Christmas Miracle for Two

by Kayla Lowe

Matilda Harmon never thought she'd be running her little café without her husband by her side. Once, Christmas was her favorite time of year, full of joy, laughter, and the warmth of family. Now, it’s just a reminder of what she’s lost. When the town asks her to host the annual holiday event, she’s reluctant, but agrees—unaware that God has something bigger planned for her.

Peter Wilkinson’s return to town after years away is a quiet one. He’s a successful businessman, but life has left him hollow. Widowed and disconnected from the faith that once meant everything to him, Peter just wants some peace. He never expected that a simple stop into Matilda’s café would change everything.

As they work together on the holiday event, they discover more than just shared grief—they find a spark of something new. But old wounds, doubts, and fears keep them both at a distance. Matilda’s not sure if she can open her heart again, and Peter’s not sure if he even believes in love anymore. When miscommunications and their pasts threaten to tear them apart, they’ll need to trust that God’s plans are greater than their own.

With Christmas just around the corner, Matilda and Peter have a choice to to risk their hearts, or to stay guarded and alone. But sometimes, the greatest miracles come when we least expect them.

Christmas Miracle for Two is a sweet, heartfelt story of second chances, faith, and finding love when you’re not looking for it. Perfect for those who believe in the power of God’s love and the joy that comes with embracing new beginnings, no matter your age or your past.

Genres: Christmas

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

About the author

Award-winning author Kayla Lowe writes women's fiction that explores complex themes with sensitivity and depth. Kayla’s books delve into the intricacies of relationships, self-discovery, and resilience. From cozy love stories interspersed with a bit of faith to heartwarming tales of friendship and suspenseful novels of empowerment and heartbreak, her books illustrate the struggles specific to women.

When she’s not churning out her next novel, you can find her with her feet in the sand and a book in her hand or curled up on the couch with her dogs.

Go to www.authorkaylalowe.com for a free book!

Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story with a second chance at romance. The author brings strong characters in Matilda and Peter and takes you into their lives when they work together for the towns holiday event and their friendship grows through their shared grief. She brings a sweet Christmas romance of finding love when least expected. She moves the story quickly and smoothly and delivers a beautiful romance.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Celia Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚THE STORY📚

Matilda runs a cafe in her small town. Though everyone expects her to decorate it for Christmas and host all sorts of holiday festivities, her heart really isn’t in it this year. She still misses her late husband, whose absence makes the Christmas season difficult to celebrate.

Then her high school crush Peter comes back to town. He’s also grieving, having lost his wife recently. Peter thought that coming home might reopen old wounds, but then he starts working with Matilda on a special Christmas event and tree lighting.

Despite his wounded heart, as Peter begins spending time with Matilda and the pastor of the local church, he starts healing. Matilda, too, realizes that her feelings for Peter go beyond friendship, and might be more at home under a sprig of mistletoe.

💕THE ROMANCE💕

Peter and Matilda remember their affection for each other from back when they were kids, and they enjoy each other’s company from the start. As Peter helps out in her cafe, they have sweet moments together.

Peter and Matilda are both adults dealing with bereavement, though, and have a lot of healing to do before they can find a new love in one another. Some of this woundedness leads to avoidance or misunderstandings, but these are quickly worked out when they discuss their struggles, their faith, and their feelings.

🎄CHRISTMAS🎄

Peter helps Matilda get her cafe ready for the Christmas season, so much of their time together centers on holiday activities. They string lights, sip hot cocoa, and exchange gifts.

They also attend Christmas services at the church, which focus on the joy of the season and the way God shows love for all humankind through the birth of Jesus.

✝️FAITH ELEMENTS✝️

Peter is angry at God and confused about how a loving God could allow him to experience such a painful loss. He and Matilda talk about faith and how Matilda has found healing after her own husband’s death by resting in God’s love.

They also speak with the church’s pastor and attend services that include sermons. The central Biblical theme is one of joy and the belief that God wants all people to live happy, healthy, fulfilled lives. Their decision to pursue a romance is based on this belief that God’s will for them is not to live forever in loneliness and grief, but in love and happiness.

📝MY THOUGHTS📝

This was a cute, short, Christmastime story! I always like when the characters in a romance have a project to work on together, especially when they might be coming at the collaboration from different angles or for different reasons. Matilda is working to keep things going at her cafe, while Peter is looking for a way to reconnect with Christmas and his community after some time feeling lost and adrift.

It’s a short romance without a ton of conflict in terms of “why can’t they be together” - the two both have similar reservations about what it means to “move on” despite their very real love for their late spouses, but they also both adore each other and want to find a healthy way into a romance. I like the way they talk things out and figure out a way forward based on honesty, faith, and joy.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Miracle For Two by Kayla Lowe
Christmas Blessings #1
68-page Kindle Ebook story pages 8-54

Genre: Christian Fiction, Christmas Romance, Inspirational, Holiday > Christmas

Featuring: Author's Website, Cover and Link to Free Book: Of Love and Deception, Author's Bibliography, Widow, Café, Widower, Second Chance Trope, Homecoming Trope, High School Alumni, Loss of Faith Trope, Community Gathering, Prayers, Short Chapters, New Year's Eve, Excerpt from Maiden’s Blush, Author's Links, Author's Bibliography

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: "Winter Wonderland" by Johnny Mathis, "O Holy Night (Live)" by Chris Tomlin with CeCe Winans, "Silent Night" by Carrie Underwood

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☕️✝️🎄

My thoughts: This was a rewarding story about restoring faith and finding love after loss.

Recommend to others: Yes. I think I would enjoy a novel by this author.

Christmas Blessings
1. Christmas Miracle for Two (2024)
2. A Christmas Promise of Love (2024)
3. A Christmas of Renewed Faith (2024)

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about two kind and widowed people finding a second chance at love. Peter’s wife Sarah died three years ago, and Matilda lost her husband about the same time. Peter returns to his hometown where Matilda has a cute little coffee shop. Peter’s sister ropes both Peter and Matilda into organizing a community Christmas event, which requires them to spend a good deal of time together. With the help of the local pastor and considerable faith, they give themselves permission to move on and love again. This is an uplifting story reminding us that ‘it’s never too late to find your way back’ and that ‘you are never alone’ … especially at Christmas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written romance about two people who are both grieving the loss of their spouses during the holiday season who develop feelings towards one another. They struggle with their faith, and opening their hearts to new love while remembering their previous loves. It's a quick read packed with deep emotions and perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda loves Christmas but since she lost her husband it doesn’t have the same appeal to her.
Peter has lost his faith since he lost his wife. When he meets Matilda, she greatly influences him as she knows how he really feels.
I liked this story, although I found it a bit repetitive. I liked the advice the pastor gave them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aleesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Trust in God's plan. And most importantly, trust your heart."

A beautifully written story about two people who are navigating their lives after the loss of their spouses. Both struggle with faith and opening their heart to one another during the season of joy and laughter (aka Christmas)!

I liked this short story but at times it felt very repetitive. I should have read this during the winter because I now want it to be Christmas but it is nearly summer!!

[Faithe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas Miracle for Two by Kayla Lowe is a Christian Christmas Novella. Although I love Christmas I went into the book blind and didn't know that it would be so faith based. I found that at times the religious talk was so heavy that it distracted from the story. The story itself is cute but jumps around alot. Overall its a quick easy read, good if your looking for a faith based Christmas book, just not my cup of tea.

[Deanna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a hallmark show. Wow. Love that they both went through the same thing with their past spouses. Them being to gather is great. Just a happy ending.
Read if you enjoy re connecting, happy ending and hallmark vibes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet and heartwarming story. Matilda and Peter had both lost their spouses and were still grieving. Working together on the Community Christmas committee they become closer. Can they have a second chance at love? Received a free copy.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful faith filled Christian Christmas romance. It's a story that takes you on an inspiring and heartwarming journey filled with emotion and love having you rooting for the characters to find their happily ever after. Short and sweet though well written. Such a wonderful story!.

[Diane Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

This is as a great story about two who had lost spouses and were dwelling in the aftermath of those devastating events. It takes courage to become vulnerable and God’s grace and love are the underpinnings

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a great read. What a wonderful storyline. Was a sweet treat to read, recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Georgie Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that gets you in the mood for Christmas - short, sharp and to the point…

[Virginia Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, faith-filled holiday story- I loved how Kayla Lowe blends gentle romance with reminders of grace, forgiveness, and God’s perfect timing.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet Christmas love story.

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both widowed, old classmates are reunited. See how they work through their grief while learning it's okay to find love again.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.