I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
I am so excited to start my Christmas book reviews for this holiday season with this new book by author Melody Carlson. I have eagerly awaited this book's arrival since I learned of its publishing date. I am a big fan of Melody Carlson and her Christmas books are a tradition for me.
The setting of the book is during WWII in the 1940s. Amelia Richards, a young mother who has a child out of wedlock, is struggling financially and emotionally with her newborn infant. She has learned that her fiance was shot over Japan in his airplane and is dead. She makes the decision to go and find James' family to help her with the baby. Many things happen, including both the baby and Amelia becoming very ill. She manages to sneak the baby into the manger on the front lawn of James' parents' home. She is afraid to meet them, worrying that the family might think she is just out to get money.
The story builds to an astonishing conclusion. A perfect ending to a Christmas story.
This is an easy read. I read it in about an afternoon and a half. Perfect for those holiday afternoons where you want to sit in front of the fireplace and sip some hot chocolate and read a wonderful story. There is some Gospel overtones to the story. It isn't very deep, and given that this is the Christmas season, I would have liked it to be a little more religious, but not everyone feels the same.
Melody Carlson creates characters you want to know as real friends. I fell in love with James' parents and as a parent, understood where they were coming from, even when it seemed harsh. I will look forward to her next Christmas story.
Author Bio: Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Cat, The Christmas Joy Ride, and The Christmas Angel Project. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
If you would like to purchase this book for reading, please use the link below. It gives me a small commission but doesn't change the price for you! Thank you for supporting Christmas Tree Lane!
The Christmas Blessing
It sounds amazing and I would love to read it. It's nice to have books like this, it's not a heavy story to read and it's definitely something that's perfect for the Holidays!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very interesting read. The holiday seasons are perfect for catching up on reading, so book reviews are very helpful.
ReplyDeleteI don't know this book. This seems like it would be a good book for those really wanting to get in the Christmas spirit. Or maybe a gift for someone who wants to be reminded of Christmas all year round.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, Christmas books already! This sounds so good, it would be such a horrible thing to be a single mother in the 1940s
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great read! I've never read an holiday specific books but I'd like to read this one. Sounds like a beautiful, heartfelt story!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh my interest is piqued! I need to get this book too!
ReplyDeleteI cqan't believe it is getting close to Christmas! I am excited and so not ready at the same time lol
ReplyDeleteI love quick reads. Out of all the books that I've ever read, besides a kids book, there was never a Christmas experienced in the stories. I may have to change that.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great story for the holiday season! I'm always on the look out for new books to read so will definitely check this one out.
ReplyDeleteThe plot of this book is definitely putting me in the Christmas spirit. I can't believe that this holiday is right around the corner.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading Melody Carlson's Christmas books; some more than others. The Christmas Bus is my all-time favorite of hers. I purchased The Christmas Blessing the day it was published and it is a very easy, quick read. A great way to start the Christmas reading season!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book, and we are always looking for new Christmas books. I'll definitely have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteThis book really does sound like the perfect Christmas reading. I love that the author Melody Carlson traditionally writes Christmas Stories.
ReplyDeleteI love reading Christmas themed books. They always put me in such a great mood. Sounds like overall this would be a good one.
ReplyDeleteI really need to stock up on some Christmas reading. These reviews are really going to help me and I will pick this one up to try myself.
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely! I love Xmas books as they always make me feel so jolly around the holidays. I will give this one a try!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of all those Hallmark Christmas movies I love so much. They are fun to watch, even though you know how the story might play out. But I love a good happy ending.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun holiday read and perfect for getting in the spirit. I'm trying to hold off on that Christmas feeling until November but this book sounds too good to pass up.
ReplyDelete