Friends, Christmas is almost here. I cannot contain my excitement about all these wonderful Christmas books I have been reading lately. Today’s group of novellas is just as good as the rest. I love this group of authors – I always know it’ll be a good story when I see their names involved. It’s a pleasure to have Jodie, Terri and Linda on the blog today!
About the Book
Title: The Hope of Christmas
Author: Jodie Wolfe, Terri Wangard, Linda Shenton Matchett
Genre: Historical Christmas
Release Date: November 24, 2017
A destroyer escort is among the smallest of warships, but the USS Tabberer has the heart of a giant. A typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific during World War II, days before Christmas. The men of the Tabberer stand tall as they rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. For Seaman Jerry Collier, the typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive.
A Dr. in the House
Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?
Click here to purchase your copy!
My Perspective
This group of novellas hits the spot when it comes to uplifting Christmas stories. In fact, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, sit in your favorite reading spot with a comfy blanket, and just start reading. Christmas tree is not needed, but I think it adds to the enjoyment of the book 😉 You’ll be transported back in time and find yourself immersed in each story line.
Picking a Bride for Paul
If there’s one thing I enjoy reading about, it is a tale of two friends who haven’t the slightest idea that they cannot live without each other. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, friends make good couples. They know each other inside and out, and get along so well (even when they get on each other’s nerves!). They also know what the other one needs, without asking a thing.
What I love about this story the most is Teddy. She isn’t your typical historic gal. In fact, she’s pretty much the opposite I think. Tomboyish you might say, which is a quality I love. I found it comical how she started acting a little lady like when it was time to take care of her best friend Paul. Even more so when she found out he was searching for a bride. It was kind of like that “Aha” moment for her. Paul on the other hand? He was oblivious. But it was very entertaining and sweet to see them come together.
Typhoon Prompting
This novella gives you the best of both worlds. You get to see war action, and a sweet love story. I absolutely loved the way this novella was written. One part of the chapter focused on Jerry and the struggles he was going through in the war. He admitted marriage wasn’t for him, but then you start seeing the other part of the chapters. Love letters from his precious Evelyn. It made me wonder who he really was underneath that tough exterior, and I’m happy to say that you see little bits and pieces of him come through more and more as the story goes on. It did end a little abruptly for me, however it did give me the opportunity to kind of design my own story of what happened next for him which is nice too.
A Dr. in the House
The thing I like about reading historical stories is that you can make anything happen in them. A female doctor back then? Rare at best. So when I started reading this story and met Emma, a female doctor, my heart was happy. And then to see the way Archie treated her, I was a bit miffed to say the least, but I understood it. Here’s the thing though, Emma was so graceful about it. Truly she was. She handled it better than most.
So what do you do with two people that are clearly in disagreement with each other? Well, you start breaking down the walls and fight for them to see eye to eye, and perhaps a touch of romance. This story was fun to read, and I have to admit, I did kind of picture Archie has this handsome yet gruff man that I kind of wanted to meet in real life. I mean, if I wasn’t married and all. But it was fun to get to know them both and see their story unfold.
All in all, this is a great group of novellas that could really be read any time of year. So don’t let the word Christmas in the title keep you from reading it any time of year. You’ll thank me later! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Authors
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.
Blog Stops
Christian Author J.E. Grace, December 10
Blogging With Carol, December 10
Genesis 5020, December 11
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 11
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 12
Have A Wonderful Day, December 12
Mommynificent, December 13
Inklings and notions, December 13
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 14
Mary Hake, December 14
The Power of Words, December 15
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 15
A Greater Yes, December 16
Texas Book-aholic, December 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 17
Radiant Light, December 18
Janices book reviews, December 18
Carpe Diem, December 19
A Baker’s Perspective, December 19
Reading Is My SuperPower, December 20
margaret kazmierczak, December 21
Pursuing Stacie, December 21
Maureen’s Musings, December 22
Blossoms and Blessings, December 23
Bigreadersite, December 23
Giveaway
To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c514
Thank you for the information on The Hope of Christmas and great reviews of each novellas. I love Christmas stories and it sounds like a book I’d love to read.
I am so looking forward to reading these stories. They are also some of my favorite authors.
Me too!
Aww, thank you, Audrey and Jessica.
Thank you for your sweet review. 🙂