Review of a Christmas Story that will touch your heart!!

"The Christmas Shoppe"
    By Melody Carlson
This best selling author has done it again! Melody, the author of "Christmas at Harrington's", has again succeeded in  writing a touching Christmas tale, which makes you think- where has the real meaning of Christmas gone?   Her ability to draw you into the lives of the characters, some quirky, different, and others mean and nasty, is outstanding. 


The setting of the book is in the small town of Parrish Springs. It has the typical small town atmosphere and is described in great detail as a sleepy little place, where the stores are struggling to keep going in these times. Then upon the scene, enters a strange looking, odd acting character, Matilda.  She has managed to purchase a large , empty building in the core of the town, one which has been sought after by a wealthy major official , who takes her arrival in a very negative manner.  Mathilda has the town in a complete frenzy of wondering what on earth she is doing in this shop. Just to look at her, amazes the townspeople. Scraggly hair, jangly jewelry, strange clothing!  AND the store appears to be filled with junk!!


The story continues to tell how the other store owners start rumors and strive to get rid of this eye sore of a "shoppe".  However, to their surprise, they discover that Matilda has something there, that each one of them "needs"! BUT they do not know it!!


Melody uses delightful verses throughout the book- that Matilda displays in her stores that make you really think.  What is Christmas really about and what changes do all of us need to make?  
This is a quick to read Christmas story that we all should read and take a quick retake of how we live and celebrate the season.
An enjoyable book!!  

"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".

A Christmas Book not to be missed!!

Remembering Christmas
    By Dan Walsh
Dan has continued to write in his unique, skilled storytelling style in this romantic fiction. He uses totally unexpected twists in his plot to keep your eyes glued to the page , while you become engrossed with his well described characters, who at times fill you with joy, other times worry and fears. These characters are so realistic, each in his/her own way, full of quirks. They continue to delight and surprise you throughout the story. Dan successfully creates a Christmas story like no other. It reminds you of everything good and perfect that Christmas is to be full of.  He is certainly successful of making the reader aware of why this time of year is so special!!


The main character, Rick, lives his own life on his own terms.He is an independent man who tends to work and play hard. When his mother calls, asking him to come home after his stepfather suffers an aneurysm, he is full of doubts and reluctance. He has never totally accepted this man, yet he is to help out in his time of need. Rick is not a sympathetic man , nor does he really want a life change.
What was supposed, he thought, to be a couple of days, helping at the family bookstore, turns into a long term job. Rick is expected to run the store as his stepfather did , catering to the type of  people to whom Rick has never been attracted- the elderly, the homeless, the poor.   One particular homeless man is a constant throughout the book- he is always there, looking for handouts and a kind word- Rick has to come to terms with a surprising and shocking fact, involving this individual.
The one bright spot is the young, pretty lady who works daily side by side with Rick, attempting to keep the shop going during this busy season, when everything else is going wrong.  Rick is forced to deal with deep hurts from the past and decisions that will affect not only his Christmas but the rest of his life.  Changes have to be made and they start within.


I am unable to tell more , as it would spoil the reading of this fabulous book. Your heart will be touched in this wonderful Christmas story, as we are reminded that change is NOT always bad and remembering pain can be a healing force.


Thank you , Dan for sharing your storytelling talent with us.



"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".

A Beautiful Christmas Story

Christmas at Harrington's
By Melody Carson
What a caring, beautiful Christmas story , this was, from beginning to end.  Christmas is approaching  and the main character , Lena, finds herself penniless, with no job or hope for the future. Although she is trying to start a new life, jobs are scarce.  Worries abound.
When a kind stranger gives her what seems like a useless gift, she is finally able to land a job, only to find herself in another negative, seemingly hopeless situation.
Lena's faith keeps her going through many trials and challenges through the Christmas season- with the help of the kindness and caring of strangers-her angels in disguise.
Melody creates great feeling in this novel- of  empathy , hope and trust in others. Her characters become very real to the reader - I could NOT put this book down. What an inspirational read for this Christmas season!!  Thank you, Melody, for reminding me that the small things we do for others can form their future and help regain their faith in God.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."