Engaging Father Christmas

Father Christmas #2

by Robin Jones Gunn

Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation.
But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost.
And yet . . . maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, Holiday

176 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2008

About the author

ROBIN JONES GUNN has written more than 100 books with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her Father Christmas books have been made into three Hallmark Christmas movies. The timeless Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The College Years, Married Years, Baby Years, and the Haven Maker series. Robin's novels and non-fiction works include Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman, Victim of Grace, Praying for Your Future Husband, and Before You Meet Your Future Husband co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her books have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Many of Robin's books are in eBook, audiobook, large print, and foreign editions. Robin does a weekly Podcast called "Women Worth Knowing" with Cheryl Brodersen. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in California.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

About this book:

“Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation.
But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost.
And yet . . . maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.”


Series: Book #2 in the “Father Christmas” series. (Review of Book #1 Here!)


Spiritual Content- Jeremiah 29:11 at the beginning; Set during Christmas; Prayers, blessings over food & worship; Talks about God, Christ’s birth & peace; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Miranda is a newer believer; Many mentions of God, peace & believing; Mentions of prayers & blessings over food; Mentions of those in the Bible, the nativity & Christ’s birth; Mentions of churches, church going, church services & carols; Mentions of Christians & faiths; Mentions of Heaven; A couple mentions of Thanking God; A couple mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of someone’s blessing;
*Note: Many mentions of Father Christmas.


Negative Content- Mentions of an accident & death (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a separation; Mentions of lies & deceit; Mentions of gossip; A couple (teasing) mentions of a dead body in a bag.


Sexual Content- two blown kisses, two cheek kisses, a nose kiss, two head kisses, three not-detailed kisses, ten barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and two semi-detailed kisses; Remembering a kiss (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); A bit of noticing; Miranda was born out of wedlock (when a married man, separated at the time had a love affair); Mentions of a young boy saying that he knows how babies are made & doing “you know”; Mentions of & talks about kisses & kissing; Mentions of crushes & mushy eyes; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of kisses & mistletoe; A couple mentions of married couples kissing (barely-above-not-detailed); Love, being in love & the emotions.

-Miranda Carson, age 30
1st person P.O.V. of Miranda
161 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Precious, absolutely precious. Can I just leave it at that? Hahaha, but really. This was a sweet book (even though it took me off guard that it’s set a year after “Finding Father Christmas”, it makes sense, I just wasn’t expecting it). I can’t decide if I like the previous book or this sequel better! Both were just right. ;)


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn is a delightful contemporary festive read. It is the sequel to Finding Father Christmas but can be read as a stand-alone.
The novel is set one year after the first one and continues many of the themes. Once again there is the theme of belonging. A year earlier Miranda was searching to belong. Now she consolidates her position with both her earthly friends and her heavenly Father. She was "pursued by God,,, changed... [and] belongs to God."
There are parallels between earthly fathers and our heavenly Father. Edward is a powerful man yet his door is always open to his children and he bends an ear to listen to them. Likewise God, the creator of the universe loves each one of us and bends His ear to hear us.
Coming home is another theme. It can be in the literal sense or figuratively. Miranda's home growing up was a series of hotel rooms. She longs for both a bricks and mortar home and a home in someone's heart.
Once again questions of roots is raised. Children must never be made to feel guilty for where they come from. They cannot be held responsible for their parents indiscretions.
God is our generous Father. His gifts to us are given in abundance. God's extravagant gifts and grace are contagious. If you know God, you want to emulate Him and be generous. This is seen in the novel as children Julia and Mark open their hearts to others around them. Having both a child-like heart and faith is a beautiful thing.
Engaging Father Christmas was a fabulous read. The story wrapped itself around my heart, producing a warm, fuzzy feeling. I am really enjoying this series and eager to start book three Kissing Father Christmas.
Give yourself a festive treat and immerse yourself in this fabulous series today.
You can buy the first two books separately or buy them in the two for one edition.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I'm being honest, I went into this book with a bit of disappointment that it would likely be a romance, with the way the last book ended. And I also expected it to lack the depth of the first one. I was definitely wrong! The second book picks up right where the last one left off. And featured the same characters with the same depth of emotion running through the book as in the first. And it even had the same Christmasy feel. I've come away from this second book in the series feeling as I did with the first....like this series has everything I could ask for in a series of Christmas novellas. I'll definitely be moving on to the third and final book in the series this week!

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it more than the first one - it was more Christmassy and I loved when Ian dressed up as Santa for the kids in the hospital. I also loved that Miranda’s niece and nephew gave up some of their gifts to Ian to give to the kids. That was so sweet.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a romance, a lot of this might be believable if it were set in the 1950’s, maybe? Anyway, I’m just reading it because I liked the Hallmark movies that were based on the books (in a secular way).

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Some spoilers ahead.* I enjoyed this book, but the storyline didn't take the turns I thought it would. The dustjacket states "the matriarch of the Whitcombe family refuses to bless Miranda and Ian's relationship." It also says "family secrets threaten all her relationships in unanticipated ways," and "she finds the promise of so much more in the arms of a certain Father Christmas." First off, the matriarch didn't even have anything to say about their relationship, and the only "family secret" is the one we already knew about Miranda being Sir James Whitcombe's daughter. There is a random appearance by former boyfriend, Josh, which led me to think (based on the dustjacket) she and Ian would break up because of the matriarch's disapproval, and she would land back in Josh's arms. No such drama. Also, BEFORE Ian has even asked Miranda to marry him, when they are visiting Ian's father in the hospital, Miranda holds Andrew's hand and says, "It's Miranda's, Dad. We're all here for you." OK, a bit presumptious to call a man Dad when your boyfriend hasn't even asked you to marry him yet. OK, so all the complaints aside, I enjoyed the book, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if the dustjacket hadn't led me to believe I was going to read a totally different story.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miranda returns to England again for Christmas, this time knowing who her father's family is and dating a local man...Ian, Andrew's son.

Immediately upon arrival, even before the train gets to their stop, Ian gets a phone call from his stepmother that his father has had a heart attack. Thankfully he'll be okay, but it happening so soon to the Christmas play means Ian will have to fill-In for his dad and be Father Christmas.

I loved the proposal scene! I thought it was just perfect and so sweet!

[MacKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second installment in the Father Christmas series, not as much as the first because many things were reiterated, but there is also a certain sweetness to returning to characters who you already know. I'm looking forward to reading the third book, also hopefully before the new year!

[Bobbie Lathrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet and heartfelt. Loved the romance, but I definitely liked the first one better. Still really good though and will be re-reading both of them this Christmas and every Christmas after!

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Publisher: Faith Words
2008
ISBN: 978-0-446-17946-1
Genre: Inspirational/Christmas/contemporary




Miranda Carson has just returned to England to spend Christmas with her Scottish boyfriend, Ian, and his family, who manages a tea shop in a small town in the English country-side. But Ian is running late meeting Miranda at the airport, and the first person Miranda sees is her former boyfriend, Josh. After a few minutes spent catching up, Josh goes his way, and Ian arrives, whisking Miranda off to…the hospital, where his dad had just been admitted with a heart attack.

While visiting with Ian’s mother in the tea shop, Miranda’s deceased father’s wife shows up, and Miranda spends a few minutes talking with her, hoping that the family matriarch will make her welcome. But Margaret is as cold and stand-offish as ever, making Miranda wonder if she will ever truly be welcomed as her father’s daughter, a member of the family. Still, her brother Edward does extend some effort, and Miranda loves Edward’s two children, Julia and Mark.

But, as Miranda searches for love and acceptance, a family to belong to, she finds some more in the arms of Father Christmas.

In this long awaited sequel to Finding Father Christmas we see Miranda returning to England. I enjoyed the way this novella played out, revising the charming people and country I encountered in the first book and getting to know the characters in a slightly deeper level. Miranda has changed a lot in the two books, becoming more open to love, and not as skittish. I enjoyed seeing her transformation.

Don’t miss this charming Christmas novella, and even though I read the book in July, that doesn’t mean you have to! Christmas will be coming very soon, and this will be a book to look for when they start stocking Christmas novellas in November. If you pick up Finding Father Christmas and ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS the dual will make a charming gift for someone, especially if you include a pack of their favorite English tea.
$13.99, hardcover. 159 pages.

[E.E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll kind of combine my thoughts on Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas, since I read the, right after another as though they were one big book. There might possibly be spoilers. I'll try to keep it as spoiler free as possible though.

I genuinely enjoyed these books, however I think that is because I am a long time fan of Robin Jones Gunn. A person who isn't one of her fans or familiar with her writing, I'm not sure how they would enjoy them. I also had to keep reminding myself that these were novellas, not full novels. So therefore, there wouldn't be as much detail as there would be if they were complete novels. Thus, the three star rating.

I loved the premise of the stories. A woman named Miranda who was raised by a single mother who happened to be an actress, and years after the death of her mother she travels to Britain to find her long lost father. As a theatre person, a lover of God, romance, and Christmas, I really loved how she combined all of these.

However, beyond Miranda, and possibly one or two other characters, I didn't completely fall in love with them. The characters were likable, which was easy because they were so war,and loving. I would have been nice to have seen some of their flaws though. Which could just be personal preference. It also would have been nice to see how Miranda and Ian's relationship had grown between the two books. However, for being novellas, Gunn did a nice job.

When you read her books, you can tell Gunn Ike's happy endings. These books were no exception. While some may see it as corny or cliche, sometimes it's nice to see a story end happily. Sometimes having such an optimistic view such as Gunn's may seem naive and unrealistic, it also can be a breath of fresh air.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging Father Christmas is the continuation of Miranda Carson's journey to search for her father and become a beloved member of a family, which began in Finding Father Christmas.

At the beginning of the story we find Miranda at Paddington Station having just arrived from the United States to spend Christmas with the Whitcombe family (the family of her now deceased birth father) and the McGregor family in Carlton Heath England. While awaiting the arrival of her beloved Ian, she happens to bump into her former boyfriend, Josh. Josh is the person who encouraged Miranda to search for her birth father and pointed out the clues which originally brought her to England in Finding Father Christmas. She tells Josh that she did find her father and revealed his identity to him.

The story continues when Miranda and Ian arrive in Carlton Heath. Miranda is trying very had to understand Margaret Whitcombe, the family matriarch. Miranda wants Margaret's acceptance.

The story twists and turns with some unexpected events, which cause Miranda to fear that her new found family may want to turn her out. However, as Christmas approaches, it seems that the spirit of the season may have influenced hearts and brought an acceptance and undertanding to Miranda.

Truly another charming tale by Robin Jones Gunn. I hope the author continues this Christmas series with another sweet tale about where life takes Miranda and her family.

[Kayce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talk about perfect timing for a book! I finished this one the day after Christmas and it was such a cute and cozy little read during the holiday. The sequel to Finding Father Christmas, Engaging Father Christmas continues with Miranda’s journey as she heads back to Carlton Heath one year after her discovery of a family she never knew. Now happily involved with a special someone, Miranda feels sentimental as she travels back to the tiny town that welcomed her with open arms the first time she visited, which was the previous Christmas.

While very predictable (at a short 155 pages it doesn’t take a seasoned reader to know what’s coming), Gunn is still an excellent story teller. She’ll keep you engaged and make you feel right at home as you get to know the characters a bit more than last time. The reader will recognize several scenarios that were in the first novel (the Tea Cosy, the Christmas play, and the Whitcombe manor) that make you wish for variety.

But this is still a cozy (guess that’s the best word I keep coming up with!) little novel about the Christmas spirit, warm and friendly people, and the need all of us have for love in our lives. I recommend picking up a copy before the end of the year to appreciate the timing of the story!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

http://bookwormz2010.wordpress.com/20...

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love to make Christmas cookies. I pull out Mom's recipies and some I've grown to love over the years. They are sweet, yummy, and who cares if they aren't nutritious? I just read two books by Robin Jones Gunn that remind me of Christmas cookies. Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas are both about Miranda Carlson, the daughter of an actress who is a single mother. The clues her mother left her led her to England one Christmas on a search for her father. I won't tell whether she finds her dad, but she does find her Father and his Son--but the book isn't preachy and really isn't about her conversion--which is really more of a gentle unveiling than a knock off a horse. The books are what you'd expect Christmas books to be--heartwarming and sweet--kind of like Christmas cookies.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting sequel to "Finding Father Christmas" that's filled with old-fashioned Christmas warmth, enchanting settings, and spiritual revelations throughout Miranda's return to Carlton Heath, England, where she first came in search of her father a year ago. Despite the bumps in the road along the way; not to mention some compromising headlines that could jeopardize all that Miranda has worked toward her entire life; true engagement in love and family prevail, and at long last, Miranda is finally home.

While I loved this book and its prequel, "Finding Father Christmas," Hallmark produced the film version of the sequel as well and with a few changes to warm up the frosty personas in the book, they created Christmas magic.

At the risk at sounding like a commercial, if you haven't read the books or seen the movies, make sure you do this holiday season. You'll love them all!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is the sequel to Finding Father Christmas.

Miranda Carson cannot wait to return to England to spend the Christmas season with her boyfriend and family. She is still trying to make amends with the family that she has found to be the family of her father, Sir James Whitcombe. She so wants them to accept her into the family, especially Margaret, Sir James' widow.

Surprises await Miranda and so does disappointments. Miranda is certain all is lost when the family secret is made public and threatens her relationships and thinks she has lost all.

A certain "Father Christmas" shows her how much she is loved and there are so many special gifts in store for her.

Another book I couldn't put down until the end.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up unaware that it was a sequel. I knew the author penned a series that my daughter had enjoyed (Christy), which caused me to want to give it a try.

"Truth has a way of rising to the surface. Sometimes you must wait for truth to float to the top. Other times you must go to it, take it by the hand, and pull it up with all your might."

The author was stating this in the context of family and hiding parentage. But the quote rings true in so many instances. Sometimes it's more than difficult to speak the truth... One must overtly wrangle it into the open. It takes courage and faith.

Although short, this novella is enough to warm your heart and remind you of the importance of love.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sequel to Finding Father Christmas.

Miranda Carson returns to England and her newly found family and boyfriend. However, the happy Christmas reunion she expected does not unfold as she anticipated. Illness and family secrets threaten Miranda's new life. As she hopes for her dreams to come true, Miranda and others learn about love and acceptance and what it means to be a family. The Whitcombe and MacGregor families are just as charming here. We also get better acquainted, especially with Ian, Julia and Mark.

Like the first book, this one is light and somewhat predictable. It's also delightful. Perfect for curling up by a fire with a cup of cocoa. Sweetly charming.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the sequel to Finding Father Christmas, and I sure hope there are more to come in this series.

Engaging Father Christmas picks up one year after the last book ended. Miranda is once again in England for Christmas, hoping to get engaged to her Scottish boyfriend, Ian. There are some hiccups along the way, but things turn out exactly as they should in the end.

The themes of faith, grace, and patience with a little romance thrown in, can't help but produce some Christmas cheer. (I even got a little Christmas lump in my throat, because I'm a sap like that.) This is a great holiday read, with a reading guide in the back for group discussions.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so touching I literally got choked up three different times. The author really knows how to engage a reader's heart. It doesn't hurt that Ian is a dreamy hero. And Miranda is a very loveable heroine. What's not to love about either of them? They are an amazing couple and a joy to read about as you get to know more about them and their desire for love. Ah....

The theme of finding your place in the world, the importance of family, and the far-reaching implications of forgiveness are strong in this story, making it a winner in my book. I really loved this novella and have to say it's the most heart-warming Christmas story I've ever read. Bravo!

[Meghan Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Robin Jones Gunn’s Engaging Father Christmas. I love that it was set in England. The Scottish boyfriend drove an Austin Healy and wore his dress kilt. They ate bacon and baked beans for breakfast. Tea was mentioned on nearly every page, and there was an abundance of “biscuits” (cookies). In the end, the question was popped in a cottage lit by a fire and lots of candles with boughs of evergreen on the mantle.

Even then, though, the conflict wasn’t over. But I won’t ruin it for you. Brew a cup of peppermint tea, or hot cocoa if you prefer, put a couple of biscuits on a snowman plate, and snuggle in by the fire . . . .

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was basically an unrealistic fairytale. It lacked detail and had very minimal plot. It was a feel good read, but the main character was weak and misogyny was crazy obvious and unnecessary. I wouldn't have known whether it was set in 1915 or 2015 with the exception of the addition of cell phones. We're supposed to believe that a woman who's lived a strong and independent life for 10 years would give up everything and move over seas for a man she barely knows. If she's been on her own for 10 years, I have to believe she wouldn't be so pathetically desperate to get married or would have at least had a backbone at some point in the story.

[Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

You are my rose, Miranda. And you are forgotten no more.

I liked the previous book better, but I did enjoy reading this one. My favorite part was when Ian took Miranda to Forgotten Rose Cottage and showed her the tree decorated with red rosebuds.

Julia, Mark, Andrew, Katherine, Edward, and Ellie are all back, and I liked the scenes between Miranda and Julia. The descriptions of food in this book are all mouth-watering, and make me crave a good, full English breakfast! (No tomatoes, please.) ;)

A beautiful, exquisite story and just the right length that you can devour it in a whole winter evening :)

[Antoinette]

I love the spins of this and I like how its set in London. The male protagonist in the story is named Ian and is Scottish like a story I had wrote and it seems to have inspired me to work on that tale, or at least try to get that story right this year.

I wish Hallmark did what the book did, draw it out some to do a squeal, true they could, but being a Lord/actor in England comes to a different standard in the USA of being a stage actor. But Hallmark could still tell the rest of this story in some way, perhaps even if they did intertwine some things in the second book into the first movie. Perhaps they will use the third book as the second movie.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda returns to the land of the father she never met - England. In this second book of the trilogy, it’s again Christmas, and Miranda feels the magic and love of her newly found family, from everyone except the matriarch, Margaret. She and Ian are in love, and both are anticipating a life together. But there are problems and difficulties ahead for the family and their close friends. There is spiritual growth and an awaking of acceptance. There is a realization that one can decide if something is a burden or a blessing, and act accordingly. This well-written novella is a tender story and delight to read anytime, but especially so at Christmastime.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel to "Finding Father Christmas" was just as heartwarming as the first book in the series. The first novel had Miranda searching for her father and finding not only her earthly father, but also finding her Heavenly father. This novel has her returning to Carlton Heath to her new boyfriend, in hopes that their relationship is about to become more permanent. There is also a strong theme of forgiveness woven throughout this book, and as with the first book, the title is a bit of a play on words. This was a very enjoyable quick Christmas read.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know there was a previous one. I just thought a Christmas book by a favorite author at Christmastime would be a good read. Gunn didn't disappoint. The sometimes pessimistic me thought the book might not end that well but it did. The lessons learned about acceptance, truth, love, and how God plays a role in all those areas were what made it a good read. But really I loved the English cultural aspects, like what they said, and how they ate. It was so familiar since having been there and that the Irish use some of the same sayings and eat some of the same food.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I was overwhelmed by the continuation of Miranda's story. Not only does Miranda find the answers to her questions, but she gains so much more than she ever expected to find. Robin Jones Gunn write such a superb story, I think I could have went through an entire box of tissues!

You won't want to miss reading these two novellas... Engaging Father Christmas can be read alone, but is so much richer if you take time to read Finding Father Christmas beforehand.

Thank you, Ms. Gunn, for such an inspiring story, especially at Christmas time!