A New Christmas Story

by

 

I’m so excited. I have a new Christmas novella that’s on preorder now and I think you might like it. HOPE’S ANGEL (Releasing October 4th) is set in the fictional town of Genesis where the real town of Thurber, Texas once was a thriving community. It contained the only coal mine in the state and it was also the only company run town. It was owned by the Texas and Pacific Coal Company. Nothing was free enterprise, not even the doctor. Everyone was paid in company script that could only be spent in the company store.

Jericho Cane lives there and he and his partner sell beef to the company to feed the miners. But Jericho never steps foot out of his house until after everyone goes to sleep. He suffered a horrible accident while saving a group of children from a burning train wreck and townsfolk call him a monster. So he hides.

Christmas holds painful memories so it’s nothing he wants to celebrate. His daylight hours are spent working on the sculpture of an angel holding the hand of a little girl. He doesn’t know what he’s going to do with it when it’s done and he doesn’t care. It’s for himself really.

But a pretty new doctor arrives and she’s not frightened of him. She sees his pain and is determined to help him. She’ll find him something worth living for.

I wrote the first five chapters of this story eight years ago and set it aside when I began writing for Sourcebooks. To my surprise, I ran across it recently and decided to finish it. The story of acceptance and compassion needs to be read and so you’ll all be able to in a matter of weeks.

But back to Thurber. Back in 1886, immigrants flooded in from Italy, Germany, Ireland, and many other countries, all looking for work. The Texas and Pacific Coal Company hired all ages–even boys as young as fourteen. This picture of a group of them isn’t very good. I see the look of despair on their faces and want to cry. Immigrants had it so rough and were taken advantage of at every turn.

Once the coal played out, the company turned to manufacturing brick. They paved uncounted streets in our growing state a great many of which are still being used today.

I visited there a couple of times but it’s now a ghost town. Nothing much remains except one restaurant called The Smoke Stack. If you’re ever that way, stop in. The food is excellent. My sister and I visited the cemetery and were struck by the sheer number of children’s graves. I’m not sure what happened to them but it was very sad seeing the little lambs on top of the tombstones. Maybe some kind of epidemic.

The book releases on October 4th, just right around the corner. Preorder now: https://www.amazon.com/Hopes-Angel-Sweet-Christmas-Romance-ebook/dp/B0BC2JVJYW/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pettpist-20

Okay, lets talk. When do you start reading Christmas stories? Just during the Christmas season or all year long?

I’m giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one commenter.

I’ll be giving away some copies of this book next month so watch for it.

Also, we’re going to have a Love Train wrap up party on Facebook Thursday, Sept 22, 2022 from 10:00 am (CST) to 7:00 pm (CST)

LOTS OF GIVEAWAYS IN ADDITION TO A $100 GRAND PRIZE!!!!

The schedule in the image is Pacific Time

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2143576775865837

Linda Broday Headshot
Website |  + posts

Here in the Texas Panhandle, we do love our cowboys. There's just something about a man in a Stetson and jeans that makes my heart beat faster. I'm not much of a cook but I love to do genealogy and I'm a bit of a rock hound. I'm also a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. You can contact me through my website and I'd love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and more. HAPPY READING!
https://petticoatsandpistols.com/sweepstakesrules/

85 thoughts on “A New Christmas Story”

    • Good morning, Sreesor! I’ve noticed that some people do read them all year long but I never have. I start in October and end in December. I came out with a Christmas book last year called A Cowboy Christmas Legend and it did quite well. Have a wonderful day.

    • Good morning, Rhonda! Wow, I’m learning something. I don’t know where I’ve been but I thought people read them in the fall through Christmas. I came out with a Christmas book last year called A Cowboy Christmas Legend and it did quite well. I guess they never go out of style. Here’s a universal link: https://books2read.com/u/3keNq6 Have a beautiful day and thanks for coming.

  4. Walking through a cemetery is looking at the years. Always can tell when a virus or sickness hit an area by the year. Small poxes, Flu and other illness affect children the most. Looking forward to reading the book.

    • Good morning, Kim. Thank you for coming. That is so true about cemeteries. I may be weird but I love walking around looking at all the tombstones. They do tell a story. It’s really sad when a whole family dies the same year. I hope you enjoy the book. Sending blessing and love.

    • Thank you so much for coming, Alisa! I’m simply amazed at the reader who read Christmas books all year. Wow. I agree that they really touch something in your heart. Blessings and love, dear friend.

  7. Good morning my sweet sister friend. I’m so excited you finished this book. I grew up going to Thurber, Mingus, and Strawn. I’m so glad you showcased this special town in Texas.
    This was such a powerful book with a fantastic message.
    I read Christmas stories from all my favorite authors, but don’t normal gravitate to other Christmas books outside of “my authors.”
    Happy Tuesday to you and I hope you have a Terrifyc one.

    • Hey, Miss Tonya, I’ve missed you lately. Work has kept you really busy. There’s something about Thurber and that area that draws me. I think it’s the powerful history. I love going there. You came from quite an area that’s rich in rodeo, oil discovery, and lots of other things. I’m glad I finished Hope’s Angel too. It turned out pretty well. Thank you so much for reading and early copy and reviewing it. Your review was so heartfelt. Enjoy your day and look for blessings around you. Love you dearly, sister friend. 🙂

    • Hi Laurie, I’m glad to see you and I love that you’re in my category. I never read Christmas books except in the fall and winter months. Can’t read them when it’s scorching hot outside. Blessings and love, dear friend.

  9. Good morning Linda thank you for an interesting blog . I live Christmas stories, I literally read all year long !.There’s nothing more special than a heartfelt Christmas book to get me in the spirit of Christmas!!

    • Rose Ann, I’m happy to see you. Thanks for coming and huge thanks for reading an early copy of Hope’s Angel and reviewing it! I’m so glad you liked the story. I see you’re in the majority who read Christmas stories all year. They do give you a lift and warm your heart. Love and hugs.

  10. Love the history you share in here, Linda! I tend to read Christmas books through the year, though I read more of them starting in October. Congrats on your upcoming release!

    • Hi Jess, thank you so much for coming! It’s great to see you. I’m glad you like the history part. I always try to incorporate some into my stories. I’ve always loved history, especially that of Texas. I hope you find a lot of new Christmas stories to read. Hopefully, you’ll have one of your own. I love your writing style. 🙂

    • Pam, I’m so goofy. I didn’t set out to write a Beauty and the Beast trope but that’s what it is. I hope you enjoy the story when you get a chance to read it. I do think it’s one of my best. Love you, Filly sister.

    • Thanks for coming, Cathy T! I’m happy to see you. Christmas stories just warm your heart and fill something deep inside us. I’ll look for you at the Love Train party!! Many blessings.

  17. I love Christmas books all year! I was fortunate enough to read your book already and it was fantastic! Loved the characters! It truly is a heartwarming story!

    • Valri, thank you writing such a beautiful review of Hope’s Angel! I just saw it and it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for liking Jericho and Kathleen. We need more kindness and acceptance in the world. You’re an angel for reading and reviewing it. Blessings and love, dear friend.

  18. I read them whenever. It doesn’t matter what time of year. I learned something new, I did not know there were company towns in Texas. The only ones I heard of before were in the south.

    • Karijean, how nice to see you. Thank you for coming. Yes, we did have a company town in Texas but it was the only one. Thurber was really unique with such amazing history. I’m glad I could tell you something you didn’t know. Sending blessing and love.

    • Connie Lee, that’s me. I only read holiday stories during the holidays. Ha! But it’s so weird to read one when it’s very hot outside and people are in swimming pools. Not the same. Thank you for coming.

  20. Linda, that story sounds WONDERFUL. I’m so glad you found it and finished it! You can bet I will be snapping it up. I want to find out how this gets resolved and all about the statue. That’s intriguing.

    Sigh…I wish I could just sit and read books all day long. LOL I love, love, love Christmas books! But, I usually save them for closer to the holidays–probably starting around October-December.

    Congratulations on this new release! Love you!

    • Cheryl, Filly Sister! It was so odd how I stuck it back and forgot about it until now. Maybe God knew this was the right time. I hope you enjoy Jericho and Kathleen as well as the message of kindness and acceptance. I’m with you about reading them. I like to read them just during the holidays. Love you, dear friend.

  21. I read Christmas books all year, pretty much! Since I’m a proofreader/editor and on quite a few ARC teams, whenever one of the author’s I’m either proofing/editing or reading an ARC for, has one, I read them!! I actually read a 9 novella collection of Christmas stories last week “just because” from my TBR stack!

