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Making Spirits Bright
Making Spirits Bright
The Christmas Lights Collection returns with four new, never-before-released novellas in Making Spirits Bright! From romance to cozy mystery, this collection features contemporary novellas sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Merri’s Christmas Mission by Chautona Havig
Merri Zeiger is on a mission--create a fabulous Christmas for her three children on a dime. Well, that is if she can spare one. After six months of unemployment, her benefits have run out and so has her Christmas fund.
But when she meets her rival in a giveaway for a pool table, things start to look a bit brighter.
"Barney" Barnett isn't supposed to have to do fundraising for The Mission, but until they replace the last guy, he's stuck on a daily trek to enter a giveaway for a pool table. Meeting Merri and hearing her story gives him a solution to both of their problems. Merri's Christmas Mission--one woman's quest to conquer Christmas.
Lead a Merry Dance by April Hayman
FBI Agent Trip Devereaux' s time has run out: take his new wife, Libby, on a honeymoon (finally) or find out what it's like to live in the dog house. His solution? A Christmas Carribean cruise! But when a jewelry thief strikes and Libby is - literally - left holding the bag, Trip's vacation is put on hold so he can prove his wife's innocence. Can he find the real thief in time? Or will their first shore excursion be a one-way trip to jail for Libby?
A Sidelined Christmas by Toni Shiloh
Sidelined with a career-ending injury, wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia to heal. Nothing shocks him more than running into his high-school sweetheart, Lucille “Bebe” Gordon.
Bebe Gordon returned to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter, Hope. When Jahleel returns, all the memories of the past come rushing back. She can’t decide if he’s changed or if her heart is holding onto past hurts.
Will Jahleel and Bebe take a chance on love or let life sideline them at Christmas?
Hope for the Holidays by Cathe Swanson
Newly arrived from her home in the Congo and armed with a brand-new degree in nonprofit management, Carrie Strough is eager to organize and improve the Unity Plenkiss Community Center. Unfortunately, no one wants to be organized, and only Micah Neresen, the charming and handsome pastor of the local church, is interested in her plans. Or is he just interested in Carrie?
With a cast of lively and eccentric characters including a homeless vet with PTSD, a con man, an elderly couple with an over-the-top Christmas display, a feisty committeewoman with a past of her own, and a police investigation, Micah and Carrie wonder if there is any hope for the holidays this year!
Merri’s Christmas Mission by Chautona Havig
Merri Zeiger is on a mission--create a fabulous Christmas for her three children on a dime. Well, that is if she can spare one. After six months of unemployment, her benefits have run out and so has her Christmas fund.
But when she meets her rival in a giveaway for a pool table, things start to look a bit brighter.
"Barney" Barnett isn't supposed to have to do fundraising for The Mission, but until they replace the last guy, he's stuck on a daily trek to enter a giveaway for a pool table. Meeting Merri and hearing her story gives him a solution to both of their problems. Merri's Christmas Mission--one woman's quest to conquer Christmas.
Lead a Merry Dance by April Hayman
FBI Agent Trip Devereaux' s time has run out: take his new wife, Libby, on a honeymoon (finally) or find out what it's like to live in the dog house. His solution? A Christmas Carribean cruise! But when a jewelry thief strikes and Libby is - literally - left holding the bag, Trip's vacation is put on hold so he can prove his wife's innocence. Can he find the real thief in time? Or will their first shore excursion be a one-way trip to jail for Libby?
A Sidelined Christmas by Toni Shiloh
Sidelined with a career-ending injury, wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia to heal. Nothing shocks him more than running into his high-school sweetheart, Lucille “Bebe” Gordon.
Bebe Gordon returned to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter, Hope. When Jahleel returns, all the memories of the past come rushing back. She can’t decide if he’s changed or if her heart is holding onto past hurts.
Will Jahleel and Bebe take a chance on love or let life sideline them at Christmas?
Hope for the Holidays by Cathe Swanson
Newly arrived from her home in the Congo and armed with a brand-new degree in nonprofit management, Carrie Strough is eager to organize and improve the Unity Plenkiss Community Center. Unfortunately, no one wants to be organized, and only Micah Neresen, the charming and handsome pastor of the local church, is interested in her plans. Or is he just interested in Carrie?
With a cast of lively and eccentric characters including a homeless vet with PTSD, a con man, an elderly couple with an over-the-top Christmas display, a feisty committeewoman with a past of her own, and a police investigation, Micah and Carrie wonder if there is any hope for the holidays this year!
Paperback
First published November 1, 2017
122 people are currently reading
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About the author
Chautona Havig
279 books1,849 followers**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 3, 2017
Holiday collections are lots of fun. They can bring a little entertainment as well as pointing you in the direction of the true meaning of the season. They can also introduce you to new authors who become favorites.
Cathe Swanson wrote Hope for the Holidays. It is in her Great Lakes collection. Although characters cross over from other books, it isn't necessary to have read them. It does give a richer reading experience though. I will say that her 'novella' doesn't feel like a novella at all. She does a wonderful job of letting you enjoy all the varied characters that inhabit the Unity Plenkiss Community Center warts and all.
Toni Shiloh wrote A Sidelined Christmas. I have recently been introduced to her books and have loved every one. Because the relationships in her other books took time and effort to build, I wasn't sure how the novella form would work for her. She used a long term friendship and former relationship to keep the relationship from seeming rushed and still managed to put her own stamp on it. An injured football player learning to appreciate his estranged parents and his old girl friend means that only his playing time was sidelined, not his relationships. I love that she has some sweet little surprises in her writing for those that get them, but doesn't spend time explaining it to those who wouldn't be interested. If you like B.B. King (or even know anything about him), you will love this little book.
Chautona Havig wrote Meri's Christmas Mission. Have you ever felt that you weren't living up to expectations? Whether they are your own expectations or those of others, it is a very defeating position to live. Meri is an unemployed single mother who is completely weighed down by those expectations. In her quest to give her children the kind of Christmas that she would have loved and the children expect, she finds there is much joy in just living and giving in a different way. This book is sweet, quirky, and has some old friends from Chautona's other books. However, if this is the first book you have read by her, you will still enjoy it.
April Hayman wrote Lead a Merry Dance. This book is a madcap mystery that primarily occurs on a cruise ship. It has the newlyweds and nearly deads or in other words all the adventure a young couple can have on a holiday cruise targeted to the older generation. The FBI agent Trip is making a return engagement from the novella April wrote last year. You don't need to have read the previous book in order to enjoy the crazy characters, but it will increase your enjoyment.
This is a fun collection. Plenty of quirkiness and sweetness to get you ready for the season Each book is short enough to enjoy without adding to the load during this busy season.
Cathe Swanson wrote Hope for the Holidays. It is in her Great Lakes collection. Although characters cross over from other books, it isn't necessary to have read them. It does give a richer reading experience though. I will say that her 'novella' doesn't feel like a novella at all. She does a wonderful job of letting you enjoy all the varied characters that inhabit the Unity Plenkiss Community Center warts and all.
Toni Shiloh wrote A Sidelined Christmas. I have recently been introduced to her books and have loved every one. Because the relationships in her other books took time and effort to build, I wasn't sure how the novella form would work for her. She used a long term friendship and former relationship to keep the relationship from seeming rushed and still managed to put her own stamp on it. An injured football player learning to appreciate his estranged parents and his old girl friend means that only his playing time was sidelined, not his relationships. I love that she has some sweet little surprises in her writing for those that get them, but doesn't spend time explaining it to those who wouldn't be interested. If you like B.B. King (or even know anything about him), you will love this little book.
Chautona Havig wrote Meri's Christmas Mission. Have you ever felt that you weren't living up to expectations? Whether they are your own expectations or those of others, it is a very defeating position to live. Meri is an unemployed single mother who is completely weighed down by those expectations. In her quest to give her children the kind of Christmas that she would have loved and the children expect, she finds there is much joy in just living and giving in a different way. This book is sweet, quirky, and has some old friends from Chautona's other books. However, if this is the first book you have read by her, you will still enjoy it.
April Hayman wrote Lead a Merry Dance. This book is a madcap mystery that primarily occurs on a cruise ship. It has the newlyweds and nearly deads or in other words all the adventure a young couple can have on a holiday cruise targeted to the older generation. The FBI agent Trip is making a return engagement from the novella April wrote last year. You don't need to have read the previous book in order to enjoy the crazy characters, but it will increase your enjoyment.
This is a fun collection. Plenty of quirkiness and sweetness to get you ready for the season Each book is short enough to enjoy without adding to the load during this busy season.
November 3, 2017
Merri's Christmas Mission, by Chautona Havig, is a fun story. I loved watching her grow and change as the story went on. There was a very hilarious scene, which literally had me laughing out loud, as her children discussed some important matters with Barney. Actually, I loved her children all the way through the story; this author knows what children are like and how they talk.
Lead a Merry Dance, by April Hayman, is also fun. I haven't been able to finish this story yet, so I don't know how it will end, but I've loved it so far. Libby is so sweet, and Trip so focused—and not on his wife. He is such a typical man, and I'm enjoying watching what happens between them, and with Sissy and Sassy, the twin investigators.
A Sidelined Christmas, by Toni Shiloh, is a sweet romance. I didn't enjoy it that much, however; it didn't feel like there was much depth to it. I simply don't enjoy books that are pure romance.
Hope for the Holidays, by Cathe Swanson, was fun. It is a sequel to Snow Angels, which she released last year, and I really enjoyed meeting up with many of the same characters again. Carrie is a neat person, and I really loved getting to know her in this story.
Lead a Merry Dance, by April Hayman, is also fun. I haven't been able to finish this story yet, so I don't know how it will end, but I've loved it so far. Libby is so sweet, and Trip so focused—and not on his wife. He is such a typical man, and I'm enjoying watching what happens between them, and with Sissy and Sassy, the twin investigators.
A Sidelined Christmas, by Toni Shiloh, is a sweet romance. I didn't enjoy it that much, however; it didn't feel like there was much depth to it. I simply don't enjoy books that are pure romance.
Hope for the Holidays, by Cathe Swanson, was fun. It is a sequel to Snow Angels, which she released last year, and I really enjoyed meeting up with many of the same characters again. Carrie is a neat person, and I really loved getting to know her in this story.
November 4, 2017
As a follow up to last year's excellent Christmas collection, this set is amazing. I actually enjoyed several of the stories more than the stories from last year. Chautona Havig's was excellent, as usual, and Cathe Swanson's was one of her best works yet. Being set near where I grew up, I loved the references to life in the Chicago area. Toni Shiloh's was very enjoyable, as well, though as a northern girl, I had a hard time relating to a Christmas down south. I loved the storyline and the characters were great.
I received a free copy of this book to facilitate my review. I was not required to leave a review of any kind.
I received a free copy of this book to facilitate my review. I was not required to leave a review of any kind.
November 1, 2017
If you love Christmas stories, you'll love this set of novellas! These are sweet, fun, and good stories centered around the Christmas season and the Reason for the season.
October 30, 2017
Lovely stories that touch the heart. I will read these over and over again each Christmas and all through the year.
November 5, 2017
This has been a delightful Christmas collection to read. I've enjoyed every single story in it.
Each book was packed full of fun and enjoyable moments.
There were cute characters in each book that made my heart giggle with laughter. Yet there was also bits of suspense and drama, as well as, sweet romance.
This was just the thing to read to get me in the holiday spirit.
I received this collection from the authors, and all opinions are my own.
I highly recommend you pick this one up for your holiday reading.
Each book was packed full of fun and enjoyable moments.
There were cute characters in each book that made my heart giggle with laughter. Yet there was also bits of suspense and drama, as well as, sweet romance.
This was just the thing to read to get me in the holiday spirit.
I received this collection from the authors, and all opinions are my own.
I highly recommend you pick this one up for your holiday reading.
did-not-finish
December 10, 2018I didn't like the first story in this collection
The second book was okay, but I felt like I couldn't understand it fully because I hadn't read the book that obviously came before the novella
The third one wasn't capturing my interest.
I decided to give up.
The second book was okay, but I felt like I couldn't understand it fully because I hadn't read the book that obviously came before the novella
The third one wasn't capturing my interest.
I decided to give up.
December 29, 2017
“Making Spirits Brighter” (A Christmas Lights Collection II) byChautona Havig, April Hayman, Toni Shiloh, and Catherine Swanson
A truly wonderful, well written group of novellas and novels make this box set a great read for the holidays. Each author writes their own unique pieces. They are engaging, enjoyable and interesting. They all have very strong characters, great plot lines, and very solidly written pieces of work.
One of the best holiday box sets I have read this year, “Making Spirits Bright” is a great group of reads by a wonderful and talented group of authors.
Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
“Merri’s Christmas Mission” by Chautona Havig
What a joyful and entertaining read that has several life lessons written throughout it. They are subtle, but they are there and they make the novella so much stronger.
Mary has always had a big and extravagant Christmas for her children. This year it won’t happen. They want one specific thing for their mother and nothing major from her. She doesn’t understand what has happened to her children and to the large Christmas days they have always have had.
What she learns along the way, as do the children, is doing things together is more meaningful, as is having the right people in one’s life. How that all works out is the fun part...
Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
“Lead a Merry Dance” by April Hayman
Trip Devereaux is back with his new wife Libby. They are finally celebrating their honeymoon...on a silver cruise (and no it isn’t about the silver lights of Christmas).
Trip is having a hard time leaving work at home, but has made a huge effort to do so. Libby has something she needs to share with Trip but seems to never find the time.
Between meeting old friends (literally and figuratively), a series of thefts on the ship, and Libby being caught in the middle, there is a bit of chaos that is interfering on their honeymoon cruise.
In the end, things all seem to work out, Trip has closed a major case, and some decisions are made. Whether the latter will happen we will have to see.
Another enjoyable and captivating read by author April Hayman.
Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
“A Sidelined Christmas” by Toni Shiloh
Jahleel Walker gets injured early in the football season. Am I jury he may or may not recover from. Bebe Gordon was his next door neighbor and a long ago sweetheart. When Jay comes home to rehab he runs into Bebe and is glad to see her after so many years. She, on the other hand, has no interest in seeing him. All it does is bring up anger and other negative emotions.
Will Jay and Bebe at least be able to call a truce or will they both sideline the other due to old history and, potentially, misguided signals of the present?
Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
“Hope for the Holidays” by Cathe Swanson
Carrie Strough is the newest employee at Unity Plenkiss Community Center. She is the nonprofit coordinator, a position many feel isn’t needed, especially when one of the departments want the funds for a project they have planned. They don’t understand why the old way they have always done things should be changed. Hence, Carrie runs into a lot of blockades within the community center staff.
Micah Nereson, the pastor of the local church, is not only supportive of Carrie’s position and roadblocks she keeps running into, but he seems to have some answers here and there that help Carrie as she muddles her way through the new position, a sudden police investigation, and some odd demands from the community.
A well written novel in the Great Lakes series.
Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
A truly wonderful, well written group of novellas and novels make this box set a great read for the holidays. Each author writes their own unique pieces. They are engaging, enjoyable and interesting. They all have very strong characters, great plot lines, and very solidly written pieces of work.
One of the best holiday box sets I have read this year, “Making Spirits Bright” is a great group of reads by a wonderful and talented group of authors.
Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
“Merri’s Christmas Mission” by Chautona Havig
What a joyful and entertaining read that has several life lessons written throughout it. They are subtle, but they are there and they make the novella so much stronger.
Mary has always had a big and extravagant Christmas for her children. This year it won’t happen. They want one specific thing for their mother and nothing major from her. She doesn’t understand what has happened to her children and to the large Christmas days they have always have had.
What she learns along the way, as do the children, is doing things together is more meaningful, as is having the right people in one’s life. How that all works out is the fun part...
Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
“Lead a Merry Dance” by April Hayman
Trip Devereaux is back with his new wife Libby. They are finally celebrating their honeymoon...on a silver cruise (and no it isn’t about the silver lights of Christmas).
Trip is having a hard time leaving work at home, but has made a huge effort to do so. Libby has something she needs to share with Trip but seems to never find the time.
Between meeting old friends (literally and figuratively), a series of thefts on the ship, and Libby being caught in the middle, there is a bit of chaos that is interfering on their honeymoon cruise.
In the end, things all seem to work out, Trip has closed a major case, and some decisions are made. Whether the latter will happen we will have to see.
Another enjoyable and captivating read by author April Hayman.
Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
“A Sidelined Christmas” by Toni Shiloh
Jahleel Walker gets injured early in the football season. Am I jury he may or may not recover from. Bebe Gordon was his next door neighbor and a long ago sweetheart. When Jay comes home to rehab he runs into Bebe and is glad to see her after so many years. She, on the other hand, has no interest in seeing him. All it does is bring up anger and other negative emotions.
Will Jay and Bebe at least be able to call a truce or will they both sideline the other due to old history and, potentially, misguided signals of the present?
Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
“Hope for the Holidays” by Cathe Swanson
Carrie Strough is the newest employee at Unity Plenkiss Community Center. She is the nonprofit coordinator, a position many feel isn’t needed, especially when one of the departments want the funds for a project they have planned. They don’t understand why the old way they have always done things should be changed. Hence, Carrie runs into a lot of blockades within the community center staff.
Micah Nereson, the pastor of the local church, is not only supportive of Carrie’s position and roadblocks she keeps running into, but he seems to have some answers here and there that help Carrie as she muddles her way through the new position, a sudden police investigation, and some odd demands from the community.
A well written novel in the Great Lakes series.
Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
December 8, 2017
This was such a great collection of stories to get me right into the holiday spirits. Although four separate stories, they had quite a few things in common: love, hope, fun, a little laughter, and Christmas (of course). They are all fast reads, so pick up a copy, sit in your favorite reading spot, and enjoy!
Merri's Christmas Mission
I think this was my favorite story out of them all. And I hate to say that, because I loved them all, but this one touched my heart the most. Merri is pretty much the epitome of what moms should be, single or not. Yes, she made and will continue to make mistakes; and yes, there is (gasp) children born out of wedlock. It's real life, and we should not at all turn away from this story because of it. I actually found I liked it even more because of that - it shows that God's grace is real, and He is willing to love and help everyone. But, back to Merri. She does every single thing for her children. Sacrifices for herself, works hard, and yes, enters giveaways. Her heart is so big, she can be an example to us all. Barney was just the icing on the cake here. His character was fun, charming, and very likeable. I mean loveable. I mean swoonable. ;) Chautona has easily become one of my favorite story tellers. She keeps the characters real, the scenarios real, and provides a little comical relief in places you do not expect it.
Lead a Merry Dance
Oh Trip Devereaux. You make my heart smile. FBI agent - almost automatic swoon. Totally in love with his wife (this may not be obvious to some, but I think he is in his own way!) and a hard worker - definite swoon. I mean, why wasn't his picture on the cover? Probably because it would mess with the image I have in my head of what he looks like. Okay, we've established the fact that there is a swoony guy in this story. But that isn't the only thing that makes it great. You know my favorite character(s)? Sissy and Sassy. Oh my goodness I just thought they were a hoot. They brought a great dynamic to the storyline and I found myself laughing at them several times. Overall this story was fun, mysterious and sweet.
A Sidelined Christmas
I wonder if Toni Shiloh has a football player in her house? I just found it so interesting how she wrote Jahleel's character in such a realistic way. I imagine it is tough for a non football player to write about one in this way. I mean, you could just tell he was an athlete in his words and actions. I found myself wondering what would happen to him, and if he and Bebe would rekindle what they once had. They made such a sweet couple - almost Hallmark like in nature. In fact, I think this would make a neat Hallmark story - something a little bit different but certainly enjoyable!
Hope for the Holidays
This story had a lot going on, in a good way. I wasn't sure what to think of the mysterious "stalker" and why he was getting involved with this church. And Carrie....she was so sweet, yet strong. Put her with Micah, and you've got a great combination. But this story was really more about the mystery and great cast of characters then it was about the love story. It reminds you that there is more than meets the eye, both good and bad. It was a perfect way to end this beautiful set of stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Merri's Christmas Mission
I think this was my favorite story out of them all. And I hate to say that, because I loved them all, but this one touched my heart the most. Merri is pretty much the epitome of what moms should be, single or not. Yes, she made and will continue to make mistakes; and yes, there is (gasp) children born out of wedlock. It's real life, and we should not at all turn away from this story because of it. I actually found I liked it even more because of that - it shows that God's grace is real, and He is willing to love and help everyone. But, back to Merri. She does every single thing for her children. Sacrifices for herself, works hard, and yes, enters giveaways. Her heart is so big, she can be an example to us all. Barney was just the icing on the cake here. His character was fun, charming, and very likeable. I mean loveable. I mean swoonable. ;) Chautona has easily become one of my favorite story tellers. She keeps the characters real, the scenarios real, and provides a little comical relief in places you do not expect it.
Lead a Merry Dance
Oh Trip Devereaux. You make my heart smile. FBI agent - almost automatic swoon. Totally in love with his wife (this may not be obvious to some, but I think he is in his own way!) and a hard worker - definite swoon. I mean, why wasn't his picture on the cover? Probably because it would mess with the image I have in my head of what he looks like. Okay, we've established the fact that there is a swoony guy in this story. But that isn't the only thing that makes it great. You know my favorite character(s)? Sissy and Sassy. Oh my goodness I just thought they were a hoot. They brought a great dynamic to the storyline and I found myself laughing at them several times. Overall this story was fun, mysterious and sweet.
A Sidelined Christmas
I wonder if Toni Shiloh has a football player in her house? I just found it so interesting how she wrote Jahleel's character in such a realistic way. I imagine it is tough for a non football player to write about one in this way. I mean, you could just tell he was an athlete in his words and actions. I found myself wondering what would happen to him, and if he and Bebe would rekindle what they once had. They made such a sweet couple - almost Hallmark like in nature. In fact, I think this would make a neat Hallmark story - something a little bit different but certainly enjoyable!
Hope for the Holidays
This story had a lot going on, in a good way. I wasn't sure what to think of the mysterious "stalker" and why he was getting involved with this church. And Carrie....she was so sweet, yet strong. Put her with Micah, and you've got a great combination. But this story was really more about the mystery and great cast of characters then it was about the love story. It reminds you that there is more than meets the eye, both good and bad. It was a perfect way to end this beautiful set of stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 13, 2017
Snuggle in for Christmas reading
Christmas is coming, so grab a cup of tea, a snuggly throw, an curl up for a break from the hectic pace of the holiday season. This collection of Christmastime romances takes us to places and situations that inspire and make one think about others who struggle and triumph over the things their challenges. Each story is a masterpiece of God's love and care.
Christmas is coming, so grab a cup of tea, a snuggly throw, an curl up for a break from the hectic pace of the holiday season. This collection of Christmastime romances takes us to places and situations that inspire and make one think about others who struggle and triumph over the things their challenges. Each story is a masterpiece of God's love and care.
December 18, 2017
In my opinion, this is the 2017 Best Boxed Set, And I have to say, having read and reviewed numerous sets this year, I choose Making Spirits Bright by four Christian Romance writers: Chautona Havig, Cathe Swanson, Toni Shiloh and April Hayman. I loved this set. I loved each of the four stories separately, from cosy mystery to romance, these novellas will certainly help you keep your spirits bright.
December 5, 2017
I read just the first story in this anthology by Chautona Havig. I started the others, but couldn't get into them, they just aren't my genre. I'm sure others would enjoy them though, I just don't enjoy that setting or the contemporary time period. I love Chautona's books, so I enjoyed her story, I knew what to expect.
January 1, 2018
Loved these books!
These were very engaging books in settings that seemed so real! There was laughter and heartbreak and upsetting time, just like real life. All very believable.
These were very engaging books in settings that seemed so real! There was laughter and heartbreak and upsetting time, just like real life. All very believable.
December 14, 2017
I wondered how the Christmas Lights Collection 2017 would measure up to the wonderful Collection of 2016. I should have known these ladies would be on top of it! Making Spirits Bright is another delightful collection of inspirational Christmas stories. They are filled with romance, some mystery, a little laughter. It's all there again this year; even some familiar characters. Don't miss this holiday treat! Merry Christmas to readers everywhere and to these special authors
January 16, 2018
Merri’s Christmas Mission by Chautona Havig is an enjoyable, funny, and sweet Christmas novella. This story is about family and friendship and of course the holidays. It is about making Christmas happen on a low budget and rather than focusing on the gifts, but the time doing activities with family and friends. It is a story that will touch the heart of readers, as they come to know the characters through their struggles, mistakes, and joys. Readers will easily relate to the story and characters in this pleasant holiday read that will warm the heart and sometimes even make readers laugh. This is a Christmas novella that readers will not want to miss this holiday season.
Lead a Merry Dance by April Hayman is an absolute delight from page one. April brings to life the relationship of a newly married couple as they attempt a second honeymoon. The story is filled with delightful characters and a fun setting, a Christmas Caribbean Cruise. The story is also filled with adventure and suspense, with a jewelry thief on the loose. Readers will not want to put down this fast paced and fun novella!
A Sidelined Christmas by Toni Shiloh is a sweet and charming romance between old friends. This story focuses on the importance of family and friendship; and shows that old friendships and love can be renewed. People make mistakes and if given a second chance, can show that they have changed and are better than before. Shiloh’s writing is sweet and touches the heart as readers become attached to the fun characters and delightful story. This is definitely a holiday must read.
Hope for the Holidays by Cathe Swanson is a fun holiday story that readers will enjoy. Filled with struggles from a new job and being known as another worker’s kid-sister, as well as unexpected friendships and romance. This novella has lots of characters and side characters to keep track of throughout the story, each with their own story. Although this makes it a bit hard to follow what is going on and keep track of everyone, the story is still sweet, with a focus on family, friends, and the holiday. Readers will get a warm fuzzy feeling from this novella this Christmas season.
Genre: contemporary, romance, holiday, Christmas
Publisher: Indi
Publication date: November 1, 2017
Number of pages: 577
A copy of this book was purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Lead a Merry Dance by April Hayman is an absolute delight from page one. April brings to life the relationship of a newly married couple as they attempt a second honeymoon. The story is filled with delightful characters and a fun setting, a Christmas Caribbean Cruise. The story is also filled with adventure and suspense, with a jewelry thief on the loose. Readers will not want to put down this fast paced and fun novella!
A Sidelined Christmas by Toni Shiloh is a sweet and charming romance between old friends. This story focuses on the importance of family and friendship; and shows that old friendships and love can be renewed. People make mistakes and if given a second chance, can show that they have changed and are better than before. Shiloh’s writing is sweet and touches the heart as readers become attached to the fun characters and delightful story. This is definitely a holiday must read.
Hope for the Holidays by Cathe Swanson is a fun holiday story that readers will enjoy. Filled with struggles from a new job and being known as another worker’s kid-sister, as well as unexpected friendships and romance. This novella has lots of characters and side characters to keep track of throughout the story, each with their own story. Although this makes it a bit hard to follow what is going on and keep track of everyone, the story is still sweet, with a focus on family, friends, and the holiday. Readers will get a warm fuzzy feeling from this novella this Christmas season.
Genre: contemporary, romance, holiday, Christmas
Publisher: Indi
Publication date: November 1, 2017
Number of pages: 577
A copy of this book was purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
January 9, 2018
I just read the first novella in the Making Spirits Bright Collection. I thoroughly enjoyed Merri's Christmas Mission by Chautona Havig! It was fun to read and impactful! I'd read it again and recommend to others for a lift in holiday cheer and a crash course on living Christmas the way it was meant to be. I didn't get to the others in the collection so am making a note to self to be sure and pick this up again next December.
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January 1, 2020Good stories
Give these authors a try. I did seek out the previous Tripp book of the second author and was glad I did. Also the last book apparently has previous stories.
Give these authors a try. I did seek out the previous Tripp book of the second author and was glad I did. Also the last book apparently has previous stories.
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