Celebrate Lit Publishing

Kelsey has a passion for antiques and upcycling what others consider to be junk, but the little shop she owns hasn't been doing so well. She's hoping she'll be able to turn things around this holiday season, but a robbery at the shop sets her back in A Holiday Intruder by author Denise Weimer.

I found this ChristFic novella in a collection called Holly, Ivy & Intrigue. It's a Christmastime romance with some suspense woven in, and though there's a love triangle included, it's obvious from jump which guy is the odd man out.

Family history plays a big role in the story, and while some parts of the read are a little rushed and the ending is rather abrupt, the story is easily digestible entertainment with a touch of faith. It satisfied my search for a quick holiday read with intrigue but no murder.… (lisätietoja)

Seaman Jerry Collier had been more or less dragging his feet in some ways when he'd been safe back home in the States. But there's no time for slacking off aboard a warship during World War II as Jerry and his fellow sailors face the threat of a typhoon days before Christmas in Typhoon Prompting by author Terri Wangard.

At least so far, this novelette based on true events is the one book I picked to read from a historical ChristFic collection, The Hope of Christmas. I've been looking for some holiday reads besides romances, as holiday romances are pretty easy for me to find without really looking.

While this story isn't a thriller, it includes some harrowing action and the dark side of combat that takes over after one may have initial excitement imagining the heroic "glory" of going off to war. Although not all of the tasks on the ship were the most interesting for me, and Jerry was more into his letters from back home (about characters I'd never met) than I was, the plot is more about Jerry's shifting thought process.

Now, the story seems to include a bit of spiritual presumption. Also, while I appreciate that the dialogue isn't flowery or sanitized into corniness, I can't say I didn't inwardly grimace at some of it. It'd be pretty unrealistic for American characters never to mention "Japs" in any WWII fiction, but the term "Indian giver" isn't one of great taste either.

Nevertheless, this tale doesn't forget it's about the hope and joy of Christmas, and I loved the ending.

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Update: July 2021

It's about time for Paul to get down to the business of finding a wife for himself: the kind of genteel woman his ma has always wanted for him. To sort through his prospects for a mail-order bride to come out west, Paul asks his strong and loyal best friend, Teddy—that is, Theodora—for help in Picking a Bride for Paul by author Jodie Wolfe.

So! More than a year after I read one historical ChristFic novella from The Hope of Christmas collection, I've come back to read another.

While the unfolding of this Western romance about the plan for a bride-by-mail held no real surprises for me, I liked the lead characters. Down-home God-fearin' folk with dashes of humor and easy chemistry. And I appreciate that the character who could've been the stereotypically exaggerated villain isn't overdone with all bad points in this story.

Now, I wasn't expecting the number of errors I noticed in the punctuation and a little of the grammar, but the errors are in no way excessive.

And of course, the story incorporates the holiday season, and it does so nicely. Christmas is one of the best ingredients you can add to a romance dessert, even if the holiday comes in just the sugary sprinkles on top.

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Update: July 2021

I went ahead and read the last novella in this collection as well.

One of the challenges for me with enemies-to-lovers romances is that if the romantic characters' behavior and thoughts toward each other start off too foul, and not in a light way that's made for comedy, I wind up disliking the characters rather than rooting for them to be together. (Also, regarding this particular story, it's bad to be a jerk in your treatment of another human being, period. Whether or not that other person might be a Christian doesn't determine whether you should treat them with respect or not.) After the negative way the hero and heroine regarded and dealt with each other for much of the story, I didn't find the rather sudden switch to sweet (and deep?) feelings to be convincing.

However, as a fan of historical fiction, I did enjoy the parts specifically concerning the war and its effects.… (lisätietoja)

This group of stories will warm your heart, give you a glimpse into the Amish world and be entertained by three great authors. Each story stands on its own and is filled with wonderful characters throughout the book. Sit back , enjoy yourself and be transported to Amish country.

Mission of Love by Laura V. Hilton

I really enjoyed this story and how it reminds us how hard it is to step out of our comfort zone. Cindy is a sweet young woman who is self conscious of her looks. I thought it was funny that Cindy thought of herself as unattractive; yet her twin she thought was beautiful. One thing is for sure, they may be twins but they sure don't think the same.

Jace has been in trouble in the past and is trying to return a favor by doing outreach to inner city teens. For a moment when he asks Cindy to join him silence filled the air. Cindy has a personal reason why she doesn't want to go to this town and she will have to search her heart to reach out to this community.

It is a journey where we discover that people can be blamed for things they didn't do, learn to forgive and turn to Jesus in time of need. I loved the part in the story when the author shows us what it is like ministering to inner city teens. Cindy really gets to experience compassion and learning how to forgive.

A Bid For Love by Rachel J. Good

This story from the moment I started reading it began to speak to me about trust, integrity and judgment. Many of us all guilty of judging others by their looks or surroundings. hen an elderly woman at an auction catches the three Amish young men's attention, I was totally committed to the story. I won't tell how these three young men ended up at the elderly lady's expensive home, but I will say I was excited to find out what Ms. Isabella had up her sleeves.

It was comical to read how Daniel, Marty and Rafe were a bit frightened of the woman and how they plotted to protect their selves from her. They have a job to do at her home and it was interesting to read how they acted as they became involved in their chores.

I never expected the intrigue in this story and was so impressed with how the author wove a story filled with secrets, danger and life changing events. it moves at a fast pace and I am hoping maybe the author will consider a followup story. One of her best stories I have read from her.

Plain Redemption by Mary Alford

What an exciting story this was. I loved Lyddie right away and felt her pain as she mourned the death of her husband. When a tragic accident happens, her brother-in-law comes home after a year. There is a lot of hurt between Lyddie and Thomas but they need to concentrate on Thomas's father right now.

I loved how the author lets us get to know the characters and take a look at their past. With Thomas home, will Lyddie be able to find love again? It was nice to see how faithful Thomas was to his mother and father. He will do anything to find out who hurt his father. The story is filed with a mystery that surrounds a desk. Someone is desperate to get it back. A mysterious man shows up in town and accidents start to happen. What is this man looking for? Lyddie and Thomas find themselves in danger and must keep one step ahead of this strange man.

The author shares how important it is to trust and forgive in this story. I loved how the characters turned to God and prayed for healing and protection. My favorite character was Thomas because he knew he had walked away from his family and needed to come home to repair the relationship. He is humble and I loved how he stepped up to help out as his father recovers. It is a great story that keeps you guessing and reminds us how important family is.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (lisätietoja)

Love’s Truest Hope contains three captivating and action packed Amish novellas. I enjoyed these three Amish mysteries. The details are slowly revealed which had me quickly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. The most intriguing was Plain Redemption which is written by Mary Alford who also writes for Annie’s Attic Hearts of Amish Country series. I liked the danger and surprising information that is revealed. All three novellas are well-written with interesting characters and situations. Gram was an entertaining character in A Bid for Love. Her various antics had me chuckling. Mission for Love had me happy that I am not a twin which I always thought would be fun growing up. I appreciated the epilogues in each novella. While the characters are going through difficult situations, they never forget that God is there for them. Their faith is strong and they to pray for guidance. Love’s Truest Hope has three diverting Amish tales that will have you putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door.… (lisätietoja)