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A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom
When her student, six-year-old Mary Noel, survives a car accident over Thanksgiving break, Amber and her new friend, Paul, are determined to cheer her up during the holidays. But Mary Noel’s most painful injury is the loss of her dog. The more withdrawn Mary Noel becomes, the more Amber and Paul need a miracle—a miracle that requires the entire community’s help.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
June McCrary Jacobs
51 books152 followersJune McCrary Jacobs is an award-winning fiction author of Christian and clean & wholesome romances and fiction for children ages 6-12. June is also an experienced sewing designer with nearly 40 sewing pattern books for teens and adults available for sale in the Kindle Store. Two 'Kids Love to Stitch' books written for children ages 7-12 are also available there. ** All of June's fiction and sewing pattern books are completely free with Kindle Unlimited! **
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-- June's Fiction:
** 'Christmas in Bonita Creek', Book 3 in the Bonita Creek Series, is a historical (set in 1952) Christian military romance which is completely clean in language and content. This book was released in early December, 2022.
** 'Jorie's Journey', Book 2 in the Bonita Creek Series, is a contemporary Christian Western romance book which is completely clean in language and content. Includes an original recipe by the author! This book was released in May, 2022.
** 'Robin's Reward', Book 1 in the Bonita Creek Series, is a full-length contemporary Christian romance which is completely clean in language and content. This book was released in April, 2015.
** 'Romance By Proxy', is a clean & wholesome romance novella set on the Northern Coast of California which is completely clean in language and content. This book was released in August, 2021.
** 'Handmade Hearts', is a Christian historical romance short story set in World War II New Orleans. This story is completely clean in language and content. It was inspired by a true story, and was released in late 2018.
** June's debut novella, an inspirational Christmas story titled, 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom', was released in 2013. This book was the winner of Cedar Fort Inc.'s 2013 Holiday Tale Contest and is completely clean in language and content.
**June's debut middle-grade historical adventure novel, 'RES-Q Tyler Stop', released in April, 2019. Set in rural Sonoma County in Northern California in 1968, the novel includes adventure, animal care, diverse characters, and issues such as racial injustice and bullying. Join Weston Gregg and his family and friends as they navigate real-life issues to make a positive difference in their community.
**Two middle-grade story collections, 'Banjo & More Pet Stories' and 'Carter's Cookies & More Family Stories', were released in January, 2022.
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-- June's Sewing Pattern Books: Each of June's sewing pattern books in the Kindle Store include material lists and detailed cutting and sewing instructions written with Imperial and Metric measurements to appeal to seamstresses around the globe! There are twenty-six pattern books for adults/teens and two 'Kids Love to Stitch' book for children ages 7 - 12. From Christmas decorations to home decor to stuffed toys for children to fashion accessories with more patterns to come, June's original designs bring a fresh, fun, festive look to your home and your life!
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Connect with June at:
~ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/June-Mc...
~ Blog: https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogs...
~ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuneMcCraryJ...
~ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/junemccrary...
~ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/june-...
~ Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/June-McCrary...
~ Email: junemccraryjacobs@gmail.com
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********************************************************
-- June's Fiction:
** 'Christmas in Bonita Creek', Book 3 in the Bonita Creek Series, is a historical (set in 1952) Christian military romance which is completely clean in language and content. This book was released in early December, 2022.
** 'Jorie's Journey', Book 2 in the Bonita Creek Series, is a contemporary Christian Western romance book which is completely clean in language and content. Includes an original recipe by the author! This book was released in May, 2022.
** 'Robin's Reward', Book 1 in the Bonita Creek Series, is a full-length contemporary Christian romance which is completely clean in language and content. This book was released in April, 2015.
** 'Romance By Proxy', is a clean & wholesome romance novella set on the Northern Coast of California which is completely clean in language and content. This book was released in August, 2021.
** 'Handmade Hearts', is a Christian historical romance short story set in World War II New Orleans. This story is completely clean in language and content. It was inspired by a true story, and was released in late 2018.
** June's debut novella, an inspirational Christmas story titled, 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom', was released in 2013. This book was the winner of Cedar Fort Inc.'s 2013 Holiday Tale Contest and is completely clean in language and content.
**June's debut middle-grade historical adventure novel, 'RES-Q Tyler Stop', released in April, 2019. Set in rural Sonoma County in Northern California in 1968, the novel includes adventure, animal care, diverse characters, and issues such as racial injustice and bullying. Join Weston Gregg and his family and friends as they navigate real-life issues to make a positive difference in their community.
**Two middle-grade story collections, 'Banjo & More Pet Stories' and 'Carter's Cookies & More Family Stories', were released in January, 2022.
********************************************************
-- June's Sewing Pattern Books: Each of June's sewing pattern books in the Kindle Store include material lists and detailed cutting and sewing instructions written with Imperial and Metric measurements to appeal to seamstresses around the globe! There are twenty-six pattern books for adults/teens and two 'Kids Love to Stitch' book for children ages 7 - 12. From Christmas decorations to home decor to stuffed toys for children to fashion accessories with more patterns to come, June's original designs bring a fresh, fun, festive look to your home and your life!
*******************************************************
Connect with June at:
~ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/June-Mc...
~ Blog: https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogs...
~ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuneMcCraryJ...
~ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/junemccrary...
~ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/june-...
~ Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/June-McCrary...
~ Email: junemccraryjacobs@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 26, 2014
Amber learns that one of her students, 6-year-old Mary Noel, was involved in an accident over Thanksgiving that wound up killing her dog. She's in the hospital and won't talk to anyone. Amber goes to the hospital to visit her and meets Paul, who works for Mary's father. They become fast friends and decide they want to help Mary's parents with the hospital bills. Their plans are big and will require lots of community help. Can they pull off a Christmas miracle?
This is a fun, fast read. Amber and Paul become very close very fast and in the context of what they were trying to accomplish, I was able to buy into it. Their relationship flowed easily and there wasn't any kind of drama. Because the book is short, we don't get a lot of character development around them but I thought they were sweet together.
I've never lived in a small town and this book has that definite small town feel which makes me wish I knew what it felt like. Lots of people in the community pull together to do what they can to help Mary start to heal and put a smile on her face again. I loved the feel of people working together for a good cause, and Christmas is always a time of year when people are even more generous.
Everything does come together easily in this book and it was a nice change of pace for me. If you're looking for a quick, feel good Christmas story, this is a book you will want to pick up!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
This is a fun, fast read. Amber and Paul become very close very fast and in the context of what they were trying to accomplish, I was able to buy into it. Their relationship flowed easily and there wasn't any kind of drama. Because the book is short, we don't get a lot of character development around them but I thought they were sweet together.
I've never lived in a small town and this book has that definite small town feel which makes me wish I knew what it felt like. Lots of people in the community pull together to do what they can to help Mary start to heal and put a smile on her face again. I loved the feel of people working together for a good cause, and Christmas is always a time of year when people are even more generous.
Everything does come together easily in this book and it was a nice change of pace for me. If you're looking for a quick, feel good Christmas story, this is a book you will want to pick up!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
November 10, 2014
Amber is pretty fresh to Apple Blossom, but she absolute loves teaching. However, right before Christmas, her student Mary Noel is involved in a tragic accident. Now Amber wants to try and do everything she can to make it better. With the help of a new-found friend, Amber may be able to help her pupil, her pupil's family, and even help herself in the process.
This is a relatively short but fun read. Amber is a young teacher who would do anything for her class, and this love of her students is soon put to the test. Amber's young pupil Mary Noel is involved in a sad accident, and Amber just knows she must do something. While visiting Mary Noel, Amber meets a friend of the family, the dashing and sweet Paul. Amber and Paul are a great match in multiple ways. They grow closer as they work to serve Mary Noel and her family.
If you are looking for a sweet romance that will raise your spirits for the holidays, this is a great choice. If I had one little complaint, it would be that Amber and Paul were a little too perfect. I mean they practically had no flaws. However, if you're escaping from the business of the holidays, you may want a story with very little to bring you down. This story just lifts up. It is a fun and quick read for your holiday season.
Book provided for review.
This is a relatively short but fun read. Amber is a young teacher who would do anything for her class, and this love of her students is soon put to the test. Amber's young pupil Mary Noel is involved in a sad accident, and Amber just knows she must do something. While visiting Mary Noel, Amber meets a friend of the family, the dashing and sweet Paul. Amber and Paul are a great match in multiple ways. They grow closer as they work to serve Mary Noel and her family.
If you are looking for a sweet romance that will raise your spirits for the holidays, this is a great choice. If I had one little complaint, it would be that Amber and Paul were a little too perfect. I mean they practically had no flaws. However, if you're escaping from the business of the holidays, you may want a story with very little to bring you down. This story just lifts up. It is a fun and quick read for your holiday season.
Book provided for review.
October 28, 2013
This was a simple, sweet Christmas story. Amber is a school teacher and when one of her students is involved in an accident, the town rallies around to help cheer her up and to help pay for her medical costs.
When Amber goes to visit Mary Noel, she literally runs into Paul and a
romance quickly blossoms. This romance becomes one of the main two points to the story. This novella is on the shorter side, so we don't really get to know Amber and Paul really well. I thought they were both a little awkward, especially when they would text each other, but it was very endearing and sweet.
Typically, it's not very believable to me when everything works out so quickly and so neatly, however, with this feel-good holiday story, anything is possible and it works. It's the type of sweetness and fluff recipe that is filled with kindness and hope--which is a must for a good Christmas story; it's the makings of a good Hallmark Christmas movie.
Content: Christian undertones, kissing, CLEAN!!
I am hosting a giveaway of this book on my blog. Enter to win an e-book!!
Katie's Clean Book Collection
When Amber goes to visit Mary Noel, she literally runs into Paul and a
romance quickly blossoms. This romance becomes one of the main two points to the story. This novella is on the shorter side, so we don't really get to know Amber and Paul really well. I thought they were both a little awkward, especially when they would text each other, but it was very endearing and sweet.
Typically, it's not very believable to me when everything works out so quickly and so neatly, however, with this feel-good holiday story, anything is possible and it works. It's the type of sweetness and fluff recipe that is filled with kindness and hope--which is a must for a good Christmas story; it's the makings of a good Hallmark Christmas movie.
Content: Christian undertones, kissing, CLEAN!!
I am hosting a giveaway of this book on my blog. Enter to win an e-book!!
Katie's Clean Book Collection
December 16, 2017
Romance, clean, Christian faith elements
This was a sweet, tender read. Amber and Paul come together to help Mary Noel to heal after she is hit by a car. Her family has a huge medical debt.
This is definitely a HEA, feel good, short, holiday read. If you enjoy a little bit of tension, lots of sweet falling, and not much conflict, this is a sweet story of a couple that find each other, healing for a family, and a community pulling together to help raise funds for hurt little girl.
Being a shorter read (novella length), quick, and not as much depth, but still a cute read.
This was a sweet, tender read. Amber and Paul come together to help Mary Noel to heal after she is hit by a car. Her family has a huge medical debt.
This is definitely a HEA, feel good, short, holiday read. If you enjoy a little bit of tension, lots of sweet falling, and not much conflict, this is a sweet story of a couple that find each other, healing for a family, and a community pulling together to help raise funds for hurt little girl.
Being a shorter read (novella length), quick, and not as much depth, but still a cute read.
September 4, 2013
I think this is a cute and sweet story. I appreciate that the author wants to write and it is commendable that she has written her first novel. However, this book has some problems.
The author opened the door for some competition for Paul where Todd Crocker was concerned. At first sight I could tell that Todd was an obnoxious guy but the book didn't contain any excitement. There was no antagonist in the book, therefore, no way for the characters to overcome something. I think the author needs to consider putting in a challenger for Paul. Not really a Love triangle but just something for the reader to read. The idea behind the fund raiser was good but everything sort of fell into place and there wasn't much "challenge" in the book. Because of the length and lack of things happening, the book was sort of boring.
In addition, I felt the character development to be lacking. We get to know Paul pretty well from what he tells Amber but we don't learn much about her. Why is she living in this town? Who is she? Where is the town? The supporting characters are also weak. We don't need to know so much about them but when the supporting characters really support the plot, then I think there needs to be more substance behind their characters. Really the book is lacking a whole lot of character development.
As the book went on, Paul became increasingly annoying to me. He was very bossy in a nice sort of way. He demanded things from Amber and really just pushed her around. *shutters*
The author is real heavy on the Christian aspect of the book. I've never met anyone or any couple who prayed about their relationship with each other. This happens several times in the book. I just think this is too over the top. It was strange for me and didn't feel like something that should be in a novel. The interactions are very sweet but over and beyond what I would consider normal.
The book centers around a fund raiser for a little girl, Mary Noel, but the reader doesn't even get to know the little girl, nor her parents. I would have liked to have learned more about these characters, since the plot was devised around them and their tragedy. The fund raiser wasn't exciting because everything happens so smoothly. People come from neighboring towns and they support the crap out of it and its all just too perfect. The story just really needs some flaws and some chances for the characters to overcome themselves, a trial, like the accident, or someone having to make a Huge decision. Just Something!
"Her leg and arm were still in casts, but the patient was no longer in physical pain." This statement really bothered me. It is in reference to Mary Noel when she is being released from the hospital to attend the Fair. I just think this statement was a poor choice for the author.
Lastly, the texting in the book is very odd. It's as though the characters were writing letters instead of texting.
"See you at five. Fondly, Amber." No one talks like this. It felt like the author didn't have a clue about texting.
Overall, the lack of anything exiting happening in the book was it's biggest flaw. Then, there was way too many Christian elements to it. Ones that I would surmise most Christians don't even practice so it comes off silly and I couldn't relate o the characters. I ended up not recommending this book because I feel it still needs more editing. It just wasn't ready to be published.
Content: Clean
A copy was provided by Cedar Fort and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The author opened the door for some competition for Paul where Todd Crocker was concerned. At first sight I could tell that Todd was an obnoxious guy but the book didn't contain any excitement. There was no antagonist in the book, therefore, no way for the characters to overcome something. I think the author needs to consider putting in a challenger for Paul. Not really a Love triangle but just something for the reader to read. The idea behind the fund raiser was good but everything sort of fell into place and there wasn't much "challenge" in the book. Because of the length and lack of things happening, the book was sort of boring.
In addition, I felt the character development to be lacking. We get to know Paul pretty well from what he tells Amber but we don't learn much about her. Why is she living in this town? Who is she? Where is the town? The supporting characters are also weak. We don't need to know so much about them but when the supporting characters really support the plot, then I think there needs to be more substance behind their characters. Really the book is lacking a whole lot of character development.
As the book went on, Paul became increasingly annoying to me. He was very bossy in a nice sort of way. He demanded things from Amber and really just pushed her around. *shutters*
The author is real heavy on the Christian aspect of the book. I've never met anyone or any couple who prayed about their relationship with each other. This happens several times in the book. I just think this is too over the top. It was strange for me and didn't feel like something that should be in a novel. The interactions are very sweet but over and beyond what I would consider normal.
The book centers around a fund raiser for a little girl, Mary Noel, but the reader doesn't even get to know the little girl, nor her parents. I would have liked to have learned more about these characters, since the plot was devised around them and their tragedy. The fund raiser wasn't exciting because everything happens so smoothly. People come from neighboring towns and they support the crap out of it and its all just too perfect. The story just really needs some flaws and some chances for the characters to overcome themselves, a trial, like the accident, or someone having to make a Huge decision. Just Something!
"Her leg and arm were still in casts, but the patient was no longer in physical pain." This statement really bothered me. It is in reference to Mary Noel when she is being released from the hospital to attend the Fair. I just think this statement was a poor choice for the author.
Lastly, the texting in the book is very odd. It's as though the characters were writing letters instead of texting.
"See you at five. Fondly, Amber." No one talks like this. It felt like the author didn't have a clue about texting.
Overall, the lack of anything exiting happening in the book was it's biggest flaw. Then, there was way too many Christian elements to it. Ones that I would surmise most Christians don't even practice so it comes off silly and I couldn't relate o the characters. I ended up not recommending this book because I feel it still needs more editing. It just wasn't ready to be published.
Content: Clean
A copy was provided by Cedar Fort and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 19, 2013
5 STARS
This is a good Christmas story. The reasons I gave it 5 STARS it touched me in so many ways. I cried some sad tears in the beginning, In part of the story I wanted to shout for joy. I even cried some happy tears. The characters to me were real.
The setting was a small community. That one brand new teacher made a difference and got the town to work together for one little girl and her very worried parents.
The drama starts right off and touches the heart strings from the first page. Amber learns one of her student Mary Noel was hit by a car. She will heal with broken bones but worst of all her puppy was with her and died. Mary Noel saw all the blood and injuries. She has closed down has not spoken since.
Before Amber can say anything to her students they all tell her about Mary Noel and her dog. Amber's class pull together for Mary Noel they make lots of cards for her hospital room and other things.
Just thinking about the story makes my eyes water again. It is so neat to see all the people pulling together to help where they can. They make a big difference by working together.
Paul works with Mary Noel's father. He helps keep the business going while Mr. Simmons stays at the hospital. They won't let Mary Noel leave until she opens emotionally.
Paul and Amber meet in the hospital and start working together and come up with a plan to help. As they are working they start to fall in love very vast.
This book is a clean read, It does feature church, prayer and Christmas eve midnight service. It all fits so well into the story.
I will look forward for more books from June McCrary Jacobs in the future. I really enjoyed her first novel.
I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by NetGalley and Cedar Fort
publication: October 8th 2013 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media 144 pages ISBN 9781462113521
October 15, 2013
For a debut novel this novella was okay, and enjoyable enough but I can't say that it was great. Rated it 2.5/5.
I love Christmas novels they are always laced with kindness and miracles. It's also nice to think about small town communities who will rally around their neighbors in their time of need. That is the type of novel A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom.
When 6 yr. old Mary Noel is hurt and traumatized by seeing her little dog killed she stops speaking to everyone. She lays in the hospital silent and the medical bills are piling up. When her teacher Amber finds out about what has happened she comes and visits the little girl. While she is there she runs into a man named Paul.
Paul works for Tim the father of the little girl and Amber and Paul seem to hit it off right away. She is struck by Paul's kind and compassionate ways. When they find out how huge the medical bills are they devise a plan to help the family out. They are going to have a festival in honor of Mary Noel. They are hoping that it will get the little girl to open up and come out of her silent shell she has sunk into.
The community rallies around the idea and a variety of different people in the community volunteer their services. While planning the event Amber and Paul grow closer.
I didn't realize that this novel was going to be more of a Christian novel when I grabbed it up so I do want to make sure that others know. It was a a squeaky clean read with some religious undertones. I think I would have liked it better if it wouldn't have been so syrupy sweet. Not that I mind clean reads, but it just oozed of sappy sweetness. I know that characters in novels fall in love rather quickly but to me this was just a little two quick. I am not one for love at first sight. There was no conflict in the story which usually happens in most romances.
Overall I thought it was okay for a quick read and if it sounds like something you might like to read then I would say give it a try.
I love Christmas novels they are always laced with kindness and miracles. It's also nice to think about small town communities who will rally around their neighbors in their time of need. That is the type of novel A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom.
When 6 yr. old Mary Noel is hurt and traumatized by seeing her little dog killed she stops speaking to everyone. She lays in the hospital silent and the medical bills are piling up. When her teacher Amber finds out about what has happened she comes and visits the little girl. While she is there she runs into a man named Paul.
Paul works for Tim the father of the little girl and Amber and Paul seem to hit it off right away. She is struck by Paul's kind and compassionate ways. When they find out how huge the medical bills are they devise a plan to help the family out. They are going to have a festival in honor of Mary Noel. They are hoping that it will get the little girl to open up and come out of her silent shell she has sunk into.
The community rallies around the idea and a variety of different people in the community volunteer their services. While planning the event Amber and Paul grow closer.
I didn't realize that this novel was going to be more of a Christian novel when I grabbed it up so I do want to make sure that others know. It was a a squeaky clean read with some religious undertones. I think I would have liked it better if it wouldn't have been so syrupy sweet. Not that I mind clean reads, but it just oozed of sappy sweetness. I know that characters in novels fall in love rather quickly but to me this was just a little two quick. I am not one for love at first sight. There was no conflict in the story which usually happens in most romances.
Overall I thought it was okay for a quick read and if it sounds like something you might like to read then I would say give it a try.
November 1, 2013
Sweet and tender...A PERFECT book for the holidays!
A tragic accident overcome by faith.
A man and woman falling in love.
A community coming together to help out a family in need.
A holiday festival based on angels.
Rejoicing in the birth of our Savior.
SO. SO. SO. WONDERFUL!
Mary Noel has been hit by a car. She survives, but her dog doesn't.
Devastated, Mary Noel refuses to look at anyone or even speak to anyone.
Amber and Paul come together to plan a holiday festival like none other, including all of Mary Noel's favorite things...like the color blue and angels...in order to help the family pay for the medical expenses.
The community comes together to help; and there truly is a miracle on Christmas Eve in Apple Blossom.
An AMAZING story of what one person can do to help another...
And when a whole community comes together...with a little faith...miracles DO happen!
A tragic accident overcome by faith.
A man and woman falling in love.
A community coming together to help out a family in need.
A holiday festival based on angels.
Rejoicing in the birth of our Savior.
SO. SO. SO. WONDERFUL!
Mary Noel has been hit by a car. She survives, but her dog doesn't.
Devastated, Mary Noel refuses to look at anyone or even speak to anyone.
Amber and Paul come together to plan a holiday festival like none other, including all of Mary Noel's favorite things...like the color blue and angels...in order to help the family pay for the medical expenses.
The community comes together to help; and there truly is a miracle on Christmas Eve in Apple Blossom.
An AMAZING story of what one person can do to help another...
And when a whole community comes together...with a little faith...miracles DO happen!
October 23, 2013
Miracles touch each heart differently…..
Amber’s first year of teaching six-year olds was going well, until the principal brings an announcement that will forever alter Amber's world. A car accident has devastated the life of one of her students, leaving her uncommunicative and withdrawn.
Will Amber be the key to the child’s recovery? Are there others willing to help? Working with a new found friend Paul, Amber met in the hospital, they pull together a wonderful plan. It will take a miracle of cooperation and support of the whole town to be successful. The results are surprising. Many lives are changed as the holiday spirit spreads from one family to another. Amber and her friend Paul are no exception.
A charming holiday tale to lift your spirits!
Amber’s first year of teaching six-year olds was going well, until the principal brings an announcement that will forever alter Amber's world. A car accident has devastated the life of one of her students, leaving her uncommunicative and withdrawn.
Will Amber be the key to the child’s recovery? Are there others willing to help? Working with a new found friend Paul, Amber met in the hospital, they pull together a wonderful plan. It will take a miracle of cooperation and support of the whole town to be successful. The results are surprising. Many lives are changed as the holiday spirit spreads from one family to another. Amber and her friend Paul are no exception.
A charming holiday tale to lift your spirits!
November 25, 2014
The two best adjectives I can think of to describe this novel are sweet and gentle. It will remind you of all the best things about Christmastime.
This is a story of faith and service- about a caring community who pull together to help a family in need. Amber is kind hearted and caring. When she meets Paul, they come together for a common goal and find that their hearts are coming together as well. The romance is sweet but not really the main focus.
If you are looking for an inspirational short story to fill you with all things Christmas this is a book you will love. I really enjoyed it. It had peace and good will oozing from the pages. This is a Christian based book and there is talk of God and faith. It's perfectly clean and just right for a cozy winter night.
This is a story of faith and service- about a caring community who pull together to help a family in need. Amber is kind hearted and caring. When she meets Paul, they come together for a common goal and find that their hearts are coming together as well. The romance is sweet but not really the main focus.
If you are looking for an inspirational short story to fill you with all things Christmas this is a book you will love. I really enjoyed it. It had peace and good will oozing from the pages. This is a Christian based book and there is talk of God and faith. It's perfectly clean and just right for a cozy winter night.
November 15, 2014
When 6 year old Mary Noel has a car accident and watches her precious dog die in front of her eyes she shuts down and shuts the world out Amber and a man she met while visiting Mary Noel take it upon themselves to work a miracle and try to work on a festival for Mary Noel and their family.
Alot of people come together to provide a Christmas miracle for Mary Noel and her parents. As Paul and Amber's relationship continues to flourish as time passes. The more time that passes the stronger their connection gets which also surprises both couples who are new to love.
I really enjoyed this story about love and faith and doing something for others that need it. It was beautifully written and well told story.
Alot of people come together to provide a Christmas miracle for Mary Noel and her parents. As Paul and Amber's relationship continues to flourish as time passes. The more time that passes the stronger their connection gets which also surprises both couples who are new to love.
I really enjoyed this story about love and faith and doing something for others that need it. It was beautifully written and well told story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2013
I really loved this short book! I loved Amber and Paul, both so willing to give whatever time or money they can come up with. I love the whole first grade class, who doesn't love cute first graders! I love the community of Apple Blossom, how could I not when they were all so willing to go out of their way to help one little girl and her family. I love how as you're reading the book, you can feel the small town, June McCrary Jacobs got that part just right. This story is so cute, it's filled with the sweet romance of Paul and Amber as well as the community spirit and charity of those that are helping poor Mary Noel and her family. I didn't want to put this one down!
December 8, 2013
Oh my gosh...what a sweet, feel good story. I couldn't put it down. I wish I could have given it 6 stars ! I hope there will be a sequel, I love the characters
January 17, 2018
This is a sweet little book that warms the heart. It nicely portrays the kindness and compassion of a close-knit community after a young girl is injured. It also follows the delightful romance of a young couple in a faith based relationship. All-in-all, a very pleasurable read.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
December 4, 2025
I always start reading Christmas themed books about the first of December and discovered this little book hiding on my bookshelf. A wonderful, heartwarming Christmas story of love and miracles. I plan to search for more books by this author.
December 22, 2016
Sweet and sappy, no conflicts, just a straight forward story of 2 people falling in love while giving service to others, just the light stuff that's good for the holidays.
December 21, 2017
Just couldn't get into this book. The writing just wasn't interesting. It was a sweet idea.
January 1, 2018
FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.
November 24, 2020
I wanted a cute Christmas book, but this was like a bad Hallmark movie.
November 11, 2014
I always like commenting on the cover of a book because I like for the cover to introduce the book so to speak. It should set up the story. The cover of A Holiday Miracle does just that. It leads the way to a season of miracles.
The story is a sweet love story, but it encompasses more than that; it's a town full of generous and kind-hearted people that makes it a perfect book for the upcoming holiday season.
There were times when I thought the writing was a little too perfect and there were places where the author added words where none were needed. An example would be describing the restaurant where the characters were eating. The description was ample at the beginning of the date and I felt saying, "...they left the fine restaurant..." a little odd. I am stating my thoughts and preferences on the writing. The author tended to use "bigger" words than you might ordinarily find in a book. I enjoyed those moments as I am a "big" word person. I love words and I found it interesting that an author would choose to write this way. The norm is to write on a lessor intelligent level so you fly through the book. This was enjoyable in that aspect.
I did find the story a little sugary and it had no conflict. It was almost too perfect and didn't imitate life.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and can recommend it for those of you looking for an uplifting holiday book to read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is a sweet love story, but it encompasses more than that; it's a town full of generous and kind-hearted people that makes it a perfect book for the upcoming holiday season.
There were times when I thought the writing was a little too perfect and there were places where the author added words where none were needed. An example would be describing the restaurant where the characters were eating. The description was ample at the beginning of the date and I felt saying, "...they left the fine restaurant..." a little odd. I am stating my thoughts and preferences on the writing. The author tended to use "bigger" words than you might ordinarily find in a book. I enjoyed those moments as I am a "big" word person. I love words and I found it interesting that an author would choose to write this way. The norm is to write on a lessor intelligent level so you fly through the book. This was enjoyable in that aspect.
I did find the story a little sugary and it had no conflict. It was almost too perfect and didn't imitate life.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and can recommend it for those of you looking for an uplifting holiday book to read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2013
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
First the storyline for this book was very sweet and heartwarming christian story. Amber is a first grade teacher who finds out one of her students was injured in a car accident and lost her dog in that accident. The little girl is traumatized into not speaking. Amber meets an employee of the girls father and they embark on a sweet romance while trying to bring a town together to help the family with the mounting medical bills as well as trying to lift the girls spirits. In the end there is a HEA.
I mostly skimmed through this book since the writing didn't come across as natural to me. I felt that it was too forced and too formal. At times it go too descriptive and some of the conversations seemed like something that you would hear in the early 1900's and not the way people speak today. I am sorry to say I had to force myself through this book and only give it 2 stars.
First the storyline for this book was very sweet and heartwarming christian story. Amber is a first grade teacher who finds out one of her students was injured in a car accident and lost her dog in that accident. The little girl is traumatized into not speaking. Amber meets an employee of the girls father and they embark on a sweet romance while trying to bring a town together to help the family with the mounting medical bills as well as trying to lift the girls spirits. In the end there is a HEA.
I mostly skimmed through this book since the writing didn't come across as natural to me. I felt that it was too forced and too formal. At times it go too descriptive and some of the conversations seemed like something that you would hear in the early 1900's and not the way people speak today. I am sorry to say I had to force myself through this book and only give it 2 stars.
November 2, 2013
This is a heartwarming story. It is a great little book to be enjoyed during the Christmas season.
Amber Kellen is informed by the Principal of the school she teaches at that one of her students has been in an accident. The little six year old is traumatized. She was injured, but watched her beloved dog killed in the accident. She has slipped into depression, and is struggling.
To help the family with their astronomical medical bills, Amber teams up with Paul to figure out ways to help out the family. What ensues is a miracle.
The main miracle may be the bringing of Amber and Paul together.
This book is illustrates the love of the Savior during the sacred season of Christmas. In so many ways, Amber and Paul, seek the will of the Lord and ways that they can help to bring to pass His purposes.
The book is short and sweet.
Amber Kellen is informed by the Principal of the school she teaches at that one of her students has been in an accident. The little six year old is traumatized. She was injured, but watched her beloved dog killed in the accident. She has slipped into depression, and is struggling.
To help the family with their astronomical medical bills, Amber teams up with Paul to figure out ways to help out the family. What ensues is a miracle.
The main miracle may be the bringing of Amber and Paul together.
This book is illustrates the love of the Savior during the sacred season of Christmas. In so many ways, Amber and Paul, seek the will of the Lord and ways that they can help to bring to pass His purposes.
The book is short and sweet.
May 13, 2014
This very short, "feel-good" story is the type Hallmark makes into a TV movie. A car accident injures a 6 yr old girl, but kills her dog. The trauma of seeing her "best friend" dying has taken her speech. Her school teacher, along with a new-found, organize a fundraiser with the community to assist the parents with their medical bills. You'll have to read the story to see if the little girl recovers. It's a quick read, and enjoyable, but I gravitate toward novels with more substance.
August 22, 2015
A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom is a sweet, contemporary romance set in Apple Blossom, Vermont. The two main characters are well thought out. An entire community rallies around when a first grader is hit by a car and her dog is killed. Compassion and caring dominate this novella. June McCrary Jacobs has done an excellent job with her first novella.
I won this book from a giveaway on Engrafted Word.
I won this book from a giveaway on Engrafted Word.
September 4, 2013
I thought the book lacked substance. There was no real conflict between any of the characters or in the characters life. You didn't get to know the characters very well. Within two weeks they are able to pull off a fundraiser to the degree and success that they had seemed very unreal to me. Overall the storyline didn't seem believable to me.
November 6, 2013
It was cute but a little more simple than I generally like. I really enjoyed the snow festival though and wish I had been able to attend.
March 11, 2019
This novella is completely clean in language and content.
December 10, 2014
Cute Christmas story!
December 17, 2017
This book was a quick read, but a little boring. The way every little thing fell into perfect place was a little over the top. Paul and Amber were knew they were perfect for each other from the start. No conflicts but also not many fireworks. I like Christian books but felt this one was a bit much.
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