It's PeculiarPraise again, but this time in my Miss Santa Claus mode. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you're enjoying the yuletide season to the fullest.
If you, like me, have been scouting high and low for some cosy Christian novels to wrap up this year, then you have come to the right stop.
I'm going to highlight twelve Christmas fiction books, one for the twelve days of Christmas. Let's go!
1. The Shoe Box
Author: Francine Rivers
Genre: Christmas children's fiction
Blurb:
A beloved holiday classic and a poignant story about the simple yet inspiring faith of a child.
This tender Christmas novella tells the story of Timmy O’Neil, a foster child who arrives at his new home with a very mysterious shoe box. At first glance, it’s nothing special―just an ordinary box with a red lid and the words Running Shoes printed on the side. But Timmy carries it with him wherever he goes, and when people ask him what’s inside, he smiles and says, “Just things.” As Timmy settles into his new, loving home, he remains unwilling to share the secrets of his shoe box. Until the beauty of the church Nativity pageant inspires him to open his heart and give the most precious gift of all.
My Thoughts:
If you know Francine Rivers and her popular Christian fiction works like Redeeming Love, you must be already certain this is not a story that will disappointed. I especially loved how this book was illustrated. And it's very short, about 50 pages or so, making it possible for you to enjoy it in one sitting.
2. The Promise: a Christmas Tale
Author: Ted Dekker
Genre: Christmas children's fiction, Biblical/historical fiction
Blurb:
We know and love the Christmas story -light comes to dispel dark, purity comes to stomp corruption. It's beautiful. It's perfect proof of an eternal truth and light. . . . This is not the usual story. This is the tale of a mute boy who is born and abandoned in the shadows of life. He carries with him two things-his dead mother's shawl and her promise that someday he will find a king who will give him a voice. Like Reuben in The Promise, may you sing of Light, even when no one else can hear.
My Thoughts:
Ted Dekker, being my favourite Christian fiction author, really went out of his usual style with this powerful and emotional Christmas story. Very similar to Francine Rivers' The Shoe Box in terms of style, genre, brevity and illustrations. It was giving little drummer boy vibes. Sweet and crisp.
3. The Bridge
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Genre: Christmas historical romance
Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but she left her heart back in Tennessee with a man she walked away from five years ago. They had a rare sort of love she hasn't found since.
Ryan Kelly lives in Nashville after a broken engagement and several years on the road touring with a country music duo. Sometimes when he's lonely he visit The Bridge - The oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin - and remembers the hours he and Molly once spent there.
For more than four decades, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge, providing customers with coffee, conversation, and shelves of classics - even through dismal sales and the rise of digital books. Then the hundred-year flood sweeps through Franklin and destroys everything. The bank is about to pull the store's lease when tragedy strikes.
Now the question remains: Can two generations of readers rally together to save The Bridge? And is it possible that an unforgettable love might lead to the miracle of a second chance?
My Thought:
This was a very refreshing and emotional novel right from the beginning. This being my very first Karen Kingsbury book I completed, I was pretty impressed with how the story gripped me. It had story elements and tropes I liked like second chance romance, friends to lovers, forbidden love, bookstore romance...
Also had a very powerful theme about how God weaves intricate details of our lives for His pleasure even though we don't see the big picture in the midst of our pain.
This novel has also been adapted into a movie. It's available on YouTube.
4. A Candle in the Window
Author: Kimberly Rae Jordan
Genre: Christian romance
Blurb:
Jocelyn Wright has celebrated most of her adult Christmases with only her son and her aunt. The traumatic event that took her parents fractured their family and led to both her siblings fleeing Serenity Point. As Christmas approaches once more, she throws herself into the preparations, all the while hoping and praying that her siblings might one day find their way back home.
After losing his job, Darius Clarke decides to spend the holiday season with his sister in Serenity Point. She’s going through a loss of her own as her long-term boyfriend has left her and their son. It promises to be a dreary holiday season, but that doesn’t matter to Darius, as it’s not a holiday he’s ever really celebrated.
Darius didn’t count on meeting his sister’s friend, who is determined to make the holiday season special for everyone. After he agrees to use his artistic talent to paint the backdrops for the children’s Christmas program that Jocelyn is in charge of, Darius finds himself spending more and more time with her.
Jocelyn is drawn to Darius because he’s very much the type of man she’s always been attracted to, but she knows that he’s just in Serenity Point for the holiday season. Once the new year arrives, he’ll be on his way. Still, she wants to share the joy of Jesus’s birth with him, helping him to find hope in his heart to heal the wounds of his childhood.
Sharing so much of herself with someone whose future isn’t in Serenity Point is a sure path to heartache, but Jocelyn can’t seem to stop herself from falling in love with Darius. This might be another Christmas where she kept the candles in the window for her siblings, but perhaps this Christmas would still be filled with hope and joy.
Though Darius has never given much thought to getting married or having a family, since meeting Jocelyn, he’s come to reconsider all kinds of things. But can he take the risk on fully embracing any of it? Could things really be different for him?
Could this Christmas be the one that finally touches his heart?
My Thoughts:
This was a sweet read. Bad boy on the exterior, Darius had tattoos and initially didn't care about God or church, but he was an artist and loved his sister and nephew fiercely. I swooned too many times to count, especially how beautifully it all came together when Darius met Jocelyn, and then God. I wanted to give this story credit for being the first American Christian fiction where the couple didn't kiss, but then, the ending scene broke that record, so, oh well...
Oh, this is actually the first book in a Christmas in Serenity Point trilogy series. You might be interested in checking out the other two:
Book 2 - A Song in Her Heart
Book 3 - A Star in the Sky
5. A Soul as Cold as Frost
Author: Jennifer Kropf
Genre: Allegory, Christian fantasy
Blurb:
Merry Christmas to all! And to all a good fright..."
The Quarrel of Sword and Bone was a death sentence for anyone who stepped into the arena with the deranged Queen, whose soul had crisped to frost in an age long since past.
Sixteen-year-old Helen Bell understood tragedy better than most kids growing up. She knew what it was like to wear clothes from donation bins and be mocked by the beautiful girls in high school. She thought those brutal experiences made her ready for anything, but she wasn't ready for this.
After an eccentric girl opens Helen's eyes to let her see the realm of Winter—a world with intersects tucked carefully into the cracks of our own, where monarchs have risen and fallen, it's forbidden to mention the name of The Dead King, and the currency is gold rings—Helen discovers things are far from ordinary in Winter. After trying to deny the existence of a disrupting train horn ringing in her ears for days, Helen receives a mysterious summons from a group who call themselves “The Crimson Court” to enter into The Quarrel of Sword and Bone—a traditional duel performed before one thousand witnesses that leaves only one survivor—and she’s forced to finally pay attention to the handsome boy who's been following her around with a warning on his tongue.
When the arrival of wicked villains propels Helen into the heart of Winter where there’s no going back, she finds herself being pursued by something else too—a whispered prayer battling on her behalf, and an ancient Truth that breathes living words of wisdom—the very wisdom forgotten by the Rime Folk when their disunity drove them to draw lines in the snow in an age of the past.
Helen must find a way out, or she’ll be dragged into the arena to face the crooked Queen head on before a crowd ready to watch her die.
The Winter Souls Series blends action and warm Christmas traditions, bringing the old forgotten tales of the season to life with new and grittier versions of famous characters out of old holiday legends, folklore, and myths; such as St. Nicholas, the Snow Queen, the Scrooge, and the Nutcracker.
My Thoughts
I'm currently still on this one as of the time of writing this so I can't give a full review, but I'm liking how it's going. The author's books have a special place in my heart. I love Christian fantasy so this was an easy choice for me, but if you don't like reading about weird stuff like magic, creatures and alternate worlds, then I'd advise you skip this one because it sort of gets a little complicated
6. A Baxter Family Christmas
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Genre: Family drama, Christian fiction
Blurb:
Two years have passed since the terrible car accident that took the life of John Baxter's daughter, Erin, her husband and three of their four daughters. Prompted by grief, and missing his daughter, John has invited a stranger for Christmas Eve dinner — Kendra Bryant, the transplant recipient who now has Erin's heart.
In light of their father's idea, Ashley and her brother Luke don't think it's right. They want to protect their ten-year-old niece, Amy — the only surviving member of the accident. But John is determined and believes meeting this woman is something his deceased daughter would want.
At the same time, Maddie West, the eighteen-year-old daughter of Brooke Baxter West, is praying for meaning this Christmas. Could she find it in a newfound friendship with a boy she never expected to see again? Maddie believes in miracles, especially at Christmastime, but this is a stretch even she can't imagine.
Meanwhile, Kendra Bryant has been struggling these past few years to find purpose in the tragedy that gave her a second chance. She believes the invitation to see the Baxters and witness their unwavering faith in God can instill peace and happiness back into her life.
Heartwarming and touching, filled with love and redemption, A Baxter Family Christmas brings together two families in the aftermath of loss and in the midst of an unfolding love story, all with the help of one very special child.
My Thoughts:
My, my, my! This novel, my second Karen Kingsbury read, had my emotions all over the place. A part of the Baxter Family series, it can be read as a standalone.
It was a chef's kiss, to put it simply.
7. The Wish Book
Author: Lynn Austin
Genre: Christian historical fiction,
Blurb:
A holiday story that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don't deserve.
Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in postwar America, thrilled at the prospect of starting new traditions with their five-year-old sons. But when the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize they must first teach them the true significance of the holiday. They begin by helping Bobby and Harry plan gifts of encouragement and service for those in their community, starting by walking an elderly neighbor's yellow Lab--since a dog topped the boys' wish list for Santa. In the charming tale that follows, Audrey and Eve are surprised to find their own hearts healing from the tragedies of war and opening to the possibility of forgiveness and new love.
My Thoughts:
I haven't read this one yet, but it's on my TBR. Plus, I am familiar with the author's works and I'm really excited about this one.
8. The Shepherds' Prayer
Author: Richard M. Barry
Genre: Christian biblical/historical fiction
Blurb:
A young man orphaned as a baby sets off to discover the truth about the circumstances of his birth, the fate of his parents and his heritage. Having been raised in a culture where blood lines mean everything, he seems forever condemned to live as an outsider on the fringes of society until he discovers his true heritage.
His only clue is a cryptic message on a lamb skin blanket about a child born in a stable in Bethlehem. Who is this mysterious child? And what could such a child have to do with his own birth and destiny?
The answers will change his life forever... and maybe yours.
This is one of the few books that chronicles the Bethlehem shepherds and the extraordinary events at the time of Christ's birth, and does so in a most captivating way. The Shepherds' Prayer , originally published in 2006, is also available as a radio drama and an audio book.
My Thoughts:
Still on my TBR list as of now, but I liked the idea behind this. I'm believing this fresh discovery won't disappoint. Plus I'm a sucker for Bible retellings.
9. The Twelve Days of Christmas
Author: Debbie Macomber
Genre: Clean romance
Blurb:
Friendly and bubbly, Julia Padden likes nearly everyone, but her standoffish neighbor, Cain Maddox, presents a particular challenge. No matter how hard she’s tried to be nice, Cain rudely rebuffs her at every turn, preferring to keep to himself. But when Julia catches Cain stealing her newspaper from the lobby of their apartment building, that’s the last straw. She’s going to break through Cain’s Scrooge-like exterior the only way she knows how: by killing him with kindness.
To track her progress, Julia starts a blog called The Twelve Days of Christmas. Her first attempts to humanize Cain are far from successful. Julia brings him homemade Christmas treats and the disagreeable grinch won’t even accept them. Meanwhile, Julie’s blog becomes an online sensation, as an astonishing number of people start following her adventures. Julia continues to find ways to express kindness and, little by little, chips away at Cain’s gruff façade to reveal the caring man underneath. Unbelievably, Julia feels herself falling for Cain—and she suspects that he may be falling for her as well. But as the popularity of her blog continues to grow, Julia must decide if telling Cain the truth about having chronicled their relationship to the rest of the world is worth risking.
My Thoughts:
Not explicitly a Christian author, but this clean romance was packed with so many Christian themes, given the author is a Christian herself. I enjoyed this story deeply. I mean, come on, it's an enemies to lovers trope. *Sighs in content.
Author: Tope Omotosho
Genre: Christian romance
Blurb:
Every December, Mary is reminded of the painful memories of her family's betrayal. But this year, she's determined to break free from her past and embrace her feelings for her long-time crush, Joseph. Yet, insecurity grips her—will her difficult story drive him away? Or is this the Christmas her love story begins?
Jumoke runs into notorious playboy and ex-boss, Dayo, and is shocked her long-ago feelings for him never truly fizzled out. Will she finally give him a chance at her heart when he promises to change for her?
For Ariel, life has been a series of mistakes ever since her brother's passing. Now, she's about to become a mother, but the father of her child wants nothing to do with her. Just when she's lost all hope, an unexpected prince charming enters her life this holiday season.
Will these three women have a chance at true love in the most romantic season of the year? Or will they give up on the men their hearts truly long for?
My Thoughts:
Yes, now to my Nigerian indie authors.
Still believing God for a sponsor to help me get a copy of this book, because Tope Omotosho is a boss woman when it comes to Christian fiction.
The story looks promising. And I can't wait to read it.
11. A Small World Season 5: New Year's Eve
Author: Ufuomaee
https://ufuomaee.com/buy-a-small-world-season-five
Genre: Nigerian Christian romance
Blurb:
It's the Happiest Season of All! In this fifth season of A Small World, we see the lovers and their friends and families as they enjoy the delightful end-of-year season with the usual festivities associated with Christmas and preparations for the new year. We are going to at least one Nigerian wedding, a 30th birthday party, Christmas parties and get-togethers, and of course, a New Year’s Eve party to close out the season and usher in 2017.
The drama continues as Ijeoma is confronted with her growing feelings for a widower. Will she or won't she take a bite of the forbidden fruit? Amaka and Bolu finally get a chance to talk, and emotions are laid bare. Will Lola be left heart-broken after all? It's been weeks since Temi fell into a coma, and Oyinda now realizes that his life is bound to hers. But there's another waiting for the news that will change their lives forever.
To fully appreciate this season, it's best to read the previous seasons first, including the prelude books, The Church Girl, An Emotional Affair, He Cheated! and Broken. Season Five is the last of its kind, featuring a large ensemble cast based in Lagos, Nigeria... But the story will surely continue, as we follow up with specific characters of interest in new environments and situationships, looking at their lives in a post-COVID era.
My Thoughts:
I have loads to say about ASW5. It was everything and more than I expected. The fifth and happiest book in an ongoing book series, this Nigerian Christian romance is a perfect blend of interesting drama across several characters' lives.
If you know me, you are probably aware that I was privileged to be a part of Ufuomaee's Readathon and street team for ASW5! Which itself was a miracle.
You can buy either the ebook or paperback copy of this book (and the other prelude books) today by visiting Ufuomaee's website.
Author: Praise Abraham
Genre: Christian Bible retelling
Blurb:
Just imagine if, for some weird reason, the Messiah wasn’t born 2000 years ago but came much later in the future.
There’ll be no AD or BC, so the year would be 7275.
If his earthly father had a sister who detested his earthly mother but whose own baby got killed in the great massacre?
Follow Michelle, Japheth and Keren as their lives are suddenly weaved into the trajectory of God’s eternal purpose. Experience their trials and struggles as they have to make ultimate sacrifices.
My Thoughts
Yup, I'm the humble author of this Christmas retelling. It's a novella, so you can read it in one sitting. I'd rather not toot my horn or give spoilers, you see... But, believe me, you'll love this story and it will make you view the events surrounding the birth of Jesus in a new light.
You can get it absolutely free on Selar. Please, be sure to find a way to leave a review for the book once you're done reading it.
GREAT NEWS!
I published two short stories this Christmas in commemoration of the festivities.
You can read them for free by clicking these links:
I'm sure you're already wondering where you can get all the books I listed here (Except for the paid ones). Fret not. Your bookish Miss Santa has got you covered. I have a telegram group/library where you can access wholesome Christian fiction books absolutely free.
The books I recommended here today have been added to the group in the most recent book dump. Join PeculiarPraise Hub today!
So... Is there any of the books in this compilation that you've already read or will dive straight into once you take your leave?
Oh, also, please tell me what Christmas books you've been reading this season and what you love or hate about them. I'm looking to expand my TBR collection.
Enjoy the rest of your festive season, dear one. Happy new year in advance!
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