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A Christmas In Prague by Helga Jensen

Dec21

Wrapped In A Nostalgic Christmas

A Christmas In Prague by Helga Jensen is the most beautiful contemporary festive novel that I absolutely adored.

What is Christmas without snow? Helga Jensen takes the reader from rainy Wales to snow-covered Prague. Her delightful descriptions help the reader to ‘experience’ Christmas in Prague. It is a romantic destination with hot chocolate, a Christmas market and a fairytale castle. It is truly a magical place.

A character has been dreadfully hurt two Christmases ago. She has shut out Christmas but Prague is a place of healing and restoration as love and kindness thaw her heart and bring it back to life.

We ‘hear’ of a great love that was cut short. As the decades old letters are opened and read, we realise that true love never dies. It infects all those who are around as it comes full circle.

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Hear The Bells Ring by Scott R Rezer

Dec19

One Ring

Hear The Bells Ring by Scott R Rezer is the most charming Christian Christmas dual timeline novel that I absolutely adored. It is the third book in A Festival Of Carols series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action is set in 2019 and during the American Civil War. It is linked by location and the lead character in both time periods as they are directly related.

There is a mystery to solve after an attic search reveals a diary from 1861 and an old ring with an inscription. We see that the power of love transcends space and time. Christmas may just be a time for miracles.

The greatest love of all is God’s love for us all. It is an everlasting love. Some may reject Him but God will never reject us. “You may not bother with Him, but He will never leave you alone… He knows how desperately you need Him.” God knows us better than we know ourselves.

We need God, whether we acknowledge that or not. “He’d seen the power of God in his life… He prayed… his reliance on God increase and strengthen.” As we press into God, He will draw near to us. God is a gentleman and will never force himself onto us. God is as close to us as we want Him to be.

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Wishing For Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher

Dec18

A Heart Full Of Christmas

Wishing For Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher is the most charming Christmas Christian contemporary novel that will warm the reader’s heart and make you smile. It is the sixth book in Love On Sanctuary Shores but can be read as a stand-alone. All the books in the series are written by different authors and I cannot wait to dip into them.

This is a book about deep love. Love comes in many forms. We love because Jesus first loved us. Love is a verb. “Love was shown by what a person did.” There is the love of God for us; our love for Him; and family, friendship and new love. This love puts others above self. It is beautiful to witness love in action.

We see the importance of building a relationship with God. The Bible is God’s love letter to us. We need to open it, read it, and digest the words. “She discovered a little [Bible reading] wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy her hunger. She needed more and more.” We all want to be hungry for the word of God.

God calls us into His presence. “When was the last time she’d simply sat in God’s presence?… When was the last time she’d been content to be and not to do?” A relationship builds as we spend time together – whether that is with God or with other people.

Characters have been hurt by loss. There is the temptation to keep our hearts safe by withdrawing from life – but then we are merely existing and not living. “Don’t stop living just because there might be some pain around the corner.” God wants us to live an abundant life. We can trust His leading. “Faith demanded he trust God for what was best.” When we put God first, things will work out in His timing and His plans. “Put God first in all things, and the rest would work itself out.”

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The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

Dec11

Wonderfully Warm & Welcoming

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is the most charming contemporary Christian Christmas novel which I absolutely loved.

I always look forward to the Christmas novel from Melody Carlson. When it drops through my door, I know that Christmas is not that far away.

The Christmas Tree Farm is a wonderful, warm read. It is serenely beautiful and is the essence of Christmas within a book.

We see that families are complicated affairs. Not everybody pulls in the same direction. When different things are sought, compromises must be made. Ultimately family loves. Family is not just blood related but those who love us.

Hurting people hurt people. We need to understand why people lash out and help them to heal.

Traditions are important. Memories are attached to them as we remember those who are no longer here.

All the characters were wonderfully drawn. They offered a warm welcome to the reader. They were an eclectic mix falling into two categories – those who felt happy in the mall, and those who preferred the green open spaces.

There was a charming relationship between the leading lady, Madison, and eleven-year-old Lily who lived next door. Lily had lost her mother but bonds with Madison after a shaky start. Lily brings out the best in Madison and vice versa. They teach each other new skills and work together to make a success of the Christmas Tree Farm.

A smattering of snow, a dash of romance and good wholesome characters. All can be found within the pages.

I absolutely loved The Christmas Tree Farm and am sorry that it is ended. It was wonderfully warm and welcoming. I can highly recommend it.

I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON