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Christmas Angels
From Viola Shipman, the beloved author of The Charm Bracelet, Christmas Angels is a delightful love story. Kate, a single woman in her 30s, works as a designer/decorator for a large interior landscaping company bedecking and bedazzling St. Louis for the holidays. Her work keeps her from spending the holidays with her family and masks the loneliness and pain after a nasty breakup just before Christmas.
Known as "The Christmas Angel" for providing holiday beauty to the city's offices, homes, and malls, Kate's world changes when she decorates the home of a widowed single dad. Both soon realize that life (and love) must go on somehow and that perhaps Christmas (and guardian) angels are all around, if we only choose to see them.
Rich with the spirit of Christmas and all its traditions, Christmas Angels is a love story that will remind readers of the meaning and magic of Christmas.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2016
19 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
Viola Shipman
21 books3,512 followersDear Reader:
My latest novel, The Page Turner, is a story about why we too often judge one another – and the books we read – by a glance at the collective cover without knowing what is inside. It is also a story about how reading and books not only change us but also save our lives. They did mine.
Growing up “different” in rural America in the 1970s – with no one like me and no one to talk to about what I was going through – I felt alone in this world. Books allowed me to escape, understand, heal, hope and realize there was a place for me in the world just as I was. My grandma – my pen name, Viola Shipman – sensed I was “different,” and she loved me unconditionally and made sure I cherished my uniqueness. Even though my grandma never finished high school, she was a voracious reader who pushed books into my hands from the earliest of ages and made it clear that reading and education would not only change my life but quite possibly save it.
Books allowed me to see a vast world beyond the small town in which I lived. They allowed me to not only escape from the cruelty I often experienced but also understand the reasons behind the hatred. They allowed me to see – as my grandma instilled in me – that being unique was a gift. Books aren’t just books. Books are family. Authors are friends. The stories we read are timestamps in our memories. They bookmark important chapters in our lives and growth. Books are a chance to right the wrong in the world, an opportunity to rewrite ourselves. We can reimagine and reinvent, see the world in an entirely new way simply by turning a page. Or, sometimes, we can just escape from our own lives.
As Carl Sagan wrote: “What an astonishing thing a book is. It's a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you're inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic."
That’s exactly how I feel when I read and write: Magical. Like a literary unicorn.
Authors tend to write about the same topics – love, death, hope, loss – and we use the same words, the same linguistic tool belt, but it’s how we bring those stories to life that sets us apart.
That is why The Page Turner is also about voice. Not only the voice Emma Page uses to bring her novel to life, but the voice she owns that makes her special and that she is unwilling to silence. We all have a voice. In fact, I bet yours is talking to you in your head right now. However, there’s a good chance that you’ve forgotten the power of your own voice, the beauty of your own uniqueness. As I address in this book, we tend to bury that out of fear: Fear of being different, as I was; fear of being unpopular; fear that our family or friends will disapprove; fear of, well, everything. And slowly that voice becomes so quiet, so distant, we don’t even hear it anymore, and we are no longer the unique souls we once were. We are far from being the people we once dreamed. This novel is about overcoming fear and rediscovering your voice. As I write: Every voice is important. Every story needs to be heard.
I was once consumed by fear. And then I found my voice again. In fact, when I first started writing and dreaming of being an author, I truly believed that there was a golden key that was passed around New York City. It was handed out — late at night, in a fancy restaurant under gilded lights and over expensive drinks — to “certain” authors. And I would never be one of them. I now know — and you certainly already do — that such a key does not exist. The only key you need you already own: The one that unlocks the door to o
My latest novel, The Page Turner, is a story about why we too often judge one another – and the books we read – by a glance at the collective cover without knowing what is inside. It is also a story about how reading and books not only change us but also save our lives. They did mine.
Growing up “different” in rural America in the 1970s – with no one like me and no one to talk to about what I was going through – I felt alone in this world. Books allowed me to escape, understand, heal, hope and realize there was a place for me in the world just as I was. My grandma – my pen name, Viola Shipman – sensed I was “different,” and she loved me unconditionally and made sure I cherished my uniqueness. Even though my grandma never finished high school, she was a voracious reader who pushed books into my hands from the earliest of ages and made it clear that reading and education would not only change my life but quite possibly save it.
Books allowed me to see a vast world beyond the small town in which I lived. They allowed me to not only escape from the cruelty I often experienced but also understand the reasons behind the hatred. They allowed me to see – as my grandma instilled in me – that being unique was a gift. Books aren’t just books. Books are family. Authors are friends. The stories we read are timestamps in our memories. They bookmark important chapters in our lives and growth. Books are a chance to right the wrong in the world, an opportunity to rewrite ourselves. We can reimagine and reinvent, see the world in an entirely new way simply by turning a page. Or, sometimes, we can just escape from our own lives.
