The Christmas Handkerchief + Giveaway

A Christmas Novella
Historical Christian Romance

Duxbury, Massachusetts 1825
Grandmother Hart gifts Tuppence with a very special handkerchief of handmade lace to be carried on Tuppence’s wedding day along with a promise God shall provide the man of her dreams. But how can that be, when the man of Tuppence’s dreams is marrying another, and Tuppence must assist her grandmother in baking a fruitcake for the couple’s wedding?

My Review:

published in 2019

Lisa Norato is an author I’ve wanted to play catch-up with for awhile and this novella reminds me of what an incredible storyteller she is. Her descriptive writing evokes images that bring the story to life in such a satisfying way! This one is short and sweet but intense! A friends to more trope with unrequited love thrown in for good measure. Oh, and let’s not forget the ‘kinda sorta’ love triangle. Ack! It’s a mild one as far as LTs go so…phew!

It’s also the kind of storytelling a reader likes to savour. Rich characterization bring even the secondary characters to life and I’m particularly fond of Tuppence’s grandmother and her solid faith and innate wisdom.

An exquisitely beautiful heartfelt Christmas love story.

I Heard the Bells + Giveaway

Four authors, four Christmas novellas of peace, joy, love (and red pickup trucks)

A Christmas Wedding to Die For by Darlene L. Turner

’Tis the season for deadly secrets.
Photographer Adelaide Fox thought she had the perfect assignment—capturing the winning shot at a high-profile Yukon wedding. But when the bride vanishes and a guest is found dead, holiday cheer turns to mystery. As a blizzard approaches, Adelaide teams up with the bride’s rugged brother, tracker Declan Stone. With danger closing in, suspicious guests, and threatening messages, Adelaide must unravel the truth—and maybe open her heart—to find peace on earth this Christmas.

Season of Forever by Helena Smrcek

Past meets present. Two hearts, WWII secrets, and a Christmas of second chances.
Past and present entwine in a story of love, loss, and second chances. In the shadows of WWII, a fragile romance is tested by sacrifice and distance. Decades later, in St. Jacobs, Ontario, Faith helps at her grandmother’s sweater shop, while next door Joseph acquires a charred WWII Bible marked with a red ribbon. Despite their rocky first encounter, will Faith and Joseph give their budding relationship a chance—and uncover the hidden story within the Bible’s pages?

Falling for You by Melanie Stevenson

A broken engagement, a broken rib, and a broken heart.
Author Laurel Bennett hadn’t planned to spend Christmas this way. Her escape to Banff was meant to avoid her ex-fiancé’s wedding, not land her in recovery at the Banff Springs Hotel. But when she crosses paths with Dr. Ethan Pine—the charming stranger who saved her on the slopes—everything changes. A whirlwind of magical days sparks undeniable chemistry, and they must decide if love can bridge both the distance and the wounds that threaten to keep them apart.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter by Sara Davison

He thought he knew exactly what he wanted.
Jack Miller is determined to make it big in the Big Apple. So why does he keep getting dragged back to the place—and the woman—he’s trying to leave behind? Playing the lead in his tiny Nova Scotian town’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life gives Jack a glimpse into the life that could have been his. Good thing it’s not the one he wants, since it’s clearly too late for him to get it back.

My Review:

Woohoo! Greatest impulse buy ever. I saw the pretty cover on Instagram and discovered that the collection is written by four Canadian authors with four different Canadian settings! Sold!

The novellas vary greatly, from mystery to dual timeline to rom/com but they all feature a Canadian Christmas and each story cleverly features a red truck and a classic Christmas Carol. Loved spotting those little connections in each novella.

In A Christmas Wedding to Die For by Darlene L. Turner, two cases of unrequited love meet up again in the Yukon wilderness. A Christmas wedding dissolves into mystery and mayhem, though there are plenty of cozy vibes that keep this from being a traditional suspense. Loved the fast pace and the eclectic secondary characters (a few who are truly dreadful!) I love feeling righteously indignant on behalf of a hero and heroine! I got a real sense of a Yukon winter which added an atmospheric element to the story.

Season of Forever by Helena Smreck is set in the scenic town of St. Jacobs Ontario (present day) and in England during World War II, so, yay, dual timeline novella style! I’ll admit to being drawn to the WWII romance (it made me cry) but I enjoyed the contrasts in the contemporary romance as well and the way the timelines fit together by the end wrapped things up nicely.

If you enjoy a good rom/com, Falling for You by Melanie Stevenson is the perfect fit. It’s super cute and playful with great comedic beats. The Banff, Alberta setting is a bonus. The author’s descriptions of the resort and the town made me feel like I was actually there. Romantical and funny with a bit of festive toe-curls thrown in to heat things up!

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is one of my favourite holiday movies and it takes centerstage in Sara Davison’s Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter. Angst abounds in this second chance romance that features two actors reunited in a small town theatre production of the classic movie. The Nova Scotia backdrop added an extra thrill to my maritime loving heart! And the way the author weaves elements of ‘It’s a Wonderful Live’ into Jack and Kali’s situation is masterfully written. A stunning way to end a stellar holiday collection.

The Christmas Cabin

When Carla James flies home for the holidays at her family’s cozy Canadian cabin, she has no idea what—or who—awaits. But after five years serving at her beloved Mexican orphanage, it’s time to work through forgiveness, face her fears, and reclaim Christmas. Up-and-coming chef, Rhys Templeton, still regrets leaving a heartbroken Carla in the past and is desperate to confess his truth and make amends. But her own shocking revelation has the potential to either send him spiraling back to his destructive lifestyle or into Carla’s arms.

However, someone else is privy to Carla’s chilling secret and they’re out there watching. Waiting. Wanting. Time is running out like melting snowflakes. And now, if Carla ever wants to see another Christmas, she needs all the grace and grit she can muster to trust the one who deserted her and the One who promised never to leave.

My Review:

published in 2022

Yay! A heroine with glasses! Myopic girlies unite! And my goodness, but Carla is on a journey. She’s hoping to finally come to grips with the past on her Christmas sojourn home – she just doesn’t anticipate things to pick up where she left them five years ago!

An angsty but oh-so-sweet second chance romance mixed with a light stalkerish vibe makes for a compelling read. Not quite a suspense – there’s not enough elements to really make it one – but it has some of that kind of chilling atmosphere. A captivating holiday escape read if you like a wee bit of edge with your romance.

Hollis & Ivy + Giveaway

Unlucky Ivy Teague can’t shake the plague of bad luck following her around Whistler, BC. Business is so dire she’ll have to close her flower shop unless a holiday miracle lands on her door step. Then he arrives.

By-the-numbers Hollis Dash is in town to finalize a business contract with Ivy’s rival. It doesn’t take long for him to realize that he should be making a deal with the pretty florist down the street.When a series of suspicious events target Teague Flowers, the pair find themselves caught in a real war of the roses. Hollis can only do so much to help his business competition, and Ivy is doubtful of his intentions since Hollis and her new troubles appeared at the same time. If they can trust each other–and Christmas spirit floating through town, they might make it to the new year together.

My Review:

published in 2017

Such a fun little read. And when I say little I mean that the book is smaller than the standard size and she’s so cute! As is the title word play! 🙂

Counting down to Christmas in a florist shop is an interesting twist for a holiday romance. Especially since Ivy is struggling with a rather malicious rival shop down the street which is turning her Christmas more Grinchy than Cindy Lou Who-ish! Until a mysterious stranger arrives in town.

Hollis is actually in Whistler (hooray – Canadian setting!) to consult with that rival florist but a chance meeting with Ivy sends his plans askew. An impossible romance, a bit of intrigue, and some festive flower arranging make for a heartwarming holiday escape read.

Waiting for Christmas + Giveaway

The year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue. 

For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.

My Review:

published in 2024

The word that comes to mind when I think about this book is ‘exquisite’. Exquisite storytelling. Exquisite characters. Exquisite Christmas message. And just plain exquisitely emotional. I choked up at one point which was kinda embarrassing since I was listening to the audiobook while grocery shopping. I actually had to blink back tears. It’s hard to compare prices and read labels when your vision is all blurry!

This novella follows ‘All My Secrets’ and it was a delight to get a more in depth glimpse at Addy and Howard’s happily ever after. However, ‘Waiting for Christmas’ could easily be read as a standalone as well. It focuses on the newlywed’s first months of marriage and the adjustments they both learn to make as they create a new life together.

Addy in particular is struggling with feelings of inadequacy as she learns to live well beneath the means she grew up with. What she lacks in experience she more than makes up for with passionate determination. And her servant’s heart opens doors and changes lives in astonishing ways over the Christmas season.

I was charmed and thrilled and emotionally wrung out by the end. A truly heartwarming and uplifting holiday read. (Well, listen in my case. As always, I enjoyed Sarah Zimmerman’s narration.)

Love Finds You in the City at Christmas + Giveaway

Love comes to the big city in two heartwarming stories of Christmas past and present. 

“Red Kettle Christmas” 
It’s 1946, and police officer Mike Wolzak has inherited his family’s home . . . and the custody of his younger sister, who is in trouble with a problem he doesn’t know how to fix. While on patrol during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mike makes the acquaintance of a lovely Salvation Army bell ringer, Karen O’Leary, who is struggling to support herself and her young daughter. As their paths cross during the festive holiday season in Manhattan, Karen teaches the tough World War II veteran how to support and love his family. In the process, he just might gain a new one.

“Manhattan Miracle”
A war-weary soldier who has served three tours in the Middle East, Max Wolzak has come home to New York City to celebrate Christmas with his family in the Manhattan brownstone where he spent much of his childhood. There Max reconnects with Sarah Peterson, his sister’s old schoolmate who now organizes relief missions for the United Nations. Sparks fly as the pair gets reacquainted over various holiday events, but when Max realizes that Sarah will leave for the Middle East the day after Christmas, he has a decision to make—convince her to stay, wait for her to return, or go with her to the one place to which he never thought he’d return.

My Review:

published in 2013

Be still my heart — I’m sure I heard the Hallelujah Chorus in the background as I finished this book. It is that good. That’s moving and uplifting and down-home Christmasy good.  Both stories start with Macy’s Thanksgiving parade and that sets the mood perfectly. Both stories have adorable little girls who know the true magic of Christmas and how to share it. Another excellent way to set that special mood. But though there are similarities in these two novellas, each author’s distinctive voice creates a unique and heart-warming read.

In Red Kettle Christmas, Herne’s characteristic writing style swept me into the heart of post World War II New York City  from the very first page. I love the way characters come to life at her fingertips. And I love how she portrays life and loss realistically, but always laced with hope. This novella has all the makings of a classic Christmas read.

Fast forward to present day and we get to read about the next generation of Wolzaks in Schmidt’s Manhattan Miracle. Interesting to jump decades and land at the very same place and the very same time. Love that link between the two stories. This is another touching read that gave me goosebumps at the Hollywood worthy finale.

A Christmas Serenade + Giveaway

Let the joy of the season sweep you off your feet with this charming collection of novellas from four of your favorite historical romance authors! From serendipitous meetings to second chances, each story brims with holiday cheer and unexpected love.

“A Caroling Christmas” by Jennifer Moore 
Arthur Stanford, a reclusive scientist, reluctantly agrees to host a Dickensian Christmas party planned by Eliza Hopewell. As the holidays—and Eliza—weave their irresistible magic, will Arthur choose love over solitude? 

“A Carol So Bright” by Kasey Stockton 
Lillian Hartley, a woman who loves to sing but has lost her confidence, is reunited with the man who once broke her heart. As they rediscover their connection, will the holiday season spark a new song in their hearts? 

“Christmas at Bellingham” by Katie Stewart Stone  
Bellingham Hall bustles with holiday cheer as Esther Harris endeavors to reconcile the dowager countess with her estranged son amidst family secrets and unexpected love with a childhood friend. 

“Christmas in Amorwich” by Anneka R. Walker 
Amelia Park is disillusioned by romance after Noah Brooks failed to propose. When the pair is reunited for the holidays, Noah realizes he may have waited too long—winning Amelia’s heart now might require a Christmas miracle.

My Review:

A wonderful collection of holiday novellas that not only focus on love, but on the true spirit of Christmas, including forgiveness and reconciliation. Uplifting and toe-curling!

“A Caroling Christmas” by Jennifer Moore – If you told me I’d be singing high praises for a holiday romance featuring a host of arachnids, I would have laughed hysterically while speedily fleeing the room! But here I am, besotted over zoologist Arthur and his unlikely troop of matchmaking critters. He’s a classic absent-minded professor type, clumsy and bumbling but with the best of intentions. Eliza is a party planner with excellent attention to detail and the ability to pivot for any catastrophe. Her astounding organizational skills come in handy quite a few times over the course of the Stanton’s Dickensian Christmas party! Misunderstandings lead to stolen moments, an earth shattering kiss and a happily ever after by Christmas Day!

“A Carol So Bright” by Kasey Stockton – The second chance, brother’s best friend tropes play out to perfection in this heartwarming novella. Lily has harboured a secret love for her brother’s best friend even though she knows he has an understanding with another lady. Emotional angst ensues when he stays with her family over Christmas. Love the part music plays in their romance which includes a most swoonworthy declaration of love!

“Christmas at Bellingham”by Katie Stewart Stone   – Esther and Andrew are reunited over Christmas in this friends to more holiday romance. She’s a lower class girl with a dowager benefactor which has put Esther at odds with the rest of her family. I get the feeling this novella is an addition to a series since there’s a ton of characters from both families introduced early on and a family history it felt like I should know. So, a lot to digest for a new reader, especially with the shorter word count.

“Christmas in Amorwich” by Anneka R. Walker – Amelia and Noah are a pair of star-crossed lovers who make things worse through rampant miscommunication and mixed messages. I was both exasperated and amused by them! Nothing like romantical shenanigan nonsense during a Regency Christmas house party! Loved the seasonal touches and adored that hard-won happily-ever-after! At last!!

Something Borrowed + Giveaway

In this brand-new novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a special wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.

“A Heart in Disguise” by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Clara Westlake loves her job as a seamstress in the US “Camouflage Corps,” sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to home–except no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they search for answers together, they may also uncover a love that lasts.

“A Letter to Eli” by Allison Pittman

Bette and Alice are lifelong friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It’s never far away from their thoughts–not with Alice’s fiancee serving at sea, in danger every minute. That’s a worry Bette doesn’t envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?

“A Daffodil in the Dress” by Susie Finkbeiner

Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family’s bookstore since Kate’s husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. She has her daughter, Eloise, to take care of and bills to pay, and this job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially not with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?

My Review:

published in 2024

What an exceptional novella collection – three stories tied together through one dress, and not in the way I expected! In fact, I’m a little miffed about what that poor dress went through! I loved the way each novella highlights a different kind of Homefront story from three different wars. It was interesting to note the similarities and differences for each of our heroines.

A Heart in Disguise by Rachel Scott McDaniel – I’m pretty much gobsmacked over how the author managed to deliver this caliber of story with such a short word count. Novella length with the heart and breadth of a novel! Intrigue, danger, romance with a World War I New York City backdrop! So many exquisite details enrich the story and I love the origins of the wedding dress!

A Letter to Eli by Allison Pittman – There’s a bit of an epistolary spin to this WWII romance which was unexpected (both for me and the heroine!) and it was such a great plot twist. A story that celebrates friendship and sacrifice and finding hope in the impossible.

A Daffodil in the Dress by Susie Finkbeiner – Such a sweet, heartwarming, hope-stirring love story! Ike is certifiably swoonable. Not only is he a hero who loves reading – he owns a bookstore! Be still my heart. And the way he relates to Kate’s little girl just turns me into mush! Kate’s loud, boisterous family, especially her opinionated mother, adds an extra layer of ‘feel good’ to this amazing romance.

I listened to the audio edition of this book and thoroughly enjoyed Pilar Witherspoon’s narration. She’s an incredible narrator and I appreciate the talent it takes to make so many different characters shine in a novella collection like this. If you are an audio book fan, this is would make an excellent listening choice.

Like a Winter Snow + Giveaway

Cozy up with this charming and uplifting romance all about unexpected love, true friendship, and family loyalty. Set during a Christmas-time wedding among the falling snow, this sweet story will warm your heart.

Women’s counselor Joy Beckman has always been a friend and helper to all. That’s why she’s given up everything to be with her parents as her mother suffers through Alzheimer’s. Joy may not have a thriving career or a love life at the moment, but she’s doing what she does best—taking care of others. And even though it’s difficult, she knows it’s where she is supposed to be.

But life throws a curveball when she has to leave her parents temporarily to travel to Cornwall, England, for the December wedding of her best friend. While there, Joy helps Sophia tackle her last-minute to-do list, and in the process, finally meets a man who turns her head—and her heart. The only problem? He lives in snowy London, and her life is with her parents back in sunny Florida. 

She tries to resist Oliver Lincoln’s charms, but it’s harder than it should be. With her heart torn in two, Joy is forced to choose between a life she knows she’s meant for and the one she didn’t see coming.

Fall in love with this enchanting romance that’s sure to delight fans of Rachel Hauck and Melissa Tagg. Even if you have not read The Secrets of Paper and Ink (where the quaint village of Port Willis was first born), you can fully enjoy this heartwarming holiday novella.

My Review:

published in 2020

A lot of bookish friends have recommended this Port Willis Romance Christmas series and this is the year I am going to catch up with them all. After reading this first book #1, I can totally see what all the buzz is about.

A short, sweet novella length story filled to the brim with inspiration and hope and the spirit of Christmas. Oh, and an impossible romance. Oliver is British, Joy American, and they meet at a mutual friend’s Christmas wedding in Cornwall. Eeeeeppp – perfectly divine setting! Their attraction is real and quickly developing into something much deeper only they are an ocean apart except for Joy’s brief holiday sojourn.

Such a captivating, insightful story that explores the kind of courage it takes to trust God – especially at the most difficult time in our lives. “Yes, but I think sometimes God wants us to be stretched. To choose the thing that’s frightening and unsure. To live boldly. To take a chance on the unknown.” (p 156.)

A Match Made at Christmas + Giveaway

Hayes McGuire never believed the stories about a famous Nantucket matchmaker until she ropes him into taking over her duties while she’s off the island for Christmas.

So he enlists the help of the one person he can trust with this crazy scheme—his best friend, Prudence. Armed with a series of rules, a book of success stories and the promise of Christmas magic, the pair of old friends sets out to make a Christmas match.

Little do they know that magic doesn’t discriminate, and the pair soon finds their years of friendship deepening into something more. Will Pru and Hayes ignore the electricity in the air between them or will there be more than one match made at Christmas?

A Match Made at Christmas is a stand-alone holiday novella.

My Review:

published in 2020

A seriously brilliant twist on the friends to more trope with so much Christmas pizzazz I can’t even…

“They were like two shattered pieces of glass, and she had to wonder if their pieces would ever fit together.” (p 8)

A blissfully happy marshmallows-melting-in-my-hot-chocolate romantical read that transformed me into giggling goo. 🙂 (And apparently left me a tad addlepated to boot!) 

Loved the matchmaking magic that turns out to have quite a kick! And the valiant way Hayes tries to honour his promise to carry out his mission. And, since he’s a romance flunkee, he enlists the aid of his bestest of best friends, Pru. Who is also his secret love, though he refuses to acknowledge that pesky feeling. And Pru, well, she’s all about preserving their friendship at any cost — including not giving in to the romantic notions about Hayes that have plagued her for years. 

Thrown together on a holiday quest to bring light and love to an unsuspecting pair, these amateur matchmakers aren’t prepared for the residual fallout that has the potential to make or break their friendship forever.