What do you think?
Rate this book
Crafted with Love #2
Holly
She’s finally living her best
Holly Hoffman hasn’t had an easy life. Thanks to parents who were more concerned with their drug habits than their daughters, she’s been making her own way for as long as she can remember. At twenty-four, she finally has her life as close to perfect as she can make it. Work is fulfilling, she has a new set of crafting friends, and the home she shares with her sister is more stable than any she had as a child. Perfect disintegrates when the nativity set she’s painting for a client comes to life in her hands. Delusion or the act of a God she’s never believed in?
He never believed in love at first sight until he
Riley Soeurs returns to Garfield to manage the local food bank with great expectations and more than a little naivety. When God places the gorgeous and jaded Holly Hoffman in his path, complete with all the bitter baggage of her youth, he realizes that there’s more to his return than the food bank. There’s just one problem. How can Riley offer Holly the help God is urging him to give without further endangering his already smitten heart?
Relentless
Between the nativity set and Riley, Holly is getting a crash course in love and forgiveness. Can she accept the healing that’s being offered, or will her stubborn heart keep her mired in the past?
*Redemption
*Family secrets
*Overcoming adversity
*Relationship-driven
*Angel
Click "get a free sample" and start reading now!
Books in the Crafted with Love series
Ember, book 1
Holly, book 2
Maggie, book 3
Lacy, book 4
Sage, book 5
Holly Hoffman hasn’t had an easy life. Thanks to parents who were more concerned with their drug habits than their daughters, she’s been making her own way for as long as she can remember. At twenty-four, she finally has her life as close to perfect as she can make it. Work is fulfilling, she has a new set of crafting friends, and the home she shares with her sister is more stable than any she had as a child. Perfect disintegrates when the nativity set she’s painting for a client comes to life in her hands. Delusion or the act of a God she’s never believed in?
He never believed in love at first sight until he
Riley Soeurs returns to Garfield to manage the local food bank with great expectations and more than a little naivety. When God places the gorgeous and jaded Holly Hoffman in his path, complete with all the bitter baggage of her youth, he realizes that there’s more to his return than the food bank. There’s just one problem. How can Riley offer Holly the help God is urging him to give without further endangering his already smitten heart?
Relentless
Between the nativity set and Riley, Holly is getting a crash course in love and forgiveness. Can she accept the healing that’s being offered, or will her stubborn heart keep her mired in the past?
*Redemption
*Family secrets
*Overcoming adversity
*Relationship-driven
*Angel
Click "get a free sample" and start reading now!
Books in the Crafted with Love series
Ember, book 1
Holly, book 2
Maggie, book 3
Lacy, book 4
Sage, book 5
192 pages, ebook
Published October 11, 2021
98 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Srock
44 books299 followersSmall-town Oklahoma and the friendships they produce are embedded in Sharon Srock’s heart. After spending her first fifteen years on the move, living in fourteen homes and attending thirteen schools, she landed in a tiny central Oklahoma community and made it her own. As someone who’s been blessed to be a part of the same hometown church for more than five decades, Sharon writes stories of hope built from her own unique perspective—stories that demonstrate a sisterhood formed not by blood but by heart, where ordinary women are able to do extraordinary things thanks to the friends who surround them and the faith that pulls them through. Sharon still lives in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, with her husband and three very large dogs. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, cook, and travel. One of these days, she’s going to figure out how to do all three at the same time.
Sign up for Sharon's newsletter
Visit Sharon’s website: www.sharonsrock.com..
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Please visit her AMAZON page to find current info on her books: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Srock/e/...
Sign up for Sharon's newsletter
Visit Sharon’s website: www.sharonsrock.com..
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Please visit her AMAZON page to find current info on her books: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Srock/e/...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 29, 2021
I love these ladies of Garfield.
Holly definitely doesn't have much faith in life and rightly so, but a Nativity Set changes that. This book gives a wonderful new perspective on Christmas, on forgiveness, and redemption. Holly is the perfect character in this world to undergo this change. She is fiercely independent and doesn't want to depend on anyone. Riley is a great character as well. You wouldn't think he would need to grow but it is fascinating to watch the two grow separately and together.
There are some miraculous events in the book that might make a reader do a double take, but I couldn't think of a better way for the story to unfold.
In addition to the romance and the growth between the two main characters, it is fabulous to see the relationships around them, the ladies in the crafting shop, Riley's family, and Holly's sister sage. This is a beautiful contemporary Christian Romance and I feel blessed to have read it.
I received an early electronic copy from the author and this is my honest review.
Holly definitely doesn't have much faith in life and rightly so, but a Nativity Set changes that. This book gives a wonderful new perspective on Christmas, on forgiveness, and redemption. Holly is the perfect character in this world to undergo this change. She is fiercely independent and doesn't want to depend on anyone. Riley is a great character as well. You wouldn't think he would need to grow but it is fascinating to watch the two grow separately and together.
There are some miraculous events in the book that might make a reader do a double take, but I couldn't think of a better way for the story to unfold.
In addition to the romance and the growth between the two main characters, it is fabulous to see the relationships around them, the ladies in the crafting shop, Riley's family, and Holly's sister sage. This is a beautiful contemporary Christian Romance and I feel blessed to have read it.
I received an early electronic copy from the author and this is my honest review.
October 11, 2021
This is my honest review for receiving this book!
Sharon never fails to please and this book is no exception. Holly is bitter and can't get over the way she is raised. Her parents didn't care for her, or her sister Sage. Sage gets over her anger with the Lord's help but Holly doesn't know how she could ever forgive all of the neglect her parents did, unbeliever. Can a nativity set change her thinking? How does this nativity set start talking to her. She is shocked and can't believe a nativity set could talk. She knows she can't tell her sister or she will think she's crazy.
Sage continues to pray for Holly;
Holly is hired to repaint the nativity set and draws closer to the man who hired her to do it.
Clean sweet read.
Sharon never fails to please and this book is no exception. Holly is bitter and can't get over the way she is raised. Her parents didn't care for her, or her sister Sage. Sage gets over her anger with the Lord's help but Holly doesn't know how she could ever forgive all of the neglect her parents did, unbeliever. Can a nativity set change her thinking? How does this nativity set start talking to her. She is shocked and can't believe a nativity set could talk. She knows she can't tell her sister or she will think she's crazy.
Sage continues to pray for Holly;
Holly is hired to repaint the nativity set and draws closer to the man who hired her to do it.
Clean sweet read.
April 15, 2022
Holly by Sharon Srock was a really interesting read. Holly and Sage are sisters, and they're the pair of characters that got my attention from Ember's story when they were introduced, so I was actually looking forward to their story. I'm not sure if I ever thought what their background would entail (it's heartbreaking), but my heart definitely went out to Holly. Her story definitely portrays the lengths to which God will go to reach anyone. Now, going in, I knew the elements of the Nativity set would come to life, so I was kinda wary about that aspect, but still decided to give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed most of their appearances, and that it was pretty accurate biblically speaking, though not completely perfect (the names of the Magi, Gabriel visiting Mary but not being the one sent "six months prior to someone else", etc). Still, God's love shines through all of it, and it was intriguing getting to experience the Christmas message in this way. As for Riley, the only "but" (that is on me) was that I'm used to hearing this name for a woman, so it was hard for me to reconcile it to a male throughout the story. Still, I really liked his relationship with the Lord and how he was willing to serve others and care for the people God placed in his path. Yes, there are also valuable lessons he gets to learn, and I also enjoyed how his relationship with Holly developed. Of course, with his being a minister and her being an unbeliever, it made for some really deep, no-easy-answers conversations.
As for the narrator, I think she was good at bringing most of the characters to life (from little kids to older people, from Riley's smooth tone to Holly's kinda snarky one, and everything in between). There may be some room for improvement since there were some parts of Riley and Holly's conversations where their voices sounded similar, but as for nuances of emotions, I think she nailed all of them (especially the tremors when scared, or the tearful voices both from sorrow or joy).
Overall, a unique Christmas story and a great addition to the series (though it can be read on its own). Perfect for fans of the author, the series, and/or the Christian Contemporary Romance genre. Looking forward to the next! ~ 4.5 stars
As for the narrator, I think she was good at bringing most of the characters to life (from little kids to older people, from Riley's smooth tone to Holly's kinda snarky one, and everything in between). There may be some room for improvement since there were some parts of Riley and Holly's conversations where their voices sounded similar, but as for nuances of emotions, I think she nailed all of them (especially the tremors when scared, or the tearful voices both from sorrow or joy).
Overall, a unique Christmas story and a great addition to the series (though it can be read on its own). Perfect for fans of the author, the series, and/or the Christian Contemporary Romance genre. Looking forward to the next! ~ 4.5 stars
September 29, 2021
7I love visiting Garfield and spending time with the women there. Holly Hoffman is no different. Her life is finally coming together. She loves her work and her new friends but still feels something missing. When she finds a nativity set to paint, Holly doesn't realize she is in for more of a journey then she bargained for. As she brings the set to life with paint, the pieces come to life and tell the story of the first Christmas. Will Holly find the peace and forgiveness she so longs for?
I loved this story. Sharon Srock brings so many emotions into play. From the Angel to the Cow, Holly learns and grows. It was so inspiring to hear the story from each of the nativity pieces. One almost felt like you were walking and talking to the angel, the cow, the donkey, the shephard, and all. It brought goosebumps to my skin. What a wonderful book to read each year in order to follow the journey of Jesus. I look forward to the next woman of Garfield that we get to meet. I received an advanced copy. A review was not required.
I loved this story. Sharon Srock brings so many emotions into play. From the Angel to the Cow, Holly learns and grows. It was so inspiring to hear the story from each of the nativity pieces. One almost felt like you were walking and talking to the angel, the cow, the donkey, the shephard, and all. It brought goosebumps to my skin. What a wonderful book to read each year in order to follow the journey of Jesus. I look forward to the next woman of Garfield that we get to meet. I received an advanced copy. A review was not required.
October 24, 2021
Holly didn’t buy onto all that religious stuff as life had taught her to depend on herself instead. Besides “He had a universe to run. Surely He had better things to do then concern Himself with the life and times of Holly Hoffman”. Didn’t He? This story is a beautiful picture of how God pursues each one of us with His love. Holly finds herself confronted with Gods love for her in unusual ways between a nativity set and a handsome man who enters her life. Yet this man, Riley, causes bad parts of her life to come to mind due to his position at a good bank. Could this relationship be doomed before it starts? Get a copy and find out.
I loved the unique way that Holly comes face to face with the gospel message and Gods love. And I love how her sister Sage and the handsome man Riley all encourage her she needs God and that God has a plan for her in gentle ways. It reminds me that we need to be sharing the gospel with those in our lives, but not in a harsh judgmental way. Instead by loving on them and letting them know we care about them.
I loved the unique way that Holly comes face to face with the gospel message and Gods love. And I love how her sister Sage and the handsome man Riley all encourage her she needs God and that God has a plan for her in gentle ways. It reminds me that we need to be sharing the gospel with those in our lives, but not in a harsh judgmental way. Instead by loving on them and letting them know we care about them.
October 3, 2021
I loved this story!! Having read a number of stories from Sharon Srock, I knew I would enjoy Holly and I was not disappointed. Srock's characters are strong, lovable, and believable, people you would like to have as your own friends. The style of writing is pleasing to read and the storyline kept my interest throughout the entire book. Holly is a busy gal who has little to do with religion and Christianity. With serious scars from a far less than ideal childhood, she handles life's challenges on her own. What would a talking nativity set have to say that might help Holly see that maybe the past cannot be changed but the future could? Holly is a wonderful story of loyal friends, a broken family, the power of forgiveness, and a sweet romance threaded throughout. I was given a complimentary copy of the book through the author and was not expected to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
November 4, 2021
Holly by Sharon Srock
Crafted with Love Series Book Two
Holly Hoffman is part of Ember’s group of crafty ladies who sell their creations in her store, Crafted with Love. But, unlike the other members, including Holly’s sister, Sage, she’s not falling for the religious stuff. After her childhood, it’s hard to accept hearing about a loving God.
Riley Soeurs, Mackenzie Cooper’s son, has been working out of the state for a few years but is happy to be home again. Taking on a position with a church to overlook the food bank is a start to one day being a full-fledged pastor.
I loved this story. I don’t want to give too many details because the uniqueness of it would be given away. Prayers for Holly are being sent and answered in unique ways, and a part of her hated past has raised its ugly head. And Riley, he’s immediately attracted to Holly, but the whole pastor and unbeliever don’t jive.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Crafted with Love Series Book Two
Holly Hoffman is part of Ember’s group of crafty ladies who sell their creations in her store, Crafted with Love. But, unlike the other members, including Holly’s sister, Sage, she’s not falling for the religious stuff. After her childhood, it’s hard to accept hearing about a loving God.
Riley Soeurs, Mackenzie Cooper’s son, has been working out of the state for a few years but is happy to be home again. Taking on a position with a church to overlook the food bank is a start to one day being a full-fledged pastor.
I loved this story. I don’t want to give too many details because the uniqueness of it would be given away. Prayers for Holly are being sent and answered in unique ways, and a part of her hated past has raised its ugly head. And Riley, he’s immediately attracted to Holly, but the whole pastor and unbeliever don’t jive.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
October 11, 2021
I love when Sharon writes another story in her Ladies in Garfield series. Holly’s story is no exception. Visiting this close knit community makes my heart happy.
Holly and her sister, Sage, are relatively new to the area and are still in the process of making Garfield their home. Their lives are uprooted when their parents come into town. A unique nativity set, a young pastor following God’s calling and the caring ladies of Garfield all bond together to help Holly and Sage feel safe, secure and loved. The unconditional love of God is brought forth in such a unique way that you turn the pages wanting more and more. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll love!
I received a copy of this read from the Author in exchange for my own honest review.
Holly and her sister, Sage, are relatively new to the area and are still in the process of making Garfield their home. Their lives are uprooted when their parents come into town. A unique nativity set, a young pastor following God’s calling and the caring ladies of Garfield all bond together to help Holly and Sage feel safe, secure and loved. The unconditional love of God is brought forth in such a unique way that you turn the pages wanting more and more. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll love!
I received a copy of this read from the Author in exchange for my own honest review.
October 19, 2021
Holly: Crafted with Love is the seventeenth installment from Sharon Srock’s Ladies of Garfield series. I have always loved this series and her writing is always so easy to relate with the characters. This one does not disappoint. I was able to connect with Holly instantly. I adored Riley and admired his faith.
Holly: Crafted with Love will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading true to life stories with a beautiful and inspiring message. I loved it. I will be looking for more by Sharon Srock in the future. This one should not be missed.
I received a digital copy of Holly: Crafted with Love from the author, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Holly: Crafted with Love will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading true to life stories with a beautiful and inspiring message. I loved it. I will be looking for more by Sharon Srock in the future. This one should not be missed.
I received a digital copy of Holly: Crafted with Love from the author, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
December 21, 2024
What a great book. At first, I thought it would be a little weird to have the plot about a talking nativity set. But I was totally surprised with what I read. Holly is carrying around a lot of hurt because of the life she had as a child (which wasn't good). Then she meets Riley who she thinks is hot from the start. But both Riley and Sage (her sister) start talking about how Jesus loves her. Holly is angry and doesn't want to hear it. But each time she goes to work on a piece of the nativity set, they come alive and tell their story. It was so touching in places, that I almost cried. What happened to Holly made me realize just how loved I am also. The ending was perfect. Best Christmas book I've read in a long time.
October 25, 2021
"She and Sage shared the same parents, upbringing, and life lessons. That life had taught Holly one very important lesson." I like how the author emphasized that although 2 people can grow up with equal opportunities and surroundings, their outlook on life is different and unique.
This 2nd book in the Crafted with Love series follows the story of Holly. Having a troubled childhood with absent parents has taught her to grow up independently and convinced her that God had no interest in her life. This story had a magical element to it which was refreshing and captivating to read. Another beautifully written story in the Ladies of Garfield series.
This 2nd book in the Crafted with Love series follows the story of Holly. Having a troubled childhood with absent parents has taught her to grow up independently and convinced her that God had no interest in her life. This story had a magical element to it which was refreshing and captivating to read. Another beautifully written story in the Ladies of Garfield series.
October 13, 2021
When I first started reading Holly, the 17th book in the series, I wasn’t sure I could buy in to the idea of a Nativity set coming to life. However, it didn’t take long before I was hooked and totally fell in love with this book. Srock has a way of writing that draws you in and makes her characters become your best friends. I have read several of the books in this series, but it’s not necessary to read them in order. Each one could stand alone. A warning though. Once you start reading them, you are going to want to read them all!
October 29, 2021
Holly by Sharon Srock was another great story in the series. I love how the different series interweave with each other and take place in the same town. It’s one big happy family. I enjoyed getting to know Holly more in this story as she was introduced in an earlier book. I love how her name goes along with her “all things Christmas.” It was a great read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author and was under no obligation to review. All opinions are mine.
July 24, 2023
It’s All Real
Holly had built a wall around the bruised and battered hurts from her childhood; a wall to protect her from the memories left by self-centered parents. But she had her sister, Sage as well as other friends. She was an independent business woman and happy with her life; or so she thought. But when you add a sister who found the love of God, a gorgeous guy with a kind, loving heart on the path to becoming a Pastor, PLUS a porcelain nativity set that talks, Holly knew her life was headed for a change.
Holly had built a wall around the bruised and battered hurts from her childhood; a wall to protect her from the memories left by self-centered parents. But she had her sister, Sage as well as other friends. She was an independent business woman and happy with her life; or so she thought. But when you add a sister who found the love of God, a gorgeous guy with a kind, loving heart on the path to becoming a Pastor, PLUS a porcelain nativity set that talks, Holly knew her life was headed for a change.
September 22, 2021
I loved this book, so inspiring. It was so wonderful to hear the Christmas story told in such a special way. You have got to read this book to know who were the characters that told the story!! Holly had such special friends at Crafted With Love shop who cared so much about her and her spirit and also her sister Sage. And Riley well... the book described what a loving, kind Man of God he was and my mind conjured up how handsome he was!! Thank you Sharon Srock for this book.
September 30, 2021
I love these books! At 24 years of age, Holly is loving her life. Her parents were/are addicts and con artists so her upbringing was less than ideal. Now, she’s her own boss with several jobs—one of those being a crafter making ceramics. At a yard sale she picks up a nativity set with plans to paint and spruce it up. When done, it will turn a nice profit. Things get interesting when she begins to work on it! If you like Karen Kingsbury, you’ll like these books.
October 2, 2021
This book is totally different than any other Christmas romance that I've read. And, I absolutely loved it! There's a great romance, and the Christmas story is relayed in an unusual way with quite a bit of humor, but not at all sacrilegious. Riley and Holly are very well-developed and truly likable characters. I also enjoyed the rich friendship that Holly had with the other Garfield ladies.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written book.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written book.
November 30, 2021
Merry Christmas Garfield Oklahoma
I was enchanted by this story and I won't give it away. But a teenager with messed up parents doesn't believe in God until a porcelain Nativity set at a garage sale talks to her. That was at the beginning of the book, and if you've read any Sharon Srock Ladies of Garfield, you just know there is more to this story. Great read and great use of Biblical passages and principles.
I was enchanted by this story and I won't give it away. But a teenager with messed up parents doesn't believe in God until a porcelain Nativity set at a garage sale talks to her. That was at the beginning of the book, and if you've read any Sharon Srock Ladies of Garfield, you just know there is more to this story. Great read and great use of Biblical passages and principles.
October 4, 2021
This book was an absolute wonderful read. It will make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between. This is not your typical Christmas romance, it's a very unique retelling of the true Christmas story. I loved everything about this book.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 14, 2021
Holly is an amazing story
Oh my oh my Holly and and her sister absolutely broke my heart the way they grew up after their grandmother died. Then let the story begin. Oh my oh my oh my. Can you imagine the nativity scene talking to you as you paint each piece? My heart melted during the whole story. Read now!!!!!!!!!
Oh my oh my Holly and and her sister absolutely broke my heart the way they grew up after their grandmother died. Then let the story begin. Oh my oh my oh my. Can you imagine the nativity scene talking to you as you paint each piece? My heart melted during the whole story. Read now!!!!!!!!!
April 4, 2022
WOW!
Amazing job done on HOLLY! Sharon Srock, God bless you! I LOVE ALL YOUR BOOKS but HOLLY, WOW! It was just absolutely fabulous. I was so blessed reading every line on each page. Really appreciate the talent and inspiration God has gifted you with. Please keep up the good work!❤
Amazing job done on HOLLY! Sharon Srock, God bless you! I LOVE ALL YOUR BOOKS but HOLLY, WOW! It was just absolutely fabulous. I was so blessed reading every line on each page. Really appreciate the talent and inspiration God has gifted you with. Please keep up the good work!❤
April 15, 2022
I would like to see this book made into a movie. How would they make the nativity figures come to life? I really liked this story which is so fanciful. I also like the Christian aspect of the nativity figures talking to Holly as she works on each one, telling the Christmas story from their perspective.
June 26, 2024
Holly
This was such an enjoyable read. Imagine a nativity set that comes to life? I would call that Godly. This was a spiritual experience because Gods presence is everywhere. The characters are very friendly and loyal and most of all filled with love, faith and joy. Happy reading.
This was such an enjoyable read. Imagine a nativity set that comes to life? I would call that Godly. This was a spiritual experience because Gods presence is everywhere. The characters are very friendly and loyal and most of all filled with love, faith and joy. Happy reading.
December 13, 2024
Excellent
I loved every page of this book. I especially enjoy the Christmas story being told thru each piece of the nativity set. It spoke in word how much our Lord loves us and how he longs for each of us to choose him to be the head of our life. Thank you for presenting God’s message.
I loved every page of this book. I especially enjoy the Christmas story being told thru each piece of the nativity set. It spoke in word how much our Lord loves us and how he longs for each of us to choose him to be the head of our life. Thank you for presenting God’s message.
September 30, 2021
Once again I needed tissues for Sharon Srock’s book. I’ve read all of her books and love how she shows forgiveness, redemption, grace….in each one. This book was no different. This story is an excellent portrayal of the Father’s love!! I highly recommend this one.
October 15, 2021
The story from the Nativity Set.
Oh wow!!! If you want a good, outrageous Christmas story, READ THIS ONE!!! God can go to whatever lengths He wants to bring us to Himself. It's early yet, but this might be my favorite Christmas book of the year! Very well done!
Oh wow!!! If you want a good, outrageous Christmas story, READ THIS ONE!!! God can go to whatever lengths He wants to bring us to Himself. It's early yet, but this might be my favorite Christmas book of the year! Very well done!
October 27, 2021
I loved this book. It was amazing to see Holly grow throughout this book, how it changed and improved her relationships, gave her peace, and came to know Jesus. I have loved all of the Ladies of Garfield books and can't wait to read more!
November 2, 2021
This book was so cleverly written and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The nativity set talked, and it was portrayed so well. I fell in love with the characters of Holly and Riley. Holly changed from a bitter young lady to a happy young lady.-- truly a new creation in Christ.
November 10, 2022
What a fun way of showing that "God has a plan" and a way to show you how much He loves you. Holly goes through an unusual way of learning the truth about this in her life. A really enjoyable read with some tougher truths that end up with a satisfying end.
November 19, 2022
I loved this book! It's a sweet romance, but one of the main characters has a very unique backstory! It also has a unique exploration of the Christian faith. Highly recommend, as with all of Ms. Srock's books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews