A LAWMAN FOR CHRISTMAS
By: Pat Pritchard

ISBN: 0-8217-7442-5
Pub Date : Oct-03
Publisher: Kensington Books
Imprint : Zebra
Format : Paperback

'Tis The Season…
After learning to read and cipher (with the help of her dear friends at the Luminary Society) and saving up some money, Josie Turner is ready to start a new life. But when she ends up on the wrong side of the law through no fault of her own, she finds herself seeking comfort and protection with the sheriff! Lawman Mitch Hughes holds Josie's fate in his hands, yet it isn't long before his kind and gentle ways have captured her heart, as well.

…For Wishes To Come True
For years, honor kept Mitch from admitting how much he yearned for Josie. Even as a widow, she should be beyond his reach. She is more than his responsibility, she's his prisoner. To get them out of this fix, and see justice done in the process, they'll need a little faith, a lot of love...and a Christmas miracle...

CHAPTER ONE

Two quick raps of the gavel brought the meeting to attention. There wasn't a woman in the room who didn't look forward to the day that it was her turn to be the one wielding the power the gavel represented. Just the sharp sound of wood striking wood had Josie sitting up straight, excited that the meeting of the Luminary Society was about to begin.

"Good evening, ladies. We have much to accomplish, so let's get started."

Melinda Hayes, the pastor's new bride, stood at the front of the room, smiling as she prepared to take roll. While she called out names, Josie wondered if she'd ever be as comfortable in front of a room full of people as Melinda seemed to be. For the moment, she was content just to be accepted as a member of the Society.

That in itself was far more than she'd ever dared to hope for in her life, because she'd grown up as the daughter of the town drunk and was married to another one. It had taken every ounce of courage she could muster to apply for membership in the Society when it was first formed. To give the women of Lee's Mill credit, not a single one had objected to her presence.

Melinda, Lucy Mulroney, and Cora Lawford had been the three to organize the Society to offer women a chance to educate themselves. For some, it was a chance to share their love of books. For others, such as Josie, the meetings offered an opportunity to learn to read and write. The world seemed a wondrous place now that words and letters were no longer a baffling mystery to her.

Melinda had finished calling out names and was ready to move on to the business at hand.

"We will begin our discussion tonight shortly, but Cora and her aunt Henrietta have asked for a few minutes of our time to ask for our help in preparing for the Christmas celebration. Please give them your full attention."

Melinda took her seat at the front table as Cora and her aunt made their way to the front of the room. Josie was surprised to see Henrietta Dawson, because the older woman was not a member of the Society. In fact, there had been times when she'd threatened to force her niece to resign her membership.

Cora, a frequent speaker at the meetings, spoke first. "I'd like to thank everyone for granting us a few minutes of your time. Normally, we wouldn't bring church circle matters to Society meetings, but my aunt would like to ask a favor from you." She stepped aside to allow her formidable aunt to take charge.

With a single glance, Henrietta Dawson silenced a pair of women who had dared to start whispering in the back row. When she was satisfied that every eye in the room was firmly on her, she gave a satisfied nod and began to speak. "As many of you are aware, the church circle is working to make this year's Christmas celebration the best ever. Although most of our plans are moving ahead smoothly, we are in dire need of help with some special projects."

She looked around the room, as if weighing each person's ability to come to her aid. Her eyes slid past Josie and then came back. If Josie wasn't mistaken, Henrietta seemed to nod before moving on to the next person. Maybe she was imagining things. Although she had attended a few church services since the pastor had come, she'd never once been a part of the annual Christmas service.

But she'd wanted to be, every year of her life as far back as she could remember.

Henrietta was talking again. "This year it is our goal to make sure that every child finds a surprise under the tree at the church. To that end, we need those of you who are handy with a needle to help make small bags for candy. If we have time, we'd also like to sew some clothes and such for some of the needier families in our midst."

Once again she seemed to be looking in Josie's direction. "We will provide all the fabric and patterns. I would appreciate any time you can give to help us out. I'll be in the back of the room to take names when the meeting is over."

The rest of the meeting seemed to fly by. When the gavel brought the evening to an end, Josie headed for the door. She was handy enough with a needle but wasn't at all sure that Henrietta would welcome help from her. Rather than risk the embarrassment of being turned away, she would simply leave.

Just as she reached the door, Henrietta's voice rang out over the room, stopping Josie's escape. "Mrs. Turner, don't disappointment me. I was counting on your help."

Josie's heart seemed to stop as she slowly turned to face Cora and her aunt. Her friend gave her an encouraging smile while Henrietta's expression seemed to be daring her to falter. The crowd parted like hot butter as Josie made her way back to where Henrietta waited. The older woman thrust a sack in Josie's hands.

"There's a sample bag in there for you to use as a pattern. If you get those done, come get more from me." She actually smiled briefly. "Cora has shown me some of your work. You have a fine hand with a needle and thread, young lady. Our church circle meets on Tuesday afternoons, if you're able to come help plan the rest of the Christmas program."

Just as abruptly Henrietta turned her attention to the next woman in line. Josie clutched the sack of material as she walked away. Had she heard Henrietta correctly? That she actually wanted Josie to be part of her group? Perhaps Christmas really was the season of miracles.

Still filled with the wonder of it all, Josie started on the long walk to her cabin in the woods.

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"4 Stars! -
A strong western...a love story to capture your heart." ~ Kathe Robin, Romantic Times Magazine

"4 Stars! -
A solidly written story with likeable characters, villainous villains and a well paced love story, makes this an enjoyable holiday read. As comfortable as a well loved blanket or old slippers, this is a story to slip into and wrap around yourself. A hero who is an old fashioned man's man and a woman's fantasy knight in shining armor, Mitch is worthy of the title. Josie earns her happy ending, and the conclusion will satisfy even the most demanding of happily-ever-after readers." - Debbie Wooley, The Romance Readers Connection

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