Unpacking Christmas

Thatcher Sisters

by Beth K. Vogt

As Johanna, Jillian, and Payton look forward to celebrating the Christmas holidays with their families, they’re not prepared for an announcement that changes everything they’ve grown to love and cherish.

Their parents are selling their long-time family home. One change seems to lead to another, with Payton and Zach announcing their own decision to move, while Jillian and Geoff tackle the challenge of starting a family. The only ones maintaining the status quo are Johanna and Beckett—but romantic limbo is no place to be. Then their dad’s sudden health crisis spins life further out of control.

Instead of putting up holiday lights and decorating the family Christmas tree, the Thatcher sisters are helping pack up their childhood home. Along the way, they share treasured memories, try to hold onto valued traditions, discovering the struggles they’ve endured pale in comparison to the love they share with each other.

This Christmas, Johanna, Jillian, and Payton will laugh and cry together as they realize the true magic of Christmas isn’t found in gifts or decorations, but in the love of family.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Christian Fiction

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2021

About the author

Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. Now Beth believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” The Best We’ve Been, the final book in Beth’s Thatcher Sisters Series with Tyndale House Publishers, releases May 2020. Other books in the series include Things I Never Told You, which one the 2019 AWSA Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year, and Moments We Forget.
Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA® finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2014. A November Bride was part of the Year of Wedding Series by Zondervan. Having authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us.
An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNPACKING CHRISTMAS is a well-written novel with complex characters struggling to find their footing after the loss of a family member. At the heart of the story, this story is about sisters and the complex web involved in being a sister. Being the middle child, I can relate to Jillian in a lot of instances in this story. Each of the Thatcher family members fall back on their expected roles as part of their coping strategy, which leads to layers of pain compounding over time. I’m so excited to read more by Beth K. Vogt that as soon as I was finished, I placed all of her other books on hold at my library! Wow! What an awesome story. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! I have made it a quest to catch up on the rest of her books because her writing is just that good. She makes her readers feel every emotion her characters are feeling to the point where you feel as if you are right there, struggling along with them.

While UNPACKING CHRISTMAS might have a hopeful ending, it’s clear that the Thatcher sisters still have more hurdles to face. As they face the challenges of life they are each working towards finding faith and a closer relationship with each other. Women’s fiction is my favorite genre, and Beth Vogt shines in this area. The prose flows steadily, characters are well drawn and easily relatable, and emotions honest. I expect many sisters can identify with Johanna, Jillian, and Payton – who loved each other, yet couldn’t help but push each other’s buttons at times and struggled to get along.

UNPACKING CHRISTMAS does get a bit emotional, which just makes it even more gripping and hard to put down. There are also some sweet moments and I love how a certain thing turned out. It was unexpected, but a lovely way for the story to go. I love the way Beth K. Vogt weaves the three sisters’ lives together and brings healing to areas in their relationship. They are each committed to figuring out their relationship with each other, even when they don’t entirely understand each other. She writes about the various trials each sister faces with sensitivity and authenticity. None of these three women are perfect characters. They each have their flaws. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters from page one and I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. Well done Ms. Vogt, you have a new fan.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to learn Beth K Vogt had a Christmas novella coming out this year. And then to learn it's connected to the Thatcher Sisters Series- happy dance!

While this could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series first. Loved seeing resolution to some areas that were open ended with the final book in the series and getting to know the Thatcher parents a bit better.

Oldest Joanna is my favorite even if she is difficult to love. She always wants to be in control to guard her heart.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re moving toward the unknown, and you have to pray and hope for all the goodness there.”

This was a fun Christmas novella to catch us up on how the Thatchers are doing. As usual, the author packs a lot of emotion onto the pages and you will cry, laugh, and love with the characters as the most unexpected and life-changing Christmas happens on the entire family. Though it can be read as a stand-alone, the book will be best enjoyed if read after reading the original series first. The sisters have a complicated yet redemptive history that you’ll want to learn about in detail before diving into this one.

Heather, the mom, has a first person voice in this book and the daughters - Johanna, Jillian, and Payton - have third person voices. Their voices are distinctly unique and the plot flows seamlessly, even with four different narrators. There is a lot to unpack in this book as each character and her significant other deal with tough issues like paralyzing fear, broken past, unforgiveness, infertility, and lingering grief. If you enjoy women’s fiction, this novella will touch your heart.

