Hang Your Heart on Christmas (Brides of Evergreen, #1) by Heather Blanton

Hang Your Heart on Christmas (Brides of Evergreen, #1) Reviews

• 
  Denise

  > sigh < LOVED IT! Dent was easy to love, the mayor easy to dislike and Amy was sweetly adorable. It's not a "preachy" story (for those that shy away from such writing). It was a refreshing and endearing story. Heather's writing draws you in ~ I could "feel" Amy's fear and trepidation from the attack that precipitated her move to Evergreen and Dent's turmoil of giving up finding his father's murderer.
• 
  Nadine Keels

  U.S. Marshal Robert "Dent" Hernandez doesn't want to be stuck in the town of Evergreen. He just wants to get back to hunting down the man who killed his father--whoever the killer is. But the arrival of the town's lovely new schoolteacher, Amy Tate, puts a hitch in Dent's plans in Hang Your Heart on Christmas by author Heather Blanton.
  
  Here's a gritty holiday tale if there ever was one. It's got the danger and rough-edged intrigue of the West, but it still manages to be warm and sweet when it needs to be. I could feel for Dent in all of his social awkwardness, was most pulled in the closer he got to the crux of his soul-deep turmoil, felt a spark of pride for Amy the more she faced her fears--and was quite delighted to read of this heroine who loves books and wears spectacles. Whoo hoo for girls with glasses!
  
  I found an inner conversation or two of Dent's and Amy's to be a little redundant but not uninteresting. And I was touched by the message central to the story, that there's more to life than death. It makes the Christmas theme here all the more significant. And beautiful.
  
  This novella has been a good helping of Christmas in July for me, and I'd recommend it to other lovers of Christian romance, particularly those who'd appreciate taking a little trip out West.
  ____________
  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Patty

  Dent learns a lesson
  
  It took me a while to get into this story, that is why i gave it 4 out of 5 stars. But I really enjoyed the second half.
  Dent learns that he just can't hold onto his need for revenge. In order to move on and enjoy a life with Amy he has to let it go.
• 
  Robyn Echols

  A Christmas of Hope
  
  A sweet romance about characters with issues and challenges who have choices to make. Some bad guys were easy to identify, one kept me guessing about just what he had been up to, all add to the choices to be made as the spirit of Christmas approaches.
• 
  Lisa

  Nice quick Christmas romance. Okay characters and expected plot. Some uneven writing, but overall enjoyable and relaxing.
• 
  Dotty

  Hang Your Heart on Christmas” is another awesome western, exciting read, from beginning to end.Set in the quaint, quiet town of Evergreen. Dent, who was a U.S. Marshal now the sheriff who hunted some of the worst criminals in the country that often hide out in Wyoming, and Amy, the shy, nervous school teacher who had just arrived in town to take the new teaching position to try to heal emotionally.
  
  Dent is forced to take over the sheriff's job in his hometown while the judge investigated his role in the accidental shooting death of Dent's father figure and friend, the former Sheriff. Dent hates Evergreen, he doesn't want to be there.
  
  Amy has to start facing her fears, she seems very fragile, afraid of her own shadow. Can Amy find her confidence? I would had loved to known her.
  
  Can the two put away their fears, anger and come to know and care about each other.
  Don't miss out on bank robberies and gun fights.
  
  This book showed me even our best intentions will not get us into heaven. It also shows through the character of Amy, God uses the most unlikely to get His job done.
  
  I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
• 
  Joleen

  Well, this was not a typical western.
  
  The handsome bounty hunter main character was a U.S. Marshal and Hispanic named Dent Hernandez. Kind of a fun change in typical marshal type. The last thing he wanted to do was settle down. For years as he looked for who gunned down his father he seemed to enjoy killing outlaws. He was also a well known hangman throughout neighboring towns. Also a little different.
  
  The beautiful main character teacher wore glasses...not typical for a female lead, but pleased me.
  
  Because of an interrupted attack/rape, she's terribly fearful of men and also not in the market for a domestic situation. She enjoys reading so the marshal thinks she's boring. She was sent to this town because she was told it's peaceful and virtually crime free.
  
  Well, that didn’t pan out. From the moment she set foot in the town she was caught up in a prisoner grabbing her, and from there it was one situation after another.
  
  On a pleasant note, the book had a genuine gospel message which helped buffer the violent themes.
• 
  Betti

  Everyone can change!
  
  Mix a suspended as US Marshall with a small town where nothing exciting ever happens and you have the makings of yet another great story by this author. Follow Dent as he learns that justice and vengeance are two totally different things and that he can change and become a lawman that cares for those around him. Meet Amy that has suffered greatly and is now in Evergreen to learn to trust herself and others.
• 
  Amy

  This was a sweet story about a sheriff who needed to find his peace, and a school teacher who needed to find her confidence. It was really good! It was suppose to be a Christmas story...it is, but in the birth of Jesus sense. Which I loved. But I wish it would have had more "Christmasy" stuff. I chose this for the season, and could have read it any other time instead.
• 
  Tammi

  I've now read all 6 of Heather Blanton's books that I could find. She writes great Christian Westerns. I read Hang Your Heart on Christmas at the end of June. Certainly don't wait for Christmas to read this story. Consider this novella an early Christmas gift.
• 
  Jeanie

  Review to follow! I loved this....
• 
  Toula

  Audio book review
  
  This is a great audio to lift your spirits with the edge of your seat love story. It has it all humour , love and how the author keeps you hooked till the end . There are twists and turns and you don’t see what is happening till it happens.
  Hero is Robert Heroine is Amy .
  
  Robert is a US Marshall ( His father was was one also ) . Robert is on a mission to find his fathers killer . He will go till the ends of the earth to find and get the killer .
  
  Amy needs change in her life , she sets out and settles in a small town of Evergreen . Amy’s mission is to be with the children of the town to help them grow through books .
  Amy and Robert keep on crossing paths because of a crime that happened when Amy stepped down from the train . Do they let life bring them together.
  
  Meghan Kelly was beyond fantastic. She brought the story to live and brought you right into the story , it was like you were right there beside the characters. Her voice doing both Male and female was so lifelike you thought there was a male narrator doing it
• 
  Anne Rightler

  Heather Blanton is one of my go-to authors for Western Romance stories and with Hang Your Heart on Christmas she did not disappoint. The characters not only have strengths but realistic flaws too. I liked how they worked through their struggles and were strengthened by friendships and a growing faith in God. A small town setting is always a favorite of mine with people who know everything about everyone and charming contests, etc. Mystery, adventure, and a sweet romance always make for an enjoyable story. The book is part of a series, Brides of Evergreen, and I look forward to reading the next story. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own. Meghan Kelly narrated the book and did a great job telling Dent and Amy's stories.
• 
  Beverly

  You can enjoy this short, historical novella in just a few short hours. This is a story that only involves Christmas incidentally. Instead, it is a book about struggling within ourselves with our short-comings. Two people are hurting badly. One comes from innocence imposed upon. The other from a thirst for vengeance until life contains no meaning at all. Both are trying to escape their realities. Both hurting parties meet in the most peaceful town in the old West. Will they help each other heal their wounds? Or will those wounds drive the other away?
  
  Robert "Dent" Hernandez was the son of a US Marshall gunned down by a bad guy. Dent determines he will find his father's killer and get vengeance for his loss. That sets him on the trail for 8 years, becoming a US Marshall himself, hunting down criminals and bringing them to justice while he searched. In the last leg of his journey, he ended up in his home town of Evergreen, Wyoming when tragedy strikes. The man who had become a substitute father to him, Sheriff Ben Hayes, was shot to death by a low life in Dent's charge. During the investigation of the sheriff's death, the judge placed Dent as interim sheriff. He doesn't want to stay, but he has no choice.
  
  Amy Tate had come from the East, sent by her doctor to Evergreen. He assured her that she was heading to the West's most peaceful town where there were more churches than saloons. She was put in old Doc Woodruff's care for awhile because she was recovering from what we would call PTSD today. And she was to become the town's new schoolteacher. Unfortunately, the first moment she stepped off the train, she was grabbed by the man who shot the sheriff and fainted dead away. That was not a reassuring beginning to her new life in this small town. And at the center of the trouble was the man called "Dent".
  
  This is a fairly quick paced story of the old wild west. It begins with the death of the main character's old friend in his home town. Dent was beginning to unravel. His story includes a mystery, lots of self searching, a light romance, some old friends, and a ranch Dent didn't want to settle on. Amy too was going through a transition in her life as she recovers from an attack back East. Both are encouraged and aided by an older couple, the Doctor and Mrs. Woodruff.
  
  Amy has faith in God that He will help her heal. In the meantime, she feels drawn to also help the interim sheriff in his quest for meaning in life. She believes God could help him heal his wounded spirit if only he would let Him. Their romance is the light touch in the book. It pretty much takes a back seat to the main issue of inner healing that Dent needs to move on with life. Overall, this is a great short story with enough action to move it along nicely. The romance is not overpowering, while the spiritual applications are light but significant to the story line. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a short, powerful holiday read.
• 
  Kelsey McKnight

  Dent wasn't always a stone cold killer. Granted, a steady shot and a way with a noose has made him one of the best US Marshall's in the west, but with each dead outlaw, he loses more of himself. And until he finds the man who killed his father so many years before, he won't hand in his badge or hang up his guns.
  
  
Amy just moved to Evergreen, Wyoming to be the sleepy town's new school teacher. She fled her home for her new post with a few scars that left her scared of men, the dark, and the unknown. She was promised the quiet life, and intends to heal with the help of her adorable students and a new place.
  
  They're so different, they immediately butt heads. Any thinks Dent is surly and abrasive. Dent thinks Amy is dull and too bookish. But you know what they say about opposites attracting. And when the towns new mayor and a mystery from the past invades Evergreen, the marshall and the teacher might have to join forces.
  
  I thought this book was adorable. The romance was sweet with a nice, slow burn that really built up over time. It allowed me to get invested in Dent and Amy as characters without the "insta-love" some stories have. They had their own identities outside of the romance, which I loved. It wasn't just a man and a woman, it was two individuals with complicated feelings and pasts that weren't just slapped on a page.
  
  The action in the book, which I won't go into so I don't spoil anything, also added a nice layer. Sometimes with sweet romances, it's easy for me to get bored. But with murder, crime, and mysteries to keep things spicy, I was fully invested. The one thing I felt was missing, was the Christmas. They were carving pumpkins, not decorating for the holidays, so I would have liked to see more Christmas from a book with it in its title.
  
  I listened to an audiobook of this work. How is it that Meghan Kelly seems to get more talented with every book? Really, I was impressed with the first, but it's like she keeps surprising me with the range of her voice. I think by the next one, I'll be able to identify each character by tone alone! Between the light accents and the inflections unique to each character, she does a lovely job.
• 
  Bette

  Dent💘Amy! Fabulous Story & Narration🎧!
  
  Hang Your Heart on Christmas
  A Historical Western Christian Romance (The Brides of Evergreen, Book 1)
  By: Heather Blanton
  Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
  
  This is an enjoyable, action-packed story for anytime of the year. It is well written with interesting storylines that captured my attention from the very start and held it the to end. The characters are well developed. Amy, after suffering thru an traumatic incident decides to move to a new place, a place that is supposed to be safe, as soon as she steps off of the trains she walks right in to another violent situation. I felt for Amy, how she felt afraid and skittish at times. But as the story goes on it is clear how much inner strength Amy Tate had. Then there is Robert “Dent” Hernandez, a hardened US Marshal who is driven to find his father’s killer, he lost his path, his drive to just turned to one of vengeance. My heart hurt for him, you could feel his pain, his torment. I really liked these two characters, I thought they would be great for each other. I also liked the friendly towns people. Rather Blanton gives an inside view of the dynamics of a small town out west back in the day. She put a lot of heart in to this story as well as action, drama, twists, angst & romance. Than you for this great & entertaining story.
  
  I listened to the Audible edition, narrated by the talented Meghan Kelly. She performs the voices of all the different characters, each having their own distinct sound. I love how she brings the characters to life giving them personality, attitude and a lot of heart. She is an entertaining storyteller, it is always a pleasure to listen to her performances. Thank you for another great listen
• 
  SK

  This is my first western by Heather Blanton and it exceeded my expectations by miles. The first chapter hooked me in and that continued to the end. Every time I had to set the book aside, I couldn’t wait until I could get back to the story.
  
  The character of Amy Tate pulled me in immediately. From the start there was a bit of mystery about her, I wanted to know her complete story. Doc Woodruff and particularly his wife were key secondary characters. They provided care when needed, support, and dispensed bits of information at key points that helped the reader better understand the characters and get closer to the mystery. The hero Robert “Dent” Hernandez is a U.S. Marshal and was a bit of a conundrum. What you see at first is not the complete picture, but layer upon layer of tidbits tumbled out, which helped inform and then changed my opinion of Dent’s character that over the course of the book goes through growth and transformation.
  
  I’m a big choice theorist and this book repeatedly leads key characters to choice moments and then let’s the reader view the consequences, good and bad of the character’s choices. The writing is so effective that the reader can feel the fear experienced by Amy and the driving vengeance driving Dent. This book doesn’t have faith elements on every page, but the powerful punch from sincere faith is felt and felt powerfully. We see lives changed and lives trusting in God. I loved this book and look forward to picking up my next Blanton story.
  
• 
  Leigh

  This is a great story for those who really enjoy current holidays being reflected in their books. I read this over Christmas 2018 and really enjoyed it. This is a lightweight read, easy to finish in a weekend or even a single evening. I really enjoyed having the feel of Christmas in my Christmas-time read. If that is something you enjoy, also, I think this would be a good read for you.
  
  Dent's character, for me, was a little incongruous. There is effort to have him being on a personal-growth journey, but I never quite got that from the story. He starts out as any Beast would. Gruff, short in manner and speech, driven by a past hurt that has turned him rather feral. By the end of the story, he has regained his humanity and is a much more well-rounded person. He has also come to terms with letting go of his pain.
  
  I had a much easier time getting into Amy's character. She really resonated with me, possibly because we share certain experiences in common. Either way, I really enjoyed reading from her perspective. She was the perfect counter-point to Dent. Where he is dark and gloomy, she is determined and courageous. The two together were a fun read. Again, very lighthearted.
  
  I highly recommend for a simple evening or weekend read.
  
  
  Read this and more of my reviews at:
  
  www.memoirsofabookwyrm.com
• 
  Patty

  Heather Blanton has come through with an exciting story of regret, love and hope! Don't let the Christmas title fool you, this listen's message is good for any time of year!. Amy arrives in the town of Evergreen and is involved in a quick but lethal exchange. Dent, a US Marshal kills the culprit that has grabbed Amy, and as collateral damage took the life of the town sheriff and good friend, Ben. And from there, we get to delve into the lives of these two characters. Amy is a strong woman. She is willing to go above and beyond for her students and can't get over her attraction to Dent. Dent is a bit jaded, is resigned to finding his father's killer and while capturing and sometimes killing the guilty along the way has become his normal. Now stuck as the temporary sheriff, Amy and Dent learn from each other. The story is sweet, there is some town corruption, action packed scenes and a warmth that will fill your heart.
  
  Meghan Kelly gives her all to this performance. I love her voices, she gives the characters life size personalities with the emotion, fear, and growing attraction. Amy is a strong woman, and Kelly provides her with a sound that is full of confidence. You can hear the tiredness in Dent, and feel his revitalization as the story changes with inflections used with her talent. She is one of my favorite historical romance narrators!
• 
  Lori

  Romans 12: 19-21
  This book starts out this wonderful series. I highly recommend you read the introduction. Good stuff here. Robert “Dent” Hernandez became a US Marshal to seek revenge on the man who killed his father. Eight years later he is back in his hometown. He has become a hard-hearted man still bent on revenge. Amy had some men issues that left her slightly traumatized. Her doctor recommended that she spend some healing time in the town of Evergreen. So she is coming as a school teacher. Needless to say, as she steps off of the train, she is grabbed by a nasty smelling man and a gun is pointed at her head. Oh, my goodness. The town doctor and Mrs. Have Dent and Amy over for many meals. Amy starts to trust little by little and feels safe being next to Dent. I love how the author weaved God’s truths and love into Dents life. I do not want to spoil the story. It is a must read. Second chances all over the place.
  
• 
  Judy

  💞 Amy and Dent 💞
  
  Oh, my goodness! It’s been too long since I’ve read one of Heather’s books! I loved this story!
  
  I loved how sweet, timid Amy was a balm for the tortured soul of Dent. He has let darkness and death consume him for too long, and he couldn’t seem to escape it. Then there was Amy Tate. A bookish school teacher who was battling her own fears. I loved how Dent helped her overcome her fear of the dark...that scene in the road was so tender and romantic.
  
  The only thing that would have made this better would have been an extended epilogue with their wedding and afterwards. But it was an awesome story of the Lord using one of His children to help draw another from the clutches of The Enemy ❤️
• 
  Kimberly Westrope

  This is a story of healing. Two young people who have been through a lot are in need of emotional healing. It takes them a while to figure out they need each other. But with the help of their friends/neighbors, they eventually come to see what everyone else is already aware of.
  
  This story deals with grief, fear, revenge, healing, and hope. I liked the characters very much and the small town.
  
  I listened to the audio version and narrator, Meghan Kelly, did a wonderful job. I think she does a really good job with all the male voices.
  
• 
  Diane Estrella

  I enjoyed the emotional journey both Dent and Amy took from their "old" lives into their "new."
  
  Amy started out alone and scared. She found a deep courage that can only come from within, and faith in God's overcoming power.
  
  Dent turned from living for revenge only to seeking true justice. He finally realized that God will fight for him and keep him on the path he needed to be on.
  
  I like the author's updated ending. Very romantic and eludes to a much more great story to come.
• 
  Brooke

  This book is such a sweet story that will have a few twists in it to keep you entertained. A clean romance with some religion in it, but not so much to shove it in your face. The perfect amount of faith, trust and strength to get through to the other side of tragedy. I really enjoyed these two characters and was happy to see they found their HEA.
  Narration on this book was fantastic! It always amazes me how a female narrator can do a man’s voice so perfectly.