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Book Review: All’s Fair In Love And Christmas

20 Dec

Looking for a great read for Christmas? Look no further than All’s Fair in Love And Christmas by Sarah Monzon. This lovely, heartwarming romance will definitely put you in the holiday mood. I loved it!

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the promotion isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.

Winner of the Holt Medallion and Selah Award, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

My Impressions:

Mackenzie and Jeremy’s boss always announces a promotion opportunity at Christmastime and always seems to give the job to the employee who exhibits the most holiday cheer. So when the two are tapped as candidates, the reindeer games commence! I really liked the workplace romance juxtaposed against the characters’ personal lives — the two have a lot at stake in the unofficial competition. As the days run up towards the Christmas party and big announcement, the two learn so much about each other and themselves. This is definitely a romance, but it is also a road to discovery as the two learn to trust God with plans and problems, and to seek help from friends and professionals. A big part of the story, as told in Mackenzie’s first person voice, is her struggle with social anxiety. I really get that. While I have never had the extreme anxiety and pain attacks that plague Mackenzie, her plight hit home. Her situation may be extreme, but it certainly rang true. Her best friend/roommate is the best! I loved how Monzon gave Mackenzie unconditional, non-judgmental support in the character of Keri. Jeremy has no issues with social awkwardness, but he does rely on his own plans, and his friends remind him that God’s plans are way better than our own.

All’s Fair in Love And Christmas checked all the boxes for me — sweet romance, endearing characters, a little bit of fun, laughter, and tears. It’s the real deal and a highly recommended read!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Mini-Book Review — The Master Craftsman

18 Dec

Kelli Stuart is one of my favorite authors. The Russian and Ukrainian connections found in her books give an added dimension to her excellent writing. The Master Craftsman is a dual timeline novel with lots of elements of suspense and has both historical and fictional characters. I found the historical story fascinating — the Fabrege workshop that created the famous Easter eggs against the backdrop of a failing Imperial system and revolution showed the peril of those even peripherally tied to Tsar Nicholas. The modern-day treasure hunt was suspense-filled and action-packed with lots of shady characters. Who can you really trust!? All the priceless treasures the characters created and pursued served as reminders of just Who gives us personal value. I loved the adventure, the historical elements, and the subtle, yet important, spiritual themes. This novel is a recommended read.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in the House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history–an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial tsar’s family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family. 

Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance–and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.

This modern-day treasure hunt from award-winning author Kelli Stuart transports you into the opulent and treacherous world of the Russian Revolution to unearth mysteries long buried.

Kelli Stuart is a writer and a storyteller at heart. A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in English Professional Writing, and a minor in the Russian language, Kelli has honed her skills in the written word through editing, ghostwriting, blogging, and traveling the world.

Kelli is the author of the Carol-award winning novel, Like a River From Its Course, based on true stories from Ukrainian World War II survivors. Her second novel, A Silver Willow by the Shore, was the NIEA winner for literary fiction and received the IPPY silver award for literary fiction in 2020.

Kelli’s third book, The Fabulous Freaks of Monsieur Beaumont released in August, 2021. She will release her fourth novel, The Master Craftsman in April, 2022 with Revell books. In addition, Kelli is part of a collection of short stories in the Christmas release, It’s a Wonderful Christmas: Classics Reimagined.

Kelli has co-authored the non-fiction books Dare 2B Wise with Joe White, and Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom with Wendy Speake. Kelli lives in Tampa, Florida with her husband and five children.

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Mini-Book Review — Whiskers, Wreaths, and Murder

13 Dec

Head to the Cotswolds this Christmas in Kathy Manos Penn’s cozy mystery, Whiskers, Wreaths, and Murder. The Christmas season is in full swing in the English countryside, despite the recent death of the Earl. His heir, an American with unpopular ideas for the manor house and estate, is killed in a suspicious car accident. Leta, a recent transplant from Atlanta, is on the case with other members of the Little Old Ladies (LOL) Detective Agency. I found this cozy mystery charming. With a wonderful eye to detail and the addition of cute cats and dogs (who Leta can communicate with, and prove to be invaluable to solving the crime), this book was the perfect addition to my Christmas reading. I found the characters entertaining and the mystery intriguing. And it was a quick read, perfect for the busy holidays. This book is the 3rd in the series, but I didn’t feel lost at any time. I look forward to more fun reading with the 10-book Christie and Dickens Mystery series.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

If it were up to her, they’d be singing carols and baking cookies. Instead, they’re stockings-deep in a murder investigation…

Leta Parker is looking forward to her first holiday season in the Cotswolds. Prepping for the town’s tree-lighting ceremony, the village is enraged when the new American earl announces plans to develop his family’s estate into a resort. And when the brash successor is found dead in a ditch, it’s obvious this car crash was no accident.

Determined to unwrap the truth behind the tragedy, Leta enlists the help of the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency and her talking dog and cat. But with everyone in the charming hamlet a suspect, it’ll be tough to discover who’s not on Father Christmas’s naughty list.

Will Leta and friends deliver the gift of justice?

Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is the third book in the delightful Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like clever senior women, deep friendships, and animals of the talking variety, then you’ll love Kathy Manos Penn’s yuletide whodunit.

Kathy Manos Penn lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia with her husband and her four-legged office assistants. When she dreamed of retiring from corporate America, she envisioned indulging in her favorite pastimes—reading, traveling, and writing columns for her local paper. Taking her bucket list trip to England was a top priority.

A second career as an author was never part of the plan—until someone uttered the fateful words, “You should write a cozy mystery.”

Nine books later, readers can’t get enough of the Dickens & Christie mystery series. Kathy adheres to the adage to write what you know and populates her mysteries with well-read, witty senior women, a loyal dog, and a sassy cat.

Her two four-legged office assistants inspire the personalities of Dickens & Christie. Why is Dickens a fiend for belly rubs? Because Kathy’s real-life dog is. The same goes for Christie’s finicky eating habits and penchant for lolling on top of the desk or in the file drawer. She gets it from the calico cat who rules the roost.

How does Kathy describe her life? “I’m living a dream I never knew I had.”

Book I in the series, Bells, Tails & Murder, won a 2020 Readers’ Favorite Gold Award, and Pets, Pens & Murder, Book VII, garnered a 2023 Georgia Author of the Year nomination.

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Mini-Book Review: Last to Know

12 Dec

Brandy Heineman‘s Christmas-y novella, Last to Know, is a romantic suspense that kept me engaged and guessing. Main characters Nadine and Chase have developed a close friend relationship while working at their small town historical museum. Both are dedicated to preserving their community’s historical artifacts, but a number of forces come together to force the museum’s closure. It all seems like business/politics as usual, until Nadine and Chase discover what seems to be a cover-up of a decades-old murder. While uncovering clues and avoiding danger, the MCs go from friends to more. I liked the small town-vibe, the sweet romance, and the suspense that kept the characters and me on my toes. I did not see the ending coming! There are themes of abandonment and feelings of unworthiness, and the author presents a strong message of finding value in our relationship with God.

If you are looking for a quick and Christmas-y read, then Last to Know is a great choice.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

All she wants for Christmas . . . is an end to this terrible year.

Silver bells are ringing, but family drama and flaky finances have Nadine Notaro wrung out. The only bright spots this holiday season are her job at the Blissford Historical Society and her cheery, dependable co-worker, Chase Garren—until the City Council cuts their funding. The lost income will be bad enough, but what about Chase? Though quick to remind everyone they’re just friends, she can’t stomach losing him, too.

While packing up the Society’s record collections, Chase and Nadine discover a journalist’s cache of negatives pointing to a decades-old scandal and cover-up. Entanglements with the City’s biggest power players pull their strings, but every clue brings them closer to the truth—and each other—until Nadine finds evidence of a betrayal she never thought possible.

Casting light on the lies may ruin Christmas and their friendship, but it stands to cost them much more.

Brandy Heineman is a book hoarder, cat herder, and author of inspirational dual timeline novels. Antique shops and digital newspaper archives top her list of happy places, and she fuels her day job in marketing and life as a novelist with endless cups of tea. Her debut finaled in the 2014 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest, and after its initial publication, was rereleased in 2020. Brandy has served as president of the North Georgia chapter of ACFW and lives in Metro Atlanta with her husband, Michael.

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Book Review — Better Watch Out

11 Dec

If you are a fan of Natalie Walters‘ Harbored Secrets series, you are in for a treat with Better Watch Out. Frannie, sister of Ryan Frost from book 2 in the series, Deadly Deceit, is the main character in this cute romantic suspense novella. I loved Frannie from the start of this book. And the setting! NYC at Christmas is magical, and Walters captures all the fun. But because it is a Walters book, the characters are not off the hook with danger around every corner. Be prepared for fast-paced fun!

An accidental meet-cute, a case of mistaken identity, and a bucket-list of Christmas activities befitting a Hallmark movie make this holiday romantic adventure the perfect Christmas read.

Leave the candy canes, take the pepper spray!

Nothing screams Christmas like a week spent ice skating, visiting Santa, and sharing a kiss or two under the mistletoe. Frannie Frost has crafted the perfect bucket list of romantic activities to surprise her boyfriend in the most magical place at Christmas time—New York City. When he unexpectedly becomes her ex, her plans are derailed leaving her with a choice. Wallow in self-pity at Christmas time or take matters into her own hands.

Former NHL defenseman turned personal protection agent, Andrew Bishop, loves his job—when things go as planned—but Frannie Frost is definitely not part of the plan. Still, when her brother, the man who saved Andrew’s life last year, asks him to deliver his sister safely to the airport, he can’t say no.

The only problem? Frannie isn’t leaving. She’s determined to make the most of her trip by checking off a bucket list of cliché Christmas activities that would make even Santa’s elves jealous. Andrew’s content to let her go until he learns that Frannie’s been mistaken for his client and thrust into the midst of danger.

Better Watch Out is a sweet romantic holiday adventure that gives you all of laughs of a rom-com while adding a touch of suspense. Tropes you’re sure to love include the new girl in the city vibe, stranded at Christmas, under the mistletoe, forced proximity, and a touch of enemies to lovers. Enjoy this romantic adventure that’s sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

Natalie Walters is a best selling author who loves writing romantic suspense with dynamic plots, memorable characters, humor, heart, and adventure.

As an Army wife, she fills her stories with the right balance of romantic and suspenseful tension to get the heart-racing and a cast of witty characters–all of which, may or may not be inspired by true people and/or events.

When she’s not writing, she’s dreaming of her next vacation, spending time with her family, or chasing after her sock-eating Goldendoodle, Scout. Annnd binging CourtTv.

You can find Natalie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliewalters_writer/

Or join her Facebook group: Natalie Walters Book Battalion

My Impressions:

I am a huge fan of Natalie Walters’ romantic suspense novels. Always filled with unexpected twists and turns, the books also have great characters to connect with. Better Watch Out, a Christmas-y novella brings back minor character, Frannie Frost, from her first series and introduces a new hero to love, Andrew, a former NHL player turned personal security agent. While Frannie might seem like she needs a bodyguard — the meet-cute between the two is extreme and hilarious — she holds her own when bad guys appear. A mistaken identity puts Frannie in danger and brings the two together. The chemistry is sizzling sweet as they navigate the dangers on the streets of NYC. And NYC is decked out in its Christmas-y finery. I visited at Christmas time a few years ago, and Walters’ descriptions and the characters’ adventures brought back fond memories. Better Watch Out explores the themes of worthiness and the failure to measure up. You will cheer Frannie and Andrew on as they navigate a new relationship and new insights into life. The novella length makes this one a quick read, so I am anxious to revisit the Defensemen. I am hoping this is the sweet start of another great series by Walters.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased this novella from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Mini-Book Review — Hope Beyond The Waves

8 Dec

Heidi Chiavaroli hit it out of the park with her dual timeline novel, Hope Beyond The Waves. With its intriguing subject matter, complex characters, and a hope-filled message, this novel was one of the highlights of my summer reading. The two main characters Emily (1993) and Atta (1916) are burdened by sin and guilt and wrestle with the concepts of penance and forgiveness. Both are abandoned by those closest to them. Emily, shipped off to her grandmother’s home because of her pregnancy, discovers the seemingly untold story of her great-aunt Atta who was sent to live on an island serving as Massachusetts’ leper colony. While Emily is an appealing and relatable character, it is Atta’s story that took hold of my imagination. Atta’s overwhelming fear of a diagnosis of Hansen’s disease is further aggravated by the isolation of her care. I really became invested in her life which seemed so hopeless. Little was known about Hansen’s at the time, and the treatment for it was pretty horrific. But . . . Hope Beyond The Waves is not a bleak book. Far from it. Strong spiritual messages spoke to the hearts of the suffering characters, as well as this reader. Atta finds God’s strength through her weakness.

Hope Beyond The Waves is an excellently written novel that left me thinking long after I closed its cover. It is definitely a highly recommended read.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased this novel from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Massachusetts, 1993

After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right—that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten?

Massachusetts, 1916

Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm’s way.

On Penikese Island, Atta’s best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry—and from God. Can she return to her sister before it’s too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul?

A testament to faith and love, Hope Beyond the Waves is the raw account of the journey of two generations of women running from desperate situations toward irresistible hope.

Heidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her second Carol Award-winning novel, The Orchard House, is inspired by the lesser-known events in Louisa May Alcott’s life and led her to write The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Heidi online at her website (heidichiavaroli.com).

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Mini-Audiobook Review — The Unbroken Song

6 Dec

December is for Christmas-y books, in my opinion. The Unbroken Song, a historical romance novella by new-to-me author Jennifer Q. Hunt, was the perfect accompaniment to walks on the treadmill and chores I just couldn’t avoid. 😉 This sweet story made the time fly by in a very agreeable way. Set primarily in Atlanta in the 1890s (there is a beginning and ending in the 1940s that introduces and concludes the story), this novella which is part of Hunt’s Sorrow And Song series, brought to life the burgeoning city still rebuilding following the Civil War. Sarah Fuller struggles with keeping her family together, taking on all the responsibilities of a homemaker at a very early age. Her Native American and impoverished roots, combined with a lack of formal education, make Sara believe she could not be worthy of a man like Boston-born John Sweet. John has struggles of his own, believing that he is a failure in his calling from God and never good enough for his family. Both grow to believe God truly does direct their steps regardless of their own abilities or lack thereof. I found The Unbroken Song to be a sweet love story with a strong spiritual message. While the story takes place over several months, it finishes with a very Christmas-y ending. As to the audiobook version, I enjoyed the pace and voice of the narrator — her reading of the book fit the style perfectly.

The Unbroken Song is for those who love a Christmas-y historical romance.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to the author for a copy of the audiobook. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Coming from opposite worlds, what could possibly unite them?

Rejected, frustrated, and no longer confident about God’s plan for his life, John Sweet takes a year-long assignment in Atlanta, Georgia. The city is bustling with preparations for the Cotton States and International Exposition to be held in the autumn of 1895. Sarah Fuller is also new to the city but trying desperately to make a home for her lonely father and motherless little sister. When a special assignment for the Exposition puts John and Sarah in close contact, they discover that while their pasts are completely different, their future dreams are much the same. As their families create obstacles and opposition, will they be able to find a way forward together?

At Christmas 1945, with her family still reeling from the changes brought by the Second World War, “Grandma Sarah” tells her teenage granddaughter about the year that changed her life. Can her simple story bring the healing and perspective they both need to embrace a different future than they had planned?

This standalone Christmas prequel to the Sorrow and Song Trilogy will transport you back to a Victorian Christmas, when the world was very different, yet the same longing for peace and purpose resounded in every heart.

A lifelong storyteller, Jennifer Q. Hunt has worked as a writer of both fiction and nonfiction, as well as an editor and ghostwriter. She has over twenty-five years of ministry writing experience for churches, pastors, and Christian ministries.

Jennifer writes fiction with faith and purpose. Her Sorrow and Song trilogy shows multi-generations as they wrestle with their place in history and following the Lord through challenging circumstances.

Back in north Georgia after several years away, Jennifer is a happy wife to Christopher and homeschool mother to four elementary-aged children.

For history tidbits, deleted scenes, and more “extras” as well as information about upcoming releases, visit jenniferqhunt.com or follow Jennifer on Facebook at Jennifer Q. Hunt, Author or Instagram at @jennifer.q.hunt.author.

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Mini-Book Review — The Bells of Christmas

4 Dec

The Bells of Christmas by Amanda Tru combines the spirit of the holiday season with romance and mystery. Tayde Wright, who dreams of being an investigative journalist, takes on an advice column that gains instant popularity. The only problem is she seems to be missing perspective. Mr. Bells, the anonymous writer of letters, always seems to be a step ahead of Tayde when it comes to knowing the “rest of the story”. The two spar, until chemistry takes over. There’s some mystery and intrigue as well, which added a nice dimension to the book. Looking for the truth is a big theme in this Christmas-y novella. Emphasis is on looking deeper even when a situation seems clear cut. A light and quick read, The Bells of Christmas is a good choice for your holiday reading.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Can you hear the bells?

When Tayde Wright lands a job at a distinguished magazine, she knows her dreams of being an investigative reporter are about to come true. But then her boss assigns her an advice column that is the equivalent of the magazine’s complaint box. Though she abhors writing clickbait to fuel the magazine’s online presence, she either follows her boss’s wishes and adopts the Wrongs made Wright column as her own, or she loses her job.

Her first column unexpectedly goes viral when an anonymous stranger replies, revealing a different side to Tayde’s column and completely humiliating her in the process. Now, Tayde must satisfy her boss’s wishes while also avoiding any further humiliation from the mysterious stranger, dubbed Mr. Bells.

Tayde’s journey passes alongside the stories of many others as she tries to right the wrongs of the world, but sometimes right and wrong are difficult to determine. Despite her best efforts, Mr. Bells continually paints her as the villain, and the public loves it. Who is Mr. Bells, and what compels him to respond to Tayde’s column? And why does he always ask the same mysterious question at the end of his letters?

Each story Tayde encounters changes her perspective and provides her more clues. It’s a message that will change the world, but can she lift her voice to speak it?

With a lifelong love of reading and writing, Amanda Tru loves to let her imagination paint pictures in a wide variety of genres. Her current book list includes everything from a Christian time travel / romance series, to an action-packed suspense, to inspirational and holiday romance. Amanda is also the mastermind behind the popular Crossroads Collection series, which interweave five independent books into one beautiful, page-turning novel.

Amanda is a former elementary school teacher who now spends her days being mommy to four young children and her nights furiously writing. Amanda lives in a small town in Idaho where the cows outnumber the people.

Find out more about Amanda Tru and her upcoming books at her website http://amandatru.com/.

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Mini-Book Review — When Stone Wings Fly

1 Dec

Karen Barrett‘s National Park-based novels are always a treat. When Stone Wings Fly is a dual timeline novel set in The Great Smoky Mountains. The modern-day story features a young woman desperately trying to learn about her heritage in the face of her grandmother’s worsening Alzheimers. The Depression-era storyline presents the beginnings of the park with the loss of family farms and homesteads. I knew little about that part of the story. The park today is magnificent, but so much of family legacies were lost when the federal government began buying the land to create it. Both Kieran and Rosie learn the importance of not holding on too tightly, yet continuing a family legacy. There is a good bit of heartache and hard times in this novel, but God redeems when we allow Him to set our flight.

If you are a fan of historical novels based in the early 20th century or love a story about family and faith, then When Stone Wings Fly is a good choice.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Kieran Lucas’s grandmother is slipping into dementia, and when her memory is gone, Kieran’s last tie to the family she barely knows will be lost forever. Worse, flashbacks of her mother’s death torment Granny Mac and there’s precious little Kieran can do to help.

In 1931, the creation of the new Great Smoky Mountains National Park threatens Rosie McCauley’s home. Rosie vows the only way the commission will get her land is if they haul her off in a pine box. When a compromise offers her and her disabled sister the opportunity to stay for Rosie’s lifetime, her acceptance sets her apart from the other mountain folk. And the bond she’s forming with ornithologist and outsider Benton Fuller only broadens the rift.
Eighty-five years later, Kieran heads back to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to find answers to her great-grandmother’s mysterious death and bring peace to Granny Mac before it’s too late. Park Historian Zach Jensen may be the key to locating both the answers. But what Kieran needs clashes with the government regulations Zach is sworn to uphold. Can she trust God for a solution to heal this generations-old wound?

Karen Barnett, the award-winning author of eight novels, writes historical romance that sweeps readers into the beauty and adventure of our national parks. A former park ranger and naturalist, she worked at Mount Rainier National Park, Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park, and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two kids, and three mischievous dachshunds. When not writing, Karen enjoys photography, hiking, public speaking, and decorating crazy birthday cakes. In 2016, she was named Writer of the Year by the prestigious Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Oregon Christian Writers (OCW) honored her with the Writer of Promise Award in 2013 and a 2014 Cascade Award for her debut novel, Mistaken.

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Children’s Corner — Twas The Season of Advent

30 Nov

If you are looking for a meaning-filled advent guide for your family, look no further than the beautifully illustrated Twas The Season of Advent: Devotions And Stories for The Christmas Season by Glenys Nellist. This hardcover book features 25 advent readings that are perfect for family reading time. Each day begins with a stanza of a Night Before Christmas-inspired poem sharing the Christmas story. The daily reading proceeds with scripture verses chosen from both the Old and New Testaments. A story is then presented, and the reading ends in a simple prayer. The illustrations will captivate the littlest reader, while older children will have a chance to learn more about the Advent season and discover God’s plan. Great for your home library or as a gift for a special family.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: families with children.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Celebrate the Advent season with this beautiful and heartwarming collection of devotions and stories from beloved, bestselling author Glenys Nellist. Told in the style of the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas poem, make this read aloud your new holiday tradition.

‘Twas the Season of Advent is a 25-day devotional that will inspire your family as you eagerly await the arrival of Christ’s birth. Written in both prose and poetry, this beautiful picture book will engage children and adults alike and become a new holiday tradition for families everywhere!?

Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. The author of multiple award-winning children’s books, including the bestselling ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas, The Wonder That is You, and five popular series: Love Letters from God, Snuggle Time, ‘Twas, Good News and Little Mole, her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy and hope in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David.

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