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!

A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer

The Book: A Christmas Gift for Rose

The Gist:

            Rose has always felt secure in life.  As a young, Amish, woman growing up in the times of World War II, she was devoted to her faith, family, and Jonathan, the man she loved and was hoping to marry.  However, when Jonathan chooses to volunteer to go into the Army, Rose, egged on by her bishop and other members of the community, decides that he is not the man meant for her, and goes about trying to forget him.

      When the war is over, and Jonathan returns home, Rose sticks to her convictions and refuses to have anything to do with him, but when an unexpected secret about Rose’s past is uncovered, he might just be the only person that she wants to turn to.

What I thought:

            This was a wonderful quick read, and my first experience with Miss Goyer.  I have recently become a fan of novels depicting Amish life, and it was interesting to me, reading a book that was not set in present day, yet noting the similarities in the way that the Amish people still live their lives.  This story held a lot of emotions, love, and forgiveness, making it an ideal read for the Christmas season.

      I was particularly affected by the struggle that Rose endured between listening to her heart and taking to heart the thoughts of people outside of her relationship.  I thought that Miss Goyer handled the situation beautifully by having Rose give the outside voices power in her life- like most people have done- and then showing her through a twist in the plot, that there are more important things than the opinions of others.

      My only critique of this book is that I wish that it could have been a little longer.  I felt like as soon as I developed a kinship with Rose, the book was almost over.  I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, clean story that will take them to a simple time where the only things that mattered were faith, love, and family.

A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer

The Book: A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer

 

The Gist:

      When Nicole and Sebastian fall in love and decide to get married, they realize that they will have a few bumps along the way.  When Sebastian’s grown daughter, Kennedy, from his first marriage and her family decide to come stay in Nantucket for the Christmas holiday, Nicole, who has never had children, is thrilled at the idea of having a child to celebrate with.  Unfortunately Kennedy has her mind set on hating Nicole, and finding a way to reunite her parents.

      A Nantucket Christmas is a story of a boy in need of a dog, a dog in need of a boy, and a blended family, coming together for the holidays.

What I thought:

      First of all, let me say I LOVE Christmas books (bet you couldn’t tell that by the number of Christmas stories I’ve blogged about so far).  I think that there is just something about the holidays that makes people feel good, and most novels set at this time of the year do the same.  This story is no exception.  I loved reading about Nicole decorating and going all out for Christmas to make it special for Maddox (Kennedy’s son).  I loved reading about the traditions of Nantucket, and would not be opposed to visiting!  But mostly, I loved how everything wrapped up, leaving me feeling at peace.

      The problems that I had with this story are very minimal, and wouldn’t stop me from revisiting these characters, but I do need to mention them.  The character of Kennedy was hard for me to stomach, as was the intent.  I just couldn’t wrap my brain around how an adult could behave so horrendously and immaturely.  Reading this novel, I was struck by the thought that there might actually be people in the world like this, and that is scary.  The character of Maddox was very likeable, and I did enjoy watching how Kennedy softened around her son, but he did not talk like any three-year-old I have ever met (and I work with a class of toddlers twice a week).  My last gripe is just a personal preference; I don’t care for writing from an animal’s point of view in a novel.  There was not a lot of it, but when I would get to a chapter written from the dog’s perspective I was not thrilled.

      Lately I have found myself judging books on my eagerness to find chances to sneak in another chapter.  I really enjoyed this book, and flew through the chapters, was it a favorite, no, but it was still pretty good.  I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick Christmas read. 

The Christmas Quilt by Vennetta Chapman

The Book: The Christmas Quilt by Vennetta Chapman

The Gist:

      Annie and Leah had it all, they found the men of their dreams, married on the same day, making them sisters-in-law, and were both expecting their first children.  Their Amish faith taught them to be thankful, and they were most of the time, except Leah had begun to question her husband’s love for her through her difficult pregnancy.  When her relationship with Adam began deteriorating more quickly, it took a glimpse at possible tragedy to bring things back into perspective.

      When Leah began having serious complications with her twins, and needed to be taken to a hospital far from home in Philadelphia, she and her husband, Adam, are reminded not only of their love for each other, but also to put their faith in God.  Passing the time in the hospital, Annie and Leah strengthen their bond by attaching a story pertaining to each fruit of the spirit to a quilt square, meant for the babies.  As the stories are told and pondered, Leah works to find her way back to the relationship that she hadn’t realized that she’d lost.

What I thought:

     Don’t you just love a story that cuts through the hectic bluster of life, and allow you to breath, reflect, and reassess your priorities?  This novel definitely meets those criteria.  Although this story does pick up after Ms. Chapman’s previous novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, it takes place three years later, and stands on it’s own without it’s predecessor, although I strongly recommend picking up that novel as well (you’ll love it). 

      Having recently had my children, I identified completely with Leah.  All of the fears, worries, and self-consciousness are, I believe, common with the changes that pregnancy brings.  My heart broke for her relationship with Adam, as she watched it slip away from her, all the while aiding in the rift, instead of the solution.  The timing of Leah going into early labor really lent itself to show the characters and readers that God is at the wheel, and sometimes it takes quite a wake-up call to get us off of the wrong track.

      My favorite portion of this book was the time that Leah and Annie spent together in the hospital making a quilt for Leah’s babies.  When Leah suggested that they attach a story to each child appliqué that they made based on the fruits of the spirit, this story took a special place in my heart.  Reading each memory of people that met descriptions like “peace, patience, love, hope, faithfulness,” etc. and picturing those stories seeping into each square, and thought of each time they were seen made me long to have one of these quilts for each of my children.

      All in all, this was a story of putting aside ego and finding your way back to the things that really matter.  Amish or English, this is a story that should be read and re-read, particularly by mothers.  I know that I will be opening the pages again, anytime that I need a reminder of what my focus should be on.

 

Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs

The Book: Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs

 

The Gist:

      Logan O’Donnell is a young, divorced, dad who dreams of having a big family. Darcy Fitzgerald has recently survived a heart-breaking divorce, and has vowed that she never wants children.  When Logan and Darcy meet, sparks begin to fly, even though they seem completely wrong for each other.

      When Darcy arrives to spend Christmas with Logan’s family at his newly renovated ski resort, they must decide if they are willing to open themselves up to a love that is nothing that they expected, but everything they need. 

Susan Wiggs takes readers back to the beloved town of Avalon, and up to the mountains to celebrate a family Christmas complete with crackling fires, Santa traps, and a Christmas pickle in Candlelight Christmas.

What I thought:

YAY!!!  A new Lakeshore book! I am in heaven!  This is my all-time favorite series.  Each book is written as a stand-alone novel that will touch your heart, with characters that seem like your friends.  I have never read a book in this series that I have been disappointed in, and Candlelight Christmas is no exception.

This novel tells the story of Logan, whom readers of the series will remember as Daisy Bellamy’s ex.  Watching this great dad let go of the safety net that was his insurance company, and jump towards his dream of a ski lodge really made me like him all the more.  There is something about reading about a person putting everything on the line and working hard for their happiness that makes me feel like anything is possible.

At the beginning of the book, I didn’t like the character of Darcy, I thought she was harsh and bitter, but she really did grow on me.  By the time I learned her back-story, and read about her Thanksgiving with the O’Donnells in Florida (one word- dolphins!), I could see why she was the person that was meant to be with Logan.

Fast-forward to Christmas, the entire O’Donnell family arrives in Avalon for a traditional snow-covered Christmas.  Reading about their activities and traditions put me completely in the spirit (yes, I know that it’s only October, but I’m kind of a Christmas any time anywhere kind of girl).  I could identify, as a parent, wanting to maintain the magic of Christmas when children get to the age where doubts of Santa creep in, and I thought that Miss Wiggs handled it beautifully.  This book made me long for a trip to the snowy mountains, with crackling fires, Christmas trees, and candlelight.

In writing this post, I kept finding myself using the word “watched,” I’d erase it, and keep going, and then I’d use it again.  I believe that this is a testament to Susan Wiggs.  I did not feel as though I was sitting in my living room reading about these people, it felt as though I was part of the town, invited along for this special Christmas.  I loved watching the children hatch their plan to find out if Santa Clause is real, everyone gathered around the fire with Logan’s famous hot cocoa (recipe included), candles lighting the house on Christmas morning when the power was out, and Logan and Darcy’s love story from beginning to end.  This book was an escape to a place of my dreams, where good people care about each other, and become family.  I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a heart-warming read, and a dose of Christmas spirit.

The Wizard of Oz- Children's Picture Book

The Wizard of Oz retold by Beth Bracken

 

The Gist:

 We all know, and love, the story behind the movie The Wizard of Oz.  In this version of the story, pictures from the classic movie are beautifully laid out along with a fabulous condensed summary that is perfect for young children.

What I thought:

  My four-year-old daughter loves the Wizard of Oz movie, but some of the scenes are a bit scary, and the movie is a bit long for someone her age.  In Beth Bracken’s version of this story, young children get a short, sweet, made for them look at this classic.  The pictures are taken straight from the movie, and the extra detail in the artwork, and font is absolutely beautiful!

    There is nothing to be scared of in this version.  Yes there is still the wicked witch, but Miss Bracken does not dwell on building the suspense like the movie and full story need to do.  My daughter loved this book so much, that I have read it at least twice a day since we got it, and she has decided that our whole family needs to dress up as the characters for Halloween.

    The publisher recommends this book for children 3-8, I would say a more appropriate age range would be 2-6, I think it is very well suited to introduce very young children to The Wizard of Oz, but older children, although they might love the pictures, grow more with the added details, descriptions, and text that the original story contains.  I highly recommend this beautiful story for anyone with a toddler!

Annie's Christmas Wish

The Book: Annie's Christmas Wish by Barbara Cameron 

 

The Gist:

Annie has always dreamed of visiting New York City, ever since her mother brought her a snow globe when she was younger. 

At a time in her life, when young Amish adults are made to decide whether they want to be baptized into the church or leave the simple life behind, this dream trip could tip the scales.  On the other hand, there is Aaron, the man who has grown up with Annie and, in adulthood, come to believe that they are meant to be. 

      As Annie, her family, and Aaron wonder through the sites of New York at Christmastime, she is forced to examine whether she should follow her career ambition of writing, or give a second look to an old friend who might be the central piece in the future she could have.

      Readers journey from Amish country, Paradise Pennsylvania, to the big city with the Bontrager family, in this fourth book in the Quilts of Lancaster County series.

What I Thought:

      This novel was an incredibly refreshing read.  So often it seems as though we get caught up in things that do not matter, and neglect the blessings that we receive all of the time.  Reading about the Bontrager family, with their “simple” beliefs, made me open my eyes to all of the wonders in my community, and in my life.

      I have read the first book in this series a while ago, so I was familiar with the Bontrager dynamic, however it did take me a little bit of time to readjust to the characters, and place all of the family members with the amount of back story I need.  Although I do believe that there is enough background given on the previous stories, I would suggest reading at least the first novel, A Time to Love, since this family did not form in a traditional way, you will not be disappointed, it is also a fabulous read.  I personally am looking forward to reading the second and third book in the series to see what I have missed!

      Miss Cameron has a way of writing about the Amish community, that makes readers feel as though they are an invited guest, sipping hot tea in the kitchen as a family that is not caught up in the trappings of modern day society works, plays, dreams, and loves.  You really get a sense of this religion, not so much in the specifics, or history, but more in the way you’d get to know what it is really about by living it, or watching members live, without them knowing you were there.

I left this book feeling as though I would miss the characters.  Annie is very relatable in the sense that everyone goes through a struggle in their young life, where they need to decide who they want to be, and what sacrifices that they are willing to make to get there.  Jenny, Annie’s mother, is the mother that I strive to be; she is caring, warm, and genuinely interested in her children’s thoughts and feelings.  Aaron is a genuinely good guy; readers will root for him, as he tries to open Annie’s eyes to a future that could fulfill more dreams than one.

If you are looking for a good clean story, that puts the emphasis of Christmas back on God and family, I highly recommend this book.  Grab a cup of tea, cuddle under a blanket, and let yourself be overtaken with the Christmas Spirit with Annie’s Christmas Wish available now!

     

Miracle Road

The Book: Miracle Road by Emily March

 

The Gist:

      Hope Montgomery is everyone’s picture of the perfect kindergarten teacher, she loves children, fills in for district shortfalls by driving the bus and coaching the basketball team, and volunteers her free time to help out with any worthwhile cause.  No one in the small town of Eternity Springs would guess the tragedy that has befallen her that led her to this place of healing, or how much she needs the family that this community offers.

      Lucca Romano is no stranger to tragedy either.  As a sought after, and well-known college basketball coach who suffers from survivor’s guilt after a van accident changed the lives of his team.  In contrast to Hope, he chooses to run from everything that reminds him of his tragedy.  When he hits rock bottom, he finds himself in Eternity Springs, where his family has recently set up residence.

      Lucca and Hope are immediately drawn to each other, however neither of them wants a relationship.  As they are thrown together repeatedly, and as past stories are recanted, these two troubled souls realize that they can help each other heal in ways that they never would have thought possible. 

Of course, nothing worth having comes easy, and as situations reminiscent of past tragedies arise this couple must decide whether they should run away from each other, or hold on tight.  Full of holiday cheer and starry nights, Miracle Road takes readers through another wonderful journey in Eternity Springs.

What I thought:

      Have you ever read a book that you’ve identified with greatly even though the circumstances involved are, luckily, only your worst nightmares?  That’s what this story was to me.  Maybe it had to do with the fact that Hope was a kindergarten teacher, but I think that it went a lot deeper than that.  I think that it had to do more with a common feeling between myself and this character.

      I think many mothers struggle with that ugly fear that they are not doing a good enough job for their children.  Although the character in this story has that fear elevated to another level by tragedy, it is the same thought.  We all want to give our children the world and raise them to be happy, well-adjusted people, but the balance between giving them everything while still taking care of our needs, is tricky to reach.

      This story was a warm, satisfying read.  Following this character that I identified with through her pain, as she learns to trust, love, and live again was therapeutic for me.  It made me think about being in the moment with my children, and savoring every stage and experience that we are fortunate to have with each other.

      I have read all of the books in this series, and can highly recommend any of them to readers who enjoy warm love stories with happy endings, set in a community that you would jump at the chance to be apart of.  Each story stands on it’s own, telling of how each of the couples, who are supporting characters in the other stories, come to love.  This story, however was my favorite thus far.  I loved these characters, they jumped off of the page and into my world.  It was wonderful watching them learn to share their burden with each other, and in doing so release some of their pain, and grow closer in love.

      Readers can see how these two people complete each other, and how no matter how hard they each push, that they need to be together in order to move forward.  Watch out for the Lucca’s Christmas present for Hope- it’s a tear-jerker.  If you are looking for a great love story that will take you through the season of fall, and into Christmastime, pick up Miracle Road by Emily March, available November 5, 2013.

Starry Night

The Book: Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

 

The Gist:

      Carrie Slayton is a reporter willing to go to any lengths in order to escape the bubble of the Society pages, for assignments with more depth, so when her boss gives her the challenge of finding the reclusive mystery man/ bestselling author Finn Dalton, she quickly accepts.  Little does she know that, in doing so, her life will be changed forever.  Her search takes her to Alaska, while her heart opens up the opportunity to find the man that no other reporter has been able to locate.

      When Carrie and Finn get through the initial storm of being thrown together, unwillingly, they begin to see that there is something special between them.  In order to make things work however, Carrie will need to decide if this man is worth sacrificing her, now, easily achievable career ambitions, and Finn will need to decide if he can open himself up enough to trust the stranger who has a hold on his heart. Debbie Macomber takes readers through the holiday season with this tale of two people whose lives change one “Starry Night.”

My thoughts:

      “Ahhhhh,” she sighs with contentment.  This was exactly what I’ve needed.  Have you ever been in a reading slump?  Where the past couple of books you read have left you feeling under-whelmed?  I can always tell it has happened to me when it takes me multiple weeks to get through a novel- NOTE TO SELF: if you are not excited enough about a book to pick it up every chance you get- put it away!  This book got me excited again.

      This story is your classic feel-good novel.  From the first chapter, I wanted to read more, and before long I was invested in the characters, the settings, and the holidays (YAY!).  I love it when an author has the ability to make you feel like you are watching the story unfold, right in front of you.  Debbie Macomber writes with warmth and love, and it shines through in her work.

Carrie and Finn are meant to be together, and of course, there are many challenges for them to overcome, but through it all, I rooted for them, I loved the description of the starry night in Alaska (and wish that I could book a ticket to see it for myself), and the real-life romance that men bring to the table.  I don’t know about you, but the beginning of a relationship roomful of roses, trip to Paris, serenading men in some stories, don’t measure up to the adorable, yet sometimes clueless, romantic attempts of real men (can I get an antique toaster please?!).

      My only critique on this story was the last chapter...  I wanted more.  I don’t know that the story needed more at the end, but I wanted more- I wasn’t ready to let go of Carrie and Finn yet.  So, I have come up with the perfect fix (Miss Macomber are you listening?)  I need a sequel-  let me know what happens to these beautiful characters that you have created, because I feel like they will be with me for a while.

      Readers- if you are looking for a quick story that will leave you thinking about starry nights in Alaska, and a love that you can believe in, pick up this book when it comes out October 8, 2013!