Shortly before Christmas I posted that I was going to read "A Currier and Ives Christmas." And I did. Overall, it was a pleasant read especially for the Christmas holiday season. Lots of snow!!! BRRRR!
The first story, The Snow Storm by Lynn A Coleman reminded me of that saying, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Michael is a widower raising two young sons by himself on a farm. Its the middle of winter a few days before Christmas and a blizzard is coming in quickly. He happens upon a young woman passed out in the storm and takes her home, saving her life. In the end, she "saves" his life from loneliness and poor cooking by brightening up their home and cooking meals the man and his two sons haven't tasted in some time. When the blizzard is over, he doesn't want her to leave...is it love at first sight or is it just her cooking?
The second story is Image of Love by JoAnn A Grote. Lane moves to a new town with his younger brother in tow. He hopes this is a fresh start and possibly the place God has placed his future wife. It just so happens, the family in town that invites them in and makes them a part of their lives has someone who just might fit that bill. She however does not want to give up grieving a lost love and let Lane in to her heart. Lane has his work cut out for him.
The third story, Dreams and Secrets by DiAnn Mills was a tale of two childhood friends destined to be together, but lifelong trials have made the obvious, not so obvious. Thad has been in love with Emma Leigh his whole life. His own tragic circumstances and Emma Leigh's family trials have placed doubts in his mind as to whether or not he really should pursue his dreams.
The final story, Circle of Blessings by Deborah Raney is about an unlikely pair falling into likely love. A young university student falling in love with the young college professor who has a past. Its the circle of blessings one family bestows on someone every year, that come full circle and bring this unlikely couple together at Christmas.
If you are looking for some pleasant, heartfelt short stories to read by the fire during your holiday season...pick this book up and dive into the lithograph prints like Mary Poppins and imagine a world blanketed in snow and love and dreams come true.