I received the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great conclusion to the Thatcher Sisters series. It was great to see how things got tied up between the sisters and this one included a vantage point of their mother. It was a satisfying conclusion to the series and a nice Christmas novella. There was a lot packed into this short story, but it didn't feel rushed at all. I was brought to tears a few times even. If you haven't read the others in the series, you won't be lost necessarily, but you'll better understand the character dynamics if you have. If you've read the other books, you won't want to miss this installment!

[Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a warm hearted story about family, faith and dealing with changes. I loved it! The sisters stories were all unique and they were all going through there own things and dealing with life. But with a little faith everything worked out in the end! The Perfect quick read for the holiday season!

[Angie Arndt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mark of a well-written book is when the characters become so real, you think about them after it ends. A true storyteller knows good books aren’t about plots. A good story centers on well-drawn characters and how they change over the course of the novel.

For example, I love the way Vogt does this in her Thatcher Sisters series. Each woman grows and develops, throughout her solo book and across the series. I worried about their trauma and loved watching them grow and work through their issues. But when I closed that last virtual page, I wanted to spend more time with them. I had just a few unanswered questions and wished it had been at least one book longer.

Merry Christmas to me, because now it is! This novella answers so many of my questions and I loved hearing their mother's point of view. (I can’t believe I didn’t know her name!) The problem now is that I’d love to spend more time with this lovely family. I wonder if we can talk her into writing a longer series?

If you love character-driven stories, you’ll love Vogt’s books. Unpacking Christmas is a standalone novella, but if you’ve read the other three Thatcher Sisters novels, this is definitely a must-read.

[Lisa Tackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so wonderful being back with the Thatchers in this sweet Christmas novella. You will want to add this one to your Christmas reading list!

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpacking Christmas, a novella by Beth Vogt, is the concluding installment in the Thatcher Sisters series. Unpacking Christmas, despite being part of a series, can be read on its own. I did, and didn't have any problems with not having read the previous books. However, it did make me want to read the three previous novels.

The story focuses mainly on three sisters’ (Johanna, Jillian, and Payton) parents as they navigate getting older and making the decision to sell their home. Naturally, having grown up there and having created many memories, the daughters are understandably upset.

Vogt writes in a manner that is both authentic and plausible. I could empathize with the daughters after their parents dropped the surprise. It's difficult to imagine your parents becoming older and dealing with the adjustments that entails.

Each daughter had individual and distinct memories related to the house that she treasured. Some were good recollections, and some weren’t.

The Thatcher family is going through a lot of changes, and while everyone is struggling, they still want to celebrate a traditional Christmas. Many sacrifices and painful changes must be made, and they must all cope with it in their own unique ways.

The story was enjoyable to read. It was true-to-life and engrossing, and despite the fact that I had not read the previous novels in the series, it felt like a proper conclusion.

If you are looking for a Christmas story that is both a heart-warming story of love and family and a fairly quick read, Unpacking Christmas fits the bill.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet Christmas novella has readers catching up with the three Thatcher sisters. Life is full of changes for Johanna, Jillian and Payton.
While each sister has her own book in this series this book is fine as a stand alone and will surely have readers wanting to read the entire series.
Christmas this year is definitely different for the Thatcher family. The girls are shocked to learn their parents Don and Heather are selling the family home.
Trying to hold on to family traditions as well as forging new paths and new futures for the family is challenging at times.
I like that the story was raw and real. It was wonderful to see how the family came together while dealing with different emotions and life circumstances. The bond of love, family and the faith journey was binding them all together.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unpacking Christmas is a nice return to the world of the Thatcher family. Set in the weeks leading up to Christmas 2021 (with an epilogue set in early 2022), the novella finds the three sisters on firmer footing than ever before. But things quickly spiral when Don and Heather, the girls' parents, announce they've purchased a new house and will be selling the family home. On top of that, each sister is dealing with an upcoming major life change.

What I really appreciate about this novella is that you can clearly see growth in the characters, not necessarily in the novella, but through the course of the series. I do think that having a background in the sisters' stories helped with my understanding and enjoyment of the novella; I've read the first two books, and I could certainly appreciate Payton's and Jillian's arcs more than Johanna's, as I haven't read Johanna's story (The Best We've Been). That said, I definitely enjoyed seeing where the sisters' stories went in Unpacking Christmas.

The story is written in third person from Payton's, Jillian's, and Johanna's perspectives, as well as in first person from their mom Heather's perspective. I enjoyed hearing from each person, though the shift into first person for Heather was always a bit jarring.

Faith has been at the forefront of the novels in this series, and Unpacking Christmas is no different. Each person has a different faith journey, and at the end of Unpacking Christmas, not all the characters have a relationship with God. This feels really authentic to me - as much as I would love to see all of the characters fall in love with Jesus, that's not realistic, especially in a short two month-ish window. But I also may write an ending in my head that has them all coming to Christ at some point :-)

Overall, I enjoyed this check-in with the Thatchers, and I'd certainly be up for a return trip to their world! 3-1/2 stars.

Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to wrote a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had enjoyed reading “The Thatcher Sisters Series” and following the lives of Payton, Jillian, and Johanna. I was happy that the author decided to continue the story of this family and let us see more of their lives. As with the other books in this series, this is a clean story that has an element of faith in the storyline. It’s easy to read this particular book without having read the rest of the series.

Although they each have a personal issue to deal with, the three sisters have finally found peace with each other and their relationship is stronger than it’s ever been. This is why it takes them completely by surprise when their parents announce their plans to sell the family home—-and that it might be sold before Christmas. Another unexpected event further disrupts their holiday plans. But as the sisters cope with all the changes coming their way, they find that these events draw them closer together instead of pulling them apart.

The author does a great job of allowing this family to be “real”. Everything in this story doesn’t go smoothly. The sisters struggle with different issues and they don’t always make the best decisions. There are times in this book that the sisters’ attitudes can be annoying and I grew tired of their behavior. But there’s real heart in this story, and that kept me reading. I’m hoping the author publishes another book in this series and let’s us see how all the changes impacts the family.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpacking Christmas is written by Beth K. Vogt. This is the first book that I have read by this author. This is a novella. It is about 146 pages. It is well written and a perfect story to read for the holiday season. This book features the Thatcher Sisters. I have not read the other books. I would recommend reading the books in order to grasp the whole family. You will get to know the sisters by doing it this way. It made me miss my sisters who live back in my hometown of Cleveland.

While I had not read any other books, the author has done a great job recapping the sisters. The sisters remind me so much of all of my sisters. Distinct personalities, family drama and that tight sister bond. This book is written from the mother's point of view. The parents are at a new stage of life - and they are learning how to navigate that. The parents are selling their home - and since that is the home the sisters grown up in that house - it's a new situation for everyone.

The sisters recall some of the fonder memories, and some of the not so fond ones. The author packs a whole lot of story into the 146 pages. It's a heartwarming story. It's perfect for the holiday season. You will smile, laugh and maybe even tear up a bit.

Well written characters, fun story line and a great novella to read. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good novella for readers who want to catch up on the Thatcher family, previous novels Vogt has written. Woven into a Christmas theme is the very serious issue of change. Why do we fear change? Why do we like to have things stay the same? Why are we frustrated, like the oldest Thatcher daughter, when we cannot control circumstances? We readers certainly get a good dose of family struggles when daughters are faced with life change decisions made by their parents.

While this novella reads pretty well on its own, it would best be appreciated by readers who have been reading the Thatcher family novels. The personalities of the sisters and the relationships they have are presented well by Vogt. There are some good issues to think about even if the previous novels have not been read.

While this is an engaging novella, I did have an issue with the changing points of view. Some of the scenes are from the mother's point of view and is in first person. When there is a scene with the sisters, the point of view is third person. When a scene changes from exclusively sisters to adding the mother, the point of view then changes. While there is a little holly leaf separating the scenes, I did find the change in the POV distracting.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I haven’t read any of the Thatcher Sisters books but I had no problems reading Unpacking Christmas as a stand alone. Beth K. Vogt does such a fantastic job with the characters, I easily fell right into their lives in this book. There are a lot of secrets, surprises, emotions with the sisters, and their parents, but the plot flows so well that it makes this a pretty easy read. And it is such a wonderful and fun story. The sisters were so upset at their parents for selling their family home, without asking them, I might add.

I adore this family and the deep love they have for one another. I enjoyed the fun and fond memories they have as the help pack their parents household things as well as the attic. Author Beth Vogt connects all of the loose ends together and creates a wonderful ending to this sweet story. If you enjoy a good clean contemporary Christian fiction, and especially a Christmas one, this is one you want to read. Unpacking Christmas gets Five Stars from me.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this time of the year with all the Christmas themed Fiction books out. Unpacking Christmas by Beth K. Vogt is part of the Thatcher Sisters series. I have read a couple of the books in the series. I feel one might be lost if they haven't read the other books in the series.

The Thatcher Sisters: Johanna, Jillian, and Payton are having to deal with Major changes in this book. Holiday Traditions and Making Memories are so much a part of every family. They are devastated to learn their parents are selling their Childhood Home just before the Holiday season kicks in. They also have to help their Dad through some medical issues. Will the Sisters discover that there is more to then just the Physical Home as they help their parents pack up? How will the sisters overcome the "loss" of their Childhood home?

WOW, what a wonderful book! I LOVE how the Sisters gather together to help their parents. The Memories in the home that they grew up in are so Cherished. Holidays will not be spent in the home any longer, but it will always be in their heart and mind! The Thatcher Family is such a LOVING Family and I appreciate how they come together when Family needs you the most! Unpacking Christmas is such a Heartwarming and LOVING story! A short read and A GREAT BOOK!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unpacking Christmas is a Thatcher Sisters novella, just in time for the holiday season! While it might be okay as a standalone, as a novella there isn't a whole lot of background rehashed so I would think that if you haven't read any of the previous books in the series, it would be pretty hard to get too emotionally invested in the story. It might still be an okay read... but definitely wouldn't pack the same punch. As such, I'd definitely recommend reading the series first... those of us that have will definitely enjoy getting to catch back up with this family during the holidays! This is a very quick read--- I personally had it finished in just a few short hours. That said, it felt complete to me, as it really was a continuation of the stories already started in the series. I personally love novellas for the holidays as things can get busy and they tend to be just the right length... this one was no exception with a good blend of family and holiday spirit. Overall, I really enjoyed this welcome addition to the Thatcher Sisters' story!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Christmas themed books and can read them year round. This is a fast read with familiar characters that I have loved getting to know. If you haven’t read the series I highly recommend reading them. The Thatcher sisters are great characters and each have things going on in their life that they want to share with the family. Being together at Thanksgiving is a joy for them until their parents share their news. After being in their home for years raising their family the parents have decided to sell their home. It is a shock to everyone and this starts the journey of memories for the entire family.

The story is a wonderful look at a family that deals with big changes as the holidays arrive. The three sisters seem to grow closer as they each face different issues going on in their lives. I don’t like change at all. I never accept them well and cause anxiety for me. I like to have things stay the same so this story helped me see that change can be good. The author ties the story up in a bow filled with new beginnings, family and blessings,

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpacking Christmas is a wonderful read. You get each sibling with their own lives and challenges and throw in the parents dropping a bomb. Not a literal bomb of course. Just more of we are selling the house and moving oh and we’ve already bought another house.

I really enjoyed this book. It read quickly and the characters were engaging. They made me want to stay in their world and see what was going to happen. Do know that this is part of a series and it will mention things that happened in previous books so you might get a bit lost if you haven’t read the others.

The girls are great and I really enjoyed getting to know them and their parents. I’m hoping to follow them a bit more. I mean who doesn’t want to go to England! And also a puppy!! I hope you add this to your TBR pile and read it this holiday season.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpacking Christmas by Beth K. Vogt, is an addition to the Thatcher Sisters series. This story follows after the series so it is best to read them in order. The author does a great job of background information so it also makes a nice stand alone Christmas novella.

This is such a nice story of family and the personalities of those who makeup the family. This story focuses on the aging parents who are planning to sell their home and the way their three daughters respond to the news. It was so fun to catch up with Johanna, Jillian and Payton and see how their lives have changed since the last book. The writing is so good, it felt like I was meeting old friends again. It was also very easy to imagine the surroundings and see the Christmas tree in front of the window.

I was so happy with the ending of this story. It is a must read to see how the family and works together for the good of all and how the characters have matured and are making plans to move forward.

I received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concluding the stories of the Thatcher sisters, this book examines what happens when their parents announce they are selling their family home. This book takes twists and turns that make the book memorable. I felt the author conveyed the trials that come with selling a house, and especially at Christmas. While the book transfers from the perspective of the parents to various sisters and their spouses, the transitions occur smoothly. I never really struggled to figure out who was talking.

I felt the story moved along at a reasonable pace, and I enjoyed learning about what the sisters were up to throughout the book. Even though I believe you could read this book without reading the others in the series, I recommend reading them in order. So if Christmas time books appear on your reading bucket list, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is the fourth book from the Thatcher Sisters series by Vogt.

In this book, you get the POV of Heather, the mother of the three girls. Heather and Don announce at Thanksgiving that they plan on selling the family home and downsizing to a different house. This throws the girls into a panic. Not really sure why. Maybe because I grew up in four different homes in the same town. Moving wasn't a big deal for me.

We have engagements, talk of children, and another bigger move in the works for the girls. There certainly was a lot going on in a 144-page book. It felt rushed.

Not enough God in this story. Hanging in the background. Disappointed there isn't some movement in the faith journey of Johanna or Mom. Thought Christmas might help in that regard. It didn't.

There is a little surprise that comes about due to Don having health issues which was kind of fun.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpacking Christmas: A Thatcher Sisters Christmas is a great story by Beth K Vogt. I found this quick novella to be a wonderful tale to get anyone ready for the most wonderful time of the year. I adored this family and enjoyed spending time with them. I did find it to be quite inspirational and heartwarming. With less than one hundred fifty pages, I was entertained from start to finish.

I am giving Unpacking Christmas: A Thatcher Sisters Christmas a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are looking for sweet and clean Christmas reads. I would love to read more like this by Beth K Vogt in the future.

I received a digital copy of Unpacking Christmas: A Thatcher Sisters Christmas from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpacking Christmas by Beth K. Vogt is a novella that follows the Thatcher Sisters series. I absolutely adored the Thatcher Sisters series. This novella furthers the series and tells a lot more about the parents. I would not recommend this book as a standalone read since there is a lot of references to things that happened in the other books. Ms. Vogt is a masterful storyteller, and this novella is no different. Her characters continue to struggle with past problems and changes come that bring even new challenges. I love the messages of unconditional love and the importance of family. This is a great quick read for the holiday season. Full of family and love and bonds that nothing can shatter-- I loved everything about this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so wonderful to get to visit the Thatcher sisters and parents Don and Heather once again. It starts off with a big surprise for the sisters when they learn their parents have bought another house and are selling the one they grew up in. Suffice it to say none were very happy about it, especially Johanna. On the tail of a cash offer for the house a medical emergency happens that throws a wrench in their plans. The family navigates through lots of changes in their lives and works through issues with each other as well as their significant others. It was a great Christmas story that warmed my heart and made me smile, especially how it ended.
I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

[Tabitha Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet return to the Thatcher sisters, and this time we get to hear from their mother, too! I was excited to read this novella and catch up with the sisters again. I was not disappointed, and the fact that it all happened around Christmas made it all the sweeter. Though things are still changing for the Thatcher family, this quick read wrapped up all the questions I had and allowed me to feel that the story was complete. It's a nice reminder that even when the world seems to be changing too fast and change is scary, it isn't always bad. I love how unique each sister is, and that shows through even here. If you enjoy family drama, you should pick up this series. I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Jimnlori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpacking Christmas by Beth K. Vogt is a Christmas novella where we get to go back and catch up with the Thatcher Sisters. It is a perfect story to read this time of year with all of the wonderful memories and traditions we all enjoy during the holiday busyness.
The Thatcher family Christmas is going to look very different because the Thatcher family home is being sold and their parents are moving to a smaller house. It is difficult for them all, leaving the family home behind with so many memories, some which are good and some bad. This move makes them all realize that they are more than their struggles and trials because they will always have their memories and love for one another.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in the future by this author.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the entire Thatcher series, so when I saw this novella, I had to read it. I was not disappointed! It had twists and turns, highs and lows, and I was able to see the growth of the sisters in their marriages, their own personal lives, and their sibling bond. It was a little sad seeing their parents age, and not have a strong faith (or any faith at all) but isn’t that how life goes? We don’t always get happily ever after endings all the time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope the author continues to give us novellas from time to time to check in on the Thatcher family.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

[Kristie Ingerto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting the chance to spend more time with the Thatcher sisters! I really enjoyed the Thatcher Sisters trilogy and this was a nice continuation; however now that I've finished this I am left wanting to know what happens next!
Beth did an excellent job with drawing me back into this world with the family dynamics and the struggles and tension but also the healing that has taken place as well. Reading a lot of this from the mother's perspective was nice as I felt like this added an extra layer to the series as each of the novels were from each of the sister's perspectives primarily.
This novella is a great way to help kick off the holiday season and will leave you smiling and feeling hopeful.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a quick read. It is part of a series and can be read as a stand alone, but I would say read the whole series just to get the full effect of the story. The author does a great job showing all the emotions in such a short novella.

I loved seeing what was going on with this family. There is a lot going on and though it is told from different view points, it flows well and that doesn't interrupt the feeling. It is a great Christmas story to read, especially if you want a quick, good story.

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read all three of the previous books in this series so it was fun to meet up with the Thatcher sisters and get their mom’s perspective on things in this book. It was also fun to get into the Christmas spirit by experiencing their traditions and seeing how things were changing with them.

If I am being honest, I wanted a neat and tidy ending where everyone comes to faith and gets what they want. But Beth kept it real. Although it does have a satisfying ending it isn’t all wrapped up with a neat bow, it is real and I do appreciate that, too.

Overall, a quick and interesting read.

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own