Friday, September 29, 2017

THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING by Melody Carlson



 I just love reading Christmas books in September! They get me in the holiday prep mood. I've been listening to Bing Crosby on Pandora, tonight, too. It helps me feel happy and productive. I must admit I've enjoyed the music, but I've not been very productive yet. All is well. There's still time, and I want to enjoy everything I can this Fall. Anyway, back to the book!

 I've read several of Melody Carlson's books—The Christmas Bus, Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Angel Project, The Gift of Christmas Present, The Christmas Shoppe, and my favorite—The Christmas Joy Ride. Carlson's books are happy ending books just like Christmas books should be!

The Christmas Blessing is set during World War II. It's a classic boy meets girl beginning with a whirlwind romance. Plans to marry, then an interruption by a call to duty. A few months later, girl is in trouble, and she hasn't heard from boy for a long time.

From the Publisher:

Although Amelia would be on the train only until tomorrow morning, she unpacked a few things with the goal of making Jimmy and herself as comfortable as possible. To her delight, this cozy sleeping car felt just right for the two of them. Not only that, but as the train began to move, Jimmy relaxed and settled in. Almost as if he were glad they were finally on their way. Maybe he instinctively knew that life was about to get better for them. Perhaps he would enjoy meeting his paternal grandparents. At the moment the train pulled out of the station, anything seemed possible.


She's determined to give her baby a better life. 
Could a Christmas miracle make it possible?

Not long after she receives the news in 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 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?


Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas BusThe Christmas DogChristmas at Harrington'sThe Christmas CatThe Christmas Joy Ride, and The Christmas Angel Project. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

My Thoughts:
 This wasn't a feel good story to read. It had a melancholy feel, because, frankly, Amelia is in a very tough situation. She made some mistakes and is paying for them dearly. She is fiercely in love with her baby, which is a good thing, and wants to do her best for him. But, these are the 1940's, wartime, and things are hard for single moms. It felt hopeless and sad and lonely at times, then someone would do something kind and redeem the  story. 

 It was a bit more confrontational than I liked in a Christmas book, but somehow it seemed more real because of it. In spite of the melancholy, I found that I liked the book. I liked the depth of some of the main characters. Like every good book, there are some surprises. Like every good Christmas book, there's a happy ending. If that's a spoiler, forgive me, but we all want a happy ending at Christmas! 

 This was a quick Christmas read. It's just right for a November or December night, or to tuck into your bag for those snatch reading moments. So put on some Bing Crosby, light a sweet smelling candle and settle in for a nice read.

 By the way, September is my usual time to begin Christmas reading and Christmas music. I used to start baking my cookies really early, but I don't bake so many anymore. The kids are older you know. If it's cold enough for a blanket, it's close enough to Christmas for a good book!


Visit Melody Carlson's website.

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like a good read Laura...I love anything Christmas.. 365 days a year. And nothing says Christmas more than hearing a bit of Bing
    My prayers for continued strength are with you fellow cancer warrior with hopes that you can kick its butt. The Lord is beside you.
    Much love
    Phoebe x

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  2. Thank you for sharing. I like a good Christmas read.

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  3. Sounds like a good book! I have purchased Christmas books since last Christmas, thinking I would read Christmas books all year long, as I hated to see Christmas end. I don't think I've read a one yet.

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  4. So happy to hear you are feeling better Laura. Little steps so you don't overdo things. I can only imagine how long and tough this journey has been for you..but look who you've had with you every step of the way!! Jesus was right there with His arm around your shoulder and when you needed Him to...He carried you. Who better to face battles with than the Good Lord. And you can be certain you are already penciled in on His agenda for the 20th~ Take care dear lady, a gentle hug, Karla

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  5. I had put this on the library hold.
    It is currently on the way to me in transi, a few weeks ago.
    I hope it is a good book, but not too sad.
    Those kinds depress me..

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  6. I think it is always time for a good Christmas book. I love them!!

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Laura Lane
5 Year Cancer Survivor