I love inspiring stories, especially when they are true. That being said, I’m also a BIG dog lover having only gone a few weeks of my entire life without a canine companion. “Second Chance Dogs”, then, was an easy choice of read for me, as it is a feel-good collection of true stories of “the dogs we rescue, and the dogs who rescue us.” Continue reading
Melody Carlson
Melody Carlson’s Christmas 2018 Novella
You know Christmas is just around the corner when Melody Carlson releases her new, annual Christmas novella from Revell Publishers! “A Christmas by the Sea” is the newest release from the pen of Ms. Carlson and is a sweet little story of new beginnings, seaside reminiscences, the possibility of romance – and of course it all takes place at Christmastime. Continue reading
The Christmas Cat review
Several years ago prolific, award-winning author Melody Carlson began a tradition of writing a simple yet heartwarming Christmas novella each autumn, just in time for readers to enjoy as December approached. As the years have passed, this tradition remains in place. From stories about puppies and ponies to department store Santa Clauses, Ms. Carlson has taken readers on many inspirational journeys of holiday imagining. The newest addition to this fun tradition is The Christmas Cat, published by Revell in 2014. As per Ms. Carlson’s previous novellas, this book contains all the necessary elements for a pleasant holiday story, including unexpected occurrences in the lives of lonely people, adorable kitty-capers, Christmas wishes come true, and hints of love.
Unexpectedly, The Christmas Cat opens with news of the death of Garrison Brown’s grandmother – and the uncovering of her will which places him as the sole guardian of Continue reading
A Simple Christmas Wish review
Are you looking for a sweet, heartwarming story to read this Christmas season? Maybe you like a story with a little drama, a hint of mystery, and enough emotional twists to make you laugh and even cry – just a little? Or perhaps your ideal Christmas story contains personable characters who find a home for their hearts during the holidays. Well, your search may be over. A story that fits each of these conditions is available from bestselling author Melody Carlson, and is called A Simple Christmas Wish.
Published by Revell in the fall of 2013, A Simple Christmas Wish is a continuation of the annual tradition started by Melody Carlson, who delights readers with a heartwarming Christmas novella each holiday season. For readers who have enjoyed her stories in past Decembers, or those just discovering these holiday treasures, A Simple Christmas Wish is sure to delight with its unique simplicity.
A very special quality of this story is the strong bond of love between Rachel Milligan and her brother’s child, Holly. While babysitting her beloved niece in Chicago just a few weeks before Christmas, Rachel’s world is turned upside down with tragic news of her only surviving family members. Just as she picks herself up from the terrible turn of events, yet another unwelcome surprise confronts her, leaving her with only one option. Drive to the heart of Amish country, visit a family she never knew existed, and convince them not to take her niece away. Will this be the worst Christmas imaginable, or will Rachel – and Holly – receive the wishes of their hearts?
A Simple Christmas Wish very much reflects its title… It IS simple, both in writing and plot. The writing style is very basic, and you will not be blown away by brilliant dialog or incredible imagery. The characters occasionally lack the emotion their scene demands, and the children’s words do not always reflect their age. However, this story possesses a big heart, and the interwoven theme of the importance of family pardons a less-than-perfect writing style. All aspects considered, A Simple Christmas Wish is a sweet and simple story of love and hope at Christmastime and – if you can forgive a very basic writing style – just may become your new holiday tradition.
“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group”.
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 