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A Family for Christmas
Eleven-year-old Lori finds herself all alone just before Christmas, longing for a home, a family, and maybe a real Christmas, too. But is Christmas even real, or is it just another fairy tale? When a stranger turns up on her doorstep offering to help her, can she trust his kindness?
This is a heart-warming story about family, a first Christmas, and how God’s plan is always perfect in the end.
This is a heart-warming story about family, a first Christmas, and how God’s plan is always perfect in the end.
28 pages, ebook
Published December 20, 2020
8 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Foster
10 books148 followersHannah Foster lives in Idaho with her husband. She writes Christian contemporary fiction, using her words and stories to point her readers to the foot of the cross, reminding them of the hope, joy, forgiveness, and grace they have in Jesus Christ. If she is not reading or writing, she may be found baking, working as a barista, watercolor painting, playing tennis with her husband, or thrifting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 8, 2024
Though the title may be unoriginal and the story predictable, this story comes from a deep and special place in my heart. I hope many may read and be blessed by it.
I've almost reached 50 reviews on Goodreads.
Have you read this sweet and heartwarming Christmas story yet? If not go read and review. It is sure to put a smile on your lips.
I've almost reached 50 reviews on Goodreads.
Have you read this sweet and heartwarming Christmas story yet? If not go read and review. It is sure to put a smile on your lips.
April 27, 2024
5 stars. Oh my heart! I loved this one even more than Hannah Foster's first story,
Ella Pursued.
This was was right up my alley. A child learning to love & trust again... a sweet, sweet couple finding a child at last... a lovely, old-fashioned Christmas... <33 Just yes. Olivia & Alvin are both so amazing in their own way, and I love each of their relationships with Lori. Lori herself is just so sweet. The whole story is just so adorable and satisfying and I LOVED it!!!
A Favourite Quote: “God will provide, Livy, but sometimes His story looks a little different than ours.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “You’re not very good at lying, you know. Your wandering eyes betrayed you. If you really need to lie to someone, look them straight in the eyes. That’s the only way to make them believe you.” He pulled his hat off and ran a hand through his sandy blond hair. “On second thought, don’t lie. There is never a good enough reason for lying.”
A Favourite Quote: “God will provide, Livy, but sometimes His story looks a little different than ours.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “You’re not very good at lying, you know. Your wandering eyes betrayed you. If you really need to lie to someone, look them straight in the eyes. That’s the only way to make them believe you.” He pulled his hat off and ran a hand through his sandy blond hair. “On second thought, don’t lie. There is never a good enough reason for lying.”
December 23, 2021
A very sweet, short Christmas story.
Read
December 22, 2020"A Family for Christmas" is a heartwarming story of a girl in search of both a family and the true meaning of Christmas. If you’re looking for a story to read curled up with a warm mug of tea (or hot chocolate), this is for you.
This story is just a bundle of sweetness – the loving way the characters treat each other just has to make you smile. In addition to that, the author presents the gospel and also shows that life as a follower of Christ is most definitely not easy, but that (as the blurb says) God plans are always best in the end.
FTC disclosure: I received a copy of the story in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required.
This story is just a bundle of sweetness – the loving way the characters treat each other just has to make you smile. In addition to that, the author presents the gospel and also shows that life as a follower of Christ is most definitely not easy, but that (as the blurb says) God plans are always best in the end.
FTC disclosure: I received a copy of the story in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required.
December 6, 2022
A vintage and old-fashioned story full of hope, faith, and the beginning of a new life.
Hannah Foster took a short story and touched on the most important story ever written.
This little story was so full of hope and though it was short I think it will be one of my favorite Christmas stories for a long time. And it’s not only a good read for adults, but it is a wonderful story for the whole family.
Hannah Foster took a short story and touched on the most important story ever written.
This little story was so full of hope and though it was short I think it will be one of my favorite Christmas stories for a long time. And it’s not only a good read for adults, but it is a wonderful story for the whole family.
August 27, 2021
Characters: Lori, Alvin, and Olivia seemed like they could be real people. I was so glad to see Alvin and Olivia helping Lori out of her bad circumstances and showing her the true meaning of Christmas.
Language: Clean.
Moral: This short story had a couple of main themes: the true meaning of Christmas and family. Both of these themes were excellently done.
Plot: I’m going to bypass the plot section today because this is a short story. You just need to read this story!
Romance: Clean. A little kissing between Alvin and Olivia, but that wasn’t a main plot.
Writing: I really enjoyed the writing in A Family for Christmas. I could see everything that was going on but didn’t get bogged down in details. Pacing is key in a short story, and Hannah Foster nailed it! I didn’t feel like anything rushed or dragged.
Overall: I haven’t read that many Christmas stories so far, but I’m finding I like them. A Family for Christmas was a sweet story, and I’d recommend it for readers of Christian fiction and Christmas stories.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Language: Clean.
Moral: This short story had a couple of main themes: the true meaning of Christmas and family. Both of these themes were excellently done.
Plot: I’m going to bypass the plot section today because this is a short story. You just need to read this story!
Romance: Clean. A little kissing between Alvin and Olivia, but that wasn’t a main plot.
Writing: I really enjoyed the writing in A Family for Christmas. I could see everything that was going on but didn’t get bogged down in details. Pacing is key in a short story, and Hannah Foster nailed it! I didn’t feel like anything rushed or dragged.
Overall: I haven’t read that many Christmas stories so far, but I’m finding I like them. A Family for Christmas was a sweet story, and I’d recommend it for readers of Christian fiction and Christmas stories.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 1, 2022
Aww I loved this so much!! I don't know why it took me long to finish it! I apologize to Hannah because I should have reviewed this book ages ago!
It was so cuute and the perfect Christmas story! I actually teared up at one point, which I don't do very often with books!
Thank you for adding the Christmas story as well as the salvation message! So important!
**I received a copy for free from the author in exchange for my honest review**
It was so cuute and the perfect Christmas story! I actually teared up at one point, which I don't do very often with books!
Thank you for adding the Christmas story as well as the salvation message! So important!
**I received a copy for free from the author in exchange for my honest review**
December 22, 2020
Such a sweet, heart-warming story. I liked Lori at once and wanted to help her know that Christmas was real. I loved the Christmas ornament tradition! The relationship between Alvin and Olivia was lovely.
This is a Christmas story I know I’ll read again.
This is a Christmas story I know I’ll read again.
November 22, 2022
Sweet, heartrending story. Mrs. Foster packs a punch in a few pages. It’s going to be fascinating to see what she does with a full-length novel. One to watch!
November 12, 2022
REREAD 2022: just as sweet as the first time around. My review hasn't changed.
FIRST READ 2021: I read this on the recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed. This was a sweet story that made me smile. The cover was beautiful too!
Despite being a short story (28 pages), readers were given a decent look into the lives of Alvin, Olivia and Lori and not even halfway through I found myself rooting for a happy ending. There were plenty of warm and fuzzy Christmas moments and excellent Christian content.
Overall, a well-written, sweet and wholesome Christmas story with a great message. If you're looking for Christmas stories, make sure to include this one!
FIRST READ 2021: I read this on the recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed. This was a sweet story that made me smile. The cover was beautiful too!
Despite being a short story (28 pages), readers were given a decent look into the lives of Alvin, Olivia and Lori and not even halfway through I found myself rooting for a happy ending. There were plenty of warm and fuzzy Christmas moments and excellent Christian content.
Overall, a well-written, sweet and wholesome Christmas story with a great message. If you're looking for Christmas stories, make sure to include this one!
November 11, 2025
This is a cute, sweet little story. It was less than a 15 minute read, but still had me tearing up a bit at the end!
I received a review copy from the author. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
I received a review copy from the author. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
December 22, 2020
5 Twinkling Christmas Stars!
This was such a sweet Christmas story! I loved the characters and the writing style. The storyline was rather predictable, I guess. But that didn't bother me at all, because it was just an adorable Christmas-y short story.
(Note: I plan on leaving a longer review soon, but I still wanted to share this short review just to say that I really loved the story!)
This was such a sweet Christmas story! I loved the characters and the writing style. The storyline was rather predictable, I guess. But that didn't bother me at all, because it was just an adorable Christmas-y short story.
(Note: I plan on leaving a longer review soon, but I still wanted to share this short review just to say that I really loved the story!)
December 24, 2021
This was very enjoyable! The author wrote this story very well! Perfect short story to read a few days before Christmas! I would highly recommend it!
Read
December 22, 2020Living in a country that has summer throughout the year, this story warmed me even further. If it were hot cocoa, the chocolate would be its depth while the marshmallows are its characters.
Its pages turn with truth, love, and ... joy despite the sad backstories. And the interactions between characters tug the heartstrings.
(I received a copy of the story in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required.)
Its pages turn with truth, love, and ... joy despite the sad backstories. And the interactions between characters tug the heartstrings.
(I received a copy of the story in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required.)
December 27, 2021
What a precious little Christmas story.
Content: mention of abusive parent, mention of a creepy uncle, allusions to death
Content: mention of abusive parent, mention of a creepy uncle, allusions to death
January 9, 2022
This was a very lovely and sweet short story! I really like Ms. Foster's writing style. Her descriptions were well-done, and I liked how she tactfully dealt with the difficult topic of Lori's former abuse. Also, the author did a good job of writing an eleven year old child's point of view (it isn't easy to write believable children).
The only minor issue (and it's mostly just my reader preference) is that one or two gestures were used a lot (i.e 'he raised an eyebrow', 'her brow furrowed', 'her eyebrows drew together', etc. Something along those lines to convey worry or confusion.) so there wasn't a lot of variation in body language.
That being said, I greatly enjoyed the story. I think Ms. Foster has quite a gift for writing; now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to petition her for a long sequel!
The only minor issue (and it's mostly just my reader preference) is that one or two gestures were used a lot (i.e 'he raised an eyebrow', 'her brow furrowed', 'her eyebrows drew together', etc. Something along those lines to convey worry or confusion.) so there wasn't a lot of variation in body language.
That being said, I greatly enjoyed the story. I think Ms. Foster has quite a gift for writing; now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to petition her for a long sequel!
December 1, 2021
"A Family for Christmas" is a sweet story about the true meaning of Christmas. My heart went out to little Lori when I read about her abusive mother. Lori feared that she would get the same treatment at her new home. I was happy when she gained the understanding, that there are parents who love and care for children. I smiled when Lori felt what it was like to receive love for the first time. I enjoyed how Jesus' birth and the sacrifice He made for humanity by dying on the cross were discussed. I also enjoyed when Alvin and Olivia sat down with Lori, and read about the birth of Jesus Christ from the Holy Bible. All three characters wanted and needed a family, and that held so much meaning. The Christmas ornament tradition was neat and special. Overall, "A Family for Christmas" is a beautiful short story that will warm your heart and leave you with a refreshed feeling.
December 31, 2020
A very sweet little Christmas story! With the rustic, rural setting, I did have a little bit of a hard time keeping it in the almost-present, as my mind kept wanting to slip into the more distant past, but that's probably on me. :P I also wasn't quite sure if some of the lack of red tape was due to the slight time gap or just for the sake of the story, but that was really my only quibble. Definitely loved all the sweet characters. <3
Content--mentions of an alcoholic and abusive parent; mentions of deaths
Content--mentions of an alcoholic and abusive parent; mentions of deaths
December 22, 2020
This was such a sweet story! A bit of hope and happiness that really puts you in the spirit of Christmas. A perfect, positive, short little read that will warm you from the inside.
*I was a beta-reader for this story. I was not obligated to leave a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
*I was a beta-reader for this story. I was not obligated to leave a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
December 23, 2020
Such a sweet story! Would recommend. :)
December 7, 2022
Review to come!
December 28, 2020
A super-duper sweet story! Hannah's stories are always a little spot of sunshine in my life, and this was no exception. <3
Squeaky clean as always, with beautiful characters! And it's just soooooooo sweet. *heart eyes*
While it's not necessarily the kind of story I'd usually pick out, I'm so glad I was able to read it!
Highly recommended for a short, sweet Christmas story!
*I received a free e-copy from the author, but a positive review was not required.*
Squeaky clean as always, with beautiful characters! And it's just soooooooo sweet. *heart eyes*
While it's not necessarily the kind of story I'd usually pick out, I'm so glad I was able to read it!
Highly recommended for a short, sweet Christmas story!
*I received a free e-copy from the author, but a positive review was not required.*
December 26, 2020
Heartwarming, slice-of-life story. This sets a nice example to open up hearts in a world full of hurt. A simple act of kindness goes a long way for a special soul. Reminds me of God’s grace toward us, undeserved and yet freely given.
December 19, 2024
cute Christmas story
Enjoyed this short and sweet Christmas themed story that highlights Gods provision, love, and faithfulness in uncertain and hard times.
Enjoyed this short and sweet Christmas themed story that highlights Gods provision, love, and faithfulness in uncertain and hard times.
December 27, 2025
This is a lovely little story! Made me want to go hug my kids.
Read
December 4, 2025Good short book
Keeping in mind how short this book is, it was good. The story would have been better if the book was longer because the events leading up to going to that house could have been explained more. It felt a little rushed
Keeping in mind how short this book is, it was good. The story would have been better if the book was longer because the events leading up to going to that house could have been explained more. It felt a little rushed
December 5, 2021
meh... sorry; not too much into it
December 14, 2021
Eleven-year-old Lori has never had a real Christmas. With both of her abusive parents gone she's now trying to survive in a cold house all alone. Her neighbor comes knocking at her door one day. He and his wife have been longing for children. They just might be the perfect parents for Lori and this might be her best Christmas ever.
December 9, 2024
This was very sweet and a nice little Christmas treat. If only every story like this in real life ended so well...
November 8, 2023
I really enjoyed A Family for Christmas. :) I loved the "feels", the kindness, and the love of the story.
More thoughts: In my opinion, Lori seemed to recover a little too quickly from her moments of fear and despair, but the author did well in giving me an idea of the effects of an unloving home-life.
The author's writing style conveyed the settings and emotions of the story well.
A Family for Christmas would be great as a cozy story to read with family. The passing references to Lori's mother's abusive and drunken behavior might be something parents or a sensitive reader might be wary of. I really appreciated being able to read a clean, family-friendly, and non-romance Christmas story.
Content Warnings: Lori’s mother was a drunk, and beat Lori. The story only mentions that in passing. I would be okay with my younger siblings reading it. Romance-wise, Alvin and Olivia kiss and hug because they're married, but it isn’t gross. :) There is no harsh or foul language.
Writing Quality: The author did a good job writing the story. There were only a few minor grammatical errors.
Themes: The true meaning of Christmas—Christ's birth and the Cross that He was born for—is woven in beautifully. Family and a family's love are also special themes throughout the book.
Full review can be found here: https://thejourneytowrite.wordpress.c...
More thoughts: In my opinion, Lori seemed to recover a little too quickly from her moments of fear and despair, but the author did well in giving me an idea of the effects of an unloving home-life.
The author's writing style conveyed the settings and emotions of the story well.
A Family for Christmas would be great as a cozy story to read with family. The passing references to Lori's mother's abusive and drunken behavior might be something parents or a sensitive reader might be wary of. I really appreciated being able to read a clean, family-friendly, and non-romance Christmas story.
Content Warnings: Lori’s mother was a drunk, and beat Lori. The story only mentions that in passing. I would be okay with my younger siblings reading it. Romance-wise, Alvin and Olivia kiss and hug because they're married, but it isn’t gross. :) There is no harsh or foul language.
Writing Quality: The author did a good job writing the story. There were only a few minor grammatical errors.
Themes: The true meaning of Christmas—Christ's birth and the Cross that He was born for—is woven in beautifully. Family and a family's love are also special themes throughout the book.
Full review can be found here: https://thejourneytowrite.wordpress.c...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews