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Practically Christmas
Practical—that’s the way Sara Jennings has always approached life.
But this Christmas season, things are about to change...
When Sara gets a call from her great-aunt to help with a little problem, Sara feels sure the task can’t be too difficult. After all, who couldn’t love Aunt Esther's exuberant holiday cheer and her loving gospel message? And spending Christmas in the small-town setting of Minton, Missouri should be just what Sara needs to escape the pressures of city life and help her unwind.
But when she arrives, Sara finds the situation is far more complicated than she expected.
Aunt Esther’s “little problem” involves a complaining neighbor who takes issue with her elaborate outdoor Christmas decorations. To make matters worse, he is also the uncle of the attractive lawyer Sara met on her train ride to Minton.
What happens when the town’s most ardent supporter of the true meaning of Christmas goes head to head with the neighborhood Scrooge?
And can a chance meeting on a train stir practical Sara into making some quick decisions that will alter the course of her future?
"Practically Christmas" was originally published as part of the novella Christmas collection, "Gift of Love."
Carol Cox is the author of 30 novels and novellas, ranging from contemporary romance and cozy mysteries to historical romantic suspense. In addition to writing, Carol spends her time helping her husband (who pastors two churches and operates a saddle shop) and working on a never-ending series of crochet projects. She and her family enjoy life in rural northern Arizona, where the deer and the antelope really do play—often within view of the family’s front porch.
But this Christmas season, things are about to change...
When Sara gets a call from her great-aunt to help with a little problem, Sara feels sure the task can’t be too difficult. After all, who couldn’t love Aunt Esther's exuberant holiday cheer and her loving gospel message? And spending Christmas in the small-town setting of Minton, Missouri should be just what Sara needs to escape the pressures of city life and help her unwind.
But when she arrives, Sara finds the situation is far more complicated than she expected.
Aunt Esther’s “little problem” involves a complaining neighbor who takes issue with her elaborate outdoor Christmas decorations. To make matters worse, he is also the uncle of the attractive lawyer Sara met on her train ride to Minton.
What happens when the town’s most ardent supporter of the true meaning of Christmas goes head to head with the neighborhood Scrooge?
And can a chance meeting on a train stir practical Sara into making some quick decisions that will alter the course of her future?
"Practically Christmas" was originally published as part of the novella Christmas collection, "Gift of Love."
Carol Cox is the author of 30 novels and novellas, ranging from contemporary romance and cozy mysteries to historical romantic suspense. In addition to writing, Carol spends her time helping her husband (who pastors two churches and operates a saddle shop) and working on a never-ending series of crochet projects. She and her family enjoy life in rural northern Arizona, where the deer and the antelope really do play—often within view of the family’s front porch.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2014
10 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Carol Cox
60 books172 followersCarol Cox has an abiding love for history and romance, especially when it’s set in her native Southwest. As a third-generation Arizonan, she takes a keen interest in the Old West and hopes to make it live again in the hearts of her readers. A pastor’s wife, Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where the deer and the antelope really do play—within view of the family’s front porch.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 17, 2020
Right from the start I liked Sara and Zack. I liked Sarah’s aunt, and yes, I did even like Zack’s uncle, although perhaps not quite from the start. The story was sweet and fun, and while not as “Christmasy” as some other Christmas stories, it did have a nice touch to it.
I never did quite understand the problem Aunt Esther’s neighbor had, but it didn’t make the story less enjoyable.
My biggest problem was the kisses. There weren’t a whole lot for which I was glad, and they weren’t descriptive–as in trying to make the reader feel what the characters felt–but they were more than I personally enjoy.
I never did quite understand the problem Aunt Esther’s neighbor had, but it didn’t make the story less enjoyable.
My biggest problem was the kisses. There weren’t a whole lot for which I was glad, and they weren’t descriptive–as in trying to make the reader feel what the characters felt–but they were more than I personally enjoy.
August 27, 2020
Sweet Romance
This was a sweet romance short story (approx. 91 pages), with no objections content; and in fact, this was a Christian novel. Not preachy, but definitely one knows the God is at the center of the character's lives. It was a story within a story, an old romance rekindled, and a brand new one. It was a quick read, enjoyable, and a rare find. If you like sweet romance, you will like this book.
This was a sweet romance short story (approx. 91 pages), with no objections content; and in fact, this was a Christian novel. Not preachy, but definitely one knows the God is at the center of the character's lives. It was a story within a story, an old romance rekindled, and a brand new one. It was a quick read, enjoyable, and a rare find. If you like sweet romance, you will like this book.
September 21, 2020
What a sweet, short, overtly Christian story set at Christmas!
The main younger characters are likable from the start, the older ones are hiding their sweetness in their stubborn behavior at the beginning.
I loved the sweet little twists the story takes, and the hope of a HEA in the ending.
The main younger characters are likable from the start, the older ones are hiding their sweetness in their stubborn behavior at the beginning.
I loved the sweet little twists the story takes, and the hope of a HEA in the ending.
December 19, 2020
This is a delightful novella about a young woman, Sara, who meets Zack on the train on the way to visit her aunt. Zack's uncle has requested he come to help him with a neighborhood problem. This enables many opportunities for Sara and Zack to spend time together.
July 24, 2020
This was such a cute and enjoyable story. It was hard to put down!
October 17, 2020
Wonderful
Loved the story line. It kept me coming back. I would recommend it to anyone. I loved the way it ended.
Loved the story line. It kept me coming back. I would recommend it to anyone. I loved the way it ended.
October 28, 2021
Great book
September 12, 2018
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
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March 10, 2017Really cute story. Loved the ending. Several twists and turns. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a good clean story. Inspirational read
Really cute story. Loved the ending. Several twists and turns. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a good clean story. Inspirational read
Really cute story. Loved the ending. Several twists and turns. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a good clean story. Inspirational read
March 13, 2017
Great Read!
I loved the characters in this too short read. The characters drew me in. The older couple were quirky and cute. I wish the story could have been longer because it was such a fun read.
I loved the characters in this too short read. The characters drew me in. The older couple were quirky and cute. I wish the story could have been longer because it was such a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews