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One Starry Christmas
A pastor with a past.
A determined jeweler.
A secret that won’t be silenced.
Former bad boy drummer Pastor Michael Chandler has faithfully served his church in Wild Rose Ridge while keeping crucial parts of his past a secret. People couldn’t know everything, or they’d declare him unfit for ministry. But when he encounters the woman he abandoned years ago, his day of reckoning whisks in like a blizzard.
Custom jewelry designer Leilah Grant sets a dream opportunity aside to manage her parents’ jewelry shop during the frenzied Christmas season. She’ll do anything to restore favor in their eyes. But when her world collides with Michael—her ex-turned-beloved-town-preacher—the past threatens to destroy her future. Complicating the predicament, the town's meddling mothers conspire to create another heavenly match.
A confession from the pulpit will free Michael’s heart, but it will cost him his job—and the only woman he’s ever loved.
It’s the season of miracles. Will Michael and Leilah stubbornly resist each other, or will they give their love a second chance?
A determined jeweler.
A secret that won’t be silenced.
Former bad boy drummer Pastor Michael Chandler has faithfully served his church in Wild Rose Ridge while keeping crucial parts of his past a secret. People couldn’t know everything, or they’d declare him unfit for ministry. But when he encounters the woman he abandoned years ago, his day of reckoning whisks in like a blizzard.
Custom jewelry designer Leilah Grant sets a dream opportunity aside to manage her parents’ jewelry shop during the frenzied Christmas season. She’ll do anything to restore favor in their eyes. But when her world collides with Michael—her ex-turned-beloved-town-preacher—the past threatens to destroy her future. Complicating the predicament, the town's meddling mothers conspire to create another heavenly match.
A confession from the pulpit will free Michael’s heart, but it will cost him his job—and the only woman he’s ever loved.
It’s the season of miracles. Will Michael and Leilah stubbornly resist each other, or will they give their love a second chance?
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2023
21 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Mary A. Felkins
15 books103 followersMary A. Felkins is a multi-published, award-winning author of closed door romance whose novels deliver no shortage of sizzle, sass, and passion. She is a blogger and a member of ACFW, My Book Therapy, Novel Academy, and FHLCW. (Faith Hope and Love Christian Writers)
She can be lured from her creative writing space if presented with an unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick—although she’d likely pass out. If she likes your first or last name, expect it to show up in one of her novels.
To receive Mary’s author newsletters with social and exclusive author updates, subscribe via email at www.maryfelkins.com. FREE novella to new subscribers!
She can be lured from her creative writing space if presented with an unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick—although she’d likely pass out. If she likes your first or last name, expect it to show up in one of her novels.
To receive Mary’s author newsletters with social and exclusive author updates, subscribe via email at www.maryfelkins.com. FREE novella to new subscribers!
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 18, 2025
a Christmas to remember
I love it when I find another new author who can write a good story with a strong message about God’s grace and love. What a great Christmas story!!!
I love it when I find another new author who can write a good story with a strong message about God’s grace and love. What a great Christmas story!!!
November 16, 2023
In One Starry Christmas, Mary Felkins brings readers back to the fictional Washington community of Wild Rose Ridge with a cast of interesting characters.
I loved this second-chance romance and the premise of two people creating new lives for themselves while trying to put their messy history behind them and prove they are still worthy of their parents' trust and respect. Eight years have passed since Leilah and Michael have seen each other—eight years since he abandoned her in another city and broke her heart.
And now, when she finally returns to her hometown to help her parents, she discovers he’s become the much-loved-pastor while she still feels judged for past choices. Yet, no one is aware of their connection—or his stained history. And neither of them is aware of the strong feelings they still have for each other.
I’ve enjoyed other stories by this author, but this may be my new favorite. Descriptions like the following are like gems to be discovered throughout the book: “A rebuttal boiled in Michael’s throat, then cooled to a simmer when a gaggle of women entered—three of the infamous meddling mothers whose radar capabilities should be outsourced by the Pentagon.”
This Christmas romance shares holiday charm, small-town warmth, and a lovely story of redemption.
November 21, 2024
In "One Starry Christmas," Mary A. Felkins unveils her calling, sharing a precious gift with the world. The brilliance of her talent radiates through each page, where witty humor and clever one liners dance effortlessly, drawing readers into a captivating narrative. From the very first moment, the mystery of the necklace and the shadows of past mistakes ensnare your curiosity, inviting you to unravel the story's secrets.
The backdrop of a small town, where everyone is aware of each other's business (well-meaning, meddling mothers included) creates a comforting and familiar environment. With each page you turn, you find yourself more and more invested in the characters and their connected destinies; their serendipitous reunion echoing the profound influence of God in the tapestry of our lives.
At its heart, this sweet Christian romance is a celebration of second chances and the journey of redemption. It’s the perfect companion for those cozy moments when you wish to lose yourself in a story that warms the soul, as this book invites you to snuggle up and savor the magic of love, hope and the festive season.
The backdrop of a small town, where everyone is aware of each other's business (well-meaning, meddling mothers included) creates a comforting and familiar environment. With each page you turn, you find yourself more and more invested in the characters and their connected destinies; their serendipitous reunion echoing the profound influence of God in the tapestry of our lives.
At its heart, this sweet Christian romance is a celebration of second chances and the journey of redemption. It’s the perfect companion for those cozy moments when you wish to lose yourself in a story that warms the soul, as this book invites you to snuggle up and savor the magic of love, hope and the festive season.
December 22, 2023
Pastor Michael is back!!!!!!!
The ultra-cool, tattoo-wearing, motorbike-riding pastor from Felkins's "The Steel Rose" (Wild Rose Ridge Series) is now tangled in his own love story. And, oh, it's vulnerable and edgy. (Not graphic, but we get to know Michael's past a lot better ... and yikes! He's been around!)
That's the beauty of Felkins's books though, that there is a gritty, raw, breath-capturing vulnerability with a very sweet, redemptive romance. One Starry Night is just that!
What I really love about Michael and Leilah's story is that while helping the other heal, they have to be honest with their own dark past, their own sins. It's like, "Wow. God is so good!"
And the ending is sooo sweet! (And, I'll admit, I'm kinda crazy about how Michael weaves obscure Bible verses in his responses lol. ONE WORD about that: "Hephzibah.")
Don't let Christmas 2023 end without reading One Starry Night!!!
The ultra-cool, tattoo-wearing, motorbike-riding pastor from Felkins's "The Steel Rose" (Wild Rose Ridge Series) is now tangled in his own love story. And, oh, it's vulnerable and edgy. (Not graphic, but we get to know Michael's past a lot better ... and yikes! He's been around!)
That's the beauty of Felkins's books though, that there is a gritty, raw, breath-capturing vulnerability with a very sweet, redemptive romance. One Starry Night is just that!
What I really love about Michael and Leilah's story is that while helping the other heal, they have to be honest with their own dark past, their own sins. It's like, "Wow. God is so good!"
And the ending is sooo sweet! (And, I'll admit, I'm kinda crazy about how Michael weaves obscure Bible verses in his responses lol. ONE WORD about that: "Hephzibah.")
Don't let Christmas 2023 end without reading One Starry Night!!!
December 13, 2025
I loved this second chance romance for Michael and Lelilah in this inspirational Christmas story. It brought much joy in my heart during this Christmas season. The characters were wonderful. This was my first time reading a book by this author and it won't be my last. I highly recommend this book as a clean inspirational romance. This is my voluntary and honest review.
November 1, 2023
How God's love for us can do miracles.
This is one beautifully written story of Michael and Leilah. The storyline was magnificent and heart warming along with outstanding characters.
This is one beautifully written story of Michael and Leilah. The storyline was magnificent and heart warming along with outstanding characters.
December 13, 2025
Redemption
What a beautiful story of a past of sin and the redemption that only God can give! Michael and his Skye have taken a roundabout road to their second chance. It looks like it can't happen, but what is God if not a God of second chances? Tissues may be required!
What a beautiful story of a past of sin and the redemption that only God can give! Michael and his Skye have taken a roundabout road to their second chance. It looks like it can't happen, but what is God if not a God of second chances? Tissues may be required!
December 29, 2025
A Christmas story reminiscent of a Hallmark movie with an estranged couple who, while working through their difficult and painful history, find forgiveness and redemption through God’s grace. It was a sweet story with characters I connected with immediately. I want to know more about Micheal and Leilah’s relationship after this time of reconciliation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
wonderful series
The group of authors for this series are wonderful. Beautiful Christian messages that touches your heart. I look forward to reading more by these authors.
The group of authors for this series are wonderful. Beautiful Christian messages that touches your heart. I look forward to reading more by these authors.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews