In Kristi Ann Hunter’s “Legacy of Love,” Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman’s grandson, a man far above her station.In Karen Witemeyer’s “Gift of the Heart,” widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern … the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.
In Sarah Loudin Thomas’s “A Shot at Love,” Fleeta Brady’s rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family’s brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.
In Becky Wade’s “Because of You,” Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?
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4.5 Stars
What a treasure trove collection of stories! I love the over-arching theme of following along the journey a family heirloom takes—a luckenbooth brooch given to four generations. Legend has it that whoever owns this brooch will find true love! First passed down to Sarah Gooding in 1827 from Lady Densbey who in turn, introduced her grandson, thus starting a chain reaction that spanned the years to our own modern day! I really enjoyed this because I not only read four love stories, but they were all Christmas themed to boot! While I can’t really fathom that the holidays are just around the corner again, I love an early start to my favorite season in the pages of a book. While each of these stories are novella length, they neither lacked depth nor felt rushed. I think they are perfect for times when a reader can only carve out a small chunk of their day to read. I also discovered a new-to-me author in Sarah Loudin Thomas and will be searching out more books written by her. That’s the other thing I love, meeting new authors through collections such as this! All of these stories are wonderful and all were my favorite; not one of them stood out above the other. That being said, I will do a short review on “Gift of the Heart” by Karen Witemeyer.
Gift of the Heart
Since my favorite Biblical story is Ruth and Naomi, this held a special place in my heart. I really enjoyed the nod to scripture. Widow Ruth Albright & her daughter Naomi relocate to Hope Springs, Texas two years after her husbands death. Taking the job as a cook at the Homespun Cafe, she hopes to start a better life for her and her daughter. In the meantime, she meets her landlord, Beaurgard Azlin—or Bo for short. Thus begins their happily-ever-after story, and while this may sound too perfect, it has a few rocky places they both must navigate. Ruth is good for Bo in boosting his self-confidence and in return, Bo is good for Ruth in resurrecting feelings she thought buried with her husband. Naomi is the glue that binds them together! I love her spunky spirit, her childlike view of the world and her compassion for one stray cat lovingly nicknamed Teddy. Talking about the tabby, he contributes his own quirkiness and personality to the mix. A mish-mash family who’s love-story is hard earned and has a satisfying end. Witemeyer inserts her trademark humor that had me laughing out loud in quite a few spots & her characters are ones I would have enjoyed meeting. Too bad it’s not real because I could make a life in Hope Springs myself! A delightful story with a Biblical twist.
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House on behalf of the authors and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
As someone who is sentimental when it comes to family heirlooms, I adored this novella collection. Each of the stories is tied together by this heirloom brooch and it was wonderful to watch it make its way through the generations. Kristi Ann Hunter’s Sarah Gooding was entertaining (quite literally as she was playing the piano in the opening scene) from page one. Karen Witemeyer’s Ruth Albright proved to be a shrewd business woman who was determined to make her way on her own terms. Sarah Loudin Thomas’ Fleeta Brady was so unconventional that I couldn’t help but love her! And Becky Wade’s Maddie Winslow is the perfect character to tide those of us over who are anxiously awaiting the next story in the Bradford Sisters collection. Maddie had been introduced in the novels so it was a delight to see her story play out.
What a wonderful collection of novellas! I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story! I also loved the connection of the piece of heirloom jewelry that traveled through the ages and tied all of these romantic stories together. This collection is definitely one that should not be missed.
In Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter, I loved the way the two main characters cared for the aging Lady Densbury. Sarah and Randall captured my heart with they way they both loved Randall’s grandmother.
In Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer, I instantly felt respect for both Ruth and Bo in the way they treated each other. I liked how the attraction grew between these two and the sweet acts of kindness that Bo showed for Ruth and her daughter.
In A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I felt like I was tucked away in the cozy Appalachian community with Fleeta and Hank. I loved seeing Fleeta through Hank’s eyes and watching as Fleeta became open to the idea of love.
In Because of You by Becky Wade, Maddie and Leo were characters that I couldn’t help but love. Seeing Leo’s eyes open to the woman Maddie was and watching Leo as he realized that his heart was drawn to Maddie was a beautiful picture of the beginning of love. Their budding romance was so sweet!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading the heart-warming stories of love in this delightful collection. Beginning with the first story, Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter, we follow the legacy of a beautiful brooch as it is passed first from Grandmother to Grandson’s intended and then from mother to daughter.
Each story takes place during the Christmas season, and is sure to put you in the holiday mood! With moments that had me laughing out loud and then gasping in surprise, I was fully enchanted with these charming stories of finding love in the most unexpected places!
What first caught my attention was the luckenbooth brooch on the cover! I first learned about the luckenbooth brooches and the fascinating history several years ago, and I even have my own (though without a pretty stone in the center). I knew instantly that I had to read this book and I have enjoyed reading each of the four stories in this collection. This collection of stories are delightful and endearing and they are sure to linger in your memory long after you’ve closed the book!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Christmas Heirloom
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter
What a beautiful story about an amazing woman! This aging grandmother had a gift of love and living a life well that made her an eccentric in her circle, but what a legacy she left for her steadfast aide and her favorite grandson! The narration was superb and was the perfect screeching mother and aristocratic men along with the gentle grandmother and the passionate companion!
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer
What an endearing story! So many moments of touching wisdom mixed with heart stopping sentimental possibilities of deep passionate forever love! A truly touching love story! A delightful narration!
I loved the Southern drawl of the mother and the adorable voice of the joyful child!
A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas
What an amazing story! I loved the Christmas sermon and how Fleeta finally understood her worth in the eyes of God! He loved her regardless of how unfeminine she was or how abandoned she felt as an orphan! But God isn’t the only one who sees her worth and wants to treasure her! Great narration! I think Fleetwood was portrayed perfectly!
Because of You by Becky Wade
I don’t read (or listen) to a lot of contemporary romances, but I did enjoy this story! The fight over the guilt was powerful, but her resolution was great! I enjoyed the narration very much. The sweet children were my favorite voices!
This is a combination of four wonderful novellas that center around a family heirloom. Honestly, they vary with how concentrated the Christmas time setting is, for some it was there but in no way a focus. Other stories it was important to holding the story together. Like I said before, they were all great stories, but I especially loved the first two. I can’t say I have any specific reason for that though.
Oh and on a side note. All but Karen Witemeyer’s story connects to at least one other story the author has written. In case you are someone who wants to read books in a series together.
Four short novels by four fantastic authors! The perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit!
Family history is very important to me as are the treasures that have been passed down, so I truly loved reading about the family heirloom being passed down through generations. The love stories were very cute, and were connected in very believable ways.
This is a fun novella collection from four popular authors, each writing in the genre they are known for. The stories are linked several ways—they are linked to each other as the heroines are gifted and then pass down a family heirloom, and each has a Christmas scene (enough to make it marketable as a Christmas collection, but not so Christmassy that it felt odd to read in October). Some of the stories are also linked to other stories from that individual author. Clever, and fun!
As is typical for novellas, the stories are quick and relatively fast-paced, but each is a complete and satisfying story.
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter is loosely linked to her current Haven Manor series.
The heroine, Sarah Gooding, was raised at Haven Manor and has no idea who her parents are. She’s working as the companion to the Dowager Countess of Densbury and is secretly in love with Lady Densbury’s grandson, Mr Everard. Or perhaps that’s not-so-secretly …
The story is written in Hunter’s trademark fun style, with subtle humour that builds character and reduces tension rather than crossing over to the ridiculous. Despite the short length, Legacy of Love manages to pack quite the emotional punch—I can’t remember the last time I cried over a novel, let alone a novella.
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer introduces widow Ruth Fullbright and her daughter, Naomi.
Ruth has come to the resort town of Hope Springs to take a job as cook at the Homespun Cafe. But Ruth has no money to pay the deposit or advance rent on the only place in town she can afford, so she asks the owner if he’ll accept a broach, a family heirloom, as security. He does … especially because he’s curioius about and attracted to the small town’s new resident.
This is a feel-good romance, exactly what I expect from Karen Witemeyer. There are great characters, Christian themes, and plenty of subtle humour.
(As an aside, Hope Springs seems to be a popular name for fictional towns—I’ve just started Who I Am With You by Robin Jones Gunn, which also features a heroine living in Hope Springs. I guess Christian authors like the symbolism.)
A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas features an unusual heroine.
She’s a crack shot who carves rifle butts and wants to own her own gunsmithing store one day. When Hank visits town for work, Fleeta soon finds he’s the only person she’s met—male or female—who can give her some competition for her shooting. But will he be content to settle a shooting, or will he want more?
This was the story I didn’t enjoy as much as the others. I haven’t read anything by Sarah Loudin Thomas before, so that could be because I was still trying to get used to her style. It could also be because I’m not a gun person, so the idea of anyone wanting to be a gunsmith is outside my experience.
However, that’s a statement of preference. There was nothing wrong with the story, the characters, or the writing. I just found it harder to related to Fleeta, which made it difficult to engage with the story.
The final story, Because of You by Becky Wade, is set in the present day.
It’s part of the Bradford Sisters Romance series, but it’s not about one of the Bradford sisters. Instead, it’s about Maddie Winslow, who works for one of the sisters.
Because of You is a classic friends-to-something-else plot, as Maddie is in love with her (dead) best friend’s husband. When they are assigned to be partners in the church Christmas project, they are forced to spend time alone together, and that changes things …
All in all, this was a fun novella collection centered around a family heirloom—a valuable brooch. If (like me) you already know and enjoy one or more of these authors, then the collection is a great way to be introduced to the others.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
The Heirloom is a collection of four novellas that all center around a brooch that has been passed from mother to daughter through several generations and the true love that will be found by the current owner. The collection follows the passing of the brooch from the 1800’s to present day. This is a heartwarming collection of stories centered around Christmastime, but could definitely be read any time of the year. It was interesting to see how the authors connected the stories, but each one could definitely be read by itself. I know some people do not enjoy novellas because there is not as much time for character development, but in my opinion that is not an issue with this collection.
I was given a copy of this collection in exchange for my honest review.
I love the idea behind this book of an heirloom because passed through the generations. And what better time than Christmas?
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter
Having read all of Kristi Ann Hunter’s published works, I had a feeling I would love this one as well. She writes such interesting, unique, imperfect characters. Not only are they more realistic, but you really want to root for them to get their happy endings.
Randall Everard is a third son. I never really considered a third son’s life during this time period. He is neither the heir nor the spare, and he is just trying to find his place. There is no set path for him, which has both positives and negatives.
Sarah Gooding is seen before in the Haven Manor series. I love when stories are interconnected, though this book can be read as a stand alone.
I loved how much Christmas was in this story and how it fit together so well. I also loved the message that you should be able to live your life no matter what age you are.
The scene with Sarah playing the piano was hilarious and one of my favorites.
Though I would love to spend more time with the characters, it has the feel of a full length novel and doesn’t feel rushed.
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer
Like Hunter, Witemeyer is another one of my favorite authors. As a member of her “Posse”, I love that she dedicated the story to us!
Karen Witemeyer also creates characters who are not perfect. She has the ability to make her characters strong while also being incredibly vulnerable.
I loved the Biblical connection to the Ruth and Boaz story. Besides the names, there were so many little connections as well.
Beauregard “Bo” Azlin was one of those characters you feel an instant connection to. The back story of Bo’s childhood where his mother considered him damaged goods is heart breaking. Bo tried to be fair to everyone and not give special treatment but he also helped protect those in need. I liked the scene where Bo is holding the heirloom and vowing to keep it safe for Ruth. It was also sweet how he liked to keep the heirloom near his heart.
Witemeyer’s books always contain some funny moments. When Bo calls the stray cat a miscreant, little Naomi mistakenly believes that the cat’s name is Miss Creant. Bo and Naomi have a number of sweet and funny conversations.
While this felt like a very complete story, I want it to continue. I’m not ready to leave these characters.
A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas
It took me awhile to get into this story. The beginning was inundated with hunting and gun talk. While I don’t have a problem with hunting for need, I don’t like the “sport” or bragging that was involved. The second half of the book was a lot more enjoyable for me.
I liked that Fleeta was a different kind of character. She wasn’t “girly” and she liked the same jobs and hobbies that were usually only thought of for men.
Jack the bird was a fun little character and I liked the cousins.
I have read a novella by this author that I enjoyed and I own a few other books that are on my TBR list that I look forward to reading.
Because of You by Becky Wade
I want to start out by saying that I read over 200 books a year and out of those 200, less than 5 are contemporary. And those contemporary ones are usually by favorite authors of mine. I just tend to find issues with a lot of contemporary books.
In the first few pages, I began to be turned off by the usage of some “trendy” modern words but was still very open-minded. Then there was the character Maddie. Maddie has been pining for Leo for years, including the time he was married to her friend. She didn’t seem to find anything wrong with that. Then after his wife dies and he is interested in Maddie, she suddenly feels like she is betraying her friend.
Maddie spends a lot of time taking pictures for her Instagram. That in and of itself didn’t bother me. It was the fact that she would be in the middle of a conversation involving charity and she would have to stand up and take 50 shots trying to get the perfect photo of her salad and chips. Seriously? And I know some people like to look at food pictures for some reason, but a salad and chips? Then when Leo doesn’t understand, she calls him “quaint”.
There are a few conversations with Maddie and her grandmother Fleeta. Comparing Fleeta from the previous story, who is a strong, independent woman, with Maddie makes Maddie’s personality even more surprising. Maddie’s mother, Laura, also seems flaky. And it was sad how a sentimental heirloom that has been passed down since the 1700s was treated.
There were some positives. I liked Leo. He was sweet and adorably awkward but was also loyal to his wife and a good father. I like that adoption was included in the book but the fact that the girls had been adopted wasn’t dwelled upon. And I loved that Charlie picked out a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
Because of You wasn’t for me. As I mentioned though, contemporary fiction isn’t really my favorite genre.
Before this compilation, I had only read the first two authors. But the idea of a group of connected novellas set around Christmas and a family heirloom proved absolutely irresistible. Okay, I didn’t really try to resist. I’m glad I didn’t, because this collection is perfect for the season!
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter
Ohhhh! I have a bone to pick with Hunter: you are NOT supposed to blindside a reader with tears as she reads a Christmas novella! This beautiful story quickly engaged my emotions and reminded me of why family is such an important part of who we are and makes Christmas more memorable when we spend it with those we love.
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer
This novella’s wounded hero is truly heroic and a unique man to cheer on. I love that he wasn’t quite what I expected as I began reading, but I couldn’t imagine the story being told with any other leading man. The secondary characters have some spunk and a spark that serves to brighten the tale and, along with Witemeyer’s humor and some beautifully poignant moments, make it a perfect read with a warm slice of pie.
A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas
This is my first story by Thomas and very different from the others in the collection, though the continuity is kept by the same brooch working its way through the family line. Fleeta has a unique perspective on life and that made her interesting to me, even as I struggled a bit to relate to her. I liked how family connections were strong; even when the characters made mistakes, love abounded and people were always shown as the most important consideration, even over long-held dreams.
Because of You by Becky Wade
The final novella is also by a new-to-me author, but only because I don’t often read contemporary stories—her writing is really fun and thoroughly enjoyable. I really liked this sweet story about finding joy and how life is worth living even after tragedy. The characters are loveable and perfect for each other, and the touches of humor added to the festive feel of the novella.
I highly recommend this collection to fans of Christmas stories, novella collections, and these authors. I really enjoyed how the stories all connected together through the heirloom, but each one easily reads as a standalone within the collection and among the authors’ series, though fans will notice some overlap with already beloved characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the authors and publisher, but was not required to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
What a wonderful collection of novellas! I especially enjoyed that the four Christmas stories were connected as a brooch is handed down from mother to daughter. The collection begins with Kristi Ann Hunter’s humorous romantic Regency era novella through several generations to the present day story provided by Becky Wade. In between, Karen Witemeyer adds a delightful heart- warming story set in 1890, which resembles the book of Ruth from the Bible. While Sarah Loudin Thomas adds a heroine with unusual interests for 1958, which made me like her all the more. All four stories involve unique characters united by the brooch. I enjoyed each novella as the romance unfolded and the backdrop of Christmas made it all the sweeter. The short novellas are the perfect length for a busy season. This book would make a great gift for the book lover in your life. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are mine
An ancient heirloom – can it bring love?
When I saw that two authors I know and love were a part of this collection, I knew I had to read it. All the stories are tied together by a beautiful luckenbooth that has been passed down from mother to daughter for centuries.
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter
England – 1827
When a lonely orphan becomes Companion to a Dowager Countess, she is snubbed by most of the family. I was enthralled by the way the author conveyed the distance the family placed between them and her using the giraffe piano that she was expected to play through their meals. And I cracked up at the way that Sarah was playing so distractedly, peeking around to see where in the meal she was and to make sure she didn’t miss the cake.
The rest was every bit as endearing. The contrast between Sarah’s thoughts and her meek demeanor when she was with the family made for amusing reading. But the way that she pulled out of her quiet ways to defend the dowager showed some of the fire that she had kept hidden. What a lovely person she was!
Randall was delightfully confused at his grandmother’s Companion. When he saw the spark of life in the mousy girl. Well! He was the third son, and therefore unimportant. He didn’t really care because he loved living on the family farm working the land and making it prosper. Despite his lofty upbringing, he was humble and kind.
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer
Texas – 1890
When the lovely widow, Ruth, comes into Hope Springs, her hopes are no higher than having a chance to provide for her daughter. She is surprised by the warm welcome and deep friendship her new employer offers her.
Bo has been mostly a recluse due to an injury to his arm when he was just a boy that left it practically useless. In an attempt to not call attention to himself and his disability, he spends most of his time at home and his resort and sneaks through back alleys when he needs to travel between the two. He doesn’t have much trust in women – the only ones who had paid him any attention were only after his money.
The author uses Proverbs 31 references throughout to describe Ruth and it is very fitting. She had a deep faith in the Lord and worked hard to provide for her daughter. She was full of kindness and didn’t give Bo’s injury any thought other than with compassion, not pity.
I loved the way Ruth slowly wormed her way into Bo’s heart by simply being friendly and seeing him. And then when Bo discovered Maddie, Ruth’s daughter, in danger. Wow!
Gift of the Heart was warm and fuzzy (there was a cat in it after all!) and filled with the humor I have come to expect from the author.
A Shot at Love by Sarah Louden Thomas
West Virginia – 1958
Fleeta was as unusual as her name. Orphaned as a young girl, she now lived with her aunt and uncle and their passel of children. Having heard how her mother died of heartsickness and loneliness once her husband had died, Fleeta determined to never fall in love. She was more comfortable in pants than a dress and with a gun in her arms than with a kitchen pan. She was such a great shot, the men of the West Virginia town she lived in never hoped to win a contest shooting against her.
Hank was also a gun enthusiast. He was only in town a short time for work but while he was there, he saw in Fleeta something none of the local men had seen – that in addition to her tomboy ways, she was a beauty and was worth pursuing.
Though I am not anything like Fleeta, I could relate to the insecurities she experienced and really enjoyed reading her story. It was such fun to have a blue jay play an unexpected role. The writing pulled me into the Appalachian village and had me falling in love with the people.
Because of You by Becky Wade
Washington – Contemporary
I was hooked from the first sentence. I can’t even imagine how awkward it would be to have a crush on your best friend’s boyfriend, especially when the friend ends up marrying him. Ouch!
Maddie was a godly woman who had a heart of gold. I admired her sense of how to take charge of serving the single mother in need at Christmas. For her, it was much more than just a cause to write a check for. She poured her heart and soul into raising money and then shopping for the family to make sure they knew they were loved.
I’m hesitant to say much. I don’t want to give any spoilers here. I will say that Maddie had burdened herself with requirements that were not from the Lord, and she almost missed out on a huge blessing. However, her concerns about doing everything right and staying close to the Lord were so admirable.
My heart was deeply involved in this story.
Read with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
What an absolutely delightful novella collection! I loved how perfectly the brooch was woven into each of the novellas! I adored every single one of these stories and highly recommend The Christmas Heirloom!
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter
This adorable novella drew me in from the first page and didn’t let go!
I absolutely loved Sarah and Randall’s story! The dowager Countess of Densbury quickly became a favorite secondary character. Kristi’s writing was fantastic as always and I absolutely loved every moment of this novella!
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer
I always adore Karen’s books and this novella was no exception! Ruth and Bo were such fabulous main characters, and little Naomi and her matchmaking cat Teddy were absolutely delightful and made me laugh out loud numerous times! Every single word of this novella was phenomenal and I hated to see it end, but as usual when I finish one of Karen’s books a sigh of happiness left my grinning lips when I turned the final page!
A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas
This was such a cute novella, I loved it even more than I was expecting to! Seeing as I am not super girly myself I love to read stories about grown up tomboys, and I found myself relating to Fleeta in a number of ways! I loved the voice that this story is written in, it’s just so entertaining and all around fun to read! I loved the ending, and the story was an absolute pleasure to read! I don’t often read stories set in the 1950’s but I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work in the future!
Because of You by Becky Wade
This novella was absolutely fantastic! Maddie and Leo were great characters. I found myself relating to Maddie quite a bit, and I loved Leo’s quiet reserve and bookishness! I’m a huge fan of Les Mis and I LOVED that it was mentioned in the story, so awesome! I was swept away into this story on page one and I loved every single second I spent reading it! Total awesomeness from beginning to end!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author Kristi Ann Hunter, which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed the four stories that traversed from 1827 England to present day in the United States of America. Each story is basically a stand alone with a family heirloom, a brooch, being the link between them all. The brooch is a family heirloom that is handed down from mother to daughter along with the tale that it helps to provide true love. I was excited to read this book because Becky Wade is one of the authors. And I thought it would be a great way to introduce myself to 3 authors that I had not read before. Each story is based around Christmas time but I would not say that any of them are strongly Christmas related in their story. I normally don’t read Christmas stories until December but because each story was not “full on” Christmas I would have no problem saying it can be read any time of year and be fully enjoyed.
I was given this book by the publisher to offer my honest opinion and that is what I did.
4.5 stars
A lovely jeweled brooch travels through time to inspire those to whom it is bequeathed, a lifetime of love.
“Legacy of Love” -Kristi Ann Hunter A most unexpected love intervenes when a dowager’s companion catches the attention of her grandson. “I played her home” . . . one of the most beautiful lines ever written, when Christmas arrives not once, but twice!
“Gift of the Heart” – Karen Witemeyer “Hope was a dangerous thing to give a man” . . . . especially when a sweet, precocious “tadpole” is part of the deal. When a wealthy, but seemingly flawed business tycoon meets a lovely widow, a precious heirloom becomes the only thing standing between them.
“A Shot of Love” – Sarah Loudin Thomas Crack shot Fleeta Brady meets her match when a handsome stranger visits her part of the West Virginia hill country. ” . . she’d had her fill of men . . . She’d take care of herself and never look to a husband for anything.” Or would she? Could accepting a beautiful heirloom, gifted years ago by her dead mother, play a role in changing her mind?
“Because of You” – Becky Wade A lovely piece of antique jewelry is rescued from its attic home by Maddie Winslow, during a time when she is struggling to find her place in a handsome widower’s life; a man she has admired from quite a distance, since he was married to one of her best friends. Will the entwined silver hearts indeed come full circle?
This is a collection of stories that will prove heartwarming all twelve months of the year.
The Christmas Heirloom is an utterly charming collection of Christmas stories by some of my all time favorite authors. Spanning multiple generations of a family with a broach handed down from mother to daughter made for some enjoyable stories and characters to meet along the way. Most of the stories have connections to the authors series, so to see the tie-ins there was completely fun. From England in the 1820’s to present day Washington, there is a story for everyone and with the sweetness of Christmas thrown in to the mix, this collection is not to be missed!
I received this book from the author and publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I cannot say enough about this book! The whole premise is so traditional, yet modern too! It bridges generations and for that, it will pull in every reader that reads it. It has something for everyone! I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was one of those books that you are truly sorry when it ends! I don’t want to give out any spoilers so I will just give a little “hint” about each story!
LEGACY OF LOVE – Krisiti Ann Hunter
This, of course, starts things out! It all begins in England in the 1800’s and tells where the special brooch comes from and how is comes into the life of a spunky old woman whom I adored! Her companion, Sarah, was thought to be “meek and lowly in station” but she was actually a strong woman. The old woman’s grandson, Randall, is the only one who saw that!
A SHOT AT LOVE – Sarah Loudin Thomas
This story was very different! Going from England to almost a “hillbilly” setting! Fleeta was the best shot around! She didn’t want to get married, she was raised by her aunt and uncle because her parents had died. She was a total tomboy and loved guns! Enter Hank who was a guest of a family Fleeta knew. He totally understood Fleeta like no one else. He gave her the space to be herself.
GIFT OF THE HEART – Karen Witemeyer
I loved this story of Ruth, a widow, and her sweet daughter, Naomi. They had moved to a small town to start over after the death of her husband. The rich man in the town who owned just about everything was Beauregard Azlin and he was quite misunderstood! Naomi gets under his defenses and so does a kitty….the rest is history!
BECAUSE OF YOU – Becky Wade
Another very emotional tale. This time the widower is Leo with a cute child name Charlie. He can’t seem to move on after the death of his wife 2 years earlier. Maddie has been in love with him for years but, of course, never acted on it! They get put on a church mission project together and have some special experiences but Maddie knows nothing will come of it! Then, Maddie finds out about the brooch…..
Some of my favorites are contributing stories to this novella collection and I wanted to read it as soon as I saw it. The stories follow an amethyst and silver, intricately created brooch, from the 1800s to the present day. It was very interesting to read about every woman who owned the brooch and what it meant to her.
I have only read a few of Hunter’s stories, but I thoroughly enjoyed her contribution. The other authors, Witemeyer, Thomas and Wade have been favorites for years and they are always a joy to read. All the stories are crafted in such a way that they do not seem like a short novella.. Full and rich they are and sure to be enjoyed by many, especially fans of these authors. Recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher for a preview copy of this book. The opinion stated here is entirely my own.