  22. Good morning Linda! Truth be told, I begin reading Christmas stories when we Minnesotan’s receive the first snowfall. It is so quaint and cozy for me to begin Christmas stories then because it begins the quieting of my soul. I’m so happy you finished this book. I look forward to reading it. Love you bunches! Happy Fall. The leaves are beginning to fall here.

    • Miss Kathy, thank you for coming! I love how you put that…the first snowfall begins the quieting of your soul. WOW! But that explains why I only read Christmas stories starting in October. That’s when the world seems to start slowing down and I can take my time. You are so lucky. Our leaves here are still green, green. I love you too, dear friend. Happy quieting of our soul!!

  23. I am an October-January Christmas story reader. Thank you for the history lesson. I had no idea coal was mined in Texas at one time.

  24. I just know everyone is going to love this story, sister! My heart broke for Jericho. I hope you sell a ton! It was so much fun exploring Thurber with you. Such a unique place. I’m glad you resurrected the story. Love you!

    • Hi Sister, thank you for popping over! You told me this would make a good Christmas story and I’m glad I listened to you. We did have fun exploring Thurber. Boy, it was cold and windy. Wish I could go back. Love you dearly, Sister.

  25. I read them when the moon strikes. I love when the fall comes so I can buy a bunch of the Harlequin categories though. Yours is also on my TBR too.

    • Hi Tia, I wonder why. I think you’re the first person to tell me this. Do you live in a hot place that never sees snow? Thank you so much for coming and filling my day with joy.

      • Hi, Linda!
        Quite the opposite, I’m in the Midwest.
        Christmas is everywhere in everything from the end of August to the end of December here . I like the occasional Christmas book in the summer for something different.

  31. I will read a Christmas book early if it calls to me, but for the most part, I start reading them toward the end of October and until until sometime in January.

  32. Hi, I read Christmas books all year. Congratulations on your new release, it wounds like a great read and I love your cover. Thank you for sharing the history. Have a great week and stay safe.

    • Alicia, thank you for the best wishes on my new book. I love the cover too. I think it’s so beautiful and different. You’re welcome for the history lesson. I only do that for the people I love. Take care.

  33. I love Christmas stories, but I don’t usually start reading them until November. In November and December I only read Christmas stories. It’s a tradition for me. I am looking forward to reading Hope’s Angel.

  35. I read them all year. I get them when they come out. I remember seeing the story of Irish immigants dying in a factory fire in NY in the early 1900’s It shocked me. They worked in a clothing factory.

    • Hi Emma!! It’s so good to see you. Immigrants did and still do have such a hard time. Yes, that was horrible and I’m sure the fire killed a lot. So sad. Thanks for coming over, dear friend. Love and hugs.

  36. I read Christmas stories all year long, especially if it goes with a series. I’ve started waiting until all the books are published and then reading them together unless I’m doing ARCs for an author.

    I’m looking forward to reading your book and seeing you at the party.

  38. I’m so glad you wrote this story, Linda. After reading Tonya’s review, I can’t wait for it to release! <3 Christmas stories are a lovely way to have our hearts touched and softened all the year through.

  42. Good morning Ms. Linda, I had a busy day yesterday and forgot to read and comment on your blog.

    I get so excited when an author, especially one of my favorite authors, talks about a town or an area of Texas near my hometown! Thurber Texas is just 27 miles from my hometown of Stephenville, Texas, located in Erath County. I wish Thurber had. a museum about the history of Thurber and the coal mines.

    If you pass through Thurber today you’d never believe that it was a bustling town way back when. The Smokestack restaurant is a great place to eat and I haven’t been there in many years.

    I can’t imagine what the poor immigrants lifes were like living in the company owned town. In this day and time is crazy to think that people found this life to be better than what they escaped from migrating to our country. Of course, I’m sure working in the coal mines of a company owned town was not what they had in mind when they came to the U.S.

    I over halfway into this book and I’m loving it! Thank you for the walk down memory lane and through a tidbit of the history of Erath County, Texas.

  43. Don’t know how I missed a couple of days. This sounds like another book I will thoroughly enjoy. Company towns were so often such a racket for the company. Workers had no choice but to deal with their employer for everything they needed and could be charged whatever the employer wanted.
    I will have to look for Thurber next time we manage to go to Texas.

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