Reviewing: The Christmas Blessing: An Uplifting Book by Melody Carlson

If you are looking for a book to lift your spirits, The Christmas Blessing by Melody  Carlson is for you.  I was caught between the pages from the beginning and read it straight through. 

 It is close to Thanksgiving in 1944 and Amelia Richards is determined to take her infant son James to meet his grandparents for the first time.  The only problem is, they don't know about her or little Jimmy.  She met James, a handsome Navy pilot and they enjoyed a whirlwind wartime romance.  They had a license and were set to marry but just the day before the wedding, the Navy called him back to duty.  A duty that would lead to his plane being shot down over the Pacific.

Amelia and little Jimmy embark on journey by train from San Diego to Rockford Montana.  Down on her luck, she makes a decision that will change their lives for good.  She finds a resilience and strength that she never knew she possessed.  Montana is very different than San Diego and all too soon Amelia  learns that she is alone and broke.  I found her courage and determination to do the best for Jimmy very admirable.

Melody Carlson captures the human spirit so well. Each year I look forward to her annual Christmas book.  I recommend The Christmas Blessing wholeheartedly and hope you will pick up a copy at your favorite bookseller.  This book has found a spot with my Christmas Collection and will be read again as the season draws near each year.