Ugh, Katie can’t believe it, Christmas is ruined!!
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Barnes and Noble – Amazon
 – GoodreadsChristianbook.com – Author |
It’s not going to be any fun with strangers milling about the inn. What were they thinking, anyway, making reservations at an inn for Christmas? Didn’t they realize that the innkeeper would want to spend time with family?
This is the best thing that’s happened to Melody in a long time! Ever since she got pregnant people just stare at her. Hopefully spending Christmas away will give her the time she so desperately needs to heal. She only has a couple more weeks before the baby arrives to adjust to becoming a single mom.
Levi lost everything at Christmas and just can’t handle the pitying stares again this year so he’s spending this Christmas as far away from the people who know what happened as possible. But is it far enough?
My Thoughts
I loved the Christmassy feeling I got while reading this book. I really enjoyed the girls – their friendships and relationships were absolutely wonderful – they made you feel like part of the family.
What I didn’t like was Melody’s character. I just never felt like I knew enough about her. All we ever really learned about were the circumstances of her pregnancy.
| Rating: | B+ |
| Buy or Borrow: | Borrow |
| Steam: | Not too steamy but there are references to a rape that may not be appropriate for all. |
This month The Christian Fiction Book Club is being hosted at
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The Lemon Verveine Book Club and we’ve chosen Grace: A Christmas Sisters of the Heart Novel.
Discussion Questions:
- At first Katie Lundy resents the arrival of Melody and Levi because she feels they’ve ruined her family’s Christmas. What is your idea of the perfect Christmas? Do you recall a Christmas when things didn’t go as planned? How did you respond and what did you learn? I struggle with this every year. I’m not sure what it is that I want but I never seem to be able to grasp it. This year we went to our new church’s Christmas Eve service and I can honestly say that this is the best Christmas I’ve enjoyed in many years. So, most probably, my perfect Christmas needs to be Christ centered.
- Melody never wavered in her decision to keep her baby. Was this the right decision? Would you have blamed her if she had wanted to give the baby up for adoption? I think that she made the right decision for her. I think that giving up your child to must be a terribly difficult thing to do
- Leah was determined to go out of her way to be by Melody’s side on Christmas Day. Have you ever gone out of your way for a friend? What was the result? Never like Leah did.
- The Amish rarely decorate for Christmas. They have no tree, nativity, or wreath. They sing no Christmas carols. However, many exchange Christmas cards, bake cookies, and give one or two meaningful gifts. Do you think most families would benefit from simplifying their Christmas a bit? In what ways? Oh, in so many ways would that just be better…
- One of the Brenneman’s traditions is to read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. What are some family traditions you love? The family dinner we have at my in-laws is my favorite. It’s so peaceful and loving.
- The concept of grace is an integral one to the story. How have you experienced grace in your life? I believe that anyone with a child knows the meaning of grace – how could we ever deserve something so perfect?
** Many of the books I review are Advance Review Copies. These books are loaned to me for my review. I am in no way compensated for my time nor am I asked to give anything but my honest review.
Great discussion Gina!
I didn't get a chance to read this one. But I can identify with question number one. I have this idea of the perfect Christmas but I can't seem to achieve it.
It goes something like this: have the shopping done by December 1. Have the wrapping done shortly thereafter. Have the house clean and ready for company two weeks before the big day. Then spend Christmas Eve and Christmas day celebrating Christ and not worrying about the little things.
Unfortunately when this Christmas Eve arrived, I'd had a total of 6 hours of sleep in the previous 2 days, was up at 5am to hit the grocery store before the crowds, and I hadn't wrapped a single present. I did get to Christmas Eve service, and it was an hour and a half of calm and focus before the chaos of cleaning and cooking for company.
I'd love the whole week before to be Christ focused and not company/shopping focused. Maybe next year I'll start preparations in August. LOL.
Ah, Joy, I know exactly what you mean. I spend months planning but it's never enough. The service this year put things into perspective much more for me than usual – I can only praise God for the peace it brought.
I also enjoyed the camaraderie of the girls as they spent time together. I loved the whole feeling of family and community at the Inn! Everyone knew the value of their contribution to the group and seemed to make it with a joyful spirit. It would be nice if I could capture that attitude for more of my daily tasks!
What beautiful answers. I'm not a mother but I still enjoyed your answer about Grace.
I feel you about Melody.