Christmas at Harmony Hill by Ann Gabhart

Title: Christmas at Harmony Hill by Ann Gabhart 

 

The Gist:

    During the Civil War, Heather followed her heart, and her new husband, to war working as a laundress for the Yankees.  However when the army receives orders to march south into battle, Gideon sends his pregnant wife home to her loving mother to have their baby in suitable arrangements.  The war had not been good to Heather’s family who had lost a son fighting for the south among other people, leaving Heather’s father full of anger and resentment aimed at Gideon and Heather.  Luckily, Heather’s mom had thought ahead, and directed her daughter to her Aunt Sophrena who lived in a Shaker community nearby. 

     Sophrena had lived happily in her community for many years, but this Christmas season she was experiencing some unrest and yearnings that did not fit in to her chosen lifestyle.  When Heather shows up at Harmony Hill, these two women begin to find exactly what they need within each other.  Sophrena offers Heather motherly love, guidance and support, while Heather offers Sophrena a glimpse at a traditional family.

     As Christmas, and Heather’s impending delivery grow closer, bonds form and solidify, prayers for safety, peace, and forgiveness are said, and family is redefined at Harmony Hill.

What I thought:

      Christmas at Harmony Hill is a fast-paced, warm-hearted novel that is the perfect read for the holiday season!  I love reading stories about love that come from an innocent place, and Mrs. Gabhart’s book was just that.  I was very interested in learning more about the Shaker way of life, and felt that it was very well represented, with both faults and benefits equally represented.

      This was the first book that I have read of Mrs.Gabhart’s, and I doubt that it would be the last, she writes with true emotion.  I could feel the love between Heather and Gideon, the hurt of Heather’s father, and the yearning and discontent of Aunt Sophrena.  However, my favorite aspect of this book was in the climax.  It seems as though it would be easy to chop up transitions in a story when representing two characters in different settings and situations, but in this story the transition between Gideon’s big battle in war, and Heather’s big battle in labor was completely seamless, and knit together the story creating such an atmosphere of tension before the satisfying resolution.

      If you are a fan of Amish stories, or are just looking for a story that leaves you with that wonderful Christmas warmth, pick up Christmas at Harmony Hill.

 

The Christmas Train by David Baldacci

Title: The Christmas Train <-- Click to visit amazon

 

The Gist:

            When journalist Tom Langdon embarks on a cross-country trip by train one Christmas season, he expects to have a chance to enjoy a leisurely journey while researching his next projects.  Little does he know, this trip will change his life.  While onboard the two trains, he encounters a group of quirky, lovable (for the most part) characters that will change his view of life entirely.

      This story is jam packed with everything, romance, suspense, comedy, drama, and a lot of heart.  Readers join Tom through battles with a horrible entitled lawyer, history lessons from long-time train employees, and lessons in what is truly important from two star-crossed lovers, a gospel singer, and a choir from the wrong side of the tracks.

What I thought:

            Buy this book now- you will thank me later!  This is a story for anyone looking to get into that feeling of Christmas euphoria that we all yearn for this time of year.  It is a really good story- nothing too deep, but it flooded me with happiness, and left me satisfied at the end. 

I do have to warn that if you are a “happy-book” kind of person with not much interest in history, (like me) you might wonder why I recommended this book when you start.. stick with it- the story will captivate you quickly, but there is a tiny bit of train history at the start which might make you question what kind of story that I’ve gotten you into.

      Mr. Baldacci is an amazing storyteller.  I love it when you pick up a story to read, but upon reflection find that you were so invested in the characters and situations that you actually feel as though you lived the experience with them.  The main character of Tom Langdon is a very likable every-man (reminiscent of George Bailey), who you can’t help but root for.  All of the other passengers from Eleanor, Tom’s long-lost love, to Agnes Joe a large, loud woman who rides the train for companionship, to Max Powers, a well-known Hollywood director leap off of the pages and make me want to book a train ticket today.

      Authors that can successfully merge different genres into one amazing and cohesive story always impress me, and this story does just that.  You will run a full gamut of emotions from swooning to laughter to nail biting suspense, and emerge on the other side fully in the Christmas spirit.  Get cozy under a blanket, turn on some quiet Christmas music and get ready to take a ride on The Christmas Train.

 

Pelican Point by Donna Kauffman

Title: Pelican Point

 

The Gist:

            After a horrible personal tragedy, Alex McFarland decides to jump back on the horse and throw her self into the work that she has always loved.  In doing so, she signs on to restore an old lighthouse in Blueberry Cove, ME.  When she arrives, no one is as surprised as Logan McCrae, the town sheriff and actual owner of the lighthouse.

      As sparks fly between Logan and Alex, both battle their pasts and push away from each other, only to find themselves coming back together with more force and passion.  With the town rooting on both the restoration effort, and the possibility of love, Alex and Logan must decide if they are willing to let go of their past heartache and risk their hearts on each other.

What I thought:

            This was the first book that I have ever read by Donna Kauffman, and it was very enjoyable.  The characters were well developed, and their struggles leapt off of the page.  I enjoyed meeting Alex and Logan, but mostly I really connected with the town of Blueberry Cove.

      Blueberry Cove is one of those places that everyone longs to live, think Stars Hollow (for any of you Gilmore Girl fans out there).  It is a quirky place with many residents that I would like to learn more about, and lucky for me, this is the first book in a new series!  I can’t wait to escape to this town and these people again.

      My only critique about this book was that at times it seemed a bit repetitive, mainly in the scenes where Alex is lusting after Logan- although I understand the intent, for me it made the story drag a bit.

      All in all, I do recommend this story for anyone dealing with a personal loss, or anyone looking to connect to a new group of characters that, I’m assuming, will soon become friends to all readers as this series grows.

Sweet Expectations by Mary Ellen Taylor

Title: Sweet Expectations by Mary Ellen Taylor

The Gist:

    Daisy thought that her life had turned upside-down when she lost her high-powered job and returned to work in her family’s bakery, but one more life-changing discovery sends her reeling again!  Dealing with personal crisis on top of supervising much needed bakery renovations stretches Daisy to her breaking point.  In desperate need of a distraction and a change in perspective, she is blessed with a mystery. 

    An old recipe box is discovered in the wall of the bakery, and with it comes a chance to help a man discover his heritage- which really hits home with Daisy.  In researching, baking, and paying visits to new friends, Daisy discovers that although your past plays a part in who you are, it does not need to dictate the happiness of your future.

What I thought:

      First, I have to begin by saying that this was the first novel that I have ever read by Mary Ellen Taylor, and I have not read the first novel, The Union Street Bakery.  This book was very hard for me to get into, probably because the characters were set-up more in the first novel.  I struggled to get through the first half of this book.  I just couldn’t relate to Daisy no matter how hard I tried.

    However, the second half of the book changed my opinion entirely.  As Daisy softened, I began to like her more.  I appreciated how she stuck to her guns and followed her truth.  I enjoyed watching her unravel the mystery of the recipe box, especially the visits to people who lived through WWII.  I felt that Miss Taylor did an excellent job with her telling of a former soldier’s reminiscences, and the nostalgia seeped off the page.

    Reading this story has led me to one conclusion... I need to pick up The Union Street Bakery, and see what I have missed in the lives of Daisy and her sisters!