As Carl Sagan wrote: “What an astonishing thing a book is. It's a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you're inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic."
That’s exactly how I feel when I read and write: Magical. Like a literary unicorn.
Authors tend to write about the same topics – love, death, hope, loss – and we use the same words, the same linguistic tool belt, but it’s how we bring those stories to life that sets us apart.
That is why The Page Turner is also about voice. Not only the voice Emma Page uses to bring her novel to life, but the voice she owns that makes her special and that she is unwilling to silence. We all have a voice. In fact, I bet yours is talking to you in your head right now. However, there’s a good chance that you’ve forgotten the power of your own voice, the beauty of your own uniqueness. As I address in this book, we tend to bury that out of fear: Fear of being different, as I was; fear of being unpopular; fear that our family or friends will disapprove; fear of, well, everything. And slowly that voice becomes so quiet, so distant, we don’t even hear it anymore, and we are no longer the unique souls we once were. We are far from being the people we once dreamed. This novel is about overcoming fear and rediscovering your voice. As I write: Every voice is important. Every story needs to be heard.
I was once consumed by fear. And then I found my voice again. In fact, when I first started writing and dreaming of being an author, I truly believed that there was a golden key that was passed around New York City. It was handed out — late at night, in a fancy restaurant under gilded lights and over expensive drinks — to “certain” authors. And I would never be one of them. I now know — and you certainly already do — that such a key does not exist. The only key you need you already own: The one that unlocks the door to o
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 26, 2018
Viola Shipman returns following the sensational debut, The Charm Bracelet with a heartwarming nostalgic Christmas novella CHRISTMAS ANGELS and a sneak preview of The Hope Chest, Coming March 21, 2017.
Kate Roseberry just wanted a perfect Christmas. She was the queen of holiday perfection. A designer, and owner of Holidays by Kate, she was responsible for designing and staging the mall for the upcoming holiday, so she has started early. There was a lot of work involved in the magic.
She loved to make the world pretty and the holidays perfect. Her mother and grandmother had taught her the beauty of family heirlooms and traditions. Kate believed every tree deserved an exclamation point of beauty. She believed that people, especially at the holidays needed something to look up to, something to raise their heads, something to inspire them. An Angel.
Going back the previous year, a lot has happened. In St. Louis, Kate lived in a 1920s bungalow, and she recalls her boyfriend, Tyler. A painful past. An heirloom angel her mother and grandmother had given her years ago for good luck when she started her business. Now expecting Tyler to present her with a ring, he is giving her an angel.
Now she is looking at the antique angel and thinking the holidays are not cracked up to all the hype. She knows now there are no guardian angels in the world. No perfect holiday.
While preparing the mall for the holidays, Kate catches up with Chad Cooper, a partner in Cooper, Anderson, Schiff & Hine the law firm at the top of the Tower. She is designing their offices and helped his son Coop, age seven with a Halloween costume.
Now the folks at the law firm need a little help from Kate. Chad’s wife passed away the previous winter before the holidays with cancer, after being sick for a long time. He is not in the mood for Christmas, and his son needs some Christmas cheer! The dad says he is not going to Chicago to visit his or his late wife’s family, and he instructs "he does not" want visitors.
Kate is not feeling up to the Christmas spirit, and thinking of the angel she found in her keepsake box, from Tyler. Kate recalled her mom saying, “It's brave to fall in love and open your heart that much. Guardian angels surround you. You just don’t see them anymore.”
However, when she offers to help Coop, it turns into a magical, frosty, and hopeful Christmas for everyone!
“Christmas is either the happiest of holidays if you’re blessed, she thought, or the biggest nightmare if you’re not.”
From the beautiful southern mansion, and the snow angels with Coop, Kate is transported to her home in suburban Chicago, as a girl and to her surprise, as well as Coop’s and Chads—the same heirloom angel connects them, in more ways than one.
From the boy who needs Christmas, some holiday cookies, a Christmas tree, and a lost man and woman who also needs an angel from the past, to fill their hearts once again with love, joy, hope, and healing.
“You have to be aware that angels are present. Most people go through their lives not seeing what’s all around them. It’s easy to get lost in the world. It’s hard to stay present."
From a bit of magic, fate, romance, and holiday traditions of the past, a heartwarming Christmas tale of hope and joy assisted by a few angels.
Readers get a bonus a sneak preview of The Hope Chest, coming March 2017. A story of Mattie with ALS, husband Don, and caregiver, Rose.
A deeply emotional novel about three people who have seemingly lost all hope until one woman’s heirloom hope chest is rediscovered in the attic, along with its contents and secrets. A beloved doll, family dishes, an embroidered apron, and an antique Christmas ornament—the hope chest connects.
Once again, Shipman dazzles readers with family, and heirlooms of the past—from love, family, and traditions, with a little nostalgia for the holidays.
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Stunning cover!
JDCMustReadBooks
Kate Roseberry just wanted a perfect Christmas. She was the queen of holiday perfection. A designer, and owner of Holidays by Kate, she was responsible for designing and staging the mall for the upcoming holiday, so she has started early. There was a lot of work involved in the magic.
She loved to make the world pretty and the holidays perfect. Her mother and grandmother had taught her the beauty of family heirlooms and traditions. Kate believed every tree deserved an exclamation point of beauty. She believed that people, especially at the holidays needed something to look up to, something to raise their heads, something to inspire them. An Angel.
Going back the previous year, a lot has happened. In St. Louis, Kate lived in a 1920s bungalow, and she recalls her boyfriend, Tyler. A painful past. An heirloom angel her mother and grandmother had given her years ago for good luck when she started her business. Now expecting Tyler to present her with a ring, he is giving her an angel.
Now she is looking at the antique angel and thinking the holidays are not cracked up to all the hype. She knows now there are no guardian angels in the world. No perfect holiday.
While preparing the mall for the holidays, Kate catches up with Chad Cooper, a partner in Cooper, Anderson, Schiff & Hine the law firm at the top of the Tower. She is designing their offices and helped his son Coop, age seven with a Halloween costume.
Now the folks at the law firm need a little help from Kate. Chad’s wife passed away the previous winter before the holidays with cancer, after being sick for a long time. He is not in the mood for Christmas, and his son needs some Christmas cheer! The dad says he is not going to Chicago to visit his or his late wife’s family, and he instructs "he does not" want visitors.
Kate is not feeling up to the Christmas spirit, and thinking of the angel she found in her keepsake box, from Tyler. Kate recalled her mom saying, “It's brave to fall in love and open your heart that much. Guardian angels surround you. You just don’t see them anymore.”
However, when she offers to help Coop, it turns into a magical, frosty, and hopeful Christmas for everyone!
“Christmas is either the happiest of holidays if you’re blessed, she thought, or the biggest nightmare if you’re not.”
From the beautiful southern mansion, and the snow angels with Coop, Kate is transported to her home in suburban Chicago, as a girl and to her surprise, as well as Coop’s and Chads—the same heirloom angel connects them, in more ways than one.
From the boy who needs Christmas, some holiday cookies, a Christmas tree, and a lost man and woman who also needs an angel from the past, to fill their hearts once again with love, joy, hope, and healing.
“You have to be aware that angels are present. Most people go through their lives not seeing what’s all around them. It’s easy to get lost in the world. It’s hard to stay present."
From a bit of magic, fate, romance, and holiday traditions of the past, a heartwarming Christmas tale of hope and joy assisted by a few angels.
Readers get a bonus a sneak preview of The Hope Chest, coming March 2017. A story of Mattie with ALS, husband Don, and caregiver, Rose.
A deeply emotional novel about three people who have seemingly lost all hope until one woman’s heirloom hope chest is rediscovered in the attic, along with its contents and secrets. A beloved doll, family dishes, an embroidered apron, and an antique Christmas ornament—the hope chest connects.
Once again, Shipman dazzles readers with family, and heirlooms of the past—from love, family, and traditions, with a little nostalgia for the holidays.
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Stunning cover!
JDCMustReadBooks
October 23, 2016
There's nothing I like better then reading Christmas Novella's. They really get me in the mood for the holidays. It's also a great time to try new authors.
Christmas Angels is a very quick read. I don't usually like to read romances that are written by men, they don't give me what I need in my romances, and I wasn't shocked that I felt that way with Christmas Angel.
The story is fine, but that's just it. It was only okay. I was missing something. It's much closer to woman's fiction then romance and maybe that's what it's suppose to be. In that case those who love to read women's fiction might really enjoy this story.
I was just left wanting more. It was light on romance, not to mention the story line was slightly weak. I have to admit I like the blurb better then the story itself.
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
Romancing the Readers Facebook Page:
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ARC received for a honest review
Christmas Angels is a very quick read. I don't usually like to read romances that are written by men, they don't give me what I need in my romances, and I wasn't shocked that I felt that way with Christmas Angel.
The story is fine, but that's just it. It was only okay. I was missing something. It's much closer to woman's fiction then romance and maybe that's what it's suppose to be. In that case those who love to read women's fiction might really enjoy this story.
I was just left wanting more. It was light on romance, not to mention the story line was slightly weak. I have to admit I like the blurb better then the story itself.
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
Romancing the Readers Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
ARC received for a honest review
October 8, 2016
Favorite Quotes:
I think that angels are all around us. I think people like your mother, who we love and miss, are around us, even if we can't see them. Sometimes they might take the form of a cardinal or a hummingbird, or sometimes, their spirit might live on in the tree we pick out at Christmas.
Most people go through their lives not seeing what's all around them. It's easy to get lost in this world. It's hard to stay present.
My Review:
A seasonal set decorator spends her days designing Christmas scenes and decorations for others while struggling to find her own Christmas spirit after a personally challenging year. It often takes someone struggling with even more burdens to put it in perspective, and it seems to garner our attention even faster when a child is involved. The plot was relevant and heartfelt and the writing was engaging and emotive. A quick and easy to follow holiday novella.
I think that angels are all around us. I think people like your mother, who we love and miss, are around us, even if we can't see them. Sometimes they might take the form of a cardinal or a hummingbird, or sometimes, their spirit might live on in the tree we pick out at Christmas.
Most people go through their lives not seeing what's all around them. It's easy to get lost in this world. It's hard to stay present.
My Review:
A seasonal set decorator spends her days designing Christmas scenes and decorations for others while struggling to find her own Christmas spirit after a personally challenging year. It often takes someone struggling with even more burdens to put it in perspective, and it seems to garner our attention even faster when a child is involved. The plot was relevant and heartfelt and the writing was engaging and emotive. A quick and easy to follow holiday novella.
November 13, 2023
This sweet Christmas novella reminds us of the magic of Christmas and the protection of angels among us. The perfect short tale to put one in a holiday mood!
December 18, 2017
For Kate holidays are her income. Decorating is her passion and her business is successful. This year she isn't looking forward to the holidays though. Her heart is broken and she isn't ready to celebrate yet. However, her next job might change this feeling. She has to decorate Chad's home. Chad is a single dad, who is also not ready to enjoy Christmas. Will the magic of Christmas and guardian angels be able to make them change their minds?
Christmas Angels is a sweet romantic story about two people who are having a difficult time. Both Kate and Chad aren't looking forward to celebrating Christmas, while it used to be something they loved. They are grieving and have to find a way to fall in love with life again. I loved the warm and compassionate way Viola Shipman describes their careful steps towards the idea of not skipping Christmas and I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to see if they'd find a way to heal.
Viola Shipman has written an enchanting story about angels, beautiful Christmas decorations, traditions, family and second chances. Christmas Angels has the exact right festive spirit and it's a story that made me smile. The ending is wonderfully romantic, fitting and adorable. I absolutely loved this heartwarming story.
Christmas Angels is a sweet romantic story about two people who are having a difficult time. Both Kate and Chad aren't looking forward to celebrating Christmas, while it used to be something they loved. They are grieving and have to find a way to fall in love with life again. I loved the warm and compassionate way Viola Shipman describes their careful steps towards the idea of not skipping Christmas and I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to see if they'd find a way to heal.
Viola Shipman has written an enchanting story about angels, beautiful Christmas decorations, traditions, family and second chances. Christmas Angels has the exact right festive spirit and it's a story that made me smile. The ending is wonderfully romantic, fitting and adorable. I absolutely loved this heartwarming story.
December 25, 2017
eine tolle Kurzgeschichte für genau diese jahreszeit
November 14, 2023
Christmas Angels is a short story/novella about the magic of Christmas Angels. Kate Roseberry, a single woman in her 30s, works as a designer/decorator for a landscaping company in St. Louis. They are decorating homes and businesses for Christmas when she is asked to decorate the home of Chad Cooper, a single dad, recently widowed. He is still grieving and his colleagues have hired the company to decorate without his knowledge. Kate is dealing with her own Christmas issues. Her job keeps her from going home to celebrate with her family and she is dealing with the pain of a nasty breakup. Can these two find peace and comfort with one another.
This was a short and sweet story about 3 lonely and hurting souls that come together with the help of angels. Kate still wears the angel pin her ex gave her, and that brings memories to Chad and his son, Coop. Not only had Kate's mother and grandmother instilled in her the belief in guardian angels, but she is able to soothe Coop with those stories. Coop stole the story for me. He was sweet, hurting but also wanting to move on with life. Children are ones that easily believe in angels and his turnaround when he heard Kate's stories was wonderful. This is a short and sweet story that will bring a smile to your face. I listened to this story as part of the audiobook The Wishing Bridge, and I am glad it was included.
This was a short and sweet story about 3 lonely and hurting souls that come together with the help of angels. Kate still wears the angel pin her ex gave her, and that brings memories to Chad and his son, Coop. Not only had Kate's mother and grandmother instilled in her the belief in guardian angels, but she is able to soothe Coop with those stories. Coop stole the story for me. He was sweet, hurting but also wanting to move on with life. Children are ones that easily believe in angels and his turnaround when he heard Kate's stories was wonderful. This is a short and sweet story that will bring a smile to your face. I listened to this story as part of the audiobook The Wishing Bridge, and I am glad it was included.
December 21, 2024
Meh. This was on the “too short” side for me. I would have enjoyed more character development than I got from this. I did like that it was set in St. Louis as I could relate to the places that were discussed (Ladue, the Arch, Manchester Road, Schnuck’s), so it had that going for it.
April 18, 2024
This was a short story full of the true meaning of Christmas, bringing joy and caring to others.
January 11, 2025
Nice short story about loss finding hope again with Christmas embrace.
December 20, 2023
This bittersweet story is a reminder that yes there are angels among us. A story of two people who need that reminder at Christmas. A quick read that will give you a warm fuzzy feeling
November 7, 2023
Novella. Easy enjoyable read. Added to his Christmas Novel this year. Very emotionally light hearted.
November 20, 2016
Christmas Angels by Viola Shipman is set in St. Louis, Missouri. Kate Roseberry owns Holidays by Kate! She designs and executes holiday designs for malls, offices, events, etc. Tree toppers are her signature (she always puts the tree topper on herself). Christmas is usually her favorite time of the year, but Kate has not been able to get into this spirit of the season this year. The previous year her boyfriend, Tyler broke up with her during the holiday season. Kate meets Chad Cooper while decorating the St. Louis Tower, a new shopping mall. Chad is purchasing a Halloween costume for his son, Coop (he is seven). Coop wishes to go as an angel (unusual choice for a little boy). Chad asks Kate if she believes in angels. Kate can see that Chad is struggling. Later when Kate is setting up the conference room for Cooper, Anderson, Schiff and Hines (a law firm) Christmas party when the firm asks her to decorate Chad’s house for him and his son. Chad lost his wife, Ella the previous winter after years of illness (cancer). They are worried about Chad and his son. This could be what they need to help them heal. Chad’s son, Coop is very serious (yet sweet) little boy. Coop is taken with Kate and she with him. The three start to spend time together. Can they help each other heal and move forward? Do you believe in angels?
Christmas Angels is a sweet, though short, story. It is a light romance novel that will help put you in the mood for Christmas any time of the year. It is well-written and easy to read. I like the characters (especially Coop) and the descriptions of the decorations. I especially liked that Coop had a Sock Monkey stocking cap (my mother just loves everything Sock Monkey’s). It was a cute touch for such a serious little boy. The book contains a good message about angels. I give Christmas Angels 4 out of 5 stars. I did enjoy the story, but I wish it had been a little longer. It felt rushed at the end and the ending felt incomplete. The book includes a preview of Viola Shipman’s next book The Hope Chest (takes up the last 40%).
Christmas Angels is a sweet, though short, story. It is a light romance novel that will help put you in the mood for Christmas any time of the year. It is well-written and easy to read. I like the characters (especially Coop) and the descriptions of the decorations. I especially liked that Coop had a Sock Monkey stocking cap (my mother just loves everything Sock Monkey’s). It was a cute touch for such a serious little boy. The book contains a good message about angels. I give Christmas Angels 4 out of 5 stars. I did enjoy the story, but I wish it had been a little longer. It felt rushed at the end and the ending felt incomplete. The book includes a preview of Viola Shipman’s next book The Hope Chest (takes up the last 40%).
November 8, 2016
This book reminded me of those lovely cheesy Christmas movies you get to watch on tv on lifetime. It was cheesy but in a good way.
The only slight problem that I have with this story is it length. I wanted more. I wanted more so that the story and characters could develop more and then it would go from being a good cheesy novel to a great one.
Kate is a single mum. In her 30s. Working as a design/decorator for a large interior landscape company called bedecking and bedazzling. The job is great for the money. But it keeps her away from her loved ones at Christmas time.
Kate's decorating and designing skills have become legendary and she had been decked 'The Christmas Angel'. Kate has been sent to redecorate a single dad's home for Christmas. Is there a love story with them? Will they live happily ever after? Well you'll just have to read it and see.
Filled with lots of Christmas spirit and love. This book reminds me of a book before that I have read with the same plot. That said I did enjoy this just wished it was a little bit longer.
Thank you NetGalley, publishers and Viola Shipman for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review
Happy reading everyone
The only slight problem that I have with this story is it length. I wanted more. I wanted more so that the story and characters could develop more and then it would go from being a good cheesy novel to a great one.
Kate is a single mum. In her 30s. Working as a design/decorator for a large interior landscape company called bedecking and bedazzling. The job is great for the money. But it keeps her away from her loved ones at Christmas time.
Kate's decorating and designing skills have become legendary and she had been decked 'The Christmas Angel'. Kate has been sent to redecorate a single dad's home for Christmas. Is there a love story with them? Will they live happily ever after? Well you'll just have to read it and see.
Filled with lots of Christmas spirit and love. This book reminds me of a book before that I have read with the same plot. That said I did enjoy this just wished it was a little bit longer.
Thank you NetGalley, publishers and Viola Shipman for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review
Happy reading everyone
November 16, 2016
Christmas Angels is a wonderful little tale about a young woman named Kate, who is getting through the holidays after a breakup with her boyfriend. Kate is a holiday decorator who has a chance encounter with a client who is also struggling through the holidays after the death of his wife. He is a single dad whose son has had to grow up too quickly, but learns that life goes on after our cherished ones leave and angels are all around.
This is a great short story to get you in the mood for the holidays.
This is a great short story to get you in the mood for the holidays.
October 9, 2016
This is the second book by Viola Shipman that I have read.
In true Viola fashion this is a feel good holiday story, a short story that you can quickly finish in between books. The ideal Christmas read with lovely characters that are looking for happiness.
I would recommend this book if you are looking for something short during the holidays.
Thank you to Viola Shipman and Netgalley for the ARC.
In true Viola fashion this is a feel good holiday story, a short story that you can quickly finish in between books. The ideal Christmas read with lovely characters that are looking for happiness.
I would recommend this book if you are looking for something short during the holidays.
Thank you to Viola Shipman and Netgalley for the ARC.
October 11, 2016
I've been anxiously awaiting Viola Shipman's The Hope Chest and was excited to see this Christmas short story. Christmas Angels is the tale of two people who are not looking forward to the holiday. A widower and his young son and a woman who broke up the previous Christmas come together to regain their belief in angels. A quick read, there is a very serious Christmas message for everyone. It's a joy to see a young child recover and believe in love and miracles.
November 11, 2016
Initially i found this story difficult to get into -- as it was a novella, i was expecting action from the outset. However, it's a slow-burn that makes the story more worthwhile. I enjoyed getting under the skin of Kate the lonely designer and particularly liked her warmth towards her customers. An enjoyable, easy, Christmassy read. 4* from me.
January 3, 2017
Christmas Angels by Viola Shipman is a sweet, heartwarming romance that is sure to melt your heart. Even though it is a short novella, the characters are well-written and the story is well-thought out. I'd definitely recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance that lifts your spirt and warms your heart.
October 13, 2016
Review to come soon.
Quick thoughts:
Cute fun and quick read. Very Hallmark movie. A sweet story that would be perfect to savor with a cup of hot cocoa and cookies after some holiday decorating. Enjoyable!
Quick thoughts:
Cute fun and quick read. Very Hallmark movie. A sweet story that would be perfect to savor with a cup of hot cocoa and cookies after some holiday decorating. Enjoyable!
November 2, 2016
Short sweet novella with a darling character in Kate. This one has a good Christmas spirit to it. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC== this is the perfect relaxing read for the afternoon or evening.
October 30, 2016
Review was originally posted on The Writer's Inkwell
Christmas Angels is a short novella that reminds me a bit of a Lifetime or Hallmark holiday movie, in a good way. I wish I could really say a lot about it, but the truth is, it’s really too short for a true review. In fact, my biggest criticism is about the length. Little to nothing is developed throughout the story and that’s a shame because with another fifty pages or so, this could have been a really cute holiday novella. There’s nothing wrong with the story, but it felt like I was just reading the bare bones of something and that sense of lacking left me disappointed when I hit the 60% mark and realize that nearly half of the file is a preview to another book.
I suppose you could say it’s a good thing because I wanted more. I did like the characters and I liked the plot. But as short as it is, it just felt incomplete and even the ending was so vague, that I was really shocked to see there wasn’t anything else. It’s a cute start, but it definitely deserves and needs more flushing out.
Reviewer’s note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Christmas Angels is a short novella that reminds me a bit of a Lifetime or Hallmark holiday movie, in a good way. I wish I could really say a lot about it, but the truth is, it’s really too short for a true review. In fact, my biggest criticism is about the length. Little to nothing is developed throughout the story and that’s a shame because with another fifty pages or so, this could have been a really cute holiday novella. There’s nothing wrong with the story, but it felt like I was just reading the bare bones of something and that sense of lacking left me disappointed when I hit the 60% mark and realize that nearly half of the file is a preview to another book.
I suppose you could say it’s a good thing because I wanted more. I did like the characters and I liked the plot. But as short as it is, it just felt incomplete and even the ending was so vague, that I was really shocked to see there wasn’t anything else. It’s a cute start, but it definitely deserves and needs more flushing out.
Reviewer’s note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2022
Christmas Angels by Viola Shipman
40 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, Thomas Dunne Books
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Fiction, Christmas, Angels, Romance
Kate Roseberry is a holiday designer. She is the owner of Holidays by Kate and is currently decorating a high-rise mall even though it isn’t Halloween yet. She runs into Chad Cooper, a high-profile attorney whose office is in the mall. She offers to help him with accessories for his son’s costume.
In the first chapter, Tree Topper, her boyfriend, Tyler, gives her a present. In the next chapter, The Angel Pin, you find that the present was an antique angel pin. The Snow Angel brings her memories of her grandfather who passed away this yearShe makes snow angels with seven-year-old Coop. In the chapter Holiday Cookie Cutter, Kate’s mother sends her the family set of holiday cookie cutters. She uses them to make cookies for Coop and Chad. The final chapter, The Tree Topper, shows it is possible to open your heart again after loss.
This is a novella, but the story has a steady pace. The characters are somewhat developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. If you like Debbie Macomber holiday books, you will enjoy this one.
40 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, Thomas Dunne Books
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Fiction, Christmas, Angels, Romance
Kate Roseberry is a holiday designer. She is the owner of Holidays by Kate and is currently decorating a high-rise mall even though it isn’t Halloween yet. She runs into Chad Cooper, a high-profile attorney whose office is in the mall. She offers to help him with accessories for his son’s costume.
In the first chapter, Tree Topper, her boyfriend, Tyler, gives her a present. In the next chapter, The Angel Pin, you find that the present was an antique angel pin. The Snow Angel brings her memories of her grandfather who passed away this yearShe makes snow angels with seven-year-old Coop. In the chapter Holiday Cookie Cutter, Kate’s mother sends her the family set of holiday cookie cutters. She uses them to make cookies for Coop and Chad. The final chapter, The Tree Topper, shows it is possible to open your heart again after loss.
This is a novella, but the story has a steady pace. The characters are somewhat developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. If you like Debbie Macomber holiday books, you will enjoy this one.
April 16, 2024
Adult contemporary fiction, Christmas themed novella. This was a bonus story on the audio version of The Wishing Bridge, so I listened to this one as well. Kate is a holiday decorator, decorating mostly for Christmas but also Halloween, Spring, you name it. Her biggest client is the mall but she also frequently goes to a local law office. When some of the law firm staff asks her to decorate the home of one of their staff members who is recently widowed, she hesitates. Would it be too personal to o in someone's home? But she is convinced when she hears about the son who still deserves a Christmas. Coop, the son, ends up helping her decorate, even foregoing her planned artificial tree for a real one. The theme of angels is repeated throughout, especially as Kate explains to Coop what people mean when they say his Mom will always be with him. If this story was longer it seems clear that Kate and the father would become romantically involved, but at the novella length it was a sweet friendship all around.
March 23, 2017
Kate is a seasonal set decorator struggling to find her own Christmas spirit while designing Christmas scenes and decorations for others.Kate is known as the queen of holiday perfection because of her successful decorating company. Kate has been called the Christmas Angel. Kate isn’t looking forward to the holiday nor is Chad Cooper who is a widower and has a young son Coop who was seven years old. Kate was sad as her her ex boyfriend Tyler broke up with her. Kate didn’t believe in angels anymore. Widower and single dad Chad lost his wife Ella from cancer last year just before Christmas. Everyone was worried about Chad so his company hired Kate to decorate Chad’s house as a surprise.then coop, chad and Kate start to spend time together.
Absolutely loved this story. It was a novella and I would have liked more but this did have what it needed in it. This was a quick and easy read with a great plot. There was a lot of detail in so short a story even though I did want more as I have already said. This had a lot of hope in it. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story. I recommend. I wish i could rate it a 4.5.
Absolutely loved this story. It was a novella and I would have liked more but this did have what it needed in it. This was a quick and easy read with a great plot. There was a lot of detail in so short a story even though I did want more as I have already said. This had a lot of hope in it. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story. I recommend. I wish i could rate it a 4.5.
October 15, 2017
3.5 stars
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is yet another heart warming story from Viola Shipman, she really knows how to create characters that are relatable and likable.
Kate is a designer/decorator whose specialty is decorating for the holidays on a grand scale.
This year she is not in the holiday sprit after a breakup has left her alone and in pain. Since she is buried in work, she can't spend the holidays with her family. She is commissioned to decorate the home of a recently widowed single dad and finds that there are angels all around guiding her towards happiness, healing and possible even the prospect of love.
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is yet another heart warming story from Viola Shipman, she really knows how to create characters that are relatable and likable.
Kate is a designer/decorator whose specialty is decorating for the holidays on a grand scale.
This year she is not in the holiday sprit after a breakup has left her alone and in pain. Since she is buried in work, she can't spend the holidays with her family. She is commissioned to decorate the home of a recently widowed single dad and finds that there are angels all around guiding her towards happiness, healing and possible even the prospect of love.
January 11, 2018
Bewertet mit 4 Sternen
Zum Buch:
Kate ist Dekorateurin und ihr Hauptgeschäft ist an Weihnachten. Da dekoriert sie große Bäume und Einkaufszentren, Flughäfen aber auch in Firmen. Ihr Markenzeichen ist ein Engel auf der Spitze.
Dieses Jahr will keine rechte Weihnachtsstimmung aufkommen, bis sie bei einem ganz besonderen Auftrag die Engel bemerkt, die überall sind ...
Meine Meinung:
Alleine schon das Cover ist so schön und weihnachtlich. Die Geschichte ist sehr berührend und wunderschön zu lesen. Der Schreibstil ist sehr angenehm und flüssig. Viola Shipman hat mich wunderbar unterhalten und sehr berührt.
Eine zauberhafte Erzählung für ein paar schöne Lesestunden.
Es wird nicht mein letztes Buch dieser Autorin sein.
Zum Buch:
Kate ist Dekorateurin und ihr Hauptgeschäft ist an Weihnachten. Da dekoriert sie große Bäume und Einkaufszentren, Flughäfen aber auch in Firmen. Ihr Markenzeichen ist ein Engel auf der Spitze.
Dieses Jahr will keine rechte Weihnachtsstimmung aufkommen, bis sie bei einem ganz besonderen Auftrag die Engel bemerkt, die überall sind ...
Meine Meinung:
Alleine schon das Cover ist so schön und weihnachtlich. Die Geschichte ist sehr berührend und wunderschön zu lesen. Der Schreibstil ist sehr angenehm und flüssig. Viola Shipman hat mich wunderbar unterhalten und sehr berührt.
Eine zauberhafte Erzählung für ein paar schöne Lesestunden.
Es wird nicht mein letztes Buch dieser Autorin sein.
November 15, 2025
Mehr Engel als Inhalt
Ich habe das Buch vor allem wegen des Covers gekauft. Es wirkt ruhig, verspielt und hat mich sofort angesprochen. Die Idee einer Weihnachtsnovelle ist grundsätzlich sehr süß und hätte viel Potenzial gehabt. Leider wurde mir das Thema Engel aber viel zu stark ausgeschlachtet. Kate sieht gefühlt an jeder Ecke Engel und die gesamte Geschichte dreht sich fast ausschließlich darum. Dadurch fehlte mir die Tiefe und ich konnte weder mit der Handlung noch mit den Figuren richtig warm werden.
Alles passiert sehr schnell, ohne dass man wirklich in die Geschichte hineinfindet.
Trotzdem: Für zwischendurch, wenn man etwas Leichtes und Unaufwändiges sucht, ist es okay. Für mich persönlich aber nur mittelmäßig.
Ich habe das Buch vor allem wegen des Covers gekauft. Es wirkt ruhig, verspielt und hat mich sofort angesprochen. Die Idee einer Weihnachtsnovelle ist grundsätzlich sehr süß und hätte viel Potenzial gehabt. Leider wurde mir das Thema Engel aber viel zu stark ausgeschlachtet. Kate sieht gefühlt an jeder Ecke Engel und die gesamte Geschichte dreht sich fast ausschließlich darum. Dadurch fehlte mir die Tiefe und ich konnte weder mit der Handlung noch mit den Figuren richtig warm werden.
Alles passiert sehr schnell, ohne dass man wirklich in die Geschichte hineinfindet.
Trotzdem: Für zwischendurch, wenn man etwas Leichtes und Unaufwändiges sucht, ist es okay. Für mich persönlich aber nur mittelmäßig.
December 12, 2018
Eine wunderbare Erzählung aus der Feder von Viola Shipman
Bewertung: 5 von 5 Sternen
Nachdem ich letztes Jahr den Debütroman der Autorin gelesen habe, freute ich mich umso mehr dieses Büchlein zum Nikolaus geschenkt zu bekommen.
Mir gefällt besonders der Aufbau der Geschichten rund um Erbstücke und den damit verknüpften Erinnerungen.
Auch hier erzählt Viola Shipman wieder eine wunderschöne Geschichte, über den Zauber der Weihnacht, Neuanfänge und Erinnerungen und letztlich über Engel.
Trotz des stolzen Preises für dieses kleine Büchlein, spreche ich eine absolute Leseempfehlung aus! Einfach wunderschön!
Bewertung: 5 von 5 Sternen
Nachdem ich letztes Jahr den Debütroman der Autorin gelesen habe, freute ich mich umso mehr dieses Büchlein zum Nikolaus geschenkt zu bekommen.
Mir gefällt besonders der Aufbau der Geschichten rund um Erbstücke und den damit verknüpften Erinnerungen.
Auch hier erzählt Viola Shipman wieder eine wunderschöne Geschichte, über den Zauber der Weihnacht, Neuanfänge und Erinnerungen und letztlich über Engel.
Trotz des stolzen Preises für dieses kleine Büchlein, spreche ich eine absolute Leseempfehlung aus! Einfach wunderschön!
November 3, 2021
Not my favourite Shipman, although it's also only my second book by her. I loved the idea of the main character being a holiday designer, and that she was learning to move on from a relationship. But I kind of wanted more from her. I also get that she was sad about the breakup - details were light on this - but I don't see it as being the same as someone losing their partner and the parent of their child no matter how people internalize their hurt. I also got left disappointed because the ending just kind of ended. I turned to the next page expecting more and found a teaser for another book. Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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