Stories of small-town Christmas and the enduring love of God from three critically acclaimed authors
In the sleepy small town of Mapleview, Michigan, Christmas
is always something special. In this charming collection of romance novellas,
join three generations of Mapleview residents longing for love--and finding
it--on the most wonderful night of the year.
"Hopes and Fears" by Amanda Wen
Emma Trowbridge is determined to give her students the
Christmas pageant of a lifetime. The last person she expected, or wanted, to
encounter in her two-room classroom is her childhood rival, Frederick
Oberstein. He would rather be far away himself. He wants no part of cheer,
Christmas or otherwise. Can they learn to see each other in a new light--and
embrace a new season of hope and faith together?
"While Mortals Sleep" by Janyre Tromp
While World War II rages overseas, news reporter Eleanor
Sweers returns home to Mapleview to face the repercussions of the death of her
sister and her nightmare of Christmases past. But the homefront isn't as far
from the war as she thought: a bomb has landed in the middle of the U.S. Now Eleanor
and family friend Gideon Braum may have to choose between the scoop of a
lifetime and the love of a lifetime.
"The Wondrous Gift" by Deborah Raney
High school football coach Caleb Janssen and music teacher
Rachel Hamblin bond when they both lose their jobs at a Christian school. But
when they discover their plans for the future are mutually exclusive, the
fallout threatens to tear them apart.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this collection of holiday themed stories. Set in the town of
Mapleview, Michigan, three authors create stories from different generations of
towns folk. Amanda Wen’s story, set in the early days of the town’s settlement,
is a sweet tale of love and forgiveness. Janyre Tromp’s story, set during WW 2
involves intrigue and the most lovable male character, Gideon. Deborah Raney
captures modern day Mapleview in her romance of two teachers. I like that the
schoolhouse from Wen’s story appears in Raney’s. Each story is unique and thoroughly
enjoyable. From historical fiction, to mystery, to contemporary these authors
have delivered three engaging and wonderful stories. Add this to your Christmas
to be read pile. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions
expressed in this review are completely my own.