jesforeverlostinbooks's review
5.0
Four perfect Christmas Novellas... I enjoyed them all! My favorite was the Expectations at Canterwood. They are all very different but they all have a little Christmas magic. Definitely will be on my Christmas rereads list.
apageofpeace's review
4.0
This book is full of so much joy and happiness. The first novella is probably my favorite called “Lord Blakely’s Gift”. It is about a girl named Ivy, whom goes about trying to find the owner of a lost purse. Along the way, she meets and gentleman, that joins her on this journey. Little do you know that he is the one person her family could never accept, and that he had never once done anything to help others. Ivy’s ability to find the good in others and help Lord Blakely to find his purpose and true nature is so beautiful. “A Season of Hope”, the second book, is a very cute Christmas story of how an old angry Lord is softened to a lonely boy with a goat, through love and service. “Christmas by the Sea” is a very cute story of an established family, where the husband (a navy surgeon) comes home from the sea to find his wife purchasing a beautiful house. All for the sale to blow up due to an oversellous brother, but what happens is so amazing and truly brings the Christmas spirit of kindness and service. The last book, “Expectations at Canterwood”, is such a cute book about Marenia whom is caught in a curfufal with Richard that ends in a complete confusion of identity and a forced courtship by his mother. It is truly such a cute and adorable book, which draws them together through Christmas festivities.
Overall, I love these types of Christmas books. They are short novellas that bring such happiness and joy through the Christmas season.
Overall, I love these types of Christmas books. They are short novellas that bring such happiness and joy through the Christmas season.
rachearl's review
4.0
2020 blues got you down? Need some Christmas cheer to hold you over until December look no further; This cute collection of Christmas novellas hits the spot. I usually avoid novellas because they leave me unsatisfied because they end too quickly. This collection was well written, and each story while short was well rounded and made me smile. Also a fun introduction to new to me authors, Carla Kelly and Krista Lynne Jensen.
jashaswi's review
4.0
With four charming novellas, A hopeful Christmas brings all the feels of the season. There are four stories by four different authors:
A Hopeful Christmas by Anneka R Walker
A Season of Hope by Sian Ann Bessey
Christmas by the Sea by Carla Kelly
Expectations at Canterwood by Krista Lynne Jensen
These stories have all the elements of Christmas and reading it will keep you charged with holiday spirit. Every story has its magic of captivating the reader with a sweet Christmas twist, with broken ties mending, rekindling of friendship, being kind and compassionate, lending help to the needy, learning to accepting your flaws and believing in miracles. For what is Christmas without miracles!
This book is a celebration of love, kindness, of Christmas, with meaningful messages and sweet romances. Each of these uniquely crafted tales are a must read to get into the mood of the Season!!I loved Christmas by the sea the most. It depicts an ordinary family doing their best to serve others even if their own lives are not perfect. They are honest, sincere and content with what they have. I loved the twist of fate that brought such joy to their lives. It makes me hopeful and believe in miracles.
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to get in the mood of Christmas or are looking for a fun, light read.
Thank you to the authors, Netgalley and Covenant Communications for this e-arc.
A Hopeful Christmas by Anneka R Walker
A Season of Hope by Sian Ann Bessey
Christmas by the Sea by Carla Kelly
Expectations at Canterwood by Krista Lynne Jensen
These stories have all the elements of Christmas and reading it will keep you charged with holiday spirit. Every story has its magic of captivating the reader with a sweet Christmas twist, with broken ties mending, rekindling of friendship, being kind and compassionate, lending help to the needy, learning to accepting your flaws and believing in miracles. For what is Christmas without miracles!
This book is a celebration of love, kindness, of Christmas, with meaningful messages and sweet romances. Each of these uniquely crafted tales are a must read to get into the mood of the Season!!I loved Christmas by the sea the most. It depicts an ordinary family doing their best to serve others even if their own lives are not perfect. They are honest, sincere and content with what they have. I loved the twist of fate that brought such joy to their lives. It makes me hopeful and believe in miracles.
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to get in the mood of Christmas or are looking for a fun, light read.
Thank you to the authors, Netgalley and Covenant Communications for this e-arc.
cakt1991's review
4.0
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
“Lord Blakely’s Gift” by Anneka R. Walker
4 stars
A charming story of love that overcomes obstacles. I really liked seeing how, even amidst an intense family rivalry, Curtis and Ivy could come together/ Curtis is also wonderfully flawed, growing over the course of the story in a beautiful way.
“A Season of Hope” by Sian Ann Bessey
4 stars
This was another sweet story about finding love in the midst of loss and uncertainty. I felt for Amelia’s dire situation, and appreciated the contrast between Thomas, Amelia’s childhood friend, and his miserly father.
“Christmas by the Sea” by Carla Kelly
3 stars
I liked this one, but didn’t love it, which was a shame, given this was the one I was most looking forward to. I liked Will and the kids, but I found the romance in this one a bit lacking and it went on a bit long for my taste.
“Expectations at Canterwood” by Krista Lynn Jensen
5 stars
Mistaken-identity can be hit-or-miss for me, but I was utterly charmed by this one. As a result, the story was kinda quirky, and I liked that Marina and Richard’s relationship transitioned from that initial awkwardness to friendship and then love.
***
This collection is a full of lovely historical stories that would make a great addition to to your holiday romance reading list, especially if you love sweet historicals.
“Lord Blakely’s Gift” by Anneka R. Walker
4 stars
A charming story of love that overcomes obstacles. I really liked seeing how, even amidst an intense family rivalry, Curtis and Ivy could come together/ Curtis is also wonderfully flawed, growing over the course of the story in a beautiful way.
“A Season of Hope” by Sian Ann Bessey
4 stars
This was another sweet story about finding love in the midst of loss and uncertainty. I felt for Amelia’s dire situation, and appreciated the contrast between Thomas, Amelia’s childhood friend, and his miserly father.
“Christmas by the Sea” by Carla Kelly
3 stars
I liked this one, but didn’t love it, which was a shame, given this was the one I was most looking forward to. I liked Will and the kids, but I found the romance in this one a bit lacking and it went on a bit long for my taste.
“Expectations at Canterwood” by Krista Lynn Jensen
5 stars
Mistaken-identity can be hit-or-miss for me, but I was utterly charmed by this one. As a result, the story was kinda quirky, and I liked that Marina and Richard’s relationship transitioned from that initial awkwardness to friendship and then love.
***
This collection is a full of lovely historical stories that would make a great addition to to your holiday romance reading list, especially if you love sweet historicals.
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