Christmas novellas and Melody Carlson just seem to go together, and I always enjoy these uplifting, feel-good seasonal stories. The Christmas Angel Project is a welcome addition, and one of my favorites in the entire collection. I loved its women's fiction style, spiritual themes, and focus on doing things for others. The writing flows easily and I knew each character well by the time the last page was turned.
Four women who couldn't be more different â various ages and situations in life â are connected through their membership in a book club. But rather than developing deep friendships with each other, they each connected more with Abby, and her loss sets them adrift. Unexpected personal gifts that Abby had previously made for them leads to reflection, a spiritual journey, and fulfillment.
These four women felt real and I enjoyed watching them reach out to others with their God-given talents, helping each other in the process. Belinda was strong and determined, but lonely. Louisa had never regained her purpose in life after the death of her husband. Cassidy was a hard worker who had forgotten how to enjoy life. Grace was used to helping those who could do something for her in return. Through art therapy, making house calls on the pets of senior adults, putting together a teen fashion show, and decorating rooms in Habitat homes, these ladies learn important life lessons. Spiritual themes are beautifully woven throughout, such as selfless giving, serving others, and the need for community.
The Christmas Angel Project is full of Christmas cheer and will speak to everyone who reads it. Recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book from Revell. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Four women who couldn't be more different â various ages and situations in life â are connected through their membership in a book club. But rather than developing deep friendships with each other, they each connected more with Abby, and her loss sets them adrift. Unexpected personal gifts that Abby had previously made for them leads to reflection, a spiritual journey, and fulfillment.
These four women felt real and I enjoyed watching them reach out to others with their God-given talents, helping each other in the process. Belinda was strong and determined, but lonely. Louisa had never regained her purpose in life after the death of her husband. Cassidy was a hard worker who had forgotten how to enjoy life. Grace was used to helping those who could do something for her in return. Through art therapy, making house calls on the pets of senior adults, putting together a teen fashion show, and decorating rooms in Habitat homes, these ladies learn important life lessons. Spiritual themes are beautifully woven throughout, such as selfless giving, serving others, and the need for community.
The Christmas Angel Project is full of Christmas cheer and will speak to everyone who reads it. Recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book from Revell. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Sweet story for Christmas!
This is a very sweet and inspiring story. Just the kind to get us in the Christmas spirit. Also a reminder that we can all do "something" to make a difference in the lives of others
Melody Carlson is the queen author of Christmas novels! They are the cozy snuggle up and read stories even when it isn't Christmas time! Abby has a special way of touching people's lives personally and for the Lord. When she dies suddenly, her monthly book club which consists of her and 4 other ladies is devastated, even lost. None of them had much in common other than their friendship Abby. Even more so they each depended on her greatly for emotional support and spiritual advice. They decide to meet one more time before disbanding the club. Her husband delivers sack filled with gifts for each one for the next meeting.
Opening their presents bring tears as they are beautiful handmade angel ornaments that looks exactly like the one receiving it. Included for all of them was a personal hand written note about how grateful she was for their friendships, and how they were all her "angels". The certainly never saw themselves as angels, just Abby.
They decide in honor of their friend, to keep the club together but in a different way. Inspired by her message they would each become a Christmas angel, working to make miracles come true in the lives of others. They depart excited but perplexed. Each lady had been so wrapped up in her personal life, problems, and career, they hadn't thought much about serving God and the needs of others. Individually the ask themselves question, what could they do, what were they capable of doing, and how would be do it?
As the story unfolds all 4 ladies choose very different plans to accomplish their goal. Deeply buried God given talents emerged as they found ways to bless others.
The women also found a new awakening in their relationship with the Lord. Their personal lives began to change in ways they never imagined.
There were so many wonderful life lessons in this book! When you have only one person to depend on for your deepest needs and that person is taken, you are lost. That is why it is so important to have God as number one in your life. He will always be there
Also just was with the club members, life and all its drama and business can consume us. Unknowingly we shut God out of our lives and struggle along alone. This backslidden condition also tends to make us very self-centered, unable to see or care about those around us. This book was so inspiring!
I received this book free from Revell Publishing.
Opening their presents bring tears as they are beautiful handmade angel ornaments that looks exactly like the one receiving it. Included for all of them was a personal hand written note about how grateful she was for their friendships, and how they were all her "angels". The certainly never saw themselves as angels, just Abby.
They decide in honor of their friend, to keep the club together but in a different way. Inspired by her message they would each become a Christmas angel, working to make miracles come true in the lives of others. They depart excited but perplexed. Each lady had been so wrapped up in her personal life, problems, and career, they hadn't thought much about serving God and the needs of others. Individually the ask themselves question, what could they do, what were they capable of doing, and how would be do it?
As the story unfolds all 4 ladies choose very different plans to accomplish their goal. Deeply buried God given talents emerged as they found ways to bless others.
The women also found a new awakening in their relationship with the Lord. Their personal lives began to change in ways they never imagined.
There were so many wonderful life lessons in this book! When you have only one person to depend on for your deepest needs and that person is taken, you are lost. That is why it is so important to have God as number one in your life. He will always be there
Also just was with the club members, life and all its drama and business can consume us. Unknowingly we shut God out of our lives and struggle along alone. This backslidden condition also tends to make us very self-centered, unable to see or care about those around us. This book was so inspiring!
I received this book free from Revell Publishing.
THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL PROJECT is Ms. Carlson's newest Christmas novella. I look forward to reading these every year, and this one, THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL PROJECT, was one of her best.
The idea of the four ladies becoming Earth Angels after the death of their best friend was unique.
Grace is married, but her marriage is struggling. Her children are flunking out of college, her husband is a slob, she wants her house showcase ready and he wants it lived in. When offered a chance to decorate Habitat homes for Christmas she jumped at the chance, not realizing that she'd have to supply the furniture and decorations herself. Financially, she can't afford that, but she decides to trust God for the details.
Louise is mourning two losses, both her husband and now her best friend. She is an artist and decides to be an artist therapy instructor, getting people, through art, to talk about their losses. An unique idea I love.
Cassidy is a part time vet. She discovers her angel mission when she learns a lot of pets belonging to people on fixed incomes don't get medical care. She pays for the care of one cat herself, and discovers a whole opportunity. However, her boss wants nothing to do with it and threatens to fire her. Answers come in unexpected ways for Cassidy.
Belinda is a bitter divorced lady who owns a swanky second hand store. She is offered the opportunity to volunteer as a fashion adviser for middle school girls. She discovers she has amazing opportunities there, both as a volunteer hairstylist, a makeup artist, and a body type fashion adviser. Plus a hot middle school principal is a plus.
These four ladies, all best friends to the deceased, connect with each other. I loved all four of the individual stories, and not sure who I connected with the most. Maybe there's a part of me that is a portion of all of these ladies. I'm married with a few children not living up to their potential. I am mourning the loss of very dear family members. I understand fixed income retirees. And I can find amazing clothes for the family at thrift stores though none of them offer the services Belinda does!
If you love Christmas stories you will want to read THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL PROJECT. Maybe it will inspire you to find your unique, God-given gift, and use it to bless others. For Melody Carlson, it's writing heartwarming Christmas stories. Don't miss this novella -- a great gift for yourself, the church or city library, and a friend.
The idea of the four ladies becoming Earth Angels after the death of their best friend was unique.
Grace is married, but her marriage is struggling. Her children are flunking out of college, her husband is a slob, she wants her house showcase ready and he wants it lived in. When offered a chance to decorate Habitat homes for Christmas she jumped at the chance, not realizing that she'd have to supply the furniture and decorations herself. Financially, she can't afford that, but she decides to trust God for the details.
Louise is mourning two losses, both her husband and now her best friend. She is an artist and decides to be an artist therapy instructor, getting people, through art, to talk about their losses. An unique idea I love.
Cassidy is a part time vet. She discovers her angel mission when she learns a lot of pets belonging to people on fixed incomes don't get medical care. She pays for the care of one cat herself, and discovers a whole opportunity. However, her boss wants nothing to do with it and threatens to fire her. Answers come in unexpected ways for Cassidy.
Belinda is a bitter divorced lady who owns a swanky second hand store. She is offered the opportunity to volunteer as a fashion adviser for middle school girls. She discovers she has amazing opportunities there, both as a volunteer hairstylist, a makeup artist, and a body type fashion adviser. Plus a hot middle school principal is a plus.
These four ladies, all best friends to the deceased, connect with each other. I loved all four of the individual stories, and not sure who I connected with the most. Maybe there's a part of me that is a portion of all of these ladies. I'm married with a few children not living up to their potential. I am mourning the loss of very dear family members. I understand fixed income retirees. And I can find amazing clothes for the family at thrift stores though none of them offer the services Belinda does!
If you love Christmas stories you will want to read THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL PROJECT. Maybe it will inspire you to find your unique, God-given gift, and use it to bless others. For Melody Carlson, it's writing heartwarming Christmas stories. Don't miss this novella -- a great gift for yourself, the church or city library, and a friend.
