What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christmas Card #2
A Cinderella Christmas
A notebook meant to heal one heart, inspires the hearts of many.
After a traumatic accident that was entirely her fault, Emily Jansen struggles with guilt, anxiety, and the desire to prevent others from experiencing something similar. To help work through her issues, she writes in a notebook and prays that God will open her eyes to see those in need.
When Grant Dillon's wife passed away five years ago, he scaled back his successful journalism career in order to better raise his daughter. Now his boss wants him back in the game, and if he doesn't produce a prize-winning article soon, he will be out of a job. A chance encounter at a vet's office leaves him inspired in a way that completely changes his perspective on life. When the mysterious woman leaves, Grant finds a notebook left behind. Knowing that this woman is his story, Grant now must find the woman he knows only by her inspirational writing.
It's just a simple notebook with a message that could change the world. As its message inspires Grant to act differently, it unknowingly produces a chain that changes lives forever.
Coming full circle, can Emily's own message truly heal her heart, or will her trauma and uncertain future prevent her from moving on with her life and allowing God to use her pain for good?
Will Grant write his story before his deadline, or will his boss take matters into her own hands? Most importantly, will Grant's search for the writer of the notebook end with him finding his true Cinderella?
After a traumatic accident that was entirely her fault, Emily Jansen struggles with guilt, anxiety, and the desire to prevent others from experiencing something similar. To help work through her issues, she writes in a notebook and prays that God will open her eyes to see those in need.
When Grant Dillon's wife passed away five years ago, he scaled back his successful journalism career in order to better raise his daughter. Now his boss wants him back in the game, and if he doesn't produce a prize-winning article soon, he will be out of a job. A chance encounter at a vet's office leaves him inspired in a way that completely changes his perspective on life. When the mysterious woman leaves, Grant finds a notebook left behind. Knowing that this woman is his story, Grant now must find the woman he knows only by her inspirational writing.
It's just a simple notebook with a message that could change the world. As its message inspires Grant to act differently, it unknowingly produces a chain that changes lives forever.
Coming full circle, can Emily's own message truly heal her heart, or will her trauma and uncertain future prevent her from moving on with her life and allowing God to use her pain for good?
Will Grant write his story before his deadline, or will his boss take matters into her own hands? Most importantly, will Grant's search for the writer of the notebook end with him finding his true Cinderella?
Please note: Though "A Cinderella Christmas" is book 2 in "The Christmas Card" series, it is not necessary to read the first book in order to enjoy the second one. They are completely separate, stand-alone books, tied together only in that they are heart-warming, Christmas stories meant to inspire.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2018
243 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Tru
46 books527 followersJoin me on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i...
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 27, 2019
I’ve enjoyed most of the Christmas stories from this author so was eager to try this one.
It wasn’t long before I was wondering if I had made a mistake. Emily bugged me with her constant harping on an accident. I almost shut the book and didn’t finish. But I’m glad I kept reading. The story soon changed to other perspectives, and I found myself drawn into the story. I really enjoyed the message and watching how a few simple words changed so many things for so many people.
However, almost any time Emily came back into the picture I wanted to shake her and tell her a few flat out truths that she was ignoring even if she didn’t want to hear them! Grant had a lot more patience with her than I did.
But overall I did like the story, the message it shared, and will probably read it again.
It wasn’t long before I was wondering if I had made a mistake. Emily bugged me with her constant harping on an accident. I almost shut the book and didn’t finish. But I’m glad I kept reading. The story soon changed to other perspectives, and I found myself drawn into the story. I really enjoyed the message and watching how a few simple words changed so many things for so many people.
However, almost any time Emily came back into the picture I wanted to shake her and tell her a few flat out truths that she was ignoring even if she didn’t want to hear them! Grant had a lot more patience with her than I did.
But overall I did like the story, the message it shared, and will probably read it again.
December 25, 2018
A fiction story that convicts and teaches!
I usually don’t write reviews and rarely on my “light Christmas reads” do I give 5 stars. But this book is different. It was well-written and inspiring. I find it has affected how I see people and how I treat them as well. I don’t ever want to walk away again.
Take time to read this sweet powerful story
I usually don’t write reviews and rarely on my “light Christmas reads” do I give 5 stars. But this book is different. It was well-written and inspiring. I find it has affected how I see people and how I treat them as well. I don’t ever want to walk away again.
Take time to read this sweet powerful story
December 16, 2018
I have read over 95 books this year and most of them I have given five stars because I enjoyed them. However, this little story tops them all and I wish I could give it more stars. That being said, we have all walked away at some time in our lives as we experienced similar situations expressed in the story, I hope those who read this book will put on Cinderella's shoes and stop and think about what they can do for others in the future. I am now 75 years-old and pray everyday that I might live and act as Christ did and have been led to some incredible experiences. Most recently, I volunteer twice a week at the homeless shelter in our area. I've organized making up "Welcome Home Kits" for those leaving the shelter and moving into an apartment. These kits consist of bedding, towels, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies and other things. I've made over 500 "New Baby Kits" over the years that include blankets, diapers, onesie's, sleepers, wipes, a bottle and a toy. I've wrapped dozens of children's books for United Way. Sponsored families for "Sub for Santa" and "Back-to-school" shopping and more. While these things are certainly needed and useful, it is the people who receive these items that make it all worth the time and money involved to do these things. It's the pregnant woman getting one of the baby kits, crying and saying she had nothing for her baby. It's the middle school age child who thanks you for helping with getting new clothes for school so she can be like the other kids. It's the mother who gives you a gift of a religious figure (not of your faith) because you helped her son with homework and school projects. It's the single parent who can't get to their child's baseball game because she has no transportation. It's the three different girls you take into your home to remove them from negative situations in their own homes and they stay from several weeks to over two years. It letters from parents thanking you for taking so much time with their special needs child. It's cleaning someones house who has been injured in a skateboard accident. It is finding someone who can nurse an infant while the mother is in the hospital for a few days. It is taking someone to the hospital for Chemo and sometime, just praying for someone and making some cookie. Whatever you do for whomever you serve, will always remember what you do, not what you say. So read this book and then look for ways YOU can reach out to others in a way that Christ would have.You will be blessed in numerous ways. You'll be happier and so will the person that you have served. Remember, that when you are in the service of others, you are in the service of your God. May God Bless Amanda Tru and help her to continue to write these inspiring stories. With thanks and respect for a job well done.
December 17, 2018
A truly inspiring story
Every once in a while you stumble across a story that truly resonates within your heart and soul. This is that story for me this Christmas season . It has truly imprinted itself upon me and given me a desire to wear Cinderella's shoes. Definitely a keeper and a story worth reading again and again.
Every once in a while you stumble across a story that truly resonates within your heart and soul. This is that story for me this Christmas season . It has truly imprinted itself upon me and given me a desire to wear Cinderella's shoes. Definitely a keeper and a story worth reading again and again.
December 17, 2022
This book needs more than 5 stars!
Before writing this review, I needed to have a day to let this story sit in my heart.
Now you might think that by the name of this book it’s another cute fairytale about Cinderella. However, you will be shocked and find it’s so much more than that.
In fact, there really isn’t much about Cinderella in this story until the twist at the end.
This story will deeply touch you if you let it. If you take what the main characters are learning and apply it to your life, then you will see things in such a different way.
You may just stop, and NOT walk away.
Amanda Tru is really a wonderful, gifted author who brings to life characters who end up digging down into your soul! She has a unique skill of blending words together, so I was blown away by the depth of this story. In many of her books, she has the talent for wrapping events in such a way that they all connect.
It amazed me how each character had something I could identify with and take to heart. It was exquisitely written and flowed smoothly, so smoothly that at the end my heart was tumbling all over the place. I laughed, I smiled, and I cried, throughout the book. There were so many emotions in just one reading!
I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it, it just might change how you view things, and each moment in your life! It might even change how you see others around you! I hope it does!
Before writing this review, I needed to have a day to let this story sit in my heart.
