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The Hope of Christmas Past
When a mysterious painting offers her a trip to the past, will Isla find new hope for her future?
On the brink of aging out the foster system, the last thing Isla Laird wants is to spend Christmas in an old-fashioned plantation. What’s the point of bonding with her foster mom when it’s too late to ever be adopted? But when a mysterious painting suddenly thrusts her into the nineteenth century, Isla is forced to face hurts and memories she’s long tried to bury. With time running out and her heart in tatters, can God use an impossible miracle to bring Isla hope for a new future? Don't miss these other titles from Bestselling Christian Historical author Stephenia H. McGee Stand Alone Titles
In His Eyes
Eternity Between Us
On the brink of aging out the foster system, the last thing Isla Laird wants is to spend Christmas in an old-fashioned plantation. What’s the point of bonding with her foster mom when it’s too late to ever be adopted? But when a mysterious painting suddenly thrusts her into the nineteenth century, Isla is forced to face hurts and memories she’s long tried to bury. With time running out and her heart in tatters, can God use an impossible miracle to bring Isla hope for a new future? Don't miss these other titles from Bestselling Christian Historical author Stephenia H. McGee Stand Alone Titles
In His Eyes
Eternity Between Us
102 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2019
216 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Stephenia H. McGee
30 books804 followersStephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 31, 2019
I've never had a miss with this author's books, ever.
She always keeps them fresh and exciting!
A young girl weeks away from turning eighteen and aging out of the adoption system is bitter. Feeling she's caused her parents death and afraid to let her guard down and love and be loved since the relationship won't "last."
I absolutely love old plantation homes and mansions and have toured as many as I could and look forward to touring so many more. Belmont Plantation sounds like a dream. When I'm in the plantation homes I can always picture myself living there and what life would have been like back then. I loved the festive descriptions in this book and could truly picture myself there.
A time travel book I believe you will enjoy reading the modern times as much as traveling back in time with our main character. Getting advice from a character from the past helps her to accept who she is and realize she has what she needs right here. Loved the characters and flow of the story. The hope of Christmas past gives her hope for the future. Couldn't have picked a better title! Very encouraging and I advise you to read In His Eyes ti find out more about the character Ella.
Loved this book!
Expected publication: November 1st 2019 by By The Vine Press.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
She always keeps them fresh and exciting!
A young girl weeks away from turning eighteen and aging out of the adoption system is bitter. Feeling she's caused her parents death and afraid to let her guard down and love and be loved since the relationship won't "last."
I absolutely love old plantation homes and mansions and have toured as many as I could and look forward to touring so many more. Belmont Plantation sounds like a dream. When I'm in the plantation homes I can always picture myself living there and what life would have been like back then. I loved the festive descriptions in this book and could truly picture myself there.
A time travel book I believe you will enjoy reading the modern times as much as traveling back in time with our main character. Getting advice from a character from the past helps her to accept who she is and realize she has what she needs right here. Loved the characters and flow of the story. The hope of Christmas past gives her hope for the future. Couldn't have picked a better title! Very encouraging and I advise you to read In His Eyes ti find out more about the character Ella.
Loved this book!
Expected publication: November 1st 2019 by By The Vine Press.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 5, 2022
3 stars & 3/10 hearts. I picked this up as a freebie a couple years ago and finally gave it a try. I appreciated the author’s little note at the front! A good way to set the mind.
Although this is labeled a “time-travel” story, the time-travelling ending being a dream, so I was happy I didn’t have to dive into the theological tangle of real time-travel. As far as the writing style goes… I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, which makes me a severe critic. I really enjoyed the contemporary part of this story. It was well done and I thought the writing style really suited it. However… I had difficulties with the ante-bellum South part of the story. The dialogue was just too modern. I couldn’t see how Ella & Isla were able to communicate so well when Isla used words Ella wouldn’t have known… and the times when Ella didn’t understand her struck me as thrown in as a “oh yeah, she’s supposed to be an 1800s woman.” It could just be me though. I did think there was a lot of beautiful descriptions and similes, and I really enjoyed that.
I liked Jody & Isla a lot. I related to Isla, in fact. Ella + her family were sweet, and I really enjoyed seeing their old-fashioned ways. Ella, particularly, has a lot of wisdom. But all the characters were real and enjoyable. I liked the plot, with the emphasis on spending time together and being family. And the ending was darling. The message was good too—realizing the love God & people have for you and accepting it! I think I remember tearing up a little over it. ;)
Overall, it was a good little story and I enjoyed reading it. I might even read it again. And I’d like to try the author again.
Content: euphemisms; mention of relieving oneself; Ella believes God speaks to her in her dreams.
A Favourite Quote: “Don’t lock your heart away…. I know life is hard, and trials tear us down. Don’t let those bad times mar the good ones He has in store by assuming you ‘ruin everything.’ When you do that, you push away the love offered to you.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Ella’s melodious voice brushed the words of a forgotten hymn over her crumbling heart.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Should she call to someone in the house? No. That would be too hard to explain. Excuse me, I’m stuck in the painting. Anyone want to help me out?
Although this is labeled a “time-travel” story, the time-travelling ending being a dream, so I was happy I didn’t have to dive into the theological tangle of real time-travel. As far as the writing style goes… I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, which makes me a severe critic. I really enjoyed the contemporary part of this story. It was well done and I thought the writing style really suited it. However… I had difficulties with the ante-bellum South part of the story. The dialogue was just too modern. I couldn’t see how Ella & Isla were able to communicate so well when Isla used words Ella wouldn’t have known… and the times when Ella didn’t understand her struck me as thrown in as a “oh yeah, she’s supposed to be an 1800s woman.” It could just be me though. I did think there was a lot of beautiful descriptions and similes, and I really enjoyed that.
I liked Jody & Isla a lot. I related to Isla, in fact. Ella + her family were sweet, and I really enjoyed seeing their old-fashioned ways. Ella, particularly, has a lot of wisdom. But all the characters were real and enjoyable. I liked the plot, with the emphasis on spending time together and being family. And the ending was darling. The message was good too—realizing the love God & people have for you and accepting it! I think I remember tearing up a little over it. ;)
Overall, it was a good little story and I enjoyed reading it. I might even read it again. And I’d like to try the author again.
Content: euphemisms; mention of relieving oneself; Ella believes God speaks to her in her dreams.
A Favourite Quote: “Don’t lock your heart away…. I know life is hard, and trials tear us down. Don’t let those bad times mar the good ones He has in store by assuming you ‘ruin everything.’ When you do that, you push away the love offered to you.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: Ella’s melodious voice brushed the words of a forgotten hymn over her crumbling heart.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Should she call to someone in the house? No. That would be too hard to explain. Excuse me, I’m stuck in the painting. Anyone want to help me out?
December 6, 2023
Short and sweet. I liked this book.
January 28, 2022
A Christmas Miracle
I l9ved this story as it soke to my heart. I was adopted so it had a special meaning to me. The only problem with this story is it wasn't long enough, it ened way too fast. I highly recommend this book. I recommend reading the other book first in order to understand some of the background. It was truly a hear rendering story.
I l9ved this story as it soke to my heart. I was adopted so it had a special meaning to me. The only problem with this story is it wasn't long enough, it ened way too fast. I highly recommend this book. I recommend reading the other book first in order to understand some of the background. It was truly a hear rendering story.
December 20, 2020
This lovely little time travel tale was my first book by McGee. It's family story, not a romance, and I like that it pointed to spiritual truths for the character's healing journey.
November 1, 2019
Oh my! Author Stephenia McGee certainly knows how to write an intriguing, split time story. She wonderfully ties two time periods together, making her story easy to follow.
This novella reminds us that life isn’t always easy as McGee writes about a young woman who is in the foster care system. She just wants someone to be her forever family, yet feels that will never happen and pushes her foster mother away. But it’s Christmas, the time for miracles and Isla has an adventure ahead!
With a challenging subject handled well, this story of hope will warm your heart. A page turner, I highly recommend it if you enjoy a wonderful Christmas story, split time or historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
This novella reminds us that life isn’t always easy as McGee writes about a young woman who is in the foster care system. She just wants someone to be her forever family, yet feels that will never happen and pushes her foster mother away. But it’s Christmas, the time for miracles and Isla has an adventure ahead!
With a challenging subject handled well, this story of hope will warm your heart. A page turner, I highly recommend it if you enjoy a wonderful Christmas story, split time or historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
November 17, 2020
This was such a sweet novella! I really enjoyed it! This story idea was so unique and original. I loved it! I enjoyed this trip back to Belmont.
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
December 8, 2020
I really enjoyed listening to this audio-book! Books don't often make me cry, but something about listening to this story unfold, the intensity of emotion hit me and I teared up. This novella packs quite an emotional punch and I loved it!
I enjoyed getting to visit Belmont again and the chance to catch up with much loved characters. So find a cozy spot to snuggle in and enjoy this delightfully original Christmas story that is sure to warm your heart.
(I received a complimentary gift in a giveaway from the author. I am not required to write a review. Thoughts and opinions are my own.)
I enjoyed getting to visit Belmont again and the chance to catch up with much loved characters. So find a cozy spot to snuggle in and enjoy this delightfully original Christmas story that is sure to warm your heart.
(I received a complimentary gift in a giveaway from the author. I am not required to write a review. Thoughts and opinions are my own.)
December 17, 2025
This was a quick little Christmas story. I felt for Isla who struggled with trusting her current foster mom’s motives. Isla was coming to the point of aging out of a foster care system that had failed her many times in her past. Coming in contact with a beautiful painting and a woman from the historical past helped shift Isla’s perspective of what love looked like. Nicely told for a novella.
January 1, 2026
I found this book for free via Freebooksy
A little bit of holiday magic, mixed with some prayers, and the love of a new family. It touched me in a special way and left me with hope. I loved the descriptions and the dialogues. Well-written.
A little bit of holiday magic, mixed with some prayers, and the love of a new family. It touched me in a special way and left me with hope. I loved the descriptions and the dialogues. Well-written.
October 2, 2019
A Christian Time Travel??? Well, let’s suspend disbelief for now and enjoy this novella!
This was a unique story about a foster child, Isla, who is about to “age-out” of the system. She is a Christian but she has trust and self-worth issues.
Jody, her latest foster Mom has invited Isla to the historical Belmont Mansion B&B for a Christmas trip. Looking at a beautiful painting in the music room, Isla is transported back into the 1800’s where she meets Ella, a woman who looks enough like her to be her mother. Isla is there to learn a lesson and grow in her faith. The scripture “God is the Father of the fatherless and protector of widows.” keeps coming to Isla’s mind. “In that moment, love filled her in a way she hadn’t experienced before. It filled her from deep within, as though God opened her heart to pour love inside and then got distracted until it overflowed onto everything else.”
This small story packs a punch with vivid imagery and it was fun to see a 21st Century girl trying to cope with no technology and the customs of the 1800’s. It was very well written and had a great spiritual message. A bonus at the end are Scottish Recipes.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This was a unique story about a foster child, Isla, who is about to “age-out” of the system. She is a Christian but she has trust and self-worth issues.
Jody, her latest foster Mom has invited Isla to the historical Belmont Mansion B&B for a Christmas trip. Looking at a beautiful painting in the music room, Isla is transported back into the 1800’s where she meets Ella, a woman who looks enough like her to be her mother. Isla is there to learn a lesson and grow in her faith. The scripture “God is the Father of the fatherless and protector of widows.” keeps coming to Isla’s mind. “In that moment, love filled her in a way she hadn’t experienced before. It filled her from deep within, as though God opened her heart to pour love inside and then got distracted until it overflowed onto everything else.”
This small story packs a punch with vivid imagery and it was fun to see a 21st Century girl trying to cope with no technology and the customs of the 1800’s. It was very well written and had a great spiritual message. A bonus at the end are Scottish Recipes.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
November 6, 2019
A time traveling Christmas novella that takes me back to one of my favorite settings from McGee!? Yes please! I was so eager to read this lovely Christmas story and I'm happy to report it did not disappoint. From the beginning McGee had my heart. I knew where the setting was taking me, but I was pleasantly surprised with the foster mom part of the story. Yes, I read the book blurb, but I wasn't sure what the dynamic would be between Ilsa and her foster mom. I could feel for both of these ladies, and couldn't read fast enough to see how their relationship ended up.
Ilsa had a lot of growing up to do, but perhaps most important was for her to understand her place in the world, and how to love others. She had a lot of hurt, and I was curious to see how McGee could show such character growth and development in such a short period of time. But with the help of a special painting, Ella, and Belmont Plantation, McGee beautifully grows this character. There wasn't a moment my heart wasn't happy to be back at Belmont with old characters I love - especially Ella.
With vivid descriptions, poetic faith themes, and wonderfully written characters, readers are in for a treat with this beautiful Christmas story! Highly recommend reading. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ilsa had a lot of growing up to do, but perhaps most important was for her to understand her place in the world, and how to love others. She had a lot of hurt, and I was curious to see how McGee could show such character growth and development in such a short period of time. But with the help of a special painting, Ella, and Belmont Plantation, McGee beautifully grows this character. There wasn't a moment my heart wasn't happy to be back at Belmont with old characters I love - especially Ella.
With vivid descriptions, poetic faith themes, and wonderfully written characters, readers are in for a treat with this beautiful Christmas story! Highly recommend reading. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 21, 2019
BUY THIS BOOK!😍! IT CAPTURES A READER AND THE STORYLINE IS SPECTACULAR!
A SPECTACULAR BOOK THAT TOUCHES YOUR ❤ HEART AND SOUL! A IMAGINATIVE STORY THAT WILL CARRY YOU ALONG !I'M VERY JOYOUS TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO READ THIS BOOK! I SINCERELY HOPE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE READ THIS AND BUY THIS!😍
A SPECTACULAR BOOK THAT TOUCHES YOUR ❤ HEART AND SOUL! A IMAGINATIVE STORY THAT WILL CARRY YOU ALONG !I'M VERY JOYOUS TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO READ THIS BOOK! I SINCERELY HOPE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE READ THIS AND BUY THIS!😍
January 13, 2020
What a sweet uplifting story to remind us how much God loves and wants us to trust in his plan for us. Poor Isla has given up hope on ever having a family. Raised in the foster system she's just about to "age out" and she's been paired with a foster mom who seems to be everything a girl could want. Isla finds herself continually pushing her away and refusing to accept the love that she so genuinely seems to want to share. Well, they say God works in mysterious ways and that's exactly what he does for Isla. One minute she's looking at a painting and the next minute she's fallen through it back in time. Isla needed a sign that she should let go of the guilt of her parent's death and to learn to trust again and God gave her that sign in an undeniable way.
The author is very clear on not reading The Hope of Christmas Past as an opinion of God using time travel to carry out his plan. She states that you should read this book for the fanciful notion of time travel that has a beautiful Christian message and I for one loved it!
The author is very clear on not reading The Hope of Christmas Past as an opinion of God using time travel to carry out his plan. She states that you should read this book for the fanciful notion of time travel that has a beautiful Christian message and I for one loved it!
November 1, 2019
Full review and the first line featured on FaithfullyBookish.com
The Hope of Christmas Past is a sweet and inspiring afternoon read filled with moments of laughter and sprinkled with happy tears. Aside from the tastefully executed time-slip element, Isla's story reads much like an encouraging coming of age story. The author's portrayal of this young lady's heart and jumbled emotions are genuine and relatable. Messages of hope, belonging, and love soothe the bittersweet longings for loved ones out of reach or situations beyond our control. What a wonderful story for young ladies to enjoy with their sisters, mothers, and grandmothers! This story reminded me to cherish the peace God graces us with as believers. I highly recommend this story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
The Hope of Christmas Past is a sweet and inspiring afternoon read filled with moments of laughter and sprinkled with happy tears. Aside from the tastefully executed time-slip element, Isla's story reads much like an encouraging coming of age story. The author's portrayal of this young lady's heart and jumbled emotions are genuine and relatable. Messages of hope, belonging, and love soothe the bittersweet longings for loved ones out of reach or situations beyond our control. What a wonderful story for young ladies to enjoy with their sisters, mothers, and grandmothers! This story reminded me to cherish the peace God graces us with as believers. I highly recommend this story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 21, 2019
The Hope Of Christmas Past by Stephenia H McGee is a delightful Christian timeslip novella that will warm your heart.
There are all the elements to make a perfect Christmas wrapped up in tantalising descriptions. A warm welcome awaits the reader.
Themes of taking care of widows and orphans, and the all encompassing love of God swell the reader’s heart. God loves us forever and always, even when we think we have messed up. His love is unconditional.
Christmas is the time for snow and miracles and love. The Hope Of Christmas Past is a most charming tale that will entertain you and leave you feeling good.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
There are all the elements to make a perfect Christmas wrapped up in tantalising descriptions. A warm welcome awaits the reader.
Themes of taking care of widows and orphans, and the all encompassing love of God swell the reader’s heart. God loves us forever and always, even when we think we have messed up. His love is unconditional.
Christmas is the time for snow and miracles and love. The Hope Of Christmas Past is a most charming tale that will entertain you and leave you feeling good.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
November 7, 2019
A sweet and fun story of the fear of aging out of the foster system with a bit of time travel mixed in. Author Stephenia H. McGee has written a charming story where readers will be able to connect to the emotions of the main character, especially her fears of aging out of the foster care system. With a bit of time travel mixed in where the main character meets some of her family from the past, the main character comes to learn that is she is loved and wanted and there is hope for a miracle of home and family.
Genre: Christian romance, inspirational
Publisher: By the Vine Press
Publication date: November 1, 2019
Number of pages: 102
An ecopy of this book was purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: Christian romance, inspirational
Publisher: By the Vine Press
Publication date: November 1, 2019
Number of pages: 102
An ecopy of this book was purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
July 8, 2020
Fun time travel novella
This was a super fun time travel novella. Isla started the book acting like a brat but she had good reason. She was about to age out of the foster system and had no idea what would happen next.
She had been kicked out of multiple foster homes and was waiting for the same thing to happen with her present foster mom, Jody. But things are about to get a huge twist when she falls through a painting and lands in the past.
I like the way the author used the family Isla found herself with to teach the lesson that family is about more than just blood.
Isla also got a much-needed reminder of the love of her Heavenly Father. A great, short read with a powerful lesson.
This was a super fun time travel novella. Isla started the book acting like a brat but she had good reason. She was about to age out of the foster system and had no idea what would happen next.
She had been kicked out of multiple foster homes and was waiting for the same thing to happen with her present foster mom, Jody. But things are about to get a huge twist when she falls through a painting and lands in the past.
I like the way the author used the family Isla found herself with to teach the lesson that family is about more than just blood.
Isla also got a much-needed reminder of the love of her Heavenly Father. A great, short read with a powerful lesson.
June 3, 2024
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL STORY FOR EVERY TIME Of YEAR!!!
This story had A bit of EVERYTHING in it and I loved every page!!! I enjoyed the time travel that took the main character Island back to Belmont Plantation to learn lesson of love and Faith!!! This was another fantastic story from this Amazing Author, and it's message was fitting for everyday of the year, as well as being A Beautiful, Uplifting Christmas story. I Highly Recommend this beautiful story to everyone. This author's books always make me smile as I wipe away tears of happiness. My faith is always just a bit stronger with EVERY book that I read from this Wonderful Author!!!! It's A treat to read such A special story!!!!
This story had A bit of EVERYTHING in it and I loved every page!!! I enjoyed the time travel that took the main character Island back to Belmont Plantation to learn lesson of love and Faith!!! This was another fantastic story from this Amazing Author, and it's message was fitting for everyday of the year, as well as being A Beautiful, Uplifting Christmas story. I Highly Recommend this beautiful story to everyone. This author's books always make me smile as I wipe away tears of happiness. My faith is always just a bit stronger with EVERY book that I read from this Wonderful Author!!!! It's A treat to read such A special story!!!!
September 24, 2020
The Hope of Christmas Past
I adore time travel books but normally avoid short stories. I'm so glad I didn't avoid this story of a girl named Isla who was aging out of childcare and felt unloved. She "fell through"a painting and went back to the 1800's. This is a Christian story that lets her understand that she's loved by God and friends. The story brought a few years to my eyes but was a refreshing story and I recommend a quick story that will stay with you for the lessons it gives.
I adore time travel books but normally avoid short stories. I'm so glad I didn't avoid this story of a girl named Isla who was aging out of childcare and felt unloved. She "fell through"a painting and went back to the 1800's. This is a Christian story that lets her understand that she's loved by God and friends. The story brought a few years to my eyes but was a refreshing story and I recommend a quick story that will stay with you for the lessons it gives.
December 26, 2023
4.5 stars but I had to round it up to 5 since 4.5 can’t be chosen - Read via Kindle ebook.
I believe this is my first read by this author. I really enjoyed this book. Everything about it was interesting—the location, the “Narnia” type painting, the time travel, the back story, the foster mom, the old plantation, etc. A lot was packed into this novella.
My only critique would perhaps be when the MC was in the late 1800s and there wasn’t more of a language issue with how things are said, etc.
This is my 120th book of the year, doubling my original goal of 60.
