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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I loved these stories by some of my all-time favorite authors! It was fun to watch the brooch transition through history, hearing about characters from the previous stories in the collection and how they impacted future generations. Each story was a fun read, but the way the brooch connected them into a complete journey makes this collection stand out. I highly recommend!
The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love through the Generations includes terrific stories written by Kristi Ann Hunter, Karen Witemeyer, Sarah Loudin Thomas, and Becky Wade. Engaging and memorable, each of these novellas is well-written and utterly delightful. All four stories contain richly developed characters, wonderful settings, and plenty of sweet romance and holiday cheer.
Featuring novellas that are set in England during the Regency Era, in post Civil War Texas, in late 1950’s West Virginia, and in present day Washington state, this collection includes stories that will satisfy the preferences of a wide variety of readers. The authors have creatively connected these novellas in ways that are clever, meaningful, and truly entertaining. There is an easy flow from one novella to the next, and rather than four disparate books, it is four special stories linked together through the passage of time, the power of faith, and the bonds of family.
I enjoyed every bit of this collection from the first sentence to the last. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down. I simply loved being in the fictional worlds these authors created. I was quickly invested in the plot of each novella, and I also had a swift emotional connection to the characters within each story. Their struggles and their successes, their motivations and their fears, and their perseverance and their courage kept me intrigued and inspired page after page.
This collection contains four love stories that are charming, fresh, and relevant. They are the kind of stories readers earnestly seek and are thrilled to find. The Christmas Heirloom is a novella collection that I will enjoy re-reading and sharing with my friends. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Simply Lovely!
I very much enjoyed each novella in this collection.
The connection through the brooch was very unique. I love that it was passed from mother to daughter. True love really did come to those that wore it. The authors did a wonderful job connecting the stories yet keeping each a full story on its own.
I look forward to more from each of the authors!
I highly recommend this holiday collection!
This was a totally fascinating collection of interlocking stories. I had previously read and reviewed books by Thomas, Whitemeyer and Wade, all excellent writers. Hunter was new to me but I will be searching out future books by her. The commonality of these novellas was a lockinbooth locket dating back to 1827. All four were sweet, romantic Christmas stories of love that had a certain amount of “magic” connected to the brooch.
I began looking up the lockinbooth and was totally sucked in by its history and background and not least its romantic ties. The woman that wears it or possess it is supposed to find the love of her life.
Legacy of Love began in England and showed the love of a caregiver for her aristocratic Lady Densbury. Sarah was left the brooch, although not a blood relative, by Lady Densbury. Sarah and Randall, who was the grandson, both cared deeply for Lady Densbury and looked out over her best interests. What connection do they find in each other besides their love for Lady Densbury?
In the other three stories the brooch was passed on from mother to daughter. The small bag that held the brooch had the initials and wedding dates of each recipient. Quite an interesting legacy.
Gift of the Heart featured a widow, poor, with a young daughter to care for. She had to use the brooch as collateral on a loan to acquire a place for the two of them to live. What happens between Ruth and the banker and why does he hide out from others even though he owns most of the town?
All the stories were good and were fast reads since they were so good but A Shot at Love turned out to be my favorite of the four. I could easily identify with the other three “heroines” but Fleeta was totally different and unusual. I admired her and her abilities. She pursued masculine activities yet could also be feminine when called for. She won me over right at the start. What happens though when she meets her match in a male counterpart and soon finds her future dreams stolen?
Because of You brings us to present day. Maddie has loved a man from a distance for many years but her best friend married him and she chose to step aside. Her best friend was killed by a drunk driver but Maddie cannot let go of the guilt for loving Leo all along.
I loved these connected stories and stayed up late several nights reading them. Each was told around the Christmas celebration and is a great way to get in the holiday spirit for this 2018 season. I highly recommend this novel. I may even order me a lockinbooth brooch even though I found the love of my life almost forty years ago!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through one of the authors but was not required to write a review.
