Archives

One Silent Night by Scott R Rezer

Nov29

A Timeless Appeal

One Silent Night by Scott R Rezer is the most charming dual timeline Christian Christmas novel that I absolutely loved. It is the first book in A Festival Of Carols and I cannot wait to read the subsequent books.

One Silent Night is beautifully written. There is a serenity to it and an air of wistfulness. The story has a timeless appeal. This is a book that could be read as part of a Christmas tradition.

The novel is set in the Ardennes, Belgium in 1944 and also in small town America in 2012. Both stories are set just before Christmas and are similar but different as we follow two serving soldiers – one in World War II and the other invalided out after an IED in Afghanistan.

Obviously in 1944 there was much loss of life as a bitter battle raged as the American soldiers fought the Nazis. In 2012 in his hometown, the veteran is returning home following the death of his grandparents three years earlier. The memories are all around. His heart has been locked away. “By shutting away Christmas, I was shutting away… my memories.” Memories should keep us warm, not cause us pain.

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Maddie’s Magic Christmas by Sam Maxfield

Nov24

A Christmas Miracle

Maddie’s Magic Christmas by Sam Maxfield is the most charming contemporary children’s Christmas novel for ages eight years and over. Whatever your age, this is a really delightful read.

Sam Maxfield has perfectly captured the essence of Christmas. This is a book that will warm your heart and make you smile.

The characters are wholesome and kind. They are an eclectic mix from ten-year-old Maddie to Bavarian-born baker Mr Steiner. All will take up residence in the reader’s heart.

Maddie has a heart of gold that looks for the goodness in others. She helps out wherever possible, spreading kindness. She is well loved by all who know her – but Maddie is missing her father. She believes he is out there somewhere and did not just abandon them.

We can empathise with Maddie as she fears snow – she believes the snow took her father away and she fears losing anyone else. We witness her trying to overcome her fear.

Others have experienced loss. Mr Steiner’s wife died a year ago. Preparing his baked goods for Christmas merely empathises his sense of loss. Maddie sees his pain and is determined to help.

There is survivor’s guilt. “He almost felt guilty for it, as though without Betty, he shouldn’t be able to feel pleasure.” It is okay to learn to smile and to live again.

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Countdown To Christmas by Dianna Houx

Nov17

Re-Kindling The Magic

Countdown To Christmas by Dianna Houx is the most charming, heartwarming contemporary Christmas novel that will warm your spirit and leave you smiling. This really is the essence of Christmas in a book.

The novel is set in a Midwest American town that seems to have forgotten about Christmas. Wanting to re-create her grandmother’s childhood Christmas, A granddaughter enlists the help of the town to bring an old-fashioned Christmas to life once more. “She [grandmother] comes alive when she talks about memories… of Christmas.” Christmas past is set to become Christmas present.

Visitors to the town for the old-fashioned Christmas ensure a family house comes alive. “Return to a time when things were simpler… When Christmas had meaning and magic.” Christmas is less about the presents and more about the memories.

We see the importance of teamwork. “If we all work together… we can do it.” What is impossible for one, is achievable for many.

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Christmas At The Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page

Nov5

Imperfectly Perfect

Christmas At The Board Game Café by Jennifer Page is a most delightful Christmas contemporary novel that will warm your heart and leave you smiling. It is the fourth book in The Board Game Café series but can be read as a stand-alone.

This is the perfect book to read in the lead up to Christmas. It will get you in the mood for the festive season. This really is Christmas in a book.

Two Yorkshire villages are the delightful setting. As summer has given way to autumn, the tourists have dropped off. Something needs to be done to attract the visitors back again – enter the Advent Calendar Trail. What is it? Read the book and immerse yourself in the action. It educates, it stirs memories and it is downright hilarious. The scene with the baubles makes me snigger even now!

All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable. They offer a warm welcome to all, including the reader.

We see how the loneliest place can be amongst friends who are all couples, when you are single. It feels like being on the outside looking in. Christmas is a time that some people dread.

A character has struggled with loneliness for years. “Staying busy… keeping the loneliness at bay.” Sooner or later the busyness has to stop or we risk burn-out. Being single has been a way of protecting a heart from hurt but it is a heart that isn’t cherished due to the walls that have been erected around it.

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