Candy Cane Gifts

by Courtney Westerhof

Genres: Contemporary, Christmas

277 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2023

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet and heartwarming story this was! The small town setting was perfect for having many of the residents dependent on the fate of the local mill. There was a good sense of community and many fun Christmas traditions that the town participated in.

It was interesting to see some of Ally’s perspectives change regarding what was important for her life and for her career as the story progressed. I appreciated that the author took Ally on a faith journey and that as Ally turned things over to God, she gained peace about her decisions.

There was a sweet romance, a mysterious town benefactor, and a potential mill closure to add tension to the book. All in all, a very enjoyable Christmas story, which also happens to be the author’s debut novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ally's scoorge-y, hopeful, caring, Christmas -y story!!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect cozy book for the Christmas season. The main character is relatable and the mystery throughout the book keeps the story going and makes you want to know more. All in all the perfect book to read on a cold Christmas Day.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy release day to Candy Candy gifts!

It’s always fun to read a new to me author and I enjoyed this Christmas mystery. The two main characters were both very likable and I enjoyed every moment they were in the page together. I enjoyed the tale of a town working together and caring for each other, as well as Christmas themes of forgiveness, recognizing the important things in life, and the softening of hearts.

I truly enjoyed the personal journey of the main character as well as all the townspeople.

Such a wonderful story for this time of year.

[Kelbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the cutest small-town/hallmark-y Christmas story! From the mystery, to the romance, to the Christmas festivals, it was a cute read! Check out my full review on my instagram page, kelbeys.little.library

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally is a reporter in the small town of Port Hope, but she doesn't plan to stay there forever reporting about parades, city council meetings and fluff pieces. She wants to work for a newspaper in a larger city writing hard-hitting stories and covering the story of the potential closing of the town's textile mill just might be the break she needs. When some of the town's residents receive mysterious envelopes of money with candy canes Ally is intent on discovering who the generous benefactor is.

Those who like stories about small-towns will enjoy this one. It's always heart warming to read about town residents banding together and supporting each other, but even more so when it's around the holidays. Taking care of each other is the true spirit of Christmas and it was nice to watch Ally's attitude about living in Port Hope change. I also enjoyed the faith message that was woven into the story.

This was a wonderful debut novel and a perfect Christmas time read. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say that this book packs a wallop! From the beautifully simple cover of a woman extending a candy cane to the premise of gifts associated with candy canes, this book granted me the perfect entrance into the Advent season. It was such a treat to finish this book in one sitting as I could fully immerse myself into the town of Port Hope and enjoy meeting the lovely characters interspersed throughout the town landscape. Furthermore, it was a delight to see non-profit organizations highlighted during the Christmas season; I can attest to how accurately Courtney Westerhof portrays their work and the needs they face. I also appreciated getting a behind the scenes look at the life of a small town reporter, which the author infuses with her own background.

There were two things that I absolutely loved about this book. First, the messages of faith completely fit what people were going through in Candy Cane Gifts. Words of hope are as essential to the residents of Port Hope as their town name is. Nothing is forced here; all the elements of the story converge into Jesus as the hope and light of the world. Second, this book felt so real. The Christmas activities were not at all formulaic; contrasting this to Hallmark-like books and movies, Port Hope was refreshing to read as the point of the story wasn't in what type of festivities were taking place, it was about the heart of the residents and community. If you're looking for a heartwarming and fulfilling story that shares the Gospel message in a deeply moving way, Candy Cane Gifts is an excellent gift this Christmas. It also doesn't hurt that the romance that plays out is as sweet as a candy cane!

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally has big plans to be a newspaper reporter, and her small town of Port Hope is not where she sees herself staying. With a large employer of the city facing closure, Ally is sure this will give her the break she needs to get a big story and move on. At first, Ally resented where she was in her life and the smallness of the city where she lived. As mysterious envelopes of much needed cash that are accompanied by candy canes begin appearing to townsfolk, Ally is determined to find the mysterious sender.

I liked how Ally began to slowly change and appreciate the people who make up the town and the part they play in her life. You and/or a book loving friend will want to read this for its:

Small town atmosphere
Christmas setting
Compassionate hero
Mystery
Clean and wholesome romance
Faith message

I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.