone. Besides, she knew how bad the storms here could be. “We’ll be having a storm by sundown tomorrow, maybe snow. If you’d rather work to pay your way, there’s plenty you can be helping with. You never feared work before.”

“I’m happy to help you while I’m here, Katie, but I don’t want your charity.”

“You have my offer, Mr. O’Brien.” Walking past him into the cabin, she tugged her husband’s heavy duster off a hook. “There’s hay, water and feed in the barn for the mare. You’ll find biscuits, bacon and coffee on the table. Put yourself into any empty room, preferably far from mine. I’ll be around when you’re ready to work.”

–Excerpt from Her Christmas Wish

 Tracy Garrett

 Thanks for visiting today. Be sure to mark your calendar for November 1 and the release of the Christmas anthology, Wishing For a Cowboy, including Her Christmas Wish.

To learn more about Tracy and her books, visit her website, http://www.tracygarrett.com.

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22 thoughts on “Her Christmas Wish”

  1. Congrats on your new release, Tracy. I love the premise of Katie and Will’s story, kind of a reverse take on Persuasion (my very most favorite Jane Austen story)! Can’t wait for November 1!!!

  2. Tracy, I loved “Her Christmas Wish,” and I’ve GOT to try Katie’s pound cake recipe. Pound cake is such a versatile dessert, but I think I love it best unspoiled, un-topped, in all its natural glory. Katie’s actually lives up to its name by using pounds of ingredients! Who knew? 😉

  3. Hi, Kathleen! I’m glad you like the recipe. The “pound of” is where Pound Cake got it’s name. I’m glad it’s one of Will’s favorites–because it’s one of mine, too.

  4. Congratulations on the new release, Tracy! “Her Christmas Wish” sounds wonderful! Christmas anthologies are always fun, and Will and Katie’s story looks to be a real heart-warmer.

    –Kirsten

  5. Hi Tracey, congratulations on your new release. What a great premise. It’s also a nice treat to see so many filly names on the cover–and what a sweet cover it is. Hope you ladies sell tons!

  6. Big congrats, Tracy! How wonderful to have another Tracy Garrett story. I love your writing. I still remember your first book and how you put me smack in the middle of that snowstorm. Made me look for a blanket and snuggle deep inside. I loved this excerpt! A woman alone running a desolate stage stop. A man she can’t quite forget. A story full of love and remembrance. Then mix in Christmas. Great combination!

    Can’t wait to see what you do next. Wishing you much success!

  7. Congratulations, Tracy. This is a great story…I’m delving into the ARC as I take time to write this. What a way to cuddle up in front of the fire and get into the Christmas spirit. Hugs!

  8. Tracy, I loved your story of Will and Katie. Some loves you just don’t forget ever, and I felt that with both of them. So much angst, and … ah…no spoilers! LOL Great recipe, too. I have not made pound cake in years, but I’m going to make this one, for sure. I admire the way you are able to draw the reader right into the story, as Linda says. That’s a wonderful gift you have!
    Cheryl

  9. I like it already. A reunion story with a feisty, don’t mess with me female. Hurt feelings are not always soothed by time, especially if you really care for the person.
    This will be a definite for my Christmas reading.

  10. I loved this taste of “Her Christmas Wish” and can’t wait to get a full serving in a couple more days. The question remains: where do I go to get a taste of that pound cake?!

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