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The Christmas Collection #4
Nava: A Tale of Redemption
In the heart of the ancient world, a young woman born into a family of Shepherds, faces a tragic twist of fate when she loses her beloved betrothed in a harrowing farming accident.
One day, amidst the shadows of her despair, destiny calls, propelling her on an unexpected odyssey. This journey forces her to confront the very fears that have held her captive. At a moment when the stakes are as high as she will ever face, she must make a life-altering decision that will echo through eternity.
The Christmas Collection
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And D. P Conway has written five enthralling stories to warm your hearts and homes.
In the spirit of Dickens, Conway brings notably his two best works, Twelve Days and The Ghost of Christmas to Come.
Following, with equal luster, are Starry Night, Nava, and Home for Christmas.
Start with any of the five and you will find yourself quickly wanting to read all.
One day, amidst the shadows of her despair, destiny calls, propelling her on an unexpected odyssey. This journey forces her to confront the very fears that have held her captive. At a moment when the stakes are as high as she will ever face, she must make a life-altering decision that will echo through eternity.
The Christmas Collection
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And D. P Conway has written five enthralling stories to warm your hearts and homes.
In the spirit of Dickens, Conway brings notably his two best works, Twelve Days and The Ghost of Christmas to Come.
Following, with equal luster, are Starry Night, Nava, and Home for Christmas.
Start with any of the five and you will find yourself quickly wanting to read all.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2021
6 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 15, 2023
I received a gifted copy of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Nava: A Tale of Redemption is a classic style Christmas story about the birth of Jesus from Navas POV. This story is both tender, heartbreaking, and captivating, and I thoroughly enjoyed it on audio. The narrator was easy to listen to and helped bring the story to life.
Nava and her beloved Aaron are sweethearts set to soon be martoed when tragedy strikes, leaving Nava heartbroken and depressed. Navas grandfather takes her to Jerusalem, where they meet three men along the way who help them with their journey after meeting threats and obstacles on their way. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they meet a very special baby (Jesus) and discover the importance of their three companions. It was a refreshing take on the birth of Jesus and the life and times of that period in history. I highly recommend this if you enjoy historical, classic stories.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Nava: A Tale of Redemption is a classic style Christmas story about the birth of Jesus from Navas POV. This story is both tender, heartbreaking, and captivating, and I thoroughly enjoyed it on audio. The narrator was easy to listen to and helped bring the story to life.
Nava and her beloved Aaron are sweethearts set to soon be martoed when tragedy strikes, leaving Nava heartbroken and depressed. Navas grandfather takes her to Jerusalem, where they meet three men along the way who help them with their journey after meeting threats and obstacles on their way. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they meet a very special baby (Jesus) and discover the importance of their three companions. It was a refreshing take on the birth of Jesus and the life and times of that period in history. I highly recommend this if you enjoy historical, classic stories.
December 20, 2023
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook, which is a Christmas novella set in biblical times.
The story is about a woman called Nava who loses her beloved and goes into a depression. Her family take her to another area to live, but then they are told to go to Jerusalem. They have some challenges along the way during their travel, but they power through, and help comes for them in the form of three wise men. They are amazed when they reach their destination and meet the baby Jesus and his Mum and Dad.
This is such a gorgeous story, and it is perfect to read at this time of the year. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The story is about a woman called Nava who loses her beloved and goes into a depression. Her family take her to another area to live, but then they are told to go to Jerusalem. They have some challenges along the way during their travel, but they power through, and help comes for them in the form of three wise men. They are amazed when they reach their destination and meet the baby Jesus and his Mum and Dad.
This is such a gorgeous story, and it is perfect to read at this time of the year. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
January 6, 2025
This is a short, religious Christmas story. If you’re not into religious themes or that type of story, I wouldn’t recommend it.
The story follows Nava and events before and shortly after Jesus’s birth. I liked getting to know Nava and seeing her struggles. She’s a young woman who lost the love of her life and fell into depression, which made her life difficult. But when the time came to save her father, Jesus, and her friends, she stepped up—even if it meant sacrificing herself. I loved that, even though this is Nava’s story, we still learn more about Jesus along the way. The ending was so touching; I even shed a few tears.
What I also enjoyed is how the book includes familiar elements from the Bible—like the three kings, King Herod, and the killing of boys under two—while adding a new perspective to these events.
The story follows Nava and events before and shortly after Jesus’s birth. I liked getting to know Nava and seeing her struggles. She’s a young woman who lost the love of her life and fell into depression, which made her life difficult. But when the time came to save her father, Jesus, and her friends, she stepped up—even if it meant sacrificing herself. I loved that, even though this is Nava’s story, we still learn more about Jesus along the way. The ending was so touching; I even shed a few tears.
What I also enjoyed is how the book includes familiar elements from the Bible—like the three kings, King Herod, and the killing of boys under two—while adding a new perspective to these events.
December 2, 2023
⭐️2.5/5 📚269
Unfortunately, this story wasn’t for me. It was a retelling of Jesus’s birth viewed from Nava’s POV. Although I have to say the end was touching and beautiful. I also loved Nava’s courage.
Unfortunately, this story wasn’t for me. It was a retelling of Jesus’s birth viewed from Nava’s POV. Although I have to say the end was touching and beautiful. I also loved Nava’s courage.
December 26, 2023
Twelve Days, Nava, The Ghost of Christmas to Come, Starry Night and Home for Christmas are five novellas part of the Christmas Collection by D. P. Conway. I listened to them as audiobooks and overall enjoyed the stories (some a little more than the others). We can sense the strong faith the author has in the way he has written each story filled with hope, miracles, second chances and happy endings.
I received an ALC of each book by the publisher BooksGoSocial Audio and the author via NetGalley.
Twelve Days (A Tale of Christmas) (narrated by Danielle Gensler) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nava (A Tale of Redemption) (narrated by Danielle Gensler) ⭐⭐⭐
The Ghost of Christmas to Come (narrated by Danielle Gensler) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Starry Night (Not all Who Wander are Lost) (narrated by Randy Hames) ⭐⭐⭐💫
Home for Christmas (narrated by Steve Corona) ⭐⭐⭐💫
I received an ALC of each book by the publisher BooksGoSocial Audio and the author via NetGalley.
Twelve Days (A Tale of Christmas) (narrated by Danielle Gensler) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nava (A Tale of Redemption) (narrated by Danielle Gensler) ⭐⭐⭐
The Ghost of Christmas to Come (narrated by Danielle Gensler) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Starry Night (Not all Who Wander are Lost) (narrated by Randy Hames) ⭐⭐⭐💫
Home for Christmas (narrated by Steve Corona) ⭐⭐⭐💫
November 21, 2023
Good characters and story
December 8, 2023
Nava the Christmas collection has many different type stories from a spontaneous love affair to Aaron a handycap boy in Bethlehem who has a secret friendship with the Roman soldier to three others these are sweet stories told in the classic style I thoroughly enjoyed the stories especially the one called redeem but they’re all really great stories and ones I would definitely recommend. I want to think the author books go social and net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
November 29, 2023
Once again, another short story/novella by D.P. Conway in his collection of 5 Chrstmas stories.
This one is based on the birth of Jesus and the 3 Kings following the North Star to the place he is born.
We open up with Nava, a young woman, and her husband-to-be (Aaron). They live in the B.C. years and are in love and to be married. Aaron receives a prized sword from a friend of his in the Roman Army and he teaches Nava how to use it.
One day, a tragedy occurs, and cuts short the life the two expected to have.
Nava goes into a deep depression.
She has no reason left to live.
Her family moves in an effort to improve her mood, but not much changes.
One day her father receives word for them to return to Jerusalem as there is something special about to happen. He takes Nava with him.
Along the way they encounter thieves and problems, but forge through.
And, by chance, encounter a group of men who will help them on their journey. They later find out that these three men were very special indeed...
When they finally reach Jerusalem, they meet baby Jesus and his parents.
Beautifully told in a captivating way that brings some new light to the times of Jesus' birth...and what better way to celebrate Christmas than by reading Christmas stories revolving around the reason for the season?!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocialAudio for an ARC of this audiobook which has already been released.
#DPConway. #Nava. Short Christmas Story Collection.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
Check out all my upcoming reviews and previews on IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or on FB @ #BookReviewsWithElaine
Thanks for reading with me!! 📚📖
This one is based on the birth of Jesus and the 3 Kings following the North Star to the place he is born.
We open up with Nava, a young woman, and her husband-to-be (Aaron). They live in the B.C. years and are in love and to be married. Aaron receives a prized sword from a friend of his in the Roman Army and he teaches Nava how to use it.
One day, a tragedy occurs, and cuts short the life the two expected to have.
Nava goes into a deep depression.
She has no reason left to live.
Her family moves in an effort to improve her mood, but not much changes.
One day her father receives word for them to return to Jerusalem as there is something special about to happen. He takes Nava with him.
Along the way they encounter thieves and problems, but forge through.
And, by chance, encounter a group of men who will help them on their journey. They later find out that these three men were very special indeed...
When they finally reach Jerusalem, they meet baby Jesus and his parents.
Beautifully told in a captivating way that brings some new light to the times of Jesus' birth...and what better way to celebrate Christmas than by reading Christmas stories revolving around the reason for the season?!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocialAudio for an ARC of this audiobook which has already been released.
#DPConway. #Nava. Short Christmas Story Collection.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
Check out all my upcoming reviews and previews on IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or on FB @ #BookReviewsWithElaine
Thanks for reading with me!! 📚📖
December 15, 2023
Nava's story was the one I enjoyed the most of DP Conway's Christmas Collection. While the story is set in a time we rarely get right, there are enough of the elements I'm familiar with in the traditional Nativity folklore to overlook some of the modern aspects that show up. . .the heart of the story, and the brave sacrifices of Nava cast her image and story up on the movie screen in my mind.
What are those elements that kept me there, with Nava? The setting - the towns and villages around Bethlehem, Jerusalem, the families and their structure, Nava herself sprang up for me, a girl with a best friend (Leah), her love story with Aaron, her tragedy, her sweet Father trying to help her through, the Wise Men and their helpers, meeting Joseph, Mariam and the baby in the straw. The shadows draw near, as always when the Nativity tale takes a turn to the dark and those mindless soldiers heed the edict of wicked "King of the Jews" - King Herod's relentless evil again plays out (and in every Christmas retelling we kill those poor boys again. . . .in front of their mothers, their families. . . . ) and here comes a brave girl who jumps into the middle of it with her true love's last gift. . .
Total fiction. I get it. But enough conviction clings to me in a deep way that I do believe someone quite like Nava must have made it through long enough to save some of those sweet souls as a messiah was whisked away into Egypt (who would ever think of Egypt as a safe place for a Jewish baby? [hiding in plain sight?]). . .and keep the story in some form or fashion alive for a willing reader. . .
*A sincere thank you to D.P. Conway, BooksGoSocial Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #NavaTheChristmasCollection #NetGalley
What are those elements that kept me there, with Nava? The setting - the towns and villages around Bethlehem, Jerusalem, the families and their structure, Nava herself sprang up for me, a girl with a best friend (Leah), her love story with Aaron, her tragedy, her sweet Father trying to help her through, the Wise Men and their helpers, meeting Joseph, Mariam and the baby in the straw. The shadows draw near, as always when the Nativity tale takes a turn to the dark and those mindless soldiers heed the edict of wicked "King of the Jews" - King Herod's relentless evil again plays out (and in every Christmas retelling we kill those poor boys again. . . .in front of their mothers, their families. . . . ) and here comes a brave girl who jumps into the middle of it with her true love's last gift. . .
Total fiction. I get it. But enough conviction clings to me in a deep way that I do believe someone quite like Nava must have made it through long enough to save some of those sweet souls as a messiah was whisked away into Egypt (who would ever think of Egypt as a safe place for a Jewish baby? [hiding in plain sight?]). . .and keep the story in some form or fashion alive for a willing reader. . .
*A sincere thank you to D.P. Conway, BooksGoSocial Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #NavaTheChristmasCollection #NetGalley
November 20, 2023
Nava is a young woman who is set to marry Aaron. He is given a sword and he teaches her how to use it. The day after her uncle finds out Aaron is pushed down the villages well. Nava becomes in an extremely depressed state and her parents decide to move them to another area. It only helps so much.
Her father receives notice from her grandfather to return and she goes with him. During their travels, they come across three Kings following the three stars. They return to Bethlehem to see that Josiah was born. The kings were headed to see Josiah.
King Harold is after Josiah. Nava does everything she can to protect baby Josiah. Then when Harold starts attacking young boys, Nava runs to her friends house to get her and her son out. She is too late. Nava jumps the wall to their courtyard with the sword from Aaron. She kills the solider of Harold and gets the son and daughter over the wall to safety but at the cost of her own life.
I really enjoyed Nava's story. I am glad I found the audiobook on NetGalley.
Her father receives notice from her grandfather to return and she goes with him. During their travels, they come across three Kings following the three stars. They return to Bethlehem to see that Josiah was born. The kings were headed to see Josiah.
King Harold is after Josiah. Nava does everything she can to protect baby Josiah. Then when Harold starts attacking young boys, Nava runs to her friends house to get her and her son out. She is too late. Nava jumps the wall to their courtyard with the sword from Aaron. She kills the solider of Harold and gets the son and daughter over the wall to safety but at the cost of her own life.
I really enjoyed Nava's story. I am glad I found the audiobook on NetGalley.
November 26, 2023
Nava by DP Conway was a heartbreaking story of a young lady who had so much loss and suffering during her twenty-something years than most know in a life 4 times as long.
Nava’s loss and resultant depression led to her family rallying around her and moving far away from the lands of her birth, in an effort to help her find her happiness again.
On the way back from this move, she and her father run into the biblical three kings, who help them get to safety.
The bravery and loyalty illustrated by Nava and her companions’ actions were lovely, but there were real tears that I shed, due to the story’s twists and turns. It’s a lovely and sweet story for the ages.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this audio ARC!!
Nava’s loss and resultant depression led to her family rallying around her and moving far away from the lands of her birth, in an effort to help her find her happiness again.
On the way back from this move, she and her father run into the biblical three kings, who help them get to safety.
The bravery and loyalty illustrated by Nava and her companions’ actions were lovely, but there were real tears that I shed, due to the story’s twists and turns. It’s a lovely and sweet story for the ages.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for this audio ARC!!
November 13, 2023
Nava is a young girl in life... until life takes a devastating turn and Nava loses her inner light for many years.
Eventually, though, her story intertwines with what many readers will recognize at the birth of Jesus. Although not a religious person, I enjoyed the different perspective to the story I grew up hearing about in CCD. It was refreshing and Nava as the MC brought new ideas to add on to the classic story.
Overall: 4 stars
I'll tell my students about: religion, death, trauma/mental health
**Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.**
Eventually, though, her story intertwines with what many readers will recognize at the birth of Jesus. Although not a religious person, I enjoyed the different perspective to the story I grew up hearing about in CCD. It was refreshing and Nava as the MC brought new ideas to add on to the classic story.
Overall: 4 stars
I'll tell my students about: religion, death, trauma/mental health
**Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.**
November 27, 2023
Book Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story of young Nava's short life. An interesting take of the birth of Christ. Although this story is set in biblical times with some biblical truths, this is very much a fictional story. So far, this has been my least favorite in the collection. However, I look forward to the remaining stories in this series.
The narrator did a good job overall, I just wasn't a fan of the gasping and some of the exaggeration of speech during heightened emotions. I would still listen to other narrations by her.
Thank you, NetGalley, and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced audio experience.
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story of young Nava's short life. An interesting take of the birth of Christ. Although this story is set in biblical times with some biblical truths, this is very much a fictional story. So far, this has been my least favorite in the collection. However, I look forward to the remaining stories in this series.
The narrator did a good job overall, I just wasn't a fan of the gasping and some of the exaggeration of speech during heightened emotions. I would still listen to other narrations by her.
Thank you, NetGalley, and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced audio experience.
January 24, 2024
Nava A Tale of Redemption by D.P. Conway and narrated by Danielle Gensler is the forth book in the Christmas collection and a lovely start to the Christmas season.
In the heart of the ancient world, a young woman born into a family of Shepherds, faces a tragic twist of fate when she loses her beloved betrothed in a harrowing farming accident.
One day, amidst the shadows of her despair, destiny calls, propelling her on an unexpected odyssey. This journey forces her to confront the very fears that have held her captive. At a moment when the stakes are as high as she will ever face, she must make a life-altering decision that will echo through eternity.
In the heart of the ancient world, a young woman born into a family of Shepherds, faces a tragic twist of fate when she loses her beloved betrothed in a harrowing farming accident.
One day, amidst the shadows of her despair, destiny calls, propelling her on an unexpected odyssey. This journey forces her to confront the very fears that have held her captive. At a moment when the stakes are as high as she will ever face, she must make a life-altering decision that will echo through eternity.
November 14, 2023
This book was probably my least favorite of the ones that I read out of this collection. The narrator was a so so guiding voice of this story. The story was kind of long winding and I found myself getting bored especially when it started talking about the messiah. Nothing against religion but it was just. Stale.
I would recommend skipping this one. 1 star.
Thanks to the folks at NetGalley for an audio copy of this book. My review is a honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.
I would recommend skipping this one. 1 star.
Thanks to the folks at NetGalley for an audio copy of this book. My review is a honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.
November 30, 2023
This was a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story of young Nava's short life. An interesting take of the birth of Christ. Although this story is set in biblical times this is very much a fictional story.
I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator was very good. Beware as It has an unexpected ending.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced audio experience.
I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator was very good. Beware as It has an unexpected ending.
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced audio experience.
November 15, 2023
This book gave a fresh take on the nativity story from a different pov.
I loved the powerhouse female characters in this story.
The underlying message of fighting through your pain was very powerful.
All in all this was a great holiday story that had me everywhere from cheering to tearing. My 2nd favorite of this Christmas collection, so far.
I loved the powerhouse female characters in this story.
The underlying message of fighting through your pain was very powerful.
All in all this was a great holiday story that had me everywhere from cheering to tearing. My 2nd favorite of this Christmas collection, so far.
November 24, 2023
Nava is a young woman in biblical times. This book describes her journey to see the newborn King of Jews and her interaction with the 3 Kings. It's an interesting story. It's a little disconcerting to read about Nava saying "okay" repeatedly, but otherwise a good story. It has an unexpected ending.
I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator was very good.
I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator was very good.
December 11, 2023
The fourth story in DP Conway's Christmas Short Story Collection.
A retelling of the birth of Jesus from a young woman's point of view, who ends up traveling to Jerusalem and meets various characters on the journey.
Love and loss, birth and death are just a couple of the themes that are in this captivating story.
A retelling of the birth of Jesus from a young woman's point of view, who ends up traveling to Jerusalem and meets various characters on the journey.
Love and loss, birth and death are just a couple of the themes that are in this captivating story.
December 15, 2023
Nava, by D. P. Conway, is the story of a young woman of Judaea as she puts aside her depression at the loss of her fiancé to travel back to her Bethlehem home with her father. This will be a journey in which Nava is tested and ultimately fulfills her potential leading her to where she ultimately wants to be.
A very interesting parable about finding one’s strength. Good story!
A very interesting parable about finding one’s strength. Good story!
December 15, 2023
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, Nava, by D.P. Conway. An exciting nativity experience seen through the eyes of a young Jewish woman, Nava. Her struggles squeeze your heart. Her sacrifices bring you to the cliff. Redemption brings back hope and joy. A lovely Christmas story with Conway’s bitter and sweet twists at the end.
December 30, 2023
***This review, expressing my honest opinion, is voluntary, and I extend my gratitude to BooksGoSocial Audio and NetGalley for providing the Audio ARC***
The storyline, characterized by its lengthy and meandering nature, left me feeling disengaged, particularly when delving into discussions about religion. This audio failed to capture my interest.
The storyline, characterized by its lengthy and meandering nature, left me feeling disengaged, particularly when delving into discussions about religion. This audio failed to capture my interest.
November 18, 2023
DNF. This is way too Christian for me, sorry! I decided to read this after having read Starry Night (which I enjoyed) but this was is just too religious (and slow/boring)
Thanks netgalley for my ARC/ALC
Thanks netgalley for my ARC/ALC
November 29, 2023
I enjoyed this story so much. It was a hard read at some parts. It definitely made me cry. Nava is just such an awesome character. She is so strong and brave. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2023
I enjoyed this story so much. It was a hard read at some parts. It definitely made me cry. Nava is just such an awesome character. She is so strong and brave. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
December 8, 2023
I’m not a very religious person. The tales in the Christmas chronicles are told in story format rather than preachy.
This was a story of a young girl who lost hope. She is met by the 3 kings on their journey. It was a beautiful tale.
This was a story of a young girl who lost hope. She is met by the 3 kings on their journey. It was a beautiful tale.
December 23, 2023
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version. I have enjoyed these short story Christmas novels from this author. They do tend to lean more Catholic but they are clean and faith based. Highly recommend.
December 6, 2023
I’m working on writing my review now and will have it posted here sometime after it goes live on my blog. I will say this was an interesting take on the Christmas story.
December 11, 2023
This book was very good. I enjoyed the entire series. I liked the narrator.
December 6, 2024
A sweet retelling of the story of the birth of Jesus. I listened to this and enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews