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Christmas Vows: $5.00 Extra
Lori Copeland, loved for her whimsical, folksy style, brings readers a feel-good Christmas story. A young widower with three needy children is snowed in at Henrietta Humblesmith's marrying parlor for the holidays. He has no idea what a special Christmas awaits him. Readers will enjoy Lori's trademark humor and warmth.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2001
13 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Lori Copeland
195 books531 followersLori Copeland was born on 12 June 1941. She had a relatively late start in writing, breaking into publishing in 1982 when she was already forty years old. Over the next dozen years, her romance novels achieved much success, as was evidenced by her winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. She has been inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.
Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.
Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.
Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 11, 2021
A quick and gratifying read demonstrating the spirit of the season. The good-natured and quirky characters remind you that angels often come unexpectedly in many forms and styles, and that the gentle acceptance of genuine and gratuitous kindness is a present in itself to charitable hearts and minds.
December 9, 2019
If in this busy Christmas season, you only have time for a novella, this is the perfect Christmas read. A newly released convict and new Christian father with 3 little children has lost his wife, and now his car has broken down in the middle of a Missouri snowstorm. The nearest house belongs to Henrietta Humblesmith, and on her porch is a sign that reads Christmas Vows: $5.00 Extra.
Filled with the love, sweetness, and comfort of Christmas this is a short read that will leave you feeling the true spirit of Christmas.
As six your old Jody tells Henrietta about Christmas:
"Cause presents don't make you happy-loving one another makes you happiest of all."
Filled with the love, sweetness, and comfort of Christmas this is a short read that will leave you feeling the true spirit of Christmas.
As six your old Jody tells Henrietta about Christmas:
"Cause presents don't make you happy-loving one another makes you happiest of all."
December 13, 2018
Aw! I loved this!
I absolutely loved the characters, even crusty, old Henrietta! (She cracks me up!) Ben and his kids great! Even though Ben just came out of jail, I really liked him, especially since he got saved after his time in prison! His kids were adorable!
Henrietta's job marrying couples is hilarious, even if it wasn't right!
I really loved the Christmas-feel to this book! I'm totally going to re-read this one sometime! And I love how there's two recipes in the back of the book - eggnog and cocoa fudge!
The spiritual content was so good! It focused a lot on God and His provision, and Him coming to the earth as a baby. It was great!
Content:
Santa Claus is one of the main focuses for the kids.
My hardback copy of this is so pretty!! I love the page designs!
I absolutely loved the characters, even crusty, old Henrietta! (She cracks me up!) Ben and his kids great! Even though Ben just came out of jail, I really liked him, especially since he got saved after his time in prison! His kids were adorable!
Henrietta's job marrying couples is hilarious, even if it wasn't right!
I really loved the Christmas-feel to this book! I'm totally going to re-read this one sometime! And I love how there's two recipes in the back of the book - eggnog and cocoa fudge!
The spiritual content was so good! It focused a lot on God and His provision, and Him coming to the earth as a baby. It was great!
Content:
Santa Claus is one of the main focuses for the kids.
My hardback copy of this is so pretty!! I love the page designs!
December 11, 2018
3.5 stars
I'm always a bit hesitant when I pick up a book by an author I've never read. Will I like it?
It didn't take me long to be drawn into the story, to feel for Ben and his children. And Henrietta? Oh, Henrietta! What are you doing running a "Marrying Parlor"? The rest of the characters were quite something and added to this story.
I smiled, I wanted to help, and yes, I had tears come to my eyes when Jody told her daddy the message her Mommy had said.
The fact that there was zero romance was a delight! I just didn't want there to be any romance. And Christmas? Wonderful!
I'm glad I read this story.
I'm always a bit hesitant when I pick up a book by an author I've never read. Will I like it?
It didn't take me long to be drawn into the story, to feel for Ben and his children. And Henrietta? Oh, Henrietta! What are you doing running a "Marrying Parlor"? The rest of the characters were quite something and added to this story.
I smiled, I wanted to help, and yes, I had tears come to my eyes when Jody told her daddy the message her Mommy had said.
The fact that there was zero romance was a delight! I just didn't want there to be any romance. And Christmas? Wonderful!
I'm glad I read this story.
November 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It is a feel good Christmas story without romance, or really anything that is normal in a Christmas story. It is a sweet reminder of the season, redemption, and second chances.
February 5, 2023
A quick read -- more a short story than a novella, really -- that captures the meaning of Christmas with folksy charm.
December 10, 2023
For a little, light, eccentric Christmas fun, this is your book. The main family learns about what matters at Christmas through an interesting character who runs a wedding chapel. The townspeople amuse you because they could be someone you know. The love and kindness shown by people lifts your spirit as you have your own holiday. Nice seasonal read.
December 17, 2025
' . . . love is the only real happiness.'
This quote from Henrietta encapsulates not only a sacred truth, but the entire theme of this sweet novella.
Recent widower Ben, and his 3 children are trying to reach his mother's house in time for Christmas and a fresh start in life. Due to car troubles, they don't quite make it, and end up stranded in a teeny-tiny place in Missouri . . . a place where an older widow welcomes them in, and where the others whom they meet over the course of barely 36 hours band together to show them that God is with them, even in the darkest nights of the soul.
4.5 stars
This quote from Henrietta encapsulates not only a sacred truth, but the entire theme of this sweet novella.
Recent widower Ben, and his 3 children are trying to reach his mother's house in time for Christmas and a fresh start in life. Due to car troubles, they don't quite make it, and end up stranded in a teeny-tiny place in Missouri . . . a place where an older widow welcomes them in, and where the others whom they meet over the course of barely 36 hours band together to show them that God is with them, even in the darkest nights of the soul.
4.5 stars
December 23, 2024
charming
November 7, 2013
Christmas Love Captured Perfectly!
This book was so touching. This is what Christmas is all about. Taking a single Dad and creating a Christmas not only for him to remember but his children too. Tissues are needed!
Author Lori Copeland hit a home run with this heartwarming story. I will be filled with the lasting memories of this book through this Christmas season. This a a story you will want to read over and over.
When life seems hopeless and when we feel lost we only need to remember that help is only a prayer away. There is no hope without Christ.
Thank you Lori Copeland for warming my heart!
This book was so touching. This is what Christmas is all about. Taking a single Dad and creating a Christmas not only for him to remember but his children too. Tissues are needed!
Author Lori Copeland hit a home run with this heartwarming story. I will be filled with the lasting memories of this book through this Christmas season. This a a story you will want to read over and over.
When life seems hopeless and when we feel lost we only need to remember that help is only a prayer away. There is no hope without Christ.
Thank you Lori Copeland for warming my heart!
December 25, 2018
Ah it's so satisfying finishing a Christmas story on Christmas! This story is simple, yet sweet and happy. I loved seeing how Brian was faced with conundrums at Christmas and how the Lord worked them out 😊
January 13, 2009
This was a good story to remind one of hard times in our world, the gift of kind and generous people, and hope.
December 10, 2010
I thought this was a nice heart warming Christmas story. Took me only a couple hours to read. If you want a quick holiday book that will leave you feeling happy, then this is the book for you.
December 2, 2013
This is a great book, that truly represents the spirit of Christmas as total strangers come together to make one family's Christmas wishes come true.
December 8, 2014
Christmas Vows
I loved the story. It's a fast read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a good clean Christmas story, with a happy ending.
I loved the story. It's a fast read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a good clean Christmas story, with a happy ending.
October 21, 2019
Review to come in December.
May 15, 2020
There is so much bad news that it is a relief to read a good-news, good-hearted, God-loving story. This story certainly fit that bill.
April 2, 2022
Pure glurge... and weirdly ended.
Seriously man, it's a couple hours drive. Instead of shaking your head and chuckling to yourself about how lonely this poor sainted woman is, pack up the kids and VISIT HER. What the actual hell?
Seriously man, it's a couple hours drive. Instead of shaking your head and chuckling to yourself about how lonely this poor sainted woman is, pack up the kids and VISIT HER. What the actual hell?
November 16, 2016
There is a very odd ending which I don't understand. Basic story man has tragic life gets out of prison and with the support of strangers (and God) has a Merry Christmas.
December 11, 2017
Now this is my idea of a good Christmas story. So delightful and endearing!
December 20, 2017
A recently widowed father of three very young children, traveling in an old run-down car to Grandma's to start a new life, meets good-willed people in this heart-warming story.
November 29, 2019
It has been several years since I read this short book, but it was a good one. If you are looking for a Christmas read pick this one up you won’t be sorry.
December 8, 2019
A story about a father who after making mistakes in life wants to provide a nice Christmas for his children.
December 28, 2020
WHAT A FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS BOOK. highly recommend. Such a loving and sweet story. I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
September 27, 2023
Great Book
This is a short easy read book. You will love reading it and will not want to put it down. Great book!
This is a short easy read book. You will love reading it and will not want to put it down. Great book!
January 27, 2024
Just like slipping into a hallmark movie scene! Read the whole book in about 2 hours. A perfect snowy Saturday morning read. Heartwarming, light, and touching.
December 7, 2025
Such a heartwarming Christian holiday read.
December 24, 2012
In rough times, what can be done? Ben O'Keefe prays the car will survive the trip to his mother's home so he and his three children can celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, the car's transmission doesn't hold and he must find a garage. He can only hope that the small town of Popular Bluff will be able to repair his car in time for Christmas.
I was expecting a historical story, so it was rather unexpected to read a modern holiday tale. It's a quick read for Christmas with unique characters and a generous spirit of giving.
Time Period: modern
Location: Popular Bluff, MO, USA
Reviewed from a library copy.
I was expecting a historical story, so it was rather unexpected to read a modern holiday tale. It's a quick read for Christmas with unique characters and a generous spirit of giving.
Time Period: modern
Location: Popular Bluff, MO, USA
Reviewed from a library copy.
November 23, 2013
I was VERY touched by this book. I cried, literally cried, through most of this book. The despair the father was feeling was so well described. The things running through his head, the love of his children. His love and faith in God were so sweet and touching. The way the story came together just really got to me.
If you're a mom, grab some Kleenex before you start this one.
If you're a mom, grab some Kleenex before you start this one.
December 28, 2007
This is an easy read about the true joy of Christmas. A desperate father stranded with three young children a few days before Christmmas and how their needs are met through the unexpected gifts of strangers in a small town.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews