Most Wonderful Time

Lewis Family #4

by Toni Shiloh

Gabe Lewis loves Christmas, just not as much as his eccentric mother who gave him and his siblings Christmas names. When he discovers that his new co-worker Shanée Mitchell wants nothing to do with the season, he makes it his mission to show her the true meaning.

But he never expected feelings to develop for the Air Force veteran. Can he take a chance that she feels the same way or miss the best gift of all?

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Fiction

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2022

About the author

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. A native of Texas, she now lives in northern Virginia. Learn more at http://tonishiloh.com.

Reviews

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Toni Shiloh has written a sweet holiday romance and a wonderful addition to the Lewis Family series. Readers have already fallen in love with this family and will be thrilled with this third book in the series. The story brings to life some of the struggles of life, and how relying on God makes us stronger and that God really does care about us. With the feeling of Christmas in the air and some romance mixed in, readers will adore this sweet story.

Series: Lewis Family & part of the Home for Christmas novella collection
Genre: contemporary, holiday, romance
Publisher: Havilah Press Publications
Publication date: October 26, 2021
Number of pages: 309pgs in the entire collection

Other books in the collection:
The Stars of New Cheltenham by Chautona Havig
The Road Home by Cathe Swanson
Now and Forever Christmas by Jaycee Weaver

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, faith filled story about Shanee, a new employee who hates Christmas. Gabriel, the bosses son, on the other hand is cheerful, even if his mother loves everything Christmas, naming her kids after all things Christmas.
I like the way Ms. Shiloh writes stories with solid Christian families. The Lewis family is close-knit and loving. Shanee, after an injury, learns to cope and through interaction with positive Gabe, mends her relationship with God.
Lovely, cozy feelings emerged while reading this cute novella. Just the thing for a Christmas lover.
* I won tjis ebook from Kav at Bestreads in October, 2023. All opinions are my own.*

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet story and can't wait if there is a next story in the series to come.

[Mell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love wins!

This was so cute. I really like Toni Shiloh's writing. It's Christian but not overly preachy. It's like when the preacher is preaching directly to you. As if he knows what's going on in your personal life but is preaching to the whole congregation. There aren't too many bible verses, but it's just enough to let you know that God does love you. And you like the characters you root for them to win, in this case find love.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, we have another story with the Lewis family just in time for the holidays. Can I just say I love all their names?! Noel, Eve, Gabe, Angel, and Starr are all names that will inspire you to go out and start singing Christmas songs as well as decorate your house the whole year with red and green. (Like their mom does!)
Speaking of Christmas and decorating . . . this newest book by author Toni Shiloh will have you thinking about decorating and all the fun activities there are during the holidays.
However, it will also make you start thinking about some deep questions you or someone you know might have regarding God and why He allows things to happen in life.
One thing I love about this author is that she doesn’t sugar-coat things. She gets to the heart of issues many are dealing with in life. The BIG questions like WHY God? And then she lovingly shows us through her characters how God is a loving God, and He really does care about us.
I was very touched and challenged by this story. Now, there were also some fun, cute parts, and overall, it was a very delightful read. I loved the banter between the characters and the whole big family relationship. I can see more books on the horizon since we’ve not read much about some of the family members. Fun, Fun!
Toni Shiloh is an author who brings out the sweetest stories and has you believing each of these characters is real. Her stories flow with great dialog and wonderful word pictures of places, people, and relationships.
I laughed, I cried, (well, not from anything too sad, but from laughing) I truly loved every moment I was reading this book and hope you will too. I highly recommend you pick it up and read it. Add this to your Christmas reading list, you won’t be disappointed!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story! I enjoy so much getting to read this author's holiday books, and this one was another delight!
Gabe works with his father in a bank, and meets Shanee when she comes to do an audit. Shanee is facing disappointment with where her life has gone, and she just wants to do her job and try to manage her pain. Gabe comes from a holiday loving family and enjoys this time of year, and connecting with the people he works with. When Gabe and Shanee meet, they don't vibe; but, the more time they spend together, the more they want to learn about each other.
I enjoy this author's writing- her stories come across as authentic and I love how she highlights faith in every day circumstances. I enjoyed getting to know Gabe and Shanee. I thought the author presented someone who struggles with physical weakness in a real way. I also loved all the holiday touches throughout the book, as Gabe's family embarks on their holiday traditions together.
This is a good one to add to your holiday reading list!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe laid a hand on her arm and squeezed lightly. "I can't answer as to why He heals some and doesn't heal others. But I know that your pain, your suffering, doesn't disqualify you from His love and goodness. He still has wonderful plans for you. He still has a purpose for you."

Shanee is injured and has to have an honorable discharge from the army. Now she is in pain most of the time, and that limits her interactions and what she is able to do. Gabe Lewis is drawn to Shanee when he meets her at work even though she is not exactly warm and welcoming. Can she Shanee come to realize that Gabe's presence is a gift?

Shanee is not your typical character. Reading about the trials of living in pain helped me to gain more understanding for those who face constant setbacks. Going from being active military to disabled would be hard. I liked how she continued to be independent.

I have enjoyed "meeting" the Lewis family through Toni's annual Christmas novellas. Gabe is definitely a likeable guy. I like how faith is always an important element to Toni's books. I read this book through Kindle Unlimited. I will definitely read the next Lewis novella.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I really liked this story. The fact that one of the characters was dealing with chronic pain made it even more interesting as I don’t usually find stories like that. The gentleness and care Gabe had for Shanée was sweet. I loved the family dynamics and the fun Christmas things they did. But the names! Oh, I did feel sorry for them even while I chuckled. Now I want to read another story about the Lewis family.
I appreciated that there was prayer and attending church in this story.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family, Christmas, love and more. This is one of my favorite stories by author Toni Shiloh. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Ruby Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Christmas Love

The book was too short I wanted more of Gabe and Shanee. I Love all of Toni's books hopefully in the next book about Eve or Noel I will see more of Gabe and Shanee.

[Lilly Guirguis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toni has done it again! ☺️☺️🥰🥰🥰 biblical, wholesome romance with character growth!

[Kgsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a Delightful Christmas Story

This is a story with some important messages of the real struggles involved for someone dealing with chronic pain. I could so relate and appreciate how Toni dealt with this subject. I love Gabe’s tender, protective heart! I also loved how Shanée’s heart opened up (to Gabe, God and others) as she began to feel seen, understood, valued and cherished.
I didn’t want this book to end!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh! I just love the Lewis family! In Gabe's story, I could relate so much to Shawnee, the main female character. I also suffer from chronic pain, and it is definitely not easy to understand why God doesn't take it away. I can say that it makes me depend on him more. I love how caring Gabe is. This sweet romance is a really quick read, but it's got a deep message. I highly recommend it!

[ebony constant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brginner

I just started getting into reading. I didn't know if I would enjoy it or not. These books by Toni Shiloh have been incredible. I come home excited to curl up on the couch and drift into her books. Imagining what each character looks like. I love that they are Christian based books as well. It is a joy to read about someone giving honor and glory to God in the everyday lives of the characters. Thank you for inspiring me to continue reading.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

MOST WONDERFUL TIME by Toni Shiloh is the third book in the Lewis Family series. It’s the heart tugging story of Gabe Lewis, operations manager at his father’s firm, and Shanée Mitchell, a medical retired Air Force veteran and new employee at the firm. They meet as fellow employees, become friends through Gabe consistency and slowly each start to explore what the future may be.

Gabe had always figured his brother and he would go into their father’s business. Since he was good with figures, he chose that route. But now, at over 30, he wonders if life could be more. While Gabe’s mom LOVED Christmas, which is evident in her children’s names, Gabe loves the holidays, just not as exuberantly. Shanée becomes a challenge to Gabe, wanting to find out more about her, when upon their first meeting he discovers her almost Scrooge attitude towards the season.

Shanée had figured her life was going to be a career in the military until a “fun” day accident left her in almost constant pain - even after surgery and much physical therapy. Having to watch how she moved or sat in order not induce spasms of pain, having to exclude any caffeine beverages and even having to wear ugly shoes has all left her wondering why God doesn’t like her – why He had abandoned her by not answering all her prayers. Brought up poor had meant her childhood holidays were almost nonexistent. Between the two, she’s definitely not in the holiday spirit this year.

Can Gabe convince Shanée that she can trust and confide in him? Will Shanée be willing to open up and let Gabe in? Can he prove to her that someone would and very willingly be able to see her beyond any medical problems and would lovingly wanting to help any way they could? Can Shanée reconnect with God and acknowledge that God has always loved her and been by her side? Will Gabe finally find his true calling? Is there a possibility of more than friendship between them?

MOST WONDERFUL TIME may be a novella, but it packs a wallop of a story full of family, friendships, holiday spirit, Christian values all while being wrapped in a wonderful thread of faith. Toni Shiloh brings out the characters in such a way that they feel like family as Gabe and Shanée work through Shanée’s problems and manage to solve one for Gabe that he hadn’t even realized he had.

This was the first book I have read in this series proving it can be read as a standalone book. However, after having read this one, I will be exploring the other two books in this series and any others I may have missed by this author. MOST WONDERFUL TIME is a FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone that loves a touching, meaningful and fabulously written story.

I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#MostWonderfulTime #LewisFamilySeries #ChristianRomance

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, heartwarming holiday romance that hits all the feels. And it’s a kinda grumpy sunshine trope, only in reverse with our heroine being the grump and our hero, the ray of sunshine. Which is all kinds of fun!

Shanée is an Air Force veteran struggling to find her place in a civilian world especially since she is living with chronic pain from an injury that ended her military career. So now she’s switching gears and she’s not entirely happy about it.

Cue our hero, Gabe, who is all about making Christmas bright and spreading good cheer. It’s in his DNA, passed down from his holiday loving mama. 🙂 Shanée, on the other hand, isn’t into Yuletide celebrations…at all! But Gabe intends to change all that. 🙂

Squealing over a heroine with glasses (she’s even wearing them on the cover!) Also appreciate a story centring around a character dealing with chronic pain and how that impacts her everyday life. And swooning over the way Gabe takes it all in stride. He’s compassionate, understanding and nonjudgemental — the perfect heartthrob hero!

And this Christmas romance has a significant faith thread that has me brimming over with joy. A perfect holiday read!

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/10/20/m...

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christmas novellas and their collections, so when I was given an opportunity to review Toni Shiloh’s Most Wonderful Time, which is part of the Home for Christmas collection, I purchased the whole collection. So, while this review is about the whole collection, I’ll focus on Toni Shiloh’s contribution.

I absolutely loved Most Wonderful Time. Gabe was delightful and now I’m going to read the previous two novellas so I can read about his siblings. I could truly relate to Shanee, especially as someone who also battles chronic pain, so I definitely I rooted for her throughout the story.

I recommend both this collection, but especially Most Wonderful Time. You can find the novella as part of Home for Christmas or as a single title. If you’re looking for sweet, Christian contemporary romance set at Christmas, definitely check out these novellas.

I received a complimentary copy of Most Wonderful Time and purchased the collection Home for Christmas. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

[Faith Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an absolute delight to see sweet, fun Gabe again, but what really won me over was Shanee's backstory and how it affected her present self! Toni Shiloh clearly did a good bit of research for it, and it made the heroine multi-layered and understandable. Although I have not been through the same incident, I could relate on having a chronic illness and going, Why? Why hasn't God healed me if He's so good? When her question was answered, it was done so sweetly and briefly so that it was powerful and full of meaning but not preach-y.

I wish there had been a bit more to Gabe's perspective on having a relationship--instead of leaping into, "In a sense, we've been courting, and I like you....", it would have been nice to have some inner conflict on whether or not he should date a woman who was unequally yoked, or overthinking and wondering if he had been unfairly tricking her into dating.

I hope this is not the end of the Lewis family series! Noel and Eve need their love stories!

[Brenda Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

This story was a good read, but with gaps. I understand going from setting to setting for the sake of keeping a story moving, but sometimes you want to linger and have some details. There were some lost opportunities here. A key one, the Christmas tree farm, buying a tree for.someone who had never had one before. Where is the excitement of the hunt, buying the decorations, putting up the tree with lights, wonder, and warmness? Another as Shanée finds herself praying to God Whom she felt had done her wrong. Where are the aha moments. With a little more development in some spots it would be a really great read.

[Cherie l brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very slow start for me. It took me several chapters to decide I liked Shanee. I thought her selfish, and rude and other things. Once I shifted my perspective to see life thru her disability, she warned on me. Gabe was likable from page 1. As I saw his efforts to woo her not directly to himself but to Christ, then I liked him even more. I have enjoyed the other reads about the Lewis Family. Looking forward to seeing if the other siblings find love♥️

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

O my Word!

And I do mean WORD! Author you published a good Word with this book. Explained, love and grace in times of pain and despair. Besides the family "Lewis" they are Christ-like, in not overbearing but, showing, friendship, loving care, forgiveness, to name a few. Keep teaching, preaching, enlightening. Whatever you call it, keep writing and I will keep reading! Anticipation for the next "Lewis Family" book.

[Geri Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story…Amazing Word!! 🥰

What a wonderful storyline! I loved the “Courtship” between Gabe and Shanee and I loved how the Word was delivered in the trust and belief that God would heal what’s broken and love would be restored!

Such a beautiful story and right on time for Christmas!! I absolutely loved this story and the characters! I most highly recommend this and thoroughly enjoyed every word of it!! Kudos, Toni, and Merry Christmas!! 💜

[Kirsty Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from Toni Shiloh, I very much enjoyed reading this sweet story. The sibling relationships and banter were grin-inducing, and the evolving physical and emotional connection between the leads both beautiful and swoony, as they challenged and brought out the best in one another. I also really appreciated the spiritual truths woven throughout in an effective and organic way, and am excited to hopefully see Eve and Noel get their happy endings sometimes in the future as well!!

[Trice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Christmas with the Lewis Family 🎄🤎. Glad we got a story with one of the brothers. This is more than a Christmas story but about falling back in love with God after tragedy.

Favorite quote:

“We’re all broken in different ways. It’s God who puts us back together.”

I hope we get more from the other siblings soon.

[Marcena Hooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabe and Shanee! I loved their story and the whole Lewis family clan. I enjoyed reading their journey, especially the unique storyline for Shanee being a veteran. She and Gabe go from coworkers to friends to a couple and it’s such a sweet romance. I wonder if there’s more for the Lewis family because Noel and Eva haven’t coupled up yet! I’ll be sure to read their stories if they do.

[Tammy Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let love in

What a beautiful love story! Gabe and Shawnee had a beautiful journey of courtship! I also love the forgiveness theme coursing through this story! I can’t wait to read more about their love journey as well as the remaining two Lewis children! Great job 👏🏾

[annie r bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is hope

Thank you so much for writing this book, letting those of us who suffer chronic pain that there is hope for us. In Jesus first then in love of another child of God. God bless you and keep writing these wonderful stories.
Rev.Rose Bradshaw

[R Ellis Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe

This was an awesome holiday Christian story.
I enjoyed every page. Put God first, and everything else will fall into place. Another book I couldn't put down. Read it, you will not be disappointed at all. Toni Shiloh is forever doing her thing with these books.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of an imperfect family who truly loved each other through and in spite of their imperfections. It was refreshing to see older parents still deeply in love with each other and a family enjoying being together.

[Susanna Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! And the fact that one of the characters is beautifully broken makes it so special. I can't wait until the next book!