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The Christmas Card #1
The Christmas Card
A Christmas card meant to win the heart of a woman, changes the hearts of many.
Cole Nikols had spent months planning the perfect night for his girlfriend, Sarah Whitman. But when Sarah abandons their date for yet another emergency with her ever-demanding charitable work, everything falls apart. Now, instead of planning their future, Cole is worried he’s ruined any chance he had with Sarah.
Wanting to prove his love for Sarah, Cole writes a Christmas card. He sends it to everyone he knows, spreading the message of Sarah’s generous life and dedication to God, while asking others for help in his project of winning the woman he loves.
However, never does he imagine the far reach and impact one Christmas card can make. Landing in the hands of so many different people, it produces a chain that changes lives forever.
As the Christmas card’s stories come full circle, will Cole’s plan work? Will a Christmas card be enough to win Sarah’s heart?
'The Christmas Card' is a Inspirational Romance novella.
Cole Nikols had spent months planning the perfect night for his girlfriend, Sarah Whitman. But when Sarah abandons their date for yet another emergency with her ever-demanding charitable work, everything falls apart. Now, instead of planning their future, Cole is worried he’s ruined any chance he had with Sarah.
Wanting to prove his love for Sarah, Cole writes a Christmas card. He sends it to everyone he knows, spreading the message of Sarah’s generous life and dedication to God, while asking others for help in his project of winning the woman he loves.
However, never does he imagine the far reach and impact one Christmas card can make. Landing in the hands of so many different people, it produces a chain that changes lives forever.
As the Christmas card’s stories come full circle, will Cole’s plan work? Will a Christmas card be enough to win Sarah’s heart?
'The Christmas Card' is a Inspirational Romance novella.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2015
108 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Tru
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 21, 2020
When I first started this book I wasn’t sure if I would like it because Sarah was so selfish! She didn’t call it selfish, she said she was doing it all for God, but her actions and words said otherwise. I really wanted to tell her a few things she seemed to have forgotten were in the Bible, but by the end she had gotten straightened out, so I didn’t need to figure out a way to get into the story.
The part about the Christmas card and the impact it made was neat. I enjoyed watching the results of the people who read it.
There were some kisses at the end when the – well, there just were (no spoilers) but they were not descriptive.
The part about the Christmas card and the impact it made was neat. I enjoyed watching the results of the people who read it.
There were some kisses at the end when the – well, there just were (no spoilers) but they were not descriptive.
November 26, 2022
I loved this story and the strong faith element to the story. I always love stories that show the power of the written word and how the same words impact different people in different ways
February 9, 2019
What an inspiring book! A great heart check on how we are spending our free time; our goals at Christmas time; our walk as Christians; and how we live and walk with the “least of these” in our communities.
Likewise, it addresses love from the heart; the cost and sacrifices of love; giving and commitment. What will we choose? How do we respond to other people’s choices.
Likewise, it addresses love from the heart; the cost and sacrifices of love; giving and commitment. What will we choose? How do we respond to other people’s choices.
September 15, 2020
Wow!!
An absolute blessing to read this and to know that people can be able to find out who Jesus really is, and what He can do, it's amazing. We all are the least of these in one aspect or another. Makes me want to start singing at midnight and scare my family. I can't wait to read some more in this category.
An absolute blessing to read this and to know that people can be able to find out who Jesus really is, and what He can do, it's amazing. We all are the least of these in one aspect or another. Makes me want to start singing at midnight and scare my family. I can't wait to read some more in this category.
December 9, 2022
I've enjoyed many books written by Amanda Tru. She puts so much into each of her books. The reader comes away with wonderful life lessons to apply to their lives.
In this story, we are challenged to think about the gifts we give. Why are we giving it? Is it for us or to honor the One True Gift Giver?
And it all started with A Christmas Card.
Where's your heart this Christmas?
Amanda Tru is really a wonderful author who brings to life characters who end up digging down into your soul! She has a unique skill of blending words together, so I was blown away by the depth of this story.
It amazed me how each character had something I could identify with and take to heart. It was exquisitely written and flowed smoothly, so smoothly that at the end my heart was tumbling all over the place. I laughed, I smiled, and I cried, throughout the book. There were so many emotions in just one reading!
One word of warning, you might need tissues while reading this book!
I also loved how the author bought all the stories in this book back together.
It truly touched my heart, and I know it will stay with me for a long time.
I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it, it just might change how you view things, and each gift or card that you give!
In this story, we are challenged to think about the gifts we give. Why are we giving it? Is it for us or to honor the One True Gift Giver?
And it all started with A Christmas Card.
Where's your heart this Christmas?
Amanda Tru is really a wonderful author who brings to life characters who end up digging down into your soul! She has a unique skill of blending words together, so I was blown away by the depth of this story.
It amazed me how each character had something I could identify with and take to heart. It was exquisitely written and flowed smoothly, so smoothly that at the end my heart was tumbling all over the place. I laughed, I smiled, and I cried, throughout the book. There were so many emotions in just one reading!
One word of warning, you might need tissues while reading this book!
I also loved how the author bought all the stories in this book back together.
It truly touched my heart, and I know it will stay with me for a long time.
I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it, it just might change how you view things, and each gift or card that you give!
May 27, 2017
The wonderful story of Cole Nikols who has found the love of his life but she seems to find her job more important than him or anything else. When Cole realizes that Sarah is not selfish but willing to do anything God and Jesus asks of her he must find a way to prove to her that he is willing to do that too. His proof is in the form of the Christmas card he sends out that should be passed on to others in order to spread the word. The card suggests that everyone go out and help those who need help regardless of circumstances. Cole will find out on a very special day whether he has made a difference and whether Sarah will always be by his side.
December 31, 2019
Cole and Sarah are at dinner when she receives a call she has to take. Cole, usually reserved when it comes to these calls, is very upset and speaks his mind. He’d saved and planned for a couple months and Sarah just has to go. This sets the beginning stages of the story and leads us into The Card Cole creates and then mails out. That little card makes its way through many people and situations. Many of those are so heartfelt and towards the end of the book will bring a few tears to the corners of your eyes. Beautiful story with many things to think and pray about.
December 20, 2020
What gift can I give my Jesus ?
"The Little Drummer Boy" by for King and Country is sweeping the nation even as I write this review. The song has rejuvenated us and reminded us that no gift is too small, no gift us insignificant when it is given in love as if we are giving Jesus Himself a gift. And, as THE CHRISTMAS CARD also beautifully illustrates, every gift we give to another is as if we did it unto Jesus...and He loves and appreciates every single gift as well as the gift-giver. I love this sweet little book.
"The Little Drummer Boy" by for King and Country is sweeping the nation even as I write this review. The song has rejuvenated us and reminded us that no gift is too small, no gift us insignificant when it is given in love as if we are giving Jesus Himself a gift. And, as THE CHRISTMAS CARD also beautifully illustrates, every gift we give to another is as if we did it unto Jesus...and He loves and appreciates every single gift as well as the gift-giver. I love this sweet little book.
January 10, 2023
"You haven’t done anything to earn forgiveness, but neither have I. As I received mercy and grace, I’m now offering it to you. Here and now, I give up my right to be angry and hateful toward you. I don’t count your debt against me. It is as if it has been paid in full."
The book isn't perfect. There were a few spelling errors and continuity problems. The book was predictable and a little cheesy...BUT...I loved it. I totally enjoyed the predictable cheesy story. It's filled with beautiful pictures of forgiveness and selflessness that make the Christmas season even more beautiful.
The book isn't perfect. There were a few spelling errors and continuity problems. The book was predictable and a little cheesy...BUT...I loved it. I totally enjoyed the predictable cheesy story. It's filled with beautiful pictures of forgiveness and selflessness that make the Christmas season even more beautiful.
December 31, 2023
A woman who us either obsessed with a charity or has found her calling.
A man who wants to do the normal thing of taking her to an exclusive restaurant to propose, only to have her choose her charity over him. And his desire to find a way to get through to her that he still wants to marrying her, but isn't sure he has a chance.
And so he writes a Christmas card and asks for help, in a most unusual way. And waits to see what will happen, how people will respond. But will she see the light herself?
A man who wants to do the normal thing of taking her to an exclusive restaurant to propose, only to have her choose her charity over him. And his desire to find a way to get through to her that he still wants to marrying her, but isn't sure he has a chance.
And so he writes a Christmas card and asks for help, in a most unusual way. And waits to see what will happen, how people will respond. But will she see the light herself?
November 29, 2022
3.5⭐️ A thought-provoking novella with a service focus.
I especially enjoyed the middle of the story, getting glimpses into various peoples lives—those really touched my heart and made me think!
The romance was absolutely back seat which I am fine with! But I was slightly annoyed with Coles girlfriend’s handling of several things throughout—she is really supposed to be like a heroine in this story. And the end was just ok.
I especially enjoyed the middle of the story, getting glimpses into various peoples lives—those really touched my heart and made me think!
The romance was absolutely back seat which I am fine with! But I was slightly annoyed with Coles girlfriend’s handling of several things throughout—she is really supposed to be like a heroine in this story. And the end was just ok.
April 14, 2023
This book was riveting, but after my first read through, I got busy and never wrote a review. It is now March 2023 and I’ve just finished reading book 4, “The Bells of Christmas,” and about to begin my review of that book. But, I realized I’d failed to write a review of book one. Convicted, I wasn’t content to just post my 5-Star rating, it just seemed like this spectacular book deserved to also be reviewed. That decided, I reread the book and subsequently wrote the long overdue review about The Christmas Card, which highlights superbly the Ultimate gift given so very long ago.
In the preface, the author told how the book idea came to fruition. How Cole wanting to prove his love to his wonderful philanthropic girlfriend Sarah, and lands on the simple idea of a Christmas card, which he sends out to many. I have seen how Amanda Tru has in other books, fruitfully thrust home powerful biblical messages to prick people’s hearts and direct them to the Savior. I was hooked. How would the author bring an entertaining and beautiful story that lifts a mere story from the fiction plane to the heavenly plane, as well as speaking truth and directing glory to God? Well she did it once again.
Generally knowing where the book was headed, Chapter One was a surprise, a very believable surprise. Cole, in a “get-err-done” mentality arranges for a meal at a five-star restaurant, but when a phone call derails his expensive, romantic proposal; he is flummoxed. After some emotional discussion, Sarah leaves to “clean toilets,” Cole is left with an empty restaurant table, food, and no girlfriend. Later, he piles on consuming guilt, staggering fear, and then stunning C-l-a-r-i-t-y. It is then he devises his Clarity-filled plan.
Chapter by chapter, the book focuses on different character each chapter that is not just emotionally moved to do some kindness, but is God directed to emulate the words from the Christmas card that quotes from Matthew 25:40 “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Each character feels they have nothing to give that would make a difference, but each person upon soul searching realizes they have something to do that will make a difference. The contrasts were effect, such as the very coifed, well-to-do woman versus the homeless man wearing all his clothes; the young children who had little of monetary worth versus the adult children who were emotionally beaten down – all found something unique to give, which profoundly changed others with the intent of not focusing on themselves but God.
Chapter ten and eleven bring the story to a satisfactory thematic conclusion as well as a romantic conclusion. It is rather startling that by the end of the book, your focus is not riveted on the Cole/Sarah relationship, but on the thematic thrust of Matthew 25:40. The goal of the Preface is realized in full. This is a wonderful book. No reader can close it and remain unchanged.
P.S. I was happy that Sarah came to realize she needed to relinquish some of her responsibilities and delegate them to others, which would allow others to share the blessings of giving. This was wise, as ministry people can become burned-out or “weary in well-doing.”
In the preface, the author told how the book idea came to fruition. How Cole wanting to prove his love to his wonderful philanthropic girlfriend Sarah, and lands on the simple idea of a Christmas card, which he sends out to many. I have seen how Amanda Tru has in other books, fruitfully thrust home powerful biblical messages to prick people’s hearts and direct them to the Savior. I was hooked. How would the author bring an entertaining and beautiful story that lifts a mere story from the fiction plane to the heavenly plane, as well as speaking truth and directing glory to God? Well she did it once again.
Generally knowing where the book was headed, Chapter One was a surprise, a very believable surprise. Cole, in a “get-err-done” mentality arranges for a meal at a five-star restaurant, but when a phone call derails his expensive, romantic proposal; he is flummoxed. After some emotional discussion, Sarah leaves to “clean toilets,” Cole is left with an empty restaurant table, food, and no girlfriend. Later, he piles on consuming guilt, staggering fear, and then stunning C-l-a-r-i-t-y. It is then he devises his Clarity-filled plan.
Chapter by chapter, the book focuses on different character each chapter that is not just emotionally moved to do some kindness, but is God directed to emulate the words from the Christmas card that quotes from Matthew 25:40 “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Each character feels they have nothing to give that would make a difference, but each person upon soul searching realizes they have something to do that will make a difference. The contrasts were effect, such as the very coifed, well-to-do woman versus the homeless man wearing all his clothes; the young children who had little of monetary worth versus the adult children who were emotionally beaten down – all found something unique to give, which profoundly changed others with the intent of not focusing on themselves but God.
Chapter ten and eleven bring the story to a satisfactory thematic conclusion as well as a romantic conclusion. It is rather startling that by the end of the book, your focus is not riveted on the Cole/Sarah relationship, but on the thematic thrust of Matthew 25:40. The goal of the Preface is realized in full. This is a wonderful book. No reader can close it and remain unchanged.
P.S. I was happy that Sarah came to realize she needed to relinquish some of her responsibilities and delegate them to others, which would allow others to share the blessings of giving. This was wise, as ministry people can become burned-out or “weary in well-doing.”
January 27, 2019
Beautiful story
Awesome, touching novella that has far reaching implications for the Kingdom.Amanda Tru demonstrates through this awesome piece of literature how to be the extensions of God’s hands
Awesome, touching novella that has far reaching implications for the Kingdom.Amanda Tru demonstrates through this awesome piece of literature how to be the extensions of God’s hands
November 17, 2019
Whatever you do for the least of these
Follow the journey of a Christmas card as it falls into the hands of many people. !darn the secret of truly giving something to God. This "card" brings to life Matthew 25:30. I will definitely be using what this book has taught me!
Follow the journey of a Christmas card as it falls into the hands of many people. !darn the secret of truly giving something to God. This "card" brings to life Matthew 25:30. I will definitely be using what this book has taught me!
November 25, 2019
It's been a long time since I read a book in one sitting, much less cried my way through pretty much every single page!
What an exquisite and inspirational story! Please, if you only read one Christmas story this year, make it this book!
What an exquisite and inspirational story! Please, if you only read one Christmas story this year, make it this book!
December 12, 2019
Inspiration for Christmas
What a wonderful and uplifting read! I can honestly say I feel better for having read this book. The author has an amazing gift of weaving many stories seamlessly into one. She is one of my favorite authors!
What a wonderful and uplifting read! I can honestly say I feel better for having read this book. The author has an amazing gift of weaving many stories seamlessly into one. She is one of my favorite authors!
December 23, 2019
Kindness is free
A sweet romance about understanding the other person. doing good and letting the effects ripple through society is always a worthy message at the holidays and all year.
A sweet romance about understanding the other person. doing good and letting the effects ripple through society is always a worthy message at the holidays and all year.
February 13, 2020
Excellent
This book was very thought inspiring about how our everyday life could be a blessing to someone. The most inspiring was the man singing. Goes to show that you do t need money to make a difference in a life. Thought provoking with a challenge attached
This book was very thought inspiring about how our everyday life could be a blessing to someone. The most inspiring was the man singing. Goes to show that you do t need money to make a difference in a life. Thought provoking with a challenge attached
December 26, 2020
Great book
I love the idea behind this book and would love to see what would happen if it were to be put into place today. A must read especially if you are the type of person who likes to be the church, by finding ways to help others.
I love the idea behind this book and would love to see what would happen if it were to be put into place today. A must read especially if you are the type of person who likes to be the church, by finding ways to help others.
October 18, 2021
Showing God's Love
Thank you for this beautiful story of seeing God's love being multiplied. God's commandment to love one another was fulfilled when Cole took the first step in reaching out.
Thank you for this beautiful story of seeing God's love being multiplied. God's commandment to love one another was fulfilled when Cole took the first step in reaching out.
January 9, 2022
We can make a difference
A wonderful book about love and forgiveness. Each day we can thank our loving heavenly father and his son our savior Jesus Christ by giving gifts to each other .Gifts of love, charity, kindness and understanding. We can make a difference
A wonderful book about love and forgiveness. Each day we can thank our loving heavenly father and his son our savior Jesus Christ by giving gifts to each other .Gifts of love, charity, kindness and understanding. We can make a difference
May 3, 2024
Excellent!
This is without question, one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is a new take on the pay-it-forward concept.
There are many lessons to be learned within it's pages.
Well done Amanda Tru
This is without question, one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is a new take on the pay-it-forward concept.
There are many lessons to be learned within it's pages.
Well done Amanda Tru
December 4, 2024
Cute story following the pay-it-forward acts and seeing how God could use people to make a difference in someone else’s life. Loved that premise. As for the female MC, I would’ve let her walk away and would’ve been done. I was mad after the first chapter in how she treated the male MC. Things turn around but I can’t help but think if this was real life they’re going to have some major things to work through in their home/work balance
February 3, 2025
what a wonderful story!
This book was so enjoyable to read. I couldn’t put it down! The stories of how the Christmas Card moved from person to person was thrilling. Like a spark it lit the fire of giving to others in Jesus name.
This book was so enjoyable to read. I couldn’t put it down! The stories of how the Christmas Card moved from person to person was thrilling. Like a spark it lit the fire of giving to others in Jesus name.
December 30, 2017
Wonderful, inspirational book. Probably a little sappy, but I loved it.
January 14, 2018
Tear jerker
Be prepared to be challenged. This is the best Christmas card you will either give or receive. Pass it on.
Be prepared to be challenged. This is the best Christmas card you will either give or receive. Pass it on.
July 14, 2019
3.5 stars
February 18, 2020
Would you sacrifice something in order to honor gift of God’s love for you? The Christmas Card explores that idea and what beautiful gifts it creates.
June 18, 2020
The Christmas Card
I enjoyed the idea of The Christmas Card. It is much like the movie Pay It Forward. More depth of characters would have made the book a better read.
I enjoyed the idea of The Christmas Card. It is much like the movie Pay It Forward. More depth of characters would have made the book a better read.
May 9, 2021
Great book
This book makes you stop and think, what could I do to help someone? What could I give to bless someone? This has been a great series!
This book makes you stop and think, what could I do to help someone? What could I give to bless someone? This has been a great series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews