Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is a time to recapture the joy and wonder of God’s greatest gift: His Son, Jesus.
21 Days of Christmas will warm your heart with stories about giving, loving, and family. These engaging tales celebrate the hope and joy that make this blessed season unique. At the end of each story you’ll find an insightful message that will help you discover anew the true meaning of this special time of year. So grab a cup of hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick, curl up in your favorite chair beside a picture window overlooking a serene spot, and savor the true meaning of Christmas through these inspirational and encouraging stories.
I have been writing for publication since 1989. I've written books, short stories, play and movie scripts, devotionals, and Sunday school curriculum. I'm the author of "Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors," "Editing Secrets of Best-Selling Authors," and the "Capitalization Dictionary." I am the editor/compiler of the four-book Fiction Lovers Devotional series.
I am a professional freelance editor and writing mentor for aspiring, beginning, intermediate, and established authors. I have also edited screenplays for Pinnacle Peak/PureFlix.
I am the owner/manager of Christian Editors Association, parent organization to The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, Christian Editor Connection, The PEN Institute, and PENCON editors' conference. CEA sponsors the Editors' Choice Award.
21 Days of Christmas will be a inspiration to all who read it!
These wonderful holiday short stories will attract believers as well as non-believers... and will be a great witness to all.
Kathy Ide has taken twenty-one stories of Christmas and brought them together to inspire and uplift the holiday season. Although a few aren't stories I would normally enjoy, I feel that most readers will be blessed by them.
Along with the first book in this series, 21 Days of Grace, it makes a great addition to any personal library. It can also be used as a devotional, with life applications included with each story. Each of these stories can be read in a short time, so you can enjoy them anytime.
I plan to purchase several copies to give as Christmas gifts!
“21 Days of Christmas: Stories that Celebrate God’s Greatest Gift” provides readers with a variety of short fictional stories focusing on Christmas by 21 contributing authors. Kathy Ide complied this fictional lover’s devotional to encourage readers to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Each tale is heartwarming and will remind readers of the beautiful reason for the season. There is a “Life Application” for each one with some providing a scripture reference. There is also a brief bio of the contributing author.
A heartbreaking but uplifting devotional was “Sculpting a Perfect Gift” by Mary Kay Moody. An elderly mother is residing in a nursing facility due to her dementia. Her daughter didn’t want to go to the facility for the teens to do a Christmas performance, since her mother wouldn’t recognize her. Her young son was playing with clay when his grandmother reached out to touch his molded airplane. The wonderful gift she sculpted brought tears.
One touching devotional was “A Family to Hope For” by Marilyn Hilton. A young widowed mother and her children were having Christmas Eve dinner when the doorbell rang. The children had prayed for a new daddy. Imagine what he may of heard when he left the home? A lovely reminder of children’s simple faith for God to answer their prayers for Christmas.
Thank you to Kathy Ide and the publisher for a complimentary copy of 21 Days of Christmas for the tour with Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my honest thoughts.
This devotional would make a great gift for the book lover in your life. The devotions are short, just a few pages long and include a life application section. They also include prayer starters to help you start your quiet time. Each one is guaranteed to add joy to your life and help get you in the Christmas spirit. * I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Loved all these stories! Every family should have this book and include as a Christmas holiday tradition. Great messages and bible references. Easy to read and great way to start discussions with kids about Jesus and faith. The stories even started me reflecting on my own faith and beliefs. Highly recommend! Received copy from NetGalley.
What could be better than combining the beautiful Gospel story of Jesus Christ with heartwarming, unique, and festive stories from an abundance of gifted authors? Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year, and this book gave me the urge to sing Christmas carols, watch It's A Wonderful Life, and drink some hot chocolate :) But much more than that, I was reminded of the origin of our hope and joy at Christmas. Not the presents, not Santa Claus, or even the fun traditions- but rather the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ who came to save us from our sin. When you're reminded of that, no matter what your situation looks like at Christmas- perhaps you are lonely, have to work, or are going through difficult circumstances, you can have true hope and joy! The stories were short but full of heart and unique to each author. I was reminded to slow down and remember not to get all tangled up in the parties, duties, and baking of the season. I was reminded that the Lord can truly fill our voids that so many feel at the Christmas Season, and that sometimes that includes me reaching out to a complete stranger! I was reminded the God works in His own time and way for His glory and our good, and that He is ever present, even in our darkest days. This devotional is the fiction lover's dream because not only do you get a well written story, you get a thought provoking story that includes practical application from Scripture to use in your daily life to come to know and grow in the Lord. Easy to read and oh so enjoyable- 21 Days of Christmas would be the perfect gift for you or your fiction loving friends! Don't miss out on enjoying this unique approach to telling the true Hope of the Season- our Savior Jesus Christ!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are my own.
