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A Crimson Heart: A Thanksgiving and Christmas Novella
**LARGE PRINT EDITION**
A Crimson Heart is the first story in the Crimson Grove Series. The second novella in the series, A Crimson Promise, in the LARGE PRINT EDITION, is available also available.
She lost her husband years ago. Now, she may lose the one person—and the one place—that still holds his memory.
Amelia Hennipen has spent years quietly mourning her husband, Simon, while doing her duty, as she sees it. But grief doesn’t offer rest—not when the past lingers in every room of Hennipen House, and not while caring for Simon’s aging grandmother, Henny, whose mind is slowly slipping away.
This Thanksgiving, new neighbors, Nathan Shaw and his young nephew, bring fresh laughter and the warm aromas of a holiday meal back into the house. For the first time in years, Hennipen House feels alive. Plans for a memorable Christmas are underway… until Henny’s daughter, Lisa, delivers news that will break the promises she made to Henny, and change everything.
She intends to change Henny's current living arrangements.
What is best for Henny? Amelia doesn’t know for sure, but she does know this will break the promise they made to Henny. Amelia must will she walk away from the home and the challenge of the increasingly difficult obligations to Henny, the woman who is more like her mother than her own?
Or will she fight for one more Christmas at Hennipen House, and maybe even a chance at more to come?
A heartwarming holiday novella about love, the memories we cherish, difficult decisions, and the strength it takes to choose one’s path.
A Crimson Heart is the first story in the Crimson Grove Series. The second novella in the series, A Crimson Promise, in the LARGE PRINT EDITION, is available also available.
She lost her husband years ago. Now, she may lose the one person—and the one place—that still holds his memory.
Amelia Hennipen has spent years quietly mourning her husband, Simon, while doing her duty, as she sees it. But grief doesn’t offer rest—not when the past lingers in every room of Hennipen House, and not while caring for Simon’s aging grandmother, Henny, whose mind is slowly slipping away.
This Thanksgiving, new neighbors, Nathan Shaw and his young nephew, bring fresh laughter and the warm aromas of a holiday meal back into the house. For the first time in years, Hennipen House feels alive. Plans for a memorable Christmas are underway… until Henny’s daughter, Lisa, delivers news that will break the promises she made to Henny, and change everything.
She intends to change Henny's current living arrangements.
What is best for Henny? Amelia doesn’t know for sure, but she does know this will break the promise they made to Henny. Amelia must will she walk away from the home and the challenge of the increasingly difficult obligations to Henny, the woman who is more like her mother than her own?
Or will she fight for one more Christmas at Hennipen House, and maybe even a chance at more to come?
A heartwarming holiday novella about love, the memories we cherish, difficult decisions, and the strength it takes to choose one’s path.
- GenresChristmas
210 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2025
About the author
Grace Greene
90 books957 followersGrace Greene writes fiction with romance, suspense and inspiration ~ The Emerald Isle, NC Stories Series includes Beach Rental, Beach Winds, Beach Wedding, along with the Christmas novellas, Beach Christmas and Beach Walk. Her Virginia books are Women's Fiction with romance, suspense and mystery. Most are set in rural Cub Creek and include her bestselling The Memory of Butterflies and The Happiness In Between which were released in 2017. Three new Cub Creek books were released in 2019 - The Wildflower House Series: Wildflower Heart, Wildflower Hope and Wildflower Christmas, and Wildflower Wedding, A Light Last Seen was released in Feb. 2020. A Barefoot Tide and A Dancing Tide brought a new character from Cub Creek to the beach at Emerald Isle with beloved crossover characters from both settings. Beach Heart and Emerald Heart are single titles set in Emerald Isle, NC. Grace's newest, A HEART BEYOND, will be released on September 3rd, 2024.
Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:
Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene
Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:
Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 30, 2026
It has been a while since I’ve read a new book by author Grace Greene, and as soon as I started reading A Crimson Heart, the first novella in her new Crimson Grove series, I realized just how much I missed her heartwarming stories. Just a few pages in and you’re lost in the beautiful surroundings, enveloped by the love and intrigued by the complex family relationships and situations.
Amelia Hennipen immediately captures your heart – and your sympathy. She grew up with her late husband Simon Hennipen and thought they would grow old together at Hennipen House. But just five years into their marriage he essentially said, “Well, that’s enough for me. See ya.” And left. Without a moment’s hesitation or a word of explanation. She learned he died two years after he left. Still a young woman with a future ahead of her, her life instead basically came to a standstill after Simon left. She thought they were happy but something – in her? – must have been lacking. Amelia stays to keep watch over Henny, the grandmother who raised Simon and who is now suffering from ever-worsening dementia. Occasionally resentful but mostly satisfied in fulfilling her duty to insure Henny remains in the family home, Amelia is nonetheless a shadow of who she could have, should have, been. Even if she doesn’t feel sorry for herself, you will. And you will not have generous thoughts about the mysterious Simon. Whatever his reasons, what he did to both Amelia and his grandmother was cruel and just not right.
New neighbor Nathan Shaw and his young nephew Johnny bring some laughter, joy and life to Hennipen House – and make your heart hope for a little romance between two lonely people who seem so comfortable together and deserve a chance at happiness.
It can’t be that easy, though. It now looks like Henny is going to have to move, leave the home Amelia promised she would get to remain in for the rest of her life. Amelia has difficult decisions to make. Does she have the strength to stand up for what she believes is right? Author Greene takes us through the conflict and the struggles and the emotions as only she can, hopeful for the happy ever after but still afraid at what might go wrong.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Crimson Heart, loved (most of) the characters and can’t wait for the next book in this delightful series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Amelia Hennipen immediately captures your heart – and your sympathy. She grew up with her late husband Simon Hennipen and thought they would grow old together at Hennipen House. But just five years into their marriage he essentially said, “Well, that’s enough for me. See ya.” And left. Without a moment’s hesitation or a word of explanation. She learned he died two years after he left. Still a young woman with a future ahead of her, her life instead basically came to a standstill after Simon left. She thought they were happy but something – in her? – must have been lacking. Amelia stays to keep watch over Henny, the grandmother who raised Simon and who is now suffering from ever-worsening dementia. Occasionally resentful but mostly satisfied in fulfilling her duty to insure Henny remains in the family home, Amelia is nonetheless a shadow of who she could have, should have, been. Even if she doesn’t feel sorry for herself, you will. And you will not have generous thoughts about the mysterious Simon. Whatever his reasons, what he did to both Amelia and his grandmother was cruel and just not right.
New neighbor Nathan Shaw and his young nephew Johnny bring some laughter, joy and life to Hennipen House – and make your heart hope for a little romance between two lonely people who seem so comfortable together and deserve a chance at happiness.
It can’t be that easy, though. It now looks like Henny is going to have to move, leave the home Amelia promised she would get to remain in for the rest of her life. Amelia has difficult decisions to make. Does she have the strength to stand up for what she believes is right? Author Greene takes us through the conflict and the struggles and the emotions as only she can, hopeful for the happy ever after but still afraid at what might go wrong.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Crimson Heart, loved (most of) the characters and can’t wait for the next book in this delightful series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
November 19, 2025
I just finished reading an ARC of Grace Greene's latest book, A Crimson Heart and I know that no matter what I write, my review won't do justice to this book.
A Crimson Heart is a love letter - a love letter to everyone dealing with a family member or loved one with any sort of memory loss or even someone with a terminal illness that wants to be cared for at home. This book isn't sad and gut-wrenching, but gentle, kind, caring, and filled with love and people who want to do the best for the person they care for.
A Crimson Heart introduces us to Henny, her caregivers, and family and the beautiful memories she has of Thanksgiving and Christmas and how those important to her work to provide a wonderful holiday season for her that fills her heart with joy.
Above all, this love letter to families and caregivers everywhere gives hope. It shines a light in the darkness while also understanding and empathizing that caregiving is difficult even as there is joy and hope to be found in each circumstance.
Do yourself a favor and pick up A Crimson Heart for yourself or for someone who may need the message delivered so eloquently in this wonderful novella. You won't be sorry you did, nor do I believe anyone dealing with an end of life issue or a person with memory loss will find this a difficult read. This book hits all the right feels and gives a message of hope, understanding, and love.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC at my request. My thoughts, as always, are my own and freely shared.
A Crimson Heart is a love letter - a love letter to everyone dealing with a family member or loved one with any sort of memory loss or even someone with a terminal illness that wants to be cared for at home. This book isn't sad and gut-wrenching, but gentle, kind, caring, and filled with love and people who want to do the best for the person they care for.
A Crimson Heart introduces us to Henny, her caregivers, and family and the beautiful memories she has of Thanksgiving and Christmas and how those important to her work to provide a wonderful holiday season for her that fills her heart with joy.
Above all, this love letter to families and caregivers everywhere gives hope. It shines a light in the darkness while also understanding and empathizing that caregiving is difficult even as there is joy and hope to be found in each circumstance.
Do yourself a favor and pick up A Crimson Heart for yourself or for someone who may need the message delivered so eloquently in this wonderful novella. You won't be sorry you did, nor do I believe anyone dealing with an end of life issue or a person with memory loss will find this a difficult read. This book hits all the right feels and gives a message of hope, understanding, and love.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC at my request. My thoughts, as always, are my own and freely shared.
November 27, 2025
It felt as if it had been a while since I last had the pleasure of reading a Grace Greene novel, or in this case novella. I was thrilled to receive a complimentary e-copy of A Crimson Heart from the author. It was just as moving and lovely as each of her other books. I my mind, Grace Greene is among a small group of authors who consistently excel in character development. She truly presents polished, appealing, and believable interactions between her characters, most often tugging at the readers' heart strings, as she does in A Crimson Heart. Many readers will identify with the novella's themes of caregiving for loved ones, choosing to be family even with those who are not blood relatives, and true compassion. Many, like me, will be hoping that this book will serve as a prequel to a new series. I recommend this novella for reading anytime, but it is especially poignant for this busy holiday season when one must fit reading in between preparations and celebrations.
December 11, 2025
What a gem of a book this is! It caught my eye while scrolling down the posts on my Goodreads' home page and I found it through Kindle Unlimited. Women's fiction is one of my very favorite genres and let me just say that Grace Greene is an excellent author. I wouldn't describe this as Christian fiction, although Greene is a committed believer. Rather, I would say that this story reflects the Christian life lived out every day in every situation.
A Crimson Heart is a poignant, heartwarming and emotional story. The characters have complexity and depth. In this story of family love and memory loss, it is so easy to connect with Henny and her grandson's wife, Amelia. Also with Nathan and his nephew. While caregiving and dementia can be difficult, uncomfortable subjects, every page was a delightful reading experience and I appreciated the realistic way these topics were developed. Not a downer at all; beautifully hopeful, in fact. I am eager to read more of Greene's work.
A Crimson Heart is a poignant, heartwarming and emotional story. The characters have complexity and depth. In this story of family love and memory loss, it is so easy to connect with Henny and her grandson's wife, Amelia. Also with Nathan and his nephew. While caregiving and dementia can be difficult, uncomfortable subjects, every page was a delightful reading experience and I appreciated the realistic way these topics were developed. Not a downer at all; beautifully hopeful, in fact. I am eager to read more of Greene's work.
November 20, 2025
Grace Greene's books are always filled with wonderful, kind characters and warm, inviting settings. A Crimson Heart was no different because I immediately felt comfortable in this world, surrounded by captivating people.
Amelia has her hands full taking care of Henny. New neighbors and upcoming changes put her world in a tailspin when all she wants is what's best for Henny. The holidays are coming up but will they be able to celebrate the way that they want or will things be out of their control?
A Crimson Heart is the perfect escape read for everyone right now. Escape into this short, entertaining read before the craziness of the holidays take over all of our worlds. I have loved all of Grace Greene's stories and this one is just as wonderful as all of the rest of her books. I highly recommend it!
Amelia has her hands full taking care of Henny. New neighbors and upcoming changes put her world in a tailspin when all she wants is what's best for Henny. The holidays are coming up but will they be able to celebrate the way that they want or will things be out of their control?
A Crimson Heart is the perfect escape read for everyone right now. Escape into this short, entertaining read before the craziness of the holidays take over all of our worlds. I have loved all of Grace Greene's stories and this one is just as wonderful as all of the rest of her books. I highly recommend it!
November 20, 2025
This is a true love story.
It has friendship, family, caring and illness all mixed in, just as in all our lives.
Henny is an elderly, feisty lady in the midst of dementia. There are good days and hard days.
Her wish is to live her remaining days in her beloved Hennipen home.
Caregivers and an adored family friend are determined to make this happen.
Affection prevails at this holiday season and Henny will have a Thanksgiving and Christmas as she always remembered with old and new friends to share her riches.
I cannot say enough about this story as it truly touched my heart. I urge everyone to open this short story and your heart.
It has friendship, family, caring and illness all mixed in, just as in all our lives.
Henny is an elderly, feisty lady in the midst of dementia. There are good days and hard days.
Her wish is to live her remaining days in her beloved Hennipen home.
Caregivers and an adored family friend are determined to make this happen.
Affection prevails at this holiday season and Henny will have a Thanksgiving and Christmas as she always remembered with old and new friends to share her riches.
I cannot say enough about this story as it truly touched my heart. I urge everyone to open this short story and your heart.
November 29, 2025
This is a beautifully written story, perfect reading for the Holiday season. It is emotional and so touching, about a young widow, Amelia Hennipen and her grandmother-in-law, Henny. Henny is suffering with the beginnings of dementia, and Amelia, along with two other caregivers, see to her daily needs. The struggle of caring for a loved one is a lot. Then Amelia meets Nathan and his nephew Johnny, who are neighbors, and a whole new experience of joy opens up for her and Henny. Make sure you have tissues handy - you will need them!
November 28, 2025
A promise made sometimes becomes an obligation. Amelia promised her husband's grandmother that she would take care of her, but her husband is gone and "Henny" is losing her memory. How long will she have to honor that promise? Amelia realizes that Henny is more of a mother to Amelia than her own mother. She takes care of her not out of obligation, but out of love. Such a heartwarming story for the season.
I am thankful to have been able to read an ARC.
I am thankful to have been able to read an ARC.
November 28, 2025
A delightful holiday read! This book has mystery, love, friendships and family drama! You will love Henny! Amelia perhaps is a little intimidated and a little uncertain about taking care of Henny but she grows strong when faced with the possibility of broken promises. Absolutely loved this story! Great holiday read!
April 17, 2026
Beautiful Story
Enchanting book about Amelia Hennipen living with her memories of her dead husband and taking care of his aged grandmother. She looks at it as her duty, but it is getting harder as Henny is in the early stages of dementia. But there are new neighbors this year and they bring much joy to Amelia and Henny. Truly a wonderful book not to be missed.
Enchanting book about Amelia Hennipen living with her memories of her dead husband and taking care of his aged grandmother. She looks at it as her duty, but it is getting harder as Henny is in the early stages of dementia. But there are new neighbors this year and they bring much joy to Amelia and Henny. Truly a wonderful book not to be missed.
November 25, 2025
A heartwarming novella that is a loving look at aging and dementia. I loved this short read centered around the holidays. A great read!
December 7, 2025
A beautiful story of love, devotion, faith, trust, and hope. Excellent read. Bring the tissues.
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December 29, 2025A beautiful book about caring for a loved one with dementia.
June 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this book series. Like all Grace Greene books, the emotions of each charactors are so spot on. I want more. Please let me know when the next one is available.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews