Circle of Blessings

Sweet Meets

by Deborah Raney

Young Stella Bradford is determined to win the love of James Collingwood, her English professor at the university where Stella is studying to be an architect. But the object of Stella’s affection seems to hide a dark secret from his past, and even if Stella could capture his attention, she is certain her father would not approve of the match. But neither James, nor Stella has an inkling that his secret is woven into her own past in a way that will ultimately bring blessing to them both.

Inspired by a Raney family Christmas tradition, Circle of Blessings was first published in the novella collection A Currier & Ives Christmas in 2002 and then in A Prairie Christmas Collection in 2010.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2017

About the author

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

Reviews

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella is attending college to become an architect; very unusual during the late 19th century - for women. James is her tutor - for English grammar. She couldn’t care less about dangling participles or misplaced modifiers. He wants to become a full time professor and cares very much.

Author, Deborah Raney, packed this brief novella with brilliant characters who all experience tension to varying levels. What I found most interesting was the tension created by family relationships. Most of the characters lived lives that included church and biblical principles. These principles are evident in the behavior of the lead characters and add to their motivations.

James and Stella start to have feelings for each other. The university has problems, her father has problems but the biggest issue is James has a secret; a secret he hasn’t yet shared with Stella.

Love story, mystery, faith & inspiration, or Christmas miracle - what will you find in this CIRCLE OF BLESSINGS📚

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winsome short tale of grace and forgiveness. Deborah Raney knows how to put words together in a very pleasing way: of Stella Bradford she says: “ She was far more concerned with the dangling hangnail on her left pinkie finger than with the dangling participle Mr. Collingwood was so intent on identifying “ and James Collingwood muses: “ But before he set to work, he paused to bow his head and offer his worries to heaven. When he lifted his head, the flame in the lamp flickered, and a tender ember of peace glowed within his heart as well”.
Stella and James meet by literally bumping into each other before Stella’s English Grammar Class. She really doesn’t understand why she has to take the class when she really wants to be an architect. James happens to be her English tutor and tries to help her understand how important this class should be. They form a friendship but could something in James’ past cause her overprotective father to quash their budding romance?
Engaging and well written. Even though Deborah writes contemporary novels— don’t count out her historicals. They are special!

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people perform acts of kindness for the wrong reason. They want to bring attention to themselves, to show how great they are. True acts of kindness should be done with no desire for attention and no ulterior motives. We see that played out in this story. In reality multiple acts of kindness were portrayed but one in particular might be said to have had a lifelong impact. I loved this story which is so appropriate for Christmas. If you want a delightful novella to help get you in the mood for Christmas, this one fills the bill.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Collingwood led a wild teenage life including theft, but his life changed when he received an anonymous Christmas Gift that would change his life. He is now an associate professor of English and tutoring a young lady whose only desire is to be an architect (totally surprising in the 1870's). Stella Bradford could care less about learning to diagram a sentence, but she clicks with Mr. Collingwood.

A story of grace, second chances, and a wonderful surprise ending, this was a thoroughly enjoyable quick Christmas read.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple who prayerfully leave a large tip for a waiter have no idea how it will affect their future! Stella is a strong female who is studying to be an architect in the Dakota Territory in the late 1800s. James is a well-written male protagonist who has changed his life. You will love this novella which takes place at Christmastime! Author Deborah Raney always writes a delightful story. I recommend Circle of Blessings to anyone who wants to read a touching Christmas story.

[Bonnie Olive · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Christmas tradition

Love the circle of blessing . How God's blessings go on and on . I enjoyed reading about the father doing the Christmas blessing and James continues it in his home.

[Ruth Jessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full circle

What a lovely Christmas story. I love stories that include "trifles" or little tidbits that link all the story lines together. This story shows grace, redemption, and love.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, full of hope Christmas Story!

[Delynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute short story. Love the tradition the family partakes in.

[Kelley.sugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Christmas read

This was a quick, sweet story great for the holiday season of reading on a cold day by a warm fire

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle of blessings

What a wonderful book a tradition at Christmas to bless someone else and a love beyond measure and to know we all are blessed

[Pianosue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good light read.

[Margaret Chind]

[Pam McCallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartwarming Christmas romance. Clean read. Set in early 1880s in Dakota Territory.

[Andrea Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Another good Christmas read.