I am a lover of books set in the gilded age... especially during Christmas so I was very delighted to read WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS by Lynn Austin. The author captured the essence of that era beautifully.

It is a poignant tale that resonates with readers as it boasts meaningful issues such as women's suffrage, the unfortunate situation orphans endured, and the mystery of young Jack- a significant part of the story that changed Addy and Howard's life. I was deeply touched that Howard was very supportive of his wife.

A gentle story... The true meaning of Christmas is prominent throughout the book and is sure to tug at your heartstrings as it did mine.

Verdict: A delightful book worth reading for holiday romance lovers.

A super sweet middle grade Christmas read! Flew through it and enjoyed it. I think this will be a great one for the intended audience and for parents or teachers to read to their children!

Waiting for Christmas is not the first book I have read by Lynn Austin, and it will not be my last. It is actually a sequel to All My Secrets, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Waiting for Christmas was an easy Christmas read. This could be read as a stand-alone, though I would advise reading All My Secrets for the full story.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to see Adelaide in her new life and trying to learn the ropes of her new normal.

The storyline is great and really reminds us that Christmas is so much more than buying presents and thinking about ourselves. I loved the search for Jack’s family and that Adelaide and Howard were so willing to do anything for this boy.

The romance was very light, but perfect for this Christmas read.

Lynn Austin did a great job intertwining faith throughout the whole book. I was really encouraged. I loved that it was broken up into the advent candles into sections.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this story! The characters were well-done, and the story just warmed my heart. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Waiting for Christmas

by Lynn Austin

If you are searching for a Christmas story with depth and that calls the characters to examine the true meaning of Christmas, Waiting for Christmas is everything you could want in a Christmas story. I can imagine reading this every year as a new Christmas tradition.

As a novella, it fits well into this busy season, but contains all of the feeling that can be packed into a Christmas story. Addy, raised in wealth and comfort in 1901, gives up that life for the love of Howard, a young lawyer, the son of a preacher, who wants to support Addy without her having to spend any of her inheritance. Addy is active in the suffrage movement to help lift women out of poverty. This couple’s lives are turned upside down when she brings Jack, a runaway orphan, out of the bushes and into her home before he freezes to death. He is adamant that he is not an orphan because his father has promised to return home on Christmas. Meanwhile, he is desperate to find his little sister, often termed by others as an incoherent idiot. They were separated when their mother passed away. In the thousands of orphans in New York City, will Addy, Howard, and Jack be able to find little Polly? How will the children’s father know where to find them as their tenement house apartment has been rented to a poor Russian family?

My eyes filled with tears several times as I read this sweet, but powerful story. I highly recommend it for a great plot and wonderful characters. It brings Jesus’ teachings to light as the characters find ways to live out His example of acting with love towards others, even the unlovely. Addy finds ways to interact with various social groups in meaningful ways. If you want to be more like Jesus, then read Waiting for Christmas to see how the characters in this book respond to the challenges of helping others.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Novella

Notes: Novella

Publication: September 3, 2024—Tyndale House Publishers

Memorable Lines:

He and Addy had experienced both extremes today, from ramshackle tenement to rambling mansion, and he marveled that both were in the same city, on the same 23-square-mile island. In between the extremes were his parents’ modest home and the simple town house he shared with Addy. The entire main floor of their town house could fit inside this echoing foyer, yet Howard felt blessed.

Vulnerable human beings of all ages and disabilities, society’s most helpless people, were being forced to live in appalling conditions simply because they were poor and disabled.

“I’ve prayed some pretty big prayers over the years that seemed to go unanswered. And if I wasn’t careful, I could start to believe that God didn’t love me because He didn’t give me what I’d asked for. I had to learn that my faith shouldn’t depend on whether or not God answers my prayers exactly the way I want Him to.”

A wonderful novella by Lynn Austin. Follow s the story of Addy and Howard in All My Secrets. But can be read alone.
I’ll read it again next Christmas.
Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

While I do enjoy Christmas romance books, I do actually prefer feel good Christmas books of which this one is.
Taking place during the gilded age in 1901, newly married Adelaide Forsythe who grew up in the lap of luxury has had enough of it and just wants to be ordinary and live within her husband's means. It hasn't been easy though, growing up with cooks, nannies and maids has left her unable to do the simplest domestic chores but she's willing to learn.
Coming home one evening hearing a rustling in her bushes she investigates and discovers a ragged street urchin about nine years old. Bringing him in out of the cold he's cared for. Now I fell in love with this little boy, though he did have some problems adapting to a new way of life and insecurities plagued him. Though this is novella length it is a beautifully, pull on your heartstring filled story. A child looking for the rest of his family and can't rest easily until he does. It's almost Christmas, will his Christmas hopes be fulfilled or will disappointment once again fill his life?
Poignant read, one that will be remembered for a long time.
Recommended highly!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

To say that I am a humongous fan of Author Lynn Austin is an understatement! I have not read a book of Ms. Austin’s that is not worthy of less than a 5 star rating and her latest Christmas read is no different. Waiting for Christmas is worth 5 stars and then some! Waiting for Christmas tells the story of newly married couple Adelaide “Addy” and Howard who take in a young boy, Jack, who is searching for his sister Polly after they were separated after their Mother died. Jack firmly believes his Father, who is away working at sea, will be home for Christmas to take care of Jack and Polly. As Addy, Howard, and Jack roam New York to find Polly they learn powerful lessons that will endure a lifetime. God uses this Season of Christmas to remind Addy, Howard, Jack, and those around them that His Timing is Perfect and He Loves being in the Miracle business.

Waiting for Christmas is a much needed book that I needed to read and I’m so glad that Lynn Austin wrote it! I love the way that Ms. Austin paints the pictures in her stories and draws the reader in, building her story on God’s Truth. I enjoyed meeting Addy, Howard, Jack, and the rest of the characters! I love Addy’s heart and how she listens to it to impact the world. I love how supportive Howard is of how Addy wants to impact the world, because his heart is just as big. I loved seeing Addy and Howard grow and change as they were navigating their marriage, always wanting the best for each other and caring for each other the best way they can. I thought that Jack was adorable and I admired his childlike Faith and Gumption, refusing to give up and continuing to believe that his family would be together on Christmas. I love the support system that Addy, Howard, and Jack had around them–rallying around them, giving them help, and Godly needed advice. I learned a lot from Waiting for Christmas and it reminded me of God’s Truth, helping me get into the Spirit of Christmas. I love how Waiting for Christmas was soaked with God’s Truth and Wisdom, sprinkling Bible Verses and Inspirational Quotes throughout. If you are looking for a Christmas escape that’s uplifting and full of Truth, then I highly recommend Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin!!!

Have you read Waiting for Christmas? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Lynn Austin and Emily (as well as NetGalley and the Publisher) for giving me a copy of Waiting for Christmas to review and for letting me on the Waiting for Christmas Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Goodreads, Amazon, and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.

This is an absolutely charming Christmas story! I loved every minute of it! This is my first read from this author and I loved her writing style. It’s 1901, Adelaide and Howard are newly married, and I loved their relationship. They are very caring and considerate of each other. And when a boy, Jack, lands on their doorstep they help him search for his little sister. My heart broke for this little boy and his sister. Jack never gave up though and I loved watching them search and work hard. The ending was so heartwarming and I just loved it. It also has strong Christian content which I always appreciate. It’s the perfect Christmas story! And I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

As usual I love Lynn Austin’s books. This book has characters from “All My Secrets” but could be read alone. I’m glad I read the other one first though because I was already close to some of the characters.
Addy was so used to being served by household staff. She didn’t know how to do housework or cook meals but she wanted to marry for love, so she did. Then all of a sudden she had to take care of a little boy along with trying to learn new things. I think her and Howard did a great job, of course with the new housekeeper and cook it was definitely easier. I love the hope and faith that this story shows. You can always count on this author to give you that. Oh and a little romance with Addy and Howard. Remember they haven’t been married very long.
Let this Christmas story be one of the first you read as we enter into this holiday season. I think you will enjoy. I wholeheartedly recommend Lynn Austin’s books!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Another Lynn Austin book? YES, please! And a Christmas story too!! Her stories do not disappoint and this one was a very honest, sweet, and hopeful Christmas offering from her. As always, it has a beautiful Christian message of finding hope in God's will. In this offering, Adelaide, a former wealthy socialite, is now married to a humble lawyer just starting in his career. She goes through a few growing pains in this new role, including trying to learn how to cook and clean her home. Then throw in a street urchin (who claims he is NOT an orphan) who follows her home, and you have a delightfully sweet Christmas mystery combined with the continued love story.

While technically a sequel to All My Secrets, it should be fine as a standalone. But of course, as a sequel, you get to continue the story of beloved characters from the previous book!

Now to stop having a major diagnosis in my family when I get a highly anticipated ARC! Thanks to Tyndale Publishers and Netgalley for letting me read and review this wonderful book.

#WaitingforChristmas #NetGalley

First and foremost, Lynn Austin never disappoints. I can always count on a well-written, well-researched satisfying, faith-filled story. This Waiting for Christmas novella, a continuation of Addy and Howard's Gilded Age story, is no exception. I would recommend reading All My Secrets first to learn their background and that of the Stanhope family. This is a tale of growth and inspiration with imperfect people finding hope through God. I am sometimes disappointed with the rushed nature of short stories and feeling like I only have just touched the surface of getting to know the characters, but this didn't come across that way at all.
The book itself is beautiful and has found a perfect place on my coffee table, even ahead of this holiday season. It would make the perfect gift, perhaps along with All My Secrets. Can't recommend enough!
Many thanks to Lynn Austin and Tyndale publishers for the privilege of receiving this ARC. All opinions are mine.

This book, apparently, is a follow on from 'All my Secrets' which I haven't read. I think it was ok as a stand alone, but I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other book first maybe.
Anyway, This was a lovely Christmas novella, It has great Christian themes in it, such as Loving each other, doing good to others, Praying, believing that God knows what we need. The Children, in this, were so sweet. This is the 2nd Christmas book that I have read by this author, and really enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this, this review is my own opinion.

A heartwarming advent tale of hope, love, joy, and peace, that follows a newlywed couple in the month leading up to their first Christmas together, as they blend their lives, and help new friends in need.

An enjoyable Christmastime read that I wanted to savor, as I read this heartwarming novella that follows Adelaide and Howard Forsythe, as they adjust to a life together. Addy has a big heart, and though she is used to a different lifestyle, she is mindful of how she impacts those around her. I loved her big heart, and thoughtfulness towards others, as well as encouragement. Howard is a wonderful man, with a noble heart, he wants to do everything he can to give Addy the life he believes she deserves. I liked how he great with Jack and Polly, and always has Addy's best interests at heart.

I loved the strong core of faith, and wonderful characters. Mrs. Gleason is a favorite, as well as the children Jack, Polly, and Susannah. Well written, with a heartwarming cozy feel to it that I savored and never wanted to end. An excellent Christmas novellas, set in the Gilded Age, about the true hope of Christmas!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Lynn Austin's new Christmas novella is everything the season calls for. It is a story of waiting, hope, sacrifice, and love. Set in the Gilded Age, WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS tells the story of Adelaide Forsythe, who has left behind her high society pampered life for the simpler life as the bride of her lawyer husband Howard. Although Addy's suffragette beliefs tell her that the trappings of wealth are not what make a person worthy, she often finds herself frustrated at her own incompetence. How can one person burn toast every day? Then one chilly autumn day she finds a young boy hiding in the bushes outside their small townhouse. She quickly surmises that the lad (Jack) hid in her mother's carriage as they left a meeting at an orphanage her mother supports. Addy soon finds out that Jack's mother recently died and that he got separated from his three year old sister. Jack refuses to go back to the orphanage and wants to find his sister, believing that their father will arrive back on a ship by Christmas as he promised months before. As Addy and Howard make a temporary home for young Jack, both learn big lessons about priorities, faith, and caring for others. If you've read ALL MY SECRETS, you will recognize Addy, Howard, and their families. But this delightful Christmas story does NOT require that you've read that recent title.

This heartwarming Christmas novella by Lynn Austin is filled with messages of hope and faith, love and trust, kindness and generosity. It will warm your heart with a pre-Christmas glow. This follows on the heels of what mind may my all-time favorite Austin book, All My Secrets, and although this can easily be read as a standalone, it does continue the story of Addy Stanhope. One of the things that struck me about this book is that although it is written for adults, I could easily see myself reading this with my grandchildren, one chapter at a time, leading up to Christmas. I loved this story, the message, and this is one of those books that you could read every Christmas season 🥰

I love reading books by Lynn Austin and this Christmas Novella was no exception.

We catch up with Adeline & Howard from All My Secrets as they navigate through their first year of marriage.

Addy having raised in a life of privilege wants to learn to cook & clean and her husband Howard is determined to give her the kind of life she was accustomed to.

When a young boy’s mother dies he runs away from the orphanage and enlists Addy & Howard’s help in finding his deaf 3 year sister. He is determined to find her hoping their father will come home from sea on Christmas Day.

This Christmas story focuses on sacrifice, love & giving.

Thank you Lynn Austin, Tyndale House Publishing & NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful story in exchange for an honest review.

A heartwarming story that points to the true meaning of Christmas. I absolutely loved a further glimpse of Adelaide and Howard, after their happily-ever-after in ALL MY SECRETS. This story explores their first Christmas as their two worlds meet, that of a former socialite and working class lawyer. I found Addy's desire to learn how to care for a home to be utterly delightful. With Mrs. Gleason's help, she turns her humble house into a home that reflects love. Not the empty, shallowness of the mansions of her past.

When a young stowaway turns their lives upside down, Addy and Howard work together, hoping to reunite a family by Christmas. I love the faith threads in Lynn Austin's stories. The young boy's search for his father is symbolic of our search for our heavenly Father.

The themes of hope, love, joy and peace are woven throughout the story, represented by the Advent candles. I love that Addy and Howard continue to trust in God, realizing that His plan is best. Learning that plans and purpose may change as time passes. I was most touched when Addy said, “Maybe that’s all God asks of us. Some people are given the opportunity to do grand things in life, but if we just make a difference in the lives of the people God puts in our paths, I think He’s pleased with that.”

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of New York City in the early 1900's, readers will feel the excitement as they walk the busy streets amidst the bustle of the holiday shopping and the hopelessness amidst the tenements of the poor. Addy's desire to work for women's suffrage, to better women's lives and working conditions is commendable.

A touching story that will definitely put you in the mood for the holiday season.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this short Christmas novel, which takes readers back to New York City around the turn of the twentieth century and revisits characters from Lynn Austin's novel, All My Secrets.

The book is a timely reminder of finding hope, love, joy, and peace through the beauty of the Christ Child. My heart was warmed and stretched through each part, and I found myself wondering how I would have reacted had I faced circumstances similar to the ones these characters experience throughout Waiting for Christmas.

Not only is the story beautiful, but the hardcover and inside printings make it a lovely addition to any shelf. I enjoy the smaller book size and the cozy feel it brought to my reading experience.

Thank you to Lynn Austin and Tyndale Publishers for sending me a copy of Waiting for Christmas to review. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions are my own.

‘Tis the season of cozy, inspirational stories, and Tyndale Fiction’s latest historical fiction novella, Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin, fits the bill perfectly. You’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but the front cover of this book advertises everything you’ll find inside: warmth, light, and Christmas joy.

The setting is Gilded Age New York City, specifically December 1901, and Adelaide Forsythe is an heiress who has walked away from her upper-class life of comfort to marry for love. Adelaide and Howard are still newlyweds and not quite ready for children when Jack, a young orphan, is found hiding outside their home on the first Sunday of Advent. Adelaide, who is still learning how to run a household, invites the boy in and learns that, when his mother died, he became separated from his sister. Jack is very worried about the little girl and also about how his father, away at sea, will find his children when he returns home this Christmas. Adelaide and Howard are skeptical of the boy’s story, but they set out to help him, searching the city for information about his family in hopes of a joyful reunion. As she works to help Jack, Adelaide finds her footing as a housewife and also slowly develops a vision for how she wants to spend her inheritance and her married life.

This book is divided into four sections, one for each week of Advent, and the sections correspond to the four purple Advent candles representing hope, love, joy and peace. Each chapter is also date-stamped, making it possible to read the book as a sort of Advent calendar, one piece of the story per day. It would be really fun to observe Advent in this way, anticipating Christmas - and the outcome of the story - along with the characters.

Adelaide and her husband are Protestant, but Jack’s family is Catholic, so there is some good Catholic representation in the book, including a supporting character who is a priest. Scripture and prayer appear throughout the story, and as a whole, the book causes readers to reflect on Christian charity and the possibility of miracles. Sometimes Christmas books like this can get a little cheesy, but this one really feels believable while at the same time emphasizing Christian truths about family, poverty, marriage, wealth, and hope.

This is such a wholesome and family-friendly story that it could be enjoyed not just by moms and grandmas, but also by girls in middle school and high school. It reminded me of books like the later titles in the Betsy-Tacy series which address adult concerns but not in a scandalous or inappropriate way for younger audiences. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer for all the women in your life, and especially for newlyweds, foster moms, and anyone who loves a good historical Christmas story.