Death denied Felicity a future with the man she loved, but her spirit lingers in the the Harwood House Hotel hoping to heal broken hearts and help them to find love again….Widowed World War I nurse Audra Donaldson returns from France planning to devote her life to helping those suffering the lingering effects of war—effects she knows all too well, as she suffers from them herself. When, staying … herself. When, staying at the Harwood House Inn on a Christmas visit to her brother, she hears a man in the throes of a violent nightmare, she goes to him without question—and is stunned by a physical attraction as strong as her desire to help.
About to embrace the beautiful angel come to save him from the horrors of the battlefield, former soldier Drew Harwood recoils when he realizes Audra is real—and has seen his “weakness.” Brusquely rejecting her offer of help, he intends to avoid her. But more than just her beauty continues to draw him back. Though this compassionate, kind, and giving soul has seen more of war than he has, somehow, talking with her brings him peace–and seems to comfort her, too. If he can just resist acting on the desire she’s ignited in him since his first glimpse of her…
But someone else was watching, too. After tragedy denied Felicity a future with Drew, her dying wish was that he live his life and be happy for them both. To her sorrow, a year later, her former fiancé is still struggling. Deciding Audra is the perfect lady to heal the wounds of her beloved, this determined ghost resolves to bring Drew and Audra together. Who can resist a love that lasts beyond time?
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Love, rebuilding, hope and taking a chance on a second chance at love. Sweet Christmas story with a bit of a twist; a sweet spirit lingers till happiness returns.
Returning veterans dealing with PTSD and wounds.
Julia Justiss is a very accomplished & talented author – She draws you in until you can feel Drew & Audra’s emotional pain & longing for relief & happiness – I am looking forward to reading more books by this author
Loved it
Loved this story! New author for me and I look forward to future books by her. Thank you.
This was such a wonderful book to read! You’ve got a widowed WW1 nurse, a former soldier whose nightmares won’t leave him and a ghost who has her heart set on helping both these people come together.
Audra and Drew’s story is one filled with heartache but Audra is determined to help Drew overcome his nightmares, if only he’d let her. As for Drew, he’ll do everything to keep her away lest he hurts her during one of his nightmares. I thought the story well written and I enjoyed the paranormal touch to it as well. Having it all take place at Christmas time just makes it that much more special:)
Believe in spirits of people that have passed. Many come in the form of shadows seen only for moments from the corner of the eye or in the form of scents that bring back memories. Must enjoy parts of the book to believe in.
Easy read
I really enjoyed this book. Was easy to read had enough parts in it didn’t want to put it down.
Audra and Drew are fighting the demons of their past as they come together in the Harwood House Hotel. A helping hand from Drew’s past love from the other side steers them to a future together. Good story in the Whiskey river series.
Ebook from Net Galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
I couldn’t even finish it. Very poorly written.
This story is about second chances at love with a little help from the spirit world. My heart hurt for both Audra and Drew as they dealt with their PTSD in their own ways, in a time when the idea of PTSD was unheard of. Audra had the strength to recognize her weakness and worked toward a future of healing herself and others. Drew felt a need to keep it to himself, and I felt sorry for him as he struggled with loneliness, anger, and shame. When they decide that the other is more important, I had tears in my eyes. The story moved me and entertained me. I look forward to reading the other Whiskey River Christmas stories.
This is my unsolicited review.
A Texas Christmas Past is the first book in the Whiskey River Christmas series. This story has a lot going on. PTSD was not a commonly known thing back in the early 1900s; they were just learning about shell shock and forming methods of treating it. But while this was still new, it was more hush hush. So when Drew wakes to find Audra calming him, he doesn’t see it as help. Will Audra find a way to help him? Or will Drew keep her at a distance forever? I enjoyed this story.
A heartwarming story of sorrow and renewal that brings many emotions to the surface. Set in 1918 after WWI, this is a different setting than most historical romances and was a good perspective of life during that time. As in any war, there are always losses, whether it be physically or mentally and this story addressed many.. Drew Harwood has come home from the war, wounded but has kept hope alive by anticipating seeing his sweetheart Felicity. Unfortunately Felicity perishes from a sickness that has traveled through the area. Audra has been a nurse during the war and has seen horrors herself. but is trying to cope. Audra travels to Drew’s ranch in order to be with her brother, who works at Drew’s ranch and begins working at a nearby hospital. Can two injured souls help each other and find love themselves? The author is excellent in her descriptions of the many problems facing returning soldiers and their families. The emotions are strong and you will find yourself tearing up but smiling as well when Felicity’s spirit makes some appearances to try to help Drew. What a wonderful story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.