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Colors of Christmas: Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate the Hope of Christmas
Celebrate the joyful hope of the Christmas season as characters find healing in the midst of heartbreak.New from Olivia Newport! Christmas in Blue In the wake of a personal loss deeper than anyone realizes, Angela plans to bypass as much of the season as possible and get through her duties as the church organist by going on autopilot. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration. After a mysterious young man arrives, townspeople suspect he is the reason that one set of plans after another disintegrate until little is left of their traditions. Yet Angela warms to Gabe because she suspects they share a secret—his real reason for coming to town. Even when all they have to work with is a garish supply of blue Christmas decorations, Gabe helps Angela discover the hidden beauty of hope. Christmas in Gold After eighty years, change is nothing new for Astrid. By the time she was twenty, she survived the destructive Nazi regime, caring for her family under brutal circumstances, moving to America, and losing her husband. At forty she was widowed again and left to build a new life with her children. Now, when she faces a move into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up hope through tragedy one more time.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2017
493 people are currently reading
928 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Newport
58 books626 followersHello!
I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.
We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.
Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.
I’ve been married over 40 years and have two adult kids and a son-in-law. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.
I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.
We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.
Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.
I’ve been married over 40 years and have two adult kids and a son-in-law. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
July 9, 2018
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received an electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
It’s a little too soon to tell for certain, but after reading this two-story book, I think it’s safe to say that Olivia Newport has the potential to slip onto my favorite-authors list.
Christmas in Gold was adorable and featured an amazing eighty-year-old lead who was moving into an assisted-living facility. The author hooked me in early and never let me go from this charming and intriguing story. It quickly found its way onto my favorites list for this year.
Christmas in Blue was amazing in how it kept me guessing. There were so many surprises and twists along the way, none of which I saw coming. The creativity and originality the author displayed were stunning and had me grinning and crying for happiness. I especially loved the raw grief the lead experienced. It was so realistic, yet so was the incredible joy in the story. It was a beautiful journey that I know I’ll revisit many times.
This book was so good I will be purchasing a copy sometime soon to add to my keeper shelves. It’s just the type of Christmas book I enjoy.
Rating: 5 stars
It’s a little too soon to tell for certain, but after reading this two-story book, I think it’s safe to say that Olivia Newport has the potential to slip onto my favorite-authors list.
Christmas in Gold was adorable and featured an amazing eighty-year-old lead who was moving into an assisted-living facility. The author hooked me in early and never let me go from this charming and intriguing story. It quickly found its way onto my favorites list for this year.
Christmas in Blue was amazing in how it kept me guessing. There were so many surprises and twists along the way, none of which I saw coming. The creativity and originality the author displayed were stunning and had me grinning and crying for happiness. I especially loved the raw grief the lead experienced. It was so realistic, yet so was the incredible joy in the story. It was a beautiful journey that I know I’ll revisit many times.
This book was so good I will be purchasing a copy sometime soon to add to my keeper shelves. It’s just the type of Christmas book I enjoy.
Rating: 5 stars
November 18, 2019
I saw such a beautiful cover for this book then I saw it was one of my favorite authors. She writes such lovely historical and Amish fiction books. I have enjoyed all I've read by her. Olivia Newport is such a versatile author, she seamlessly has now authored a beautifully written contemporary fictional Christmas book. It was heartwarming and though in both stories there was adversity to overcome the spirit of Christmas was prevalent as people banded together to help each other. The first story was a bit of a time slip as well as the older main character reminisces of childhood Christmas times. 2 short Christmas stories I enjoyed immensely!
Pub Date 01 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date 01 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2017
Two inspiring stories set during Christmas with a message of hope and faith!
Both novellas feature older women coping with big changes in their lives, and dealing with loss or grief over the Christmas holiday season.
The first story includes some suspense and action involving a young single mom, adding a bit of excitement. The history in it also was interesting, as the older woman reminisces about growing up in war torn Germany during WW2. It was inspiring to read how she shared her story to show compassion, and to help the younger woman overcome her fear. Her faith was forged in a crucible of suffering, and she shares this with genuine friendship. A good example for all of us to reach out to others.
"Like the long ago people of Israel, we yearn to know hope once again."
The second story was tender with some inspirational moments as the main character deals with the loss of her long time friend over the busyness of Christmas, and regains her reason to celebrate. I enjoyed all of the musical references and the small town setting, something I could relate to. Dealing with depression around the holidays is also something many people experience. The uplifting conclusion to this story was worth the wait. "And hope, once lost, was found again."
Recommend to anyone looking for an inspiring holiday themed story.
(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.)
Both novellas feature older women coping with big changes in their lives, and dealing with loss or grief over the Christmas holiday season.
The first story includes some suspense and action involving a young single mom, adding a bit of excitement. The history in it also was interesting, as the older woman reminisces about growing up in war torn Germany during WW2. It was inspiring to read how she shared her story to show compassion, and to help the younger woman overcome her fear. Her faith was forged in a crucible of suffering, and she shares this with genuine friendship. A good example for all of us to reach out to others.
"Like the long ago people of Israel, we yearn to know hope once again."
The second story was tender with some inspirational moments as the main character deals with the loss of her long time friend over the busyness of Christmas, and regains her reason to celebrate. I enjoyed all of the musical references and the small town setting, something I could relate to. Dealing with depression around the holidays is also something many people experience. The uplifting conclusion to this story was worth the wait. "And hope, once lost, was found again."
Recommend to anyone looking for an inspiring holiday themed story.
(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.)
August 6, 2017
I enjoyed a lot of the Christmas in gold story. Assisted lo
Icing places hold a special place in my heart. But I felt we didn't get full closure, I seem to feel that way a lot with these shorter stories.
Christmas in blue, I am not able to finish, I have tired but it just isn't holding my interest and I am a little Leary that I will be disappointed in the ending as well.
Icing places hold a special place in my heart. But I felt we didn't get full closure, I seem to feel that way a lot with these shorter stories.
Christmas in blue, I am not able to finish, I have tired but it just isn't holding my interest and I am a little Leary that I will be disappointed in the ending as well.
October 26, 2017
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2xqXVT6
I loved Olivia Newport’s Colors of Christmas so much! This poignant two-novella collection is entertaining, touching, and spoke to my heart. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, it’s a story of hope, peace, and inner joy during the Christmas season when loss is magnified. In a season where many stories have a light, romantic flavor, I would use the term “real” to describe Colors of Christmas. Olivia Newport is an excellent writer of relationship drama, my favorite genre, and I enjoyed the stories of Astrid and Angela equally.
Each story had a personal connection for me as well. Astrid’s German heritage played an important part in Christmas in Gold, and getting to know a lot about Germany during my daughter’s eight years of campus ministry there made Astrid’s experience special. In Christmas in Blue, Angela is a piano teacher, church organist, and choir director – making me want to say, “been there, done that”! So both of these stories resonated in a special way.
Loss is something that touches all of us sooner or later, whether it be the loss of someone close (Angela) or loss of personal independence (Astrid). A fall results in Astrid moving into an assisted living facility, and loss of a best friend leaves Angela wanting little to do with the town’s Christmas program … “The last thing she wanted to do in her grief was try to match what Carole had done in her joy.” But don’t think for a moment that Colors of Christmas is a depressing book, as it’s anything but that. For me, its strength is gently encouraging us to look outward (and upward) instead of inward.
I’m always amazed at how God works by bringing the people we need into our lives at just the right moment, and this is reflected beautifully in these stories. I especially enjoyed Astrid’s connection with Carly and son Tyler, and that of Angela with her piano student, Brian.
The overall theme of Colors of Christmas is best reflected in Martin’s words reminding us that it’s all about remembering to go to Bethlehem … “not to dwell on what we have lost but on what God has given.”
If you’re trying to decide what Christmas-themed books to try this season, I encourage you to pick up Colors of Christmas. Highly recommended. 5 stars because it touched me so much.
I was provided a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I loved Olivia Newport’s Colors of Christmas so much! This poignant two-novella collection is entertaining, touching, and spoke to my heart. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, it’s a story of hope, peace, and inner joy during the Christmas season when loss is magnified. In a season where many stories have a light, romantic flavor, I would use the term “real” to describe Colors of Christmas. Olivia Newport is an excellent writer of relationship drama, my favorite genre, and I enjoyed the stories of Astrid and Angela equally.
Each story had a personal connection for me as well. Astrid’s German heritage played an important part in Christmas in Gold, and getting to know a lot about Germany during my daughter’s eight years of campus ministry there made Astrid’s experience special. In Christmas in Blue, Angela is a piano teacher, church organist, and choir director – making me want to say, “been there, done that”! So both of these stories resonated in a special way.
Loss is something that touches all of us sooner or later, whether it be the loss of someone close (Angela) or loss of personal independence (Astrid). A fall results in Astrid moving into an assisted living facility, and loss of a best friend leaves Angela wanting little to do with the town’s Christmas program … “The last thing she wanted to do in her grief was try to match what Carole had done in her joy.” But don’t think for a moment that Colors of Christmas is a depressing book, as it’s anything but that. For me, its strength is gently encouraging us to look outward (and upward) instead of inward.
I’m always amazed at how God works by bringing the people we need into our lives at just the right moment, and this is reflected beautifully in these stories. I especially enjoyed Astrid’s connection with Carly and son Tyler, and that of Angela with her piano student, Brian.
The overall theme of Colors of Christmas is best reflected in Martin’s words reminding us that it’s all about remembering to go to Bethlehem … “not to dwell on what we have lost but on what God has given.”
If you’re trying to decide what Christmas-themed books to try this season, I encourage you to pick up Colors of Christmas. Highly recommended. 5 stars because it touched me so much.
I was provided a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
October 4, 2017
Two novellas and both have you getting excited for Christmas. Of the two my favorite was the first one Christmas in Gold. Newport has out done herself with this one. Both are stories of hope and that is what we need more of.
This is a feel good read and you are going to want to read it each year as you get ready for Christmas. You will feel at home with the characters.
I gave the book 4 stars. I call this book the stories of HOPE.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own
This is a feel good read and you are going to want to read it each year as you get ready for Christmas. You will feel at home with the characters.
I gave the book 4 stars. I call this book the stories of HOPE.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own
December 22, 2019
I loved both of these stories. They were just what I needed.
Want to read
November 25, 2020I’ve read this book before and it is brilliant. I love how Olivia Newport thinks outside the box and wrote 2 Christmas stories that have nothing to do with romance. Kudos to her!
December 5, 2021
Well written stories and good characters. However, I know that Carly still has troubles ahead of her. That story didn’t resolve her issue and will she still move on or stay?
April 1, 2018
Christmas in Blue
In the wake of a personal loss deeper than anyone realizes, Angela plans to bypass as much of the season as possible and get through her duties as the church organist by going on autopilot. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration. After a mysterious young man arrives, townspeople suspect he is the reason that one set of plans after another disintegrate until little is left of their traditions. Yet Angela warms to Gabe because she suspects they share a secret—his real reason for coming to town. Even when all they have to work with is a garish supply of blue Christmas decorations, Gabe helps Angela discover the hidden beauty of hope.
My thoughts: Since Christmas in Gold is actually the first story in this book, I went into CHRISTMAS IN BLUE expecting women's fiction and not a romance and that is what it was. Women's fiction. I have read some reviews on this book earlier, trying to decide if I wanted to buy it or not and some commented how much they hated the second story. I LOVED IT. Yes, it was a bit slow and yes, it did start with a death and someone depressed, but it showed how one could overcome obstacles in the most unexpected ways if they are open to them. This was actually my favorite of the two stories in this book.
Christmas in Gold
After eighty years, change is nothing new for Astrid. By the time she was twenty, she survived the destructive Nazi regime, caring for her family under brutal circumstances, moving to America, and losing her husband. At forty she was widowed again and left to build a new life with her children. Now, when she faces a move into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up hope through tragedy one more time.
My thoughts: CHRISTMAS IN GOLD is a sweet novella about an eighty year old woman with memories and hope and a thirty year old therapist who has no hope. It was a good story and I enjoyed reliving Astrid's memories and her overtures of friendship with Carly, but it felt unfinished. Astrid's Christmas was sweet, but Carly's story is unfinished. I would've liked to have her story developed more and wrapped up for a HEA. This is not a romance, though, but women's fiction and rules are different. There is no romance in the story.
My overall thoughts: I enjoyed this collection of two novellas by Olivia Newport and recommend them to anyone who needs hope, likes women's fiction or loves Christmas stories.
I was given a copy by a friend (not the publisher or the author) and all opinions are my own.
December 16, 2017
Title: Colors of Christmas
Author: Olivia Newport
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Colors of Christmas" Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate The Hope of Christmas By Olivia Newport
My Thoughts....
Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate The Hope of Christmas:
Christmas in Gold
What a story that had me in tears...What will happen when a older woman [Astrid] falls and breaks her ankle. Then her family wants to put her in an assistant living facility. Wow, what a family! You will just have to pick this one up to see how it will all come out as she meets a Physical Therapist named Carly.
Then next we have....
Christmas in Blue
This was such a wonderful contemporary heartwarming story of 'love, loss and the beauty of family and friends.' What will happen as a mysterious stranger [Gabe] appears in town to help Angela. How will this take a turn and instead of dread there will be 'joy and tenderness in Angela's heart' for this holiday.
Both of these stories are well written and will contain a message that is only for the reader to receive. I found these stories tender, so endearing and hopefully one hearts will be lifted for this Christmas holiday season from the read. I was left to be reminded to be 'thankful and never take anything for granted.'
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2018
You can probably tell which colors are the focuses of the two novellas by the cover, yes gold and blue. Two entirely different reads, but both heart warming and timely, Christmas love, and not romantic, but loving.
The author places us in two time periods in the first story, the golden years, and her youth, but the time period of the first is a time that most would want to forget. You don’t often think of the enemy and how they are living, but are they the enemy, or innocent by standers, and from that perspective we see a great deal of suffering. Yes, we walk in Astrid’s shoes through the eyes of this story, and you will soon want to get out of the shoes, but all that happens to her has made her love God all the more. This one kept me page-turning, but seem to end to soon.
The second is also about loss and trying to move on, and you are going to love the dog. Again the author has shows us that all lives are not rosy, but putting your faith first and moving on. We also meet a new comer to the town, and at first you are going to wonder what he is doing there. Yes, some are very leery, but you are in for some awesome surprises, even when it seems that nothing more could go wrong, guess what!
Enjoy these different, but meaningful Christmas reads.
I received this book through Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
The author places us in two time periods in the first story, the golden years, and her youth, but the time period of the first is a time that most would want to forget. You don’t often think of the enemy and how they are living, but are they the enemy, or innocent by standers, and from that perspective we see a great deal of suffering. Yes, we walk in Astrid’s shoes through the eyes of this story, and you will soon want to get out of the shoes, but all that happens to her has made her love God all the more. This one kept me page-turning, but seem to end to soon.
The second is also about loss and trying to move on, and you are going to love the dog. Again the author has shows us that all lives are not rosy, but putting your faith first and moving on. We also meet a new comer to the town, and at first you are going to wonder what he is doing there. Yes, some are very leery, but you are in for some awesome surprises, even when it seems that nothing more could go wrong, guess what!
Enjoy these different, but meaningful Christmas reads.
I received this book through Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 19, 2021
A stirring duet of Christmas hope.
Both stories start out with a melancholy air as our two heroines face challenging circumstances. Both are a bit reluctant over the upcoming holidays as they grapple with life changes. It's when they manage to look beyond their own situations that the Christmas magic starts to happen.
In Christmas In Gold, Astrid is recovering from a fall and newly moved into an assisted living community. The adjustment isn't easy and brings up difficult memories from her past. Her backstory is heartbreaking and inspiring. Loved slipping back in time with her! But it's her present day resolve to reach out to a young women in need that sparks vitality back into her life. Astrid is an example of how the Lord can use us no matter our age or circumstance.
In Christmas in Blue, Angela is reluctantly dragging her heels into the holiday season after suffering a personal loss. She just wants to get Christmas over and done with. Blink and have it Jan 1 so she can breathe a sigh of relief. And then she's drafted into organizing the town's annual (and much loved) Christmas celebration. Bah humbug! She's going through the motions, facing one disaster after another until a visiting stranger and a multiple of unlikely helpers create the most magical Christmas ever.
Two heartwarming and soul-cheering Christmas novellas.
Both stories start out with a melancholy air as our two heroines face challenging circumstances. Both are a bit reluctant over the upcoming holidays as they grapple with life changes. It's when they manage to look beyond their own situations that the Christmas magic starts to happen.
In Christmas In Gold, Astrid is recovering from a fall and newly moved into an assisted living community. The adjustment isn't easy and brings up difficult memories from her past. Her backstory is heartbreaking and inspiring. Loved slipping back in time with her! But it's her present day resolve to reach out to a young women in need that sparks vitality back into her life. Astrid is an example of how the Lord can use us no matter our age or circumstance.
In Christmas in Blue, Angela is reluctantly dragging her heels into the holiday season after suffering a personal loss. She just wants to get Christmas over and done with. Blink and have it Jan 1 so she can breathe a sigh of relief. And then she's drafted into organizing the town's annual (and much loved) Christmas celebration. Bah humbug! She's going through the motions, facing one disaster after another until a visiting stranger and a multiple of unlikely helpers create the most magical Christmas ever.
Two heartwarming and soul-cheering Christmas novellas.
October 1, 2017
Christmas is a time of joy but at some point in everyone's life, it is a time of remembering happier times especially after a change of circumstances. It can be a sad time after the passing of a loved one or ending of a relationship. Olivia Newport has written two stories of people who are at such a time in their lives where this time of change and loss has made this first Christmas a little different for them.
But yet hope remains in the spirit of the Christmas season, a time to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, Savior of the world.
Christmas In Gold is the story of Astrid, an eighty plus year old woman of independence living alone in her own large home. She is used to having her family visit her in her home at Christmas but this year is different. She took a fall down her stairs and broke her ankle and lower leg. Her children have decided it is time for her to move to a retirement and it is just before Christmas. Reluctantly, she agreed. Her physical therapist, Carly, is a troubled young woman that she feels drawn to help as she adjusts to her new life if only Carly will allow her. Astrid shares the story of her life growing up in Germany during Hitler's regime--how hard it was on her and her family. After moving to the US with her first husband and his passing, she lived through the loss of her second husband. Yet, her faith has kept her focus on God. Even this year of change, there is hope that she wants to share with Carly.
In Christmas In Blue, we meet Angela, who is mourning for the loss of her best friend, Carole. Angela is a piano teacher, choir director and organist at her church. Her husband died twenty five years ago and Carole helped her deal with her loss. Carole was a lover of Christmas and organized a festival in their small town. Angela wants Christmas to come and go with very little participation on her part but that is not the case when the committee for the town festivities dumps the event into her lap to organize and make happen. Problems occur at every corner. Nothing is going right and Angela can't see a solution to the problem but help comes from any unexpected source. This is another story of hope and faith during the season of Christmas.
Olivia Newport has written this collection that is a wonderful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas even when circumstances are different or we have disappointments beyond our control. It is a great read anytime but especially during the holiday season.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
But yet hope remains in the spirit of the Christmas season, a time to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, Savior of the world.
Christmas In Gold is the story of Astrid, an eighty plus year old woman of independence living alone in her own large home. She is used to having her family visit her in her home at Christmas but this year is different. She took a fall down her stairs and broke her ankle and lower leg. Her children have decided it is time for her to move to a retirement and it is just before Christmas. Reluctantly, she agreed. Her physical therapist, Carly, is a troubled young woman that she feels drawn to help as she adjusts to her new life if only Carly will allow her. Astrid shares the story of her life growing up in Germany during Hitler's regime--how hard it was on her and her family. After moving to the US with her first husband and his passing, she lived through the loss of her second husband. Yet, her faith has kept her focus on God. Even this year of change, there is hope that she wants to share with Carly.
In Christmas In Blue, we meet Angela, who is mourning for the loss of her best friend, Carole. Angela is a piano teacher, choir director and organist at her church. Her husband died twenty five years ago and Carole helped her deal with her loss. Carole was a lover of Christmas and organized a festival in their small town. Angela wants Christmas to come and go with very little participation on her part but that is not the case when the committee for the town festivities dumps the event into her lap to organize and make happen. Problems occur at every corner. Nothing is going right and Angela can't see a solution to the problem but help comes from any unexpected source. This is another story of hope and faith during the season of Christmas.
Olivia Newport has written this collection that is a wonderful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas even when circumstances are different or we have disappointments beyond our control. It is a great read anytime but especially during the holiday season.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2017
Olivia Newport’s book Colors of Christmas consists of two shorter stories about women who are facing difficult life changes during the Christmas season and learn to find joy in the midst of those difficult times.
In Christmas in Gold, (my personal favorite), we have Astrid an 80 year old woman who is moving from the home she has lived in for many years to an assisted living apartment due to a fall she had in which she now requires physical therapy. I could feel her emotions of inadequacy and loss of freedom as she lets her children, who love her yet are busy with their own lives, convince her that this move is for the best. As she settles in she begins to meet new people and discovers new friends. But along with the new experiences, she begins recalling the times of fearfulness and unknown when she was younger and lived in Nazi occupied Germany. The author expertly wove this backstory into the current timeline at certain memorable points and I enjoyed learning more about Astrid and her young life.
Clara is Astrid’s physical therapist and she has her own story that sent chills up and down my spine due to the creepiness of the situation and I don’t want to give anything else away about that. I really enjoyed all the intricacies of all the plot lines that the author wove together to keep me on the edge of my seat, not only with Astrid’s new situation and her past but with Clara’s desperate circumstances.
Christmas in Blue introduces us to Angela a widow and piano teacher who is still in mourning for her best friend Carol who loved Christmas and the season and brought that love to the town in celebration. Angela felt, sometimes like we all do, like just forgetting the whole season and staying home with her dog, a nice hot cup of something, and reading a book. Basically hiding from the world. I completely understood. However, Angela does not get what she wants but what she needs. Instead of hiding from the world, she gets a bombshell dropped on her: she is put in charge of the town’s festivities.
I liked how the author took situations that are less than idea for celebrating and brought her characters back to the simple truths that Christmas offers and those simple truths trump grief, loss, fearfulness, etc.
I was provided a copy of the novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. So if you are looking for a little bit of a different Christmas read this coming season, I recommend these stories.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
In Christmas in Gold, (my personal favorite), we have Astrid an 80 year old woman who is moving from the home she has lived in for many years to an assisted living apartment due to a fall she had in which she now requires physical therapy. I could feel her emotions of inadequacy and loss of freedom as she lets her children, who love her yet are busy with their own lives, convince her that this move is for the best. As she settles in she begins to meet new people and discovers new friends. But along with the new experiences, she begins recalling the times of fearfulness and unknown when she was younger and lived in Nazi occupied Germany. The author expertly wove this backstory into the current timeline at certain memorable points and I enjoyed learning more about Astrid and her young life.
Clara is Astrid’s physical therapist and she has her own story that sent chills up and down my spine due to the creepiness of the situation and I don’t want to give anything else away about that. I really enjoyed all the intricacies of all the plot lines that the author wove together to keep me on the edge of my seat, not only with Astrid’s new situation and her past but with Clara’s desperate circumstances.
Christmas in Blue introduces us to Angela a widow and piano teacher who is still in mourning for her best friend Carol who loved Christmas and the season and brought that love to the town in celebration. Angela felt, sometimes like we all do, like just forgetting the whole season and staying home with her dog, a nice hot cup of something, and reading a book. Basically hiding from the world. I completely understood. However, Angela does not get what she wants but what she needs. Instead of hiding from the world, she gets a bombshell dropped on her: she is put in charge of the town’s festivities.
I liked how the author took situations that are less than idea for celebrating and brought her characters back to the simple truths that Christmas offers and those simple truths trump grief, loss, fearfulness, etc.
I was provided a copy of the novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. So if you are looking for a little bit of a different Christmas read this coming season, I recommend these stories.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
October 31, 2017
Two beautiful contemporary Christmas stories showing the true meaning of Christmas filled with hope, joy, peace and love regardless of the colors used to decorate. Each story had a prominent color as indicated by their titles with each story having endearing characters facing challenges at Christmas time.
Christmas in Gold was told in a time slip as the elderly character, Astrid, retold her memories of living in Germany and experiencing the war with her young therapist. The beautiful connection of the past and the present to bring forth renewed hope and peace even during the time of loss and relocation. Astrid’s focus on the true meaning of Christmas with the little Lord Jesus bringing hope to the world despite one’s situation brought new life and purpose into lives during the most beautiful time of the year, Christmas.
Christmas in Blue was crafted with Angela grieving the loss of her longtime friend and feeling oppressed with Christmas approaching. After all, Carole her closest friend, had been the primary organizer and brain of the town’s Christmas. With unanticipated things happening to stored decorations, individuals being hurt, others shuffling their responsiblities to another will Spruce Valley’s traditional Christmas be celebrated? Angela struggled with her feelings until a special someone came along who had a connection to Carole. Christmas in Blue gave new meaning to what Christmas truly was about—grief can be celebrated during the brightest celebration of the year.
I appreciated the way Olivia Newport wrote these novelettes to bring out the beauty of Christmas, celebrating Emmanuel who came to bring hope, new life filled with peace, joy and love despite the losses of material things or losing loved ones to the grave. I look forward to reading more books by Newport in the future as the lives of her characters will remain with you when you’ve closed the book.
I received an ARC copy of Colors of Christmas from the author, Celebrate Lit and the publisher as part of Newport’s tour with Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my honest thoughts.
Christmas in Gold was told in a time slip as the elderly character, Astrid, retold her memories of living in Germany and experiencing the war with her young therapist. The beautiful connection of the past and the present to bring forth renewed hope and peace even during the time of loss and relocation. Astrid’s focus on the true meaning of Christmas with the little Lord Jesus bringing hope to the world despite one’s situation brought new life and purpose into lives during the most beautiful time of the year, Christmas.
Christmas in Blue was crafted with Angela grieving the loss of her longtime friend and feeling oppressed with Christmas approaching. After all, Carole her closest friend, had been the primary organizer and brain of the town’s Christmas. With unanticipated things happening to stored decorations, individuals being hurt, others shuffling their responsiblities to another will Spruce Valley’s traditional Christmas be celebrated? Angela struggled with her feelings until a special someone came along who had a connection to Carole. Christmas in Blue gave new meaning to what Christmas truly was about—grief can be celebrated during the brightest celebration of the year.
I appreciated the way Olivia Newport wrote these novelettes to bring out the beauty of Christmas, celebrating Emmanuel who came to bring hope, new life filled with peace, joy and love despite the losses of material things or losing loved ones to the grave. I look forward to reading more books by Newport in the future as the lives of her characters will remain with you when you’ve closed the book.
I received an ARC copy of Colors of Christmas from the author, Celebrate Lit and the publisher as part of Newport’s tour with Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my honest thoughts.
October 30, 2017
Colors of Christmas is sweet and heartwarming and everything lovely about Christmas.
“Christmas in Gold” is a compelling story about an elderly woman who has survived the unthinkable – more than once – and is now adjusting to life (and Christmas) in an assisted living home. But it’s not a ‘lonely old lady story that will make you feel depressed’; instead it’s an emotional story about one woman who chooses to reach out to another with her story of survival and love and loss. I really loved this story – it tugs at the heart and makes your heart feel all warm and Christmasy.
“Christmas in Blue” would make a great Hallmark Christmas movie. A frazzled & grieving woman suddenly in charge of the town’s Christmas celebration, with not a lot of time to spare and of course nothing goes as planned. A colorful cast of characters peppers the story, and a tender message of faith and restoration and resting in God wraps around the plot like a cozy blanket. While it doesn’t pack quite the same emotional punch as “Christmas in Gold”, if read as its own unique and separate novella it is just as sweet and heartwarming.
Bottom Line: If you’re tired of Hallmark Christmas movie reruns (I know… I just crossed a line.) and you’re looking for a sweet, cozy Christmas read instead, Colors of Christmas is the book for you! Two heartwarming stories with themes of faith, friendship, family and holiday spirit, as well as compelling characters and Olivia Newport’s gentle writing voice, make this a must-read for the Christmas season every year.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
“Christmas in Gold” is a compelling story about an elderly woman who has survived the unthinkable – more than once – and is now adjusting to life (and Christmas) in an assisted living home. But it’s not a ‘lonely old lady story that will make you feel depressed’; instead it’s an emotional story about one woman who chooses to reach out to another with her story of survival and love and loss. I really loved this story – it tugs at the heart and makes your heart feel all warm and Christmasy.
“Christmas in Blue” would make a great Hallmark Christmas movie. A frazzled & grieving woman suddenly in charge of the town’s Christmas celebration, with not a lot of time to spare and of course nothing goes as planned. A colorful cast of characters peppers the story, and a tender message of faith and restoration and resting in God wraps around the plot like a cozy blanket. While it doesn’t pack quite the same emotional punch as “Christmas in Gold”, if read as its own unique and separate novella it is just as sweet and heartwarming.
Bottom Line: If you’re tired of Hallmark Christmas movie reruns (I know… I just crossed a line.) and you’re looking for a sweet, cozy Christmas read instead, Colors of Christmas is the book for you! Two heartwarming stories with themes of faith, friendship, family and holiday spirit, as well as compelling characters and Olivia Newport’s gentle writing voice, make this a must-read for the Christmas season every year.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 3, 2019
Colors of Christmas is a two-story-in-one book by Olivia Newport that will help get you in the holiday mood. It is a light, quick read that seemed rather rushed to me in places, as if the author was in a hurry to finish it under deadline or something. If you don't have time for deep reading this holiday season, this sweet book might be something you would enjoy.
The first story is called Christmas in Gold, which tells the story of Astrid, an elderly German woman who is admitted to an assisted living facility named Sycamore Hills after a fall at her home. This Christmas everything will be different for Astrid and her family as she struggles with the loss of her home and her freedom. She reflects back often on her childhood during WWII and where the 'gold' part of the story comes from, the gold ornaments from when she was little and have been carried with her throughout her lifetime. Astrid meets physical therapist Carly who seems to be hiding something, it is later revealed she is being stalked by a past boyfriend who couldn't take no for an answer.
Christmas in Blue is the story of Angela who just wants to hide until the holidays are over but instead finds herself nominated to be in charge of her small town's Christmas celebration. Angela's best friend Carole had been a huge lover of everything Christmas but had passed away, leaving her position open with no one else wanting to take over. As Angela, the church' choir director, struggles to step into Carole's shoes and make the celebration a memorable one for the citizens of their town, she finds that everything is going wrong. Under pressure as the date looms over her head (only eight days to pull it all together!), a stranger shows up in town who helps save the day. Can blue really be a color for Christmas?
I enjoyed Christmas in Gold more than Blue, Astrid was a sympathetic character for me but I didn't quite connect with Carly though. I felt the story was left unfinished, what happened to her budding romance with the head cook for the nursing home Sam? Did Astrid spend any time on Christmas with her family? I felt like an outsider looking in reading this book instead of really getting caught up in the stories. This is a Christian book with lots of references to God, Bible verses and hymns, and has themes of faith, hope, and love. All-in-all an enjoyable read.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."
The first story is called Christmas in Gold, which tells the story of Astrid, an elderly German woman who is admitted to an assisted living facility named Sycamore Hills after a fall at her home. This Christmas everything will be different for Astrid and her family as she struggles with the loss of her home and her freedom. She reflects back often on her childhood during WWII and where the 'gold' part of the story comes from, the gold ornaments from when she was little and have been carried with her throughout her lifetime. Astrid meets physical therapist Carly who seems to be hiding something, it is later revealed she is being stalked by a past boyfriend who couldn't take no for an answer.
Christmas in Blue is the story of Angela who just wants to hide until the holidays are over but instead finds herself nominated to be in charge of her small town's Christmas celebration. Angela's best friend Carole had been a huge lover of everything Christmas but had passed away, leaving her position open with no one else wanting to take over. As Angela, the church' choir director, struggles to step into Carole's shoes and make the celebration a memorable one for the citizens of their town, she finds that everything is going wrong. Under pressure as the date looms over her head (only eight days to pull it all together!), a stranger shows up in town who helps save the day. Can blue really be a color for Christmas?
I enjoyed Christmas in Gold more than Blue, Astrid was a sympathetic character for me but I didn't quite connect with Carly though. I felt the story was left unfinished, what happened to her budding romance with the head cook for the nursing home Sam? Did Astrid spend any time on Christmas with her family? I felt like an outsider looking in reading this book instead of really getting caught up in the stories. This is a Christian book with lots of references to God, Bible verses and hymns, and has themes of faith, hope, and love. All-in-all an enjoyable read.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."
October 8, 2017
Colors Of Christmas ( Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate The Hope of Christmas)
By: Olivia Newport
Christmas in Gold
This was a sweet story and it tugged at my heart. An older woman falls and broke her ankle so her family thinks she would be better off to move to an assistant living facility. She has a lot to adjust to. I felt tears in my eyes while reading Christmas in Gold.
Christmas in Blue
This was another touching story. A beautiful Contemporary story. Trying to find hope after a loss. This was also a very heart warming story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that Im had to give a positive review.
By: Olivia Newport
Christmas in Gold
This was a sweet story and it tugged at my heart. An older woman falls and broke her ankle so her family thinks she would be better off to move to an assistant living facility. She has a lot to adjust to. I felt tears in my eyes while reading Christmas in Gold.
Christmas in Blue
This was another touching story. A beautiful Contemporary story. Trying to find hope after a loss. This was also a very heart warming story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that Im had to give a positive review.
December 17, 2017
Lacks closure
I read only one of the two stories for this double-offering, as the first one ended too soon for me, without a solid sense of closure. (Spoiler alert) The main character brings a troubled young woman to a Christmas Eve service, which is apparently supposed to mean all will be set right in her life, now. I like the author’s writing style, but would love to see a fuller treatment of the otherwise well-developed characters.
I read only one of the two stories for this double-offering, as the first one ended too soon for me, without a solid sense of closure. (Spoiler alert) The main character brings a troubled young woman to a Christmas Eve service, which is apparently supposed to mean all will be set right in her life, now. I like the author’s writing style, but would love to see a fuller treatment of the otherwise well-developed characters.
December 13, 2021
the first story did too much and the second story bored me
October 24, 2017
Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport contains two inspirational Christmas stories. Christmas in Gold stars Astrid who recently suffered a fall in her home causes her to break her ankle. It was all her children needed to force her move into Sycamore Hills Community Living. Carly is Astrid’s physical therapist at Sycamore Hills. She has been having a challenging time since Truman started harassing her. As time passes, Astrid tells Carly the story of her life in Germany during the war and what she experienced after immigrating to America. Astrid’s strong character and perseverance give Carly hope and strength. Is there a chance for a happily ever after in Carly’s future? Will Astrid adjust to her new living arrangement?
Christmas in Blue is the second story starring piano teacher, Angela Carter. Angela lives in Spruce Valley and she is lacking the Christmas spirit this year. Her best friend, Carole passed away earlier in the year and it has left Angela feeling very blue. Angela is late to A Christmas to Remember committee meeting and finds herself in charge of the whole events with only eight days to go. A Christmas to Remember was Carole’s baby and the last thing Angela wants to do is take it over. She soon discovers that the event seems to be doomed from the start with one catastrophe after another. There is a stranger in town that stands out to the locals and they blame him for problems plaguing their celebration. Angela, though, is happy to see Gabe despite what brought him to town. Gabe provides Angela with hope and inspiration. Will Angela be able to pull of A Christmas to Remember? Why is Gabe in Spruce Valley?
Colors of Christmas is well-written and easy to read. I liked the characters, setting, and the Christian elements/lessons. Astrid was a woman who had endured much hardship, but she had such a strong faith in God. It was inspiring and heartening. Christmas in Blue deals with depression which is common for many people during the Christmas season. I liked the uplifting ending. Some of the Christian messages or themes were faith, trust in God, hope, acceptance, courage, and perseverance. I give Colors of Christmas 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). My favorite story was Christmas in Gold. It had more depth and such a heartwarming conclusion. Colors of Christmas contains two lovely, inspirational stories. They show that Christmas is not about presents, but about helping people and honoring the one person who sacrificed everything for His believers.
Christmas in Blue is the second story starring piano teacher, Angela Carter. Angela lives in Spruce Valley and she is lacking the Christmas spirit this year. Her best friend, Carole passed away earlier in the year and it has left Angela feeling very blue. Angela is late to A Christmas to Remember committee meeting and finds herself in charge of the whole events with only eight days to go. A Christmas to Remember was Carole’s baby and the last thing Angela wants to do is take it over. She soon discovers that the event seems to be doomed from the start with one catastrophe after another. There is a stranger in town that stands out to the locals and they blame him for problems plaguing their celebration. Angela, though, is happy to see Gabe despite what brought him to town. Gabe provides Angela with hope and inspiration. Will Angela be able to pull of A Christmas to Remember? Why is Gabe in Spruce Valley?
Colors of Christmas is well-written and easy to read. I liked the characters, setting, and the Christian elements/lessons. Astrid was a woman who had endured much hardship, but she had such a strong faith in God. It was inspiring and heartening. Christmas in Blue deals with depression which is common for many people during the Christmas season. I liked the uplifting ending. Some of the Christian messages or themes were faith, trust in God, hope, acceptance, courage, and perseverance. I give Colors of Christmas 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). My favorite story was Christmas in Gold. It had more depth and such a heartwarming conclusion. Colors of Christmas contains two lovely, inspirational stories. They show that Christmas is not about presents, but about helping people and honoring the one person who sacrificed everything for His believers.
November 9, 2017
Colors of Christmas is a book of two contemporary stories by Olivia Newport. These are not your typical Christmas stories with everything going perfect. These are stories of loss and dealing with those loses at a time when one is expected to be in the Christmas spirit.
Christmas in Gold is a story of an elderly lady, Astrid, who has fallen and her children now feel it is best for her to be in an assisted living facility. As Astrid is making the adjustments, she is remembering Christmas of her past as a child in war-torn Germany. A tree in the facility has been decorated in gold. Astrid has kept three gold ornaments since finding them in her father's destroyed building in Germany. Now she is looking through all her boxes to try to find these ornaments. Her Christmas plans are also being threatened when her son is stuck out of town on business and her granddaughter becomes ill.
Christmas in Blue is the story of Angela who does not want to celebrate Christmas. Her friend use to take care of decorating the town and eight days before Christmas, Angela is informed she is doing it this year. It seems like everything that can go wrong does. The candles are set on a heater and melt together and she can only get blue ones. The lanterns have been cut wrong and she cannot get any more. The storage area where the decorations have been kept has an undetected water leak and all the decorations are ruined. She is left turning to a young boy and a stranger in town to help her bring Christmas to this town.
I really enjoyed this book. I like how the author focused on the loss at Christmas. In these stories, Astrid is dealing with the loss of her home and freedom to do what she wants when she wants. For Angela, it is the loss of a very close friend. This story really spoke to me. Christmas after losing someone you love is really hard. As well as spending Christmas alone when the children have grown and moved away. Even though this is not a cheery Christmas story, it is a realistic one. I think this book will be enjoyed by many.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Christmas in Gold is a story of an elderly lady, Astrid, who has fallen and her children now feel it is best for her to be in an assisted living facility. As Astrid is making the adjustments, she is remembering Christmas of her past as a child in war-torn Germany. A tree in the facility has been decorated in gold. Astrid has kept three gold ornaments since finding them in her father's destroyed building in Germany. Now she is looking through all her boxes to try to find these ornaments. Her Christmas plans are also being threatened when her son is stuck out of town on business and her granddaughter becomes ill.
Christmas in Blue is the story of Angela who does not want to celebrate Christmas. Her friend use to take care of decorating the town and eight days before Christmas, Angela is informed she is doing it this year. It seems like everything that can go wrong does. The candles are set on a heater and melt together and she can only get blue ones. The lanterns have been cut wrong and she cannot get any more. The storage area where the decorations have been kept has an undetected water leak and all the decorations are ruined. She is left turning to a young boy and a stranger in town to help her bring Christmas to this town.
I really enjoyed this book. I like how the author focused on the loss at Christmas. In these stories, Astrid is dealing with the loss of her home and freedom to do what she wants when she wants. For Angela, it is the loss of a very close friend. This story really spoke to me. Christmas after losing someone you love is really hard. As well as spending Christmas alone when the children have grown and moved away. Even though this is not a cheery Christmas story, it is a realistic one. I think this book will be enjoyed by many.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
December 7, 2020
This was an excellent set of 2 Christmas stories. Because it's 2020 (need I say more), I've been indulging in the Christmas stories that I've had on my kindle for several years. And while I've enjoyed the lighthearted fare (after all, that's what Christmas stories generally are....), I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed these stories in spite of the fact that they are not the typical lighthearted stories that surround a Christmas romance. Both of these stories speak to hope found in Christ during seasons of loss. These were stories that are very much needed this year as more than anything, we need to remember the hope that we have in Jesus.
The first story follows Astrid, an 80 year old who is moving to a senior community after falling in her home while she was there alone. Her new physical therapist is dealing with some personal struggles and Astrid tells her story of growing up in Germany during WWII, tales of love and loss and the faith that she found through it all, in order to offer hope to her new young friend. Not only was her story a unique historical perspective, but it was a beautiful story of hope.
The second story follows Angela who is facing her first Christmas without her best friend who personified the season. When Angela is tasked with taking over the town's Christmas celebration, she is tempted to catch a plane to the nearest beach and hide away for the season, particularly when everything that could go wrong, does. But, when a special visitor comes to town, Angela finds her hope again and has quite an enjoyable Christmas.
Both stories were beautifully written and while they weren't the standard lighthearted Christmas stories, they were also not heavy. I closed the final chapter feeling that this is what Christmas should actually feel like. This set is one I'd highly recommend to all!
The first story follows Astrid, an 80 year old who is moving to a senior community after falling in her home while she was there alone. Her new physical therapist is dealing with some personal struggles and Astrid tells her story of growing up in Germany during WWII, tales of love and loss and the faith that she found through it all, in order to offer hope to her new young friend. Not only was her story a unique historical perspective, but it was a beautiful story of hope.
The second story follows Angela who is facing her first Christmas without her best friend who personified the season. When Angela is tasked with taking over the town's Christmas celebration, she is tempted to catch a plane to the nearest beach and hide away for the season, particularly when everything that could go wrong, does. But, when a special visitor comes to town, Angela finds her hope again and has quite an enjoyable Christmas.
Both stories were beautifully written and while they weren't the standard lighthearted Christmas stories, they were also not heavy. I closed the final chapter feeling that this is what Christmas should actually feel like. This set is one I'd highly recommend to all!
November 7, 2017
I am a sucker for Christmas books, and have way more than I could possibly read during one Christmas season.... but that doesn't stop me from reading and reviewing new ones that come out each year.
This is the first Christmas book I have read and/or reviewed this year. It is also the first book I have read by this author. Christmas books often revolve around romance, but neither of the two stories in this book do, though there is a hint of a possible romance in the first story.
I did enjoy both stories. It was neat the way the author brought the color gold into the first story, and the color blue into the first. Each story deals with a different type of loss, and the main character in each story has new challenges thrown her way. Newport not only came up with an endearing plot for both stories, but also endearing and likable characters. I liked Christmas In Blue better than Christmas In Gold. I thought the plot was better, and there were a lot more characters that made you want to like them and experience Christmas the way they were experiencing it. And that is not to say I didn't like Christmas In Gold.... I did. Both stories show the hope and magic of the Christmas season.
I don't know if the author has previously written any Christmas books, but this is one she can be proud of and is one I recommend to other lovers of a good Christmas story.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first Christmas book I have read and/or reviewed this year. It is also the first book I have read by this author. Christmas books often revolve around romance, but neither of the two stories in this book do, though there is a hint of a possible romance in the first story.
I did enjoy both stories. It was neat the way the author brought the color gold into the first story, and the color blue into the first. Each story deals with a different type of loss, and the main character in each story has new challenges thrown her way. Newport not only came up with an endearing plot for both stories, but also endearing and likable characters. I liked Christmas In Blue better than Christmas In Gold. I thought the plot was better, and there were a lot more characters that made you want to like them and experience Christmas the way they were experiencing it. And that is not to say I didn't like Christmas In Gold.... I did. Both stories show the hope and magic of the Christmas season.
I don't know if the author has previously written any Christmas books, but this is one she can be proud of and is one I recommend to other lovers of a good Christmas story.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2017
Two women face change and loss at Christmastime...
I'm not usually the biggest fan one way or another of Christmas books and movies. But Colors Of Christmas sounded like such a different kind of Christmas book that I wanted to check it out. Olivia Newport is not a new author to me, I've read, and enjoyed, two or three of her other books. She is quite versatile, penning everything from historical to Amish to contemporary holiday stories like this one.
Colors Of Christmas was certainly a different kind of Christmas book, two novellas about women facing disappointments and grief during what many people would call 'the happiest time of the year'. But reality says that there are a lot of people hurting for a myriad of reasons at Christmastime. In Christmas In Blue Angela learns what Astrid already knew in Christmas In Gold, joy can be rediscovered by the simple act of helping someone else and in accepting the kindnesses of others.
In this pair of novellas Olivia Newport delivers a message of hope, peace, and a Christmas miracle or two just in time...
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I'm not usually the biggest fan one way or another of Christmas books and movies. But Colors Of Christmas sounded like such a different kind of Christmas book that I wanted to check it out. Olivia Newport is not a new author to me, I've read, and enjoyed, two or three of her other books. She is quite versatile, penning everything from historical to Amish to contemporary holiday stories like this one.
Colors Of Christmas was certainly a different kind of Christmas book, two novellas about women facing disappointments and grief during what many people would call 'the happiest time of the year'. But reality says that there are a lot of people hurting for a myriad of reasons at Christmastime. In Christmas In Blue Angela learns what Astrid already knew in Christmas In Gold, joy can be rediscovered by the simple act of helping someone else and in accepting the kindnesses of others.
In this pair of novellas Olivia Newport delivers a message of hope, peace, and a Christmas miracle or two just in time...
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
November 4, 2017
Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport is comprised of two inspirational Christmas novellas. “Christmas in Blue” is about a woman named Angela who is chosen to organize the Christmas events in her town, which she does not feel prepared for and which quickly goes downhill. But a surprising visitor might just save the day … if Angela can allow herself to trust him. “Christmas in Gold” features an elderly woman named Astrid who just moved into an assisted living facility. She meets a young woman with many troubles and determines to help her.
I enjoyed Colors of Christmas. I do not usually choose inspirational or Christmas books to read, but this one was a pleasing surprise. Both stories were sweet. They featured realistic characters who had to grow in order to move forward in their lives. The two main characters were “mature” Christian women who had to learn just as much as the other characters in the stories. Christmas was a central theme to both stories, but they would be inspirational no matter what time of year they were set during.
The setting of “Christmas in Blue” was a small town that goes all out for Christmas events. It was especially relatable to me, coming from a small town. And it is true in that story that, when surrounded by so much Christmas stress, it is difficult to appreciate Christmas itself.
“Christmas in Gold” was a lot different. The main character loved Christmas and, while she was sad she would not be spending time with her children that year, was determined to be a great friend and mentor to the young woman in her life. She loved Christmas, her young friend, and her family. She did not have so much growth to do, but she still had obstacles to overcome. Also, there was a little bit of danger in this story, and it surprised me. But it was a welcome surprise that added a little depth to the story.
I enjoyed Colors of Christmas and recommend it to those who enjoy sweet Christmas stories. Give it a few more weeks, and the time of year will be perfect!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed Colors of Christmas. I do not usually choose inspirational or Christmas books to read, but this one was a pleasing surprise. Both stories were sweet. They featured realistic characters who had to grow in order to move forward in their lives. The two main characters were “mature” Christian women who had to learn just as much as the other characters in the stories. Christmas was a central theme to both stories, but they would be inspirational no matter what time of year they were set during.
The setting of “Christmas in Blue” was a small town that goes all out for Christmas events. It was especially relatable to me, coming from a small town. And it is true in that story that, when surrounded by so much Christmas stress, it is difficult to appreciate Christmas itself.
“Christmas in Gold” was a lot different. The main character loved Christmas and, while she was sad she would not be spending time with her children that year, was determined to be a great friend and mentor to the young woman in her life. She loved Christmas, her young friend, and her family. She did not have so much growth to do, but she still had obstacles to overcome. Also, there was a little bit of danger in this story, and it surprised me. But it was a welcome surprise that added a little depth to the story.
I enjoyed Colors of Christmas and recommend it to those who enjoy sweet Christmas stories. Give it a few more weeks, and the time of year will be perfect!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 26, 2017
Note: I haven't read the second novella yet. This review is only for Christmas in Gold.
Olivia Newport has written a wonderful novella full of faith, hope, and a lot of Christmas cheer. Kind of ironic considering much of the story reflects on an elderly woman’s difficult past in war-torn Germany.
Christmas in Gold is told from two perspectives. Astrid, the octogenarian from Germany and Carly, a single mom with a problem that just won’t go away. Each character has a distinct voice in the story, which makes switching back and forth rather smooth and easy.
Frankly, I wanted to slap Astrid’s son a few times. Astrid is in a difficult position, but she handles the frustration with tact and grace that I could learn to emulate myself. However, what made her response so wonderful wasn’t that it was so perfect, but that it was a choice. You saw her reactions as proof of a lifetime of growth and maturity rather than sloppy characterization. BRAVO, Ms. Newport. Bravo!
In contrast, Carly both makes wise decisions for the safety of her son while also making rather rash choices for how to execute those decisions. She’s a lovely mixture of responsibility and the immaturity of inexperience. And she’s real—oh, so refreshingly, stimulatingly real. I loved her.
I was afraid that the lapses into the past would become rather storytellish—like one prolonged info-dump. Au contraire! Ms. Newport s a gifted writer who keeps her readers interested with realistic dialogue, an engaging plot, and faith woven seamlessly through the threads of the story. I cannot wait to read the next in this dual book! I can't tell you how glad I am that I requested a review copy from Celebrate Lit. Smartest Christmas fiction decision of 2017... so far!
Recommended for people who enjoy Christmas fiction that has substance and just a splash of romance. Seriously, the hint of romance that didn’t frost itself over the entire book until your throat tingles was one of my favorite parts of this story!
Olivia Newport has written a wonderful novella full of faith, hope, and a lot of Christmas cheer. Kind of ironic considering much of the story reflects on an elderly woman’s difficult past in war-torn Germany.
Christmas in Gold is told from two perspectives. Astrid, the octogenarian from Germany and Carly, a single mom with a problem that just won’t go away. Each character has a distinct voice in the story, which makes switching back and forth rather smooth and easy.
Frankly, I wanted to slap Astrid’s son a few times. Astrid is in a difficult position, but she handles the frustration with tact and grace that I could learn to emulate myself. However, what made her response so wonderful wasn’t that it was so perfect, but that it was a choice. You saw her reactions as proof of a lifetime of growth and maturity rather than sloppy characterization. BRAVO, Ms. Newport. Bravo!
In contrast, Carly both makes wise decisions for the safety of her son while also making rather rash choices for how to execute those decisions. She’s a lovely mixture of responsibility and the immaturity of inexperience. And she’s real—oh, so refreshingly, stimulatingly real. I loved her.
I was afraid that the lapses into the past would become rather storytellish—like one prolonged info-dump. Au contraire! Ms. Newport s a gifted writer who keeps her readers interested with realistic dialogue, an engaging plot, and faith woven seamlessly through the threads of the story. I cannot wait to read the next in this dual book! I can't tell you how glad I am that I requested a review copy from Celebrate Lit. Smartest Christmas fiction decision of 2017... so far!
Recommended for people who enjoy Christmas fiction that has substance and just a splash of romance. Seriously, the hint of romance that didn’t frost itself over the entire book until your throat tingles was one of my favorite parts of this story!
October 28, 2017
Olivia Newport's Colors of Christmas novella collection features two sweet Christmas stories—and they're low on romance, so if that's not your thing, you can still enjoy them!
Christmas in Gold
This is a sweet novella about Astrid, a woman who moves into an assisted living community on the assistance of her children, and Carly, a physical therapist at the community who's desperate to escape her past.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Astrid and Carly, and I loved the looks back into Astrid's past as a child in World War II Germany. Though the resolution of Carly's problems was perhaps a bit too abrupt and neat, I did enjoy the story. 3-1/2 stars.
Christmas in Blue
This novella is almost a comedy of errors as grieving Angela tries to organize the town's annual Christmas festival—the festival that her best friend Carole always organized before succumbing to cancer. Everything that can go wrong does, and Angela is about to throw in the towel ... when a stranger arrives in town and helps Angela to not only organize the festival but also to regain her Christmas spirit.
It took me a while to get into Christmas in Blue, but once the stranger connected with Angela, I became vastly more interested in the story. In fact, it seems exactly like the kind of Christmas story Hallmark would make into one of its Movies & Mysteries films ... of course, they would add a hint of romance somewhere, as there's none in Christmas in Blue.
I'm sure I will quickly forget the particulars of Christmas in Blue—I read so much that only the books I've absolutely loved stick with me—but I'm sure I will long remember the concept of a Blue Christmas (also known as Longest Night) service. I'd never heard of this before, but it's held to acknowledge and help work through the grief many people feel during the holiday season. It's such a beautiful concept, and I'm glad Newport introduced me to it through her novella. 3 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Christmas in Gold
This is a sweet novella about Astrid, a woman who moves into an assisted living community on the assistance of her children, and Carly, a physical therapist at the community who's desperate to escape her past.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Astrid and Carly, and I loved the looks back into Astrid's past as a child in World War II Germany. Though the resolution of Carly's problems was perhaps a bit too abrupt and neat, I did enjoy the story. 3-1/2 stars.
Christmas in Blue
This novella is almost a comedy of errors as grieving Angela tries to organize the town's annual Christmas festival—the festival that her best friend Carole always organized before succumbing to cancer. Everything that can go wrong does, and Angela is about to throw in the towel ... when a stranger arrives in town and helps Angela to not only organize the festival but also to regain her Christmas spirit.
It took me a while to get into Christmas in Blue, but once the stranger connected with Angela, I became vastly more interested in the story. In fact, it seems exactly like the kind of Christmas story Hallmark would make into one of its Movies & Mysteries films ... of course, they would add a hint of romance somewhere, as there's none in Christmas in Blue.
I'm sure I will quickly forget the particulars of Christmas in Blue—I read so much that only the books I've absolutely loved stick with me—but I'm sure I will long remember the concept of a Blue Christmas (also known as Longest Night) service. I'd never heard of this before, but it's held to acknowledge and help work through the grief many people feel during the holiday season. It's such a beautiful concept, and I'm glad Newport introduced me to it through her novella. 3 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
October 23, 2017
Overall, I like both of these stories. But in all honesty, I liked the first one much better. I think it may have something to do with the order to books were presented. After reading Christmas in Gold, I had such high expectations for Christmas in Blue, which truly isn't fair to the author. And unfortunately because of this the story fell a little bit flat for me.
In Christmas in Gold I loved hearing Astrid's story. First, it was nice to have an older main character. The stories she shared with Carly were very interesting, and I picture myself sitting in a chair with a cup of tea next to her telling them. I found Carly's story to be so sad and tragic, but a good example of what many young single moms may be going through today, or even just single women trying to break free of an abusive relationship. It certainly wasn't a coincidence that Carly and Astrid both ended up at the retirement home. This story was touching, and a great reminder of how to treat others.
Christmas in Blue was still a sweet story, I just didn't connect with the characters as much. It almost had that predictable "when it rains, it pours" feel to it, and every glitch that came up I could almost see it coming. However, through it all, it displayed the reminder that even when things do not go our way, God has a plan. We can stress about the holidays, or whatever is stressing us in life, but when we do that we tend to miss out on what's important. I enjoyed the church service that was written in this story, and could picture myself in attendance. This was a great start to the holiday season for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In Christmas in Gold I loved hearing Astrid's story. First, it was nice to have an older main character. The stories she shared with Carly were very interesting, and I picture myself sitting in a chair with a cup of tea next to her telling them. I found Carly's story to be so sad and tragic, but a good example of what many young single moms may be going through today, or even just single women trying to break free of an abusive relationship. It certainly wasn't a coincidence that Carly and Astrid both ended up at the retirement home. This story was touching, and a great reminder of how to treat others.
Christmas in Blue was still a sweet story, I just didn't connect with the characters as much. It almost had that predictable "when it rains, it pours" feel to it, and every glitch that came up I could almost see it coming. However, through it all, it displayed the reminder that even when things do not go our way, God has a plan. We can stress about the holidays, or whatever is stressing us in life, but when we do that we tend to miss out on what's important. I enjoyed the church service that was written in this story, and could picture myself in attendance. This was a great start to the holiday season for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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