I believe this is my first read by this author. I really enjoyed this book. Everything about it was interesting—the location, the “Narnia” type painting, the time travel, the back story, the foster mom, the old plantation, etc. A lot was packed into this novella.
My only critique would perhaps be when the MC was in the late 1800s and there wasn’t more of a language issue with how things are said, etc.
This is my 120th book of the year, doubling my original goal of 60.
December 26, 2025
I wanted Stephenia H Mcgee to be my most read author this year but I needed one more book finished of hers before Jan 1st! So I thought I'd pick a novella to be sure I could finish in time. I saw she had a Christmas novella! With my name in the title and about adoption (one of my favorite topics) so I thought itd be perfect! And it pretty much was. It was all I wanted to be. It's even apparently apart of another series by SHM that I have yet to read but REALLY want to. I look forward to reading this novella again in the future especially after I finish the main series 😝
March 11, 2020
You might want to read this if....
You like fanciful novellas with a Spiritual and historical twist. And good characters who could use the depth a longer novel provides.
You want to read everything Stephenia H. McGee writes whether it’s your “thing” or not.
You like a mixture of time travel and historical fiction.
I’m not a big fan of novellas but this one was a quick, easy read that left me with a good feeling.
You like fanciful novellas with a Spiritual and historical twist. And good characters who could use the depth a longer novel provides.
You want to read everything Stephenia H. McGee writes whether it’s your “thing” or not.
You like a mixture of time travel and historical fiction.
I’m not a big fan of novellas but this one was a quick, easy read that left me with a good feeling.
December 20, 2020
What a wonderful Christmas story by a great Christian author! In a very touching way we're reminded again of just how much God loves us and how very precious we are to Him. I have a feeling that there are a great many besides me that need to be reminded of that every so often. (plus many who need to hear it for the first time.) I highly recommend this book. It's a must read for Christmas.
October 19, 2022
This is a wonderfully emotional short story that ties into "In His Eyes” also by Stephania. I would read “In His Eyes” first so you get a feel of who Isla will be visiting and why. I love that Isla has feelings like so many of us. And that God showed her that family can be love and He is always with us. No matter what our situation is.
December 14, 2022
Me encantó esta lectura y me quedé con ganas de más.
Es una historia corta de una muchacha que está en Foster care a punto de cumplir 18 años. Ella ha alejado a la única familia que ha sido paciente con ella. Pero un día en época navideña viaja en el tiempo. 💞❄️
Esperando que algún día comiencen a traducir los libros de Stephenia H. McGee al español.
Es una historia corta de una muchacha que está en Foster care a punto de cumplir 18 años. Ella ha alejado a la única familia que ha sido paciente con ella. Pero un día en época navideña viaja en el tiempo. 💞❄️
Esperando que algún día comiencen a traducir los libros de Stephenia H. McGee al español.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
Short and sweet novella that focuses on just how much God loves us. He desires to free us from the pain caused by our past and give us hope, love and healing for future.
My favorite quote from the book:
“God often has a very strange way of doing things. Well strange to us perhaps. I imagine, his ways are perfectly sensible to someone who knows everything.”
My favorite quote from the book:
“God often has a very strange way of doing things. Well strange to us perhaps. I imagine, his ways are perfectly sensible to someone who knows everything.”
December 20, 2023
This is an interesting story about a teenage orphan who needs to learn she has worth, both to other people like her foster mother and to God. I listened to an audio version, which is not my ususal way to read a book. It was well done and enjoyable. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own.
April 19, 2024
Audio Review
What a sweet and inspirational story of a young girl who has been passed around the foster care system and is almost aging out. She doesn't want to get attached to her new foster mom but after spending time in a plantation she sees things in a new light.
Deborah Madick narrated this novella and did a wonderful job. She brought them all to life and I enjoyed listening to her.
What a sweet and inspirational story of a young girl who has been passed around the foster care system and is almost aging out. She doesn't want to get attached to her new foster mom but after spending time in a plantation she sees things in a new light.
Deborah Madick narrated this novella and did a wonderful job. She brought them all to life and I enjoyed listening to her.
February 5, 2020
The Hope of Christmas Past
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about an orphan teenager who has lived in foster homes for years and feels unloved and unwanted especially at Christmas time.
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about an orphan teenager who has lived in foster homes for years and feels unloved and unwanted especially at Christmas time.
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