The Christmas Spirit

Debbie Macomber
Ballantine Books

October 18, 2022

Eight-year-old Lance and his six-year-old sister Lily are visiting their nana, who treasures their company. When she asks if they want to make cookies, they tell her they want her to tell them a tale, one Lance states without kissing, though Lily says she likes romance.

When Lily asks if she can start by saying “Once upon a time . . .” Lance says he wants a real story. So, they want to use, “In the beginning . . .”

As their nana starts, “‘In the beginning there were two rough-and-tough friends named—’”

The children choose the names of the characters: Peter and Hank. And so, the tale begins . . .

It is funny how a lot of people think the grass is always greener on the other side. Such is the case with Peter Armstrong and Hank Colfax. Though best friends, the two couldn’t be any different. Peter is the pastor of a growing church and spends the majority of his time preaching, meeting with parishioners or board members, and engaging in other pertinent duties. Hank owns a very popular tavern named The Last Call and does not have any time for himself. He’s either waiting on customers, ordering supplies, or cleaning his business—all of which is tiring.

When the two single men meet at a local eatery for lunch, Hank mentions how he assumes Peter has it easy—he believes he only has to prepare a sermon and work one day. Wait till he realizes a minister’s job can be exhausting, yet Peter thinks running a bar can’t be too difficult either. So, what happens? They decide to switch jobs for a week, so they can see exactly how hard the other one works.

Peter chuckles at the thought of telling his sister Grace Ann of their plot for he knows the staid and stodgy woman and Hank are like oil and vinegar. Ever since the man Grace Ann believed she would marry wed someone else, she has withdrawn and become a curmudgeon. Peter surmises it will be hilarious when she finds out Hank will be working with her for the week. He can just picture the sparks flying.

“Grace Ann Armstrong glanced up from the typewriter when her brother returned from his lunch with Hank Colfax. Personally, she couldn’t understand what it was about the tavern owner that appealed to Peter. Hank was the one who first shortened her brother’s name to Pete, and soon all his friends followed, much to her consternation. As far as she could tell, the two men had nothing in common, nothing that should bond their friendship, other than the fact that years ago they’d once played on the same football team and ran cross-country together.

“Bottom line—Grace Ann didn’t trust Hank.”

As the two take on the other’s jobs, they realize each position has its own responsibilities, heartaches, and frustrations. At first, Peter feels like a fish out of water, especially when one of the regulars harasses him about not knowing how to pour beer.

“‘Tilt the glass,’ the grisly, bearded man sitting on the other side of the bar snapped at Pete. ‘Look at all the foam that’s collecting. Do you even know what you’re doing?’”

Then six motorcyclists, a group who goes by the name Hell’s Outlaws come into the tavern and badger him more. When he mentions Hank and he are swapping jobs for a week, they tease him, but when Pete discloses his real profession, they drop their nasty demeanor and show him some respect.

Hank happily settles down ready to watch a football game, when Grace Ann comes pounding on his door. She is there to remind him he needs to pick up a trailer to cart a mule they will be using for the live Christmas nativity scene at the church. So much for a relaxing night in front of the TV with a beer.

Grace Ann also does not like Hank for he always calls her Gracie, but she soon starts to notice the man she dislikes in a new light. He proves to be more than helpful, though she still is wary of his flirting ways, not knowing he is determined to break the wall she has built around herself.

Christmas is approaching, and plans are made to have a party at The Last Call where everyone is invited—even those Grace Ann considers unacceptable. She and the members of the Ladies’ Missionary Society from the church prepare the food, and Grace Ann wonders how will they all mix together. Will this be a successful event? In addition, Peter invites the regulars at Hank’s establishment to the holiday service. Can those considered outcasts or overly pious manage to put aside their differences and enjoy each other’s company?

For those who like to reminisce about being snuggled up next to Nana on a cold winter’s day while she relates tales from the past, this novel will take one back to those times. Nanas can tell the best stories ever. With almost all of Debbie Macomber’s novels, the reader is not only given a captivating story, but also a lesson in life.

A Match Made at Christmas

Patricia Davids

HQN

October 4, 2022

10-1335453474

Breast cancer survivor Sophie Eicher needs a new start. When her aunt Rose Yoder, who knows what she’s been through, suggests she relocate to Harts Haven, Kansas, to take the job as the school teacher, she decides to go.

“Everyone in their small Ohio community knew Sophie Eicher was a walking dead woman. Breast cancer had killed her mother and her grandmother. The pitying looks, the way people chose their words so carefully around her, had been stifling. It had been like living in a coffin waiting for the funeral to begin . . .”

Her younger sister Joanna goes with her, not because their widowed father is now remarried, which she uses as an excuse to Sophie, having her think she is in the way of his new family, but because she wants to be with her big sister and take care of her after her medical scare.

Sophie who is supposedly cured from her disease refuses to accept that fact. When her mother and grandmother perished from the same illness, Sophie believes she will not live long. Joanna tries to make her see she can have a full life, and she hopes with this move Sophie will realize she does have a future.

Sophie loves children and mourns the thought she will never have any or a family. With her now taking on the job as an Amish school teacher and knowing teachers are not allowed to be married, it doesn’t matter for she has no intention of ever getting married.

Rose, known to be a match-marker as well as a busybody, is thrilled when the sisters arrive. She has big plans to is fix up both Sophie and Joanna with available bachelors.

One of the men Rose is hoping to match up is Karl Graber. Karl’s beloved wife passed away, leaving him with two young daughters. Knowing Rose well, he warns her not to meddle in his affairs, insisting he will never marry again for his deceased wife was the love of his life. But Rose worries about his girls whom she believes are being neglected while he wallows in his grief.

However, Rose informs Karl he is not on her list of eligible husbands for Sophie, which causes him to wonder why. He doesn’t know about Sophie’s illness, so could that be the reason why Rose crosses him off? Does Rose think Sophie is going to die soon?

When Sophie realizes what Rose is up to, she adamantly but nicely warns her to mind her own business. Sophie’s only wish is to have Joanna marry and have a family of her own before she (Sophie) dies—something she firmly believes will happen.

Sophie soon realizes her aunt is up to something when she recommends they rent the small house on Karl’s property. Sophie decides this could be a reason to push Joanna toward Karl, even though he is much older.

Karl and Sophie clash at first, but before long, Karl finds himself drawn to the lovely young woman, especially seeing how well she connects with his daughters, Clara and Rachel. Clara acts aloof toward Sophie in the beginning, but Rachel is a child anyone can love. As they grow closer to Sophie, they ask if she will become their new mother, scaring Sophie tremendously.

Meanwhile, as the holidays approach, the townspeople are worried about the annual Christmas show the children perform every year. Sophie is stressed because there are only a few weeks left to prepare, and the parents are putting pressure on her. This is a big event for everyone in town, so what shall she do? Surprisingly, Karl helps her with props for the performance that his daughter helped put together. While he and Sophie are thrown closer together, Sophie soon begins to fall in love with the widower. How can this happen? She won’t set her sights on him or anyone, knowing she may not have long to live, yet imagine her surprise when he states his interest in her.

A Match Made in Heaven, book 2 in The Matchmakers of Harts Haven, deals with the uncertainty of life and having faith in God to trust in His ways.

Snowed in for Christmas

Sarah Morgan
HQN
September 20, 2022
10-1335630945

Lucy Clarke loves the marketing job where she has been working for six years. After giving her all to her previous employer where all she got was negativity and brash comments, she is hired by Arnie, whom she now considers her savior. Now it looks like their London company is in trouble after losing two big accounts, and Lucy fears they may soon be closing. Lucy is determined not to let that happen and to find new clients.

It’s right before Christmas and the employees are discussing possibilities to keep them viable. They hear the owner of Miller Active is scouting new agencies. Ross Miller now uses the Fitzwilliam Company—an agency trying to lure Lucy to work for them—so Lucy decides to pitch Ross before anyone else and save Arnie’s company.

Ross is launching a new product, but Arnie forgets what it is called:

“Lucy’s gaze slid to the box on the table. ‘The Fingersnug, Arnie.’

“‘Fingersnug. Right.’ Arnie dragged his hand through his hair, leaving it standing upright. It was one of his many endearing habits. ‘The person who advised them on the product name should rethink his job, but that’s not our problem. Our problem is how to make it the must-have product for Christmas, despite the name and the lack of time to build a heavyweight campaign. And we’re going to do that with social media. It’s instant. It’s impactful. Shows people looking warm and cozy. Has anyone tried the damn thing? Lucy, as you were the last one in through the door and you always forget to wear gloves, you can take one for the team and thank me later.’

“Lucy dutifully slipped her hand inside the Fingersnug and activated it.

“They all watch her expectantly.

“Arnie spread his hands. ‘Anything? Are you feeling a warm glow? Is this life-changing?’

“She felt depressed and a little sick, but neither of those things had anything to do with the Fingersnug. ‘I think it takes a minute to warm up, Arnie.’

“Ted looked puzzled. ‘It’s basically a glove.’

“‘Maybe—’ Arnie planted his hands on the table and leaned forward ‘—but running shoes are running shoes until we persuade the public that this particular pair will change their lives. There are a few original products out there, only original campaigns.’

“The comment was so Arnie. He was a relentless optimist.’ . . .

” . . . ‘It’s warming up,’ she [Lucy] said. ‘This may even cure my frostbite.’ . . .

” . . . ‘Children can use it, and it comes in different sizes.’ Lucy felt her fingers grow steadily warmer. ‘This might be the first time in my life I’ve had warm hands. It might be my new favorite thing.'”

Knowing next to nothing about sportswear, Lucy wants this campaign, then when Arnie falls ill and needs time off, she vows to get this account to thank him for all he has done for her so they can all keep their jobs.

Lucy learns Ross’ offices will be closed for the holidays, so she travels to Scotland and, because she cannot reach him by phone, she will propose her advertising scheme at his home in person. What does she have to lose? Maybe she’ll get the door slammed in her face, but so what? Lucy will otherwise be alone on Christmas, and she looks at this as an adventure. After losing the beloved grandmother who raised her since her parents’ deaths and is now gone, she only has an empty flat to look forward to. That’s no fun for the holidays.

Not dressed warmly enough for Northern Scotland, Lucy arrives to frigid temperatures. Exhausted and starving, she stops in a café in town for coffee and while indulging, she chats with some local women asking for directions to the Miller’s Lodge. They suggest she leave immediately for it is starting to snow, and their property is in the mountains with roads to there treacherous in a storm. As she drives, Lucy’s nerves escalate while maneuvering the twists and turns of the tiny road. Anxious as she is, she only wants to drop off her proposal and get back to London.

She is surprised upon reaching the gorgeous property; not only is it spectacular—so much so, that Lucy fanaticizes about living there—but it also is freezing and as the snow gets heavier, she thinks about making it back home.

An elderly woman answers the door and appears shocked to see her. When she states her name as Lucy, the woman gets excited and drags her inside. Overwhelmed by the grandeur of the home, decorated to the nines for Christmas, what draws Lucy in is the warmth of a fire in the hearth and the scent of something baking.

The older woman says she is Nanna Jean, and she settles Lucy on the couch, offering a hot cup of tea. The rest of the family enters the living room, and Nanna Jean introduces Lucy to Glenda, Ross’s mom; Alice, Ross’s eldest sister with her boyfriend, Nico; and Clemmie, the youngest. Upon hearing Lucy’s name, they all get enthusiastic making Lucy wonder what the fuss is all about. Ross hasn’t arrived yet, but they say he will be happy to see her. Why, Lucy thinks? How did he know she was coming?

It seems Alice and Clemmie made up a fake girlfriend for Ross to keep Glenda and Nanna Jean from prying into Alice’s affairs. Though Nico proposed, Alice is uncertain about getting married, and the more her mother and grandmother press her, the more upset she is. So the sisters’ plan is—what is better than letting them think Ross has a new love interest? He actually doesn’t but isn’t it hilarious the moniker they picked happened to be Lucy?

Appalled when she finds out about their subterfuge, Lucy wonders what Ross will think when he hears his girlfriend is there. Embarrassed, Lucy wants to get out of there before making a fool of herself, but as she leaves, she slips on the ice and breaks her ankle. Alice and Ross take her to the hospital where she’s instructed not to stand for several days. Now between her injury and the “storm of the season,” it looks like she will be staying there indefinitely.

Meanwhile, as Alice ponders a commitment with Nico her tension escalates. Then, when Clemmie drops a bombshell of an announcement, things within become more strained.

With everyone present and Lucy thrust into the midst of their family drama, secrets are divulged, and hopes are shared, yet the bond within them becomes stronger, and they accept Lucy as one of them. So, she thinks, there’s nothing like being stranded in a mountain home during the holidays. With the scent of shortbread baking, pine from the Christmas tree, a fire in the hearth, and the love of this family, what could be more perfect? But Lucy is an outsider. . . .

So what will Alice decide? Will she marry Nico or continue devoting her life to her medical practice? What does Clemmie want so badly? And will she attain her goal? Finally, can Lucy save face with Ross and the family and get the contract with him to keep Arnie’s company afloat?

This lighthearted and easy-to-read novel is filled with many different personalities and emotions that all blend well given their devotion to each other. Nanna Jean with her meddling and offhand comments adds humor to the narrative, yet it is evident there is love within, coupled with the warmth and acceptance they show toward Lucy. But the question is . . . will Ross accept her proposal?

Road to Christmas

Sheila Roberts
MIRA
September 20, 2022
10-0778386562

What happens when a marriage of 29 years is on the rocks? Michelle and Max Turnbull, parents to three wonderful daughters, have been happy for the first 25 years they’ve been together. But, when Max thinks they should try for another baby, and hopefully, a boy, Michelle is concerned. Being the mom of grown women, she knows her age is a detriment, but she loves Max, so she agrees. Thrilled when she learns she is pregnant her heart is broken when she miscarries. Grief and anger set in, and Michelle builds a wall around herself, blaming Max for suggesting another child, and she is devastated about losing it.

Now, four years later, they barely speak and are talking divorce. When the family gathers for Thanksgiving at Michelle and Max’s Washington home, they put on a good front, not wanting anyone to know their troubles. Their older daughters, Audrey and Shyla, detect animosity between them but don’t know what to do. And, Max’s parents also notice things aren’t right. 

Shyla and Audrey discuss their parents hoping their marriage isn’t over:

“Audrey shook her head. ‘The way they kept dodging the subject, I don’t know. I hope not. Twenty-nine years together down the drain.’

Audrey considers: “Except the last five of those had not been happy. Her parents had always seemed so strong, but losing that baby had undone them. Instead of growing closer, they’d fallen apart. They were a great inspiration for staying single.”

Twenty-seven-year-old Audrey lives in Los Angeles, having moved there to be with her boyfriend Dennis, the man she thought was “the one.” But after giving up everything to be near him, he dumps her, stating she drives him nuts because she is always spewing facts. Can she help that she is intelligent? What is it about guys who don’t like smart women? So now, even though she is enjoying the holiday, she is brooding wondering if she’ll ever find Mr. Right!

At 24, Shyla is lucky to have found someone she truly cares for and who feels the same about her. She has a job she loves in San Francisco designing costumes for the stage and shares an apartment with Milton, the guy she hopes will be presenting her with a ring soon.

Grandparents Warren and Hazel Turnbull who live in Oregon are spry senior citizens, though Milton has been having heart problems, which has them all worried. Yet he is stubborn and determines not to let anything bother him.

As they gather for the holiday feast, Max and Michelle put on a good show, trying to convey nothing is wrong, though Hazel and the girls sense the opposite. Another thing dampening the mood is the youngest daughter, Julia, who is not with them. Married and the mother of six-month-old Caroline, they reside in Iowa, and they didn’t want to make the long trip to Washington while the baby is so young. They manage to Zoom to see each other and chat, and during their conversation, Julia invites everyone to her home for Christmas.

Warren is all for it, but Hazel is worried about his health. Audrey and Shyla think it’s a great idea and of course, Max, who loves his daughters is overjoyed about the trip. Michelle cannot stand the thought of spending long hours in a car alone with Max, especially in the winter when they have to travel over the treacherous pass and may become stranded. But she’ll be damned if everyone else goes, and she stays at home.

Michelle, distraught over the imminent breakup considers:

“What Michelle wanted she couldn’t seem to reach. She wanted the happy marriage she’d enjoyed when the girls were small, but she couldn’t get over the wall. In spite of the occasional moments of truce when it looked like maybe they were going to be okay, in spite of stubbornly continuing to live in the same house, the wall kept getting higher.”

Shyla and Audrey drive together to Iowa and though Max wants his parents to ride with them, Warren is stubborn and wants to be alone with Hazel. Could he also be concerned about his son and daughter-in-law and hope with them being alone on the long ride they can work things out?

Michelle and Max begin their journey with a stony silence between them. As snow is falling, an eighteen-wheeler suddenly loses traction and almost careens into them. Max manages to swerve to avoid being hit, and his thoughts turn to his life with Michelle, hoping they can put the pieces back together and regain what they once had.

Meanwhile, Skyler and Audrey stop in Reno for some fun. But when their tire goes flat on a desert road, they wonder what to do since neither knows how to change a tire. As a truck drives up Skyler flags him down. He introduces himself as Russel Livingston and changes the tire for them. When Skyler notices him looking at Audrey she mentions this as they drive to town looking to find a hotel. Though she admits the guy is gorgeous, Audrey brushes it off seeing the sign on his truck that states he’s in construction. Audrey is a snob and only into white-collar guys. But what has that gotten her in the past? Only heartache.

They find there is no lodging available, and they run into Russel getting gas. When he learns of their plight, he offers them to spend the night at his folk’s ranch. Assuring them his parents are there, they decide to take up his offer. Vera and Tom Livingston welcome them with open arms and make them feel right at home. Matchmaker Shyla also thinks this gives Audrey and Russel a chance to become better acquainted.

Warren and Hazel stop for the night at a hotel, and she is annoyed because he forgot his heart medicine. She insists he contact his doctor to call in a prescription, but Warren believes he’ll be fine. Unfortunately, the next day, the snow picks up along their drive and when a deer jumps in front of the car, it frightens them both, causing Warren’s a-fib to act up. Hazel drives him to the nearest hospital where he is treated, and before long, they can be on their way.

As they all experience mishaps on their trip to Iowa, they arrive safely with stories to tell. The most unspoken consideration is the plight of Michelle and Max and what lies ahead in their future. Will they find their way back to the love they once shared?

Though written as a Christmas tale, the suspense, apprehension, and guilt contained in this narrative make for an interesting read any time of the year; however, the escapades of the travelers and the joining together of the family during Christmas add to the sentiment of the holiday.