Now you might think that by the name of this book it’s another cute fairytale about Cinderella. However, you will be shocked and find it’s so much more than that.
In fact, there really isn’t much about Cinderella in this story until the twist at the end.
This story will deeply touch you if you let it. If you take what the main characters are learning and apply it to your life, then you will see things in such a different way.
You may just stop, and NOT walk away.
Amanda Tru is really a wonderful, gifted author who brings to life characters who end up digging down into your soul! She has a unique skill of blending words together, so I was blown away by the depth of this story. In many of her books, she has the talent for wrapping events in such a way that they all connect.
It amazed me how each character had something I could identify with and take to heart. It was exquisitely written and flowed smoothly, so smoothly that at the end my heart was tumbling all over the place. I laughed, I smiled, and I cried, throughout the book. There were so many emotions in just one reading!
I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it, it just might change how you view things, and each moment in your life! It might even change how you see others around you! I hope it does!
December 16, 2022
I loved the first book in this series, but this one wasn't as good. I loved the characters and the ideas as much but so much of the story felt forced. Still, I enjoyed reading this Christmas story.
November 4, 2018
Sweet and inspiring.
If you're a fan of Christmas, you're sure to enjoy this book. If you're a fan of inspirational stories, this is a whole bunch of little ones wrapped up in an awfully good storyline. Each person has their own story that has a common thread running through it. It's a very good read. I'll be checking out the author's other work for sure.
If you're a fan of Christmas, you're sure to enjoy this book. If you're a fan of inspirational stories, this is a whole bunch of little ones wrapped up in an awfully good storyline. Each person has their own story that has a common thread running through it. It's a very good read. I'll be checking out the author's other work for sure.
March 7, 2020
When I picked up this book, back around Christmas time, I assumed it would be a light, happy, fun Christmas read. I didn't think it would have a life changing message. I wanted to review it so that others would look it up!
In the story, it begins with a car accident, and one that is the characters fault. She struggles with the guilt of it, even though it was an accident. When she is distressed, no one stopped to check on her. She made the comment in her journal about how many times she walked by someone or walked away when she should have spoken up. The story goes on to show how her thought on that, changed many lives, from young to old.
I read this book last week, and yesterday, I noticed a girl sitting on a bench. She looked very serious, almost upset. I smiled at her and our eyes caught. Before I could stop myself, I asked her, "Are you ok?"
She smiled and I realized she was probably just deep in thought and I moved on. But she seemed relieved to be noticed, someone cared... I don't know her story and likely never will, but the book gave me a lesson that sometimes it is the little things that speak to someone.
If you are looking for a fun inspirational read, check this one out.
In the story, it begins with a car accident, and one that is the characters fault. She struggles with the guilt of it, even though it was an accident. When she is distressed, no one stopped to check on her. She made the comment in her journal about how many times she walked by someone or walked away when she should have spoken up. The story goes on to show how her thought on that, changed many lives, from young to old.
I read this book last week, and yesterday, I noticed a girl sitting on a bench. She looked very serious, almost upset. I smiled at her and our eyes caught. Before I could stop myself, I asked her, "Are you ok?"
She smiled and I realized she was probably just deep in thought and I moved on. But she seemed relieved to be noticed, someone cared... I don't know her story and likely never will, but the book gave me a lesson that sometimes it is the little things that speak to someone.
If you are looking for a fun inspirational read, check this one out.
December 11, 2019
Emily Jansen is in an accident that leaves her with anxiety that she won’t admit the fullness of. Picking up her mother’s dog, in the same town she had the accident leaves her rethinking that accident as if she doesn’t think of it often enough already. Emily frets over whether she’ll be sued and whether her parents, Peter and Kim, and brother will be brought into it. Grant picks up a notebook, left by Emily, at the vet clinic and takes it home after the receptionist said she didn’t know how to get ahold or her, or even remember who she picked up. He’s drawn to the little notebook that has everything written in it, from lists to prayers. This story is beautiful, with characters that may not have the same hurts, but definitely glimpses of what many, if not all, struggle with at times. We meet a variety of people aside from those mentioned, including Brandi, Mila, Chelsey, Jenn, and Susan. Not a story that will be put down and one that will hit the heartstrings (including the author’s note), but leave you with a sense of wonder and purpose. I can’t rave about this one enough!
December 27, 2018
The Words in a Notebook
A notebook is such an inexpensive object, but the words inside reflect the heart of a thoughtful and caring person. She wants to help share the hurt of another's pain and lighten their burdens if she can. No one should suffer completely alone. She loses the notebook. Then a newspaper reporter finds her notebook and begins to put her words into action. As he looks for her, other people begin to put her words into practice. Lives change because the words have a ripple effect. All of the time, Grant's boss wants the story told, but he is expected to find her before Christmas.
Will he find her in time for the story to be told? How will he tell the story without her permission?
A notebook is such an inexpensive object, but the words inside reflect the heart of a thoughtful and caring person. She wants to help share the hurt of another's pain and lighten their burdens if she can. No one should suffer completely alone. She loses the notebook. Then a newspaper reporter finds her notebook and begins to put her words into action. As he looks for her, other people begin to put her words into practice. Lives change because the words have a ripple effect. All of the time, Grant's boss wants the story told, but he is expected to find her before Christmas.
Will he find her in time for the story to be told? How will he tell the story without her permission?
February 20, 2019
Pay it Forward with a dash of Pollyanna
There's a lot to like in this Christianized version of Pay it Forward. The concept is wonderful & the explication via the characters works on the most important level. Unfortunately, the varying vignettes occasionally felt clunky & frequently unnecessarily wordy, becoming tedious to the point that I began skimming thru quite a few pages. And too often the sweet crossed over into saccharine. The epilogue was a little surprising as I'm used to it being an extension of the happily-ever-after, but I ended up liking it. The author's note was really good as well.
Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Openly and explicitly Christian but not super preachy
There's a lot to like in this Christianized version of Pay it Forward. The concept is wonderful & the explication via the characters works on the most important level. Unfortunately, the varying vignettes occasionally felt clunky & frequently unnecessarily wordy, becoming tedious to the point that I began skimming thru quite a few pages. And too often the sweet crossed over into saccharine. The epilogue was a little surprising as I'm used to it being an extension of the happily-ever-after, but I ended up liking it. The author's note was really good as well.
Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Openly and explicitly Christian but not super preachy
January 7, 2022
Inspirational
I think that the story had an excellent message that would improve any reader’s sensitivity to those who need encouragement and comfort. The characters were believable and likable. But the plot was somewhat contrived and the coincidences a little far fetched. However it did follow a fairy tale format. One thing that I think should be changed is the word “restroom” when the correct word should be bathroom. Brandi went to the restroom in her own home and used the facilities. When in fact she went into the bathroom. You may think that’s being picky but to me that word use was euphemistic and silly.
I think that the story had an excellent message that would improve any reader’s sensitivity to those who need encouragement and comfort. The characters were believable and likable. But the plot was somewhat contrived and the coincidences a little far fetched. However it did follow a fairy tale format. One thing that I think should be changed is the word “restroom” when the correct word should be bathroom. Brandi went to the restroom in her own home and used the facilities. When in fact she went into the bathroom. You may think that’s being picky but to me that word use was euphemistic and silly.
December 31, 2023
A guilt driven young woman still has traumatic memories of a mistake she made that injured someone. She has one of those cheap little noteboojs where she writes down passing thoughts, poettry snatches, grocery lists, & more, but she doesn't use it consistently, & thus she realizes at some point, after she sees an article anonymously quoting something she wrote, that it is gone & has been used without her permission, though its authorship remains untraceable. Can she forgive the man who used it? His pushy and
nasty boss? Especially when she discovers the words have impacted others' live positively?
nasty boss? Especially when she discovers the words have impacted others' live positively?
March 31, 2019
Such A Great Book
This book has touched my life in so many ways. I was always the one left out. I started Caregiving as a job and put a lot of what is in this book and I hadn't even read it yet. I have had several rough years and had turned back to God. This just really puts it out there. Thank you for allowing us to share about this book. There are not many books that I really share but this is one I will be definitely sharing. Thank you for such a wonderful and meaningful book.
This book has touched my life in so many ways. I was always the one left out. I started Caregiving as a job and put a lot of what is in this book and I hadn't even read it yet. I have had several rough years and had turned back to God. This just really puts it out there. Thank you for allowing us to share about this book. There are not many books that I really share but this is one I will be definitely sharing. Thank you for such a wonderful and meaningful book.
July 13, 2023
🖊 Overall, this is a nicely written and passably presented novel, although I could do without the repetition of Emily’s obsession with an accident. That first part – the prologue – really threw me off because of its present tense format; it was awkward, awkward, awkward. All that is presented in a holiday setting.
🏮 Kindle Unlimited.
🔲 Excerpt of note:
✿●▬●✿●✿●▬●✿
🏮 Kindle Unlimited.
🔲 Excerpt of note:
🔹 Since her mom was busy packing Christmas boxes at the church, Emily had reluctantly agreed to drive to Brighton Falls after she finished teaching for the day and pick up Sparkles the bulldog.
✿●▬●✿●✿●▬●✿
November 4, 2018
A solid Christmas story
If you don't like getting a lesson out of your fiction you should probably skip this book. I wasn't sold on the format until about the 50% mark, so stick with it. It was so much deeper than I expected. And a wonderful reminder for the Christmas season. This was lovely!
If you don't like getting a lesson out of your fiction you should probably skip this book. I wasn't sold on the format until about the 50% mark, so stick with it. It was so much deeper than I expected. And a wonderful reminder for the Christmas season. This was lovely!
December 17, 2018
Loved this book by a new-to-me author!
A Cinderella Christmas took me by surprise with how much I loved it! I think what struck a chord with me was how relatable the characters were and how I could take to heart the lessons they were learning! “Give me... the courage to not walk away.”
A Cinderella Christmas took me by surprise with how much I loved it! I think what struck a chord with me was how relatable the characters were and how I could take to heart the lessons they were learning! “Give me... the courage to not walk away.”
December 26, 2018
Excellent
I loved this thought and action provoking story. It's made me think about how many times I have thought I should pray or act on a situation and did I not. And about a few times I did and the outcomes that occurred. God is faithful even when I am not. Here's to a new beginning yet again. Thank God for a new beginning!
I loved this thought and action provoking story. It's made me think about how many times I have thought I should pray or act on a situation and did I not. And about a few times I did and the outcomes that occurred. God is faithful even when I am not. Here's to a new beginning yet again. Thank God for a new beginning!
March 27, 2019
What a great message in this book! Emily’s Words that she wrote just for herself, really resonate with Grant when he finds her notebook, but doesn’t know how to find her. He takes her words to heart and stops and listens. That sets off a chain reaction of listening and/or helping someone else that keeps going, showing God’s love. Would that we all put on “Cinderella’s” shoes and do the same.
November 16, 2019
Thank you for the shoes
This book reveals quite a few spiritual truths. It weaves a story of how our lives can be entwined in God's plan! I want to be the one who didn't walk away, the one who wears those shoes. Emily touched quite a few people as she learned how to walk in those shoes. Don't miss this book. It is the best Christmas read this year!
This book reveals quite a few spiritual truths. It weaves a story of how our lives can be entwined in God's plan! I want to be the one who didn't walk away, the one who wears those shoes. Emily touched quite a few people as she learned how to walk in those shoes. Don't miss this book. It is the best Christmas read this year!
December 20, 2019
So good! Touched my heart. Made me think. Made me cry, in a good way.I loved her writing . Beautiful written. A book that that I would read again. Liked it so much would love to share it.
Can't wait to read another one of her books. What great way to show God's love. I loved the characters . I felt what they felt.
Can't wait to read another one of her books. What great way to show God's love. I loved the characters . I felt what they felt.
January 3, 2020
Christmas Tale
In a Cinderella Christmas, Amanda Tru lays out a story that entangled many people along the way--in a good way. Through Emily's musings in a notebook, she manages to touch many lives without intending to. And she learns about God's grace in the bargain. Book could have used a good proofreader, but the story overcame the booboos.
In a Cinderella Christmas, Amanda Tru lays out a story that entangled many people along the way--in a good way. Through Emily's musings in a notebook, she manages to touch many lives without intending to. And she learns about God's grace in the bargain. Book could have used a good proofreader, but the story overcame the booboos.
January 12, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed reading how this author wove lives together through acts of kindness. How these simple yet sometimes uncomfortable moments led to some remarkable changes.
You will walk away from this book feeling inspired, prompted to do likewise. For isn’t this truly being the hands and feet of Jesus?!
Isn’t this what the gospel message is all about?
You will walk away from this book feeling inspired, prompted to do likewise. For isn’t this truly being the hands and feet of Jesus?!
Isn’t this what the gospel message is all about?
January 29, 2020
Inspirational & Engaging
I just liked this book... It wasn't preachy but it acknowledged God's presence in our lives and how we can be God's presence to others or not!
The story twists and turns, yet you know their is connection and that draws you to keep reading... If just to find out if the dog died!
Fun.... Enjoy!
I just liked this book... It wasn't preachy but it acknowledged God's presence in our lives and how we can be God's presence to others or not!
The story twists and turns, yet you know their is connection and that draws you to keep reading... If just to find out if the dog died!
Fun.... Enjoy!
January 4, 2021
CHALLENGED
I was and am so challenged by this book, it caused me to stop and think about those I come in contact with on a daily basis. There were so many scriptures that came to mind while reading. We need to remember, the only Jesus people will see is the Jesus in you and me. I wish there were more than five stars to give.
I was and am so challenged by this book, it caused me to stop and think about those I come in contact with on a daily basis. There were so many scriptures that came to mind while reading. We need to remember, the only Jesus people will see is the Jesus in you and me. I wish there were more than five stars to give.
March 21, 2021
A Blue Notebook
Thank you for this heartwarming and heartwrenching story about Grant and Emily. The storyline was full of events taking place that certainly took courage and obedience. The characters definitely were moved by God to step out of their comfort zone. Your story is a wake-up call for me.
Thank you for this heartwarming and heartwrenching story about Grant and Emily. The storyline was full of events taking place that certainly took courage and obedience. The characters definitely were moved by God to step out of their comfort zone. Your story is a wake-up call for me.
December 29, 2021
A wonderful story that teaches a great lesson... to be aware of the hurting people around us every day that are so easy to overlook because we are focused on our own busy lives. Great message for any time, not just Christmas. A kind word, a smile, genuine caring really change things for people in ways you might not realize. I will be checking out other books by this author. Loved it!
February 3, 2024
Inspirational reading, interesting characters, Amanda Tru has done it again! Her Christmas Card series of books are entertaining and inspirational at the same time.
(I was a bit disappointed that there were some errors in editing (wrong word or name) but maybe that’s just in the e-book version, things like spell check might do with making incorrect replacements.)
(I was a bit disappointed that there were some errors in editing (wrong word or name) but maybe that’s just in the e-book version, things like spell check might do with making incorrect replacements.)
November 3, 2018
Whose shoes do you walk in?
What an inspiring story! A blend of good Samaritan, paying it forward, and the interconnectedness of life - this book is a feel good book for any time of year. A lovely reminder to always look for those in need and to look and pay it forward.
What an inspiring story! A blend of good Samaritan, paying it forward, and the interconnectedness of life - this book is a feel good book for any time of year. A lovely reminder to always look for those in need and to look and pay it forward.
November 4, 2018
Sweet Story
Such a sweet book. At first it sets up as a typical romance but does not end as one! I was inspired by Cinderella to post attention to my surroundings and the people I pass abbet day.
Such a sweet book. At first it sets up as a typical romance but does not end as one! I was inspired by Cinderella to post attention to my surroundings and the people I pass abbet day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews