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Lillian's Last Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, Lillian holds a secret that will change the lives of her four closest friends forever. She invites them to spend Christmas with her, seeking strength in their unwavering bond of three decades.
United by laughter, tears, faith, and an unbreakable friendship, each woman brings her unique spirit to the table. Determined to make this season the most memorable yet, they rally around Lillian, and their differences melt away.
Lillian' s quiet plea echoes in their hearts— to cherish every moment, to savor every laugh, and to hold onto their shared memories. Little do they know, this holiday season carries with it a bittersweet farewell, as Lillian yearns for one last week in their company.
In this story of faith, loss, and the enduring power of friendship, will Lillian' s final wish be granted, guiding them all toward a heavenly reunion?
United by laughter, tears, faith, and an unbreakable friendship, each woman brings her unique spirit to the table. Determined to make this season the most memorable yet, they rally around Lillian, and their differences melt away.
Lillian' s quiet plea echoes in their hearts— to cherish every moment, to savor every laugh, and to hold onto their shared memories. Little do they know, this holiday season carries with it a bittersweet farewell, as Lillian yearns for one last week in their company.
In this story of faith, loss, and the enduring power of friendship, will Lillian' s final wish be granted, guiding them all toward a heavenly reunion?
107 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
About the author
Karen Malley
16 books115 followersFaith, Encouragement, and Happily-Ever-Afters.
Karen Malley writes Christian fiction with heart, humor, and just enough plot twists to keep you guessing. But don’t worry—she promises a happy ending. By day, she’s a scientist solving real-world problems; on weekends she writes about fictional ones. When she’s not dreaming up new ways to make her characters’ lives interesting, Karen enjoys hiking, reading, and baking things that miraculously don’t turn into science experiments.
A proud left-hander, Karen lives in Pennsylvania with her amazing husband and two sons, all of whom tolerate her habit of narrating life as if it were a novel. A lover of Jesus, peanut butter, and board game nights, Karen believes the best stories are the ones full of hope, faith, and happily-ever-afters.
Karen loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her on her website: www.KarenMalley.com, where you can sign up for her free weekly short stories! If you'd like to give her writing a try, she has two free books available on her website.
Be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karen...
Karen Malley writes Christian fiction with heart, humor, and just enough plot twists to keep you guessing. But don’t worry—she promises a happy ending. By day, she’s a scientist solving real-world problems; on weekends she writes about fictional ones. When she’s not dreaming up new ways to make her characters’ lives interesting, Karen enjoys hiking, reading, and baking things that miraculously don’t turn into science experiments.
A proud left-hander, Karen lives in Pennsylvania with her amazing husband and two sons, all of whom tolerate her habit of narrating life as if it were a novel. A lover of Jesus, peanut butter, and board game nights, Karen believes the best stories are the ones full of hope, faith, and happily-ever-afters.
Karen loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her on her website: www.KarenMalley.com, where you can sign up for her free weekly short stories! If you'd like to give her writing a try, she has two free books available on her website.
Be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karen...
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 18, 2024
Lillian’s Last Christmas by Karen Malley is – at its heart – a story of lasting friendship with a clear Gospel message. Five longtime friends gather for the holidays, amid all the various stages of life in which they find themselves. Married. Never married. Too often married. Kids. No kids. Careers. Travel. Stay-at-home mom. They’ve come from different family backgrounds, different levels of satisfaction with life, different faith traditions. I loved the variety in these women that make up this particular friend group, and I enjoyed watching them unite in spite of the differences, as a bigger story is being told on these pages. Each of the friends is well-layered – even with the shorter length of this novella – and the author does a fabulous job of introducing them and giving us time from each of their perspectives without any of the threads feeling rushed or neglected. I wasn’t sure how that was going to work with the limited page count but Malley really excels here, and I especially appreciated the way she brings it full circle at the end.
Now for a confession. At first, I read the title and the book blurb for Lillian’s Last Christmas and thought, “Ohhhhh I don’t want to read a sad book at Christmas.” With my father dying so close to Christmas three years ago and my father-in-law doing the same two years ago, I have enough of my own seasonal grief to navigate without adding in the loss of fictional characters I come to care about too. And maybe you feel the same way, because of losses of your own. While everyone grieves differently, and the book may therefore hit you in a more raw place than it did for me, I can honestly say that Karen Malley keeps the tone uplifting and joyful, in spite of Lillian’s failing health. I smiled a lot at the way the friends interacted with one another, especially as they spent the week pulling out all the stops to make Lillian’s last Christmas a memorable one for them all. Their ideas were creative and full of love & warmth, and I could see this novella playing out on a holiday movie countdown at some point in the future. It’s the kind of ‘feel good’ story to which we seem to gravitate this time of year – the kind where we keep the tissues handy but don’t end up needing them quite as much as we anticipated because there’s such fun to encounter here too.
Bottom Line: Lillian’s Last Christmas by Karen Malley took me through a full range of emotions, its festive and affectionate notes contentedly blending with more poignant topics to deliver a meaningful story that points to the Reason for the season. All five women that made up the original friend group leave distinctive impressions on the reader, and it’s easy to love each one. The faith message is clear but it rarely interrupts the flow of the story, instead working together with the plot to leave the reader with a full heart from beginning to end. And although the reason they’re called together could lend itself to heavier themes, the author does a great job of balancing the bittersweet with the joyful and not allowing us to dwell on the former. A warmly written story of Hope and redemption…. and the best of friends.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Now for a confession. At first, I read the title and the book blurb for Lillian’s Last Christmas and thought, “Ohhhhh I don’t want to read a sad book at Christmas.” With my father dying so close to Christmas three years ago and my father-in-law doing the same two years ago, I have enough of my own seasonal grief to navigate without adding in the loss of fictional characters I come to care about too. And maybe you feel the same way, because of losses of your own. While everyone grieves differently, and the book may therefore hit you in a more raw place than it did for me, I can honestly say that Karen Malley keeps the tone uplifting and joyful, in spite of Lillian’s failing health. I smiled a lot at the way the friends interacted with one another, especially as they spent the week pulling out all the stops to make Lillian’s last Christmas a memorable one for them all. Their ideas were creative and full of love & warmth, and I could see this novella playing out on a holiday movie countdown at some point in the future. It’s the kind of ‘feel good’ story to which we seem to gravitate this time of year – the kind where we keep the tissues handy but don’t end up needing them quite as much as we anticipated because there’s such fun to encounter here too.
Bottom Line: Lillian’s Last Christmas by Karen Malley took me through a full range of emotions, its festive and affectionate notes contentedly blending with more poignant topics to deliver a meaningful story that points to the Reason for the season. All five women that made up the original friend group leave distinctive impressions on the reader, and it’s easy to love each one. The faith message is clear but it rarely interrupts the flow of the story, instead working together with the plot to leave the reader with a full heart from beginning to end. And although the reason they’re called together could lend itself to heavier themes, the author does a great job of balancing the bittersweet with the joyful and not allowing us to dwell on the former. A warmly written story of Hope and redemption…. and the best of friends.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
October 19, 2024
This beautiful Christmas love story was different that the other books I have read by this author in that it was not a love story between a man and a woman, but a story of the love between friends. Now in their fifties, The “Fabulous Five” -- Lillian, April, Triya, Rachel and Heidi have been friends since college but as the years passed each went their separate ways, some to marriage and families, and others to careers and travel. When each of them receives a cream colored envelope from Lillian asking them to come to her Pennsylvania home for Christmas, they gather to discover their dear friend has a terminal illness. This will be their last Christmas together.
I loved the friendships between these five women. Each had their own distinct personality, and as each of their stories unfolded, another interesting layer was added. I couldn’t help but smile as they set about creating a year’s worth of holidays in the space of one week to make Lillian’s final days special. The setting, a lovely old home in the Amish countryside, was so well depicted that I could well imagine the sights, smells and tastes of the holidays. Lillian’s love for both God and her friends was evident and her courage in sharing a dark secret from her past was an inspiration in this powerful story of faith and friendship.
Very much enjoyed!
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the friendships between these five women. Each had their own distinct personality, and as each of their stories unfolded, another interesting layer was added. I couldn’t help but smile as they set about creating a year’s worth of holidays in the space of one week to make Lillian’s final days special. The setting, a lovely old home in the Amish countryside, was so well depicted that I could well imagine the sights, smells and tastes of the holidays. Lillian’s love for both God and her friends was evident and her courage in sharing a dark secret from her past was an inspiration in this powerful story of faith and friendship.
Very much enjoyed!
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2024
The best gift you can give a friend at Christmas is to share about Christ's love. Malley brings this to the forefront of her latest release and it's refreshing.
Lillian invites her four college roommates for a girl's week right before Christmas. While her friends think this is an odd time to get together, they all come to celebrate Christmas. What they find is shocking and makes them contemplate their life choices.
Lillian shows love and acceptance to her friends through her faith in Jesus. She shares this relationship with her friends. Will they accept it?
Malley wraps up five life threads seamlessly and throws in a lot of girl fun.
While this story is set at Christmas and has all of the holiday festivities, there is a realistic overtone, making us really focus on what life is about.
A fresh take on Christmas novellas with the joy of Jesus woven into the story.
I received a copy of the novella from the publisher. All opinions are my own. I really enjoyed this story.
Lillian invites her four college roommates for a girl's week right before Christmas. While her friends think this is an odd time to get together, they all come to celebrate Christmas. What they find is shocking and makes them contemplate their life choices.
Lillian shows love and acceptance to her friends through her faith in Jesus. She shares this relationship with her friends. Will they accept it?
Malley wraps up five life threads seamlessly and throws in a lot of girl fun.
While this story is set at Christmas and has all of the holiday festivities, there is a realistic overtone, making us really focus on what life is about.
A fresh take on Christmas novellas with the joy of Jesus woven into the story.
I received a copy of the novella from the publisher. All opinions are my own. I really enjoyed this story.
November 5, 2024
To be truthful, the title of this book made me pause. But, I’ve read Karen Malley’s books in the past and she never disappoints. So, I can honestly say by the end of this story, I found this book to be a treasure. It starts when Lillian invites all her former college roommates to share Christmas with her at Ralestad Hall. Along with Lillian, Rachel, Triya, April, and Heidi had called themselves the Fabulous Five back then. When Lillian reveals this will be her last Christmas due to pancreatic cancer, a palls falls over the women.
Still, they pull together and decide to make each day of the week special for Lillian. However, Lillian is aware of all the troubles the women have had over the years and she reaches deep into their hearts to help them see how worthy they are of God’s love despite their perceived failures. She wants them to share heaven with her.
They go all out and buy her gifts, but the gifts she gives them tops them all. This was such a touching story and perfect for Christmas.
Still, they pull together and decide to make each day of the week special for Lillian. However, Lillian is aware of all the troubles the women have had over the years and she reaches deep into their hearts to help them see how worthy they are of God’s love despite their perceived failures. She wants them to share heaven with her.
They go all out and buy her gifts, but the gifts she gives them tops them all. This was such a touching story and perfect for Christmas.
November 21, 2024
I have read most if not all of Karen Malley’s contemporary romances and have loved them all. So, I was a little disappointed when I learned that Lillian’s Last Christmas was not a romance.
I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong! This story was wonderful.
I loved how all the various characters were introduced in the first chapter. With a cast this size, a reader can easily become confused when meeting them within a short span. But in this case, it worked beautifully, as each was in her home environment, and enough distinctive details were included about each one to cement them in the reader’s mind. Further use of multiple POVs added depth to the story. Before I knew it, I was at its conclusion.
I’m giving no spoilers, but what Lillian’s friends did for her during the week of her last Christmas was so sweet and imaginative. That will stay with me for a long time.
This poignant story of the meaning of deep friendship and what it means to want your friends in Heaven will pull at your heartstrings. If you can only read one book this Christmas, make it this one.
I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong! This story was wonderful.
I loved how all the various characters were introduced in the first chapter. With a cast this size, a reader can easily become confused when meeting them within a short span. But in this case, it worked beautifully, as each was in her home environment, and enough distinctive details were included about each one to cement them in the reader’s mind. Further use of multiple POVs added depth to the story. Before I knew it, I was at its conclusion.
I’m giving no spoilers, but what Lillian’s friends did for her during the week of her last Christmas was so sweet and imaginative. That will stay with me for a long time.
This poignant story of the meaning of deep friendship and what it means to want your friends in Heaven will pull at your heartstrings. If you can only read one book this Christmas, make it this one.
November 2, 2024
A beautiful story of lifelong friendship. This story centers on five very different women and the bond they have shared since they met in college. I appreciated that the author included all five of their perspectives in the book, so I could get to know each of them.
Given the premise of this story, I expected it to be sad. While there are a few sad moments, I found the story, overall, to be heartwarming. Lillian’s commitment to sharing her faith with her friends so they might someday join her in heaven was inspiring, as were the spiritual journeys of the other women. This story is a testament to the power of faith and friendship.
Given the premise of this story, I expected it to be sad. While there are a few sad moments, I found the story, overall, to be heartwarming. Lillian’s commitment to sharing her faith with her friends so they might someday join her in heaven was inspiring, as were the spiritual journeys of the other women. This story is a testament to the power of faith and friendship.
November 3, 2024
Lillian’s Last Christmas is a sweet Christmas story about a group of middle-aged women who are invited to spend Christmas with Lillian, one of their friends from college. She is terminally ill, and she wants to see them all one last time to make certain they are doing well and share her Christian heritage. They decide to celebrate all the holidays so Lillian can enjoy them one last time. Lillian’s greatest hope is that her life will lead each one of them to do some spiritual soul-searching. Lillian’s Last Christmas is a moving story of lasting friendships and Christian hope.
May 24, 2025
Lillian's Last Christmas ( Christmas Holiday book )
This book is a very interesting read. I enjoyed the story and once I started reading and turning the pages I was encouraged by the story of how Christian faith was shown in Lillian character.
I would highly recommend this book to family and friends or anyone seeking to really know and understand just how much God loves us all.
It also illustrates how important friendship is in our lives each day.
This book is one to read at anytime of the year as it touched my life in so many ways.
This book is a very interesting read. I enjoyed the story and once I started reading and turning the pages I was encouraged by the story of how Christian faith was shown in Lillian character.
I would highly recommend this book to family and friends or anyone seeking to really know and understand just how much God loves us all.
It also illustrates how important friendship is in our lives each day.
This book is one to read at anytime of the year as it touched my life in so many ways.
November 25, 2024
Not going to lie and say this was an easy read. For me it wasn’t which is why it took so long to read. I kept having to put it away.
It’s Lillian’s last Christmas and she wants to spend it with her best friends. They in turn set about making it the best Christmas ever.
Lots of smiles. Lots of tears. But a lovely story.
It’s Lillian’s last Christmas and she wants to spend it with her best friends. They in turn set about making it the best Christmas ever.
Lots of smiles. Lots of tears. But a lovely story.
November 12, 2024
A group of friends gather together at Christmas-time and are introduced to the true meaning of the season when their friend shares her testimony.
A lovely story about the power of female friendship and God’s love.
A lovely story about the power of female friendship and God’s love.
September 4, 2025
A special Christmas read
I loved this meaningful Christmas read! It brought tears to my eyes as Lillian's faith touched each of her friends ' lives.
I loved this meaningful Christmas read! It brought tears to my eyes as Lillian's faith touched each of her friends ' lives.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews