This was a pretty quick and sweet read, bound to get many a reader into the festive Christmas spirit.

I'll admit, I've not read the first book in this "series" (a full-length novel, for which this is a sequel novella); as per my norm, I didn't realize there was another book to read first, lol. I did feel a little lost at times, and I'm sure readers of the first book would enjoy even more.

I also didn't really care for the writing style; I felt it a bit overwritten and overly descriptive. It's been a long time since I read a Lynn Austin book, so I can't speak to whether that's simply her style or if it's unique to this read.

That aside, it is a sweet story, with several touching moments and the gospel/true meaning of the season well presented.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

"Waiting for Christmas" is a Christian novella set in 1901. It's a continuation of the events from the story "All My Secrets." Howard wants to be the provider for his wife and insists that she keep the money she inherited in reserve in case of emergency. Adelaide wants to live life as a normal housewife, but she doesn't know how to cook or clean. Howard doesn't want her doing that anyway, so they hire a cook and someone to clean the house. Adelaide intends to live within her budget, but expenses pile up as she tries to help an 8-year-old boy find his younger sister after they're separated when their mother died. And how can they let his father know where to find Jake when his ship returns on Christmas?

Historical details about tenements and orphanages were woven into the story. The main characters were likable, complex, and acted realistically. Adelaide and Howard had to work through certain expectations they had for their marriage. Adelaide methodically tried to track down Jack's sister, and Howard helped when he didn't need to be working. In my experience, an 8-year-old would have remembered a great deal more about his father's job and ship than Jake did, but, hey. And after one miracle, I would have thought Adelaide and Howard would have been more positive about another happening, but instead they tried to solve certain problems before they even occurred. Still, it was a nice story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable, well-written Christmas novella.

Lynn Austin has been a long-time must-read author for me, and when I learned there was a follow-up Christmas book that included the characters of All My Secrets, I knew I'd want to read it. I think this book is best read with having read All My Secrets first. The story itself will stand alone, but you will care more about Addy and Howard if you've read the book that introduces their story, and their feelings will make a bit more sense. For fans of All My Secrets, this book is what happens next in the life of Adelaide after she marries Howard. When she finds a young boy on her doorstep after doing some charity work with her mother, she wants to help him, but he claims he won't return to the orphanage and that he has a father coming home and a younger sister somewhere that will only talk to him. As Addy is adapting to newly married life and transitioning to a more middle class lifestyle, adding a child and his troubles to the mix seems like a bit much, but it brings about some clarity to both Addy and Howard as they try to make their own paths. There is a solid faith thread in this one, and the story has 4 parts to it - each corresponding to one of the traditional Advent candles. There was a sweet new-married romance included, a bit of a mystery as they searched for Jack's family, good character growth and development and a beautiful story ending. I loved how Addy's growth through the book resulted in her finding her calling and how her husband not only supported her in her endeavors, but aided her in getting there. Though this one was on the shorter side for the author, it was long for a Christmas book based on my experience of both. And though it could have trimmed a few of the redundant passages about how they were afraid of letting each other down, it was a good length as it was perfectly paced. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and getting to see what happens next after one of my favorite reads from earlier this year. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

This is the sequel to All My Secrets. It follows Howard and Addy as they navigate their lives together as husband and wife. It was a delight to hang out with them and the two adorable children, Jack and Polly.

The author concentrates on the women's suffrage campaign and the hardships of New York's destitute immigrants and orphans in 1901. This narrative will make you smile and shed a few happy tears, as well as inspire you, as the author does an excellent job of demonstrating how the couple's faith grows through their financial hardships, social expectations, and how they prepare for the future. This story will tug at your heartstrings and encourage you at any time of the year.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

I enjoyed this book. I have never read this author before but will look for other works by her. It was a story that held my interest.

Adelaide and Howard have been married for a month and are enjoying their honeymoon phase…until a cold November afternoon when Addy arrives home and finds a boy, dirty and freezing, hiding in the bushes. He has run away from an orphanage and is adamant that he has a family and is in search of his little sister. So Addy and Howard take him in until they can figure out where he came from and what they should do about his situation.

This is a sweet story and a quick read. I like Addy’s compassion, seeing ways she can help others, and her respect for her husband, and the little boy, Jack, who is bound and determined to never give up looking for his sister and believing that he will get his Christmas miracle.

You will like this book if you enjoy:
-A quick read
-FMC who marries into a lower class
-The Gilded Age era
-The suffrage movement
-Christmas stories
-Christmas miracles

*I received an advanced digital copy of the book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. All opinions stated are my own.

More than a mere story, Lynn Austin, gives us a gift to lift us above the busyness of the holiday season to a space filled with God’s hope, love, joy and peace. Using each of the advent candles, she masterfully weaves the story into sections encompassing the meaning of each.

Addy and Howard’s first Christmas together turns out much different than they had expected. Addy finds eight-year-old Jack on her doorstep who has run away from an orphanage. Together Addy and Howard spend their time, money and energy helping Jack find his family. The setting of New York in 1901 provides many facets of history including how women’s suffrage was about more than just the right to vote. Along the way, Addy finds her true purpose in helping those God places in her path.

