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The Cross at Morioka Castle
Among ancient ruins and falling snow, a forgotten legacy stirs—and love and faith may find its way home.
When Ariko returns to Japan to settle her late father’s affairs, she steps into a world quietly fading—his humble soba shop, Ajiwau, now shuttered, his once vibrant ministry silenced. The weight of grief is compounded by the bitter expectations of a family that long ago turned its back on his faith and now demands Ariko take her place in the business he left behind.
Seeking solace, she wanders the mist-veiled ruins of Morioka Castle, where stone whispers meet falling snow. There, a chance encounter with a captivating stranger weaves ancient legend into the present, breathing warmth into her cold resolve. Yet shadows stir close to home. Her uncle’s intentions are unclear, and the stranger’s presence may not be as fated as it seems.
With Christmas drawing near, Ariko dares to reopen Ajiwau for one final night—to serve not just soba but the legacy of grace her father once poured into every bowl. Among shoji screens and ancestral ghosts, she uncovers a secret hidden in the very stones of Morioka, revealing a faith older, deeper, and more enduring than she ever imagined.
When Ariko returns to Japan to settle her late father’s affairs, she steps into a world quietly fading—his humble soba shop, Ajiwau, now shuttered, his once vibrant ministry silenced. The weight of grief is compounded by the bitter expectations of a family that long ago turned its back on his faith and now demands Ariko take her place in the business he left behind.
Seeking solace, she wanders the mist-veiled ruins of Morioka Castle, where stone whispers meet falling snow. There, a chance encounter with a captivating stranger weaves ancient legend into the present, breathing warmth into her cold resolve. Yet shadows stir close to home. Her uncle’s intentions are unclear, and the stranger’s presence may not be as fated as it seems.
With Christmas drawing near, Ariko dares to reopen Ajiwau for one final night—to serve not just soba but the legacy of grace her father once poured into every bowl. Among shoji screens and ancestral ghosts, she uncovers a secret hidden in the very stones of Morioka, revealing a faith older, deeper, and more enduring than she ever imagined.
- GenresChristmas
110 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2025
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen J. Robison
13 books473 followersFinding light in the darkest places.
www.kathleenjrobison.com
Kathleen is an award-winning author who
writes romantic suspense with a twist of faith, where life’s trials are believably depicted. Shattered lives, restored by grace and saved by grace. She is an Inspirational Christian Fiction author with six books published in the Romantic Suspense Bay Town Series set in a small coastal town in Mississippi. Revived Hope, The Prequel, Shattered Guilt, Book #1, Restored Grace, NEST Award winner, Book #2, Shadowed Doubt, Book #3, Ransomed Peace, Book #4, and Shaded Goodness, Book #5. Rich characters and fast-paced plots keep pages turning.
She also writes sweet holiday romance. Let Them Eat Fruitcake is light-hearted, Bay Town Book celebrating Christmas. Uniting the characters for the holidays.
The Award-winning Book, Keeping Christmas Vol 1, contains her intriguing Novella, The Cross at Morioka Castle, transporting you to modern-day Japan where the past hides secrets.
Mistletoe Village is a heart-wrenching Christmas Romance set in the Pacific Northwest where secrets stay hidden, but newcomers to the town of Grace change lives.
Adding Historical Fiction to her repertoire, The Missing Songbird, is a 1940s mystery set in Wales.
Kathleen was born in Okinawa, and raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels and her family are the sources of her inspiration. She and her retired Pastor husband have eight adult children, and seven are married, blessing them with twenty-one grandchildren and counting. The diversity of the family provides more lovely and lively characters than can be imagined. Sharing God’s amazing love amid trials, tragedies, and blessings through her books are her true inspiration and hope for all.
You can connect with Kathleen on her website:
www.kathleenjrobison.com or Facebook.
www.kathleenjrobison.com
Kathleen is an award-winning author who
writes romantic suspense with a twist of faith, where life’s trials are believably depicted. Shattered lives, restored by grace and saved by grace. She is an Inspirational Christian Fiction author with six books published in the Romantic Suspense Bay Town Series set in a small coastal town in Mississippi. Revived Hope, The Prequel, Shattered Guilt, Book #1, Restored Grace, NEST Award winner, Book #2, Shadowed Doubt, Book #3, Ransomed Peace, Book #4, and Shaded Goodness, Book #5. Rich characters and fast-paced plots keep pages turning.
She also writes sweet holiday romance. Let Them Eat Fruitcake is light-hearted, Bay Town Book celebrating Christmas. Uniting the characters for the holidays.
The Award-winning Book, Keeping Christmas Vol 1, contains her intriguing Novella, The Cross at Morioka Castle, transporting you to modern-day Japan where the past hides secrets.
Mistletoe Village is a heart-wrenching Christmas Romance set in the Pacific Northwest where secrets stay hidden, but newcomers to the town of Grace change lives.
Adding Historical Fiction to her repertoire, The Missing Songbird, is a 1940s mystery set in Wales.
Kathleen was born in Okinawa, and raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels and her family are the sources of her inspiration. She and her retired Pastor husband have eight adult children, and seven are married, blessing them with twenty-one grandchildren and counting. The diversity of the family provides more lovely and lively characters than can be imagined. Sharing God’s amazing love amid trials, tragedies, and blessings through her books are her true inspiration and hope for all.
You can connect with Kathleen on her website:
www.kathleenjrobison.com or Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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November 20, 2025When I was in first grade, we studied Japan. I don't remember; maybe my teacher had spent time their as a missionary, or maybe her parents were missionaries there. Anyway, I have a lifelong interest in Japan, and have always wanted to visit.
When I was offered a chance to read The Cross at Morioka Castle, I was eager to do so! I enjoyed the descriptive language throughout, both physically and culturally. It was intriguing to see the relationship between Kai and Ariko develop.
If you enjoy Christian fiction with a dose of Japanese culture, I recommend this one for your TBR list.
When I was offered a chance to read The Cross at Morioka Castle, I was eager to do so! I enjoyed the descriptive language throughout, both physically and culturally. It was intriguing to see the relationship between Kai and Ariko develop.
If you enjoy Christian fiction with a dose of Japanese culture, I recommend this one for your TBR list.
November 13, 2025
I just finished reading The Cross at Morioka Castle by Kathleen J. Robison and it was a quaint and pleasant novella.
Ariko is the main female character in this book. She has recently experienced the death her father and she went back to Japan for his funeral, but she was also forced to move back to Japan after losing her job. She is a Christian; her parents were missionaries. She sees it as unfortunate, as many probably would, but maybe it is a God orchestrated move for His glory.
Kai is the main male character in this book. He is the son of a wealthy businessman in Japan. His passion is IT and his desire is to help small businesses, but his father has other plans for him. Like Ariko, he is a Christian, but unlike like Ariko’s family his grandfather was a Christian and made a big impression on him. He and Ariko initially hit it off and even might have something more in the way of a personal relationship, but there are other circumstances that present themselves that may prevent this.
Ariko wants to carry on her father’s business along with the Bible studies that he hosted there for many years. Her family is also in the same business, but they have many stores throughout Japan. Her father’s business is just one store, but many people come from all over for the food, but also for the gospel. Her father’s food is the best in Japan, according to many people’s opinions. Her father used to work for his mother’s business, but things got complicated once he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He just wanted simplicity, so he left out on his own.
Throughout the book there is the legend of Morioka castle. Even more of a legend is the cross, at least to some people. It is not common to find many Christians in Japan, in the story and in real life. Kai is drawn to the castle many times and Ariko becomes fascinated with it as well. They both have a desire to know the real story of the cross.
This book was so good, a nice and cozy Christmas story, situated in Japan. It is short, but so well developed that it does not need to be longer. I really enjoyed reading it and imagining the scenes taking place. I highly recommend getting this book when you can get your hands on it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
Ariko is the main female character in this book. She has recently experienced the death her father and she went back to Japan for his funeral, but she was also forced to move back to Japan after losing her job. She is a Christian; her parents were missionaries. She sees it as unfortunate, as many probably would, but maybe it is a God orchestrated move for His glory.
Kai is the main male character in this book. He is the son of a wealthy businessman in Japan. His passion is IT and his desire is to help small businesses, but his father has other plans for him. Like Ariko, he is a Christian, but unlike like Ariko’s family his grandfather was a Christian and made a big impression on him. He and Ariko initially hit it off and even might have something more in the way of a personal relationship, but there are other circumstances that present themselves that may prevent this.
Ariko wants to carry on her father’s business along with the Bible studies that he hosted there for many years. Her family is also in the same business, but they have many stores throughout Japan. Her father’s business is just one store, but many people come from all over for the food, but also for the gospel. Her father’s food is the best in Japan, according to many people’s opinions. Her father used to work for his mother’s business, but things got complicated once he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He just wanted simplicity, so he left out on his own.
Throughout the book there is the legend of Morioka castle. Even more of a legend is the cross, at least to some people. It is not common to find many Christians in Japan, in the story and in real life. Kai is drawn to the castle many times and Ariko becomes fascinated with it as well. They both have a desire to know the real story of the cross.
This book was so good, a nice and cozy Christmas story, situated in Japan. It is short, but so well developed that it does not need to be longer. I really enjoyed reading it and imagining the scenes taking place. I highly recommend getting this book when you can get your hands on it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
November 11, 2025
A nice story that enhances the charm of Japan. I love the description of Japanese culture and how Ariko discovers her ancestors. Coming back to Japan was not easy for her, but I admire how she did it to honor her parents. When she stumbles upon a cross in a castle Ariko begins her journey. I love how the author shows readers that those who live in Japan hide their faith. Being a Christian is not accepted and Ariko soon realizes how hard it was for her parents to share God and stay safe.
I did not care for Ariko’s uncle at all. He is arrogant, greedy and forceful. He uses Ariko to gain power with no regard to her well being. He wants to profit from a family business and will do anything to succeed. We see how tradition is used as Ariko is silenced by her uncle. He only wants her to translate during a business meeting, but will not acknowledge her opinion.
Kai is a breath of fresh air to the story. He is kind, honest and treats others with respect. I like how he and Ariko start a friendship that develops over the course of the story. A misunderstanding will test their trust in each other. I like how Kai does not give up and relies on his faith for things to work out.
For me the best part of the story was hearing about the legend of the cross in the castle. It was not common to find Christians in Japan. Those that believe once had to hide their faith for fear of persecution. The cross that is discovered in the kitchen of the castle will bring a family close again and show how long ago God was shared even in secret places.
Ariko learns that her father shared his faith with others and was very well respected. He helped others and was not ashamed of God. He opened his business after hours to do Bible studies to anyone that wanted to join. His faith has not been wasted as Ariko begins to learn more about her father.
The ending is emotional and filled with how God can heal broken hearts, restore relationships and show forgiveness to others. I like the notes the author shares at the end of the book which gives us a glimpse of Christianity in Japan.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I did not care for Ariko’s uncle at all. He is arrogant, greedy and forceful. He uses Ariko to gain power with no regard to her well being. He wants to profit from a family business and will do anything to succeed. We see how tradition is used as Ariko is silenced by her uncle. He only wants her to translate during a business meeting, but will not acknowledge her opinion.
Kai is a breath of fresh air to the story. He is kind, honest and treats others with respect. I like how he and Ariko start a friendship that develops over the course of the story. A misunderstanding will test their trust in each other. I like how Kai does not give up and relies on his faith for things to work out.
For me the best part of the story was hearing about the legend of the cross in the castle. It was not common to find Christians in Japan. Those that believe once had to hide their faith for fear of persecution. The cross that is discovered in the kitchen of the castle will bring a family close again and show how long ago God was shared even in secret places.
Ariko learns that her father shared his faith with others and was very well respected. He helped others and was not ashamed of God. He opened his business after hours to do Bible studies to anyone that wanted to join. His faith has not been wasted as Ariko begins to learn more about her father.
The ending is emotional and filled with how God can heal broken hearts, restore relationships and show forgiveness to others. I like the notes the author shares at the end of the book which gives us a glimpse of Christianity in Japan.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
November 18, 2025
The Cross at Morioka Castle by Kathleen J. Robison is a Historical Christian Romance that takes readers deep into Japan’s culture and faith history. While I wish I could say I loved this book, I found it a bit challenging to read. The story includes many Japanese words that were left untranslated, and I didn’t want to constantly look them up. Still, I admire the author’s heart in weaving Japanese culture and Christian faith together in such a meaningful way.
The story follows Ariko, a young woman who travels from the United States to Japan after her father’s passing. She’s there to settle his affairs, including his small shop that has sat quiet for some time. In the process, Ariko begins to rediscover not only her family’s heritage but also what faith looks like in a land that has its own complex spiritual history.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the beautiful relationship between Ariko and her great-grandmother. Their connection was tender and heartfelt, showing love that bridges both generations and cultures. Through their time together, Ariko faces a difficult decision—should she stay in Japan and embrace her roots, or return to the familiarity of life in the United States?
As Ariko explores the stone ruins of Morioka Castle, she uncovers more than just historical relics. What she finds there points her to a deeper understanding of Christianity’s reach and the quiet but steadfast presence of God across time and culture.
Even though this book wasn’t an easy read for me, I appreciate how it reminded me that God’s love and truth know no boundaries. The message of faith that runs through The Cross at Morioka Castle is one of quiet strength, legacy, and hope.
If you enjoy stories that explore faith in different cultures and appreciate historical settings rich with meaning, you may find this book both thought-provoking and spiritually uplifting.
So if you want to read a Historical Christian Romance set in Japan, check out this novella for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
The story follows Ariko, a young woman who travels from the United States to Japan after her father’s passing. She’s there to settle his affairs, including his small shop that has sat quiet for some time. In the process, Ariko begins to rediscover not only her family’s heritage but also what faith looks like in a land that has its own complex spiritual history.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the beautiful relationship between Ariko and her great-grandmother. Their connection was tender and heartfelt, showing love that bridges both generations and cultures. Through their time together, Ariko faces a difficult decision—should she stay in Japan and embrace her roots, or return to the familiarity of life in the United States?
As Ariko explores the stone ruins of Morioka Castle, she uncovers more than just historical relics. What she finds there points her to a deeper understanding of Christianity’s reach and the quiet but steadfast presence of God across time and culture.
Even though this book wasn’t an easy read for me, I appreciate how it reminded me that God’s love and truth know no boundaries. The message of faith that runs through The Cross at Morioka Castle is one of quiet strength, legacy, and hope.
If you enjoy stories that explore faith in different cultures and appreciate historical settings rich with meaning, you may find this book both thought-provoking and spiritually uplifting.
So if you want to read a Historical Christian Romance set in Japan, check out this novella for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2025
Christian Historical Romance is a favorite genre of mine. The Cross at Morioka Castle by Kathleen J. Robinson is the latest in this genre that I have read. It is a Christmas Novella story.
The storyline is one of mixed emotions of who someone is and the family struggles. Ariko is the main character, who lives in America, far from her family. She returns to Japan after her father's death to close out his Estate Affairs. Ariko is torn between staying in Japan to run her father's business that was sucessful until it shuttered or returning to America where she has made a life for herself. Japan doesn't embrace the Christian Faith and Ariko's great grandmother has rejected Ariko and her recently deceased father because of their Faith. The Morioka Castle is a part of Japanese History and Ruins and Ariko finds refuge and a place to think when she visits the Castle. Kai and Ariko meet and their relationship flourishes as Kai helps Ariko navigate the affiars of the Estate. The book does a wonderful job of taking the Reader to the Historical Facts and People of Japan and also includes the modern day Japan. The Novellas was a nice short read. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Cultural Historical Fiction! GREAT BOOK!
The storyline is one of mixed emotions of who someone is and the family struggles. Ariko is the main character, who lives in America, far from her family. She returns to Japan after her father's death to close out his Estate Affairs. Ariko is torn between staying in Japan to run her father's business that was sucessful until it shuttered or returning to America where she has made a life for herself. Japan doesn't embrace the Christian Faith and Ariko's great grandmother has rejected Ariko and her recently deceased father because of their Faith. The Morioka Castle is a part of Japanese History and Ruins and Ariko finds refuge and a place to think when she visits the Castle. Kai and Ariko meet and their relationship flourishes as Kai helps Ariko navigate the affiars of the Estate. The book does a wonderful job of taking the Reader to the Historical Facts and People of Japan and also includes the modern day Japan. The Novellas was a nice short read. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Cultural Historical Fiction! GREAT BOOK!
December 3, 2025
The Cross at Morioka Castle is a wonderful Christmas story, but also a story with history and family and finding the truth for yourself. It read quickly. The characters are lovely.
Ariko goes back to Japan to her father’s shop. She’s torn. She doesn’t know what to do. And as she explores the possibilities, she meets some people who influence her and maybe change the course of her life. Like a young girl, a grandmother, a young man, etc.
She also spends some time with her father’s family to try and understand who they are and what happened.
Kai is our male main character. He’s part of a successful family. But his passion is helping small businesses take off and be successful. Can he help Ariko find her passion and success?
Both Ariko and Kai are Christians in a primarily un-Christian area.
I don’t want to give away a lot of the book, but I love the Castle and the story that it has to tell. You’ll love this book!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Ariko goes back to Japan to her father’s shop. She’s torn. She doesn’t know what to do. And as she explores the possibilities, she meets some people who influence her and maybe change the course of her life. Like a young girl, a grandmother, a young man, etc.
She also spends some time with her father’s family to try and understand who they are and what happened.
Kai is our male main character. He’s part of a successful family. But his passion is helping small businesses take off and be successful. Can he help Ariko find her passion and success?
Both Ariko and Kai are Christians in a primarily un-Christian area.
I don’t want to give away a lot of the book, but I love the Castle and the story that it has to tell. You’ll love this book!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
November 18, 2025
Japan, it's a place I've seen on TV, but not read as much about. This book takes me there. It has so many details that were just amazing. Ariko has gone home, to Japan, because her father has passed. She is torn between the States and staying in the land of her ancestors, to pick up the family business and carry it forward. I felt it so deeply when Ariko was pulled to the ruins of Morioka Castle. There she meets Kai, and with this "chance" encounter, she starts to learn secrets and how faith could be woven into the shattered remains of this grand castle. Ariko has some very heavy decisions to make: what faith she will follow, what's worth doing, where to live, even what to do as a job, and all of them are happening to her simultaneously, it would seem. I found this story to be beautiful, with a lot of depth, and I loved the Christmas theme worked into the Japanese setting. Now, I just need some hot tea while I reflect.
Thanks to Celebrtae Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own. A positive review is never required.
Thanks to Celebrtae Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own. A positive review is never required.
November 10, 2025
Ariko comes back home to Japan after her father’s death. She is drawn to the intriguing Morioka Castle along with another person, whom she bumps into one evening, named Kai. Ariko has much to consider during her time staying at her great grandma’s beautiful home. Should she stay, or go back to America? She is also offered the position of overseeing her father’s soba business versus her uncle, Shio. Her antagonist, Shio is cranky and rude, and he has grand ideas for the family business. Ariko would like to follow in her father’s traditional Christian footsteps. Her great grandma, Obaachank is sharp as a sword despite her age and there is an interesting turn of events at the end. This story also glosses over the persecution that many Japanese Christians had/have to go through in keeping their faith hidden. An enjoyable read and recommend over a nice cup of coffee. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.
November 17, 2025
As I was reading this novel, it seemed so familiar but the title wasn’t on my list of books read. I searched for the author and found she had previously published this story in the collection called Keeping Christmas Volume I a few years ago. Come to Japan and learn about its culture and history and how Christians are the minority there. This adds to Ariko’s dilemma when she returns to her homeland from America following her father’s death. Her family had been estranged from her grandmother, who rejects their faith, but now this matriarch wants her to rejoin the family and its business. The strong characters seem diametrically opposed. Can their differences be overcome? The books contains some suspense and a legend and is set during the Christmas season, although it offers an intriguing read any time of year. The tale could make an interesting choice for a book club. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
July 15, 2025
The Cross at Morioka Castle was a short read, but one that packed a punch. The vivid descriptions of the castle and Ariko's world in Japan made me feel like I was there with her. Some of the characters I grew to like more than others, but the main characters had lots of layers and some hidden secrets that were uncovered as I read.
The story wove Japanese culture with American traditions, with Ariko and Kai experiencing both, which added a lot to the storyline. Their romance wasn't a smooth one and held some unlikely surprises. God works everything out according to his plan. I did enjoy the ending that wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
The story wove Japanese culture with American traditions, with Ariko and Kai experiencing both, which added a lot to the storyline. Their romance wasn't a smooth one and held some unlikely surprises. God works everything out according to his plan. I did enjoy the ending that wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
July 16, 2025
I was able to read the historical fiction novella, The Cross at Morioka Castle in a very short time. Robison’s vivid descriptions gave me a taste of Japan and its culture and history, although I’ve never been there, and how their customs differ from American ways.
The story follows Ariko and Kai’s relationship, but also their business dealings over Ariko‘s family’s noodle shop, with mentions of other family members.
Robison was able to convey a fair amount of history and character development in a short amount of pages, with wonderful detail. She often used Japanese words, but backed them up with the meanings, so the reader could understand.
The book was enjoyable to me, and it’s recommended as a sweet read.
The story follows Ariko and Kai’s relationship, but also their business dealings over Ariko‘s family’s noodle shop, with mentions of other family members.
Robison was able to convey a fair amount of history and character development in a short amount of pages, with wonderful detail. She often used Japanese words, but backed them up with the meanings, so the reader could understand.
The book was enjoyable to me, and it’s recommended as a sweet read.
August 5, 2025
This novella was thoroughly enjoyable. I read at bedtime and looked forward to flipping more pages. It is one of those books where readers become immersed in the story. Set in modern Japan, yet highlighting the ancient culture going back to the Samurai.
The author wove intriguing details of various Japanese eras as the main character, Ariko, searches for some answers to a mystery of a cross symbol. Did some of her family convert? Christian converts were earlier persecuted but it's no longer an issue to such extremes to believe in Jesus. It remains frowned upon. Learning this information made it come alive. I loved the ending. I wanted to hear more about Ariko's future and hope there's another story about her.
The author wove intriguing details of various Japanese eras as the main character, Ariko, searches for some answers to a mystery of a cross symbol. Did some of her family convert? Christian converts were earlier persecuted but it's no longer an issue to such extremes to believe in Jesus. It remains frowned upon. Learning this information made it come alive. I loved the ending. I wanted to hear more about Ariko's future and hope there's another story about her.
November 6, 2025
This novella is a bit different than what I have come to expect from Robison. It takes place in Japan and I was a little lost at times with the unfamiliar and untranslated Japanese words. While a short novella, it does cover some of the history of Christianity in Japan, particularly how one man shared the gospel through his shop. The novella highlights the cultural differences between American and Japanese social and family customs as well. There is a very clear salvation message included. This is a quick read but is informative and entertaining with likable characters. It is a good romantic novella for readers who like one in a cross cultural context.
I received a complimentary egalley of this novella through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I received a complimentary egalley of this novella through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
November 12, 2025
I liked the novella" The Cross at Morioka Castle" by Kathleen J. Robison but there were a few times I wish the words were explained as they were Japanese. Yes, the book is written about a castle in Japan, but the words were a little confusing to me, but the story was still interesting and kept me reading. This was a short read 108 pages. I was wanting to read more when the story ended. The Salvation message is clearly shared in the pages of the novella. If this novella was made into a movie, I would definably watch it. If a reader wants a short for the holidays or any time of the year, then I truly recommend "The Cross at Morioka Castle" by Kathleen J. Robison.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
About the Author
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
About the Author
July 16, 2025
Kathleen immerses her readers into the deep personal respect evident in the Japanese culture, while also making them keenly aware of the absence of Jesus. Ariko, Kai, and Obaachan's story brought me to tears, but in the sweetest way.
Our family had a dear Japanese friend (like a third grandmother to our children) who became a Christian. My husband has family members who served as missionaries in Japan in the 1960s to early 1970s. For those reasons, this book holds even deeper meaning for me.
It's a quick read, but one packed with the power of the Holy Spirit pointing to the true meaning of our Savior's birth.
Our family had a dear Japanese friend (like a third grandmother to our children) who became a Christian. My husband has family members who served as missionaries in Japan in the 1960s to early 1970s. For those reasons, this book holds even deeper meaning for me.
It's a quick read, but one packed with the power of the Holy Spirit pointing to the true meaning of our Savior's birth.
July 15, 2025
I was translated to another world, another fascinating culture as I literally devoured this book! The emotions, the long-held traditions, the utter respect for not just the past but the present as both intermingled in the lives of Arika, Kai, Obaachan and each person involved in the culmination of a story anyone and everyone will take to heart. An exemplary work that could only come from an author whose ultimate goal is to point the reader to the Saviour of all mankind.
November 9, 2025
A Christmas novella set against the backdrop of ancient ruins and falling snow in Japan! 🌨️🏯🍜
About the book:
When Ariko returns to Japan to settle her father's affairs, she's met with expectations to step into her family's business—a family that long ago turned away from faith. Amidst this, a chance encounter with a charming stranger, a mysterious secret etched into the very walls of Morioka Castle, and a legacy rooted in faith combine to make this Christmas in Japan truly unforgettable.
My thoughts:
I’ve never read a Christmas story set in Japan before, and this novella completely swept me away! The delightful setting of Morioka, with its ancient ruins and traditional soba shops felt so immersive.
Ariko and Kai are simply wonderful characters! Their serendipitous meeting at the castle was so fun, and their sweet, sometimes fraught-with-misunderstandings romance was clean and adorable.
I especially appreciated the perspective on what it means to be a Christian in Japan, as well as Ariko’s journey of faith. She’s wonderfully kind and loyal to her family, all while seeking to honor God and plant seeds of faith—so beautifully portrayed!
This story is a true heartwarming gem that blends love, history, and faith into a perfect Christmas celebration in Japan.
The Vibes:
❄️ A Christmas tale with Jesus at the center.
❄️ Experiencing Japan's enchanting Christmas charm.
❄️ Warming up in soba shops on snowy afternoons.
❄️ Clean and adorable unexpected romance.
❄️ Exploring ancient ruins and historical secrets.
❄️ Honoring family, loyalty, and faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the book:
When Ariko returns to Japan to settle her father's affairs, she's met with expectations to step into her family's business—a family that long ago turned away from faith. Amidst this, a chance encounter with a charming stranger, a mysterious secret etched into the very walls of Morioka Castle, and a legacy rooted in faith combine to make this Christmas in Japan truly unforgettable.
My thoughts:
I’ve never read a Christmas story set in Japan before, and this novella completely swept me away! The delightful setting of Morioka, with its ancient ruins and traditional soba shops felt so immersive.
Ariko and Kai are simply wonderful characters! Their serendipitous meeting at the castle was so fun, and their sweet, sometimes fraught-with-misunderstandings romance was clean and adorable.
I especially appreciated the perspective on what it means to be a Christian in Japan, as well as Ariko’s journey of faith. She’s wonderfully kind and loyal to her family, all while seeking to honor God and plant seeds of faith—so beautifully portrayed!
This story is a true heartwarming gem that blends love, history, and faith into a perfect Christmas celebration in Japan.
The Vibes:
❄️ A Christmas tale with Jesus at the center.
❄️ Experiencing Japan's enchanting Christmas charm.
❄️ Warming up in soba shops on snowy afternoons.
❄️ Clean and adorable unexpected romance.
❄️ Exploring ancient ruins and historical secrets.
❄️ Honoring family, loyalty, and faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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