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Home For Christmas by Heidi Swain

Dec4

Wonderfully Festive

Home For Christmas by Heidi Swain is a most delightful contemporary Christmas novel that will charm the reader.

The novel is set in the few weeks leading up to the big day as we join familiar characters from Wynbridge as this is the sixth book in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone.

We join the two leading characters – one who adores Christmas, and the other who avoids all things connected with the festive season due to the painful memories it evokes. She sets out to change his mind and introduce him to the delights of Christmas. At the same time, the reader enjoys all the activities too. This really is Christmas captured in a book.

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Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley

Dec4

A Festive Fayre

Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley is the most charming contemporary Christmas novel that I loved.

The action alternates between the two lead females as their lives are similar but different. They are ships that pass in the night until they dock together. A long-held secret produces delightful results.

Grief throws up many different emotions. “I’m sad… but I’m angry. Angry… that you didn’t love me enough to stay alive.” There is no timeline for grief, the pain remains forever. “I missed her. After all these years, there still wasn’t a day passed by without me thinking about her.”

We see the difficult topic of dementia. It is hard for the relatives as they only get glimpses of the person they used to know. There is the healing power of music. “The man couldn’t remember what day it was knew every word, every note.” Relatives of the dementia patient have to be adaptable in their responses. “You find the funny side, otherwise your heart would break.”

There is a Christmas wedding to prepare for. The reader is caught up in the celebrations. We read what marriage is: “all it [marriage] takes is a capacity to love and to let yourself be loved.”

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The Tanglewood Bookshop by Lilac Mills

Nov21

Grandad’s Legacy

The Tanglewood Bookshop by Lilac Mills is a perfectly charming contemporary Christmas novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

An unexpected change in circumstances sees the lead character relocating from London to a small Welsh village. Everything has changed for her – her job, her living accommodation, and even her mother moving to Spain. “Kazz felt rudderless and adrift. Stevie and Tanglewood offered an anchor and a safe haven.”

Tanglewood is a place of community and care; love and support; where everyone knows your name – and your business! Personal news spreads like wildfire, thanks to octogenarian, Betty! But her heart is loving. It is the perfect place to heal from the storms of life. Whenever there is a need, it is met by the loving residents.

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Josephine’s Story: A Place To Belong by Heidi Gray McGill

Nov18

God’s Best

Josephine’s Story: A Place To Belong by Heidi Gray McGill is a powerful Christian historical tale that I read in just one sitting. It is a tale that warms your heart as you hear about a God who rescues us from our situations.

The tale is set in 1878 at Christmas. It is told in alternating voices between the two lead characters. These characters are both broken in different ways. They have to learn that they are both good enough. “I don’t know how to be anything but broken.” They need to be mended with love. “I needed somewhere quiet. A place where people cared.” When people care, they are balm to our souls.

We see the value of kindness to help heal. “Kindness wrapped in callous fingers” speaks of a life that has spread kindness and caring.

We witness the damage of gossiping as uninformed women huddle and talk in whispers, spreading lies. “I listen when the whispers are loud”…”Make sure you are listening to the right voice.” We need to tune in to those who speak life and love.

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