The Christmas Children

The Mellow Years #3

by Irene Brand

All Carissa Whitmore wants for Christmas is to regain the faith she had as a child. Spending the holidays alone at a friend's home seems the perfect solution—and what better town than Yuletide to help her find the holiday spirit she seeks?

However, Carissa hadn't counted on sharing the space with Paul Spencer, her friend's brother…or the three orphaned children who have been hiding out in the house. But the biggest surprise of all is how acting as parents draws Carissa and Paul closer together. Could the miracle of love bring the joy of the season back to Carissa…and give her the husband and family she's always longed for?

Genres: Love Inspired, Christmas, Christian, Romance, Christian Fiction

250 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

In a writing career spanning three decades, Irene has won numerous awards and published 45 books that have sold more than two million copies. Irene primarily writes inspirational romances, but she has also published nonfiction books, devotional materials, and magazine articles. Before she became a full-time writer, Irene taught for 23 years in public schools. Her other passions include traveling (she has visited all 50 states and 35 foreign countries) and history (she holds a Master’s Degree in the subject). Her published titles include Where Morning Dawns, Listen to Your Heart, and the Kentucky Brides collection. Irene is an active member of her church and is affiliated with several writing organizations. She is a lifelong resident of West Virginia, where she lives with her husband, Rod.

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Children by Irene Brand. Carissa Whitmore switches houses for the winter. Carissa lives in Florida. She moves to Yuletide for the winter. The first night there she hears noises. Someone in the kitchen. She hits him with a fireplace poker. Come to find out he is the brother to the owner of the house. Paul Spencer is his name. A few days later she finds three children living in the basement. They ran away from home. There mother had died and their father left home. Carissa and Paul keep the kids at the house. The sheriff is checking out where they came from. Lots of ups and downs with the five of them living in the same house. The kids father shows up. He has been on drugs his whole life. About to die. He signs papers so Carissa and Paul can adopt the children. A very touching story. A good read.

[Louis D.Gargarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

What a lovely story! Faith in God is sometimes the leading force in making difficult decisions and in life. Marissa and Paul let the time they had together taking care of the children to ignite the romance to develop. This is a lovely feel good read.
MK

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carissa and Paul discover helping 3 children can bring them closer to each other and God. 3 homeless children bring the whole town closer.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The MCs are both in their 40s. Both have a lot of baggage to carry. Then comes a miracle.
This was a sweet romance for reading at the holidays.

[Carrie Billig]

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[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I so enjoyed this little paperback Christmas story! Imagine swapping houses for the holidays to get away from it all only to wind up with a handsome stranger staying with you by mistake and four runaway orphans camped in your basement. All is not without struggles, tears, tough choices, etc. but lots of love. The idea of the pricipal character being in her 30's and not only a virgin but never kissed is one of those eye-rolling romance cliches but you have to expect some cheesy unreality in these Christmas romances. I will look for other works by the author after reading this one.

[Jeanne (love2cook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good little christian romance story. The town of Yuletide lost it's Christmas spirit. Carissa Whitmore came to Yuletide to find the holiday spirit that she'd had as a child. See how Carissa with the help of Paul Spencer they revive the true meaning of Christmas for themselves and for the whole town. A nice read!!

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: The Mellow Years