Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson

Title: Christmas in Winter Hill

Author: Melody Carlson

Narrated by: Marisa Blake

Length: 3 hours, 52 minutes

Year: 2019

Genre: Christmas Story

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Format: Audiobook (also available eBook and hardcover)

About the book:

     Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

     As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn’t always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, “Where’s the snow?” Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista’s Christmas spirit before the big day?

     Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you to spend this holiday season in a town you’ll never forget—and never want to leave.

My review:

     This is a charming small town Christmas story.

     I enjoyed getting to know Krista and her daughter Emily. They are working to adjust to their new life in Winter Hill when they move just before Thanksgiving. They have arrived just before the busiest time of the year in the small town. I liked seeing how some of the residents just opened their hearts and welcomed them in, befriending them from the first time they meet.

     I like the fact that Krista is willing to deal with hard issues at work to make things better for the small town and all of the residents. She stands up for what is right even though it brings difficulties for her personally.

     I really like the narrator and will be looking for more books that she has done. She changes her voice for the different characters which helps to follow the story. It isn’t drastic differences but it is noticeable.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars and recommending it.

Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

Title: Courting Mr. Emerson

Author: Melody Carlson

Pages: 352

Release Date: March 5, 2019

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Revell

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause—and finds herself falling for him in the process.

     A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around—which to him seems like all too often. He’s not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

     But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

     With her signature heart and touches of humor, fan favorite Melody Carlson pens a story of two delightfully eccentric characters who get a second chance at life and love.

My review:

     This is a delightful contemporary romance!

     I love Willow West. She is a very friendly and outgoing person. She has a huge job on her hands with trying to get various people that have extremely different personalities to get along with each other. Most of the characters in this book have quirks that I was able to quickly identify someone in my life that they reminded me of. The biggest problem is getting them to get along, in relationship, with each other.

     I was captivated by the story of how Willow handled it and yet found space for herself. She is very open about her relationship with God yet she isn’t preachy about it. This is a major plus in my mind.

     This wonderful book is getting a 5 star rating from me. I am definitely recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson

Title: The Christmas Angel Project

Author: Melody Carlson

Pages: 176

Year: 2016

Genre: Inspirational Christmas Story

Publisher: Revell

Format: eBook (also available in hardcover)

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this story through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     Perfect for readers who want a heartwarming and hopeful Christmas story.

     Five women from different walks of life have become close friends through their book club—enjoying one another’s company even more than they enjoy the books. So when the leader of the book club unexpectedly passes away on the cusp of the Christmas season, the four remaining friends are stunned. They relief on Abby for inspiration and motivation. She was the glue that held them together, and they’re sure that without her the group can’t continue.

     When the group gathers “one last time” to open a bag Abby’s husband gives them, they find Abby had made each of them an angel ornament for Christmas, crafted especially for each woman and accompanied by a sweet and personal note. Inspired by their beloved friend, together Cassidy, Louisa, Grace, and Belinda decide to commit themselves to becoming Christmas Angels to others in need. Each woman will use her life situation and talents to reach out and help others in her own unique way—little knowing that her own life and her relationships will be changed forever.

     Fan favorite Melody Carlson is back with another touching Christmas story sure to grip readers’ hearts and perhaps inspire them to become Christmas Angels themselves.

My review:

     An absolutely delightful Christmas story!

     The cast of characters is wonderful. They are very different from each other, but each one is extremely well developed. Each of the four women who make up the book group goes on a personal journey of emotional growth after their mutual friend dies suddenly.

     I thoroughly enjoyed the way they worked together to figure out what they could do to honor their friend’s memory. I was fascinated by the very special projects that they became involved in. Four very different projects that were tailor made for each of them.

     I love Melody’s Christmas stories. They are so uplifting and encouraging. I don’t think you can go wrong in spending a few hours reading this wonderful story. I’m highly recommending it and giving it a 5 star rating.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

Title: The Christmas Blessing

Author: Melody Carlson

Pages: 167

Release Date: September 5, 2017

Genre: Christmas 

Publisher: Revell Books

Format: eBook (also available in hardcover)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

    When she receives the news in late 1944 that her baby’s father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant’s paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don’t know that she—or their grandson—exists. When Amelia discovers that the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?

     Beloved author Melody Carlson pens a story of love, hardship, and reconciliation that will leave readers filled with Christmas joy.

My review:

     This is a delightful Christmas romance!

     I absolutely loved Amelia! She is a very sweet woman who is carrying a huge burden of heartache. She is beautifully presented and so well developed that many times I wished I could just wrap my arms around her and help to shoulder the load of pain she had.

     The development of the story is fantastic. This isn’t the light-hearted story that I was expecting based on the earlier Christmas books I’ve read by this author. It is filled with deep emotion. 

    

     I loved this amazing story. I am definitely giving it a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it. Reading it is a wonderful way to spend a few hours.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*