A Wreath of Snow

by Liz Curtis Higgs

Christmas Eve 1894
 
All Margaret Campbell wants for Christmas is a safe journey home. When her plans for a festive holiday with her family in Stirling crumble beneath the weight of her brother’s bitterness, the young schoolteacher wants nothing more than to return to the students she loves and the town house she calls home.
 
Then an unexpected detour places her in the path of Gordon Shaw, a handsome newspaperman from Glasgow, who struggles under a burden of remorse and shame.
 
When the secret of their shared history is revealed, will it leave them tangled in a knot of regret? Or might their past hold the threads that will bind their future together?
 
As warm as a woolen scarf on a cold winter’s eve, A Wreath of Snow is a tender story of love and forgiveness, wrapped in a celebration of all things Scottish, all things Victorian, and, especially, all things Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Historical

212 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Former Bad Girl, grateful for the grace God offers. Happy wife of Bill, one of the Good Guys. Proud mom of two grown-up kids with tender hearts. Lame housekeeper. Marginal cook. Pitiful gardener. Stuff I love? Encouraging my sisters in Christ—across the page, from the platform, online, in person. Unpacking Scripture. Traveling wherever God leads. Listening to His heart. Leaning into His embrace.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 4 stars

This year I find myself gravitating more towards historical rather than contemporary Christmas reading as I find the former more spiritual with themes more in keeping with the true meaning of Christmas. I was immediately attracted to this book, drawn in by its beautiful cover and the title, which means snowbank in Scottish. I really wanted to read it last Christmas, but the queue was too long at Libby App and I missed out. Shortly afterwards, however, it went on sale at Amazon, and I grabbed it for this year.

A Wreath of Snow is a lovely historical/Christian/Christmas novella set in 1894 Scotland. I was impressed with the writing, simple but very very good. The author clearly did her research in regard to the setting. The snow and the cold and the train ride through a blizzard creates a wonderful atmosphere. The reader is also provided with interesting details on the culture, dress, and social mores of the time.

Though I rather read non-romance Christmas books, the romance in this one is subtle and tender with a significant amount of communication achieved with facial expressions and body language (totally clean—nary a kiss). The protagonist (Meg) is a young woman who meets a journalist (Gordon) on the train. Their interactions with each other and with Meg’s troubled family make up the meat of the story. The plot, though simple, held my interest throughout. Another plus is the wonderfully chosen quotes from various authors/poets at the beginning of each chapter.

Overall, I found this to be a charming, deeply satisfying Christmas read. I recommend it to all looking for an escape from the usual contemporary Christmas fare.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella set in 1894, Scotland, at Christmas time. What could be more appealing? When I started reading Liz Curis Higgs’ nostalgic Christmas tale, A Wreath of Snow, it took me a chapter or two to get a positive feel for the characters and the setting, which was a tad disappointing. I quickly got over that, however, and settled into tale with anticipation of an atmospheric Victorian Christmas story.

Margaret “Meg” Campbell is an independent-minded young woman on her way back to her home to Edinburgh, where she is employed as a teacher. She has been visiting her parents and brother in Stirling, where she grew up but is now looking forward to returning to the city and job she loves.

On the train ride, she encounters two unexpected events: a snowstorm and a person who provides a whole different kind of storm.

This story looks at traditional values like love, forgiveness, generosity, honesty, and family. There is just a hint of romance and good old-fashioned Christmas ambience – lots of snow, Christmas church services, candles in the windows, and family gatherings. The latter is not all love and joy – but as most of us know, that is often the case in many families. The author brings it all together in a somewhat predictable, but nonetheless satisfactory, conclusion. I found it to be a quaint, gratifying story.

4 stars

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it a bit "preachy" and repetitive.

2018
2nd time around and my first impressions were the same, I guess this Christmas story will be leaving from my home...

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, that was . . . actually pretty good! RTC

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs
Time-frame: December 1894
Location: Stirling, Scotland
Main Characters:
Margaret Campbell: Edinburgh teacher
Gordon Shaw: Newspaperman with tremendous guilt over an accident 12 years before
Alan Campbell: Margaret's brother, injured when he was 10

Twelve years ago a seventeen year old was the cause a terrible accident. It left Margaret's brother, Alan, paralyzed. Alan's temperament has worsened over the years and now Margaret find's him unbearable. Visiting her family is a hardship she seldom endures.

Leaving early from her visit to her parents home she sits next to a man on the train who recognizes her. She does not know he's the very young man who changed her brother's life. Gordon Shaw has felt guilt for twelve years, and for twelve years he has lived a life alcohol free and dedicated to God.

A fun and challenging book at the same time. God is evident in Margaret's life as she struggles with forgiveness. God is evident in Gordon's life as he lives a solitary life, always wanting forgiveness. He knows what he must do. God's told him. He needs to face his fears, and face the very people whose lives were forever altered by one premature release of a granite curling stone.

Even though this is a Novella, which I normally avoid, this one came highly recommended. So I tried it, and I liked it!!

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, challenging and beautiful Christmas tale that focuses on forgiveness and reconciliation...with a light dusting of romance. The author immerses her readers in a Victorian Christmas complete with record snow that plays havoc with the lives of our hero and heroine...or does it? Because though there's strife and bitterness this is the season of peace and goodwill both of which Margaret and Gordon need a healthy dose of! Perfect pacing, wonderful details and the happy warmth of tale well told.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely Christmas story that lived up to the beauty of its cover. I really enjoyed this sweet story that had such a good message of forgiveness. A very good read!

[Yannick Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wreath of snow is a beautiful story of forgiveness.
Meg and Gordon Shaw are both running away from past wounds and meet in a train leaving the small town of Stirling.
Gordon is filled with guilt because of an incident that happened years ago involving a young boy who is now paralysed...
Meg can't stand the atmosphere at home because of her brother and is eager to leave her family...
Things don't happen as they planned and they end up spending Christmas with Meg family opening old wounds while also paving the path to healing and freedom.

I like Gordon's character is courage and kindness, he truly learned from his mistakes and is moving on.

[Sarah Sundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scotland, Christmas, and Liz Curtis Higgs - you just can't go wrong! A sweet romance, but the story also delves deep into what forgiveness means.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful!! Theme of forgiveness running throughout this story. Truly remarkable for a novella!

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

I truly enjoyed this book. It is full of feelings and life changing.

There are periods of pain and later forgiveness. All wrapped in a Christmas theme.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on www.CreativeMadnessMama.com

*This post has been updated with my new format,
thanks to the Ultimate Book Blogger Plugin, on August 27, 2015.*
Story Locale: Stirling, Scotland in 1894

Recommended to Margaret by: Liz Curtis Higgs

Read from October 08 to 12, 2012

This is a Christmas novella, or short novel from one of my absolute favorite authors Liz Curtis Higgs and if you've followed my reviews for any bit of time, you've probably seen me say before that Liz was my doorway into Christian Historical Fiction and I've never looked back. After reading this story, I only have one complaint, and that is that it's too short, but it's a novella and suppose to be short. It's just I'm so used to the long sagas of Christian Historical Fiction and Romance that Liz is so wonderful at, but whether she is a new to you author or one you love this is a great Christmas read. Maybe read it while you're traveling to see family, or in the quiet evening stillness. Everyone can benefit from reading a story about romance and forgiveness.

*Thanks to Liz for sending me a copy for review.*
 

 

http://www.myscottishheart.com/
This review was originally posted on www.CreativeMadnessMama.com

[☆Ruth☆ · Rating 1 out of 5]

If a book hasn't caught my attention by the end of the first chapter then I reckon it's not worth the effort to continue. This one was not only boring, it was also not well written, so... another one bites the dust.

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas story about forgiveness!

[Gwendolyn Gage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost feel ashamed that it's taken me this long to pick up a LCH book, especially now that I have a taste of what I've been missing! Set in Scotland during the Victorian era, this novella is rich in all the things that make a story unforgettable and worth treasuring: strangers meeting on a train, heart-rending struggle and regret, family strife, and lots and lots of snow. Not to mention wonderfully descriptive writing. It was exactly what I've searched for as I turned my attention to Christmas novellas this month. I have no complaints, aside from leaving the characters on the cusp of romance as the story came to a close. I wish Gordon and Meg had another novel! Please, please, please, Ms. Higgs, write a continuation of their story?

[Connie G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margaret and Gordon were both passengers on a train stuck on the railroad tracks in a blizzard on Christmas Eve in 1894. At first, she does not recognize that he was the man responsible for accidently injuring her brother years ago in Sterling, Scotland. Margaret fights her attraction to Gordon. When they return to Stirling, he wants a chance to apologize to her family and help her brother since Gordon has been living under a burden of guilt for years.

Although it is a bit predictable, this is a warm Victorian Christmas story of forgiveness and redemption. The epigraphs that preceed every chapter were a nice added touch.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I especially liked the way the author showed us through his actions that Gordon had chosen to repent of his former sins, and was now earnestly seeking God's direction in his life . . . and I really liked that we saw him receive and follow that direction.
I also liked how Meg was able to set aside her own hurt and seek for God to be Lord of *her* life as well.
There were a few points of the story that I thought played out a wee bit too quickly, especially given that this story takes place over the span of barely 48 hours, but they were by no means deal breakers for me.
3.5 stars

[Sam B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merveilleuse et courte histoire de Noël portant sur le pardon.
Très bonne lecture pour toutes saisons ;)

Wonderful short Christmas story about forgiveness.
Recommended for any season ;)

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story = 4.00 stars - Exquisite cover = 5.00 stars - rated g

I fell in love with the evocative cover of this cozy book, and opened it to find a truly delightful story. How can I not love a Christmastide story set in Scotland?! And a Scottish shortbread recipe as a bonus!

I don’t always love when authors use cute little quotes, or epigraphs, to open every chapter, but those in this book were quite nice. And I loved the author’s notes at the end that told of some of the writing-process, inspiration and real-life settings for the book – very interesting. Did you know that the Scots word for the “wreath” in the title means something completely different from what we expect? (You’ll have to read to find out!) And I loved finding out that the heroine in this book was somewhat based on Dr. Eleanor Bramwell from a Masterpiece Theatre production I’ve seen. Also enjoyed looking at the lovely photos on the author’s Pinterest board for this story, how fun! And last, but not least, I love the term “Christmastide”, it’s such a sweet, old-fashioned term!!

”It was winter; the night was very dark; the air extraordinary clear and cold, and sweet with the purity of forests. . . . For the making of a story here were fine conditions.” ~~ by Robert Louis Stevenson (he was mentioned in the story and he also died in 1894, the year of this story)

”I love everything that’s old – old friends, old times, old manners, old books.” ~~ by Oliver Goldsmith

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wreath of Snow is a delightful Christmas story. I enjoyed every sweet, Christmas-y word of it :) True to form, Higgs created characters with some ugly flaws, and that is what I always love about her stories--her characters really feel true to life. I loved all of the details about Victorian Stirling, especially the trains. What a pleasant surprise to realize upon reading that I have actually been to the city the story takes place and saw the church mentioned in the story as well. It also mentioned the Wallace monument, and I've climbed to the top of that as well. It was fun to hear it mentioned in it's own time, or at least closer to when it was built.

I was happy to find that there was no insta-love. Interest, yes, but no riding off into the sunset. The ending was sweet without being sappy. For some it may have left something to be desired, but for the length of the story, I thought it was perfect. I recommend reading this while cozy on the couch next to the Christmas tree. :)

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely little Christmas read. I thoroughly enjoyed the pages of this new to me author. The many little quotes at the beginning of each chapter was an added gem. I could clearly see the train station and the mounds of snow in my minds eye; that's the mark of a good read.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read. It takes place in Scotland at Christmas. There is a snow storm that keeps the characters together in town. There is also a quick romance. The story takes place over a couple of days.

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a bite size piece of romance filled with hurt, healing, and sweetness. I do not read many novellas because I find many of them too short for my liking. However, I was really drawn into the depth of pain and hope for healing that wove its way around Meg and Gordon.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75🌟 Sweet historical holiday novella. A bit predictable, good faith content.

[Beth Farley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as I wanted it to be but an ok story that takes place at Christmas with lots of snow and a fair bit of tension and a twist that really didn't land.

[Kerry Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wreath of Snow was a sweet treat-of-a-Christmas-novella. I was immediately drawn into this cozy tale of two people longing for home at Christmastime, and the act of forgiveness required to get them to that (spiritual and physical) place. Liz Curtis Higgs' poignant words settled me right into that snowy, Scotland evening, then made me want to stay even longer when I reached the story's end.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy the focus of forgiveness here, but also think that certain parts of the story were rushed. If there had been an epilogue afterwards, that would've been nice.

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does Christmas represent? Love for one another. Cheer. Birth of new things. Reconciliation with the old things. Brilliance. Joy and festivities. Our Savior.

A Wreath of Snow embodies all these thoughts as one, wraps the whole in a swatch of elegant paper wrapping, and ties it up with a bow of twine.

Allow yourself the privilege to read the first paragraph and see if you are drawn into the story as much as I immediately delighted in the author's way with words.

"In all her twenty-six years, Meg Campbell had never been this cold. Shivering inside her green woolen coat, she passed the crowded shops of Murray Place as the snow fell thick and fast. She could only guess when the next train would depart for Edinburgh. Why had she not consulted her father's railway schedule posted by the kitchen door? Because she left Albert Place in tears. Because she left without even saying good-bye."

Doesn't it draw you in?

Displaying a capture of a moment in time, A Wreath of Snow includes only a couple of fateful days in 1894 for Meg Campbell and her family. My!--what an interesting story that can take place in such a small span of time. In Stirling, Scotland, the Campbells at Albert Place intended to enjoy a wonderful Christmas together; events go awry when Meg's brother, Alan, expresses his discontentment from years of suppressed bitterness. When a frosty outpouring from the skies leaves the train tracks blocked, Meg can't escape her brother's sharp words and family's disgruntlement. While running from the strong feelings, she runs right into a stranger who carries secrets and remorse under his winter coat, instead of holiday surprises. Only a provincial meeting could start the healing that all are needing to feel the Christmas spirit.

I felt riveted through the duration of the entire book. Liz Curtis Higgs has a way with words -- she brings them to life, right on the page before your eyes. In fact, during a certain passage in the book, she summarizes the character of a newspaper reporter in the same way I'd like to describe her, if you will. When Higgs writes, she possesses "the hands of an artist whose medium [is] words." (In the book, this phrase stood out to me so well, that I just had to return it as a compliment back to the one who penned the words.) The dialogue is very realistic, and the Scottish inflections are so natural. I also enjoy how the author tastefully weaves scriptures and tidbits of Christian faith directly into the story, so that it strengthens the main plot.

"For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth." The stationmaster splayed his hands. "It would seem the Almighty wanted snow on Christmas Eve." No one could take umbrage with that statement. Not even Alan.

As you read, you'll find it is thoroughly Victorian on every page, in each breath the characters disclose. By this statement, I mean that the gentlemen are true gentlemen, the ladies and true ladies, everything is absolutely prim, proper, and "just so". Traditions and morals are of the utmost importance, and woe upon any who dares to disregard the elegant way of doing something. Yes, the story is perfectly, marvelously Victorian.

Definitely one of my favorite books I've read all year long.

A sequel should be in order, one would hope.

"It was winter; the night was very dark; the air extraordinary clear and cold, and sweet with the purity of forests.... For the making of a story here were fine conditions." (Robert Louis Stevenson)

[Nancy Narma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This Story Will Warm the Cockles of Your Heart”

I want to say upfront, I love, love, loved this Victorian Christmas Novella. I admit it was partly due to my deep Scottish roots, but it is also due to the magnificent descriptiveness of the location and its characters. Set in 1894, on a snowy Christmas Eve in Stirling, Scotland, we are introduced to 26 yr. old Edinburgh schoolteacher Margaret (“Meg”) Campbell whose most fervent wish is to have a wonderful Christmas Holiday with her family, complete with delectable treats, wrapped surprises, traditions remembered from her childhood, the warmth of a blazing fire and her loving parents. Sadly, however, this was not to be. Meg’s Brother, Alan is bitter—and his bitterness is due to a curling accident which occurred at a local park when he was a boy. He suffered injuries which left him unable to care for himself for the majority of his 22 years, having to rely on their parents as caregivers. As much as Meg wanted to stay and enjoy the Yuletide festivities, Alan’s cruel remarks and nastiness were more than she could bear so she left a note of apology for her Mother and trudged through the dark, snowy night to the railway station, hoping for a seat on the next train to Edinburgh. She is hoping for a safe ride home and an escape back to her townhouse. Little does she know what adventures await her and the other passengers with a bitterly cold blizzard reeking havoc on the region. Sadness, fear and the realization of a physical and mental strength she never knew she possessed, are coupled with the interests of a tall, red-haired newspaperman from Glasgow. He looks familiar, but what she’s thinking seems impossible. Or is it? When Mother Nature swirls the quickly accumulating snow into “Wreaths” (Scottish term for snowdrifts), and coats the rails with thick ice, even with a tremendous amount of manpower shoveling the mountainous drifts, the train is unable to proceed and the passengers ultimately have to make their way back to the railway station on foot and with few lanterns. When they reach the Stirling station, Meg must swallow her shame and greet her worried Parents. With no alternative but to follow them back to Albert Place, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell take pity on the newspaperman and ask him to stay with them until the trains are running once more. What deep-dark secrets might this gentleman hold? What bearing will they have on the Campbell Family and, moreover, Meg’s future in Edinburgh? Ms. Curtis-Higgs has written a mesmerizing tale with a “Christmas Cracker” of an ending. Whether it’s still the holiday season or snowing where you are, you won’t want to lay this Novella down until you sadly reach the last page. I’m looking forward to the next of this Author’s work and I’m betting you will be too!
Nancy Narma

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. I don't enjoy when Christmas novellas conclude in insta love, and this one did not. It was short, but sweet, with just a bit of a faith based element. The characters were well written and I enjoyed how descriptive the Victorian setting was as well as little details in the scenes about the traditions surrounding the holidays. I also really loved all the snow and the parts in the book where the characters bundled up. I felt like I was right there in the middle of the frigid weather!