Christmas Still

by Jennifer Q. Hunt

It's Christmas 1918 and Lottie Webster has faced a pandemic and a war that have caused one heartache after the next for her family. Trying to mother her grieving nieces and help her shell-shocked husband, celebrating Christmas is the last thing on Lottie's mind. But when her brother returns home from the front, his holiday "surprise" threatens to ruin not only Christmas but the fragile peace left in Lottie's life. Ada Unser is alone and starving in war-ravaged Germany when she gets an unexpected opportunity to escape, but she must risk everything and step into the unknown. Will her courage be rewarded with a loving family or resentment and scorn? And will her cherished Christmas traditions bring her new family together or tear them further apart?

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

82 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2020

About the author

Born and raised in the Atlanta area, Jennifer's debut historical fiction work, Some Through the Fire, is set in that very city during the tumultuous events of 1917-1920. Jennifer has worked professionally as a tutor, ghostwriter, editor, and administrative assistant, including 10 years in vocational ministry. She and her husband Christopher live in the Atlanta area with their four young children. Jennifer stays busy writing, editing, homeschooling, and homemaking.

Reviews

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet Christmas story! I adore it. I mean, it's heartbreaking and emotional and horrible, which is why it's such a sweet Christmas story.

[Heather Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I finally got around to reading this beautiful Christmas story! It was interesting, enjoyable, encouraging, and challenging. Well done!

[Storm Shultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Christmas Read

Every time I pick up a Jennifer Q. Hunt book, I fall in love with her writing. And this was no exception. I loved Ada and Lottie both so much, and I would gladly take more of their stories!

[Kendal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Still

This is a great story of hope and redemption! Loved every minute of this heart-warming journey! I can’t wait to read more of this author

[Sara Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet short story. I don’t know how Jennifer Q Hunt hits so many hard topics in so few pages with thoughtfulness and grace. She is a master storyteller.

[Rachel McDaniel]

Christmas Still draws back the curtain on the struggles of postwar life in 1918. The Great War may have ended, but for many, the battle raged strong in their souls and bodies long after the signed treaty of Versailles. Hunt does an excellent job of presenting the reader with two different heroines, who may not have fought in the trenches, but are battle-weary nonetheless. I especially enjoyed the budding friendship between Lottie and Ada. As well as the relationship between Lottie and her emotionally-distant husband, Everett. Another factor worth mentioning is the treatment of shell-shocked soldiers. Previous generations were not as sensitive to the brokenness in mind and spirit known today as PTSD. With delicacy, the author addresses this issue through the lives of the characters.

In Christmas Still, Hunt paints a vivid picture of war-ravaged hearts, along with brushstrokes of hope, creating a sweeping portrait of new beginnings.

[Kelsey Gietl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read from Jennifer Q. Hunt! This novella had so much emotion packed into so few pages and did so beautifully. World War 1, Spanish Influenza, PTSD, racism, romance, and parenthood are all there and flow together seamlessly. It’s a story that shows the hope I think we’re all longing for during this 2020 Christmas. I would love to see this become a full series.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book that I read by Jennifer Hunt. This is a shorter Christmas story that does connect with her other novels. I had not read those yet, but I still really enjoyed this book. A great story set during World War 1 about what Christmas really means.

[Kasumi Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Christmas story! I am amazed at Jennifer’s ability to weave a tale flawlessly with such heart and emotion!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy read that draws you in.

[Hannah Barclay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet and moving 🤍 A memorable take on Christmas in the aftermath of war and hardship

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting Christmas Story!

I have thoroughly enjoyed each one of Jennifer Hunt's books. She has a great talent for crafting beautiful and heartfelt stories infused with real and raw emotions. Add to this the inspiring themes of forgiveness, trust, and second chances and you have another must-read tale, this one filled with the message of hope found at Christmas.

[Jenni Moeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read Dec 2024 for book club. Beautiful story of figuring out how to move forward after war and loss. My original advice stands…read her books! 📚 😊


Oct 2023
Everyone should read ALL her books :)

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Still is a novella, yet the author manages to write an indepth, complex story that address war, death, and prejudice. The internal dialogue got me deep into each character’s head as they navigated the difficulties of life and the aftermath of war and the 1918 Spanish Flu. Pre-WWI, some branches of our family changed their German-heritage names to more “American” sounding names, my great-uncle died in a sanitorium after the war because of lung damage, and my great-aunt never remarried, so the story resonated with me. Description and dialogue effectively evoked the era and the lack of modern conveniences. Messages of redemption, forgiveness, and God’s sovereignty are woven throughout the story without being preachy. Highly recommended.

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A version story

1918 and not only war, but Spanish flu made life a challenge for many. This story of a WWI vet and his escape from the German army includes a love story.
It tells of the dedication of families during that time.
My grandmother got that flu and later died of TB. So this story came with memories of her and my mom.

[Kathy Kilgore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story everyone needs to read

This is a painful, honest look at the reality of war and the way one family came together while trying to rebuild broken dreams, bodies and spirits. We are reminded that Christ alone is our ultimate redeemer at the end of the book, a fitting message for any time of year

[Aubrey Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Ms. Hunt's work and I truly enjoyed her style. I also loved the post-WW1/German connection, as well as the dual character perspectives. A beautiful story in just 82 pages. The perfect read for the busy Christmas season, although it was so good, I almost wish there had been more to it!

[Tara | Mercyandgracereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, perfect little Christmas story. I read this heartfelt novella is one sitting. This story dives into the post war trauma in 1918 - what we now know as PTSD - and the struggles the individual and their families experience. There are deep themes of healing and resilience throughout and the resounding thread of the restorative love of God. I highly recommend!!!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heartwarming short story tells of the struggles of a family during the turbulent year of 1918, marked by the devastating impact of the Spanish flu, World War I, loss of loved ones, and the diffucult journey of recovery. Along with the trauma, they find solace in the belief that God’s presence remains constant, offering comfort and guidance through all of life’s challenges.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read via Kindle. 3.5 stars

Sometimes I felt a little lost but it was a great story. We need to be reminded of such times and learn from them. We owe many of these people a great debt.

[Martha Hynson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a sweet, faith-filled Christmas story, this is it!

[Rhiannon Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What you'll find inside:
*Easy, quick read
*Christian characters and lessons
*WWI

Triggers:
*Prejudice
*Death
*Physical and mental war injuries

[Natalie Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quaint novella

This was a sweet yet predictable story. It was easy to follow and boasts a happy ending leaving the reader encouraged.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you handle Christmas when your heart is broken? Just as applicable to our times as in 1918.

[Megan Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so good, I wish it was it’s own series. Jennifer knows how to draw you in and make you feel like you live in the same time as her books.

[Arleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of the best short stories I have ever read. This book by Jennifer Q. Hunt is deep and heartwarming.

[Kayla E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story reminding us that even when life is hard, there is still beauty and love. Christmas Still is a novella perfect for someone looking for a quick, afternoon read during the holidays. It will intrigue fans of both historical, WWII-era fiction and clean romance. There is glimpse of two people "falling" for one another, but the primary romance thread focuses on the rekindling of a marriage---the couple must choose each other or choose to walk away. I think the author did a beautiful job crafting such an impactful story in so few pages.

[Deon · Rating 4 out of 5]

purchased free in September 2022

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving story of the difficulties around being a woman alone in the mid-19-teens. WWI, hunger, devastation, physical and mental fatigue, as well as fear have hit the European population. Ada is saved from certain death when an American prisoner of war appears on her doorstep and begins taking care of her. He wraps her in blankets and stokes the fire that was almost out. He also buried her father who had died the day before. In caring for Ada, Luke also saves himself. He finds food and begins eating again. The two of them marry and promptly go to America. The story of their transition back to civilian life is fraught with difficulty and family friction. Will their fledgling relationship survive? It is a tale that is relatable and quite common in American history.