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The Washwoman's Christmas
With her husband away on a job until Christmas, newly-wed Amanda moves to the house they’ve inherited from his grandmother in order to prepare it for sale. In the isolated woods of northwestern South Carolina, her nearest neighbor is an elderly woman who holds onto a past way of life, even taking in wash to earn money for Christmas. As the two women work together to renovate the house, Amanda comes to realize the washwoman isn’t the eccentric kook she first thought, but a woman of wisdom and grace who helps Amanda face the demons of her past and find release from her present insecurities.
- GenresChristmas
147 pages, ebook
Published October 17, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 21, 2018
The Washwoman’s Christmas is a very touching and heartwarming story that shows the true meaning of a Christian life and sacrificing for others. The vivid description had me in the isolated woods of South Carolina with Amanda renovating her husband’s late grandmother home. Then I saw the path to Claudia Mae’s home that needed major repairs, but her bubbly spirit and love for God was priority. Claudia’s kindness to Amanda and others shone bright in her little area of the world. There are plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns that brought Claudia Mae one of the happiest Christmases she had experienced in many years. I would like to see a sequel to this novella to see what and how Claudia Mae is doing along with Amanda and Paul’s move. Manders never fail to pen a story that will remain with a reader and a Christian message to glean.
March 2, 2020
An amazing story of friendship and faith!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began this book....beautiful cover, interesting title, and author I enjoy....but this story surpassed my expectations! I was delighted with the characters, the twists I didn’t see coming, and the satisfying ending.
Amanda and Paul MacAllister have inherited his grandmother’s South Carolina house. Renovations are needed, and the country location may present a problem for the young couple plans to sell the property. Some secrets and misunderstandings cloud the future, but a quirky neighbor is there to guide them through difficult times.
I highly recommend this touching story of friendship and faith.
Favorite quote: I’m glad for the hype surrounding Christmas—commercial or religious. The message of Christmas must be proclaimed to the whole world. No matter how hard it tries, the world can’t take Christ out of Christmas. The meaning comes through to unbelievers and believers alike that we need a Savior, and God loved us enough to send one. Amanda’s journal
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began this book....beautiful cover, interesting title, and author I enjoy....but this story surpassed my expectations! I was delighted with the characters, the twists I didn’t see coming, and the satisfying ending.
Amanda and Paul MacAllister have inherited his grandmother’s South Carolina house. Renovations are needed, and the country location may present a problem for the young couple plans to sell the property. Some secrets and misunderstandings cloud the future, but a quirky neighbor is there to guide them through difficult times.
I highly recommend this touching story of friendship and faith.
Favorite quote: I’m glad for the hype surrounding Christmas—commercial or religious. The message of Christmas must be proclaimed to the whole world. No matter how hard it tries, the world can’t take Christ out of Christmas. The meaning comes through to unbelievers and believers alike that we need a Savior, and God loved us enough to send one. Amanda’s journal
November 5, 2018
MY THOUGHTS:
I loved, loved, loved this story. Oh, how I want a Claudie Mae, aka The Washwoman, in my life. She views life with a smile and looks for the best in each day. She befriends Amanda at the right time that Amanda needs a friend and mentor. Claudie Mae is unselfish and seeks to be Christ-like in all she does. What an amazing example for us!! The ending is wonderful in how everything and everyone find there right place to be at Christmas.
Blessings,
Karen Hadley Rating: 5*
I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.
I loved, loved, loved this story. Oh, how I want a Claudie Mae, aka The Washwoman, in my life. She views life with a smile and looks for the best in each day. She befriends Amanda at the right time that Amanda needs a friend and mentor. Claudie Mae is unselfish and seeks to be Christ-like in all she does. What an amazing example for us!! The ending is wonderful in how everything and everyone find there right place to be at Christmas.
Blessings,
Karen Hadley Rating: 5*
I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.
June 30, 2023
I LOVED the strong Christian themes of hope and faith, then letting go of fear and holding on to love, even after death! A very enjoyable, feel good book with delightful characters and a different type of book from the romance I usually read!
November 18, 2018
The Washwoman’s Christmas is a charming story that is a departure from Elaine Manders usual writings, and brings to mind some of America’s classic southern literature. Evocative description and dialogue immersed me in the back woods of North Carolina as Claudie Mae befriends newlywed Amanda MacAllister who struggles to prepare her husband’s family home for sale in his absence. Claudie Mae’s warmth and wisdom was genuine and spoke to me on several occasions throughout the book. Having done extensive house renovations of my own, I found the speed at which Amanda finished the projects a little unrealistic, but made sense given the shorter length of the book. The tension of Amanda’s uncertainly about her husband’s love built throughout the story, I could feel her anxiety. When the situation reached crisis mode, I cried with her. Claudie Mae’s response was soothing and edifying without being preachy. I was able to finish the book in two sittings. As usual Ms. Manders does not disappoint.
November 7, 2018
The Washwoman's Christmas is such a heartwarming story! I never wanted it to end - I definitely wished at the end to follow not only Amanda in what happens in the future but with Claudie Mae as well. I fell in love with Claudie Mae and her view of life. Her comparisons and teaching moments were thought provoking and good. Definitely some twists and turns in this story to keep you turning pages - I definitely didn't guess correctly how the story would end! You'll definitely enjoy this story leading up to Christmas and definitely will wish you had someone in your life like Claudie Mae! Realistic characters that are all very unique and a great story line, this book will keep you going to the end - I read it in one sitting cause I couldn't put it down!
January 3, 2019
I loved reading this book. I enjoyed reading a book that gave hope to people. Amanda being away from her husband looking forward to their future together. While getting the house her husband's grandmother lived in ready to sell , she meets Claudie Mae. Claudie Mae becomes a shining light for Amanda and she learns a lot about life from her. I enjoyed reading her journal entries. So if you want a feel good book that warms your heart this is it. Thanks Elaine I look forward to reading more of your books.
October 25, 2018
What a wonderful Christmas story! This is a very well written book that is full of love and emotion. This book would make a wonderful, heartwarming movie. I loved how Elaine Manders used this book to get the message of God's love and mercy across and how God already knows what is going to happen even though we don't. This is a book I will read more than once. It is very uplifting. I highly recommend this book.
December 27, 2019
This was an incredibly heartwarming story. I feel in love with the characters and felt as if I knew them personally. Friendship and love touches so many people in this beautiful story. Claudia Mae showed so much of Gods love bringing peace to Amanda and her current situations. This book will make you smile and give you encouragement. I will definitely be reading more by Elaine Manders!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
January 1, 2020
This sweet and clean Christian novella took a relatively simple plot and expanded it into a meaningful and faith-based book covering many facets touching upon family loss, neglect of the elderly and battered women. Somewhat different from her usual subject matter, this author, still using her descriptive analogies and local dialects, was able to intertwine all into an entertaining and heartwarming read.
January 8, 2023
What a Christmas Story!
I started this book just before Christmas and am so glad I ran across the book when I did. The title pulled me in and after starting the book, nothing could pull me away. Even though it is now past Christmas, it is never to late to read a book with such timely meaning. I am glad I found this book.
I started this book just before Christmas and am so glad I ran across the book when I did. The title pulled me in and after starting the book, nothing could pull me away. Even though it is now past Christmas, it is never to late to read a book with such timely meaning. I am glad I found this book.
June 15, 2026
The washwoman freely gives of her grace, wisdom, and discernment to her young neighbor, helping the young woman strengthen her trust in God.
With this renewed faith, she is able to gracefully deal with the difficult things that come her way and to be secure that she can face whatever comes next in her life by leaning on God.
With this renewed faith, she is able to gracefully deal with the difficult things that come her way and to be secure that she can face whatever comes next in her life by leaning on God.
October 28, 2018
Heartwarming, heart healing story set at Christmas time. So loved the handling of the Spiritual issues. Absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
December 10, 2021
Great book!
I loved this book so much. The characters were wonderful! I encourage everyone to read this book. This is the first book I've read from this author. I will read other books by her too!
I loved this book so much. The characters were wonderful! I encourage everyone to read this book. This is the first book I've read from this author. I will read other books by her too!
December 26, 2019
Christ.as Spirit
I so loved reading this book. Really liked the journal quotes. Claudine Mae is such a wide sweet woman. Loved how she encourage Maddy.
I so loved reading this book. Really liked the journal quotes. Claudine Mae is such a wide sweet woman. Loved how she encourage Maddy.
January 5, 2020
Good
This is one that is so full of how loving and helpful people can be it makes you believe in
This is one that is so full of how loving and helpful people can be it makes you believe in
January 5, 2020
Heartwarming Christmas Story
A wonderful heartwarming Christmas story from a new author to me. I loved the story. A very good Christian read.
A wonderful heartwarming Christmas story from a new author to me. I loved the story. A very good Christian read.
January 8, 2020
A great Christmas story
Loved the main characters and how they developed through the story. This was a perfect story to read at Christmas time.
Loved the main characters and how they developed through the story. This was a perfect story to read at Christmas time.
January 10, 2020
Highly recommended
I loved it. This was such a good story. It is one you can feel good about sharing with a teen.
I loved it. This was such a good story. It is one you can feel good about sharing with a teen.
July 24, 2022
Great book
This was a fantastic book. Claudie Mae is a special lady. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a clean sweet Christian based story.
This was a fantastic book. Claudie Mae is a special lady. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a clean sweet Christian based story.
February 14, 2023
What should have been a pleasant uncomplicated read was spoiled (for me) by the constant barrage of religion.
September 23, 2023
The Washwoman cleans peoples cloth in a big pot. Just a wonderful book and since I am not religious, I still loved it.
November 6, 2023
Heartwarming
This was a heartwarming story that kept me wanting more. Lots of good lessons from this one. I highly recommend it.
This was a heartwarming story that kept me wanting more. Lots of good lessons from this one. I highly recommend it.
November 23, 2023
The Washwoman's Christmas is a charming story by Elaine Manders. I really enjoyed the portrayal of friendship, faith, and hope. The characters are truly relatable and likable, especially Claudie Mae. Every new bride needs a woman of wisdom, like Claudie Mae, in her life. This is an enchanting story with a feel good ending. I own a Kindle copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
June 26, 2024
Pleasant read
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews