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O Little Town of Christmas
A Christmas Stamp
Lilly Tipton has her first job as a telephonist in the picturesque town of Noel, Missouri. When she is injured riding her bicycle home from her job, she finds herself thrust into judging a contest to find a postmark that represents her little town. Not a difficult task other than the fact she must work with the very man who almost ran her over...the handsome mail carrier, Calvin. Monroe.
After the death of his father and brother, and an injury obtained during his short time as a college football player, Calvin has no other plans than to work at his job and care for his mourning mother. When he literally runs into the lovely new telephonist, he knows all his future plans are changed. What he thought important turns out not to be.
As the town prepares for notoriety with its postmark contest, Lilly and Calvin must set aside their plans and let God take the reins of their future.
After the death of his father and brother, and an injury obtained during his short time as a college football player, Calvin has no other plans than to work at his job and care for his mourning mother. When he literally runs into the lovely new telephonist, he knows all his future plans are changed. What he thought important turns out not to be.
As the town prepares for notoriety with its postmark contest, Lilly and Calvin must set aside their plans and let God take the reins of their future.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2015
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Hickey
601 books330 followersWebsite at www.cynthiahickey.com
Also www.forgetmenotromances.com
Multi-published and Amazon and ECPA Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey had three cozy mysteries and two novellas published through Barbour Publishing. Her first mystery, Fudge-Laced Felonies, won first place in the inspirational category of the Great Expectations contest in 2007. Her third cozy, Chocolate-Covered Crime, received a four-star review from Romantic Times. All three cozies have been re-released as ebooks through the MacGregor Literary Agency, along with a new cozy series, all of which stay in the top 50 of Amazon’s ebooks for their genre. She had several historical romances release through Harlequin’s Heartsong Presents, and has sold close to a million copies of her works since 2013. She has taught a Continuing Education class at the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers conference, several small ACFW chapters and RWA chapters. You can find her on FB, twitter, and Goodreads, and is a contributor to Cozy Mystery Magazine blog and Suspense Sisters blog. She and her husband run the small press, Forget Me Not Romances, which includes some of the CBA’s best well-known authors. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs, two cats, three box turtles, and two Sulcata tortoises. She has eight grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer”.
Also www.forgetmenotromances.com
Multi-published and Amazon and ECPA Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey had three cozy mysteries and two novellas published through Barbour Publishing. Her first mystery, Fudge-Laced Felonies, won first place in the inspirational category of the Great Expectations contest in 2007. Her third cozy, Chocolate-Covered Crime, received a four-star review from Romantic Times. All three cozies have been re-released as ebooks through the MacGregor Literary Agency, along with a new cozy series, all of which stay in the top 50 of Amazon’s ebooks for their genre. She had several historical romances release through Harlequin’s Heartsong Presents, and has sold close to a million copies of her works since 2013. She has taught a Continuing Education class at the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers conference, several small ACFW chapters and RWA chapters. You can find her on FB, twitter, and Goodreads, and is a contributor to Cozy Mystery Magazine blog and Suspense Sisters blog. She and her husband run the small press, Forget Me Not Romances, which includes some of the CBA’s best well-known authors. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs, two cats, three box turtles, and two Sulcata tortoises. She has eight grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer”.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 27, 2017
I love a good romance story and I love Christmas, so I knew this would be one book I'd probably enjoy! But a romance that's the result of a Christmas stamp contest, even better!
This takes place in a small town (another one of my favorite type stories) where everyone knows everyone and news spreads faster than wildfire. Especially when you're a telephone operator like Lilly. Fresh-faced with a new job to mark her independence, she's tasked by her boss to head up a contest for the town of Noel to come up with a unique Christmas stamp. Seems like a daunting job, but when you have a handsome new postmaster Calvin to help, it makes the burden even more fun! These two have a few mishaps along the way coupled with widowed mothers to care for, and love has to wait....or does it?
What a fun story! Once word gets out on the party line about the contest, things go crazy in town. Lots of layers to this short story, but it certainly doesn't lack depth or contain shallow characters. There's a lot to love about this little book and the author keeps you interested throughout. She also adds some faith to make this a well rounded read. Charming characters, romance blossoming, and some fun mishaps along the way will keep you entertained and your heart filled with love anytime of the season!
*This was a gift from the author with no expectation of a review. I chose of my own free will to write one. *
This takes place in a small town (another one of my favorite type stories) where everyone knows everyone and news spreads faster than wildfire. Especially when you're a telephone operator like Lilly. Fresh-faced with a new job to mark her independence, she's tasked by her boss to head up a contest for the town of Noel to come up with a unique Christmas stamp. Seems like a daunting job, but when you have a handsome new postmaster Calvin to help, it makes the burden even more fun! These two have a few mishaps along the way coupled with widowed mothers to care for, and love has to wait....or does it?
What a fun story! Once word gets out on the party line about the contest, things go crazy in town. Lots of layers to this short story, but it certainly doesn't lack depth or contain shallow characters. There's a lot to love about this little book and the author keeps you interested throughout. She also adds some faith to make this a well rounded read. Charming characters, romance blossoming, and some fun mishaps along the way will keep you entertained and your heart filled with love anytime of the season!
*This was a gift from the author with no expectation of a review. I chose of my own free will to write one. *
July 27, 2015
It is 1932 in Noel, Missouri - the town has just installed telephone lines. When Lillian (Lilly) Tipton, riding her bicycle to her first job - as a switchboard operator - darts in front of handsome postman Calvin Monroe (who is driving like a "madman" at the speed of at least 20 miles per hour, though insisting it was no more than 15), apprehension reigns. Her widowed mother has a list of rules re: women and bikes (based on a book written by a man in 1895 and his fear that bicycle riding would give women a freedom he didn't want them to have), and has warned Lilly of the dangers of a young lady riding a bicycle, numerous times. There is greater concern, and a fear of rumors, when Calvin picks her up in his arms and carries her home - insisting that he drive her to and from work each day during the 2 weeks she will be using crutches, due to a sprained ankle.
Lilly had once wanted to be a wife and mother, before the need for funds after her father died. Her mother doesn't feel Lilly can have a career and romance at the same time. Calvin, whose father and brother died when their fishing boat sank on a lake, feels guilt at being the only surviving Monroe male. Although resenting giving up college and returning to Noel, he feels a responsibility to support, care for, and motivate his mother - who is deeply depressed.
When Mr. Coffman - the postmaster, who is a church friend of Lilly's - proposes a plan to have rubber stamps made to let the world know they can send their mail though Noel in the month of December (thereby increasing awareness of Noel as a Christmas destination), Calvin isn't the only person opposed to the plan. Deeming it ridiculous, frivolous, and inclined to draw people to their quaint town - making it lose it's small town appeal, and increase the crime rate. As the telephone switchboard is located in a corner of the post office, Lilly is asked to organize a contest for stamp entries that look as if they have come from the North Pole. Calvin is asked to protect the entries, for fear they will be stolen. There are to be 10 contest finalists, whose entries embody what the town stands for: family values, morals, and Christian faith.
Cynthia Hickey's "A Christmas Stamp" is a warm, uplifting story - full of romance, endearing characters, and based on an actual town's decision to use rubber stamps to promote the town. Postmarks at the beginning of each chapter are the ones actually used by the town of Noel. Readers will be rewarded with 3 romances which develop as a result of the contest.
Lilly had once wanted to be a wife and mother, before the need for funds after her father died. Her mother doesn't feel Lilly can have a career and romance at the same time. Calvin, whose father and brother died when their fishing boat sank on a lake, feels guilt at being the only surviving Monroe male. Although resenting giving up college and returning to Noel, he feels a responsibility to support, care for, and motivate his mother - who is deeply depressed.
When Mr. Coffman - the postmaster, who is a church friend of Lilly's - proposes a plan to have rubber stamps made to let the world know they can send their mail though Noel in the month of December (thereby increasing awareness of Noel as a Christmas destination), Calvin isn't the only person opposed to the plan. Deeming it ridiculous, frivolous, and inclined to draw people to their quaint town - making it lose it's small town appeal, and increase the crime rate. As the telephone switchboard is located in a corner of the post office, Lilly is asked to organize a contest for stamp entries that look as if they have come from the North Pole. Calvin is asked to protect the entries, for fear they will be stolen. There are to be 10 contest finalists, whose entries embody what the town stands for: family values, morals, and Christian faith.
Cynthia Hickey's "A Christmas Stamp" is a warm, uplifting story - full of romance, endearing characters, and based on an actual town's decision to use rubber stamps to promote the town. Postmarks at the beginning of each chapter are the ones actually used by the town of Noel. Readers will be rewarded with 3 romances which develop as a result of the contest.
October 25, 2015
Saturday, October 24, 2015
A Christmas Stamp by Cynthia Hickey, © 2015
Just in time for the holidays, but a story that bears telling any time of the year, A Christmas Stamp is a short novella packed full of interesting characters and a budding romance. I liked how the story began and the characters remained genuine throughout as they were just doing their job, or so they thought.
Lilly Tipton's first day on the job as switchboard operator in a small corner of the Noel, Missouri post office, becomes more than she expected as Calvin Monroe comes in to get his rural delivery mail. It is their second meeting, as they run into each other on her way home, that endears her to him. In fact, he has decided to pick her up on his way to keep her out of the weather.
The postmaster has a plan for a contest to design a special rubber stamp just in time for Christmas. Just what is needed to celebrate their little town of Noel: A postmark on outgoing mail to look as if it came from the North Pole!
It gets lively as the whole town shows an interest and volunteers arrive to sort the entries coming from throughout the state. With an unintended extension, what will be decided? Awaiting the selection, there appears to be more results from the contest than one winner. Join Noel, Missouri, as a merry Christmas is sure to arrive.
***Thank you to author Cynthia Hickey for sending me a beta copy of A Christmas Stamp for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
A Christmas Stamp by Cynthia Hickey, © 2015
Just in time for the holidays, but a story that bears telling any time of the year, A Christmas Stamp is a short novella packed full of interesting characters and a budding romance. I liked how the story began and the characters remained genuine throughout as they were just doing their job, or so they thought.
Lilly Tipton's first day on the job as switchboard operator in a small corner of the Noel, Missouri post office, becomes more than she expected as Calvin Monroe comes in to get his rural delivery mail. It is their second meeting, as they run into each other on her way home, that endears her to him. In fact, he has decided to pick her up on his way to keep her out of the weather.
The postmaster has a plan for a contest to design a special rubber stamp just in time for Christmas. Just what is needed to celebrate their little town of Noel: A postmark on outgoing mail to look as if it came from the North Pole!
It gets lively as the whole town shows an interest and volunteers arrive to sort the entries coming from throughout the state. With an unintended extension, what will be decided? Awaiting the selection, there appears to be more results from the contest than one winner. Join Noel, Missouri, as a merry Christmas is sure to arrive.
***Thank you to author Cynthia Hickey for sending me a beta copy of A Christmas Stamp for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
July 29, 2015
"A Christmas Stamp" is based in the early 1930s in Noel, Missouri where a former Christmas stamp was the catalyst for this sweet down home story of hope and teamwork. I loved the characters in this story, believable, honest, hardworking and whimsical!
Lilly and Calvin are destined to "run into one another," literally! Their story is sweet, and the gossipy characters in their local town are amusing and portray what "party lines" represented. I remember those party lines where local residents had to share the same phone line, and people could listen in on others' conversations!
This is a delightful holiday read, but one to read at any time of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed the antics and subtle hints of romance throughout this sweet novella!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novella from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Lilly and Calvin are destined to "run into one another," literally! Their story is sweet, and the gossipy characters in their local town are amusing and portray what "party lines" represented. I remember those party lines where local residents had to share the same phone line, and people could listen in on others' conversations!
This is a delightful holiday read, but one to read at any time of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed the antics and subtle hints of romance throughout this sweet novella!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novella from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
July 19, 2015
Very heartwarming story...
A Christmas Stamp is such a sweet little story. I was captivated by the characters...for their love for each other and their small town.
Set in Missouri, 1932, this quaint little tale will tug at your heart and put a smile on your face. The main couple, Lillian and Calvin, had me giggling throughout most of the story....very well-written. Three romances, between six very endearing characters, bloom amid a Christmas stamp contest. This is the perfect little story to read during the Christmas season....or anytime during the year!
I was given a PDF copy of this book by the author, Cynthia Hickey, in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review.
A Christmas Stamp is such a sweet little story. I was captivated by the characters...for their love for each other and their small town.
Set in Missouri, 1932, this quaint little tale will tug at your heart and put a smile on your face. The main couple, Lillian and Calvin, had me giggling throughout most of the story....very well-written. Three romances, between six very endearing characters, bloom amid a Christmas stamp contest. This is the perfect little story to read during the Christmas season....or anytime during the year!
I was given a PDF copy of this book by the author, Cynthia Hickey, in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review.
August 25, 2015
A Christmas Stamp***** book 1, O Little Town of Christmas by Cynthia Hickey
This is a cute, sweet romance novella set in 1932's small town Noel, Missouri. It was interesting to see how the town went about picking a new postmark (stamp) that would represent their little town. Lily and Calvin had me laughing along with them as they got to know each other. I enjoyed watching this young couple learn what is truly important and allowing God to direct their paths. Besides the blossoming romance between Lily and Calvin, there are two other couples that find romance. I would like to see another novella with the other two couples in the story and learn what happens in their lives.
~I received a PDF copy of this novella from the author for my honest review~
This is a cute, sweet romance novella set in 1932's small town Noel, Missouri. It was interesting to see how the town went about picking a new postmark (stamp) that would represent their little town. Lily and Calvin had me laughing along with them as they got to know each other. I enjoyed watching this young couple learn what is truly important and allowing God to direct their paths. Besides the blossoming romance between Lily and Calvin, there are two other couples that find romance. I would like to see another novella with the other two couples in the story and learn what happens in their lives.
~I received a PDF copy of this novella from the author for my honest review~
July 24, 2015
A Christmas Stamp ( O Little Town of Christmas- Book 1 )
By: Cynthia Hickey
I really enjoyed this sweet romance set in Noel Missouri 1932. Cynthia Hickey did a fantastic job of pinning her story and characters. This was my first to read by this author, but it want be my last. A Christmas Stamp takes place close to Christmas time and a contest takes place for the perfect stamp for Noel ,along with romance in the air. Well, the town is called Noel and it is Christmas time . There is certainly something going around in the air called love. I loved the characters Lilly and Calvin , They had me giggling most of the time. Can broken hearts find love a second time?
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.
By: Cynthia Hickey
I really enjoyed this sweet romance set in Noel Missouri 1932. Cynthia Hickey did a fantastic job of pinning her story and characters. This was my first to read by this author, but it want be my last. A Christmas Stamp takes place close to Christmas time and a contest takes place for the perfect stamp for Noel ,along with romance in the air. Well, the town is called Noel and it is Christmas time . There is certainly something going around in the air called love. I loved the characters Lilly and Calvin , They had me giggling most of the time. Can broken hearts find love a second time?
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.
July 29, 2015
I was gifted a copy of A Christmas Stamp and what a sweet holiday romance! Lilly and Calvin are thrown together when Calvin hits her with his truck and the romances began. So much happened in this 64 page short story. Noel, Missouri wants to be a town to send your Christmas letter to and get it stamped with a pretty Christmas stamp from Noel. Then forwarded on from "A Christmas City".. Lilly and Calvin are appointed to make it happen. Because of the new party line telephone system a contest is suggested and in short time the whole town jumps in to help. I liked this story, it was short, sweet and had plenty of action. And.. a triple romance made this special holiday story one of family and unexpected love a gift I truly enjoyed...
July 25, 2015
A fun Christmas read. My Christmas in July!
Lilly Tipton has just started her new job as a telephonist in Noel, Missouri when she is hit by the postman in his delivery van and meets Calvin Monroe. Meanwhile the local postmaster has decided to hold a contest for a unique Christmas postmark for Noel. Lilly becomes one of the judges, Calvin delivers the entries and things move on from there. A fun, fast read, with a few Christmas surprises.
Lilly Tipton has just started her new job as a telephonist in Noel, Missouri when she is hit by the postman in his delivery van and meets Calvin Monroe. Meanwhile the local postmaster has decided to hold a contest for a unique Christmas postmark for Noel. Lilly becomes one of the judges, Calvin delivers the entries and things move on from there. A fun, fast read, with a few Christmas surprises.
July 30, 2015
This is an absolutely delightful whirlwind love story. It is a short read and left me with a wonderful feel good level of enjoyment. Highly recommend this to one and all. I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2015
A neat, delightful story of Christmas Romance. Its starts out with her riding her bike.
A truly neat, Christian story
You will thoroughly enjoy this book
A truly neat, Christian story
You will thoroughly enjoy this book
July 22, 2015
Love Christmas romances.
Fun to read. Light and refreshing. Christmas stories are my favorite. I chose this book because Cynthia Hickey is one of my favorite authors.
Fun to read. Light and refreshing. Christmas stories are my favorite. I chose this book because Cynthia Hickey is one of my favorite authors.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews