Christmas in My Heart, Vol 1

Christmas In My Heart #1

by Joe L. Wheeler

Timeless stories with a message of unselfish love and personal involvement will turn thoughts to Christ and remind readers that this is really what Christmas--and life itself--is all about.

Genres: Christmas

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1992

About the author

Joe Wheeler has been labeled many things: as Father Christmas because of his editing/compiling America’s longest-running Christmas of story series — Christmas in My Heart (now in its 18th season); as one of America’s leading story anthologists (56 story collections by twelve publishing houses); as the world’s foremost authority on life and times of the frontier writer Zane Grey (he is co-founder and executive director of the international Zane Grey’s West Society); as a biographer, having written full-length biographies of Abraham Lincoln and St. Nicholas and shorter biographies of Louisa May Alcott, Abbie Farwell Brown, Daniel Defoe, Charles Dickens, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Gene Stratton Porter, Grace Richmond, Henryk Sienkiewicz, and Lew Wallace; and as a Renaissance Man because of his encyclopedic interest in everything (popular culture as well as the academic); and his master’s degree in the teaching of History, his master’s degree in English (thesis on Utopian and Dystopian literature), and his Vanderbilt doctorate in English (History of Ideas emphasis).

Because of all these variables, and stirring in his 71 books (and counting), this blog series promises to be unlike any other — and that’s why he titles the series, “UNCHARTED WATERS.”

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

These story collections are a highlight of every Christmas season. Even rereading them is a treat that never fails to remind me of what really matters at Christmas. Highly recommended!

[📚 Alana (professional book nerd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have 26 of these so I’m starting on November 29th to read one a day (they’re short and easy) until Christmas Eve!

It’ll be like an advent calendar but reading a Christmas in my heart book

Also, this is in honor of my great grandma, who gave me these books, and is still with us, but she’ll be going to heaven soon 🫶🏻🥺

[Steve Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a veritable buffet of tug-at-your-heart, old fashioned Christmas stories. These stories are family friendly and faith based. They include orphans who find a home, fractured relationships that are mended, and wounded hearts that are healed. They get below the glitz to the heart of Christmas.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this collection; many thought-provoking moments and heart-tugging scenes. Definitely old-fashioned and sentimental - perfect for this time of year. My favorite stories were related to music: "A Few Bars in the Key of G" and "'Meditation' in a Minor Key." I think everyone should take time to read and enjoy one of these story collections during the holidays, reminders of simpler times where the expectations of the season did not seem as high.

[Janelle]

DNF. Nice stories, but the poor quality audio in the audiobook I was listening to got too annoying.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read any of his previous Christmas books, but after reading this one will get to the others during next year. Although I enjoyed reading all of the seven short stories, the one's which really pulled on my heartstrings were:

1. Christmas in Tin Can Valley which a young man changed the hearts of those who were more fortunate in income by his desire to "tell the story of Jesus' Birth"

2. Invisible Christmas Tree which although it was a tree that was discarded by its original owner during or right after Christmas the tree became a source of inspiration and wonder by the family who's father brought it home. This family who was struggling when from rags to a family which could take care of their needs including coming to a new country looking for opportunities.

3. A Christmas Miracle finds a family torn apart by the death of their father and didn't have time for their regular Christmas celebration. One sister was so touched by the success bug that she was willing to possibly lose her husband in order to take a job which would elevate her to a higher ladder because she didn't have time for children. Her brother may be making the wrong choice in a future mate because of his materialistic young woman he was dating and the young sister who was considered a toss-away was the one who had the family in awe. Their mother decided that she want a Christmas tree and decorations like they use to enjoy. I loved how each of the reacted to these decorations and especially when the two older sibling realized how their youngest sister had lived her dream. A miracle that brought the family back together.


A very touching little book, loved the second story called Christmas in Tin Can Valley, the other 5 stories are excellent as well.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this collection of Christmas stories. They are compiled by the same man, Joe Wheeler, who put together the "Christmas in my Heart" books. Most are fictional, but one is a true story. They are full of pathos and a peek into past generations and how they looked at Christmas. The one I liked the very best, "With a Star on Top", tells of how a discarded Christmas tree change a family's future for the better. All-in-all, a sweet compilation of stories for the lovely holiday season.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Christmas in my heart series, and I loved this volume in this new series as well. Brings the true meaning of Christmas into the forefront, and should be a holiday tradition to reread these stories each year!

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Joe Wheeler's annual Christmas book. It was excellent. This book did not disappoint. I love his collection of Christmas stories.

[Judy Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very touching little book, loved the second story called Christmas in Tin Can Valley, the other 5 stories are excellent as well.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a neat little book. I really enjoyed it.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful stories of love, hope and the reason for the season.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful stories of love, hope and the reason for the season.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoy these Christmas Stories

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just absolutely love these Christmas stories compiled by Joe Wheeler. There are a few volumes and I have loved every single one.