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A Christian Christmas: A novella

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Christmas will never be the same for Joy Knight if Christian Andersen has his way. Not to be confused with a secret Santa, Christian and his family are busier than Santa's elves making sure the Lord's blessings are distributed to those less fortunate by Christmas day. Joy is playing the hand that life dealt her, rearing four children in a home that is on the brink of foreclosure. She's not looking for a handout, but when Christian rescues her in the checkout line; her niece thinks Christian is an angel. Joy thinks he’s just another man who will eventually leave, disappointing her and the children. Although Christian is a servant of the Lord, he is a flesh and blood man and all he wants for Christmas is Joy Knight. Can time spent with Christian turn Joy’s attention from her financial woes to the real meaning of Christmas—and true love? A Christian Christmas is a holiday novella to be enjoyed any time of the year.

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2012

28 people are currently reading
241 people want to read

About the author

Pat Simmons

96 books361 followers
Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of forty-plus titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a five-time recipient of the RSJ Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance: Still Guilty, Crowning Glory, The Confession, Christmas Dinner, and Queen’s Surrender (To A Higher Calling). Pat’s first inspirational women’s fiction, Lean On Me, with Sourcebooks, was the February/March Together We Read Digital Book Club pick for the national library system. Here for You and Stand by Me are also part of the Family is Forever series. Her holiday indie release, Christmas Dinner, and traditionally published, Here for You were featured in Woman’s World, a national magazine. Here for You was also listed in the “7 Great Reads That Help to Keep the Faith” by Sisters From AARP. She contributed an article, “I’m Listening,” in the Chicken Soup for the Soul: I’m Speaking Now (2021). Pat is the recipient of the 2022 Leslie Esdaile “Trailblazer” Award given by Building Relationships Around Books Readers’ Choice for her work in the Christian fiction genre.

As a Christian, Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and has worked in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. She oversaw the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.

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5 stars
135 (53%)
4 stars
61 (24%)
3 stars
37 (14%)
2 stars
18 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Dawn Marie.
603 reviews9 followers
January 8, 2018
Touching Story

Very touching story. A wonderful reminder of how God will supply all our need if we just trust Him and surrender to His will.
Profile Image for Dona.
390 reviews11 followers
December 2, 2014
Although a quick read (it is a novella), it was an enjoyable holiday story reinforcing that "Jesus is the reason for the season." Joyce, who prefers to be called Joy, is raising her daughter and her sister's three children after their mother dies. Although Joy's brother-in-law is live and well, he moved on with his life after his wife's death from breast cancer. His new life includes a new wife her children, but to his. Joy finds that the going is getting tougher but she remains dedicated, steadfast, and faithful to the children she loves. Her income as an account representative which was more than enough for two, is stretched to breaking when it used to meet the needs of four children and one adult. However, God has a plan for her life and she is rewarded in so many ways when she truly accepts Him into her heart. This is the kind of story I like read during the holidays. Take a couple of hours, with a cup of hot chocolate, some Christmas music, and read this story that will warm your heart.
Profile Image for The Book Man.
198 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2014
I totally agree that God works in ways we cannot see. I enjoyed reading Joy's and Christian's love story. Even though it was a fiction, it reminded me how amazing God is…there is a future for every sinner. Definitely!
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,211 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2021
Praise!

Oh my , each time that I read this author's books, I feel I have been to the throne of grace. The author's books minister to my soul! Reading Christmas stories has been uplifting to my spirit and made me rejoice in my salvation.

This story was about destiny, Romans 8:28, a meeting in a checkout line. The couple ,Christian and Joy, met because of their spiritual needs. He allowed Jesus to strengthen her faith and he grew stronger in his resolve. This is an amazing read and experience any time of year.
Profile Image for Treasure.
418 reviews7 followers
December 13, 2023
Beautiful and heartfelt story

This book has made me shed a tear the love of God is evidently shared and demonstrated in this story. We follow a selfless women called Joy and a God fear man called Christian , whose path cross to complete the purpose of God in their lives . I would love to watch this story on screen I believe , it is as impactful as war room is.
I would highly recommend this read!
205 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2017
A Christian Love Story

This is the story of Christian Andersen and Joy. Christian meets Joy in aCheck out line when She is short of money to pay for her items. He pays for them and the story takes off. Christian is a devout church goer and Joy not so much. In the story, he opens her eyes of Jesus being the reason for the season.
33 reviews
October 13, 2020
Wonderful!

This is a very good read. It tells and shows us how to love God, mankind, and to put and keep Christ first, during the Holiday season, which is the true meaning of Christmas. We as Christians have made Christmas too commercial. Jesus is the reason for the season. Amen!
Profile Image for Janet McMillan.
499 reviews
December 18, 2023
Christian Romance and Christmas

The two major characters, Joy and Christian, meet each other in line at a store. Joy is a single Mom of one child and custody of her three nieces and nephew. Christian is an investor and a Christian. The romance is very Christian oriented. The book tends to lean towards Pentecostal.
Profile Image for Tikia.
407 reviews
December 4, 2017
A blessing!

Christian is a true blessing anytime of the year. This book made my heart smile. I loved it from the beginning to the end. I hope we get to hear more from Christian and Joy!
Profile Image for Destiny “ Dee” .
209 reviews97 followers
December 29, 2018
Good novella. Not too short or too long. Loved the scriptures and Christmas theme. Made me think about my life. I believe this is the first book I have read by this author. Will check out more in the future.
Profile Image for Ruby Kat.
118 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2020
Christmas gift

What a beautiful story, Christian was truly a Godsend to Joy and the children. I truly enjoy reading this book during this time year it was perfect. Pat I always enjoy reading your books can't wait to read the next one as always stay Bless👑😊
Profile Image for JayBee.
94 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2017
Heartwarming yet predictable Christian romance. Good for a light, rainy day read, but would not recommend for the serious reader. This is more of a Cinderella fairytale.
Profile Image for Mira Evans.
7 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2017
The best book I’ve read this year. I can’t wait to read all of the books in the sequel.
156 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I always enjoy a book that is clean and well written.
Profile Image for Rachel.
229 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2014
I hate to be the first to give a less than stellar review, but ...

I'm not quite sure how to begin this review, but.... While the story is different, cute and sweet and I enjoyed that, I couldn't in all honestly give it a higher "star" rating. There were a few things that I had trouble with. Although I am a born again Christian, even I felt that it was a little "preachy". I don't know a single person that spouts scripture as often as Christian did in this story (and my Dad and brother are ministers). Although I know of the "speaking in tongues" it is not something that all Christians believe in and this book doesn't make that clear. I loved the nickname the children gave Christian. Joy was a person that I would admire and like. To take on the responsibilities of her nieces and nephew....that takes a special person. It was an "okay" story, but I wish it weren't quite so "preachy". I haven't read Ms Simmons before so don't know what her other books are like, however as much as I wanted to like this story, the things I mentioned kept getting in the way. Sorry.
Profile Image for Desiree Watson.
213 reviews4 followers
December 18, 2014
Christian meets Joy in the supermarket, where she has just fallen short on paying for some items. He he's her out, and is instantly smitten with her. They meet again when she is on a line where they are giving out free Turkey dinners.
He has the food delivered to her door and she wonders why.

They eventually strike up a friendship, but Joy wonders why he would want to be with her when she has four children. The kids eventually grow to love Mr. Christmas as they call him, after they decide to set up a manger complete with all the gifts for baby Jesus. They really learn the true meaning of Christmas this year.

In the end, Christian proposes to Joy, and adopts her nieces and nephews.
Profile Image for Eileen Carter.
2,042 reviews9 followers
December 11, 2014
Definitely worth reading

When life seems to forever be out too get you sometimes we need to put our focus on God. Joy didn't have her focus on God, but instead worrying about how she would feed her for children, keep a roof over their head and continue to provide for them.
Standing in line at the store was the turning point in her life. When a handsome stranger steps up and helps her, joy had no idea that this man, Christian would become an important part of her life.
There are many scripture references in and throughout the book. Look up those scripture as you read it will help you to understand more.
112 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2014
Just wonderful...

As a spirit filled believer, I know that God will give you the desires of your heart. He will give you what you need! All you have to do is trust Him.

Living your life for JESUS is the only way...

All of these author's books are so well written. Pat Simmons has a real gift for Christian fiction. I just love her characters and her story lines.

This novella is wonderfully written
Profile Image for Jackie Roberts.
231 reviews8 followers
January 24, 2015
Christian Christmas by Pat Simmons was an excellent holiday read. It took ChrIstian Andersen and Christ to put the meaning of Christmas in the hearts of Joy Knight and her four children. A real lesson in faith, blessings and the power of prayer. Another great ChrIstian romance to add to your collection.
69 reviews
April 27, 2015
Very quick read. The plot was believable ie Christian rescuing Joy at the checkout. But I sort of found him a bit stalkerish not to mention preachy. Yes, he was passionate about God but still...maybe because its a novella everything happens more on compact so its seems much.
Loved the name the children gave Christian - Mr. Christmas!
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,449 reviews28 followers
November 6, 2016
#CILLASBOOKMANIACS.

Joy Anderson is a single mother to a total of 4 children. One that is hers and the other 3 are her nieces and nephew she is raising after her sister dies and their father run's off. She is rescued in a grocery store by Christian Anderson and their relationship get's very interesting. A wonderful short Christmas Novella.
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
15 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2014
Enjoyed reading this fast paced novella A Christian Christmas Love Story ... Joy & Christian will make you believe in love at first sight... Just know you never know where you'll meet you Knight in Shining Armour aka Mr Christmas ...
Profile Image for Cici.
1,308 reviews
November 30, 2014
Very sweet Christian romance. This is a very Christian romance. It has a sweet premise. A wealthy business has a love at first sight experience with a young single mother, raising her children's kids.
Profile Image for April.
325 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2014
A Christian Christmas was a good read. I enjoyed Joy's journey to finding her faith & Christ! I like how Christian was a real gentlemen & true man of God. This was my first read by this author, but it won't be my last.
292 reviews
December 6, 2014
A Christmas Romance

I loved the story of love & charity in this book. Christian shows Joy and her charges the meaning of the heart of Christmas. Joy learns about God's love and provision when she needs it most. A great read!
Profile Image for Debra.
13 reviews
June 30, 2014
Your never know where you could meet your soul mate,especially if your not even looking for one. Really good read.
Profile Image for Pamela Thomas.
2 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2014
If you are looking for a great Christian novel

This is the second book I have read by this author I can truly say what an awesome book this was
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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