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The Forever Tree #2
A Forever Christmas
Sarah Radcliffe's quiet Christmas back in her hometown will be lost if she agrees to direct the church's Christmas pageant. But when she meets two little boys determined to gain their father's attention, Sarah agrees to help. Then she discovers that the dad in question is Gregory Jones, the man she loved and lost. The single dad is working himself to the bone to give his boys the Christmas of their dreams, when all they want is some family time. Time that includes a new mommy. If Sarah can learn to open her heart, she may receive the most wonderful present of all—a family of her own.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Missy Tippens
19 books92 followersMissy Tippens is a pastor's wife, mother of three adult children, and an author from near Atlanta, Georgia. She loves being involved in their church through the Happy Sack Ministry (healthy snacks for local school kids who may go hungry on the weekends), singing and playing hand bells!
After more than 10 years of pursuing her dream of publication, Missy made her first sale to Harlequin Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, Holt Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Romance Writers of America RITA® Award. Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com, https://twitter.com/MissyTippens and http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens....
After more than 10 years of pursuing her dream of publication, Missy made her first sale to Harlequin Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, Holt Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Romance Writers of America RITA® Award. Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com, https://twitter.com/MissyTippens and http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens....
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 20, 2024
Sarah should not be giving out parental advice, when she does not even have kids.
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Sarah Radcliffe's quiet Christmas back in her hometown will be lost if she agrees to direct the church's Christmas pageant. But when she meets two little boys determined to gain their father's attention, Sarah agrees to help. Then she discovers that the dad in question is Gregory Jones, the man she loved and lost. The single dad is working himself to the bone to give his boys the Christmas of their dreams, when all they want is some family time. Time that includes a new mommy. If Sarah can learn to open her heart, she may receive the most wonderful present of all—a family of her own.
REVIEW: A fairly predictable but sweet, quick Christmas read.
Both Gregory and Sarah were engaging, realistic characters. Gregory was the epitome of bad boy made good, pulling himself up by his bootstraps. Gregory's two little sons were absolutely enchanting and definitely tugged at my heart strings as they tried to make their dad realize that it was not material goods they wanted but rather his time. Hunter was trying to be such a big boy and Chase was a heartbreaker with his loving ways and little lisp. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Gregory grow as a parent when he joined in activities with his sons and realized that love and stability were what they were looking for. It broke my heart when Hunter got so excited because he got to sleep in his own bed one night.
Sarah is a warmhearted, kid-loving Kindergarten teacher who is reeling from the death of one of her students and how it effected the parents who had been too busy pursuing the good life. It has caused her to feel estranged from God. So taking on the directing of the church Christmas pageant is done for her friend. Little did she know that it would bring her back to God. Sarah's dad was a controlling parent who didn't think anyone was good enough for his daughter causing problems with high school boyfriends and basically directing Sarah's life. When Sarah and Gregory meet the second time around, it provides a story of first love, second chances, forgiveness and love for another person as well as their
The author does a great job of focusing on the message of the priority of time with your family. This is a great Christmas read as we all remember that Christmas is less about gifts and more about time with family.
REVIEW: A fairly predictable but sweet, quick Christmas read.
Both Gregory and Sarah were engaging, realistic characters. Gregory was the epitome of bad boy made good, pulling himself up by his bootstraps. Gregory's two little sons were absolutely enchanting and definitely tugged at my heart strings as they tried to make their dad realize that it was not material goods they wanted but rather his time. Hunter was trying to be such a big boy and Chase was a heartbreaker with his loving ways and little lisp. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Gregory grow as a parent when he joined in activities with his sons and realized that love and stability were what they were looking for. It broke my heart when Hunter got so excited because he got to sleep in his own bed one night.
Sarah is a warmhearted, kid-loving Kindergarten teacher who is reeling from the death of one of her students and how it effected the parents who had been too busy pursuing the good life. It has caused her to feel estranged from God. So taking on the directing of the church Christmas pageant is done for her friend. Little did she know that it would bring her back to God. Sarah's dad was a controlling parent who didn't think anyone was good enough for his daughter causing problems with high school boyfriends and basically directing Sarah's life. When Sarah and Gregory meet the second time around, it provides a story of first love, second chances, forgiveness and love for another person as well as their
The author does a great job of focusing on the message of the priority of time with your family. This is a great Christmas read as we all remember that Christmas is less about gifts and more about time with family.
December 11, 2009
My friend Lori was right when she said that you need to be able to cry with this one. I must admit the last chapter was one of those Hallmark type tears in my eyes moments. It reminded me of Christmas movies from years past. "A Forever Christmas" was my first experience reading a novel from author and new friend Missy Tippens, another author from my home state of Georgia. Main character Sarah has come home for Christmas and is faced with her high school sweetheart that she once thought was her one true love, but he could not wait for her. Sarah has come home early from her teaching job because of an early school release because of the death of one of her students of terminal cancer. Going home for some rest and recuperation brings her into a new list of activities that aim in helping another lonely child, one who just happens to be that of that old boyfriend. Following Sarah's journey of emotions where she does not want to listen to God to possibly opening up to Him again and listening to what he wants is a beautiful story and educational to our own lives as readers. Missy tells and heart rending story of forgiveness and leaving bitterness and the past behind and following God. I enjoyed this story and definitely hope to look for more titles from author Missy Tippens in the future.
December 16, 2009
This is a wonderful Christmas story that will fill your heart with thanksgiving and joy. The characters are so vivid that you can see them. The two little boys in the story are true to life, as is the heroine and hero as the humorous tension between them is quite entertaining. It's perfect for the season if you're looking for something to help you get into the mood for Christmas. I highly recommend A Forever Christmas!
Description
Sarah Radcliffe's quiet Christmas back in her hometown will be lost if she agrees to direct the church's Christmas pageant. But when she meets two little boys determined to gain their father's attention, Sarah agrees to help. Then she discovers that the dad in question is Gregory Jones, the man she loved and lost. The single dad is working himself to the bone to give his boys the Christmas of their dreams, when all they want is some family time. Time that includes a new mommy. If Sarah can learn to open her heart, she may receive the most wonderful present of all--a family of her own.
Description
Sarah Radcliffe's quiet Christmas back in her hometown will be lost if she agrees to direct the church's Christmas pageant. But when she meets two little boys determined to gain their father's attention, Sarah agrees to help. Then she discovers that the dad in question is Gregory Jones, the man she loved and lost. The single dad is working himself to the bone to give his boys the Christmas of their dreams, when all they want is some family time. Time that includes a new mommy. If Sarah can learn to open her heart, she may receive the most wonderful present of all--a family of her own.
December 27, 2023
I personally enjoyed this book however it was a little slow to get to the romance and cliche feelings. The ending was what was expected from a Christmas love story. The way Sarah sat under the tree with the boys when he proposed was highly anticipated since chapter one. Overall a good book with nice details and perfect for those reaching to God for forgiveness in a unique way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2023
Sarah came home to spend Christmas with her parents but they were so busy with parties and such and she didn't want to go to them.
She spent time with her ex-boyfriend Gregory keeping an eye on his boys.
Really enjoyed the story and think you will too.
She spent time with her ex-boyfriend Gregory keeping an eye on his boys.
Really enjoyed the story and think you will too.
January 1, 2024
A heartwarming Christmas tale where a kindergarten teacher grieving the loss of a favorite student decides to engineer a single dad she once loved into spending more time with his lonely son for Christmas. Of course it was fairly predictable but it’s a cozy comfort sort of story.
November 29, 2017
Pleasant inspirational romance with forgiveness as a theme throughout the story.
September 4, 2020
Sarah is a sweetheart but the men in her life are selfish jerks. She forgave them not sure I could. wont read it again and dont recommend it
September 22, 2024
Loved it! A great Christmas read full of emotions and two adorable little guys.
October 2, 2025
The story was good but the cover didn’t match the book I read
December 3, 2009
Let me start off by saying that this is the first book I've read by Missy Tippens, but it won't be my last! I've got to get my hands on His Forever Love...which actually comes before A Forever Christmas. Also, this is my first Christmas-themed book for 2009 ~ it was a great place to start! Please be sure to have Kleenex nearby when you read this book...you will definitely need them!
A Forever Christmas takes place in the cozy town of Magnolia, Georgia. Here we meet lots of the townsfolk, as they're getting ready for their upcoming Annual Christmas Pageant. Needless to say, the children are very excited to be a part of this year's Pageant! Due to unforeseen complications, the Pageant director has to hand her duties over to someone else this year. This is when we meet Sarah Radcliffe...as she agrees to step in for Donna Rae Durante, and take over with rehearsals, stage props, etc.
Sarah has returned to Magnolia for the Christmas holidays, but she's not looking forward to coming face-to-face with her only true love, Gregory Jones. She lives, and teaches kindergarten, in Nashville, Tennessee, and has come home to spend Christmas with her parents. Her visit started out a little early this year, due to a very heart-breaking event in her life. She hopes to find healing this Christmas season, before she returns to her school children in the new year. She is very mad at God right now, for allowing this event to happen. She can't even talk to him, without ranting and raving!
Gregory Jones has always thought he was beneath Sarah, even when she claimed to love him almost sixteen years ago. He is now the father of two adorable little boys...Hunter is five, and his little brother, Chase, is four. They are both going to have a part in the Christmas Pageant ~ Hunter is a shepherd, while Chase is an angel. Gregory has to depend on his Dad to watch after/take care of his boys, because he's so busy running his business that he doesn't have much extra time to spend with them. He needs to get as many jobs lined as he can, so he will be able to give them the gifts on their Christmas List. What he doesn't realize is...they would rather spend time with him!
This is a very touching Christmas story, and I don't want to reveal too much for fear of ruining it for you. If you look forward to reading Christmas-themed romances every year like I do...you definitely need to add A Forever Christmas to you shopping list...you will not be disappointed!
**I would like to thank all of the ladies at Seekerville for giving me the opportunity to read Missy's book. I won it in a giveaway on their blog. I will be passing it on to my sister...who collects Love Inspired romances. Thank you!**
A Forever Christmas takes place in the cozy town of Magnolia, Georgia. Here we meet lots of the townsfolk, as they're getting ready for their upcoming Annual Christmas Pageant. Needless to say, the children are very excited to be a part of this year's Pageant! Due to unforeseen complications, the Pageant director has to hand her duties over to someone else this year. This is when we meet Sarah Radcliffe...as she agrees to step in for Donna Rae Durante, and take over with rehearsals, stage props, etc.
Sarah has returned to Magnolia for the Christmas holidays, but she's not looking forward to coming face-to-face with her only true love, Gregory Jones. She lives, and teaches kindergarten, in Nashville, Tennessee, and has come home to spend Christmas with her parents. Her visit started out a little early this year, due to a very heart-breaking event in her life. She hopes to find healing this Christmas season, before she returns to her school children in the new year. She is very mad at God right now, for allowing this event to happen. She can't even talk to him, without ranting and raving!
Gregory Jones has always thought he was beneath Sarah, even when she claimed to love him almost sixteen years ago. He is now the father of two adorable little boys...Hunter is five, and his little brother, Chase, is four. They are both going to have a part in the Christmas Pageant ~ Hunter is a shepherd, while Chase is an angel. Gregory has to depend on his Dad to watch after/take care of his boys, because he's so busy running his business that he doesn't have much extra time to spend with them. He needs to get as many jobs lined as he can, so he will be able to give them the gifts on their Christmas List. What he doesn't realize is...they would rather spend time with him!
This is a very touching Christmas story, and I don't want to reveal too much for fear of ruining it for you. If you look forward to reading Christmas-themed romances every year like I do...you definitely need to add A Forever Christmas to you shopping list...you will not be disappointed!
**I would like to thank all of the ladies at Seekerville for giving me the opportunity to read Missy's book. I won it in a giveaway on their blog. I will be passing it on to my sister...who collects Love Inspired romances. Thank you!**
September 25, 2012
I am not normally a romance reader but when it comes to Christmas books I change that rule. Since I love Christmas and stories that take place around Christmas I often find myself reading romance novels. A Forever Christmas was one of the best I have read in a very long time. You can't miss with a handsome, hardworking, single father (Gregory) and two adorable little boys, (Hunter & Chase) 4 & 5 years old who really want time with their dad for Christmas and a mom under the tree. And in walks Sarah, Gregory's former high school sweetheart. Both Gregory and Sarah have broken hearts over their previous relationship and the miscommunication that caused it all. Hearts begin to heal slowly with the help of Hunter and Chase. You will love them!
January 5, 2010
I really liked this story for so many reasons. It was about hope, second chances, forgiveness, and all the important Christian themes. The characters were awesome and I was cheering for them throughout. The one obstacle I couldn't get over however is the whole ex wife issue. It seems to me there should be MUCH more guilt for the whole Delia debacle than for the money thing. The audience (and Sarah) never had any kind of explanation about Delia. It was heartbreaking for all of them that there were so many wasted years of hurt because of a teen's mistake,...and that kept me sad. (and come on, real life makes you sad enough, who needs it in a love story)?!?!?!?!?
December 12, 2012
The pace of this novella was too slow for me. I thought the issues the characters were facing from the past were trivial and could be easily worked through without all the melancholy, woe is me; I’ve been so wronged in life attitude. From the standpoint of a sixteen year old, I could relate to a father discouraging her daughter from dating a certain type of boy, but I lost all capacity of relating to this family that was demonstrating the same parenting skills to their 30 year old daughter. I did, however, appreciate the positive and clean romance that this author created, and I also liked the overall message.
March 22, 2013
A very heartwarming story. It reminds us of how wonderful the power of God is. He works in mysterious ways and reminds us of the small things in life. This book teaches us a few life lessons. It tells us that forgiving somebody could change your life forever.
This is the ideal book for a rainy day, sitting by the fireplace.
This is the ideal book for a rainy day, sitting by the fireplace.
December 12, 2011
Love this story. Thanks to Renee for this book. I enjoyed this book.
January 11, 2015
Just what you'd expect. A cute little heartwarming story about finding love around Christmas. I would recommend you read this book if you like those kind of stories.
April 25, 2011
The first chapter is posted on www.chapter1zone.com for anyone interested. It was a touching story I really enjoyed.
July 10, 2011
Truly a gift for all who read!
December 4, 2013
Cute story. I liked the characters in this one.
February 18, 2015
loved it
August 6, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was sweet and predictable but more plot than the last one I read by her.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews