I enjoyed this delightful book! The author certainly packed an enticing story into this short book, making it an easy read! The start of the book really grabs, with, "My hand stilled as cold steel pressed hard against my temple." Peridot experiences a robbery while working in her uncle' jewelry story. Christopher happens to pass by, while walking with his young daughter. He places his daughter in a safe place and returns to call 911 and photographs the robbers, who escape through the back door. How the story develops is quite interesting, and readers do not need to wait until the Christmas season to read and enjoy it!
I read this, compliments of the publishers. My thoughts are my own.

Cute Christmas story; perfect for a quick holiday read. For those who love to read happy ever after Christmas stories, this is one to enjoy.

A Semi-Precious Christmas by Jan Elder

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Jan Elder's novella in the Christmas Holiday Extravaganza series is a sweet little romance with enough thrilling action to make it a wonderful holiday treat.

The clever cover of this book grabbed my attention and when I saw it was a bit of a 'thriller' as well I knew I had to read it. Ms. Elder throws her readers right into the action with the jewelry store robbery that begins this fast paced story. Her main character Peridot is the niece of a jewelry store owner who is looking forward to a full day of Christmas sales when she finds herself at gunpoint upon entering the store. The two thieves proceed to wreck the store and grab thousands in merchandise, injuring Peri when she hesitates to help them. A "good Samaritan" manages to catch a photo of the thieves in action and further calls the police. And so begins a great story about finding love and trust again. Ms. Elder's hero, Chris is the good Samaritan who helps Peri in more ways than one. When Peri's uncle is discovered in the back alley badly beaten, Chris makes it his personal mission to ensure that Peri will stay safe until the thieves are caught. And when the thieves also break into Peri's home, Peri decides being alone anymore isn't the best idea. Still grieving over her husband's tragic death four years before, Peri hasn't been willing to put much effort into finding love again. And although she and Chris have just met, she is quickly sensing the attraction sparking between the two of them. Chris is also a bit wary of love, given his ex-wife left him and his daughter for someone else "who had more to give". But Ms. Elder brings them together through all their experiences and shows that there is no time requirement for love. I believe one of the best parts of Ms. Elder's story was the way in which it was told - from Peri's point of view. I loved the look into her thoughts and feelings and laughed out loud at her phrase "He kissed me again....and then I kicked him out because I wanted him to stay". I'm not always a fan of first person since I often find the many *frowns* and *smiles* to be annoying; however Ms. Elder had a good balance between what her character thought/did and the actions of others going on around her. I especially loved her way of having Peri and Chris "know" each other without having actually met - Peri had been the reading companion and friend of Chris's late aunt Margaret. This had given both of them the opportunity to know a lot about each other and their families before they met. And when they both realize that Peri had been praying for Chris and his family for years, including that he would find Christ, they discover the hand of God was preparing them for a life together. It was really nice to read this modern story in which the characters were able to fall in love with each other without falling into bed. I loved that family was important to everyone in the story and a welcoming kindness prevailed in each home. I will most certainly recommend this lovely Christmas time story to my friends and family looking for a good read.

I received this E-book free of charge from White Rose Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.