About this Book
When new lumberjack, Tom Jeffries, tells the camp cook, Jo Christy, that he’ll marry her if she can make a fruitcake, “as good as the one my mother makes,” she rises to the occasion. After all, he’s the handsomest, smartest, and strongest axman her camp-boss father has ever had in his camp—and the cockiest. And she intends to bring this lumberjack down a notch or three by refusing his proposal. The fruitcake wars are on! All the shanty boys and Jo’s cooking helpers chip in with their recipes but Jo finds she’ll have to enlist more help—and begins corresponding with Tom’s mother.
Step back in time to 1890, in beautiful Northern Michigan, near the sapphire straits of Mackinac, when the white pines were “white gold” and lumber camps were a way of life. Jo is ready to find another life outside of the camps and plans that don’t include any shanty boys. But will a lumberjack keep her in the very place she’s sworn to leave?
My Review
From the title to the characters to the story this was a cute and fun story. I loved the characters, especially Jo’s brothers. I could picture these overgrown boys watching over their sister and chasing off any guy that tried to get close to her. Tom was an interesting character. There were times early in the story that I wanted to smack him up side his head. But as the story went along I liked him more and more. And I loved the fruitcake challenge and the results of the challenge. Although there was a lot of lightheartedness to this story I also felt for Jo as she dealt with her grief over the loss of her mother.
Disclaimer: I did receive this book free from the author, but I won it in a give away!
Giveaway
Winner’s choice ebook copies of a set of all the Christmas Traditions Series, novellas out at this point (Volumes 1-5) including mine The Fruitcake Challenge, Cynthia Hickey’s lovely Handcarved Christmas, Niki Taylor’s unique Sadie’s Gift, Darlene Franklin’s sweet An Apple for Christmas, and Patty Smith Hall’s inspiring Christmas Lessons OR a paperback copy of The Fruitcake Challenge signed by the author.
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Jo’s brothers will likely get stories of their own, Holly, so I’m glad you liked them! Thanks for your lovely review. So glad you enjoyed the novella! There are seven all together and I hope you get a chance to enjoy them all! Blessings!
I am reading two right now…An Amish Christmas Quilt, and Surprised By Love.
I loved both these books, Maureen! Blessings!
At this moment Im reading the bible……..
I do want to take this opportunity to pray for you and hope you are having a God-blessed day
A great way to be blessed, have peace, and walk in God’s will, Chris!
I reading the fourth book in the love comes softly series!!! Awesome review and giveaway!!! If I win I would choose the paperback copy of The Fruitcake Challenge book!!! Thanks for the amazing giveaway and God Bless!!!
sarahrichmond(dot)12(at)gmail(dot)com
Hey Sarah, great to see you here. I love Janette Oke, too! Blessings!
I LOVED this book and look forward to reading the others!
Right now, I’m reading Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman. Next on my TBR pile is Be Still My Soul by Joann Bischof.
Thanks for a great review and an opportunity to enter the giveaway!
Natalie I am so TICKLED PINK that you have also written a story with a hero with a lumberjack background! So glad you enjoyed the novella. Thanks for your encouraging words! Blessings!
I recently finished, An Amish Family Christmas by Marta Perry and Patricia Davids.
Blessings!
Judy B
I haven’t read that book, Judy. Thanks for the RX! Blessings!
I am reading “A Question of Destiny” by Anita Higman right now.
Great title, Rhonda!
I am reading The Hormone Cure by Sarah Gottfried
I loved “The Fruitcake Challenge”, fun and heart-warming – with a spiritual message. I’m now reading “Tears of the Sea” by MaryLu Tyndall!!
I’m not entering the contest – just want to say “Congrats”, Carrie!!
Love, hugs, and prayers!!
Shared post!!
Carrie, I am reading your “The Fruitcake Challenge” and really enjoying it. I love the way Jo is trying to ignore Tom when she knows she really likes him. But sad that she lost her mother. Hoping to win. Maxie
I’m so glad you are enjoying it, sweet Maxie! Yes, it was sad at the beginning that she lost her mother and then is coping with that and trying to make her way in the world. Hugs!
I would love to win this book.
Best wishes on winning, Susan! I was thinking you’d already gotten a copy! Blessings!
I am reading An Aria for Nick by Hallee Bridgeman.
I’d love to hear about that one, Betti!
Wonderful story, Carrie. I swear every time I see a fruitcake I think of you now.
LOL Debbie Lynne!!! I’ve got to get some really good recipes into the hands of people so they’ll give fruitcake a chance! Some people thought of me as a fruitcake before now 😉
This is funny, because I just began reading Carrie’s novella, The Fruitcake Challenge. Thanks for the giveaway. I would enjoy reading the other 4 novellas or getting the paperback for my aunt.