Today, Tomorrow & Forever
Christmas At Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M White is the most charming, Christian, Christmas historical novella. It will warm your heart and leave you smiling.
The novel is set in 1902. Roseanna M White has perfectly captured the essence and nostalgia of an Edwardian Christmas. The is snow, a manor house, a village, and the re-enacting of The Nutcracker. Characters bond over events and food, offering mouth-watering goodies to tempt the reader.
We see that life is too short to hold grudges as a character realises it is better to let go of the past and concentrate on love and family. “The future lies before us, and we needn’t let those past mistakes shackle us.”
The leading character possesses a joy that is infectious. We realise that no matter how old she gets, she will always have a joyful outlook which is beautiful. “Joy came by embracing love.”
There are nudges to literary classics. Any Jane Austen fan will immediately see the resemblance: “Mama was turning into a regular Mrs Bennet of Miss Austen fame, muttering that one of her daughters better win his eye.”
We learn that we are all called to minister to others. “Jesus never said that the rest of us were released from duty just because there is a clergyman nearby. We are all called to minister to those in need.” We need to live out our faith, preaching the Gospel at all times – and if necessary, use words.
Marriage alliances were the order of the day but “she wanted the security of knowing she was loved for who she was.” Marrying for love amongst the well-to-do was unusual but far better.
Every day gives us a new opportunity to live well. “We still have to choose, every day, what sort of person we’ll be.” We learn it is “better to pray than to scheme.”
Christmas At Sugar Plum Manor was such a delightful read. The joi de vivre of the leading lady spread amongst the characters as they realised that life is for living and for loving.
Christmas At Sugar Plum Manor is perfect for any time of year. You do not need to be in the festive season to enjoy this story. Sink into the pages and escape to a bygone era.
I received a free copy via the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON