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Tumbleweed Christmas
A shell-shocked veteran. A shattered child. A Christmas miracle. It's Christmas in 1953 on the dusty High Plains of West Texas. It was lonely enough out there before eleven-year-old Bonnie McGrath lost her mother. Now she aches for her daddy's return from Korea to fill the emptiness that's been carved out of her heart ever since Mama's passing. But the father who left Muleshoe, Texas, three years before has come home as somebody else. After nineteen months in a North Korean prisoner-of-war camp, Beau McGrath has lost the ability to love. A New Mexican blizzard claims the county's Christmas trees, and the loss is devastating. A symbol of all the good in Bonnie's life that has been taken away and is now gone forever. Beau must replace the trees, but his only solution takes him even farther away from his daughter. Will the chasm between them grow wide enough that neither of them will ever be able to cross it again?
- GenresChristmas
95 pages, ebook
Published November 30, 2017
46 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Ninie Hammon
48 books241 followersI was born in Socorro, New Mexico, sometime shortly after the earth cooled off. It’s clear that from the outset my parents never intended for me to amount to anything. How could I? With a name like “Ninie?” Please.
Fame and fortune do not come to people named Ninie Bovell (My maiden name.) Gabriella Bovary? You could work with that. Even something as pedestrian as Madeline Bovell or Rebecca Bovell or (though you’d lose points here for lack of originality) Elizabeth Bovell. But Ninie? I never had a chance.
If I sound a mite hostile, bear in mind that in one decisive stroke my parents sentenced their precious newborn daughter to a lifetime of explanations that began my first day at Muleshoe Elementary School. (Yeah, Muleshoe. The hits just keep on coming.) After a painful week, I had a rap down that I still use today:
“No, it’s not Ninnie like skinny and penny. It’s Ninie—rhymes with tiny and shiny. 9e…get it? And no, it doesn’t mean anything, it isn’t short for anything, long for anything, or a substitute for anything. It just is. (Pause here for the inevitable ‘Why?’) You got me, pal, I couldn’t tell you.”
I grew up in Texas, got a BA in English and theatre from Texas Tech University and snagged a job as a newspaper reporter. Didn't know a thing about journalism, but my editor said if I could write he could teach me the rest of it and if I couldn't write the rest of it didn't matter. I hung in there for a 25-year career as a journalist. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, but as soon as I figured out that making up the facts was a whole lot more fun than reporting them, I never looked back.
Now, I write suspense--every flavor except pistachio: psychological suspense, inspirational suspense, suspense thrillers, paranormal suspense, suspense mysteries.
In every book I write I try to keep this promise to Loyal Reader: I will tell you a story in a distinctive voice you'll always recognize, about people as ordinary as you are--people who have been slammed by something they didn’t sign on for, and now they must fight for their lives. Then smack in the middle of their everyday worlds, those people encounter the unexplainable--and it's always the game-changer."
Fame and fortune do not come to people named Ninie Bovell (My maiden name.) Gabriella Bovary? You could work with that. Even something as pedestrian as Madeline Bovell or Rebecca Bovell or (though you’d lose points here for lack of originality) Elizabeth Bovell. But Ninie? I never had a chance.
If I sound a mite hostile, bear in mind that in one decisive stroke my parents sentenced their precious newborn daughter to a lifetime of explanations that began my first day at Muleshoe Elementary School. (Yeah, Muleshoe. The hits just keep on coming.) After a painful week, I had a rap down that I still use today:
“No, it’s not Ninnie like skinny and penny. It’s Ninie—rhymes with tiny and shiny. 9e…get it? And no, it doesn’t mean anything, it isn’t short for anything, long for anything, or a substitute for anything. It just is. (Pause here for the inevitable ‘Why?’) You got me, pal, I couldn’t tell you.”
I grew up in Texas, got a BA in English and theatre from Texas Tech University and snagged a job as a newspaper reporter. Didn't know a thing about journalism, but my editor said if I could write he could teach me the rest of it and if I couldn't write the rest of it didn't matter. I hung in there for a 25-year career as a journalist. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, but as soon as I figured out that making up the facts was a whole lot more fun than reporting them, I never looked back.
Now, I write suspense--every flavor except pistachio: psychological suspense, inspirational suspense, suspense thrillers, paranormal suspense, suspense mysteries.
In every book I write I try to keep this promise to Loyal Reader: I will tell you a story in a distinctive voice you'll always recognize, about people as ordinary as you are--people who have been slammed by something they didn’t sign on for, and now they must fight for their lives. Then smack in the middle of their everyday worlds, those people encounter the unexplainable--and it's always the game-changer."
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 7, 2023
Watch my full review: https://youtu.be/NNnL45gv0KY
Wow. This was so unique and definitely not your average jingle bells and stocking stuffer Christmas book. It was heartfelt and emotional and that ending... I had literal goosebumps and I teared up. I do NOT cry over character deaths or things like that but this... this got to me.
I'll start with themes. A large part revolved around grief and loss and learning to cope and clinging to loved ones rather than pushing them away in your grieving. Yeah...it was pretty intense and you're probably wondering how this is supposed to be a Christmas book. I know, because I felt the same way at first. But no fear, by the end, I was feeling those Christmassy feels.
I loved that their Christmas showcased love and togetherness instead of being materialistic and plastic. There was nothing fake or showy about this.
When it came to characters, these were complex, deep and so very real. Bonnie and her dad were both struggling in their own ways which often resulted in clashes and misunderstandings. The part where she gifts him his medals... that was deep and so sad. This author made it so easy to be able to sympathize with both hurting characters.
The writing was very enjoyable, and the flashbacks flowed beautifully with the present day. I loved the Texas descriptions!
Overall, 5 stars! This is just one of the books that you need to read for yourself. This did deal with loss and minor PTSD to some extent. I'll be checking out more by this author for sure!
Wow. This was so unique and definitely not your average jingle bells and stocking stuffer Christmas book. It was heartfelt and emotional and that ending... I had literal goosebumps and I teared up. I do NOT cry over character deaths or things like that but this... this got to me.
I'll start with themes. A large part revolved around grief and loss and learning to cope and clinging to loved ones rather than pushing them away in your grieving. Yeah...it was pretty intense and you're probably wondering how this is supposed to be a Christmas book. I know, because I felt the same way at first. But no fear, by the end, I was feeling those Christmassy feels.
I loved that their Christmas showcased love and togetherness instead of being materialistic and plastic. There was nothing fake or showy about this.
When it came to characters, these were complex, deep and so very real. Bonnie and her dad were both struggling in their own ways which often resulted in clashes and misunderstandings. The part where she gifts him his medals... that was deep and so sad. This author made it so easy to be able to sympathize with both hurting characters.
The writing was very enjoyable, and the flashbacks flowed beautifully with the present day. I loved the Texas descriptions!
Overall, 5 stars! This is just one of the books that you need to read for yourself. This did deal with loss and minor PTSD to some extent. I'll be checking out more by this author for sure!
December 2, 2017
You'll want a tumbleweed for Christmas
Another engrossing treat from Ninie Hammon. I always want to read her books slow and savor them, but they're so deeply engrossing I find myself reading way into the night, unable to put them down. This novella was no different. A story of hurt and healing, it will make you laugh and cry....and want a tumbleweed for Christmas. Be sure to go to the link in the back for a free 9e book.
Another engrossing treat from Ninie Hammon. I always want to read her books slow and savor them, but they're so deeply engrossing I find myself reading way into the night, unable to put them down. This novella was no different. A story of hurt and healing, it will make you laugh and cry....and want a tumbleweed for Christmas. Be sure to go to the link in the back for a free 9e book.
December 12, 2017
Good story
Great read, very different from Ninie’s usual books, A very good heart warming read. Would recommend to friend to read. Thank you for such a great book to read Ninie.
Great read, very different from Ninie’s usual books, A very good heart warming read. Would recommend to friend to read. Thank you for such a great book to read Ninie.
December 7, 2017
So touching I cried
Ninie Hammon brings the spirit of Christmas home in this poignant novella. A tale of love, loss and resilience of spirit told in Ninie's unique and special way.
West Texas is hard on everyone and everything. Especially little girls who are faced with their mother's death and the seeming indifference of their father. The landscape is bleak for as far as the eye can see and there is no love felt in the house anymore.
Read along to see how one county finds a way to make trees for Christmas and start to rebuild a family broken down by death.
Ninie Hammon brings the spirit of Christmas home in this poignant novella. A tale of love, loss and resilience of spirit told in Ninie's unique and special way.
West Texas is hard on everyone and everything. Especially little girls who are faced with their mother's death and the seeming indifference of their father. The landscape is bleak for as far as the eye can see and there is no love felt in the house anymore.
Read along to see how one county finds a way to make trees for Christmas and start to rebuild a family broken down by death.
December 19, 2021
free ebook
she was a daughter whose mom died, last book i need to read now when my own mom just died
her dad was a pow and came home after her mom died
they were supposed to get xmas trees for the town to sell, but they were snowed in and couldnt be cut. so he made xmas trees out of tumbleweeds with the towns help
the grandparents sent her a xmas present from her mom, it was a painting she didnt finish before she died. it showed the tumbleweed tree and her and her dad and even the ornament she made out of a eggshell.
very sad made me cry
she was a daughter whose mom died, last book i need to read now when my own mom just died
her dad was a pow and came home after her mom died
they were supposed to get xmas trees for the town to sell, but they were snowed in and couldnt be cut. so he made xmas trees out of tumbleweeds with the towns help
the grandparents sent her a xmas present from her mom, it was a painting she didnt finish before she died. it showed the tumbleweed tree and her and her dad and even the ornament she made out of a eggshell.
very sad made me cry
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2017
It Fills Your Heart With Warmth
Such a wonderful story. It seems like something we should be familiar with in today's world. I would have finished it sooner except it's hard to read with tears in your eyes. I also admit to going back and e-learning some pages to get all the meaning and feelings out of them and into me. If you haven't already, I strongly recommend you read this story.
Such a wonderful story. It seems like something we should be familiar with in today's world. I would have finished it sooner except it's hard to read with tears in your eyes. I also admit to going back and e-learning some pages to get all the meaning and feelings out of them and into me. If you haven't already, I strongly recommend you read this story.
December 10, 2017
Wow what a ending
This takes me back to Christmases of my youth, in Texas. I was from the city but back then so much open land, cattle ranches and tumbleweeds.
I remember sitting around the table listening to my Uncles war stories of Korea, Pearl Harbor, and so much more.
This story really hit home for me, the ending was awesome. Thanks you!
This takes me back to Christmases of my youth, in Texas. I was from the city but back then so much open land, cattle ranches and tumbleweeds.
I remember sitting around the table listening to my Uncles war stories of Korea, Pearl Harbor, and so much more.
This story really hit home for me, the ending was awesome. Thanks you!
December 6, 2017
Oh My Gosh!!!!!
Ninie has done it again a rivoting story unlike any she has done before!! This story takes you through the pain of loss and the joyous love of a father and daughter. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
Ninie has done it again a rivoting story unlike any she has done before!! This story takes you through the pain of loss and the joyous love of a father and daughter. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
December 4, 2017
Another powerful read.
Ninie has a feel for the seen realities of our world, the joyful ones and the painful ones. She also has a feel for the unseen realities of how God works. Her books lead you to hope. Well done Ninie.
Ninie has a feel for the seen realities of our world, the joyful ones and the painful ones. She also has a feel for the unseen realities of how God works. Her books lead you to hope. Well done Ninie.
December 4, 2017
Laughed and cried
This is such a good book. There is a lesson to be learned, also. It was short so didn't take long to read. What do you do when you can't find a Christmas tree? Very inventive!!!
This is such a good book. There is a lesson to be learned, also. It was short so didn't take long to read. What do you do when you can't find a Christmas tree? Very inventive!!!
December 4, 2017
New twist on the meaning of love
As always, Ninie doesn't fail. This is a far cry from her regular type of writing, but another hit. It's a feel good kind of story, that leaves you with a feeling of love.
As always, Ninie doesn't fail. This is a far cry from her regular type of writing, but another hit. It's a feel good kind of story, that leaves you with a feeling of love.
December 15, 2017
Great book. Love all of Ninie’s books. They grab you and transport you into the story. She has an awesome storytelling ability. The characters and story were so real, it was a wonderful Christmas present for her readers.
December 16, 2017
A great Christmas Story
I love this story. It's not typical love story. It's about loss, and finding your way back to each other.And love and relationship between father and child.
A excellent read.
I love this story. It's not typical love story. It's about loss, and finding your way back to each other.And love and relationship between father and child.
A excellent read.
December 1, 2018
Stunning prose and a heartwarming story
Jumpstart your Holiday with this story of a real Christmas miracle. Sacrifice, life, death, loss and redemption all juxtaposed against a small town Texas landscape wrapped in beautiful writing. Magical.
Jumpstart your Holiday with this story of a real Christmas miracle. Sacrifice, life, death, loss and redemption all juxtaposed against a small town Texas landscape wrapped in beautiful writing. Magical.
December 13, 2021
This was good but very sad. I wish the ending had been fleshed out a bit more because there was so much hurt between this father and daughter that I know it couldn't have been repaired as easily as implied.
December 8, 2017
It's a fast read. It's short. It's definitely a tear jerker. I want to give copies to everyone I know. What a wonderful gift this book has been and will be.
December 8, 2017
Christmas....
Great little Christmas story, with Ninie’s touch! Now on to more of Ninie Harmony’s books as always as great read.
Great little Christmas story, with Ninie’s touch! Now on to more of Ninie Harmony’s books as always as great read.
December 10, 2017
Hope everyone reads this
This is a gem. Characters that walked off the page. Scenes that invited the reader into the event. Great read.
This is a gem. Characters that walked off the page. Scenes that invited the reader into the event. Great read.
December 14, 2017
A great read
A beautiful and well-written story. Definitely a great read, like every other Ninie Hammon book I have read. Well done, Ninie!
A beautiful and well-written story. Definitely a great read, like every other Ninie Hammon book I have read. Well done, Ninie!
December 18, 2017
Captivating
Well written and believable. Loved the fun way she has of describing things in this story. I could almost hear that gnat walking across that cotton ball!
Well written and believable. Loved the fun way she has of describing things in this story. I could almost hear that gnat walking across that cotton ball!
December 27, 2017
Always enjoy Nine’s books. Having grown up in West Texas it is always a treat to read her books that are based here. Very touching Christmas story! Thank you Ninie!
January 18, 2021
Heart Warming
You can feel the emptiness and longing replaced with love and peace. The ending brought tears to my eyes. Heartwarming
You can feel the emptiness and longing replaced with love and peace. The ending brought tears to my eyes. Heartwarming
March 25, 2021
Amazing as usual
Such a lovely short story. What a beautiful ending. Im so glad a friend of mine introduced me to this amazing author
Such a lovely short story. What a beautiful ending. Im so glad a friend of mine introduced me to this amazing author
January 11, 2022
It was a cute story. I enjoyed it but not a page turner. It left me wanting more at the end.
February 6, 2022
Very heartwarming story of a young girl’s struggles with family changes. I would recommend this book!
August 21, 2019
Great read
Ninie takes you right into these characters lives. You feel like you’re there with them. Going through their ups and downs.
Ninie takes you right into these characters lives. You feel like you’re there with them. Going through their ups and downs.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews