The Unlikely Christmas Party

Christmas At Grey Sage by Phyllis Clark Nichols is the most delightful Christmas novel. If you only read one Christmas book, make sure it is this one. It really is the essence of Christmas in a book. “Christmas is a time when strangers become friends.”

This book really is Christmas all wrapped up. It is a cosy read. A heart warming read. A read that gives hope and warms hearts. I really want a Christmas at Grey Sage.

The novel opens in 1973 and then leaps to 2005. The reader is drawn in to the story, questioning why the huge gap? There are big hearts but they are broken hearts and we wonder why? “Even after twenty two years, remembering still bought pain.”

Strangers come together at Grey Sage. Life has not always been easy. There are veterans from two wars, many years apart – World War II and Iraq. War changes people. “War is still hell, no matter where or when it’s fought.” Experiences lodge in hearts and brains as veterans seek healing. “I’m trying to get back home.” Bodies return but minds are still on the battlefield. No one can unsee the horrors of war but with love they can learn to live again.

Christmas is a time at which we remember. “Scenes scrolled her memory like an old movie reel.” Our memories keep us warm. “There’s a longing and a need for Christmas in all of us.” Friendships going back decades offer support in times of need. Neighbours pull together.

Christmas At Grey Sage offers a Christmas to remember. Bonding for characters and the reader happens over stories and food. It was good to have recipes included.

Christmas At Grey Sage offers hope. Hope came to earth two thousand years ago in the form of a baby. We can all have hope because of Jesus.

Christmas At Grey Sage is a totally charming novel and one that I want to revisit every year.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON

Christmas At Grey Sage blog tour on Litfuse