The Christmas Angel Project

by Melody Carlson

Perfect for readers who want a heartwarming and hopeful Christmas story

Five women from different walks of life have become close friends through their book club--enjoying one another's company even more than they enjoy the books. So when the leader of the book club unexpectedly passes away on the cusp of the Christmas season, the four remaining friends are stunned. They relied on Abby for inspiration and motivation. She was the glue that held them together, and they're sure that without her the group can't continue.

When the group gathers "one last time" to open a bag Abby's husband gives them, they find Abby had made each of them an angel ornament for Christmas, crafted especially for each woman and accompanied by a sweet and personal note. Inspired by their beloved friend, together Cassidy, Louisa, Grace, and Belinda decide to commit themselves to becoming Christmas Angels to others in need. Each woman will use her life situation and talents to reach out and help others in her own unique way--little knowing that her own life and her relationships will be changed forever.

Fan favorite Melody Carlson is back with another touching Christmas story sure to grip readers' hearts and perhaps inspire them to become Christmas Angels themselves.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, Holiday

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

The Christmas Angel Project was a heartwarming Christmas story. This story follows four women after they lose the fifth member of their friend group/book club. Abbey was the glue of the group and when they lost her, they all lost their way a bit. With the Christmas angel’s Abbey left behind, they got the idea to do The Christmas Angel Project and it changed them all. This was sweet and uplifting. One of the better Melody Carlson Christmas books.

Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Linda Stephens
Narration Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 5h 04m

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have yet to read a Christmas book by Melody Carlson that did not touch my heart. This book is no exception. Five ladies have been a book club group for many years. Their friendships go beyond books and they have become supportive friends to one another. But all of this is somehow threatened when the one person that is the linchpin, Abby Wentworth, dies unexpectedly just before Christmas. The ladies get together to mourn Abby, open the Christmas gift she has left each of them, and to decide what they will do going forward. When they open the gifts, each finds an angel that Abby has painted to look very much like them. It leads them to decide that they will be "earth angels" for the month of December and each take on a project that will help someone else as Abby has helped them through troubled times.

I loved the way each of the ladies used their particular gifts or talents and found the perfect project. What was particularly special was that the giver gained as much if not more than the receiver(s) of the gift that each of them gave. Each of their lives was enriched beyond measure and changed them into more caring, more loving, more grace filled women. Their perspectives and attitudes changed as well. Full of hope, love, and inspiration, this was a perfect Christmas read.

FAVORITE QUOTE: "Sometimes we have to let our dreams go in order to allow God to bring them back to us--in His way and His timing."

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby, Belinda, Grace, Cassidy and Louisa have been members of a book club for years. Abby is the glue that holds the group together. When Abby dies unexpectedly, the group's future is uncertain. When Abby's husband gives the members the angel ornaments Abby had made them, Louisa comes up with the idea of becoming angels on earth. They each vow to do something special for others this Christmas. Through the journey of giving to others the women draw closer to one another and grow in their faith.
An inspiring novel that reminds us that it is better to give than to receive.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since it being July and it being so hot outside, I decided that this month I was going to read books about Christmas or winter themed. I had heard and read good reviews about Melody Carlson’s The Christmas Angel Project and decided to give it a chance. I am so glad that I did, I absolutely loved it and wish the book in a way did not end.

Abbey, Belinda, Louisa, Cassidy and Grace are five women (all different ages and walks of life) who for 15 years were in a bookclub. They all have gone through good times and bad together but suddenly the group of 5 goes down to 4. Abbey who as the women put it was the glue to the group passes away only weeks before Christmas. Abbey though leaves the women gifts of angel ornaments but each one is different. Each angel represents each woman and is special. Louisa who is the eldest in the group (my favorite character) thinks that maybe there is meaning in these angels. Abbey was an angel on earth to everyone who knew her and who met her. The women now feel that they should be earth angels but in secret to make it that much more meaningful.

Louisa, lost her husband about a year ago and has had a hard time to get over it. She has always loved to paint but now that has become hard for her to do. Though, wanting to help others she volunteers her time and art supplies to the recreation center and starts an art therapy class. The class not only helps the seven in the group but it helps Louisa as well.

Grace is a woman who if you saw her, you would think she had it all. She is very good at putting on an act and is all about appearances. Though in reality, things are not going well. Her husband Joel and her don’t see eye to eye on rising their 19 year old twins. They don’t have or make time to be together anymore and Grace usually bites off more than she can chew and blames Joel for it. Grace is an interior decorator and as her Angel Project, she has taken up doing 3 houses for families through Habitat for Humanity. Through the help of her friends and getting to know the 3 families personally (what they like, what they want and need) she is able to give them what they deserve right in time for Christmas.

Belinda is a single mother of one daughter Emma. Belinda’s husband left her when Emma was young and since than Belinda has given most of her time to her daughter and to her resale shop Glad Rags. Her angel project she decides to do is put on a fashion show at the high school her daughter use to go to and allow each participate to keep one outfit for free. The girls who go to the high school come from all walks of life and need positive motivation about themselves and how they dress. Belinda also, gives another chance at love with the principal. The part of their being introduced to each other is rather funny.

Last but not least there is Cassidy. A woman who lost her parents when she was young. She has become a veterinarian and wants as her angel project to help those who can’t afford or can’t get around to the vet with their pets. She wants to be a mobile Vet Care and the people in her one client’s place love the idea. Dorothy Morgan who is elderly and has a cat Mellie, just loves Cassidy and tries to set her up with her grandson Brent. Cassidy though as always had a hard time with men due to her figure and looks. But maybe just maybe he will see what lies inside Cassidy and not the appearance outside.

I laughed, cried mostly, felt warm inside and the book really made me think about all that I have to be thankful to God for. It might be a Christmas themed book, though everyone should read this book if they are feeling down or just feel like they have nothing to offer this world. It makes you really thankful for the friends you have, don’t take them for granted or that they will be here forever.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

RATING: 3 STARS
2016; Fleming H. Revell Company

Abby is the glue that keeps her book club together. She has forged a relationship with each of the four women. On Thanksgiving, Abby is reflecting on her life and the gift she wants to give her book club, when she dies suddenly. Upon hearing this news, Belinda, Grace, Cassidy and Louisa are shattered. This young vibrant woman that gave so much to the world has left them. They decide to meet up as expected for their book club meeting to decide the book club’s future, and also see what Abby has left them. As they open their gifts, they see that Abby has handcrafted each woman an angel in their image. Taking this as a sign each woman vows to become Christmas Angels. Using their talents they contribute to people and find themselves.

When I started this novella last night, I was hoping to just read a few chapters, but stayed up to finish it. I enjoyed this sweet short story. It reminded me a bit of my book club – five women who are from different backgrounds and age groups. If one of us was to pass away, I just can’t even imagine. This book is considered “Christian” fiction but it is not preachy or over-the-top moral ridden. This book reminds us that life is precious and that while life can hit us with curve-balls we must continue to do the best we can. I will definitely keep this book on my shelf as I may need it to remember that.

***I received a complimentary copy of this hardcover book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Angel Project is about four acquaintances in a book club that are held together by the glue of a fifth member Abby. Abby passes away and the four remaining members are at a fork in the road - let the club dissolve or carry forward. The four decide rather than reading a book in December, they will be angels. Each chooses what to focus on for their angel project and they find out a great deal about themselves in the process. This is a heart warming novel and recommended for fans of Christmas novels.

I've also read Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Shoppe and The Christmas Joy Ride by this author. The Christmas Angel Project and Christmas at Harrington's are equally my favorites thus far.

My gratitude to Rel of Relz Reviews and publisher Revell for a complimentary copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to post a review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Christmas angels

Four women with four very different situations had one thing in common. How will they go on without their dear friend? I loved reading about how theirs and many others’ were changed. Very well done!

[Readaholic Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story. I just wish the ending had more of an update, more closure.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a really sweet and cozy read when you’re wanting just that. I especially enjoyed the fact that it was short and paced well for a quick late evening read! There was the sweetest thread of inspiration throughout that will make you reflect a bit on how much you’re allowing God to work through while giving Him His glory instead of taking it on yourself.

[Taury · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson is a sweet Christian Fiction novel that weaves together themes of friendship, loss, and kindness. When the leader of a book club unexpectedly dies, the remaining friends are left feeling unprepared. They decide to take their grief and start spreading joy and making a positive impact in their community during Christmas. The characters are relatable and well-developed, but the plot is somewhat predictable and somewhat slow.

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this might be the first Christmas book I have read. It is very warm, comforting and filled with holiday spirit.

I didn’t realize that it was a Christian themed book and little bits were scattered throughout. I’m not religious but didn’t mind the religion in this book.

It really focused on kindness, taking care of one another and how short life can be.

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational story about four friends whose mutual friend, Abby, encourages them even after her sudden passing. Gifting them each with an angel ornament that she made and a personal Bible verse, Abby helps her book group to grow and spread their wings, filling needs all around them by using their gifts to help others.
After each person is introduced, their stories are told alternately, and then together as they help each other grieve the loss of their friend. Good things come from the difficult time, and each one has something positive happen in their life. Representing all stages of life, there is something for every reader to relate to, from young, single Cassidy to the older widow, Louisa. A good example of how we are all part of the body of Christ as believers, and each one has a gift for building others up.
A tender, meaningful Christmas story, perfect for reading over the busy holidays or anytime.
4.5 stars

(Book provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)

[Beth McCraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Christmas Story! Loved this and I'm happy to have found a new author to love!

[Amanda Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book by this author, and I found it to be so amazing. These four ladies , Cassidy the vet , Grace the designer married with twins that were in college, Belinda a single mom, Louisa who was a painter but after her husband passed she lost interest in it . Then theirs Abby the one who holds this group together ” The book clue” All was good until a fee weeks till Christmas and Abby passed away. Lost and along the others didn’t know what they would do with her . Abby made each girl an Angel that her husband delivered . So the girls got together and wanted to do an Angel Project , Cassidy mobil vet for the unfortunate and Louisa teaching an art class for other who lost a spouse, Belinda doing a fashion show with trouble teens, Grace marriage problems a well known designer but doing three houses Habitual Homes. How God moved in each one of their lives is remarkable. This book is one you can’t put down till its finished .Makes you believe in Angels.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this. Just what I needed to get me into the Christmas spirit! I did tear up a bit, not going to lie. But I was smiling at the end of it. 5, shiny Christmas angel, stars. Highly recommended!

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I believe that Abby had some kind of premonition—probably from God. She made these angels and wrote that letter to encourage us to—to become angels.”

“Angels should be capable of making miracles in other people’s lives.

“You were my angel today.”

Another fantastic Christmas book by Melody Carlson. I loved the different characters and their life situations. This book is all about giving of yourself to help others, not just at Christmas but year round. I think we all need to repeatedly hear the message of putting others above yourself. So definitely a great theme this holiday season.

While I found it a little difficult following which character was which at the beginning, I soon was able to distinguish them by name. I loved how they all came from different backgrounds and personalities as well as had realistic flaws and shortcomings. I like when characters are shown as vulnerable since it helps to make them relatable.

This book also was great in showcasing not only friendship but also faith in God. Melody Carlson’s writing in this one is strong and definitely a recommendation this holiday season.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always fun to read novellas set during the Christmas season. Some have a magical "Christmasy" feel and some are simply good stories that occur during the Christmas season. Melody Carlson is an author whose novellas are always a joy to read.

In The Christmas Angel Project I was anticipating something perhaps dealing with folks finding a tree decorated with paper angels which has the name, gender, and age and size of a child for whom folks can purchase and provide a gift for Christmas. This was definitely not the case in this story. As you can see from the back-cover intro to the book, it is about four ladies in a book club who lose a beloved member of the group quite suddenly and just before the holiday season.

What I found interesting is that each of the ladies comes from a different walk of life, a different stage of life, and has different perspectives. They all have quirks of personality and emotional and societal needs quite different from each other.

While a short little read, it had a longer-book feel to it. Of the four ladies, I found it difficult to pick the one I liked best. I felt that Cassidy and especially Grace were somewhat complainers. I liked Louisa but she kind of had to grow on me. Belinda might be my "most favorite" of the four ladies.

I liked the fact that two of the ladies connected with a gentleman for a potential romantic relationship. Very above board and clean. And one of the ladies' rocky marriage seems to have a lift.

But perhaps I'm giving too much of the story away.

A good read.

I received a complimentary copy as a participant in the Baker Publishing Group's review program.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby, Belinda, Louisa, Grace, and Cassidy have been “book group” friends for some time. Their lives change drastically when Abby, the leader of their group, dies unexpectedly. The ladies try to deal in their own way, as well as encourage each other, but it’s difficult without their “rock.” The women decide to meet one final time to open the gifts Abby left for them. They are surprised to learn that Abby viewed each of them as her angels, and this was signified by personalized angels, with a message, that she made for them. It was almost as if Abby knew she would be leaving. Belinda, Louisa, Grace, and Cassidy decide to become Christmas Angels, in hopes of helping others in need and blessing them like Abby blessed the group. Along the way, they will discover a new purpose for their own lives.

This is a highly emotional, inspirational, and sweet holiday book which may encourage the reader to look at how they can help others. While it is not overly Christian in nature, it is certainly a hope-filled tale, which is exactly what Carlson’s fans have come to expect from her stories. Her characters demonstrate how by helping others, we can help ourselves.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy as part of the Revell Readers blogger program in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful little story about faith friendship and the power of a can-do attitude. I'm very glad I read this novella. This was a nice way to start my holiday reading.

Thanks to Revell Publishing, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book that tells how four women help each other deal the the death of their dear friend. It’s Christmas time, and because of their loss they don’t feel like even carrying on let alone celebrating. Because of a gift their friend has left each of them they determine to become Christmas angels and help someone in some way. Melody Carson is a new author to me, but her writing is quite good—easily readable. The characters are real, and I became attached to them. I liked this book so much that I hope to read another of Carson’s books this Christmas season.

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Unfortunately I just don't think this book was the right timing for me. I really enjoyed the faith content in this book, but the sadness throughout just didn't put me in the right mindset at this moment.

[CarolynB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about five friends and how they helped each other with the most important things in each of their lives.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had some issues for me at the end, but otherwise a great, encouraging Christmas novel!

[Антонія · Rating 4 out of 5]

Перша книжка цього року.
Історія цікава, проста, домашня.
Несе цінності, легкість, мотивує діяти.
Смерть і життя, жіноча дружба, благодійність.

Трошки не моє чтиво, бо хочеться не такого "вилизаного" і казкового сюжету, де у всіх все вирішилося чудесним способом.

Та інколи варто і щось таке лайтове читати)

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five women regularly getting together for a monthly book club, when one of them suddenly dies, Abby it seems was the glue that held them together. Would the remaining four friends be able to form some kind of bond to keep the group together, seems rather small for a book club, maybe something else.
Abby being gone seems to answer them with a gift of homemade angel ornaments, and surprisingly each one looks like the receiver, but there is more to each ornament as they are about to discover. The four remaining decide to get together and grieve, but they begin to discover a personal note to each of them, how did she know? She was taken unexpectantly and yet!
This book will make each one of the look deeper into yourself, and as these women found their strength from each other, you will be surprised at the outcome of this short, page-turner book. A great message here and your going to love this story!
I received this book through Revell Publishing and their Blogger tour and was not required to give a positive review.

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish that there was a tad more about the different characters--and a bit less preachy, but all in all a really nice Christmassy story. Wonderfully kitchy!
4.5 stars

[Bailey Skye ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars

I received an advanced reading copy of this publication in exchange for an honest review.

I've been super excited to be partnering up with the people over at Nuts About Books to review Christian titles this year. And here's why - if you know me well, you know that I'm not really a very religious person? I grew up in a Christian family going to Christian school, and while I don't have a relationship with God in my adult life I can still respect that there are members of my family who do. That being said, I also think that people can be quick to disregard things if they get the label of being "Christian". In fact, sometimes I am one of those people, worried that the books might come off to preachy for me. So my goal this year is to read more books that have Christian content in an attempt to end the stigma - at least for myself.

So my first pick this year was The Christmas Angel project, and I picked it with my Grandma in mind. She's such a sweetheart, and she's obsessed with angels, and she always calls me her angel. Seeing as I didn't get a chance to make it home this year for Christmas, I figured it's something that would make me feel closer to her.

The Christmas Angel Project is the story of 5 women who are close friends and have a book club together. One morning they wake up to the news that one of their friends has passed away. Abby was the glue that held the girls together, and her unexpected death has the women feeling like the end of the book club is near. Each woman has her own struggles, and all were able to find hope and confidence in Abby.

The women meet one last time to exchange an unexpected gift from their departed friends, and instead find inspiration to keep their group going. They will become Christmas angels and give back to the community this holiday season with Abby in their hearts, meeting every week to share their progress and lean on one another.

Admittedly, this book had a bit more of a religious aspect then most books I would normally choose to read, but I knew that going in. All four women are relying on God and their faith to show them the way and to help them find the answers to their problems. And as someone who is more spiritual than religious, it wasn't something that I could relate to, really. However, the overall aspect of giving back to the community and helping one another is still something I can appreciate, and I feel like overall, that's the important thing about this book (at least for me).

This was my first read by Carlson, and I really enjoyed the writing style of the novel. Very colorful descriptions without being overly taxing. The characters were well thought out. I liked how unique each woman was and the diversity. Their problems were every day life struggles - one was having difficulties with her husband, one was struggling with the death of her husband, one was struggling with her self-esteem, and another was failing to put herself out in the dating world. They're very mundane problems, but their also things that we all struggle with and the way that Carlson dealt with these issues made for good reading.

Although a heartwarming read, this book is a little bit too good to be true. Everything plays out as it should so we can get the happily ever after, and it's Christmastime so I'm going to cut this novel some slack. It's a very light read. Definitely chick-lit feels, and you could sit down and finish it in one sitting.

I definitely feel like this is going to be more of an enjoyable read around Christmastime, so the next time you're looking for something to get you into the holiday spirit, look no further.

Read more reviews on Bibliotique.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book club choice for an Inspirational Book Club. It started out with a surprise. The leader of the book club dies in the first chapter. Wow!!! What a difficult start for a book! I was relieved that very quickly the book was directed with a positive spin, towards helping the book club members find a new focus, so that they were not mired down in their grief.

As the members try to come to terms with their friend’s death, they decide that Abbey would want them to continue the club but maybe, to honor and remember her, it should be about more than just reading books. And so, the Angel Project begins, with each member seeking to find some way to be of service and be an Angel to someone else, as Abbey was an Angel to them.

We read about each of the members lives and get to know them and their struggles. Abbey was a valued friend and counselor to each of the book club members. A large void has been left in each of them with Abbey’s absence.
But before her death,Abbey made each of them an ornament with a scripture meant especially for them. How will this affect them? How does this strengthen them now, and help them in their relationships with God?

I enjoyed this book after I had gotten past the beginning chapter. It was inspiring to me to remember how much we can impact others and bring joy into the lives of others by giving of ourselves. God in turn blesses us as well. I would recommend it to young adults and above.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first read the synopsis of this book, the premise had me hooked. However, I'm a bit disappointed by how it turned out. The story is very enjoyable and different from any other Christmas story I read. The faith thread is also strong and brings readers a lot of hope and some much needed wisdom. Unfortunately, three of the four main characters felt a little one dimensional for me. I didn't get to know them as much as I would have liked... They didn't come to life as we only got to see one aspect of their lives. Also, the romance elements seemed a little too good to be true, especially the ending to Cassidy's story.

Overall, this is a light and enjoyable Christmas read. I would recommend it to Christian fiction readers looking for a good and short book to read during the winter break.

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson 166-page Hardback

Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction > Chick Lit, Inspirational, Realistic Fiction

Featuring: Thanksgiving, Death, Book Group, Minnesota, Charity Trope, Advertisements

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎄

My thoughts: 📖 Page 55 of 166 Ch. 6 - I'm not crazy about this story; it has all of the elements of a good Christmas story but lacks humor and cheer.

It was okay. Not my favorite topic, but most definitely food for your heart and soul.

Recommend to others?: Yes. If you're looking for a heartwarming read about spiritual growth, this is the book for you.