Christmas is coming sooner than we think. So many of us are busy trying to prepare for the holiday season running here and there. But I highly recommend that you pick up 21 Days of Christmas!
This book contains 21 short stories celebrating Jesus' Birth. Every one of the 21 stories has a message to share. Each story touched me in some way. It is a wonderful collection. I plan to begin a new tradition. Every year I am going to take this off my shelf and revisit the wisdom shared between the pages.
I was amazed that a 17 year old girl named Esther G. Seim wrote Home For Christmas! I predict she has a wonderful career ahead of her.
Linda Bonney Olin's The Last Ember makes the point that reaching out to others makes a difference.
A Violet Christmas by Summer Robidoux makes you realize what is important.
A lovely collection - a treasured gift that I will read year after year to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!
Kathy is the editor/compiler of the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series (www.FictionDevo.com) and author of “Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors” (http://secretsofbestsellingauthors.com). She has also written numerous articles, short stories, devotionals, play scripts, and Sunday school curriculum. She has ghostwritten ten nonfiction books and a five-book novel series.
She is also a full-time freelance editor, working with aspiring, new, and experienced authors as well as publishers.
Kathy speaks at writers’ conferences across the country.
This sweet devotional book will help remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. There are 21 short stories that can be read daily during quiet time or on the go. The book is brightly colored and contains a ribbon bookmark.
Each story ends with a life application. They offer hope and remind us to celebrate God's gift of Jesus at Christmas. There are stories dealing with loneliness, military families, struggling families and those looking to find the true meaning of Christmas. There are are stories of Christmas past and present.
Threes stories were my favorites. The first was If Not for Grace that finds single Blake Butler wanting to adopt his niece Chloe. Chloe prays and asks God for his grace. A Christmas miracle is in the making and Chloe and Blake's prayers are answered. The second one was Sculpting A Perfect Gift. An extended family visits a local nursing home to put on their yearly Christmas play for the residents. Liz's mom is suffering from dementia and has been a resident of the home for 6 years. While she is helping her nieces and nephews with the play her young son sculpts clay with Grandma. For a brief time Grandma realizes who her family is and she also makes a star for the nativity. The third story I enjoyed was written by a 17 year old author. I was amazed at her talent. The story Home for Christmas is about 13 year old Addiysn who lives in a group home. Her school choir goes to a nursing home where she sings Christmas songs and gives a special drawing to a sweet resident Millie. They talk for a long time and Millie shares the true meaning of Christmas and the gift of Jesus with her. Addisyn is moved to a new foster home and when she knocks on the door she is surprised that Millie opens the door. Love and happiness abound between these two special people.
A wonderful collection of stories that share the hope, joy and true meaning of Christmas.
My Review: Twenty-one authors contribute a Devotion and Life Application within this hardcover book with a ribbon bookmark! Just the right size to slip into your purse and take along with you ~ to share with a friend over a mocha coffee or chai tea latte!
Join Joanne Bischof's Becca Fletcher on her Balsam Walk.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10, 11 ESV
Watch what path you may be on this Christmastime ~ it may be in your own family right close at home. Or to cross the path of someone from long ago...
Lena Nelson Dooley's story, "The Christmas Child of 1864," is a war torn story of the gift of grace given. He turns our mourning into J*O*Y as only He can. A gift to last beyond pain to mend a heart.
Kindness is an antidote to sadness or feeling alone ~ to share a word of encouragement and a different way of looking at where you are.
"Christmas Then and Now" is shared by David B. Carl. In his Life Application he shares how Jesus was born in a stable; Herod would not look for Him there. The "Now" family found their gift ~ His J*O*Y received on Christmas Eve.
***Thank you to Celebrate Lit and Broadstreet Publishers for this copy of 21 Days of Christmas. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
"21 Days Of Christmas"by Kathy Ide is a 21 short stories about Christmas. These stories are not your typical Christmas stories. These stories are about real issues that people face like , one story is about a wife missing her husband who is serving in the war, another story is about a child wanting to be adopted and etc. These stories pull at your heart strings and make the reader ponder the real meaning of Christmas.
Each story is followed by a brief Life Application written by the author of that story. I am including on such application in this review because I think if we put this into practice, it would be life changing for us as well as others. It is by David B. Carl, the author of the story "Christmas Then and Now"
" If you're suffering in an unbearable situation, with fears and terrors circling you day and night, don't pray for it all to to be fixed. Pray that God would make His presence know, We want things to get better-God wants to be near us and do a perfect work in our lives, to grow us, and to use us to heal and grow others. God can do great things in your life if you let Him. There's a word for that in Hebrew. Emmanuel. It means "God with us."
Each story reminds us that God is indeed with us and we can find blessings even in the midst of trials. It reminds us that God gave the best gift of all, His son.
I was given a complimentary copy of " 21 Days of Christmas: A Fiction Lover’s Devotional" by Cathy Ide by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year to some, to others it may be the saddest time of the year. Christmas is the time of year where families get together, give gifts and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Each year, my heartaches for just one more Christmas with lost loved ones but I know that isn’t going to happen. So I think of the memories we had, I thank God for sending his only son to be born to a virgin, and I look for new books to start reading. This year I was honored to read and review a collection of Christian Fiction Devotionals entitled, 21 Days of Christmas!
21 Days of Christmas is a collection of stories written by several different authors and compiled by Kathy Ide. Stories about giving, love, and family that will warm your heart. These stories celebrate the hope and joy that make this blessed season unique. One feature that I love about this book is at the end of each story you will find an insightful message that will help you discover the true meaning of this time of year.
I encourage each of you to pick a copy of 21 Days of Christmas up today, get you a cup of Hot Chocolate, Coffee, or Hot Apple Cider, curl up with a blanket or by the fireplace and spend time reading each of these stories that will help you savor the true meaning of Christmas.
I received a copy of this book for free, a favorable was not required, all opinions expressed are my own.
For someone who loves a good story and is looking for a way to focus on the real reason for the season, 21 Days of Christmas (A Fiction Lover’s Devotional) is a perfect choice. This unique collection has 21 short stories ranging from contemporary to historical settings revolving around some aspect of Christmas. In Star Light, Star Bright the reader sees the momentous birth through the eyes of Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph. In Camouflaged Christmas we see a young mother struggling to celebrate while her husband is deployed. And in The Last Ember we see a how a kind gesture speaks volumes to a despairing woman. And those are just a few of the wonderful tales shared by twenty-one different authors as they present their take on the real message of Christmas — hope, love, joy, and peace through the birth of the Savior. I liked that all the characters in the various stories were real and relatable, with struggles and doubts, hopes and dreams, just like you and me. At the end of each story a short Life Application is shared making each relevant for the reader. 21 Days of Christmas will make the perfect pre-Christmas gift for the bookworm in your life. Or pick a copy up for yourself and kickstart your day by focusing on what is truly important this Christmas.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
The book is a collection of short stories with a biblical reference tucked inside. I loved each story and found them encouraging. I love at the end of each story is a life application and scripture to reinforce the story. This brings the story to a beautiful remembrance of His Word. We are reminded about His grace and His provision.
Each story is filled with emotion and reminds us that “God is there for you, ready to provide whatever you need. So seek Him today.” I loved reading that, because as the holidays approach, it becomes hard for me to find joy. So many bad memories of growing up and other tragic events have robbed me of my joy. I struggle to get through the holidays each year. I cry for the little girl who never received gifts and was told that I was not wanted. As I read through the book today, I was overwhelmed with the truth. He is there for me and I have forgotten to cry out to Him.
I loved each story and how they remind us to remember what the true meaning of Christmas is about. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, we forget about a sweet baby born long ago that grew up to save us . I cry every time I think about the story of His birth. How precious it is to know that no matter what we have done, He loves us unconditionally. Thank you for a book that lifted my spirits and reminded me that I am not alone.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
"21 Days of Christmas" is a compilation of 21 short stories having to do with Christmas. Some are retellings of the first Christmas with Mary and Joseph, others are contemporary, and some are historical. Each has a "life application" section that helps apply the message of the story. Most of the stories are only 3 double-sided pages so they do not take very long to read. It would be perfect for reading along with your personal devotions, in the bathroom, or while waiting in the car pick up lane. The book is only as big as my Kindle, so it is easy to stuff in a bag or purse. I was a little disappointed at how many of the stories seemed to follow the "not in the Christmas spirit...something happens....now in the Christmas spirit" theme. I don't really want to read just about how depressed people are. There is a list of the contributing authors and their stories in the back of the book so you can easily find the story you are looking for. All of the authors were new to me, which makes it a nice way to get to know new authors.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.
Each of the stories in this devotional is a gentle reminder that this is not “the most wonderful time of the year” for everyone. You may be discouraged, overwhelmed, disappointed, or longing for a loved one, but there is hope in the truth of Christmas. If you’re one of the many excited to celebrate the season, the devotionals serve as a reminder that a little kindness can mean the world to someone whose heart is hurting and heavy. No matter where you are this holiday season, take time out of the hustle and bustle and spend some time reflecting on Jesus’s birth and the gift God gave to the world. Share His light with others who not be able to see their way through a dark time. Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This short volume is a well-curated collection of memorable Christmas stories accompanied by thoughtful life application ideas. Each of the stories shares uniquely about the real “reason for the season,” the birth of Jesus Christ and what it means to have hope in Him despite life’s varied circumstances.
Featuring stories for every age and stage, this compendium of easy to read short stories would also make nice read alouds to share during the holiday season!
With great writing and variety, 21 Days of Christmas is an excellent gift option and I highly recommend it for the book lovers on your holiday list! You might consider adding it as a gift to your local library’s collection, too!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
I fell in love with this book when I saw it. It is bright and Christmasy, it is comfortably sized, and it comes with a ribbon bookmark! Then I began reading. Each day's entry is written by a different author. There is a Christmas-themed story to read, then a paragraph of life application based on the story. I was blown away by what wonderful stories were told in just a few pages each time! This devotional makes a nice addition to your regular quiet times during the Christmas season. Or one might choose to read it to your family each evening around the Christmas tree. It would make a wonderful gift, as well.
I received a copy of this book from the author, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts shared here are my own.
Ide has collected a good selection of short stories by a variety of authors. Most are just one scene or event and can be read in a couple of minutes. I was pleased that the quality of the stories was consistently quite good. The stories are like parables in that they illustrate truths about life. Each story is followed by a Life Application section, highlighting the truth for the reader.
I recommend this book to fiction lovers as a good devotional for the Christmas season. You'll read entertaining and thought provoking short stories while gaining insights about life.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This is a fantastic devotional for December. Each story is short and easy to read. Some of them are very thought provoking. Others are simply sweet and a delight to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that each story is followed by an application section. This helped me to take each one and truly think about what can be learned from it.
They all definitely point to God and the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. The most magical Christmas present ever.
I received a free copy of this gift sized book through Celebrate Lit. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Picked this up while volunteering at the library. I love Christmas stories. This book featured quite a few short stories followed by a short devotion to help the reader remember the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Some of the stories were really good and uplifting. I liked the emphasis on the true meaning of Christmas. Some of the stories were sad with an attempted suicide, an angry, complaining family, and several stories of divorces. 3 1/2 stars of 5. Quick holiday read.
I thought This book was pretty good. It has 21 stories that have a scripture and a thought that pertains to Christmas. I liked some of the stories. The only thing was that the stories were so short. I wanted to know more about the characters. I think that this would be good do do as a devotion during December.
I recommend this to my family and friends.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.
Kathy's devotional books are one of a kind. As a reader, the devotion's reach me right where I am, usually reading. I'm introduced to many new authors with each sharing their talents and stories that encourage, challenge and look at the story through their perspective. You'll enjoy this "21 days of Christmas" as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of our KING! Blessings, Karen Rating: 5* I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.
What a great little devotional for the Christmas Season. There are 21 fiction stories with a life application after each and a short bio of each author. This is a nice way to share with your family each evening around the tree and open up a discussion in each area of application. I found it very insightful and enjoyable. Besides a great read it is pretty to sit on your table for the Season.
I read the first devotional book of this series – 21 Days of Grace – earlier this year (you can read my review here). I enjoyed it so much (even though I’m not really a devotional reader) that I wanted to read the second one, especially since it’s Christmas themed. After all, what’s not to love about Christmas books?
To be perfectly honest, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one. As a writer, I paid more attention to the stories than to the devotionals, and the stories were a bit of a let down. It’s not that they were bad, they were just all so similar. There were a few stories that stood out (I especially enjoyed Ide’s contribution to her own collection), but the first part of the book seemed to be very similar stories. That being said, I realize that I’m a really picky reader, and most people probably won’t notice.
As for the devotionals, they’re exactly what I’d expect – hopeful and encouraging, and very Christmas-related.
This series is written for writers, but I don’t think they’re the only people who will enjoy this book. I’d buy this for anyone who enjoys short stories or devotionals – it’s a great way to reflect on some of God’s lessons.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the “Fiction Lover’s Devotional” series. It focuses on God’s greatest gift: His son Jesus. It is filled with a number of heartwarming and inspiring stories. Tales of giving, love, family, and faith will remind the reader of the true meaning for the season. The stories are quick read, making them easy to incorporate into your day. There are wonderful faith messages and biblical references throughout each story. Each one ends with a “Life Application” section which is perfect for personal reflection.
Unlike the first book in the series, these authors may be a bit more unknown. However, it gives the reader a chance to “meet” new storytellers. It is a beautiful hardcover book, complete with a built-in bookmark ribbon for the reader’s convenience. Some of my favorite stories are: “Camouflaged Christmas” by Beverly Nault, “A Violet Christmas” by Summer Robidoux, and “All I Want for Christmas” by Glenda Joy Race.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reviewing 21 Days of Grace (reviewed here), so I was happy to have the opportunity to read and review this second book. Once again, Kathy Ide has compiled a book of enjoyable and inspiring stories, this time centered around Christmas. Since I was not as familiar with most of these contributing authors as with the first book, this was a good opportunity to sample their writing. Each story is followed by a brief paragraph containing a related Life Application. This is a good book to use for personal reflection as well as in a group setting. The beautiful, hardback format makes it a nice gift.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Kathy Ide for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This is the second in A Fiction Lover's Devotional--twenty-one short stories designed to lift and bless you with a life application. I know you'll love them as much as I have.
The first story is by David B. Carl, and it recounts the first Christmas with tenderness, interspersed with a modern-day story of a small family traveling at Christmastime.
In about the middle, there's a great story by June Cline reminiscent of that famous Christmas story The Gift of the Magi. Two people wanting to give something special that will make someone else happy--the kind that makes you feel warm and loved.
And the last story by Sarah Earlene Shere might be the best of all--a reporter looking for the perfect Christmas story. He finds it in a little girl making origami creations for people that bring them joy or make them think.
What is your Christmas wish? Can you find what you need in this grouping of fictional devotionals?
***Heart-warming story-style devotions capture what Christmas is all about…***
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of traditional baking, Christmas shopping, and full holiday schedules to savor the true meaning of Christmas with one or more emotionally engaging devotions compiled by Kathy Ide for 21 Days of Christmas. Their story-style format celebrates the season with twenty-one devotions that capture meaningful struggles and situations common to us all.
One of my favorites was "Star Light, Star Bright" from Kathy Ide. Her unusual portrayal of Joseph from a first person perspective added a dimension to Joseph I'd missed in the familiar Christmas story. Her devotion brought into focus what Joseph must have felt at being chosen to be the earthly father to God's own Son.
21 Days of Christmas is a delightful compilation! I enjoyed the heartwarming stories and the life application that follows each selection, with Joanne Bishof’s “The Balsam Walk” and Lena Nelson Dooley’s “The Christmas Child of 1864” being my two favorites.
“We all touch other people’s lives in different ways. We never know whom we may bump into or how God my use us to bless or encourage another person.” - Joanne Bischof
“When things happen in my life that I don’t understand, I often wonder how God can work those things together for good, as Romans 8:28 promises. But He always comes through. And I know He always will.” – Lena Nelson Dooley
The inspiring tales in 21 Days of Christmas are sure to bring comfort and joy this holiday season!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.