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Tidings of Comfort and Joy
very good story
Paperback
Published January 1, 2008
103 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
T. Davis Bunn
80 books153 followersAlso writes under the names Thomas Locke and Davis Bunn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
December 4, 2024
A sweet, gentle story set in the aftermath of WWII, this book has just the right blend of characters, plot, and barely-there romance. It’s not exactly a Christmas story in the typical sense, but it has all the “feels” of Christmas and demonstrates the principle that Christmas doesn’t have to happen only on December 25.
This is one of Bunn’s earlier books, but the writing is definitely his—a bit dramatic at times, but with an almost formal feel that suits an English village. The granddaughter seems younger than fourteen, but she does mature over the course of the story. I love Colin’s quiet, serious ways and the contrasting frank bravado of the American flyboys who come to the rescue.
I suppose this would be considered a romance, but in a nostalgic, poignant way as a grandmother tells her granddaughter the story of her long-ago love. It’s so much more than that, though. There are lovely themes of finding joy and peace in helping others, choosing not to give in to bitterness, and discovering a love based in character and sacrifice rather than superficial attraction. And it all happens against the backdrop of a quaint English village where neighbors band together to bring joy and hope where it’s most needed.
The only small quibble I have is how Emily realizes her parents were right about her romantic choices yet promptly falls for another man whom they’ve never met. I think it’s implied that her parents approved, but this seems like it could easily have been a repeat of her previous stubborn choices.
Aside from that, the spiritual themes are well done, and the cast is endearing. I return to this story often. There’s love in it—familial love, steadfast love, quiet love, making-things-right love. And selfless love, the very essence of Christmas.
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This is one of Bunn’s earlier books, but the writing is definitely his—a bit dramatic at times, but with an almost formal feel that suits an English village. The granddaughter seems younger than fourteen, but she does mature over the course of the story. I love Colin’s quiet, serious ways and the contrasting frank bravado of the American flyboys who come to the rescue.
I suppose this would be considered a romance, but in a nostalgic, poignant way as a grandmother tells her granddaughter the story of her long-ago love. It’s so much more than that, though. There are lovely themes of finding joy and peace in helping others, choosing not to give in to bitterness, and discovering a love based in character and sacrifice rather than superficial attraction. And it all happens against the backdrop of a quaint English village where neighbors band together to bring joy and hope where it’s most needed.
The only small quibble I have is how Emily realizes her parents were right about her romantic choices yet promptly falls for another man whom they’ve never met. I think it’s implied that her parents approved, but this seems like it could easily have been a repeat of her previous stubborn choices.
Aside from that, the spiritual themes are well done, and the cast is endearing. I return to this story often. There’s love in it—familial love, steadfast love, quiet love, making-things-right love. And selfless love, the very essence of Christmas.
Join my email list for monthly book recommendations, plus a free short story, author updates, and more.
January 1, 2018
I don't like to do heavy reading during the holiday season, so this title fit the bill. I read most of it on a long road trip and it made the miles go by pleasantly. It was written in the style of a children's series I used to read to my girls, _In Grandma's Attic_ by Arleta Richardson. A Grandmother tells the story of her coming-of-age--- her romance, heartbreak, and the refashioning of her character that resulted from a season of suffering.
The setting was Britain, post WWII, during the time that loss and destruction were most acutely felt. Emily had a choice: join the "Grim Brigade"--- the ranks of women who were locked into a permanent state of sorrow---OR, throw herself into relieving the suffering of others. There was a valuable moral to her story, that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
The story was simply told, not syrupy sweet like a lot of cheap Christmas stories. Bunn has a solid Christian worldview and dropped a few wisdom nuggets along the way that gave me pause to think and digest. I expected to give this 3 stars but happily elevate it to four because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The setting was Britain, post WWII, during the time that loss and destruction were most acutely felt. Emily had a choice: join the "Grim Brigade"--- the ranks of women who were locked into a permanent state of sorrow---OR, throw herself into relieving the suffering of others. There was a valuable moral to her story, that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
The story was simply told, not syrupy sweet like a lot of cheap Christmas stories. Bunn has a solid Christian worldview and dropped a few wisdom nuggets along the way that gave me pause to think and digest. I expected to give this 3 stars but happily elevate it to four because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 29, 2021
An endearing and heartwarming novella, perfect for the Christmas season!
December 8, 2025
I love this story--quite possibly because my Dad was stationed in England in WWII and my Grandmother was from England. I read it every Christmas and for the last 3 years I’ve read it aloud to my husband who doesn't normally love novels. The difficulties, sacrifices and love during the war years tie into a modern story of grandma and her ill granddaughter. It just sets my heart right and makes me smile. It's a short book but packed full of a good story. IMHO, This should be on everyone's list to read during the holidays.
Note: I’ve read this book every year but one since 2011. It just is a wonderful story of which I never tire. It was great to share it with my husband who has enjoyed me reading it aloud the last few years. As we did again this December 2020.
I simply add, we are continuing reading after Christmas2021 into this year of 2022.
We’ve skipped a couple years and are once again reading it aloud in 2025. This year is my 11th reading! And I still love it.
Note: I’ve read this book every year but one since 2011. It just is a wonderful story of which I never tire. It was great to share it with my husband who has enjoyed me reading it aloud the last few years. As we did again this December 2020.
I simply add, we are continuing reading after Christmas2021 into this year of 2022.
We’ve skipped a couple years and are once again reading it aloud in 2025. This year is my 11th reading! And I still love it.
December 31, 2021
It was wonderful to read a story set around World War II that was redemptive and healing. This one involves an English village and an orphanage of refugee children, told in an effective dual timeline as a grandmother relates her experiences to her ill granddaughter. A lovely book with beautiful illustrations throughout and an uplifting message.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
June 19, 2015
Marissa is forced to stay with her Grandma while the rest of her family heads off to a Christmas vacation in Hawaii. Marissa has been ill and the doctors can't seem to figure out what is wrong, but her Grandma suspects hepatitis. Emily decides to keep her granddaughter entertained by telling her about how she had met her husband and how she knew what was ailing her. The story takes place in a small town near London where a group of orphans are being cared for by the local townspeople.
Thoroughly enjoyable story. Characters are likeable and engaging. The story line warms the heart as it unfolds. The effect the story has on Marissa had her attitude about her illness isn't the only thing that changes as Emily tells her story.
Thumbs Up!!!
Thoroughly enjoyable story. Characters are likeable and engaging. The story line warms the heart as it unfolds. The effect the story has on Marissa had her attitude about her illness isn't the only thing that changes as Emily tells her story.
Thumbs Up!!!
December 17, 2009
Okay, so I admit it might not be a literary work of art. But it is just my kind of book. There's 1940's classiness, running off to Europe, Orphans, and old people talking about the love stories of their 20's. What more could I want in a book!?
December 31, 2025
A sweet novella where a grandmother is telling her granddaughter a story from the Grandmother’s past. The story grandma is telling is set in England just after WW2 ends and it’s how grandma met grandpa and learned some valuable life lessons. Wonderful read.
July 8, 2013
This is actually by T. Davis Bunn.
A very lovely story about a grandmother sharing her history with her granddaughter, both as encouragement and as a way of preserving her own memories.
Beautifully done.
A very lovely story about a grandmother sharing her history with her granddaughter, both as encouragement and as a way of preserving her own memories.
Beautifully done.
January 28, 2016
Sweet read
This is the lovely story of Emily who despite a broken heart gave all the love she could to wwii orphans. The beauty is that it transformed her and them then and Emily's granddaughter in the story and finally me. Unselfishness it's always uplifting.
This is the lovely story of Emily who despite a broken heart gave all the love she could to wwii orphans. The beauty is that it transformed her and them then and Emily's granddaughter in the story and finally me. Unselfishness it's always uplifting.
June 19, 2009
good for those grieving-I read all Davis Bunn-sometimes he is my "christian " version of John Grisham
short and sweet
short and sweet
December 4, 2024
My favorite holiday read! Highly recommended - great departure from the usual commercialized Christmas stories.
December 3, 2024
A lovely book! Marissa is sick and is being so difficult that her family seriously needs a break. So, her Grandmother volunteers to take care of her so that the family can take some time off. Marissa, however is very upset that her family left her and went away. To get her mind off the continued depression and anger, her grandmother tells her a story. The story turns out to be better than what Marissa could havev imagined. A secret past in her grandmother's life that no one knew about. Emily, that was the Grandmother's name, leaves her family and sails to England to find her Fiancé. There she discover that he is nowhere to be founds, then she fally sick and is in the hospital for a couple of days. She comes to know that he had left her a place to stay before running away. Rachel is the Landlady who helps out in the orphanage. Emily follows Rachel's lead and quickly discovers her passion in assisting children who have been traumatized by war. She meets Rev Colin and towards the ending of the story realises that she has feelings for him. She manages to plow through a lot of red tape and stuff to make sure that her children were adopted. Oh, she also gets the help of a couple of awesome american airmen who go out of their war to help the orphans. Then, when she is hestitaing to come back to America, Colin gets a call for helping out in a church in America. Well, they come back and get married. and have kids and grandkids. Marissa wants to do something special for her grandmother's christmas, so she carefully plans a visit by the people who Emily had once helped as kids.
December 14, 2018
I debated on my 4 star rating but in the end I know this book and its message will stick with me and that makes it a 4 star vs 3 to 31/2. A different take on a Christmas tale and in fact the story is more about life in the 1940's and more specific at an orphanage of the time. Emily was going to meet the love of her life, in another country, on a leap of faith it would all work out, but finds him gone when she arrives. Now she is stuck in a different county where she knows no one, until a neighbor/landlady takes her in, both in housing and heart. Soon the heart factor becomes bigger than all other life dealings as Emily becomes part of an orphanage where her life truly begins. The twist is that Emily is now a grandmother retelling her life story to her ill granddaughter that arrives at her home bitter and mean as her family leaves her for a holiday vacation. The meaning of Christmas is not lost in the tale, while there is romance and feel good ending, life is real and hard and we have to remember who truly is in control.
February 6, 2013
Tidings Of Comfort And Joy by Davis Bunn
Love this story. Starts out with Marissa and she's bedridden and her family leave for their Hawaii vacation. She's to stay with her grandmother. It's been a year since her grandfather died.
She is recovering what some say is leukemia, some say it's hepatitis. Marissa has had it with tests and needles and her grandmother will protect her. Marissa has lost a Christmas without her family. So has her grandmother and
she tells Marissa the tale of her trip to England in 1945. She tells her the whole story of why she was there and what happened and why it drew her back to church and God and faith.
Love this story. Starts out with Marissa and she's bedridden and her family leave for their Hawaii vacation. She's to stay with her grandmother. It's been a year since her grandfather died.
She is recovering what some say is leukemia, some say it's hepatitis. Marissa has had it with tests and needles and her grandmother will protect her. Marissa has lost a Christmas without her family. So has her grandmother and
she tells Marissa the tale of her trip to England in 1945. She tells her the whole story of why she was there and what happened and why it drew her back to church and God and faith.
August 28, 2015
What a great well written story. Historical fiction combined with a more contemporary story woven together wonderfully. The historical fiction part starts just after the end of WWII . I love historical fiction that is well researched and I learn while reading! While the contemporary story line takes place during Christmas don't let that stop you from reading it any time of year.
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This book is from Scribd- For a free 60 day free trial use the following referral link-
http://click.mail.scribd.com/?qs=7e3b...
December 23, 2017
If I could, I would be giving this book 4.5!
Although it began with much sorrow and anger and disappointing hurt, Love and Honesty and a special understanding between grandmother and grand-daughter was forged over a Christmas holiday which brought healing to body and soul for both.
This was a deep and moving story where the lessons from the past, helped to open the door of comfort and hope which brought much Joy in the end!
What a wonderful story for the season which as the Vicar Collin exclaimed has as its essential message, "For those who accept God's gift, all is well."
Although it began with much sorrow and anger and disappointing hurt, Love and Honesty and a special understanding between grandmother and grand-daughter was forged over a Christmas holiday which brought healing to body and soul for both.
This was a deep and moving story where the lessons from the past, helped to open the door of comfort and hope which brought much Joy in the end!
What a wonderful story for the season which as the Vicar Collin exclaimed has as its essential message, "For those who accept God's gift, all is well."
November 28, 2009
I enjoyed this heartwarming story of a young teenage girl's Christmas spent with her widowed grandmother while the rest of her family is off on her dream vacation. The grandmother lends wisdom and shares the untold tales of her life with her ill grandaughter. It is a beautiful story of bonding, and of healing for both the grandmother and grandaughter. Quick, sweet read.
November 26, 2009
This is our Dec book club book. Quick, easy read that not only makes you thankful at the holidays, but througout the year as well. A young woman goes to England during WW2 and ends up stuck there and helps with an orphanage. The grandma is telling this story to her sick granddaugter. The cover calls this book a tender story of love, loss and reunion. Which it is.
December 22, 2011
This book WAS a comfort and joy to read. I love the more contemporary setting with the teenage granddaughter listening to her grandmother recount her days as a young woman in post-war England. This is a perfect book to read curled up with a cup of cocoa or tea. Intelligent, touching, historically interesting, romantic, with a solid Christian message. Highly recommended.
December 24, 2013
I didn't get into this book right away because I wasn't interested in reading about a bratty teenager, but fortunately I read on and the rest of the story was heartwarming and rewarding. If you like stories circa WWII, set in the English countryside, and with a Christian background, you'll enjoy this story.
December 10, 2015
The Thursday Morning Book Club thoroughly enjoyed "Tidings of Comfort & Joy," giving it a 5-star rating. They felt it was a heartwarming tale of family traditions being passed down, and especially loved the relationship between the grandmother and granddaughter featured in the story-line. A hearty recommendation.
December 21, 2018
“And look at the wonders the Lord has wrought in my own heart!”
That is the story of Christmas and Christ’s mission. Tidings of Comfort and Joy fits the mood of the Christmas season just so and is a lovely combination of historical fiction and inspirational reading. It truly is a reminder that all is well.
That is the story of Christmas and Christ’s mission. Tidings of Comfort and Joy fits the mood of the Christmas season just so and is a lovely combination of historical fiction and inspirational reading. It truly is a reminder that all is well.
December 8, 2012
A quick book to read that is similar to one of my favorite books "the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" in the way it draws the story by telling it from the present to the past with each chapter. Great book which has made me a Davis Bunn fan.
February 4, 2017
I LOVED this book. It was a wonderful holiday read and I suspect i'll be reading again around Christmas! It's not a deep story, but it has a great message of love with family and learning that what we want to do, isn't always the best thing.
January 12, 2008
No matter what our lot in life is, we can choose to "make" a life for ourselves with a semblance of happiness and with service to others.
January 20, 2008
Beautiful story told by a grandmother to her ill granddaughter.
December 30, 2008
A wonderful inspiring novella. Easy reading, but heart warming and encouraging. It teaches you to learn from past difficulties, rather than getting bitter, and to heal through giving to others.
December 27, 2022
This was a lovely story to read at Christmas. It focused on personal growth, forgiveness and helping others, in an uplifting way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews