A Merry Little Christmas (Songs of the Season)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

A Merry Little Christmas (Songs of the Season)

4.14 of 5 stars 4.14 · rating details · 65 ratings · 47 reviews

Fall in love with this cozy story about two people from different worlds. Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who's preparing to spend the holidays alone...again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny's farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is clever and spirited, and she's more than happy to sell the farm and mov...more

Paperback, 256 pages

Published October 1st 2012 by Summerside Press (first published September 28th 2012)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 482)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Nov 05, 2012 Renee rated it 4 of 5 stars

It isn't Christmas yet but it is the time of the year when the Christmas books start popping up in stores and online. A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman was the first holiday story I've read this year from a big name publisher and I have to say it shined like the star on top of the tree. I'm sorry, I couldn't resist a little Christmas cliche. It had everything I love the happily ever after, the sigh-worthy moments, and a little bit of fun -- those things that usually pop up in romances and...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 07, 2012 Gail Welborn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Two unlikely people, one raised amidst wealth and prestige, the other a down-home Oklahoma farm girl meet and sparks fly in this nostalgic 1960’s Christmas romance. Although each lead very different lives they are drawn together by similar dreams. The story begins with Franny.

Franny Martin lost her parents in a storm when she was eighteen. She continues to work the family farm with the help of neighbors, even though she had to put her dream of a music career on hold. Still, with an amiable and c...more

like · see review

Nov 07, 2012 TAMMY CUEVAS rated it 3 of 5 stars

Franny Martin has lived alone on her family farm for the past twelve years when Charlie Landau arrives on the scene to buy her farm. Because Charlie has no farming experience, Franny stays around to teach him the basics. As the holiday season approaches, they both learn lessons about themselves and about love.

This is not your usual schmaltzy Christmas romance novel. While it is set on an Oklahoma farm, its 1961 setting is modern enough to set it apart from the pioneer and Amish novels prevalent...more

like · see review

Nov 07, 2012 L_manning rated it 4 of 5 stars

Franny has always dreamed of leaving her parents farm and moving to the big city. Franny has been taking care of the farm on her own since her parents passed away. When a rich stranger shows up offering to buy the farm, Franny has a chance to live out her dreams. There's only one problem. While helping out the new owner Charlie, she's also developed feelings for him. As they both move forward with their new lives, Charlie and Franny discover that being around each other may be the best new life...more

like · see review

Nov 01, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-literature, christian-fiction, christmas-fiction, historical-fiction, romance-fiction

The Martin farm, Oklahoma, 1961

Franny's mother always said that if humans ever landed on the moon, the first thing they'd need was music. It was the one essential that made a place inhabitable - you know, to get through all those dark and lonely - not to mention unmarried and dateless - nights.

Franny sighed and turned up the dial on her transistor radio. Frank Sinatra's version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" wooed its way over the airwaves like a slow kiss under the mistletoe. She...more The Martin farm, Oklahoma, 1961

Franny's mother always said that if humans ever landed on the moon, the first thing they'd need was music. It was the one essential that made a place inhabitable - you know, to get through all those dark and lonely - not to mention unmarried and dateless - nights.

Franny sighed and turned up the dial on her transistor radio. Frank Sinatra's version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" wooed its way over the airwaves like a slow kiss under the mistletoe. She swayed and sange along as she dumped the last of the slop into the troughs of her forty rambunctious hogs. Then she climbed up on the fence for a little swine soiree.

"You know, I can't wait to see who Dick Clark features next on American Bandstand, but now that I'm thirty-three, I guess I should be watching The Lawrence Welk Show. Right?" The hogs grunted their replies, but it wasn't anything worth repeating. "Honestly, you guys can be such boars." She chuckled to herself at her bad pun.

As the last musical ribbons of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" tied up like a bow, Franny hopped down on the other side of the pig fence, picked up her radio and slop bucket, and heaved a sigh. Christmas was coming, and it looked like she was going to spend the holidays alone. Again.

With that piteous little thought bobby-pinned to her mind, she turned around and came face-to-face with a man. A stranger! She let out a yelp loud enough to startle the man and arouse the poor hogs into a frothing frenzy. The bucket and radio went flying as Franny went slip-sliding onto the muddy ground." (pg 9-10).

In the latest Christmas novel from Anita Higman, A Merry Little Christmas takes us back to the 1960's, on Franny's farm where she runs into quite literally a man who wishes to purchase the family farm she has had up for sale for the last 12 years. Funny how things like that just fall into place. Now that Charlie Landau and her have meet quite informally, she can finally find time to pursue the life long dream of a career in music in the big city. All she needed was a way out and Charlie fell right on in. It seems as if Charlie has been looking for a way to prove himself worthy to take part in his father's business, but after many unsuccessful attempts thus far, Charlie is hoping that taking over a farm and making a profit might be just the thing his father needs to see he is more than capable.

Set in the midst of the civil unrest with racial tensions running high, the book overlaps between a transition of ownership and jobs between Fanny and Charlie and thrusts them both into dealing with the unfair treatment of Noma Jefferson, an eldery women with the face as richly hued coffee who had shown Franny the kindness worthy of the Good Samaritan, when she finds herself having one of the worst days ever. Will Franny and Charlie be able to see past their own difference of money and be able to see the simpler side of life that money can never buy, perhaps Noma Jefferson really is an angel in disguise set upon the world to restore the hearts of the good people in Charlie and Franny, but of course, you'll never know unless you read this Christmas novel yourself.

I received A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Summerside Press for my honest review and love a great story like this one. It brings to light so many different emotions and how each of the characters interacts with one another makes this one memorable long after you finish reading it. It's almost like you witnessed these events yourself. Anita does an exceptional job at transporting the reader right back into the heart of Oklahoma in the 1960's through the music and references to items like record players, transistor radios, and even the old time diner experience is rich and vividly described. It's things like these that truly enhance the experience for the reader and make them all the more real. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and think it's a must read for your Christmas season. (less)

like · see review

Nov 01, 2012 Ruth Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Okay, I wanted to give this a rating of a three or four--I promise, I did. After all, it is your typical romance, and there is little doubt how it will end. It has the typical poor, independent woman and the rich, robust man, and they fall head over heels in love at first sight. It even takes place on a farm. And the author sprinkles some wonderful Christian principles in there as well. This is typical, so what would possess me to rate it so high?

Anna Higman is smart author. She has written a ro...more

like · see review

Oct 30, 2012 Amy Bradsher rated it 3 of 5 stars

Anita Higman writes like Grace Livingston Hill. She writes of characters with real problems and issues, clearly placed in distinct settings, but there's almost a rosy glow about them. Though their problems are big, both personal and culturally speaking, you just know that everything will be okay. There are no tears, because no matter how horrible the situation gets, Higman writes peace into every line of the story.

While that peace contrasted harshly with Franny and Charlie's desperate situation...more

like · see review

Oct 27, 2012 Pamela rated it 4 of 5 stars

At first glance this book seems to be your usual run-of-the-mill romance all wrapped up in pretty Christmas paper. A Merry Little Christmas has more depth than that, actually. Tackling family dysfunction and racial tensions of the pre-civil rights movement era, this book takes on some tough subjects while still retaining its romance and happy ending.

Franny is a fiercely independent woman, running the family farm by herself after a series of devastating losses. Charlie is the rich boy who wants t...more At first glance this book seems to be your usual run-of-the-mill romance all wrapped up in pretty Christmas paper. A Merry Little Christmas has more depth than that, actually. Tackling family dysfunction and racial tensions of the pre-civil rights movement era, this book takes on some tough subjects while still retaining its romance and happy ending.

Franny is a fiercely independent woman, running the family farm by herself after a series of devastating losses. Charlie is the rich boy who wants to start a life for himself that isn't under his father's domineering shadow. When they meet the usual romantic sparks fly and their relationship blossoms very quickly.

As Franny and Charlie discover their feelings for each other and explore their career options, several minor characters are introduced that provide the book's tension. Franny befriends an African-American woman named Noma. When Noma moves to the farm to help Franny and Charlie, the townfolks begin to stir up trouble with serious racist overtones. Likewise, Charlie's complicated relationship with his wealthy father propels the story into family secrets, torn loyalties and provides for one dramatic confrontation towards the end of the story.

A Merry Little Christmas is well written and easy to read. I was able to read the entire book in one evening. At times the story felt a bit forced with some abrupt plot twists that are not clearly defined. For example, at one point Franny finds out that Noma is considering leaving the farm because of the way the townfolks are acting. Noma lays out a valid argument, then Franny counters with some begging and cajoling. Then Noma succinctly states that she will stay. The end. That was the end of the chapter and the end of that conflict for the remainder of the book.

A Merry Little Christmas is not about Christmas at all, really. Carols are sung and the radio plays Christmas favorites, however for the most part, Christmas is just a time on the calender. The final scene does occur on Christmas Eve. This book would be great any time of the year, but would be an especially great book to read while curled up next to a fire with a nice warm cup of Christmas cocoa.

I received this book complimentary from LitFuse in exchange for an honest review but the opinions in this review are all mine. (less)

like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Patricia Kemp Blackmon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: litfuse-review-copy

Franny Martin has her mind on music most of the time while she is doing chores on her farm. The barn yard animals seem to like her singing. As she is singing to the pigs a man walks up behind her and scared the stuffin out of her. Which landed her in the mud. He did save her radio from the mud and she was grateful for that. She asked the nice looking man who he was and why he was there. He boldly told her his name was Charles Landau and he wanted to buy her farm and was willing to pay whatever s...more Franny Martin has her mind on music most of the time while she is doing chores on her farm. The barn yard animals seem to like her singing. As she is singing to the pigs a man walks up behind her and scared the stuffin out of her. Which landed her in the mud. He did save her radio from the mud and she was grateful for that. She asked the nice looking man who he was and why he was there. He boldly told her his name was Charles Landau and he wanted to buy her farm and was willing to pay whatever she asked. She quickly told him he just bought a farm. The only problem was he knew nothing about farming or livestock. Nada! So after much deliberation she agreed to stay on as a hired farm hand and teach him about farming. He was to learn to be farmer in three weeks. Right! After that she was going to move to the city and work at her dream job at a radio station that is if anyone would hire her without any knowledge in this line of work.

She had many obstacles in her way of getting her dream job. Charlie was not very successful at farming after she left either. Maybe if they worked together in running the farm it would be profitable for both of them. That is if Charlie's father was not so bent on Charlie taking over the family business to the point of making threats.

I read this book in one sitting okay two sittings. I did not want to put it down.
It had all I love to read in a book intrigue, romance, Trust in God, family secrets, redemption, love of mankind and some very interesting characters.

The characters:
Franny has horrible memories of the day of her parent's deadly accident.
Charlie had also suffered the loss of his mother and the lack of his father's love.
Noma has spent her whole life dealing with prejudice because of her color.
Willie is Charlie's brother and has suffered even greater emotional abuse from his father.
Mr. Landau rules over his sons holding back any affection or love.
In my opinion each of the characters had a painful past causing the present life hard to endure at times. The difference in the characters was that some of them trusted in God's will and endured their lives with patience. Those that had hardened their hearts towards God tried to force their own will on others causing much pain themselves and others.

The author writes of a Christmas Gift that's not under a tree or wrapped up in pretty paper. It is the Gift of Love God gives to His children through the birth of His Son Jesus.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Summerside Press/Litfuse Group Tours for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. (less)

like · see review

Oct 23, 2012 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

Title: A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Author: Anita Higman
Publisher: Summerside Press
October 2012
ISBN: 978-1-60936-688-9
Genre: Christmas/historical

Franny Martin is thirty-three years old. She lives on an Oklahoma farm, alone, since her parents died and has had the farm up for sale for twelve years with no nibbles. Then Charlie Landau shows up prepared to pay cash, and even more than she’s asking, to take the farm off her hands. Not only that, but he hires her to teach him how to farm since he doesn’t...more

like · see review

Oct 19, 2012 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

My review:

Imagine it, your thirty three years old, living on the family farm in the middle of Oklahoma, raising hogs, and wondering if Mr. Right will ever come along. Wondering if you will ever follow your dream and the music and become a Deejay? That was where Franny Martin was, in the middle of Oklahoma, singing along with her radio, when a dreamy young man seemed to drop out of the sky and into her life. Not just any young man, a rich young man, who offers to buy her farm, what she doesn't co...more

like · see review

Oct 19, 2012 Lisa Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Title: A Merry Little Christmas
Author: Anita Higman
Pages: 256
Year: 2012
Publisher: Summerside
At first glance, this story seemed like I was walking into a movie that had already begun. It took a couple of pages before getting hooked. How many Christmas stories have you read or listened to? What is your favorite Christmas movie? I can tell you that I have read many books, but very few Christmas themed novels. My favorite movie is with Jimmy Stewart, It’s a Wonderful Life. The angel’s name in that...more Title: A Merry Little Christmas
Author: Anita Higman
Pages: 256
Year: 2012
Publisher: Summerside
At first glance, this story seemed like I was walking into a movie that had already begun. It took a couple of pages before getting hooked. How many Christmas stories have you read or listened to? What is your favorite Christmas movie? I can tell you that I have read many books, but very few Christmas themed novels. My favorite movie is with Jimmy Stewart, It’s a Wonderful Life. The angel’s name in that work of fiction on screen is Clarence, which also happened to be my father-in-law’s name.
Do you find yourself reminiscing a little bit during the holidays? Do you make time to remember all that the Lord has done for you and how He has blessed you? I know that some people keep themselves very busy during this time of year because it can be filled with pain so what better way to avoid it? For others, Christmas is another day off work, shopping very early in the mornings or maybe even decorating.
The author places her characters in a small town in Oklahoma on a farm that is owned and managed by a 30-something woman who goes by the name of Frannie. Frannie loves her farm and has been running it since she lost both parents in an accident. As the holidays draw near Frannie believes that it will be another season she will spend all alone. The year of the story begins in 1961, when Civil Rights are beginning to take center stage all over America.
Charlie is the oldest son of a wealthy widower who is expected to take over the business his father began years ago. When he reads an advertisement for a farm for sale, he believes this time he can do it without being a failure. No matter what he is doing on the farm, he is there for one purpose and only time will tell if it comes to fruition.
Through God-ordained events, the past of both Frannie’s family and Charlie’s comes to light, uncovering the storm that changed Frannie since she was a young woman, and the hurt as well as fear God brings out from deep within her heart to bring healing. Then there is Charlie who had grown up without a mother and a very domineering father, and he goes through a time when he will either lean on the Lord or not. Willie, who is Charlie’s younger brother, has gone through some transformation as well, being able to see why he struggles with depression. He finds freedom in the way all of us can. Though Willie will have to deal with his depression for years to come, with the Lord he has identified the reason he struggles. Now, he too must decide to go into the future with the strength of God or be forever in bondage.

Well, that isn’t all that is in the story. In fact, there is a murder that is solved from the past. Characters have to choose to love people for who they are the color of their skin or even their status in life. The author does a wonderful job encouraging readers to take all of who they are to the Lord whether it is their fears, pain, past, hopes, dreams, futures, everything and anything. We need to surrender completely to the Lord. There is hope and encouragement when we walk with others as they learn to wrestle not with flesh and blood, but the real enemy the devil. Looking at others and seeing them as God sees them isn’t always easy, but it is always a choice. Great novel!
My rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
(less)

like · see review

Oct 18, 2012 Ibjoy1953 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Fanny Martin finally sells her farm after so many years, so now its time for her dream, to move into town and work at a radio station. Charlie Landau knows nothing about running a farm, but it can’t be that difficult could it? He is ready for a change, after growing up in a wealthy family, but his everyday life was run by his dad. And all he wants is to do something with his love of music.

Start the season off right with this good, clean, light and heartwarming story, “A Merry Little Christmas.”...more

like · see review

Oct 08, 2012 Joi Copeland rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you love reading fiction stories around the holidays, then A Merry Little Christmas is for you! Anita Higman did a fantastic job at bringing two people from two very different worlds together.
Back blurb: Fall in love with this cozy story about two people from different worlds. Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who’s preparing to spend the holidays alone…again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny’s farm. Franny has no money to speak of, b...more

like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Experience a time in the early 1960's in Oklahoma. Once you being you won't be able to leave this sweet story. Fanny Martin is quite a spunky girl, who has had a wonderful Childhood, until her parents were both killed in a storm. Enter Charlie Martin, who comes from a wealthy family, quite without a lot of love.
We travel through this story, which reads like a movie, with the words creating pictures in our minds. Charlie buys Fanny's farm, and Frannie stays and helps for three weeks. Can't you ju...more

like · see review

Oct 26, 2012 Patty rated it 2 of 5 stars

This is a tale of a woman in her early 30s who is finally leaving the farm that has been her home all of her life. Franny has finally found a buyer and is leaving to pursue her dreams in the big city but only after spending three weeks helping Charlie, the son of a very rich man with no farming experience learn how the place works. During that three week period the two of them felt very drawn to each other but Charlie was not going to ruin her dreams as his father has constantly dumped on Charli...more

like · see review

Oct 26, 2012 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Anita Higman in her new book “A Merry Little Christmas” Book One in the Songs Of The Season series published by Summerside Press takes us into the lives of Franny Martin and Charlie Landau.

From the back cover: A cozy holiday read about two people from different worlds.

Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who’s preparing to spend the holidays alone…again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny’s farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is cle...more Anita Higman in her new book “A Merry Little Christmas” Book One in the Songs Of The Season series published by Summerside Press takes us into the lives of Franny Martin and Charlie Landau.

From the back cover: A cozy holiday read about two people from different worlds.

Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who’s preparing to spend the holidays alone…again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny’s farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is clever and spirited, and she’s more than happy to sell the farm and move to the city.

As Sinatra croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon her charming farm, Franny teaches Charlie the curious and sometimes comical ways of country life. In the process, they unearth some discoveries of the heart—that sometimes love comes when you’re least ready for it. Will the holidays send them on their separate ways or bring their most impossible dreams within reach?

The Bible tells us that “iron sharpens iron”. In this case the irons are Franny and Charlie. All Franny knows is farm life, all Charlie knows is city life and once these two get together they start to sharpen each other in new and unexpected ways. ”A Merry Little Christmas” is a story of love redemption and hope all set around Christmas time. Anita Higman knows how to write convincing characters that we fall in love with and want to succeed. “A Merry Little Christmas” is a really nice, warm love story similar to what we used to read way back when. This book is a keeper. I recommend that you put it somewhere you can find it easily again next year when you’ll want to read it again. I liked this book. Well done.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review:

The book tells us the story of Franny Martin. She is thirty-three years old. She has lost her parents when she was only eighteen because of a bad storm. After she lost her family she had to take care alone of her family farm.She continues to live in there, but she wants to sell the farm and move to the city. The farm is not sold immediatly, it is sold after twelve years.

The one who bought the farm is named Charlie, Charlie Landau who is thirty-five years old. He wanted to buy the farm to...more

like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Paula-O rated it 4 of 5 stars

"A Merry Little Christmas" by Anita Higman

Fall in love with this cozy story about two people from different worlds. Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who's preparing to spend the holidays alone...again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny's farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is clever and spirited, and she's more than happy to sell the farm and move to the big city. A dream...

Franny is a wonderful honest young woman who stayed on...more

like · see review

Nov 04, 2012 Kari rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

A Merry Little Christmas is a very sweet book. It was a quick read and I was able to reading it in one afternoon. While the story takes place during the Christmas season, I wouldn't really call it a "Christmas" book. The story takes place in the 60s when racial equality is not even close to a reality. Times were more innocent and things were a lot slower paced.

I liked the overall story. It is one of faith, forgiveness, friendship and love. Franny has lived on her farm for her whole life, but she...more

like · see review

Dec 12, 2012 Annette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:
Franny lives alone on the family farm near Hesterville, Oklahoma. The year is 1961 and Franny is 33. She's continued to run the farm faithfully for over a decade after her parents died. Franny though is yearning to fulfill a dream she's had most of her life. Franny loves music, she often sings to the farm animals. Charlie Landau a handsome man in his mid-thirties is interested in buying Franny's farm. His goal is to live a life contrary to the life his dad would have him to live. Charli...more

like · see review

May 23, 2013 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman ****
This is a great Christmas romance. Charlie Landau a wealthy city boy meets Franny Martin a poor country girl, when he shows up to purchase her farm. They discover a mutual love of music and so much more. Charlie fights to meet the demands of an overbearing father while, Franny fights for injustices. Franny is hired to teach Charlie how to become a farmer before leaving to chase her own dreams. They face obstacles and challenges with honor, dignity and...more

like · see review

Oct 31, 2012 Jodie Wolfe rated it 4 of 5 stars

What better way to prepare for the Christmas season than to snuggle down with a good Christmas novel while listening to music of the holiday. A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman is a sweet tale set in Oklahoma in 1961. It explores the world of Franny Martin, a pig farmer in her 30's with no prospects of marriage. She has a love of music and her farm. Set in an era of racial tension, Franny is unafraid to express her thoughts on the ugliness of the situation.

Charlie Landau has been raised in...more

like · see review

Nov 01, 2012 Vera Godley rated it 3 of 5 stars

This lovely Christmas novella begins with a bang when boy meets girl down on the farm and things start to really get mucked up a bit. She wants to sell the farm. He wants to buy the farm. She is a farm girl that wants a stab at city life and music. He is a city boy (wealthy) that wants to buy the farm to prove he can succeed at something.

It is October. Thanksgiving is coming. And Christmas is not far behind. They both love music and it has a lyrical impact on their lives and the book's storyline...more

like · see review

Nov 02, 2012 Laurie Carlson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: snow, thanksgiving, christmas, a-man, finding-love, following-your-dreams, emotions

5-Stars!
It is the late 1960's, This is a beautiful christian story which starts about a man named Charlie Landau, a very well-off man, and a spunky and fun, life loving, but broke woman, Franny Martin. Both decide to live out their dreams they have for life. Neither one of these two people have ever met before, nor have been married either, both just working on living their completely separate lives from completely separate worlds, while planning on spending another quiet and lonely Christmas. T...more 5-Stars!
It is the late 1960's, This is a beautiful christian story which starts about a man named Charlie Landau, a very well-off man, and a spunky and fun, life loving, but broke woman, Franny Martin. Both decide to live out their dreams they have for life. Neither one of these two people have ever met before, nor have been married either, both just working on living their completely separate lives from completely separate worlds, while planning on spending another quiet and lonely Christmas. They happen to meet while doing so, and there is quite a spark that occurs between these two people, but never spoken out loud.
Franny Martin, an Oklahoman, owns her family farm from her late parents who have passed away, has decided to sell the farm in order to live out her lifelong dream of going into music business. She has always loved music since she was very young. She decides to put the family farm up for sale.
Along comes Charlie, who is interested in buying the farm for many different reasons, but as soon as he meets Franny, he knows he's feels something for this spirited, life loving woman, and must buy this farm, no matter what the price tag.
Franny isn't to sure the farm is a good fit for Charlie being he is from the city and has never farmed a day in his life, so they both decide together that Franny is going to live on the farm for three more weeks while teaching Charlie how to farm, then she'll leave to live out her dreams.
Charlie has always suppressed his feelings about people in the past, especially his mean-spirited father, and even though he would love to profess his love for Franny, holds back his feelings. Franny also feels there is something between the two of them, but holds her feelings back as well.
While Franny is staying and teaching Charlie about the farm, a beautiful love story starts to spin. It is so beautiful as Franny teaches all the ins and outs of farming, Charlie is is awe as she teaches him. As she's teaching him, they both learn a lot about life from each other, and all the beauty it can hold.
Charlie is completely enamored by Franny. Franny feels the same way about Charlie and is in awe of his reaction to the simplest of things in life as he learns them. From climbing into her childhood tree house, to birthing piglets together, to seeing the first winter snow up at the ridge, both learn more and more about the other or about life as well. Their different perspectives come together in an amazing way.
Many hurdles happen to these two people as they try to go on and live out their dreams, Will they ever get to pronounce their true feelings of love they have for each other? Will life's hurdles completely ruin any chances this couple has to ever get together?
To read this story is amazing. You go through so many emotions. This author has quite a knack for making you feel the love they have for each other while they don't say-so out loud. You are dying as you read this story to know if their closeness will end up in either of them pronouncing their love for one another, to the moments when they come so close to a possible kiss, will it happen? When the hurdles of life come along threatening to split them up for good, will each of them tell the other about these hurdles so they can be together? This book sounds suspenseful in a way, and yes, love can be suspenseful, and yes, this story is a suspenseful love story, but oh, so enjoyable! This is a wonderfully beautiful story to take a break from during the rush-rush this holiday season to sit down and read with a glass of hot chocolate while trying to stay warm. I am grateful I had the opportunity to do so. This story will remain in my heart this season every time I think about the one I love. This is a definite must-read for anyone who has or wants to experience love for the first time again, no matter what your age.

I received this book for FREE from the Publisher, Summerside Press, through LitFuse Publicity, in exchange to read and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but, of my own honest opinion. “Free” means I was NOT provided with ANY MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading the book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.(less)

like · see review

Oct 28, 2012 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christmas

After having her farm for sale for 12 years, Franny Martin is surprised to have a rich city boy Charlie show up and buy it. Franny stays for a couple of weeks to help Charlie adjust to life on the farm and then heads to the city to pursue her dreams of working in radio. But, life happens for Franny and Charlie and they learn that God has other plans for them.

This is a sweet, Christmas novel about small town Oklahoma in the 1960s. Anita Higman touches on subjects of racism and family conflicts....more

like · see review

Oct 29, 2012 Lena Dooley rated it 5 of 5 stars

I want to urge you to read A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman. I just finished it. It's set in 1961. I graduated from high school and started college in 1960, so I lived through this time. It's very authentic. The characters are unique and well-developed. And I loved or really disliked them, according to their deeds.

The story starts out with the aaaah we usually get at the end of a happily-ever-after story. When a book starts that way, you know that bad things will have to happen to sustai...more

like · see review

Oct 09, 2012 Deanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

A Fun Christmas Romance
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It reminds me of the classic City Mouse and Country Mouse story my mom told me when I was a child. Fanny Martin wants to leave the farm she inherited and try city life. Charlie Landau wants to leave the city, and his domineering wealthy father, to try his hand at farming. Romantic banter swirls through the pages as a love story unfolds. Anita Higman weaves romance, humor, a shared love of music, and a bushel of trouble into a fas...more

like · see review

Oct 13, 2012 Kimberly Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ms. Higman's unique and refreshing voice drew me into A Merry Little Christmas on page one.

Franny inherited her parents' farm, but she dreams of moving to the city and becoming a radio d jay.
Charlie has always wanted to leave the city and own a farm. When he sees an add for Franny's farm he buys it, but there is one problem. he has no idea how to run a farm. He convinces Franny to stick around for three weeks to teach him the ropes.
I'll leave it at that since I don't want to spoil the story fo...more

like · see review

Oct 14, 2012 Penny rated it 5 of 5 stars

The nineteen sixties brought turmoil and change. In Oklahoma, small towns battled over segregation, and gossip flowed through the streets. Franny, a country girl, who works the family farm but has dreams of the city, longs to spin records for a living. Charlie, the city boy, who wants more than anything to work independently of his wealthy family, seeks peace through a simple country life. Their mutual love of music draws them together and takes them on an unexpected journey. The characters brin...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 16 17 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
WIN a copy of A Merry Little Christmas	1	3	Nov 24, 2012 09:04am

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Holiday > Christmas

9 users

Romance

4 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

The Memory Jar
by Tricia Goyer
The Trouble with Cowboys
by Denise Hunter
Taming the Wind
by Tracie Peterson
Beauty For Ashes
by Dorothy Love
Baroness
by Susan May Warren

About Anita Higman

CBA best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-nine books published (several co-authored) for adults and children, and she has seven books coming out in the next two years. She won a 2011 RWA Readers Choice Award (first place) and has been honored in the past as a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston. Her latest coauthored book, Love Finds You Under the Mistlet...more CBA best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-nine books published (several co-authored) for adults and children, and she has seven books coming out in the next two years. She won a 2011 RWA Readers Choice Award (first place) and has been honored in the past as a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston. Her latest coauthored book, Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe, was on the Nielsen’s best-seller list for five weeks for religious adult fiction and #6 on the CBA best-seller list for fiction (January, 2011). Anita’s novella, Once Upon a Christmas Eve, was given a four-star review in Romantic Times Magazine.

Some of Ms. Higman’s publishers are Guideposts/Summerside Press, Barbour Publishing, McGraw-Hill, Roman & Littlefield, Lillenas Drama, Abingdon Press, Standard Publishing, Bethany House, and Simon & Schuster/Howard Publishing.

A few of Anita’s books are Love Finds You in Humble Texas, Another Stab at Life, The Celestial Helix, The Love Song (co-authored), Pokeweed and Mrs. Gasp, Who Will I be For the Rest of My Life? (co-authored), and Big Book of Holidays and Holy Days. She also has contributions in twelve nonfiction compilations.

One of Ms. Higman’s co-authored books entitled, A Tribute to Early Texas, has a foreword by Elmer Kelton and has won a San Antonio Conservation Society Citation as well as a Westerners International Book Award. She was named a Favorite New Author in the 15th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards, and in the 16th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards her co-authored novel, Castles in the Air, was one of the winners in the Favorite Contemporary Romance category. Also Anita contributed to an animation script that won a Gold Remi Award.

Her novel, Love Finds You in Humble Texas, was chosen by Crossings Book Club and is now available in hardback and large print editions. Anita and the novel, Love Finds You in Humble Texas were featured on The Harvest Show, a Christian program with eight million regular viewers.

Ms. Higman has won two awards for her contribution to literacy and has raised thousands of dollars for literacy with her book, I Can Be Anything, while serving on the board of directors of Literacy Advance of Houston.

Anita Higman has written for radio, ezine, and advertising. She also cohosts a monthly blogtalkradio show at www.InFaithNetwork.com which is a part of Reader’s Entertainment Radio and reaches an audience of 80,000. She has a BA degree combining speech communication, psychology, and art from Southern Nazarene University, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as The Writer’s View.
(less)

More about Anita Higman...

Books by Anita Higman

Where God Finds You: 40 Devotions Bringing Bible Characters to Life

Another Stab at Life (A Volstead Manor Mystery, #1)

Ozark Weddings: The Hills Are Alive with the Ring of Romance

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About A Merry Little Ch...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: A Merry Little Christmas
avg rating	preview: A Merry Little Christmas Goodreads rating: 4.14 (65 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14505001-a-merry-little-christmas?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1346959300l/14505001.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14505001-a-merry-little-christmas?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman[/url]

A Merry Little Christmas (Songs of the Season)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website