A Family for Christmas by Winnie Griggs

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Dec 302013
 

AFamilyForChristmasA Family for Christmas (Texas Grooms #3)

Author: Winnie Griggs

Publisher: Love Inspired

Published Date: October 2013

Paperback/ebook: 288 pages

Genre: Christian Historical Romance/Holiday Romance

ISBN# 9780373829835

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital galley from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Eve Pickering knows what it’s like to be judged for your past. So she’s not about to leave the orphaned boy she’s befriended alone in this unfamiliar Texas town. Since Chance Dawson’s offer of shelter is the only way to look after Leo, Eve is determined they’ll have a warm, welcoming home for the holidays.

Chance came from the big city to make it on his own despite a painful secret. But Eve’s strength is giving him a confidence he never expected—and a new direction for his dream. With a little Christmas blessing, he’ll dare to win her heart—and make their family one for a lifetime.

Review

A Family for Christmas is a quick, Christmas-themed Christian historical romance that can satisfy the need for a light, clean love story. The book started pretty slow for me, though it picked up a bit more toward the middle to end. I found Chance interesting, but felt Eve’s character was kind of all over the place. Dotty (aka Mrs. Epps) was the most intriguing character to me, with depth and history alluded to in this story. I would consider reading the first two in the series to learn more about her and the events of “recent history” in the book.

I didn’t realize this was part of a series until I was into the book, so obviously it can stand alone. I am curious about the purpose that brought these men to Turnabout, Texas. There’s only the vaguest of information in this book, so I may search out the first book to find an answer. There is one more book in the series, and while I found A Family for Christmas enjoyable enough to finish, I probably won’t rush out to read the next one.

A Candlelight Courting by Joyce DiPastena

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Nov 192012
 

A Candlelight Courting: A Short Christmas Romance

Author: Joyce DiPastena

Publisher: self-published

Published Date: October 2012

Kindle/Ebook; 46 pages

ISBN# 9781301290888

Genre: Historical Romance

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

When Burthred comes courting on Christmas Eve, Meg rejects his advances. She has her heart set on becoming a nun and insists that he call her Christina, the spiritual name she has chosen for herself. She tries to make him swear on her box of holy relics that he will not pursue her, but he carefully words his oath to allow him to stay in her candlelit chamber and try to change her mind.

What Meg does not confess is that her reliquary box holds a secret.

Burthred needs a wife, and no one will satisfy him except Meg. He swore on his father’s deathbed that he would marry her. But Burthred has a secret, too. When they come together before the Yule fire, their shared revelations will either join their hearts together or tear them apart.

Review

I am convinced that Joyce DiPastena can write no wrong. I have loved everything I’ve read from her, and A Candlelight Courting is no exception.

In the past I confess that I haven’t been a big fan of short stories, preferring instead to read longer, more detailed novels. A Candlelight Courting proved to me that short stories can be well-written, include characters with depth, and keep readers turning pages.

I loved both Meg/Christina and Burthred. I found myself rooting for them right away. I was torn when I realized that the possibility of things working out for them looked pretty bleak. How could there be a “happily ever after” if what each wanted most would leave the other ultimately miserable and unfulfilled?

I devoured A Candlelight Courting, anxious to see how things would turn out. I felt for Burthred and yet respected Meg/Christina’s determination to follow her desire to become a nun. I did not expect the turn of events near the end.

I happily recommend A Candlelight Courting to anyone who enjoys a good, clean romance. I look forward to reading it every year at Christmastime, and maybe a few times in between.

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Jeremy’s Christmas Journey by Scott A. Johnson – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Nov 122012
 

Jeremy’s Christmas Journey

Author: Scott A. Johnson

Publisher: Sweetwater Books/CFI

Published Date: October 2012

Hardcover; 120 pages

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1122-0

Genre: Religious Fiction

FTC FYI: free digital review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

For Jeremy, Christmas is just another reminder that he’ll never be able to enjoy the things that come so easily to other children. Then one night he has a dream that will change everything. Accompanied by stirring music, this story of finding faith and discovering the power of the Master Healer is sure to be cherished at Christmastime and all year long.

Review

The story opens with Jeremy, a young boy crippled due to a car accident when he was a toddler, watching the neighborhood children play in the snow on Christmas Eve. He’s feeling sorry for himself and his situation, causing him to doubt his belief in the Savior.

After dinner with his family, Jeremy goes off to be alone and think. He soon finds himself in an experience that will change him forever. In an ancient courtroom, various witnesses of Christ’s ministry on the earth are called to testify to His purpose and divinity.

While Jeremy listens to the testimonies of each person his heart is touched by the Spirit and he experiences his own Christmas miracle.

As I read it was easy to picture Jeremy’s Christmas Journey as a musical production. It will surely become a yearly Christmas tradition for many families.

Most kids from early readers to teens will be able to relate to Jeremy. I was never certain about Jeremy’s age because although he watches the other children with envy and receives a football video game as a gift, later in the story his thoughts contain words and phrases that an adult or mature teenager would be more likely to use. The story is told mostly from Jeremy’s point-of-view, though it occasionally slips into a more omniscient or narrator point-of-view.

Those who appreciate music may enjoy the many songs used to help share the testimonies of each “witness” who knew Christ. The sheet music for these songs is included in the back of the book as well. If you have musical talent and the ambition, a family production of this could even make a good Christmas Family Home Evening.

Click HERE to listen to samples of the music and watch the book trailer for Jeremy’s Christmas Journey.

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