Reviewing: Once Upon A Christmas Carol: A Christmas Novella

 ...from the publisher...

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, the holiday season is something she would rather avoid. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

...my thoughts...

I started reading Once Upon a Christmas Carol in 90-plus weather while lounging on the deck with a nice tall glass of iced tea. The cover of this book is enough to cool down the temperature a bit. It is when you open to the first pages that you realize the cozy scene with the lovely old red truck is in direct contrast to the perils of being stuck in an airport with no end in sight to escape to the intended vacation spot.

 

Carol Langstrom definitely is not a fan of the festive holiday season. Is it any wonder she feels this way when all is revealed to the reader about her lifelong haphazard experiences with both Christmas as a holiday and her birthday to boot? She cannot wait to escape to the tropics. Except, she can't escape the endless storm that has closed the airport! With a lot of time on her hands, she remembers that her mother's estranged sister lives in the area.

 Determined to get out of the miserable airport, Carol decides to take her chances, heads to her aunt's farm and is amazed at all that is before her. This charming story is one  that will stick with you. Life and family stories are not always as painted to be. Sometimes, it is just so much more. Perceptions, open hearts, and a lot of forgiveness can change hearts and lives that on the surface seem impossible. Melody Carlson's novella, Once Upon a Christmas Carol is a gift to read. One cannot read this and put it down with a smile. It is witty, it is heartwarming and a story you will want to share with others.  

Reviewing: A Crhistmas in the Alps A Novella by Melody Carlson

...my thoughts...

After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.


During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday. 

...my thoughts... 

Melody Carlson's A Christmas in the Alps is a wonderful novella that tells the romantic story of Simone and Kyle.  It is one of those stories that will warm your heart because, after all, with their chance meeting on a flight that Simone dreaded, everything was destined to fall in place for their happy ever after. However, that was not how it played out.  Learning about her great grandmother's amazing past was well worth the trip out of her comfort zone. Finding a new path for her own life was priceless. 

I enjoyed this story for the rich color within the fabric of these characters lives. Simone's family, like so many who lived through the rigors of World War II are inspiring.  Had Simone stayed behind and bathed in her practical comfort zone she would have missed out on all of the rewards life had to offer her.

Every year I wait to read Melody Carlson's latest Christmas story.  A Christmas in the Alps is just one of those stories that make you glad you picked up a book and skipped a cookie cutter Christmas movie. Novellas may be short but this one is long on heart!