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter
What a sweet novella! I read this in one sitting this morning with my coffee, and what a lovely indulgence it was. A Christmas-y feeling permeates much of this story, reminding the reader that it doesn’t matter the day, one can always celebrate Christmas. The introduction to the brooch that ties all of the leading ladies together has a touching origin. The romance is endearing and doesn’t feel rushed, but fits in well within the parameters and time frame of the story. The tie-in to the Haven Manor series is subtle enough that readers who haven’t read the first book won’t notice anything, while readers familiar to the backstory will appreciate the nod to those characters.
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer
Witemeyer’s offering in this collection is lovely as well. Ruth Fulbright is a widow with a seven-year-old daughter – kudos to Witemeyer for writing a winsome yet realistic child – and a bit down on her luck until she is able to put time at her new position as a cook. In her desperate yet determined hands, the family brooch becomes collateral in a business transaction with most wealthy man in town. Beau Azlin may be monetarily wealthy, but he has no family and few friends. Living with a permanent injury to one of his arms, one that made his own mother treat him differently, makes him weary of trusting anyone, especially a woman. Both of these characters enter the story with baggage, but even the backstories felt fully realized and integrated to who they are in the story. Tenderly romantic with endearing characters, this sweet novella provided a lovely way to spend about an hour, creating the perfect foil for the brooch’s entry into the family in the first novella.
A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas
Fleeta Brady has both a unique name and a unique ambition – she wants to work as a gunsmith and has her dream planned out, just as soon as her family doesn’t need her anymore. Feeling beholden to her aunt and uncle who took her in a child, she’s biding her time until the right moment. When she is gifted the family brooch, she wants nothing to do with the family lore that goes with it. In any case, she can out-shoot and out-hunt any man and feels she can rely on herself. Despite her self-reliance, she is still a very endearing character; to the point but never unkind. Assured but never pushy. I really liked that about her. What begins as a competition between her and a newcomer to town develops into something else entirely. I haven’t read the novel that this novellas has ties to, but I followed the story with ease.
Because of You by Becky Wade
I admit, this novella was the one I anticipated most, just because I have such a love for the Bradford sister novels and was eager to be back in their world. These characters are endearing and come across as oh-so-real. After Willow Bradford’s model-beauty (I mean, she was a model, nothing against it), Maddie’s jeans and t-shirt look was a nice change. Leo’s bookish nature won me over immediately, and I loved the parts that were from his perspective. The brooch was mistakenly packed in her parent’s attic and only a Christmas project and garage sale brought it to light. I got a chuckle out of Grandma Fleeta giving up “all that folderol” when she married Maddie’s grandpa, as it sounded like something her character would have said in the previous novella. But I digress. The issue is that Maddie’s dear friend Olivia was married to Leo and two years previously passed away. The plethora of emotions that I would imagine come with falling in love with your best friend’s widower are present for Maddie, as is guilt for moving on from Olivia’s death. Grief is a strange, difficult thing, and I feel that Wade aptly captures those feelings. Britt Bradford is a fierce friend to Maddie and her biggest fan, and I appreciated the sweet look into their friendship as well. Just an all around endearing, uplifting, and realistically hopeful novella.
I didn’t necessarily mention that Christmas plays a role in these novellas, which I’m sure readers gather from the title. I will say that while the holiday itself is the backdrop, but I felt that these were just quality novellas all the way around not just sweet Christmas stories – though they are totally that, too. So, if you are one of those readers that avidly creates a Christmas-themed reading list – or even if you’re not – add this charming collection to your list. If you, like me, could use a little more hope in your days (can’t we all?), you won’t be disappointed. Christmas is just the star on the three, the fruit in the cake, the garland on…well, you know what I mean. 🙂
I received a complimentary copy of this novella collection. I was not required to post a review, and this review is my honest opinion.
Best Christmas book I’ve read so far this year. This is a wonderful collection of stories that are connected by a brooch and I found it to be a fascinating concept. From 1827 England to 1890 Texas…to 1958 West Virginia …to present day Washington…you will be transported and engrossed in the lives of these characters. Each author captures their characters and time in a unique way. This is such a wonderful collaboration of top notch authors. I love how Karen Witemeyer makes me laugh and feel empathy for the characters. Kristi Ann Hunter is an expert at historical fiction that makes you feel like you are there. Sarah Loudin Thomas crafts a story that is exceptional spot on with a strong female named Fleeta, who will capture your heart and the twist to the story will make you cry, but thanks to the blue jay Jack …well you’ll have to read to find out. Becky Wade draws you into the present with her contemporary romance of unrequited love. Throw in helping others and children and you have a winner. I love the family connections and faith theme throughout. Intermingle that with Christmas and you can’t go wrong. Make time for this to get you in the Christmas spirit.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
The Christmas Heirloom is a Christmas novella by four out-standing Christian authors. The stories center around an heirloom brooch handed down through the generations and rumored to bring true love to its owner.
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter starts the story off. We find Sarah Gooding as the companion of Lady Densbury in Lancashire, England in 1827. Sarah was hired after she recovered the brooch from a snow bank. Lady Densbury introduces Sarah to her grandson, Randall. Because Sarah is hired help, Randall’s mother disapproves of her. Will the love blossoming wilt under the pressure or will it bloom? The story was a delight to read. I loved the laughter and the easy camaraderie.
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer takes place in Hope Springs, Texas in 1890. The brooch is now in the hands of Lady Densbury’s fourth great granddaughter. Widow Ruth Fulbright moves to Hope Springs with her daughter Naomi hoping for a new start. She uses the brooch as collateral for a bank loan and gains so much more than she bargained for. This story was so well crafted. I laughed out-loud at the antics of seven-year-old Naomi. I became anxious about where Ruth would get the needed supplies for winter; and I actually cried when she fell in love. This was such a sweet story.
A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas is a Sound of Rain novella. Fleeta Brady lives in Bethel, West Virginia in 1958. She has lived with her aunt and uncle since the death of her parents when she was very small. Her aunt has been holding onto the brooch for Fleeta until she is old enough to inherit it from her mother. She is now the seventh generation to own the Luckenbooth brooch. Fleeta’s dream is to open a gunsmithing shop but now that she has the brooch maybe love isn’t as girly as she had feared. Fleeta was a loveable tomboy. I really enjoyed her character. When Hank Chapin returns the lost brooch to Fleeta, you know sparks are gonna fly!
Because of You by Becky Wade is a Bradford Sisters romance set in present day Merryweather, Washington. Maddie Winslow is the tenth-generation owner of the amethyst brooch. She has secretly been in love with Leo for years, but he married her best friend. When she finds the heirloom brooch hidden in a box, will it finally be her turn for true love? I loved the integrity of this story and the willingness to honor a friend’s memory. The Christmas mission project that Maddie helps with sounds like a great way to celebrate the birth of Jesus. A great little holiday read to get you into the Christmas spirit!
I received this e-book from the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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 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?
I loved following the story of the brooch throughout the years. Heartwarming stories of love and hope. It would be hard to pick a favorite novella out of these. They were all good. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
I’m not usually a reader of historical romance, but even I can admit that this collection was enjoyable. For me, it was the perfect “get in the mood for Christmas” story, starting with the historical roots of the heirloom and traveling through the generations to a modern day romance. I like to get a little nostalgic (more appreciate of history & tradition) at Christmastime, so this was the perfect excuse to expand outside my preferred genres–happy to say I wasn’t disappointed in the least!
All four novellas have a distinct “flavor” (attributed to the unique style of each author) and while I was a little nervous to see how that would play out in four inter-connected tales, I was delightfully surprised to find that the nuances of each novella actually contributed to the overall story of the “magical” family heirloom, showcasing the passage of time, the differences in dialect and custom, while maintaining one constant–the brooch itself and the truth about love that withstands the test of time.
Confession: when I agreed to read this collection, I had no idea the heirloom would made an appearance in all four stories or that it was across different time periods. All I knew was that Karen Witemeyer contributed and she’s a favorite of mine, so I said I’d read the book.
I’m so glad that I did! If you’re looking for something to help get you in the mood for Christmas, you can’t go wrong with these sweet love stories. The women are strong, yet realistic, open to love but not incomplete without it. They each face unique circumstances that require them to take action, and love is an added bonus (not the prize for which their striving). With the exception of one story, the heirloom isn’t some sort of talisman that brings love, it’s more of a reminder that each woman in this family can find love.
This was my first introduction to Hunter and Thomas, and I wasn’t disappointed. I didn’t connect as well with Thomas’s story, but I think it was more of the time period than the writing. It was a fun story, and I could relate to Fleete and some of her frustrations. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Hunter, but I slipped right into Sarah’s story and couldn’t put it down. Wade’s style isn’t my personal favorite, but if you enjoy her contemporary romances, you’ll enjoy this novella; it includes some of her popular characters and flows in the same style as her full-length novels. Witemeyer once again managed to create a flawed hero who wasn’t quite a flawed as he thought he was. Her historicals always include a woman who’s a bit tougher than the rest, but not by sacrificing femininity or authenticity. I’ve always been a fan of her stories, and “Gift of the Heart” fits right in with the rest of her novels.
Overall, this was a lot of fun to read. As I mentioned above, I didn’t know a lot about this book when I picked it up, so it was a fun surprise to read the different time periods and then discover the family connection. If you enjoy sweet romance — and are ready to get in the mood for Christmas! — then I highly recommend this collection.
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter
Nothing is harder for me to review than Novellas, as I’ve shared more than a few times. I was excited to get my hands on this particular collection however as it has some favorite authors, it’s Christmas-y, and they all tie together with one little brooch. Kristi Ann Hunter starts it off so amazingly with a sweet story about a 3rd son of an earl, a dowager’s companion of dubious past, and a dowager that doesn’t fit into any mold despite a family that tries to make it so. I was a bit disappointed that we fell into almost insta-love though. I mean, I guess they did know each other, kinda, for a year. However, their togetherness was sporadic at best and he was turned off by her mousiness so he was completely uninterested until a bit of spitfire at a family dinner. She was cow eyed for him but then again. . . what is a girl of lowly station to do. Forget the insta-love for a second because every thing else was absolutely captivating. The love that Randall (third son with no future) and Sarah (companion with no past) have for Lady Densbury is endearing and sweet. The lengths they go to ensure her life ends as lovely as it was lived is beyond tender. The love she helped them find will only bring more love for every person their lives touch. That is why I loved this snapshot and these people. I leave you here with this quote from Lady Densbury (Grandmother).
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer
Four generations later we meet Ruth. Still in possession of the brooch that was handed down from Lady Desnbury to Sarah to her daughter Rosemary (named for Lady Densbury) to her daughter (Ruth’s mother though I never caught her name just the initials REH) to Ruth and then eventually to Ruth’s Daughter Naomi. This history of the brooch is so integral to these stories and builds on the theme of love. Not just the romance of falling in love but the love of family and generations of history. Enough about history let’s talk about that love. I love Ruth, she’s had so many setbacks but she’s got gumption and fortitude. She’s not afraid to find a way to get what she needs, for herself and for her daughter despite her lack of financial means. And Bo, Beauregard. I mean, how do you not fall for someone named Beauregard? He’s had his own setbacks as well but instead of developing gumption he developed a means to staying in the shadows while building an empire of sorts with unlimited financial means. Until Ruth. Though I’m pretty sure that Naomi helped to spur them into their own bout of insta-love. I truly loved watching these two find each other, and in honesty a part of themselves in the process. I can almost forgive the insta-love though at the sweetness of these three branching out and growing into a family despite the obstacles of money and pride and community to overcome.
A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas
Having read ‘The Sound of Rain’ earlier this year I was thrilled to go back and reconnect with some beloved characters in the Mountains of West Virginia. I have no idea how the brooch made it’s way to Bethel but I do know that Naomi married and had a daughter named Marion who had a daughter named Fleeta. And with a name like Fleeta you know it’s going to be interesting. (I LOVE that name!) Fleeta is as different and unique as her name, she is the antithesis of feminine. She’s only seen in a dress at holidays and church, she can out-shoot any man on the mountain, and her life goal is to become a gunsmith. Oh, and she can’t cook a lick but she can assure there is meat for the table. Hank, on the other had is a ‘flat-lander’ from South Carolina where he met Judd and provided him the opportunity to learn logging that pathed his future in ‘The Sound of Rain’. Hank has some dreams of his own that just might include Fleeta. There was a lot going on in this brief story and while they found themselves falling in insta-love it wasn’t. You know why? It wasn’t all tied up neat and forever after! I loved that Thomas took this snapshot of these people in this place and just told the story as it was. No need to ensure it was all tied up, no need to jump ahead and show the resolution, just a snapshot of the time they had together. Nothing more, nothing less.
Because of You by Becky Wade
Two generations later Fleeta’s daughter Laura drops the ball and stashes the brooch away and promptly forgets about it. Her daughter Maddie finds it on accident, while she is dealing with her long standing crush on her best friends widower. Yup, she fell for him the same time her bestie did. But, bestie rules. . . she saw him first. I love that they build on a relationship that had shared for years, nothing more than friends – of sorts – but something solid to start with. No insta-love here and for that I feel ever so grateful. I also loved that nothing had to be tied up so neatly at the end. They found their feelings and agreed to explore them and see where it lead. I loved that this novella was perfectly crafted as a snapshot in time. I loved that it took depth of emotions and history and embraced it while tackling it head on as well. The theme of the brooch running throughout these stories, these lives, these loves was refreshing. No matter where the story took us both generationally or geographically the brooch tied it all together. No matter the writing style, no matter the romance style, the brooch made it cohesive. ‘Because of You’ was the perfect tie for this collection.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Nothing like four talented authors getting together to write everyone’s favorite genre: Christmas novella.
I thought the idea of a brooch being passed down through generations fantastic! And what a bittersweet beginning with the telling of its own story
Tis the season to revisited beloved characters/settings and see them finding love.
Well done!
*I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
So this anthology had four stories in it, and I have read something by three of the four authors before so I was stoked! The basic premise of the story is that the women in this family have been passing down a pin called a luckenbooth for several generations, and this anthology is set in the different eras of their loves. I have decided that I need to claim those Scotch-Irish roots of mine instead of just the Irish ones, so I can have one of these luckenbooth brooches!
1) Legacy of Love – Kristie Anne Hunter – This was the oldest story. Set in the 1820’s, Lady Densbury and her companion Sarah both realize that this is going to be Lady Densbury’s last Christmas. Randall, Lady Densbury’s grandson, sets out to help Sarah make it a magical Christmas for his grandmother. In the process of figuring out what he wants to do with his life as the third son of an aristocrat, he realizes that there is more Sarah than he gave her credit for. Sarah is the one who starts embroidering the initials of the women who owned the brooch onto the bag. This one did tug at my tear ducts, but it was so good!
2)Gift of the Heart – Karen Witemeyer – This one is set in Texas in 1890 after the Civil War. A recreation of the story of Ruth and Boaz, this one was probably my favorite! I loved that Naomi was transformed into her daughter! Beau Azlin may be my new favorite Karen Witemeyer man as well!
3) A Shot at Love – Sarah Loudin Thomas – So I had never read anything by this author, so this was the wild card story. Set in 1958 in West Virginia, this story had an uphill battle with me. I’m not a huge fan of anything set between the end of WWII and the late 1980s, and I get kinda squeamish around hunting. BUT I ended up enjoying this one more than I thought. I loved the heroine’s adventure with the Indian motorcycle, and the mischievous pet blue jay! This one probably had my favorite ending as well!
4)Because of You – Becky Wade – This one is set in the present day, and I think I enjoyed the leading lady so much in this one because we have a lot in common. Maddie is still single in her late 20s, but she is very involved at her church. She gets put on a group Christmas project with her best friend’s widower who she has had a crush on for a very long time. I think the best part of this story was seeing the legacy of these women of God culminate in Maddie’s life. No the pin didn’t have mystical powers, but the God these women serve blessed the legacy of their faithfulness to Him over and over with marriages and families that honored Him.
You should read this one even though Christmas is over because its amazing! I’m putting it in my Christmas reread stack for next year too!
Loved how the stories wove together.
The Christmas Heirloom is a set of 4 novellas that are connected by an heirloom brooch passed down through generations. Each story is written by a different author and in a different geographical and time setting. It’s a good read for busy Christmas time because the reader can read just one story if time is very short than read another when more time is available.
Okay, so this cover. Is. So. Gorgeous! I think I’ve raved over several covers of books I’ve reviewed recently, and they are, indeed, wonderful covers. But this one right here? Well, I just fell so in love with it that I might have had an hour long photo shoot with it after I got it in the mail. I just love the beautiful brooch and that red winter coat on that background of white snow. It makes for a such a lovely cover!
Anyway, if you, for some crazy reason didn’t immediately fall in love with this cover of the book as I did, I believe you will definitely fall in love with the stories within the pages of the book. This collection of novellas made for a fantastic holiday read this year. I was so excited to get to review this one because two of my favorite authors have books in the collection. Those that have read my previous reviews probably know that I am a huge fan of Karen Witemeyer and Becky Wade. I love their books! And their novellas here were no exception. I had not previously read anything by Kristi Ann Hunter or Sarah Loudin Thomas, but I think I can safely say that I will be looking into their other books after reading their novellas in The Christmas Heirloom.
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter
Legacy of Love starts the set out and gives us a bit of the history of how this beautiful brooch came to be passed down. This was a very sweet novella. I did feel a bit like I was missing some pieces of Sarah’s backstory at times. Hints were given, but never really developed and so I felt as though Sarah remained a bit of a mystery to me. I did look into Ms. Hunter’s other books and based on the information I read about them, I’m guessing that the more to the story that I was looking for is probably in those novels. It wasn’t something that made me want to stop reading, I just felt a little confused at times, like there was more that I should have known that I didn’t. Though Sarah felt like a bit of a mystery to me at times and I wished that more of her story had been told so that I could have gotten to know her better, what I did know of her, I liked. I loved her relationship with the dowager as well as the dowager herself, so much so that I actually shed a few tears as certain events took place in the book. Even with feeling like there was more to the story than I was getting here and there and the occasional odd thing (Ex: One small thing that I found odd was that at the end of the book, the grandson did not know the name of his grandmother who he was supposedly quite close to. Maybe it’s not really all that odd and I just don’t know enough about the time period to know that it isn’t unusual, but it did stick out to me that he didn’t know that.), I still enjoyed this sweet novella.
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer
Next up in the collection is Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer. Y’all, I fell right into Ms. Witemeyer’s story. Bo and Ruth just about melted me into a puddle. I loved Ruth and her zeal for and approach to life. I loved Bo, especially when he set his attentions on making Ruth his own. I loved Naomi and her sweet, yet so smart and lively little self. I loved the unruly cat that did his part in making sure Ruth and Bo ended up together. I loved the supporting characters and their relationships with the main characters. I loved the way Bo and Ruth’s relationship developed. I loved the bits of humor interjected throughout as well as the words of wisdom woven into the story and the little ways that this story is a tribute to the story of Ruth and Boaz of the Bible. As it always does, Ms. Witemeyer’s writing quickly and so easily drew me into the story. It didn’t feel like I was on the outside reading it, but rather like I was right there in the story. I loved pretty much everything about this selection from the collection.
A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas
Ms. Thomas’ A Shot at Love was set in a setting and time that I have very rarely read, and I very much enjoyed this different setting. The characters, story, and community created seemed so real and like they could truly exist. I could easily picture the world Ms. Thomas brought to life and I enjoyed the journey there. I did feel a little irritation with Fleeta over the way she treated Hank after he did what she herself should have done. I felt more like she owed Hank an apology than he did to her. Even with the minor frustration I felt, I still enjoyed the novella and the trip into a time gone by.
Because of You by Becky Wade
At the end of this collection of novellas, we have Because of You by Becky Wade, and I found it to be a wonderful way of bringing the set to a close. I loved getting to know Maddie and her love interest, Leo, and watching him fall just as in love with her as she has been with him. It can be a tricky story line to play out, but Ms. Wade did a fantastic job of making me fall in love with both Maddie and Leo as well as with their story. As with her other books, Ms. Wade beautifully wove spiritual truths throughout this novella while also causing more than one chuckle to make it past my lips.
Y’all, The Christmas Heirloom was a wonderful Christmas read! If you happen to find yourself pushed indoors by the weather, this collection of novellas would be THE perfect thing to keep you company by a cozy fire. Even if you haven’t got any rainy or snowy inside kind of days coming up, I highly recommend purchasing The Christmas Heirloom for yourself or checking it out from your local library (or asking your library about adding it to their collection if they don’t have it). No matter which of those ways you acquire the chance to read the book, it should most definitely be added it to your TBR list. And if, in the busyness of this time of year, you don’t get the chance to read it this holiday season, it can still bring you some good cheer anytime during the year!
**I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Christmas Heirloom, a collection of four Christmas stories following an heirloom brooch through generations of a family, is a unique and enjoyable read. I liked all of the stories but Witemeyer’s is my favorite. I think it’s similar to Ruth and Boaz, with a slight twist. 😉
Beauregard aka ‘Bo’ appears to be gruff but as the story progresses we see he has a deep tenderness underneath. Even though this is a novella, it was well fleshed out and I never felt like it was rushed. It is definitely a sweet and romantic story.
Take a few minutes out of your busy holiday schedule and enjoy a relaxing evening with the fine characters gracing the pages of The Christmas Heirloom. You’ll appreciate the beautiful themes of faith and hope, all wrapped up in love.
I was provided a print copy of the book from the publisher. No review was required. No compensation received.
Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through The Generations each have a voice as different as each woman whose story is told. The Christmas Heirloom written by Karen Witemeyer, Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas and Becky Wade will capture your imagination as you follow its history. At once it is a rich treasure and in another moment it may be lost forever. As I get older and am reminded of my heritage, stories such as this warm my memories like a cup of fine tea shared among friends. I hope this collection will find its way into your hands as this wonderful season rich with holidays begins.
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.
A beautiful amethyst brooch is a treasure for … and an heirloom passed through generations from mother to daughter. Sarah was a blessing to an old and largely ignored woman. From the moment they met they connected, mostly because Sarah saw her as the person she always was; not as the old woman nearing the end of her life.
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 businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.
Ruth treasured the brooch she received from her mother and was holding it in trust for her daughter. What a wonderful story of love and devotion. Coming with nothing but her strength and courage she touched the lives of many. I particularly enjoyed this story for the generous spirit Ruth had for all she met. If there is a story to be told about a hard working woman, Karen Witemeyer is the one to write it. In the west, when a woman was all alone, she either rolled up her sleeves and found a way to support her family or floundered.
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.
I enjoy reading Sarah Loudin Thomas’s books and it was good to get a second glace at some characters from the sound of rain. Fleeta is such an unusual young woman the way she can out shoot most men at the turkey shoot. She is following her dreams and doesn’t want anything like a brooch send romance her way. Her innocence is both delightful and bittersweet. I liked this novella for people that came alive in true Sarah Loudin Thomas style. Rich with the poignancy of West Virginia in the 1950’s where people were doing their best with what they had. Yet still, that brooch was treasured.
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?
The brooch made it to present day Christmas season. Becky Wade’s approach is in tune with the younger generation. The brooch makes its way into Maddie’s hands in an almost irreverent manner. Maddie’s mother seemed a bit sheepish when she admitted she had forgotten it in with some of her old things. Fortunately, Maddie loved the brooch and found it just in time…or are all the stories of this brooch just coincidence? To find out for sure, pick up a copy in time for your Christmas reading season.
I received a copy of this book with no obligation to write a review but as with all books I enjoy, I just can’t keep a good thing to myself!
My-oh-my, what a fabulous set of novellas! I purchased this collection because my favorite author, Becky Wade, was one of the authors. But what a treat it was to be introduced to Karen Witemeyer, Kristi Ann Hunter, and Sarah Loudin Thomas. Each story revolved around Christmas and a broach that had been passed down generation after generation. The characters and setting in each tale were exquisitely developed. Although I typically tend to read contemporary, the historical stories were amazing too. The characters that captured my heart the most though, were Leo and Maddie in Becky Wade’s novella BECAUSE OF YOU. The premise was entirely unique and the emotions and challenges these characters faced made this story impossible to put down. I read it just two nights, which is saying a lot. This collection will make a great gift to my family and friends this holiday season.
The Christmas Heirloom is a collection of four heartwarming holiday romance novellas following the journey of a brooch that’s passed on down through the generations. It featured three authors I was familiar with and one that was new to me. It was such a delight to read and sure got me into the Christmas spirit!
Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter – Five Stars
Why haven’t I read more of Kristi Ann Hunter’s books? This was such a great story filled with a lot of laughs, so much heart, and quite a few tears too. It was witty and charming and unputdownable. I read it pretty much in one sitting. I didn’t want to leave these characters for one second. The dowager was hands down my favorite. She had quite the feisty personality and in many ways reminded me of my own spunky grandma. This story definitely makes me want to go catch up on the rest of Hunter’s books that I haven’t read quite yet.
Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer – Four Stars
I’ve enjoyed many of Witemeyer’s books so I was very excited to start Gift of the Heart. It was so good! The characters were great and so genuine. Ruth was such a strong and admirable woman. Naomi, her daughter, was a sweet and adorable little girl. And Bo! Oh my! What an all-around good guy he was! This story sure left me with a big smile on my face!
A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas – Four Stars
This was my first time reading anything by this author. It takes place in the late 1950’s which I don’t think I’d ever read a story set during that time period. I was unsure if I’d enjoy it because of that but I ended up liking it a lot. Fleeta was quite the interesting character, so fierce and determined. She’s a tomboy who loves hunting and guns. She’s different than the normal leading lady, but that’s what made her so great and likeable. It took me a minute to get into this story, but once I did, I couldn’t read it fast enough.
Because of You by Becky Wade – Five Stars
I’m not gonna lie, this story was the one I was most looking forward to. I’ve been loving the Bradford Sisters series and was excited to visit them again. This story is about Maddie Winslow who works at the chocolate shop, Sweet Arts, with her best friend Britt Bradford. It was really nice to get Maddie’s story and to learn more about her. Her and Leo were easy to like and root for.
All in all, The Christmas Heirloom was an excellent collection. I really enjoyed all four stories and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes good, sweet romances.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.