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A Family for Christmas
Now a Harlequin Movie, Baby In A Manger !
The Gift of Family by Irene Brand
Newly engaged Wendy Kenworth and Evan Kessler’s relationship is tested when Evan must leave college to manage the family farm. City-girl Wendy can’t understand her fiancé’s sudden need to work the land, but getting stranded at the Kesslers’ for Christmas gives Wendy cause for reflection. Can Evan’s strong faith inspire her to accept the gift of family?
Child in a Manger by Dana Corbit
Finding an infant in the church nativity scene was a Christmas surprise for Allison Hensley! The social worker took the baby when no foster family could be found. But working with cynical detective Brock Chandler to find the unknown parents awakened unexpected feelings. Could this child be heaven-sent to make a family of Allison and Brock?
The Gift of Family by Irene Brand
Newly engaged Wendy Kenworth and Evan Kessler’s relationship is tested when Evan must leave college to manage the family farm. City-girl Wendy can’t understand her fiancé’s sudden need to work the land, but getting stranded at the Kesslers’ for Christmas gives Wendy cause for reflection. Can Evan’s strong faith inspire her to accept the gift of family?
Child in a Manger by Dana Corbit
Finding an infant in the church nativity scene was a Christmas surprise for Allison Hensley! The social worker took the baby when no foster family could be found. But working with cynical detective Brock Chandler to find the unknown parents awakened unexpected feelings. Could this child be heaven-sent to make a family of Allison and Brock?
Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 27, 2020
This book contains two inspirational Christmas novellas.
THE GIFT OF FAMILY by Irene Brand (1 star)
CHILD IN A MANGER by Dana Corbit (5 stars)
THE GIFT OF FAMILY by Irene Brand (1 star) – Not long after twentysomething college students, Wendy and Evan, get engaged, Evan gets a call from home that his father has had a stroke. Evan leaves Florida for Ohio, not only to visit his father, but to take over the running of the family farm in his father’s absence. Evan’s family, the Kessler’s, invite Wendy to come and spend the Christmas holiday with them so she can be with Evan. This story didn’t work for me at all and the storyline never grabbed me. I didn’t like Wendy much. She seemed immature, selfish, not very in love with Evan, and she constantly focused on the negative. I also couldn’t understand why Evan never shared his future plans with Wendy that he would one day be running the family farm. She was surprised to find it out and couldn’t deal with the thought of being a farmer’s wife. This story was too overly religious for me. It seemed that every move or thought that the Kessler family had was steeped in religion. This novella hit all the wrong buttons for me.
CHILD IN A MANGER by Dana Corbit (5 stars) - When a baby is discovered in a live church nativity scene, social worker Allison and police detective Brock work together to try to find who abandoned the infant. Not only do Allison and Brock find that the baby is tugging at their heartstrings, they also find themselves falling in love. This was such a cute, sweet, and heartwarming novella. I really liked both Allison and Brock. Allison thought she would never find love. Brock was abandoned by his mother as a child and never knew his father, so he found himself emotionally involved in the case. I found the premise of the story interesting in this very enjoyable Christmas romance.
THE GIFT OF FAMILY by Irene Brand (1 star)
CHILD IN A MANGER by Dana Corbit (5 stars)
THE GIFT OF FAMILY by Irene Brand (1 star) – Not long after twentysomething college students, Wendy and Evan, get engaged, Evan gets a call from home that his father has had a stroke. Evan leaves Florida for Ohio, not only to visit his father, but to take over the running of the family farm in his father’s absence. Evan’s family, the Kessler’s, invite Wendy to come and spend the Christmas holiday with them so she can be with Evan. This story didn’t work for me at all and the storyline never grabbed me. I didn’t like Wendy much. She seemed immature, selfish, not very in love with Evan, and she constantly focused on the negative. I also couldn’t understand why Evan never shared his future plans with Wendy that he would one day be running the family farm. She was surprised to find it out and couldn’t deal with the thought of being a farmer’s wife. This story was too overly religious for me. It seemed that every move or thought that the Kessler family had was steeped in religion. This novella hit all the wrong buttons for me.
CHILD IN A MANGER by Dana Corbit (5 stars) - When a baby is discovered in a live church nativity scene, social worker Allison and police detective Brock work together to try to find who abandoned the infant. Not only do Allison and Brock find that the baby is tugging at their heartstrings, they also find themselves falling in love. This was such a cute, sweet, and heartwarming novella. I really liked both Allison and Brock. Allison thought she would never find love. Brock was abandoned by his mother as a child and never knew his father, so he found himself emotionally involved in the case. I found the premise of the story interesting in this very enjoyable Christmas romance.
December 16, 2019
The Gift of Family - 3*
Child in a Manger - 3.5*
Overall rating - 3*
I've never read a Mills and Boon Love Inspired book before, and whilst I didn't hate the religious aspects, it certainly isn't something I enjoy reading about as much as other themes.
The Gift of Family by Irene Brand - I appreciated the farm setting of this one, and the fact that the couple's romance is already established and then they have to work through some issues. I also really enjoyed the family aspects to this book. However, this one was a bit too preachy for me, plus I had a hard time believing in some of the character development in the latter half of the book. 3 stars.
Child in a Manger by Dana Corbit - I liked this one much more. Delving into the child welfare world in America was interesting, and I liked how the couple's relationship originated from being thrown in the deep end looking after a child. Their relationship was much more believable and the book had a cosy feel to it. The ending felt a little rushed for me though. 3,5 stars.
Child in a Manger - 3.5*
Overall rating - 3*
I've never read a Mills and Boon Love Inspired book before, and whilst I didn't hate the religious aspects, it certainly isn't something I enjoy reading about as much as other themes.
The Gift of Family by Irene Brand - I appreciated the farm setting of this one, and the fact that the couple's romance is already established and then they have to work through some issues. I also really enjoyed the family aspects to this book. However, this one was a bit too preachy for me, plus I had a hard time believing in some of the character development in the latter half of the book. 3 stars.
Child in a Manger by Dana Corbit - I liked this one much more. Delving into the child welfare world in America was interesting, and I liked how the couple's relationship originated from being thrown in the deep end looking after a child. Their relationship was much more believable and the book had a cosy feel to it. The ending felt a little rushed for me though. 3,5 stars.
December 12, 2019
A Family for Christmas: The Gift of Family / Child in a Manger
by Irene Brand, Dana Corbit.
The Gift of Family by Irene Brand is not a story for people who are likely to roll their eyes when they see people spreading the gospel on the streets. It is heavily based around Christianity.
Wendy has been brought up by her mother after her father left. She hasn't been brought up as a Christian although her paternal grandparents used to take her to church while they had access visits with her.
Evan has been brought up in a large, very close, loving and Christian family. Months after dating Wendy he asks her to marry him, she says yes but then the problems begin.
He has to go home to look after the family dairy farm after his father has a stroke. He invites Wendy to spend Christmas with him and his family as they haven't met her. That's when they both realise just how different they are especially when it comes to him being a Christian and her not being one.
He, rightly, won't give up his beliefs, nor will he let down his family by not looking after the farm until his father is up to it again. She is a little overwhelmed about how religious Evan and his family are. She also never dreamed she would be a farmer's wife. She wants to be a teacher, to work, not to be a homebody. Can the couple have a future together, can there be a compromise?
This story was a bit of a slow starter for me, I also at times felt like I wanted to bang Wendy and Evan's heads together. They loved each other and yet both started questioning their future together. Despite that, and what could be seen as a little bit of preaching, I did end up enjoying the story and was happy with how it ended. I loved Evan's family, they were willing to accept Wendy even when Evan was questioning her not being a Christian. This was a sweet festive read.
Child in a Manger by Dana Corbit
This is yet another story whose characters are 'believers' in God. There isn't as much preaching in this one as in the first story in this duet and I think even the eye-rollers might do OK with reading this one.
A baby is abandoned in a nativity play in the baby Jesus' manger no less. When she is discovered by Allison, a social worker for children, she quickly takes control of making sure the baby is OK. Also wanting to take control, but this time, of looking for the mother who abandoned the baby is Detective Brock Chandler who was at the nativity at the time.
From the start, Brock and Allison clash because she would like to think that the Mother had a good reason for leaving the baby, whereas Brock thinks she must just be a waste of space who can't be bothered with her child. He wants to find and arrest her as soon as he can. Whereas Allison wants to find her in the hope that she can stop the woman facing criminal charges, and of course to make sure she has the opportunity to keep her baby if she has changed her mind. Allison always likes to think the best of people. Brock is a cynical person and as a child was given up himself, he is angry about most things but especially women who leave their children.
This couple's story focuses on not only finding the mother of the baby but also learning more about each other and themselves. A relationship could be developing between them, but can a person with a glass half full attitude ever match well with one with a glass half empty one.
I enjoyed this story and although some might think the ending a bit unbelievable, I believe it and it left me smiling.
Both stories in this set are sweet and as long as you aren't an Atheist, or looking for some passionate bedroom scenes I think you will like this book so am happy to recommend it.
4 Stars
by Irene Brand, Dana Corbit.
The Gift of Family by Irene Brand is not a story for people who are likely to roll their eyes when they see people spreading the gospel on the streets. It is heavily based around Christianity.
Wendy has been brought up by her mother after her father left. She hasn't been brought up as a Christian although her paternal grandparents used to take her to church while they had access visits with her.
Evan has been brought up in a large, very close, loving and Christian family. Months after dating Wendy he asks her to marry him, she says yes but then the problems begin.
He has to go home to look after the family dairy farm after his father has a stroke. He invites Wendy to spend Christmas with him and his family as they haven't met her. That's when they both realise just how different they are especially when it comes to him being a Christian and her not being one.
He, rightly, won't give up his beliefs, nor will he let down his family by not looking after the farm until his father is up to it again. She is a little overwhelmed about how religious Evan and his family are. She also never dreamed she would be a farmer's wife. She wants to be a teacher, to work, not to be a homebody. Can the couple have a future together, can there be a compromise?
This story was a bit of a slow starter for me, I also at times felt like I wanted to bang Wendy and Evan's heads together. They loved each other and yet both started questioning their future together. Despite that, and what could be seen as a little bit of preaching, I did end up enjoying the story and was happy with how it ended. I loved Evan's family, they were willing to accept Wendy even when Evan was questioning her not being a Christian. This was a sweet festive read.
Child in a Manger by Dana Corbit
This is yet another story whose characters are 'believers' in God. There isn't as much preaching in this one as in the first story in this duet and I think even the eye-rollers might do OK with reading this one.
A baby is abandoned in a nativity play in the baby Jesus' manger no less. When she is discovered by Allison, a social worker for children, she quickly takes control of making sure the baby is OK. Also wanting to take control, but this time, of looking for the mother who abandoned the baby is Detective Brock Chandler who was at the nativity at the time.
From the start, Brock and Allison clash because she would like to think that the Mother had a good reason for leaving the baby, whereas Brock thinks she must just be a waste of space who can't be bothered with her child. He wants to find and arrest her as soon as he can. Whereas Allison wants to find her in the hope that she can stop the woman facing criminal charges, and of course to make sure she has the opportunity to keep her baby if she has changed her mind. Allison always likes to think the best of people. Brock is a cynical person and as a child was given up himself, he is angry about most things but especially women who leave their children.
This couple's story focuses on not only finding the mother of the baby but also learning more about each other and themselves. A relationship could be developing between them, but can a person with a glass half full attitude ever match well with one with a glass half empty one.
I enjoyed this story and although some might think the ending a bit unbelievable, I believe it and it left me smiling.
Both stories in this set are sweet and as long as you aren't an Atheist, or looking for some passionate bedroom scenes I think you will like this book so am happy to recommend it.
4 Stars
November 22, 2019
I think this is the first time I have actually properly been disappointed by a Mills & Boon and I am... Well... Disappointed.
I love Romance, but there are some things that I just can't stand. Unfortunately the first story in this two-story bind up was everything I do not like, and it kind or soured the whole experience for me.
The Gift of Family
I found this story so religious that it was uncomfortable to read, especially as I had not gone in expecting a heavily Christian romance. There's nothing wrong with Christian romance when I'm expecting it, but it was not what I was in the mood for and not what I thought I'd be reading. Aside from the preacher-y religious writing, the story itself was insta-love and bad decisions and selfish characters and crap excuses. I'd give The Gift of Family one star as I did not enjoy it.
Child in a Manger
This was definitely the better of the two stories. I have a bit of a soft spot for broody detectives and although if anything the romance in this story was even more insta-love with its ridiculously short time scale, I still enjoyed it. It's a great wee festive read, and I did not find the religion in this story overbearing, even if there was a baby discovered in the manger of a nativity scene. The romance was implausible, but I enjoyed it because of the writing. I'd give Child in a Manger three stars as it was an enjoyable romance.
So yeah, this was a mixed experience for me, and I kind of wish I'd just stopped reading the first so that I wouldn't have to rate the book so low.
I love Romance, but there are some things that I just can't stand. Unfortunately the first story in this two-story bind up was everything I do not like, and it kind or soured the whole experience for me.
The Gift of Family
I found this story so religious that it was uncomfortable to read, especially as I had not gone in expecting a heavily Christian romance. There's nothing wrong with Christian romance when I'm expecting it, but it was not what I was in the mood for and not what I thought I'd be reading. Aside from the preacher-y religious writing, the story itself was insta-love and bad decisions and selfish characters and crap excuses. I'd give The Gift of Family one star as I did not enjoy it.
Child in a Manger
This was definitely the better of the two stories. I have a bit of a soft spot for broody detectives and although if anything the romance in this story was even more insta-love with its ridiculously short time scale, I still enjoyed it. It's a great wee festive read, and I did not find the religion in this story overbearing, even if there was a baby discovered in the manger of a nativity scene. The romance was implausible, but I enjoyed it because of the writing. I'd give Child in a Manger three stars as it was an enjoyable romance.
So yeah, this was a mixed experience for me, and I kind of wish I'd just stopped reading the first so that I wouldn't have to rate the book so low.
December 11, 2019
Two super cute short stories. The second story, Child in a Manger by Dana Corbit is much better than the first.
September 10, 2014
Cute but one story VERY implausible-romance and marriage over the course of three days?
January 9, 2020
A Family For Christmas is published by M&B and consists of two novels: The Gift of Family and Child in a Manger (made in to a film for TV - Baby in a Manger) by Irene Brand and Dana Corbit.
In The Gift of Family Wendy Kenworth and Evan Kessler are s newly engaged couple. Evan is forced to temporarily leave college and go home to manage the family farm. Wendy is s city girl who cannot Evan’s sudden need to work the land. Will being stranded at the Kessler’s farm over Christmas help understand and will Evan’s strong faith convince her to accept the gift of a family?
Child in a Manger involves a baby being found in the church nativity scene by Allison Hensley who is a social worker. As it is Christmas there aren’t any foster families willing or able to take the baby in so Allison takes the baby. Cynical detective Brock Chandler is tasked with finding the baby’s parents with Allison assisting in the search. Unexpected feelings develop between the pair. Could the baby complete and create a ready made faulty of three?
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley
susan1375 at 12:39:00
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In The Gift of Family Wendy Kenworth and Evan Kessler are s newly engaged couple. Evan is forced to temporarily leave college and go home to manage the family farm. Wendy is s city girl who cannot Evan’s sudden need to work the land. Will being stranded at the Kessler’s farm over Christmas help understand and will Evan’s strong faith convince her to accept the gift of a family?
Child in a Manger involves a baby being found in the church nativity scene by Allison Hensley who is a social worker. As it is Christmas there aren’t any foster families willing or able to take the baby in so Allison takes the baby. Cynical detective Brock Chandler is tasked with finding the baby’s parents with Allison assisting in the search. Unexpected feelings develop between the pair. Could the baby complete and create a ready made faulty of three?
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley
susan1375 at 12:39:00
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November 15, 2024
There are two stories in this book - the first is by Irene Hannon, the second by Dana Corbit.
The first story was so intolerably bad, such an enormous slog with miring emotional issues, that I set it down, over and over. Finally, I just gave up on it. It wasn't enjoyable. It wasn't good. It wasn't anything worth talking about.
The second story (by Dana Corbit) was absolutely adorable. I loved every minute of it... except I felt that Allison - with her self-conscious issues - wouldn't have just run easily into Brock's arms. I'm actually thinking I might have to write my own version of this theme, in order to be happy with it. But I still give it four stars.
Except the DNF-er by Hannon dragged my rating down. Probably lower than I gave it, I'm just trying to be nice for the sake of the second story. I actually ripped Hannon's story out, threw it in my burn barrel, and re-assembled the book with another cover for my collection. Cuz that's how I roll. I don't keep crap stories.
The first story was so intolerably bad, such an enormous slog with miring emotional issues, that I set it down, over and over. Finally, I just gave up on it. It wasn't enjoyable. It wasn't good. It wasn't anything worth talking about.
The second story (by Dana Corbit) was absolutely adorable. I loved every minute of it... except I felt that Allison - with her self-conscious issues - wouldn't have just run easily into Brock's arms. I'm actually thinking I might have to write my own version of this theme, in order to be happy with it. But I still give it four stars.
Except the DNF-er by Hannon dragged my rating down. Probably lower than I gave it, I'm just trying to be nice for the sake of the second story. I actually ripped Hannon's story out, threw it in my burn barrel, and re-assembled the book with another cover for my collection. Cuz that's how I roll. I don't keep crap stories.
January 5, 2020
A Family For Christmas,
Irene Brand & Dana Corbit:
The Gift Of Family,
Irene Brand:
This story is about the love two people have for each-other that are tested between their family's beliefs. Will love win? I hope you read this story to find out.
Child In A Manger,
Dana Corbit:
This story is about a community and two special people pulling together to do the right thing even if their views are different in the beginning. Do you believe in miracles?
I know I do! I hope this story Brings as much "Joy" to you as it has to me.
Also this story has a movie called:
BABY IN A MANGER
(Let faith lead the way)
What a wonderful Harlequin Novel & movie
Happy Reading, 😃
PG
Irene Brand & Dana Corbit:
The Gift Of Family,
Irene Brand:
This story is about the love two people have for each-other that are tested between their family's beliefs. Will love win? I hope you read this story to find out.
Child In A Manger,
Dana Corbit:
This story is about a community and two special people pulling together to do the right thing even if their views are different in the beginning. Do you believe in miracles?
I know I do! I hope this story Brings as much "Joy" to you as it has to me.
Also this story has a movie called:
BABY IN A MANGER
(Let faith lead the way)
What a wonderful Harlequin Novel & movie
Happy Reading, 😃
PG
March 10, 2022
A cheap and cheerful romance!
I do have a love for Christmas romances and this is a gorgeous addition to my ever-growing bookshelf.
I felt that the dialogue between the characters was a little cheesy, but it's Christmas everyone loves a little cringing chees at Christmas right? But it is such a feel-good and charming escae from the real world and the characters were so damn likeable you can't help but look the other way when they are being a little cheesy. .
I do have a love for Christmas romances and this is a gorgeous addition to my ever-growing bookshelf.
I felt that the dialogue between the characters was a little cheesy, but it's Christmas everyone loves a little cringing chees at Christmas right? But it is such a feel-good and charming escae from the real world and the characters were so damn likeable you can't help but look the other way when they are being a little cheesy. .
December 8, 2023
A friend (MH) sent me this book in a box of books. It contains two stories: The Gift of Family and Child in a Manger. I started out liking the first story more than the second one but by the time the second story ended, I found I was invested in it as well.
The Gift of Family deals with expectations and doubts about being the right fit for a certain type of lifestyle. Child in a Manger deals with an abandoned child left in a church's nativity scene.
The Gift of Family deals with expectations and doubts about being the right fit for a certain type of lifestyle. Child in a Manger deals with an abandoned child left in a church's nativity scene.
December 20, 2019
The Gift of Family is a nice read - family orientated and the faith aspect was very evident.
Child in a Manger is everything you could hope for from a Christmas romance - even down to the baby in the manger. I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Mills and Boon Insiders for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Child in a Manger is everything you could hope for from a Christmas romance - even down to the baby in the manger. I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Mills and Boon Insiders for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2019
This is the first book that I have read by these authors and even though I enjoyed reading parts of the book I was a bit dissatisfied with some of it. The characters are good but the storyline was a bit cute but it was over so quick. This is the first time that I have given such a low star rating.
December 23, 2014
Awful writing, unlikable characters, and hurried plots... One of the worst books I've read this year. I genuinely liked the other Christmas "love inspired" book by these two authors. I don't know what happened here, but this book is a serious disappointment for me.
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