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Bentonsport: A Christmas Story
What if you found the love of your life right in your hometown—in another century? Bentonsport—two different eras in one special town, two lonely persons, and one miraculous Christmas ...
For Bentonsport Academy Headmaster Thomas Barton, Christmas emphasizes his loneliness. He has given up hope of discovering a woman to share his heart and life and plans to return to his hometown for the holidays. But when his friend’s preposterous prophecy comes true, he finds himself having traveled not by train, but through time, from 1869, to Bentonsport today! Now he must navigate a modern world for the two weeks before Christmas and discover what he was sent to find.
Baker Sarah Peterson has everything she wants in the small historic town of modern-day Bentonsport—everything but a man with whom to share her dreams and future. And, in a town of under fifty residents, where’s she going to encounter a soulmate? But when Thomas walks into her bakery, seemingly odd and out of place, but handsome and charming, she finds herself hoping something special might happen this Christmas.
For Bentonsport Academy Headmaster Thomas Barton, Christmas emphasizes his loneliness. He has given up hope of discovering a woman to share his heart and life and plans to return to his hometown for the holidays. But when his friend’s preposterous prophecy comes true, he finds himself having traveled not by train, but through time, from 1869, to Bentonsport today! Now he must navigate a modern world for the two weeks before Christmas and discover what he was sent to find.
Baker Sarah Peterson has everything she wants in the small historic town of modern-day Bentonsport—everything but a man with whom to share her dreams and future. And, in a town of under fifty residents, where’s she going to encounter a soulmate? But when Thomas walks into her bakery, seemingly odd and out of place, but handsome and charming, she finds herself hoping something special might happen this Christmas.
326 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2023
13 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Schnedler
4 books98 followersLisa was born in St. Louis Missouri and is still a huge fan of Cardinals Baseball.
She married her pastor (yep!) and they moved to a small town in Iowa, Bentonsport, the setting of her first three novels.
She has served as a hospital CEO for 30 years, has three kids and six grandkids.
She loves the Lord and the Church.
She would adopt every stray cat and dog if her husband let her.
Instead, she serves on the board of the local humane society and advocates for homeless dogs and cats.
She loves sweet romances and all types of Christian literature—fiction and nonfiction.
She loves to make friends—so write her!
:)
She married her pastor (yep!) and they moved to a small town in Iowa, Bentonsport, the setting of her first three novels.
She has served as a hospital CEO for 30 years, has three kids and six grandkids.
She loves the Lord and the Church.
She would adopt every stray cat and dog if her husband let her.
Instead, she serves on the board of the local humane society and advocates for homeless dogs and cats.
She loves sweet romances and all types of Christian literature—fiction and nonfiction.
She loves to make friends—so write her!
:)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 12, 2022
I fell in love with the setting and characters of this book! It had the magical quality of a person out of time, yet in a believable way. It was probably due to the fact that Thomas had a “heads up” from his friend about the upcoming trip to the future he was going to make. This allowed him to realize what was going on and attempt to fit in as best as he could. He was still a bit different and more formal than others, yet he connected and found a sweet group of people who quickly became important to him. One person in particular, Sarah, became very important. I loved the connection between the two characters. And even though Thomas knew that he would not be there long, he could not stop his heart from longing for Sarah.
The story had a gentle pacing to it, which worked so well for someone acclimating from the past. It helped that Bentonsport was a tiny town that was proud of its ties to history. It would have definitely been a different situation if the main character had been thrown into a large metropolitan area. The gentle pacing also worked very well for the Christmas season and all the homey preparations that the group of friends were involved in.
The ending was sweet and heartwarming, yet felt abrupt to me. My imagination can fill in the blanks, but I would have loved to have read an epilogue set a year later, showing how the characters were enjoying life.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This review will post on my blog on 10/14/22.
The story had a gentle pacing to it, which worked so well for someone acclimating from the past. It helped that Bentonsport was a tiny town that was proud of its ties to history. It would have definitely been a different situation if the main character had been thrown into a large metropolitan area. The gentle pacing also worked very well for the Christmas season and all the homey preparations that the group of friends were involved in.
The ending was sweet and heartwarming, yet felt abrupt to me. My imagination can fill in the blanks, but I would have loved to have read an epilogue set a year later, showing how the characters were enjoying life.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This review will post on my blog on 10/14/22.
October 28, 2022
A beautifully written story that is hard to put down. You can't help but enjoy the story. A small town, Christmas, 1860's and present, a love story at Christmas you can get much better. I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy this book.
October 15, 2022
Charmed is the perfect way to describe how I felt about Bentonsport. The past immersing with the present is always a favorite troupe of mine, and I simply adored the way the author brought this delightful town to life.
The story centers around Thomas Benton, an man that loves his life in Bentonsport 1869, but there is something missing. A late night visitor brings news that Thomas is going to receive a wonderful gift, and he awakes the next morning in a bed not his own, and time not his own. He has been transported to present day Bentonsport and has two weeks to find what he was sent to look for, though he doesn’t know what that something is.
Sarah Peterson also loves her life. Being Bentonsports professional baker, she loves life in this small, quirky town and all its inhabitants, but there is also something missing: someone to love. Thomas and Sarah are absolutely perfect for each other. From their first meeting you can see the sugary sweetness of their adoration for one another that grows into friendship and then into something more.
Throughout the entire story you get to witness Thomas discovering new technologies, and I loved seeing Thomas’s awe and fascination about modern items. Simple things we tend to take for granted are true marvels to him, while other changes in our modern world aren’t things he thinks should’ve been changed. I often agreed with his sentiments on that fact, and do believe that not all changes that have been made have been for the better.
In the beginning Sarah can see that there is something different about this new visitor, but she is so charmed that she pushes her questions aside and gets to know this unique traveler, which leads to a truly magical story.
There are so many wonderful scenes in this novel, but I would have to say that my favorite part was the snowball fight. How it started off with bubbled and ended up in a full-blown snowball fight was so stinking cute!! I could see this easily becoming a Hallmark movie. It’s got that Hallmark-esque charm that we all love, along with some swoon-worthy moments, but also had so much heart and truth to it, a realism despite the fantasy.
I could also go into all the delicious moments that had my mouth salivating, but I’ll let you experience that for yourself. I immensely enjoyed this novel so much, and it is hands down the perfect read to get you into the holiday spirit.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
The story centers around Thomas Benton, an man that loves his life in Bentonsport 1869, but there is something missing. A late night visitor brings news that Thomas is going to receive a wonderful gift, and he awakes the next morning in a bed not his own, and time not his own. He has been transported to present day Bentonsport and has two weeks to find what he was sent to look for, though he doesn’t know what that something is.
Sarah Peterson also loves her life. Being Bentonsports professional baker, she loves life in this small, quirky town and all its inhabitants, but there is also something missing: someone to love. Thomas and Sarah are absolutely perfect for each other. From their first meeting you can see the sugary sweetness of their adoration for one another that grows into friendship and then into something more.
Throughout the entire story you get to witness Thomas discovering new technologies, and I loved seeing Thomas’s awe and fascination about modern items. Simple things we tend to take for granted are true marvels to him, while other changes in our modern world aren’t things he thinks should’ve been changed. I often agreed with his sentiments on that fact, and do believe that not all changes that have been made have been for the better.
In the beginning Sarah can see that there is something different about this new visitor, but she is so charmed that she pushes her questions aside and gets to know this unique traveler, which leads to a truly magical story.
There are so many wonderful scenes in this novel, but I would have to say that my favorite part was the snowball fight. How it started off with bubbled and ended up in a full-blown snowball fight was so stinking cute!! I could see this easily becoming a Hallmark movie. It’s got that Hallmark-esque charm that we all love, along with some swoon-worthy moments, but also had so much heart and truth to it, a realism despite the fantasy.
I could also go into all the delicious moments that had my mouth salivating, but I’ll let you experience that for yourself. I immensely enjoyed this novel so much, and it is hands down the perfect read to get you into the holiday spirit.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
June 6, 2024
I loved this book! Of course I am quite familiar with this area of Iowa and it was like I was there myself!
Can't wait to start the sequel!!
Thanks!
Can't wait to start the sequel!!
Thanks!
October 12, 2022
Christmas and baking – two of my favorite topics for stories! Bentonsport – A Christmas Story by Lisa Schnedler fits that bill. Add to it that you get a time slip and this is an engaging, fun book.
When I picked up the story and began, I knew I would enjoy it for the topic but the writing is well done, making it an even better read than I expected! I found that it was difficult to put the story down because I wanted to know more about Thomas’ story, did he find what he was supposed to when he went forward in time? Did Sarah ever figure out what she wanted? Did Thomas figure out how to ask questions without giving away his history? Did he give away his history? Did Sarah discover the truth? How did the story turn out?!? I wanted to know and kept reading until I could find the answer to my next question.
I can happily recommend this book for some light enjoyment mixed in with baking, history, and well-developed characters. With the holidays right around the corner, this will be the perfect fit.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
When I picked up the story and began, I knew I would enjoy it for the topic but the writing is well done, making it an even better read than I expected! I found that it was difficult to put the story down because I wanted to know more about Thomas’ story, did he find what he was supposed to when he went forward in time? Did Sarah ever figure out what she wanted? Did Thomas figure out how to ask questions without giving away his history? Did he give away his history? Did Sarah discover the truth? How did the story turn out?!? I wanted to know and kept reading until I could find the answer to my next question.
I can happily recommend this book for some light enjoyment mixed in with baking, history, and well-developed characters. With the holidays right around the corner, this will be the perfect fit.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 12, 2022
A sweet romance wrapped up for the holiday season. I was drawn to the premise right away because the time travel aspect was interesting. The romance between Sarah and Thomas was slowly built and very sweet. I so enjoyed watching Thomas navigate the modern conveniences that he was completely unfamiliar with. The other people that he comes in contact with, especially the town historian, rounded out the story in a good way. The ending felt a little rushed. I thought we would get an understanding of how the time travel worked so there were some unanswered questions for me. But I liked that there was a happy ending and Thomas finds love.
I received this book complimentary as a participant of the JustRead reviewer tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
I received this book complimentary as a participant of the JustRead reviewer tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
December 14, 2022
DNF it after like 30 pages. I’m going to give it a second chance though.
October 31, 2023
For those who love to read, nothing signals the joy of the Christmas season quite like a sweet, romantic book with a yuletide theme. Bentonsport: A Christmas Story is exactly the feel-good story this reader wants to enjoy. The story is as moving and enjoyable as discovering candy in your stocking on Christmas morning.
There are two bonuses for this particular Christmas tale. The first one is that this book is a time travel story. The time travel aspect adds depth and makes the novel intriguing. When the author introduces two lonely people, we find they are from the same place, but from two different eras.
The second bonus relates to the setting described beautifully within its pages. Bentonsport is an existing historical town, which is an artist community in Van Buren County, Iowa, on the Des Moines River. Part of the village’s charm is that it has kept many of the 1840s structures from its history as a lively steamboat port during the 1800s.
In the story, Bentonsport Academy Headmaster Thomas Barton finds the approaching celebration of Christmas accentuates his loneliness. He lives in 1869 Bentonsport and, in his heart, he’s given up hope of finding a woman to share his life. He decides to return to his hometown for the holidays.
Through circumstances beyond his control, Thomas awakens in modern day Bentonsport, which fulfills the “unbelievable” prophecy related to him by a trusted friend. When the friend relayed the prophecy, he also advises Thomas could make the journey only one time and never return. Thomas must find his way in a modern world for the two weeks leading up to a miraculous Christmas and discover the reasons behind the miracle transporting him there.
In modern day Bentonsport, Sarah Peterson owns a bakery and has everything she needs … but she wishes for a man to share her dreams. She would be open to building a future with the right man, if only he would come along. With her business in a town of less than fifty citizens, she accepts she may never meet someone right for her. At least that is the case until Thomas walks into her bakery. He is handsome and soft-spoken. Even though he might be odd and seems a bit out of place, he is considerate and funny.
Will something special happen between these two this magical Christmas? You’ll enjoy answering this question while experiencing the trials and tribulations of these sweet characters and their adventures in this engaging novel.
There are two bonuses for this particular Christmas tale. The first one is that this book is a time travel story. The time travel aspect adds depth and makes the novel intriguing. When the author introduces two lonely people, we find they are from the same place, but from two different eras.
The second bonus relates to the setting described beautifully within its pages. Bentonsport is an existing historical town, which is an artist community in Van Buren County, Iowa, on the Des Moines River. Part of the village’s charm is that it has kept many of the 1840s structures from its history as a lively steamboat port during the 1800s.
In the story, Bentonsport Academy Headmaster Thomas Barton finds the approaching celebration of Christmas accentuates his loneliness. He lives in 1869 Bentonsport and, in his heart, he’s given up hope of finding a woman to share his life. He decides to return to his hometown for the holidays.
Through circumstances beyond his control, Thomas awakens in modern day Bentonsport, which fulfills the “unbelievable” prophecy related to him by a trusted friend. When the friend relayed the prophecy, he also advises Thomas could make the journey only one time and never return. Thomas must find his way in a modern world for the two weeks leading up to a miraculous Christmas and discover the reasons behind the miracle transporting him there.
In modern day Bentonsport, Sarah Peterson owns a bakery and has everything she needs … but she wishes for a man to share her dreams. She would be open to building a future with the right man, if only he would come along. With her business in a town of less than fifty citizens, she accepts she may never meet someone right for her. At least that is the case until Thomas walks into her bakery. He is handsome and soft-spoken. Even though he might be odd and seems a bit out of place, he is considerate and funny.
Will something special happen between these two this magical Christmas? You’ll enjoy answering this question while experiencing the trials and tribulations of these sweet characters and their adventures in this engaging novel.
October 9, 2022
I LOVE storylines that incorporate Christmas and Small Towns. I was excited to read Bentonsport - A Christmas Story by Lisa Schnedler as it has both in the storyline.
The Year is 1869 in the small town of Bentonsport, Iowa and it is Christmastime. Thomas Barton, who is Headmaster at Bentonsport Academy, Christmastime is not his favorite time of the year as he is always lonely. Thomas feels that he will never find someone that he can spend a lifetime with and plans to go back to his Hometown for the 2 Week Christmas Break. Thomas was quite surprised when a friend's thoughts come true and Thomas travels to Bentonsport instead of his Hometown and instead of 1869, it is now Present day in Bentonsport, IA via Time Travel. Thomas looks around and knows that he has 2 weeks to discover why he is here. Sarah Peterson is the local Baker in Present Day Bentonsport. She loves everything about the Historic Town, but with only 50 Residents in town, she wonders if she will ever find a man to spend her life with. Thomas walks into her Bakery and she looks at him, all handsome and charming, and thinks to herself a Christmas Miracle just might have come to Bentonsport, IA. Will Thomas and Sarah find their "soulmate" in one another? Will their "lonely" Christmases be no longer?
I really LOVE everything about this book. The setting of being in a Small Town, the time being Christmastime in both 1869 and the Present Day, and the characters. I enjoyed this book from the very first chapter and continued to read until I finished about 4hrs later. Thomas and Sarah both had the same thoughts about not finding their soulmates, so when Thomas comes to the Present Day it is so beautiful how the 2 meet and start a friendship. My favorite part of the book was the Christmas Eve service and how the Pastor the Christmas Story message. It touched the hearts of both Thomas and Sarah and they both realize they have to Trust God for finding their mates. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a Sweet Romance book. GREAT BOOK!
The Year is 1869 in the small town of Bentonsport, Iowa and it is Christmastime. Thomas Barton, who is Headmaster at Bentonsport Academy, Christmastime is not his favorite time of the year as he is always lonely. Thomas feels that he will never find someone that he can spend a lifetime with and plans to go back to his Hometown for the 2 Week Christmas Break. Thomas was quite surprised when a friend's thoughts come true and Thomas travels to Bentonsport instead of his Hometown and instead of 1869, it is now Present day in Bentonsport, IA via Time Travel. Thomas looks around and knows that he has 2 weeks to discover why he is here. Sarah Peterson is the local Baker in Present Day Bentonsport. She loves everything about the Historic Town, but with only 50 Residents in town, she wonders if she will ever find a man to spend her life with. Thomas walks into her Bakery and she looks at him, all handsome and charming, and thinks to herself a Christmas Miracle just might have come to Bentonsport, IA. Will Thomas and Sarah find their "soulmate" in one another? Will their "lonely" Christmases be no longer?
I really LOVE everything about this book. The setting of being in a Small Town, the time being Christmastime in both 1869 and the Present Day, and the characters. I enjoyed this book from the very first chapter and continued to read until I finished about 4hrs later. Thomas and Sarah both had the same thoughts about not finding their soulmates, so when Thomas comes to the Present Day it is so beautiful how the 2 meet and start a friendship. My favorite part of the book was the Christmas Eve service and how the Pastor the Christmas Story message. It touched the hearts of both Thomas and Sarah and they both realize they have to Trust God for finding their mates. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a Sweet Romance book. GREAT BOOK!
October 4, 2022
What is not to like about a time travel Christmas romance? Thomas Barton lives in the Bentonsport of 1869 where he is headmaster of the Bentonsport Academy. Thomas spends much of his time attempting to dodge the matchmaking attempts of Virginia Carrington and the other good ladies of Bentonsport. He has his students and their families and his friend Pastor Lockhart but he is lonely.
Sarah Peterson lives in present day Bentonsport where she is a beloved friend to many but she is also lonely. There are few full time residents of current day Bentonsport. Although her friends have introduced her to single men she has never been attracted to any of them. Then Thomas Barton walks into her bakery one winter day.
I thoroughly enjoyed Lisa Schnedler’s Bentonsport: A Christmas Story. One of the most moving parts of the story was the Christmas Eve service when Richard Tarrant gives the message and references the many times in the Christmas Story where God tells us not to be afraid because he is with us. A good message for all of us anytime.
Thomas and Sarah both have things in their lives that could cause them to be paralyzed by fear. They must decide whether to trust God and move forward or remain lonely.
Sarah Peterson lives in present day Bentonsport where she is a beloved friend to many but she is also lonely. There are few full time residents of current day Bentonsport. Although her friends have introduced her to single men she has never been attracted to any of them. Then Thomas Barton walks into her bakery one winter day.
I thoroughly enjoyed Lisa Schnedler’s Bentonsport: A Christmas Story. One of the most moving parts of the story was the Christmas Eve service when Richard Tarrant gives the message and references the many times in the Christmas Story where God tells us not to be afraid because he is with us. A good message for all of us anytime.
Thomas and Sarah both have things in their lives that could cause them to be paralyzed by fear. They must decide whether to trust God and move forward or remain lonely.
October 10, 2022
Bentonsport: A Christmas Story by Lisa Schnedler is most delightful Christian timeslip novel that enchanted me from the start.
The plotline is a magical one, perfectly suited to the snowy setting. Christmas is a time of year for miracles. Our God is the God of the miraculous.
Bentonsport: A Christmas Story is just right for the lead up to Christmas. It will warm your heart and soul and leave you smiling.
All the characters are warm and welcoming. Bentonsport has a wonderful community spirit. People arrive as strangers and leave as friends. Needs are met as people pull together.
History is important. We need to know about the past in order to know where we are going in future.
We can be surrounded by people but still feel lonely. We all need that one person we can spend our lives with.
Modern technology is great but sometimes those gadgets from the past are more reliable.
When the future looks uncertain, we know that we can trust God to guide us in the darkness. We need to step out in faith and put our hand into the hand of God.
Bentonsport: A Christmas Story was absolutely charming. It is a tale of love and trust, of life and light. It is a beautiful Christmas story that might just have you believing in miracles.
I received a free copy from Just Read Tours for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The plotline is a magical one, perfectly suited to the snowy setting. Christmas is a time of year for miracles. Our God is the God of the miraculous.
Bentonsport: A Christmas Story is just right for the lead up to Christmas. It will warm your heart and soul and leave you smiling.
All the characters are warm and welcoming. Bentonsport has a wonderful community spirit. People arrive as strangers and leave as friends. Needs are met as people pull together.
History is important. We need to know about the past in order to know where we are going in future.
We can be surrounded by people but still feel lonely. We all need that one person we can spend our lives with.
Modern technology is great but sometimes those gadgets from the past are more reliable.
When the future looks uncertain, we know that we can trust God to guide us in the darkness. We need to step out in faith and put our hand into the hand of God.
Bentonsport: A Christmas Story was absolutely charming. It is a tale of love and trust, of life and light. It is a beautiful Christmas story that might just have you believing in miracles.
I received a free copy from Just Read Tours for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 8, 2022
Fall In Love!
Fall in love --with Sarah Peterson, a young woman who baked her way into the hearts of the townsfolk of Bentonsport as she started her new life, and with Thomas Barton, an almost newcomer to Bentonsport searching for love in a strange new world, and with the town of Bentonsport, a haven of artistry and idyllic charm. A perfect setting for romance. Lisa Schnedler captured our hearts with her delightful characters and lovely descriptions of the real town of Bentonsport, Iowa. I have been there, and it is a true-to-life glimpse of this charming village. I can smell the cookies baking, and feel the snow crunch under my feet. Add a hint of mystery, and you are off on an adventure you won't soon forget. I can't wait to return!
Fall in love --with Sarah Peterson, a young woman who baked her way into the hearts of the townsfolk of Bentonsport as she started her new life, and with Thomas Barton, an almost newcomer to Bentonsport searching for love in a strange new world, and with the town of Bentonsport, a haven of artistry and idyllic charm. A perfect setting for romance. Lisa Schnedler captured our hearts with her delightful characters and lovely descriptions of the real town of Bentonsport, Iowa. I have been there, and it is a true-to-life glimpse of this charming village. I can smell the cookies baking, and feel the snow crunch under my feet. Add a hint of mystery, and you are off on an adventure you won't soon forget. I can't wait to return!
December 30, 2022
This is a sweet story that crosses the boundary of time from the Bentonsport of the past to the one of the present. As the schoolmaster meets the town baker, we are drawn in by their story and eagerly wonder if two lonely hearts can find their soulmates across time.
I loved the detailed descriptions of Bentonsport in the past and the present. Since I'm familiar with the town today, it was wonderful to imagine what it was like as it was booming. The characters were friendly, caring, and talented people--just what you would expect from town residents. The story showcased the small-town atmosphere and was a great backdrop for the growing romance between Thomas and Sarah.
I loved the detailed descriptions of Bentonsport in the past and the present. Since I'm familiar with the town today, it was wonderful to imagine what it was like as it was booming. The characters were friendly, caring, and talented people--just what you would expect from town residents. The story showcased the small-town atmosphere and was a great backdrop for the growing romance between Thomas and Sarah.
May 2, 2023
Slow start, but once I read a little farther I couldn’t put it down! Since I grew up in SE Iowa, I was familiar with Bentonsport and Bonaparte and the surroundings of the storylines. Intrigued by how the story was going to end kept me reading until finished. Lisa Schnedler is a great storyteller!
November 8, 2022
Imagine traveling 100 years forward in time and meeting the love of your life. I enjoyed learning about Bentonsport , celebrating the Christmas season there, and meeting the characters in this historical, time-travel sweet romance with an unexpected twist.
Read
October 17, 2023Cute story, and very likeable characters. I love time travel stories, and this one was entertaining.
April 6, 2024
Excellent
I loved , loved, loved this book! It was wonderful and I can't say enough good things about it. Exciting. Heartwarming. Emotional. JUST PLAIN TERRIFIC.
I loved , loved, loved this book! It was wonderful and I can't say enough good things about it. Exciting. Heartwarming. Emotional. JUST PLAIN TERRIFIC.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews