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The Teacup Novellas #5
A Christmas Peril
A Christmas Peril - Teacup Novellas Book Five
Lucy Alexander's Teacup Novellas were inspired by a collection of vintage teacups her Aunt Lucille bequeathed to her. She's excited about writing the next book in the series, a Christmas tale loosely based on her aunt and uncle's love story set in the 1940s. But when a hostage situation lands Lucy's boyfriend in the hospital, she sets her work aside to keep a bedside vigil with Mark. As the long hours of waiting stretch on, Lucy starts to read her beloved aunt's handwritten diary. Shocked to discover a frightening story so eerily similar to the one she's living, Lucy longs to find hope and encouragement in the pages of Lucille's diary.
December 1944 - "The most wonderful things seem to happen when you least expect them," writes Lucille Alexander after a serendipitous meeting with Gary Reynolds, a handsome lieutenant home on leave from the war in Europe. The two are inseparable in the five precious days he has left before heading back overseas just weeks before Christmas. On their last morning together, Lucille accompanies Gary to the train station, already dreading the long separation ahead. But that would be the least of her worries after her brave lieutenant rushes to help an elderly woman in distress.
Lucy finds a strange solace in her namesake's ink-stained journal. Though seventy years have passed between them, would their stories have the same ending?
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2013
150 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Diane Moody
35 books219 followersBorn in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Diane Hale Moody is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. She lives with her husband Ken in the rolling hills just outside of Nashville. They are the proud parents of two grown and extraordinary children, Hannah and Ben.
Just after moving to Tennessee in 1999, Diane felt the tug of a long-neglected passion to write again. Since then, she's written a column for her local newspaper, feature articles for various magazines and curriculum, and several novels with a dozen more stories eagerly vying for her attention.
When she's not reading or writing, Diane enjoys an eclectic taste in music and movies, great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of a peculiar little pooch named Darby.
Just after moving to Tennessee in 1999, Diane felt the tug of a long-neglected passion to write again. Since then, she's written a column for her local newspaper, feature articles for various magazines and curriculum, and several novels with a dozen more stories eagerly vying for her attention.
When she's not reading or writing, Diane enjoys an eclectic taste in music and movies, great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of a peculiar little pooch named Darby.
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December 18, 2016Rating to come!
December 29, 2018
A sweet double-Christmas story. And I love it when characters in books say things like "if this was a book, no one would believe it"! The parallels between Lucy's story and her aunt Lucille's were striking, but I love how the characters pointed to God's hand in the whole thing. I sometimes lost track of the passage of time, but that was probably a pretty good mirror of the reality Lucy was living in the hospital, just waiting for something to change. I loved her relationship with her brother, with Mark's family, and with Mark himself, even if I did just get it in her memories and longings. I also liked the way everything resolved. My favorite scene, though, had to be Lucy's meltdown in the store and its aftermath. XD
I also really enjoyed Aunt Lucille's diary/story and her relationship with Gary. I appreciated her caution at the beginning, even if things did move rather quickly. And I loved how authentic so much of the dialogue and views on different subjects felt--even on certain issues that aren't popular opinions anymore.
The one thing that bothered me way out of proportion to its importance was the scene where the stranger visits the hospital with a "word from the Lord". Obviously, in this instance, this woman was absolutely insensitive and just plain wrong. But the way some of it was written seemed to cast doubt on the whole idea that God would ever work in this way. I know Christians disagree on this point, but I do believe it's possible for God to give the gift of wisdom or knowledge to a perfect stranger who He calls to speak into someone's life. And while I agree that this kind of thing can be and is often abused, I don't think the entire idea should be discounted because some people misuse it. To be fair, I'm not sure of the author's opinion on the subject, but the way it was handled and talked about struck a wrong chord with me.
Content--descriptions of a hostage situation and a mugging and their effects (not graphic)
I also really enjoyed Aunt Lucille's diary/story and her relationship with Gary. I appreciated her caution at the beginning, even if things did move rather quickly. And I loved how authentic so much of the dialogue and views on different subjects felt--even on certain issues that aren't popular opinions anymore.
The one thing that bothered me way out of proportion to its importance was the scene where the stranger visits the hospital with a "word from the Lord". Obviously, in this instance, this woman was absolutely insensitive and just plain wrong. But the way some of it was written seemed to cast doubt on the whole idea that God would ever work in this way. I know Christians disagree on this point, but I do believe it's possible for God to give the gift of wisdom or knowledge to a perfect stranger who He calls to speak into someone's life. And while I agree that this kind of thing can be and is often abused, I don't think the entire idea should be discounted because some people misuse it. To be fair, I'm not sure of the author's opinion on the subject, but the way it was handled and talked about struck a wrong chord with me.
Content--descriptions of a hostage situation and a mugging and their effects (not graphic)
November 30, 2019
Age Appropriate For: 13 and up for mild romance and mild violence
Best for Ages: 15 and up
I have enjoyed this whole series and I was so sad when I bought the last book. I didn’t want this series to ever end. I think I would keep buying the teacup books if they came out every month. However, all good things must come to an end.
This last book was very emotional. After getting to know Lucy and her UPS guy for the past four novellas, their story was brought to a tear-jerking climax. Lucy’s happiness at the beginning is quickly exchanged for tears when she finds her boyfriend is in the emergency room.
I loved how Lucy and her Aunt Lucille’s stories parallel each other. Some people may find it a bit annoying but I found it so sweet. It was my favorite part of the book. I couldn’t wait to see how their stories were different, yet so much alike.
The faith element was strongest and best in this last book. I just loved it.
I highly recommend this whole series.
Best for Ages: 15 and up
I have enjoyed this whole series and I was so sad when I bought the last book. I didn’t want this series to ever end. I think I would keep buying the teacup books if they came out every month. However, all good things must come to an end.
This last book was very emotional. After getting to know Lucy and her UPS guy for the past four novellas, their story was brought to a tear-jerking climax. Lucy’s happiness at the beginning is quickly exchanged for tears when she finds her boyfriend is in the emergency room.
I loved how Lucy and her Aunt Lucille’s stories parallel each other. Some people may find it a bit annoying but I found it so sweet. It was my favorite part of the book. I couldn’t wait to see how their stories were different, yet so much alike.
The faith element was strongest and best in this last book. I just loved it.
I highly recommend this whole series.
December 21, 2014
Christmas tea...
Lucy is a writer and Mark her boyfriend is a UPS driver so much in love. Then one day the unbelievable happened, Mark was hijacked and held hostage.. He ended up in the hospital in a coma. The very next day Lucy received her aunt's personal journal, she decided to read to Mark the most wonderful story of her aunt's love story. She had planned on featuring it on her next book.
What did I like? I think what I liked most was the characters, Lucy, Mark, Lucille, Gary, Chad and Shelley. The interaction between them just felt so natural, so everyday and natural. Like I'd known them all my life.
What will you like? I'm sure your going to fall in love with them too but besides them the storyline will grab you and you will not be able to stop reading. It's written so beautifully and compassionately with so much faith. This is not a religious book but it has his hand print on every page without being over board. A very strong, well developed with vivid descriptions and delightful details. The emotional scale is over the top so grab a box of tissues but there is plenty of action and twists that you won't see coming. Mystery, love, tears, angry and all the normal happiness that you want in a Christmas love story but just a touch of the mystic will surprise you. In fact be prepared to be surprised! You won't be disappointed. Merry Christmas.
Lucy is a writer and Mark her boyfriend is a UPS driver so much in love. Then one day the unbelievable happened, Mark was hijacked and held hostage.. He ended up in the hospital in a coma. The very next day Lucy received her aunt's personal journal, she decided to read to Mark the most wonderful story of her aunt's love story. She had planned on featuring it on her next book.
What did I like? I think what I liked most was the characters, Lucy, Mark, Lucille, Gary, Chad and Shelley. The interaction between them just felt so natural, so everyday and natural. Like I'd known them all my life.
What will you like? I'm sure your going to fall in love with them too but besides them the storyline will grab you and you will not be able to stop reading. It's written so beautifully and compassionately with so much faith. This is not a religious book but it has his hand print on every page without being over board. A very strong, well developed with vivid descriptions and delightful details. The emotional scale is over the top so grab a box of tissues but there is plenty of action and twists that you won't see coming. Mystery, love, tears, angry and all the normal happiness that you want in a Christmas love story but just a touch of the mystic will surprise you. In fact be prepared to be surprised! You won't be disappointed. Merry Christmas.
December 26, 2014
A good ending to a fun series. I enjoyed following the fictional author, Lucy, on her journey to happily ever after as well as the various stories that she wrote. The Teacup Novella Series is a unique series that satisfied me both as a tea enthusiast and as an author. I only wish I had thought of it first. ;) While Book 1 remains my favorite of the series, the entire collection is worth reading.
December 24, 2022
Quick and easy to read. A 'light' novel which I enjoyed very much. This was the last book in a series, but for the most part that didn't seem to matter. Diane Moody was a new author to me and I will probably look into more of her books.
September 29, 2015
Excellent series!
November 4, 2020
Celebrating Christ at Christmas
I’ve read other novellas by Diane Moody and have enjoyed everyone. She has a way of making you feel like you are a part of the story. I like her comfortable style I really just stumbled across this one as I was looking for my first Christmas story for 2020. I generally start reading in November and read through January or longer. As I read I was amazed at how I could sense the Lord’s subtle nudge in reminding me that He is walking with me through this difficult time that my family is dealing with. My oldest son is currently in an unresponsive wakefulness or vegetative state due to an anoxic brain injury. The description of Mark’s hospital room and conversations with medical staff was just like what we are experiencing. I have had similar fears and said similar prayers as Lucy. The more I read the more I was convinced that choosing this book at this time was not a coincidence but rather “God’s way to remain anonymous” It allowed me to acknowledge and face my fears. It also helped me realize the strength of my faith. My son’s injury was a little over 2 months ago. Even though he has shown only minimal progress and is still not awake, I believe that God is working all things together for his good. And, for God’s glory!!
I’ve read other novellas by Diane Moody and have enjoyed everyone. She has a way of making you feel like you are a part of the story. I like her comfortable style I really just stumbled across this one as I was looking for my first Christmas story for 2020. I generally start reading in November and read through January or longer. As I read I was amazed at how I could sense the Lord’s subtle nudge in reminding me that He is walking with me through this difficult time that my family is dealing with. My oldest son is currently in an unresponsive wakefulness or vegetative state due to an anoxic brain injury. The description of Mark’s hospital room and conversations with medical staff was just like what we are experiencing. I have had similar fears and said similar prayers as Lucy. The more I read the more I was convinced that choosing this book at this time was not a coincidence but rather “God’s way to remain anonymous” It allowed me to acknowledge and face my fears. It also helped me realize the strength of my faith. My son’s injury was a little over 2 months ago. Even though he has shown only minimal progress and is still not awake, I believe that God is working all things together for his good. And, for God’s glory!!
June 24, 2019
Good story about learning from those who have gone before us, about the fact that the hopes & dreans of young & old are not so different regardless of any other factors.
I found this of interest because I lived with my MGM & ran a lot of errands to her friends' houses. I always spent time talking to them & found them an excellent source of help & information about my MGM, things that helped explain why she acted the way she did at times. I came to consider these old people as much friends as the few friends a divorcee's child could have in the 1950s & 60s. I believe those older people saved my sanity as I was a caregiver from age 9 & had a lot of responsibilities from an early age. I soon discovered my mom's friends were also mine in many cases, & their knowledge of her as a young woman helped me understand her better.
A story like this that shows that generations are not so different as we think is like a glass of fresh, cold water in the desert.
I found this of interest because I lived with my MGM & ran a lot of errands to her friends' houses. I always spent time talking to them & found them an excellent source of help & information about my MGM, things that helped explain why she acted the way she did at times. I came to consider these old people as much friends as the few friends a divorcee's child could have in the 1950s & 60s. I believe those older people saved my sanity as I was a caregiver from age 9 & had a lot of responsibilities from an early age. I soon discovered my mom's friends were also mine in many cases, & their knowledge of her as a young woman helped me understand her better.
A story like this that shows that generations are not so different as we think is like a glass of fresh, cold water in the desert.
February 15, 2022
A Christmas Peril is book 5 in the Teacup Novellas series, but easily read as a standalone. I don’t read a lot of contemporary books, favoring historical fiction, but I was intrigued by the WWII element. I was drawn into the book immediately and enjoyed how the author wove the 1944 time period into the story through the protagonist’s aunt. The movement between time periods was smooth, the love story between her aunt and uncle was sweet. The author’s knowledge of the era was evident as she sprinkled dialogue or description about rationing, war events, etc. into the plot. Some of the cultural references during the present day sections were lost on me, but there weren’t so many as to be distracting. A fast and enjoyable read any time of year.
October 18, 2019
This was the final story in The Teacup Novella series and I liked that it was about Lucy, the young author who 'wrote' the other four stories in the series. However, because Mark was in a coma, nothing much happened as Lucy spent most of her time in hospital with him reading her aunt's journal, and I found Lucille and Gary's story more interesting.
For me, A Christmas Peril was the slowest story in this series. The plot felt forced and the ending was too predictable. Also, the teacup in this novella was almost an afterthought, unlike the other stories where it played an integral role. Overall, a sweet series, but a disappointing conclusion.
For me, A Christmas Peril was the slowest story in this series. The plot felt forced and the ending was too predictable. Also, the teacup in this novella was almost an afterthought, unlike the other stories where it played an integral role. Overall, a sweet series, but a disappointing conclusion.
December 20, 2019
Clever, Original, and Entertaining
Clever story line, paralleling two couples' lives. Clean, loving, good characters. Great development and weaving in of faith as the grounding in the primary character...
Clever story line, paralleling two couples' lives. Clean, loving, good characters. Great development and weaving in of faith as the grounding in the primary character...
November 10, 2020
A Christmas Peril
The last one of the tea cup novellas is finally putting all the series together. These were such a feel good read and I personally needed to read something uplifting and spiritual.
The last one of the tea cup novellas is finally putting all the series together. These were such a feel good read and I personally needed to read something uplifting and spiritual.
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September 30, 2021I really enjoyed this series. The characters are relatable. I read the first four books and hope the series continues. I can't wait to read about Tandy's wedding, from Greg's proposal to the "I do's".
January 2, 2019
very good
April 13, 2020
Last but not least
I have thoroughly loved every book in this novella series! Bringing Faith and trust into wonderful love stories is remarkable!
I have thoroughly loved every book in this novella series! Bringing Faith and trust into wonderful love stories is remarkable!
May 12, 2020
Loved it!
As the third off the Teacup Novella series, I enjoyed it, it did not disappoint. I recommend it to any avid reader.
As the third off the Teacup Novella series, I enjoyed it, it did not disappoint. I recommend it to any avid reader.
December 1, 2020
A nice read
A very sweet, albeit predictable, Christmas story. To read a really excellent book by Diane Moody, don't miss "Of Windmills and War."
A very sweet, albeit predictable, Christmas story. To read a really excellent book by Diane Moody, don't miss "Of Windmills and War."
December 26, 2020
Quick but cute & heartfelt!
December 26, 2020
Good Faith based romantic Christmas read. Just what I was looking for.
December 27, 2020
Lovely story
A Christmas Peril is a lovely book easy reading enchanting and beautifully written from the author with a natural style I loved it
A Christmas Peril is a lovely book easy reading enchanting and beautifully written from the author with a natural style I loved it
November 28, 2021
Time for a sweet Christmas story?
Beautifully told, easy to love this writter. She knows all the perfect heart strings. Indulge, you have time for this sweet tale. Enjoy!
Beautifully told, easy to love this writter. She knows all the perfect heart strings. Indulge, you have time for this sweet tale. Enjoy!
January 1, 2024
Sweet Christmas read
Such a sweet story about a writer and the UPS guy. An easy novella feel good story. Enjoy your story.
Such a sweet story about a writer and the UPS guy. An easy novella feel good story. Enjoy your story.
October 20, 2021
Great book
January 12, 2024
Sigh…a great ending to a wonderful series!
I’m sad that these tea cup novellas have come to an end. What a marvelous series! This story was perfect for the end. Now to discover more books by this author to read!
I’m sad that these tea cup novellas have come to an end. What a marvelous series! This story was perfect for the end. Now to discover more books by this author to read!
January 10, 2024
Two beautiful love stories in one. I loved them both!
November 26, 2016
SUMMARY: Lucy Alexander's Teacup Novellas were inspired by a collection of vintage teacups her Aunt Lucille bequeathed to her. She's excited about writing the next book in the series, a Christmas tale loosely based on her aunt and uncle's love story set in the 1940s. But when a hostage situation lands Lucy's boyfriend in the hospital, she sets her work aside to keep a bedside vigil with Mark. As the long hours of waiting stretch on, Lucy starts to read her beloved aunt's handwritten diary. Shocked to discover a frightening story so eerily similar to the one she's living, Lucy longs to find hope and encouragement in the pages of Lucille's diary.
I absolutely loved this Christmas novella. Modern romance with an inclusion of a historical journal that parallels what is happening in Lucy's life couldn't make for a more entertaining story. I love all the different characters that supported Mark and Lucy during his recovery: Mark's parents, his sister Shelley, Lucy's brother Chad, Lucy's Uncle Ted, all of his UPS buddies. They each played a special role in making this story complete. The recreation of the Christmas party at the hospital held by Lucy's Aunt Lucille was the perfect climax to the plot. The two story lines were beautifully intertwined as a complement to one another. Moody does a great job of conveying a serious message of faith and using Scripture to make her point that encourages both the characters of the story and the reader. This is my first read in Moody's Teacup Novella series but I definitely will read the others.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "My first line of defense was scripture. I camped out in the Psalms, clinging to them like a life raft in a dark and threatening sea."
"God designed these earth suits with incredible resiliency, with capabilities we still don't fully understand. Meaning, we'll do the best we can on our end, and trust God with the rest."
"Maybe she learned the importance of celebrating regardless of the circumstances. Regardless of the inconvenience or how scared you are about something."
"I learned a long, long time ago that there's no such thing as coincidence. Someone once said coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."
"It's a reminder that God is always, always there. He's our rock, our strength, our refuge. And when we can't find even a minuscule trace of His handprint in what we are going through, He's reminding us He's still there. And He will always be. No matter what."
I absolutely loved this Christmas novella. Modern romance with an inclusion of a historical journal that parallels what is happening in Lucy's life couldn't make for a more entertaining story. I love all the different characters that supported Mark and Lucy during his recovery: Mark's parents, his sister Shelley, Lucy's brother Chad, Lucy's Uncle Ted, all of his UPS buddies. They each played a special role in making this story complete. The recreation of the Christmas party at the hospital held by Lucy's Aunt Lucille was the perfect climax to the plot. The two story lines were beautifully intertwined as a complement to one another. Moody does a great job of conveying a serious message of faith and using Scripture to make her point that encourages both the characters of the story and the reader. This is my first read in Moody's Teacup Novella series but I definitely will read the others.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "My first line of defense was scripture. I camped out in the Psalms, clinging to them like a life raft in a dark and threatening sea."
"God designed these earth suits with incredible resiliency, with capabilities we still don't fully understand. Meaning, we'll do the best we can on our end, and trust God with the rest."
"Maybe she learned the importance of celebrating regardless of the circumstances. Regardless of the inconvenience or how scared you are about something."
"I learned a long, long time ago that there's no such thing as coincidence. Someone once said coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."
"It's a reminder that God is always, always there. He's our rock, our strength, our refuge. And when we can't find even a minuscule trace of His handprint in what we are going through, He's reminding us He's still there. And He will always be. No matter what."
October 25, 2014
I was looking for Christmas stories, and I didn't know that this book would be about Traumatic Brain Insures. A young woman named Lucy, is madly in love, and her boy friend, is held captive, and falls out of his UPS truck, and receives a head injury, that puts him into a coma. This happened just before Christmas. Lucy stays by his bedside night and day. She had just received her aunt Lucille's Diary, about her love story, which just happened to have her uncle's brain injury, and her aunts vigil at the hospital. Lucy reads the diary to her boy friend, Mark. The aunt planned a Christmas in the hospital, with decorations, and a dinner for the family and the staff. Lucy does the same thing, hoping it will bring Mark out of his coma.
My little granddaughter was in the hospital for Traumatic Brain Insury, before Christmas, so this book brought back memories of that time. She was in an induced coma for six weeks, and Santa came to see her on Christmas day, and left her with a large Christmas stocking full of gifts. She has a picture of her herself with Santa to show everyone. The two people in the story came out of their comas after two weeks, with no signs of brain trauma. My little granddaughter still has problems left over from her injury.
This was a good read.
My little granddaughter was in the hospital for Traumatic Brain Insury, before Christmas, so this book brought back memories of that time. She was in an induced coma for six weeks, and Santa came to see her on Christmas day, and left her with a large Christmas stocking full of gifts. She has a picture of her herself with Santa to show everyone. The two people in the story came out of their comas after two weeks, with no signs of brain trauma. My little granddaughter still has problems left over from her injury.
This was a good read.
March 30, 2015
GREAT!
I hope she is planning to write more of these.
I did not get this, and book 4, read before Christmas and there was NO WAY I was going to wait until next Christmas to read this... I just had to get to it sooner. I love these books so much.
Lucy's Teacup Novellas were inspired by the vintage teacups her Aunt Lucille gave to her. The next book is going to be based on her Aunt and Uncles lives... Her cousin finds his mom's diary and sends it to Lucy for her research. But when Lucy's boyfriend ends up in the hospital in a coma, she sets her work aside to be with Mark. During the long wait Lucy starts to read her aunt's diary out loud to Mark. It is supposed to be good for coma patients to talk and read to them. Lucy strives to find hope and encouragement in the pages of her aunt's diary as she discovers an eerie similarity in the events of their lives. She knows her uncle recovers and has a long, happy marriage with her aunt. Will their stories have the same ending? She fears that they will not... it is so hard to hope when the waiting is so long.
Great characters, you feel like they are part of your family. Wonderful, touching, holiday story. Loved it.
I hope she is planning to write more of these.
I did not get this, and book 4, read before Christmas and there was NO WAY I was going to wait until next Christmas to read this... I just had to get to it sooner. I love these books so much.
Lucy's Teacup Novellas were inspired by the vintage teacups her Aunt Lucille gave to her. The next book is going to be based on her Aunt and Uncles lives... Her cousin finds his mom's diary and sends it to Lucy for her research. But when Lucy's boyfriend ends up in the hospital in a coma, she sets her work aside to be with Mark. During the long wait Lucy starts to read her aunt's diary out loud to Mark. It is supposed to be good for coma patients to talk and read to them. Lucy strives to find hope and encouragement in the pages of her aunt's diary as she discovers an eerie similarity in the events of their lives. She knows her uncle recovers and has a long, happy marriage with her aunt. Will their stories have the same ending? She fears that they will not... it is so hard to hope when the waiting is so long.
Great characters, you feel like they are part of your family. Wonderful, touching, holiday story. Loved it.
December 28, 2013
This is the fifth in the Teacup Novella Series and it was a real tearjerker. Be ready to break out the Kleenex. Diane has really mastered the art of dialogue in this one. It is a story within a story. The twist is that her usual prologue and epilogue are now the main story and the main story is contained within it as a diary from Lucy’s aunt.
I started out with the full expectation that this was another in a series of her stories only to discover that the make–believe life of the author and boyfriend, Lucy and Mark, was now the subject of this book. It was really a shock, but a good one. I never saw it coming. Keep them coming Diane. Don’t let this series end.
I started out with the full expectation that this was another in a series of her stories only to discover that the make–believe life of the author and boyfriend, Lucy and Mark, was now the subject of this book. It was really a shock, but a good one. I never saw it coming. Keep them coming Diane. Don’t let this series end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews