Christmas at Dove Creek

This historical western, set along the trail from Missouri to Wyoming, combines devastation with redemption in a well-written tale packed with strong characterizations and deep emotions. After taking an arrow in the back, Thorpe Turlow thinks he’s done for, but beautiful sharpshooter Lily Starr doesn’t hesitate to nurse Thorpe back to health and add him to her group of outcasts. With a gang of thieves and a band of Natives on their trail, and a Christmas deadline for reaching Wyoming before a member of the group gives birth, they need all the backup they can get. More travelers join them along the way, and everyone gets a lesson in trust while braving the elements and rationing resources. Lily’s innocence is perfectly balanced by her mature reactions and demure behavior. Dunn intersperses enough action and love in this faith-filled inspirational to soften the hardest hearts. Weaknesses are revealed, temptations are strong, tough lessons are learned, and forgiveness is earned. This uplifting novel will keep readers warm all winter. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Nov.)