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The Christmas Cherub
Love lingers long after the war.
As snow falls gently over postwar Indianapolis, Clara Goodwin hides her heartache behind ribbon, glitter, and fragile hope.
The war may be finished but her fiancé—Jack Thompson, a courageous B-17 pilot—remains missing. Each day without news chips away at her spirit, yet Clara clings to faith, channeling her longing into her work as Head Artist at Amberson’s Department Store.
This year’s challenge? Designing the 1946 Christmas Catalog with little inventory to promote. Faced with blank pages and a looming deadline, Clara sketches whimsical cherubs to fill the void.
But as she brings them to life, she pours into them more than just creativity—she weaves in her love, her grief, and the aching questions that haunt Is Jack MIA, a POW… or gone forever? And if he returns, will he still be the man she knew?
In a season made for miracles, Clara’s cherub may be more than just a symbol of the holidays—it may hold the key to her deepest prayer.
Rich with nostalgia, and brimming with heartfelt hope, The Christmas Cherub is a tender holiday novella for anyone who believes love—like Christmas—always finds a way.
✨ Unwrap a story of hope, healing, and holiday wonder—order your copy today.
As snow falls gently over postwar Indianapolis, Clara Goodwin hides her heartache behind ribbon, glitter, and fragile hope.
The war may be finished but her fiancé—Jack Thompson, a courageous B-17 pilot—remains missing. Each day without news chips away at her spirit, yet Clara clings to faith, channeling her longing into her work as Head Artist at Amberson’s Department Store.
This year’s challenge? Designing the 1946 Christmas Catalog with little inventory to promote. Faced with blank pages and a looming deadline, Clara sketches whimsical cherubs to fill the void.
But as she brings them to life, she pours into them more than just creativity—she weaves in her love, her grief, and the aching questions that haunt Is Jack MIA, a POW… or gone forever? And if he returns, will he still be the man she knew?
In a season made for miracles, Clara’s cherub may be more than just a symbol of the holidays—it may hold the key to her deepest prayer.
Rich with nostalgia, and brimming with heartfelt hope, The Christmas Cherub is a tender holiday novella for anyone who believes love—like Christmas—always finds a way.
✨ Unwrap a story of hope, healing, and holiday wonder—order your copy today.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2025
9 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 28, 2025
I could picture myself in the 1940's in the department store of Amberson's as Clara works her magic in the art department. She continues to hold out hope that Jack will come home, even though everyone else has given up hope.
Clara's resilience shines throughout the story. She thrives in a male dominated world but she is gracious and kind to those around her. Her indomitable spirit is something to look up to.
I was gifted an arc of the book. The opinions are my own.
Clara's resilience shines throughout the story. She thrives in a male dominated world but she is gracious and kind to those around her. Her indomitable spirit is something to look up to.
I was gifted an arc of the book. The opinions are my own.
June 30, 2025
PATIENCE, PROTECTION, & PRAYERS
Author Ronda Wells has written a beautiful, heartwarming Christmas novella based on a true story. I highly recommend it. Wells has created a delightful character, Clara Goodwin, to star in this novella. Set in Chicago in the 1940s, Clara faces her future with patience, protection, and prayer. Even though the war is over, her one true love, B-17 pilot fiancé, Jack Thompson, is still declared MIA. Clara refuses to believe he is lost forever until she receives official notice from the military. Her patience will be tested until she sees Jack again. She continually prays for his protection since there has been no word about him for a long time. She also prays for his safe return.
Clara is the head artist at Amberson’s Department Store and tasked with creating an ad campaign to save the store from failing sales. After many trials and failures, Clara chooses a cute cherub to be the star of the ads, and her boss quickly gives it a thumbs up. Soon, cherubs were on display at Amberson’s, flying around displays, in print ads, on wrapping paper, letterhead, and everywhere deemed valid, and it was a great help with sales. Still, Clara’s heart longs for Jack. She perseveres with patience, prayers for protection, and prayers for Jack’s return.
Will Clara’s prayers be answered? Or, will another man claim Clara’s heart while she is waiting? Wells supplies readers with a heartwarming ending that will stay with them long after reading the last page. Readers will not be disappointed with this one! Readers, you should add this novella to your 2025 Christmas Reading List! It is delightful!
The author/publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
Author Ronda Wells has written a beautiful, heartwarming Christmas novella based on a true story. I highly recommend it. Wells has created a delightful character, Clara Goodwin, to star in this novella. Set in Chicago in the 1940s, Clara faces her future with patience, protection, and prayer. Even though the war is over, her one true love, B-17 pilot fiancé, Jack Thompson, is still declared MIA. Clara refuses to believe he is lost forever until she receives official notice from the military. Her patience will be tested until she sees Jack again. She continually prays for his protection since there has been no word about him for a long time. She also prays for his safe return.
Clara is the head artist at Amberson’s Department Store and tasked with creating an ad campaign to save the store from failing sales. After many trials and failures, Clara chooses a cute cherub to be the star of the ads, and her boss quickly gives it a thumbs up. Soon, cherubs were on display at Amberson’s, flying around displays, in print ads, on wrapping paper, letterhead, and everywhere deemed valid, and it was a great help with sales. Still, Clara’s heart longs for Jack. She perseveres with patience, prayers for protection, and prayers for Jack’s return.
Will Clara’s prayers be answered? Or, will another man claim Clara’s heart while she is waiting? Wells supplies readers with a heartwarming ending that will stay with them long after reading the last page. Readers will not be disappointed with this one! Readers, you should add this novella to your 2025 Christmas Reading List! It is delightful!
The author/publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
November 30, 2025
Can he ever love again?
I really enjoyed this sweet love story that could have gone either way. Post WWII and she’s been waiting almost two years for her MIA fiancé. In the meantime, will she fall for the rich store owner’s son? Will miracles happen? Read this sweet story to find out!
I really enjoyed this sweet love story that could have gone either way. Post WWII and she’s been waiting almost two years for her MIA fiancé. In the meantime, will she fall for the rich store owner’s son? Will miracles happen? Read this sweet story to find out!
June 30, 2025
Clara Goodwin is struggling with her job as the first woman Head Artist at Amberson's Department Store. She is trying not to lose hope that her fiance' Jack Thompson, will still come home after being bombed down during World War II. She's been tasked with designing a special Christmas display. She comes up with a cherub that her boss really likes and the idea takes off. During her lunch one day under the store's clock, she has an idea about the cherub atop the clock. See who she gets to design the sculpture and how that affects her life. A good feel good read with some faith and twists. Recommend this book. I was given a copy by the author but these are my words.
July 1, 2025
This was a sweet story. Ronda Wells has created a beautiful one that includes Cherubs, faith, strength, hope and love. Touched with some twists to a story that you are going to add to your Christmas list of reads.
Is 1940 and the war is at end. Clara works at a department store. When sales drop she is assigned to create a Christmas catalog that will attract and bring up the drop. And she comes up with a delicate cherub to adore the pages along with the inventory. Approved she moves on while weighing the heart pain for Jack a pilot in the war that she has no answers to his whereabouts. Also why working in a field of artist that is not known to women only men.
But while waiting for answers about Jack, and not accepting the answers from family and friends to move on. She holds dead to her Christmas Cherub and the hope that Jack will return to her and her heart. Unless there might be a different outcome.
The strength that Clara shows and the inspirational message throughout captures readers hearts for a beautiful Christmas. Where dreams, hopes, love and the possibilities whirlwind together.
I received a e-ARC from the author publisher. All stated here are my own thoughts. I was not required to leave a positive comment.
Is 1940 and the war is at end. Clara works at a department store. When sales drop she is assigned to create a Christmas catalog that will attract and bring up the drop. And she comes up with a delicate cherub to adore the pages along with the inventory. Approved she moves on while weighing the heart pain for Jack a pilot in the war that she has no answers to his whereabouts. Also why working in a field of artist that is not known to women only men.
But while waiting for answers about Jack, and not accepting the answers from family and friends to move on. She holds dead to her Christmas Cherub and the hope that Jack will return to her and her heart. Unless there might be a different outcome.
The strength that Clara shows and the inspirational message throughout captures readers hearts for a beautiful Christmas. Where dreams, hopes, love and the possibilities whirlwind together.
I received a e-ARC from the author publisher. All stated here are my own thoughts. I was not required to leave a positive comment.
July 1, 2025
Combining historical romance with a delightful Christmas story, the author has created lovable and relatable characters in a plot that is wholesome and informative. Clara works in Amberson’s Department Store as a designer and creates a Christmas catalog with cherubs as the focal point. She is artistic and devotes all of her lonely hours to making her profession. Her fiancé is MIA from the war (WW II), but she is hopeful that Jack will return home and they can continue with their plans to get married. There is conflict between Clara and the other employees as well as with Mrs. Thompson, Jack’s mom who doesn’t like Clara much. The story moves at a good clip, with short chapters and an engaging plot. Even with the fact that Jack is missing hanging over her head, Clara’s positive attitude keeps the story upbeat and positive. I enjoyed the story, especially learning all about the cherubs, and I was amused by the twist at the end about the cherub’s special gift.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
July 3, 2025
I enjoyed reading this Christmas romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed their writing skills as well as their attention to details that made the story pop. Her characters are created with alot of heart and soul. This is a shorter story which the author did a great job of packing awhole lot in a short period of time. This is a story that will show you that the Christmas spirit still lives. This is a story of hope and healing. I enjoyed Clara's character and what she brought to the story. She is a strong character that just wants her love to come home. I enjoyed watching the growth of this story throughout which made the story easy and entertaining to read. This is an engaging story that is fast paced and hard to put down. You don't want to miss this one and it is a must read. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend this book.
July 1, 2025
This book was a delightful read about two people that are engaged during the war. Clara has just been promoted to the head of the art department of the department store she has worked at since she was a teenager. Jack, whom she is engaged to has been MIA for eighteen months. Clara needs to come up with a design that will get people's attention and she just doesn't feel up to it and can't get into the Christmas spirit. At the last minute she comes up with a wonderful design that everyone falls in love with. A Christmas Cherub that brings happiness and joy during a trying time. On top of that , there is a gentleman who wants Clara to be his girlfriend. Will Clara forgot about Jack or will she cling to her faith that Jack will be found? " The Cherub winked when it saw true love." I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are in my own words about what I thought of the book.
September 23, 2025
In the seaon of miracles, Clara Goodwin really needs one. With her fiance' still missing in the war, she struggles each day to hold on to her faith and excel at her job as the Head Artist at Amberson's Department Store. With her newest campaign in full swing, can her latest creation help her believe in her own miracle?
I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a great Christmas story!
I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a great Christmas story!
July 2, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. I had no idea the author is a Hoosier, and I didn’t realize it was set in Indianapolis before I started reading. The references to local places (some that I’d heard of and others I hadn’t) only endeared it to me more. The author does a fantastic job of depicting the true emotions of the characters, and portrayed the time period perfectly. I will definitely look for more of her books. What I loved most was that I could thoroughly visualize the book as I was reading, and would love to see it turned into a movie. (It belongs on the list with Miracle in 24th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life!)
Readers of historical fiction and/or Christian fiction will love this book.
I highly recommend and will be purchasing a copies for gifts!
Readers of historical fiction and/or Christian fiction will love this book.
I highly recommend and will be purchasing a copies for gifts!
December 6, 2025
Clara's fiance, a B-24 pilot, is still MIA in eastern Europe several months after the war. Jack is eventually located, but when he comes home, he suffers from what we now call PTSD. Will he accept therapy? Something surprising, rising from Jack's past, becomes the best therapy for him, blesses a wider community, and leads to a heartwarming ending.
July 3, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I completely lost track of time as I was pulled into this story, flipping through the pages at such a rapid speed, that I couldn’t stop! “The Christmas Cherub” by Ronda Wells is a delightful and enjoyable read and perfect for any fans of historical fiction.
Clara Goodwin’s boyfriend is MIA- missing somewhere in Europe. This faith filled, hope fueled story will fill you with Christmas joy. The characters were heartwarming and relatable. I was rooting for love the whole time.
#TheChristmasCherub #RondaWells #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #NewSummerRead #ChristmasInJuly
I completely lost track of time as I was pulled into this story, flipping through the pages at such a rapid speed, that I couldn’t stop! “The Christmas Cherub” by Ronda Wells is a delightful and enjoyable read and perfect for any fans of historical fiction.
Clara Goodwin’s boyfriend is MIA- missing somewhere in Europe. This faith filled, hope fueled story will fill you with Christmas joy. The characters were heartwarming and relatable. I was rooting for love the whole time.
#TheChristmasCherub #RondaWells #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #NewSummerRead #ChristmasInJuly
August 10, 2025
If you love Hallmark feel good stories, you will enjoy this story. If you love historical Hallmark stories you will love this story, and if you happen to be from Indianapolis you will absolutely adore this amazing Hallmark happy ending story.
July 1, 2025
This is a sweet Christmas love story taken place after War War II. It was a very enjoyable and quick read.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 14, 2025
What a sweet romance that will have your heart breaking as you wait with Clara to see if her fiancé, Jack, will make it home from the war in Germany. Clara is such a dear soul and her dedication to believing Jack is alive is touching. Though she faces negative opinions and discouraging information, she is determined to stay true to her commitment to be his wife until she is provided solid proof that he has perished from the plane crash while serving overseas. Clara’s job affords her the ability to breathe life, love, and hope into the Christmas season. I could envision all of the Christmas cherubs scattered throughout Amberson’s flyers, ads, and store displays. This is a story of love, hope, loss, family dynamics, and graciousness. A great story to read during the Christmas season. Maybe a Christmas cherub will send a wink of encouragement your way!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ronda Wells Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
#THE CHRISTMAS CHERUB
#ChristmasStories
#Cherub
Thank you to NetGalley and Ronda Wells Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
#THE CHRISTMAS CHERUB
#ChristmasStories
#Cherub
July 1, 2025
Loved this sweet romance story. Great for fans of Christmas time stories!!
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy from the author with no expectation in return. This opinion is my own.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy from the author with no expectation in return. This opinion is my own.
June 26, 2025
This is a sweet romance story set in the 1940's at the end of the war. Clara is working hard to keep busy while her fiance is MIA from the war. It's been over a year and friends and family feel she should move on but she feels like he is still alive. She asks for help and gets a news reporter to help her locate what happened to her fiance. Is he still alive? If so where has he been?
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews