Manchester Christmas: A Novel

Chase Harrington #1

by John Gray

“Sweet, romantic, and suspenseful,  Manchester Christmas  is an unexpected gift.”
— Richard Paul Evans
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author of  The Christmas Box

A young writer is drawn to a small New England town in search of meaning for her life. Soon, she encounters kindness, romance, and is pulled into a mystery centered on an old, abandoned church and the death of a special girl. Are the images that only she can see in the church's stained-glass windows a warning, or is someone trying to reach her, to help heal this broken community?  Manchester Christmas  illustrates how God often uses the most unlikely among us to spread grace and healing in a wounded world. Full of love, hope, and forgiveness, this debut novel from an Emmy-winning writer will touch your heart and have you longing for Christmas in Manchester.
 

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

240 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2021

About the author

John Joseph Gray, 1962-

Reviews

[Heidi Gorecki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sort of a hallmark movie on steroids. The writing itself was good but there were a number of practical things that I just couldn’t get past.

On a positive note, it was nice how the characters all cared for each other, how they didn’t jump to conclusions or take offense easily, and how they were generally pretty forthright with each other even if that wasn’t the most realistic. The concept of knitting back a community stilted by grief was a valuable one, and very sweet in how an outsider cared to help that happen.

On the negatives…she’s kissing the guy in less than 24 hours? And the speed of the relationship at 6 weeks is just odd, especially for early 30-somethings, who aren’t immature kids. The references to the whole cowboy thing was super weird for the northeast too.

Setting-wise a bunch of things didn’t make sense. I grew up in upstate NY (actually in Saratoga that was mentioned at the end of the book) so I know the area of the country well and late November and December is freezing. Not like Jean-jacket, have a picnic outside at night weather, or walk around all the time without a jacket. If it’s cold enough to create a foot of ice on the pond, it’s too cold for a lot of the descriptions that were given. Some of the seasonal timeline items were off as well.

We also used to joke that what we called “mountains” in the northeast were more like hills compared to the west coast. There just aren’t high mountains. So the reference of the VT mountain being one of the highest of the continent at over 10k feet? In reality it’s about a 3rd of that and not even close to one of the highest.

I get that this is fiction and the whole premise is fantasy, but it’s just weird to take real landmarks and change them for no reason. It just made it feel like it was not put together well and the setting poorly researched.

Sweet story, but more realistic or plausible events and settings would have helped me like it more. It just felt a little forced and rushed instead.

[Amber Eats Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this book because I knew my book club had secured the author for our December meeting. I also knew that was an added pressure to like the story since I knew that we would be discussing it with him. It gave me Hallmark movie vibes at the very beginning. That’s not a bad thing but I felt like it would be predictable. However, the further I got into the story I found that this story had a lot of meat in its bones. It also took some turns that I did not expect. It has romance but isn’t a romance book. No steamy scenes like the ones that have been in other holiday reads that I have consumed lately. There is sadness but it is not a sad book. In fact, it is filled to the brim with hope. Though the tears did flow multiple times. It has a touch of magical realism but it is not distracting or too over the top. This is a Christmas book unlike others I’ve read. Is it perfect? No, but what it doesn’t do perfectly it makes up with how much heart went into its writing. If you want a book that will put a smile in your face and hope in your heart, then I definitely recommend this one!

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you love the Hallmark Channel, you will love this book. I was hoping for a non-schmaltzy holiday read and this was recommended... suffice it to say, I found myself reading the script to a Hallmark Christmas movie. Very specific details are oddly sprinkled throughout: brands of jeans and wine and luggage, but serve no particular purpose. The protagonist is obsessed with giving her dog fresh bowls of water and this fact is repeated many times. The word ‘gravitas’ is noted to be “a big word”. Huh? I guess it’s a sweet holiday tale, but honestly it’s so sweet my teeth ache. Not my genre, obviously. I stuck with it because I hate not finishing a book. Not a terrible read, but not my cup of tea.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the story, liked the people even though they were a bit too good to be true. It did bother me that she took a stroll and it took 4 minutes to walk 9 blocks, that's almost a 4.5 minute mile and she strolled?

[Robin Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like and enjoy this book but found myself trapped as if in a Hallmark movie. I pushed myself beyond the consistently (boring) mention of designer clothing - nothing was just a shirt, or shoes; it had to be specifically named. I find this was a technique I was taught back in my college creative writing courses - a very long time ago and dated. There was sadness, there was a woman with a man's name, there were too many love interests, there was a cute dog. There was a cowboy who didn't ring true to this New England woman - a farmer yes, a cowboy not so much. I think maybe there is a certain type of reader who will appreciate this book (the writing style is pleasant enough); it's just not me.

[Juliet***former Borders employee!! · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like John Gray. His essays and columns are often touching and on point. The plot in this book was just too perfect and things fell into place much too easily to be compelling reading for me. Not just one but two handsome, eligible men are attracted to the beautiful protagonist, Chase. Not only that but they are old friends who make amends after she chooses one over the other. Conveniently another lonely girl is available to date the one she didn’t choose. Chase is able to solve all of the towns problems from the bakery owner who needed help with delivery, to the lost dog, to the central plot points sad old man who lost his daughter. As soon as she started seeing the visions in the church windows I predicted what would happen with the last one. Everything fell into place. I would have liked something or someone to be a bit less helpful or at least put up a little fight.This is a perfect young adult/teen book. There is nothing inappropriate, mild language and sweet escapism. It was just too sweet for this adult.

[Tena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching and Sweet

Gosh, I’m not sure how to describe this book. This definitely isn’t a review. I’m not anywhere close to being qualified to do that for Manchester Christmas. All I can tell you is the emotional tsunami I experienced. Pick an adjective to describe emotion and just insert it. A few would be soft, sweet, sorrow, happiness, awestruck....and probably others that I can’t think of at the moment. Overwhelmed would hit closest to home. Overwhelmed with emotions, the kind where you laugh, cry and hold your breath all at the same time. I just want this story to be true and I want to go to Manchester at Christmas. Really I want to go any time of the year. Take the opportunity to do yourself a favor and read Manchester Christmas. Maybe you can think of a good adjective. I simply feel honored to have read the story.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great feel good holiday story

[Brez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good Christmas story. So much better than the silly ones that are usually passed off as good Christmas romance.
I really liked the characters and having visited Manchester VT I could get a good sense of the town.
I don’t understand when others review a book by nitpicking facts about the area. Just enjoy a good story and keep in mind that it’s Fiction.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, unique story of writer, Chase, who goes to Manchester to write a story, altho she’s not sure what the topic will be. She rents St Pius, an old church turned into a rental that has four very old, beautiful stained glass windows.

Two other main characters are a local farmer, Gavin, and realtor/widower Owen, whose son, Tommy, is autistic.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Christmas Story

While my theological beliefs differ from the author, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this very touching story. While I haven’t spent time in New England, I have always longed to do so. The descriptions of the town and townspeople were done so well, I felt myself there in the story. I am a cancer nurse and someone losing their life can be so tragic, yet so poignant and meaningful; a celebration of that person’s life. John - you hit the nail on the head. Such a beautiful description of love and Christmas celebration all wrapped up in an utterly charming Vermont town. Praise God. Sure wish I was spending Christmas there this year. Wait…I just did!!

[Lisa Dart-nakon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is one allowed to criticize a sweet, romantic Christmas book? It's like hating on a Hallmark movie.
The issues with this book were disappointingly fixable. A mountain in New England over 10,000 feet when the actual highest one if 6,600'? Too steep to drive up without a V-8? Haller Lake outside of Seattle that all the county kids go to for summer camp? The county is huge and the lake is small.
Repeatedly telling us a character is a waitress, as if we can't follow any of the characters without their job title? Meeting the handsome stranger in the opening pages and basically the romance is already set and done? Calling a ~35 year old "young lady", "child", etc. the entire book? The older people are all treated like they are ancient? A heartfelt talk fixes every issue in a town? It reads like a children's book. No spoilers, but the story arc and "mystery" are weak.

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great book.

I didn’t even want to put this down. It had me from the beginning. Couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. I smiled, laughed, got teary eyed and cried. Strongly recommend this book. I just found a sequel “Chasing Manhattan”. Looking forward to reading it.

[DeAnna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential.

A snowy, small town in Vermont. A fatherly Sherriff to keep the peace. A diner, an inn and a (mostly) interesting cast of characters.

It just fell a bit flat for me.

Chase, a female writer from Seattle, has landed in Manchester, Vermont in search for meaning and her next project. There she finds herself in a kind of strange love triangle between a single, widowed father and a hunky farmer. She’s also seeing premonitions in an old church’s stained glass windows 🧐 Does she go back to Seattle after taking a holiday from her every day life or does she grow roots in Manchester after Christmas?

This book was 2/3 cute and 1/3 kind of, as my teen son would say, “cringy” 😬 The dialogue was a bit awkward at times and Chase seemed a bit too hungry for attention 🥴 For instance, one evening she invited both men she had interest in over for dinner at the same time just to see what their reactions would be 😅 Also, this book is written by a man so maybe that had something to do with the strange female MC’s perspective 🤷🏻‍♀️ I don’t know.

2.5/5 ⭐️ - it was okay.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manchester Christmas by John Gray

No one is more surprised to be giving 4 stars to this book than I. After the first two pages, I knew this was going to read like a Hallmark Christmas movie and had doubts that I’d like it. But I kept on because it was easy reading and I enjoyed some of the characters. Chase is a writer who travels to Manchester, Vermont to get inspiration for her next story. Of course the people in town are wonderful and Chase falls for two nice guys. Then things start to get weird when Chase begins seeing “visions” and I thought this is just too much. However by the last twenty pages or so, my perspective changed. I began seeing the novel not as something way out there that couldn’t happen, but instead as a author’s tool to tell a sweet, touching, and spiritual story. I’m quite glad I read to the end. (4 stars)

[Bonnie Noehr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Schmaltzy, yes. I can see the Hallmark movie already and I’m sure it will be delightful. A more thorough edit would have improved the read; there were too many typos (wagging the dog’s tale), too many incongruities, too much mansplaining and water dishes for dogs. Nevertheless, after struggling through five books pertaining to World War II’s heartrending atrocities, Manchester Christmas was a welcome respite. I would not have known about this author and this book had my cousin in New York not sent me a local news article about the author and the marvelous Tiffany windows at St Joseph’s Church in Troy. He took me there when I visited two years ago and I could barely drag myself away from this place. So, thanks, Ken, for transporting this California gal to a place that’s dear to me and a little lighthearted romance. I surely would be game for a visit to Manchester!

[Janice Dick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhere in here is a cute Christmas love story. I read it to the end to make sure I didn't miss it.

However, the 2 stars are because:
-the author has no idea about point of view, which creates general confusion and slows reading
-the love triangle idea is overused and predictable
-the characters are short on motivation for their actions/reactions (GMC=goal, motivation, conflict)
-the mysterious angle went beyond my ability to believe it
-the genre was not quite set; using God's name just didn't fit this story, which has some religious undertones, although mystifying ones

The story could be made to work if some of these basics were understood. There are lots of great writing books out there.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debut novel with a sequel pending, I loved the way the author set up the town and its residents so that as a reader, you almost felt like you lived there all your life. It was the perfect book to read this year as it provided a little bit of hope where much is needed. Not exactly your predictable Hallmark story but it does have some love and romance mixed with a little bit of intrigue. Looking forward to where Chase goes next!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first chapter had me grinning from ear to ear. The second chapter brought a tear to my eye. That was all it took for me to absolutely fall in love with this story. It is about love, loss, magic, and the spirit of a quaint town and its people. It has all the feels. I was sobbing by the last page. Cannot recommend it enough.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing! What a wonderful story. Had me wanting to know what happens next that I couldn’t put the book down and read it in one afternoon. What a great read!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love Hallmark movies you will love this book. Not my cup of tea. There were a few details I had issue with but I chalked it up to author’s choice.

[Chiara Rappleyea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet little Christmas story told with a lot of heart and a special ending. I really enjoyed it

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit repetitive with “the old church she rented” and “the big bowl of water for Scooter” but overall a cute holiday read.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I read the BOOK version of this, not the Kindle. I liked it. I mean, it was kind of cheesy in so many ways, but I was expecting that, so I was okay with it. I liked reading about the community of Manchester and visualizing it at Christmastime, just like I could make up that picture in my brain about the calendar picture. I liked reading about what she ate, because I'm weird like that. The windows thing was kind of cool--great idea. I loved all the cheesy little foreshadowing, which I can imagine some people would NOT enjoy, but I sure did. I wrote down a couple of things in my Keepers journal, and here they are: "Have you ever had so many ideas of what to write about you ended up with no clue as to what to actually write?" "Too many ideas mean you haven't found the idea yet. You are still circling it but not ready to land." "...then your story will tap you on the shoulder and say, 'Hi, I'm here.'" I read the author's note at the end and was surprised that he seemed to think this was a Christian book about Jesus. It wasn't--not to me, a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. I read the bit in the very back of the book about the publisher too, and I was like, "No, no. This is NOT a Christian book." It was a friendly book. Maybe a NICE book. But not a Christian book. Jesus WAS talked about, but there was certainly no gospel message here about who goes to heaven and why they go. The main character was not a believer, and it didn't lead you to think anyone else had a personal relationship with Jesus either, except possibly the St. Pius reverend, or whatever they called him (a priest?), but...that was very glossed over too, so I kind of doubt it. I was fine with the book knowing it was not a Christian book. It was kind of sad and a bit annoying when it was all of a sudden all about Jesus and Christianity when reading the author's note and the publishing information. And when the author mentioned Richard Paul Evans, I was like, "Yeah, maybe this sort of is like Evans' but with way more frivolity and fluff." I have read a lot of Evans' books and like them, but again, they are nice, possibly inspirational, but not Christian. I didn't know there was another book in this series until I finished this one, and I did like this one, so I'll go read the other one, too, pretty soon.

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking for another book to read at Christmas and picked this one up. I started reading and found myself in a filler Hallmark movie. The plot is predictable, the big city writer comes to this tiny town and is instantly accepted by everyone she meets. Of course she's welcomed with open arms, the citizens don't know it but she's here to save the town. Ok a little saccharin does not make it a bad story, but there were so many jarring things that three chapters in I almost gave up. It seemed as though the author neglected to do even the most basic research on the setting.

The town seems to exist in some strange alternate universe where cowboys, and 10k ft mountains exist in Vermont (the tallest in VT is only 4393 ft,) fireflies abound in winter. I had to skip the scene where there was a candlelight dinner in the loft of a barn and the characters are dressed in a suit and dress, on a working farm in Vermont in the dead of winter. Then there was the constant name brand placement, and typos. But what nearly sent me over the edge was the author breaking the fourth wall. It seemed like every chapter ended with "little did (main character or these characters) know they would be caught up in (predictable situation,") or words to that effect.

Well I slogged my way through the book just for plain stubbornness. If you like sweet, predictable Hallmark style writing this book may be to your liking. For me it was a struggle to get through, I might read it again if I had forgotten my book and it was either this or nothing but it doesn't entice me to read anything else by this author.

[Sandra Porter · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Chase was a young girl she had a calendar with pretty pictures on it. She threw away all the pictures except one of Manchester, VT. Fast forward 15 years or so, and she finds herself driving to Manchester. GPS isn't working so she stops at a farm and gets directions from a mighty fine looking cowboy. When she gets to town she meets her realtor, again a fine looking man. She stays at the Inn, finds a place to rent, eats at the local cafe, all the while finding Manchester a town right out of the story books: beautiful, friendly, caring. And is it happens (in romance novels) she is a published author who is looking to write a book. Quaint personalities and a tragic event that had happened to the town unfolds. Have the tissues ready as it has a tearjerker ending.

Let me say that lots of people have loved this book, as it has a 4+ rating. I almost quit reading because of several factors, but it is a short book and it is Christmas time, and am ready for a Christmas miracle, so... I did however like the ending.

Okay hear comes the reality for me: It is a poorly written book, I would have thought it was self published, because the writing (too many smilies and lengthy Brand name descriptions) and the timing were irritating for me. Stamping snow off their feet then crunching leaves in the next few pages. And a cowboy in Vermont, sorry couldn't get past that one.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed to read something and this book seemed as good as any. It's a sweet story although there are a number of things that someone who is not familiar with the area will or should notice. I cannot imagine that more than a handful of states in America are warm enough to not have fires roaring 24/7, that folk will not be layered up and coated in late November and December, that strolling won't allow you to walk 9 blocks in a matter of minutes, that it's not easy to walk that fast when the weather isn't optimal and you have a dog on a leash at your side, that men on a farm with a degree are not necessarily cowboys, that kissing someone within 24 hours of meeting them seems a little over the top and getting from the farm to town in 20 minutes on wet, snowed on roads happens often. Readers do want to feel the author has done a fair amount of research and that scenarios are plausible. In spite of what could be construed to make this novel less worthy the emotions, I, as the reader experienced whilst reading this novel, laughter, sadness, joy, anxiety, tenderness inter alia, do make for a good read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is just the kind of thing to read on during a busy week where you just have time to read a few pages with your morning coffee. Reading over the other reviews I have to agree more with the 2 star reviews. Naming brands of clothes takes away from the characters especially when writing a story about the heart. I wouldn't call call it a Christian story either because the main character uses the Lord's name in vain. It just doesn't match up and it felt odd reading it in that genre. The thing that really bothered me and I went to bed fuming over was a field of lightening bugs in November. It was a sweet scene but the setting of the book was November. It needed to be saved for another day/another story. I think John Gray has potential but his editors have done him a disservice about the things that are going to jar readers and keep them from reading his 2nd book, etc. If Richard Paul Evans is going to put a review on this book I would have expected less choppy writing and an ending where the grown women who read the book don't scratch their heads on why she is leaving her new home for a free room.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

With an endorsement from Richard Paul Evans, I was sure this would be heartwarming and inspiring read. There were times this Christmas story set in Manchester, Vermont did remind me of RPE fiction and there was also a Mitford vibe (one of my favorite series).

I loved the townspeople and the way they cared for each other and accepted Chase into their midst. There is a love triangle of sorts which kept us guessing for a minute. The most compelling piece was the Tiffany stained glass windows in the old church building where Chase was staying. Wanting to see what happened next with the windows was my biggest motivation to turning the pages. And that ending was tissue-worthy!

There are some cringy odd things that kept me from awarding five stars:
1) Tommy is described as a teenager, but acts like he is much younger -- even figuring in the autism. 2) Fireflies in November??? 3) Chase covers a 9-block distance in four minutes while 'strolling.' 4) The lake is thickly iced over, but Chase and Gavin are sitting down to Christmas Eve dinner in the hayloft and opening the sliding door to see the view.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different kind of Christmas story

A writer, Chase, goes to Manchester Vermont for a few weeks before Chistmas and right off the bat meets Gavin, a sort of playboy farmer/rancher. She rents an old converted church and starts seeing strange, and transient, images in the Tiffany stained glass windows. The first image led rescuers to an old well to find a missing dog. Each successive image foretold an event that came to pass. So that's a bit "out there", but its fiction, so okay. I'm not sure why it was classified as Christian fiction, but there was a church in it. The characters all testified that they were non-religious, and their language and copious drinking bore that out. The story is cute and dramatic foreshadowing was used to good advantage. I was disappointed that the rascally teenagers who blew up the pond were not brought to justice and made to pay for the sunken snowmobile. Not to mention almost killing the driver. A loose end that would have been good to tie up.