An Open Book January #openbook
I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading or working on for the past month.
The Christkindl’s Gift by Kathleen Morgan
Amazon Synopsis: When Anna Hannack’s father-in-law brings home a wounded stranger only days before Christmas, Anna’s not happy. Christian charity moves the Hannack family to help the injured man, but the young widow Anna keeps her distance. The tragedies of life have shattered her trust, and she’s determined not to let another stranger threaten her family. Could it be, though, that this rugged Scotsman is actually the gift Anna’s young children have asked of the Christ Child this Christmas?
My review: I enjoy reading this book each Christmas. It’s a well-written and clean historical romance. 4/5 stars (there was one anachronism in the book.)
Christmas Miracles: Magical True Stories of Modern-Day Miracles
Amazon Synopsis: At Christmas, our hearts are touched by reports of wondrous occurrences that make us stop, reflect, and hope. This luminous book shares true accounts of Christmas miracles — inspiring events that happened to real people at Christmas time, including:
A Christmas Mystery: A deaf boy’s generosity is miraculously rewarded
First Christmas: Newlyweds take part in the local Christmas pageant — and receive a surprising lesson in timeless love
My Christmas Angel: A pro baseball player visits a children’s ward to cheer the patients, and is himself transformed
A Heart for Christmas: A series of coincidences brings new life to a little girl
The Stranger: A gentle, mysterious Christmas Eve visitor awes a family
Christmas Saved My Mother: A rabbi tells how his mother, fleeing the Holocaust, was spared on Christmas Eve
George Misses a Shift: Sudden car trouble on Christmas night saves a couple’s life… and more.
Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.” If you believe in miracles — or want to — let Christmas Miracles light the candle of hope in your heart this year.
My review: This is another book I read every December. I bought this 27 years ago at Sam’s Club while I was shopping with my mother (who passed away 16 years ago). These are some of the most beautifully inspiring Christmas stories that illustrate God’s miraculous intervention in every situation. Highly recommend.
A Book of Christmas Miracles: 101 Stories of Holiday Hope and Happiness
Amazon Synopsis: Christmas and Miracles! Two of our favorite things. There’s no better way to celebrate the season! Anyone who loves the holidays will enjoy these magical stories of joy and wonder.
We’ve chosen our favorite holiday miracle stories from our past books. You’ll love these heartwarming and awe-inspiring tales of answered prayers, divine intervention, holiday angels, joyous giving, family forgiveness, and the wonders of gratitude. These true, personal stories will deepen your faith and show you the blessings in your life. They’ll leave you smiling and inspired, ready to share your renewed Christmas spirit. And we didn’t forget that miracles happen during the rest of the season, too, with stories about Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and New Year’s. There’s something for everyone in these joy-filled pages, and you’ll be supporting Toys for Tots as well, creating miracles for children all over the U.S.
My review: I like this book and enjoy reading it every few years at Christmas time. It’s mostly a rehash of other Chicken Soup for the Soul Stories but overall a pleasant read.
