The Christmas Cactus is a warm, delightful story that takes place in the late 1800's. After being abandoned, Katie Jo and her siblings find themselves homeless on the frontier. A kind farmer offers to help them which changes the trajectory of their lives.

This is the perfect cozy Christmas story for anyone who enjoys sweet romances, charming characters, and plucky heroines who are know to wield frying pans on occasion to protect their family.

It's been a rough couple of years, right?  In the midst of it all, I got to read The Christmas Cactus.  And it was like being transported.  A strong heroine with a real faith, putting the needs of her siblings ahead of her own desires.  And in doing so, grows stronger and finds hope for real happiness.  Rare and beautiful . . . in a story told so you feel you're there with her. If you'd like a refreshing break, check out The Christmas Cactus.

The Christmas Cactus depicts entertaining real-life family scenes, shares sincere heart-searching conversations with the Lord, and gives you a taste of farm life in Washington Territory in the 1870s.

Set in the late 1800’s, The Christmas Cactus is a charming story. What will become of Katie Jo and her young siblings when they face a new town and home without knowing anyone or having a way to provide for themselves? Hard working Katie Jo is determined to keep her family together. Will she accept the help of a stranger?

The author has done a great job describing the lifestyle of living “out West” and all that is involved in just putting food on the table. I was tired out just reading about all the food that Katie Jo would make in one day in order to give her family a special meal! I felt like I was living life right next to Katie Jo and the rest of the characters in this book as the author had brought each character to life.

I loved The Christmas Cactus. Wholeheartedly. Christy Martenson created a world of love and joy, introducing her readers to characters who become friends and crafting a storyline that was beautifully full of family, strength, and perseverance. In addition to all that, it passed the real test of a wonderful story: my own emotion kept leaking out in laughter and tears as I celebrated and mourned and giggled along with Katie Jo.

What a charming story in the style of Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly series. This story gripped my attention and wouldn’t let me go! Katie Jo is immediately relatable and I felt for her as she battled to keep her family together. Jamie, the hero, and his gentle ways won my heart. Christy’s best novel yet!