An artsy Appalachian town…A miraculous ornament of hope…A divine appointment with love. Following the advice of her therapist, SHAUNA MURPHY left her dream career and nightmare life behind in the big city. She made the dreaded trip home for the holidays to spend with her Christmas crazy family in Spring Valley, Tennessee, a heritage-crafters haven. She wasn’t convinced reconnecting with her family roots would be a cure-all, but she had nowhere else to go, except home. She finds moving forward from past trauma is no easy task. Nestled in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains, her hometown enveloped her like a cozy quilt – wrapped her in comfort to calm and heal her hurts.
When GABE ANDERSON, a Northerner, moved to the South with his new bride to manage her family’s historic inn, he never imagined in a few short years he would be a widower, living alone in Spring Valley. After his tragic loss, just when Gabe began living again, he suffers another life altering event that leaves him questioning his future and purpose. An avid hiker, he finds solace in the mountains – his refuge, his sanctuary.
After retirement, ADA TAYLOR joined the little downtown business community and opened the Mockingbird Coffee House in an historic church building. It was perfect for Ada, since she also claimed the title, First Lady, at the AME Zion Church. She was known for her traditional Southern desserts, but what really drew people to her coffee house was her listening ear and tender heart. As a prayer whisperer, she made sure every cup of coffee had an extra-shot of blessings. On more than one occasion, she was guilty of playing matchmaker. It turns out to be a favorite hobby. When Ada recruits Shauna and Gabe to sponsor a wishing ornament of hope from the Giving Tree, they are miraculously chosen to be teammates. Together, they begin their wish granting mission to help provide assistance to struggling families in need. Along the troubled journey they find an ordinary Christmas ornament is an extraordinary symbol of the hope, love, and joy to be found in giving.
Experience the rich tapestry of Appalachian storytelling that will ignite your imagination and inspire your spirit.
Georgia Curtis Ling is an acclaimed author known for her inspirational and captivating storytelling. Her faith-fueled works delve into the intricacies of human emotions and relationships, resonating with readers worldwide.
Born and raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Georgia holds dear the three inherent mountain values of faith, family, and the land. An inspirational storyteller, Georgia’s latest novel But There Were Signs is a suspenseful contemporary Christian thriller set against the backdrop of the Appalachian region and the evil that lurks in the shadows of a small town.
She and her husband, Phil Ling, live in central Kentucky. Her Amazon Charts bestselling Christmas romance novels include The Ornament of Hope, Santa’s Promising Christmas, A Christmas Blessing for Gracie, and Carol of the Winter Songbirds. Georgia is the author of the bestseller, What’s in the Bible for Women, the Moms in Faith Bible study series, In Mom They Trust, and Mom’s Lead in Love. Over her career, Georgia’s work has appeared in numerous periodicals and thirteen bestselling inspirational books.
The first page swept me up and every page that followed brought the faith and love my heart sorely needed this time of the year. Hope is the very thing we very much need and struggle the hardest to hold on to. Miss Ling gives us this Hope in merry measure!
I really needed a story like this right now. Even in tough times, we can find love and hope if we can just listen to the quiet voice inside us. Love the story and the setting. Can almost smell the coffee and pastries!
Loved the continual Scripture reminders during the whole story! This story shows how family support ,prayers, love and encouragement can become a pivotal change in someone's life. The battles were real but the hope and love was awe inspiring!
It’s a good Christian Christmas romance. There may have been too much sadness and distress behind the characters for me to say it was a feel good Christmas romance.