A Gift for All Time

by Tonya B. Ashley, Jenny Carlisle, Ellen E. Withers

In Christian homes, one simple reminder of the real reason for the Christmas season has endured―a nativity set depicting the humble birth of our Savior. Varying in size and material, these little tableaus often become a treasured part of a family’s celebration to be passed down through generations.

In the 1840s, an immigrant family experiences a catastrophe in a violent storm. They escape the riverboat with their lives, but all of their possessions, including their treasured nativity are dumped into the Arkansas River. In the town of Van Buren, Arkansas, a young woman enlists a local blacksmith to help return the treasured symbol of hope to its owners as they continue to their destination of St. Louis, Missouri.

By the time the Civil War causes a massive identity crisis for our country, the nativity scene arrives in Mexico, Missouri, a little worse for wear. There, a soldier recovering from injuries sustained in the War, takes on the project of refreshing and restoring the set as a gift to his lady love.

Finally, in a new millennium, the nativity set has completed a full circle. This time, it turns up in the attic of an old church in the Arkansas River Valley, where a college student and her new friend work to restore the spirit of a forgotten little town. After more than a century, the symbol of the first and most holy family becomes the focus once again.

God’s perfect plan for mankind was fulfilled by the birth of his son in a stable in Bethlehem. A simple representation of this event reaches the hearts of each of its owners, spanning generations. God’s love never fails.

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

Reviews

[Yavonda Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how all three authors took one precious item and wove it through three very different stories and time periods. Ellen E. Withers' novella was my favorite. It takes us back to Mexico, Missouri, during the Civil War, and I'm pretty sure it includes a character briefly mentioned in her novel, Show Me Deceit. (I do love a good Easter egg.)

I also really enjoyed Jenny Carlisle's story. I've never read anything by her, but I found her writing to be very engaging.

[Beth Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter when you read this Christmas novella collection, the stories will warm your heart. Each novella stands alone. However, at the center is a carved, heirloom nativity set that is passed down through the generations. In 1845 Van Buren, Arkansas, 1861 Mexico, Missouri, and contemporary Snowville, Arkansas, the nativity set connects the stories' characters with the past and renews hope for the future. An enjoyable Christmas collection, especially for readers who like historical fiction and romance.

[Heather Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful set of novellas to set the tone for Christmas. I love idea of following a treasured Christmas decoration through history, hearing the story of each generation that possesses it. And using the Christmas pyramid as that decoration was perfect. They're so full of character and charm, like the stories in the collection. Though each novella was its own complete story that could stand on its own, the weaving in of the previous novellas made the overall story that much richer and more memorable.

[Amy Anguish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet collection of stories. The different locations and times give it a fun variety as you follow the nativity scene through history and into today. It's always fun to weave fictional history with real history. Each author does a great job of making you feel like you're right there with the characters, rooting for the romance, and eager to see where the nativity ends up next. Perfect read for the holiday season.

[Christa Jacimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really nice, feel-good read. I had the book well before Christmas but didn’t get it started until after the new year. No matter. This has three stories by three different authors set in different time periods that are connected by the true meaning of Christmas through a special nativity set. The stories and characters are a warm hug. Very enjoyable. Especially enjoyed my friend Ellen Withers’s story in the middle.

[S Diane Benskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

Intertwining 3 time periods in these novellas about a family's cherished nativity set and its journey tells about good, kind, Christian characters who will warm your heart and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. This is one worth reading multiple times!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not really a big fan of Novellas to be honest, but liked the premise of this book about the Nativity figures.
On the whole, I did enjoy this. Think the first story was my favourite of the three.
I read this via Kindle Unlimited.

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I love that the nativity is a common thread among the three stories!
Each story is great on its own but so much fuller when taken as part of a whole.

[Suzanne Roq · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three separate stories revolve around a handmade wooden nativity set through the years- from the 1800s to present. How the nativity set wove into the stories was neat and the writing is good. I enjoyed the stories.