Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Christmas. Some may even say I like it a little too much. We started practicing bells with the kids at church a few months ago and started practicing Christmas songs. Let’s just say that I was giddy and singing joyfully! You know what’s great about the fall? I can start reviewing Christmas novellas and novels!! So excited to share with you the first Christmas novella of the season 🙂
About the Book
When she receives the news in late 1944 that her baby’s father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant’s paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don’t know that she–or their grandson–exists. When Amelia discovers that the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?
Beloved author Melody Carlson pens a story of love, hardship, and reconciliation that will leave readers filled with Christmas joy.
My Perspective
This was a fast read for me – in fact I read it in one sitting. There wasn’t a whole lot of time for character growth and development, so you’re really just reading it for the storyline itself. Amelia had a lot to deal with, and I felt sorry for her. But I have to tell you, I was unhappy with the decision she made at her in-laws house. And it wasn’t necessarily because the author wrote it that way, I just anticipated the story going in a different direction.
What I did love about this was that it had the overall theme of God’s love, forgiveness, and moving forward. Sometimes we can find help from the places and people we least expect it. That was shown in the story (don’t want to give out any spoilers), and it reminded me that we really cannot judge a book by its cover. Instead we have to meet them and learn about them with an open mind, and let time decide our opinions.
This is probably my favorite story to date by Melody. I look forward to reading (hopefully) more Christmas stories from her! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/