Addy sums up the lesson she learns by saying, “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.”

The characters are real and growing in their own faith. The way they handle their own doubts and struggles provide insight into truths about prayer, trusting God, and sharing these with children.

Refreshed, encouraged and hopeful are three words that fit how I felt after reading Waiting for Christmas. It’s everything you would hope to find in a Christian Historical Fiction.

This book helps to open our eyes to the small daily ways God brings opportunity for purpose during the Christmas season and beyond. It may be a book I now read every pre-Christmas season to remember and focus on this truth. It would also make a wonderful gift to share the truth of God’s great love and His gift of Jesus.

This novella is a continuation of the fuller story of Addy and Howard which is found in Lynn Austin’s previous book – All My Secrets. It is not necessary to read that book first though; I look forward to reading it next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

I went into Waiting for Christmas not realizing that it was a continuation of a previous Lynn Austin title, All My Secrets, that I hadn't actually read. However, that didn't end up hindering my enjoyment of it, and I ended up loving this heartwarming, delightful story that left me thinking about it long after I read the ending.

Lynn Austin is truly a masterful storyteller, and I always enjoy how her historical titles are well researched, atmospheric, and plot driven. In this particular title, readers follow newlyweds Adelaide and Howard during their first Christmas season as husband and wife. As Adelaide adjusts to a drastic different lifestyle than the one she's accustomed to, and Howard wrestles with not being able to give his wife the world, their Christmas plans suddenly change in the blink of an eye when a young ward from a local orphanage ends up on their doorstep. As the couple wrestles to get the answers to the questions their seeking about his parentage, they will find their own lives changing in ways they never could have imagined.

A beautiful Christmas story that speaks of the importance of family, love and friendships, Waiting for Christmas was everything I've come to expect from this author, and it ended up being one of my favorite reads of the year. My favorite part of all, however, was the lovely way she was able to incorporate a beautiful faith message about redemption and our Heavenly Father's never ending love for his children right into the main plot. I truly adored that, and I can't recommend this wonderful story enough.

Final Rating: 5/5.

I look forward to going back and reading All My Secrets in the very near future to learn more of the backstory about the main characters, but I appreciated that you can still enjoy this one without needing to do so.



Thanks so much to Tyndale Fiction for allowing me to read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Tyndale Fiction) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

Waiting for Christmas is an absolutely delightful continuation of Lynn Austin’s gilded-age novel All My Secrets. Austin’s historical fiction is always interesting, well researched and inspiring. I loved reading more of Addy and Howard’s story. Such strong, complex characters. The heart tugging tale is filled with love and hope. I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale Publishers for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

“Waiting for Christmas” is a wonderful Christmas tale filled with love, devotion, family, and growth. Lynn Austin does a wonderful job introducing us to Addy and Howard, the young couple just starting married life; to Mrs. Gleason and Susanna, the aunt and niece who come to work for Addy and Howard; and to Jack a young orphan who is desperate to find his family. The author does a wonderful job drawing the reader into the search for Jack’s family. I adore Mrs. Gleason, and I think all readers will. Addy is devoted to women’s suffrage, but not just about voting, she cares about helping women and orphans better themselves and creating a better future for them through training and assistance. Addy and Howard are both learning lessons about God: His love, His faithfulness, and His provision. Addy is especially trying to figure out who God wants her to be and what He wants her to do with her life. I appreciate the author sharing these journeys in Addy and Howard’s lives with the reader. What an uplifting and encouraging story - for Christmas or any time of year! I highly recommend this book. It will be on my list to read again.

I requested a complimentary copy of this book for review. The thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

Waiting for Christmas is a delightful, heart-tugging sequel to All My Secrets continuing Adelaide and Howard’s story after their marriage. I loved All My Secrets and was thrilled to read more about Adelaide and Howard. My expectations were met and exceeded in this novella. The characters, main and secondary, are expertly crafted and easy to cheer for. I love Addy and Howard as individuals and as a couple. The children Jack and Polly stole my heart. The historical aspect of the story centers on the women’s suffrage movement and the plight of the poor immigrants and orphans in 1901 New York. I appreciate the “faith in action” angle of the story and the emphasis on the real meaning of Christmas. This is the kind of book that makes you smile and perhaps shed sad and happy tears. I recommend this charming story of family and faith brimming with hope and love as an enjoyable, inspiring read not only at Christmas time but also at any other time of the year!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin is a Christmas novella, a sequel to a previous book which I have not read but I was able to follow this one as a standalone. This is such a warm and beautiful book with lessons on hope, joy, love and peace. It is a lovely reminder that Christmas is all about Jesus and God's love. Thank you, Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for granting me the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are mine.

This book is fabulous! There's nothing better than reading a Christmas book, especially when it's 90 degrees outside!! I was immediately drawn into this book and eagerly read it. (Almost hoping it would be longer 😀!)

Addy and Howard are an amazing couple! When their paths cross with young Jack, their lives will never be the same! Jack's sad story tugged at my heartstrings. He's persistent, and he never wavers in believing the promise his father made. Honorable mention to Mrs. Gleason, Susannah, Addy's mother, and Howard's parents. Its their loving and caring support that help lead this story to a happy ending!

Faith in God is prevalent throughout the book. My favorite quote is: "God knows all our needs before we even ask. And He knows the best way to answer our prayers, even if it isn't always what we wish for. "

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers/Tyndale Fiction via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

We are back with Addie and Howard, they are married now, and Addie is trying to live a life of a wife, rather than a spoiled socialite.
This read is so heartwarming, and a beautiful Christmas story! There is even an antique creche!
The story is so much about giving, and with the giving comes the real meaning of Christmas.
From finding a precocious, if not challenging, eight year old little boy, to saving the life of a three year old girl.
This read did focus on the true meaning of Christmas and I loved immersing myself into the story, and one I could read each Christmas!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Waiting for Christmas is a follow-up novella to All My Secrets. I had not personally read that previous book and found that I was still able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone.

This was such a beautiful Christmas story. As the story starts, Addy is adjusting to her new role as a wife, as well as living a much more modest lifestyle than that she grew up with. When a young boy shows up, claiming not to be an orphan as assumed, but on the hunt for his family, they set out of a search to reunite this family. It was an eye-opening look at how some lived during this time period, but also a really beautiful story of hope and family--- perfect for the holiday season. One of the things that I really loved is how the meaning of the advent candles connected to the story as well. I thought this was a heartwarming historical read that will help readers remember the true reason for the holiday season! It is certainly one to add to your holiday TBR.

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

"Waiting for Christmas" is a novella continuing Adelaide and Howard's story from "All my Secrets". At the beginning of Advent, Adelaide "Addy" finds a young boy named Jack in the bushes by her house. Jack followed her home from the orphanage because he isn't an orphan! He asks her for help finding his missing sister and for shelter until his dad comes home from sea.

This is a cosy feel good Christmas story! I really enjoyed all the characters. I especially loved Addy, who married down for love and has trouble adjusting to her new lifestyle. The story was a good mixture of Christmas preparations and joy and worry about Jack's family and future. It is not necessary to read "All my Secrets" to enjoy this book.

It is important to know, that this is Christian literature. Addy and Howard go to church and pray regularly. The story follows Advent and the symbolism of the candles. Bible verses are quoted. I enjoyed this very much and it fits into the time (1901), but not everyone will like it. So, if you are not religious you may want to skip this novella

Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the digital ARC

Lynn Austin's upcoming novella release "Waiting for Christmas is a perfect follow-up to her amazing novel that released earlier this year, "All My Secrets". This sweet story continues Adelaide's story after the ending of "All My Secrets" and is a wonderful glimpse into Adelaide's married life. I've read both books and though this could be a standalone, the story is much richer having read "All My Secrets" first.

I love the story of how Adelaide and her husband take in an orphan boy who ends up following her home in her mother's carriage. They start a quest to try and reunite the boy with his lost sister and father. The boy's mother passed away 2 months earlier and he and his younger sister were separated.

This book is set in the Gilded Age in New York City. It touches on the poverty found in the city and the women's suffrage movement. It is a very rich story with wonderful characters. Adelaide is an encouragement to all of us to look into helping those in need. This is a great reminder to all of us during the Christmas season (and really anytime) to look into what God is calling us to do and how we can help those in need around us. Christmas is central to the book and this is definitely a Christmas novella to enjoy and savor this holiday season.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. I will definitely be purchasing this book to add to my shelves to sit right next to my copy of "All My Secrets".

Book Title: Waiting for Christmas
Author: Lynn Austin
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishing/Tyndale Fiction
Genre: Women’s Fiction/Romance
Pub Date: September 3, 2024
My Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Pages: 288

I was drawn to this Christmas in July story as we are having a nasty heat wave that just won’t cool down.
When I read that this story promises to be a story of faith and the true meaning of Christmas - was in!

. It is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue. Adelaide (Addie) and Howard Forsythe are newlyweds and looking forward to their first Christmas.
Addie comes from a very privileged family. In the fact, the home she grew up in it a 69 room mansion. She and Howard are deeply in love and Addie wants to please him. She has never cooked no cleaned and is given the okay to hire help and she promises she will learn how to do both. She continues to help her mother in various charity events.
One day they visit an orphanage and unknown to them eight-year-old Jack Thomas sneaks into their carriage and ends up hiding in the bushes outside Addie’s and Howard’s home. She offers to feed him but tells him he will have to go back to the orphanage.
He insists he is not an orphan. He was sent there after his mother died and the landlord reported he is living alone to the police,
He has a three year-old sister Polly who doesn’t speak to anyone but him and his father was out of work so is working on a ship and will be back by Christmas.
Turn out little Poppy was found walking the street and assumed feebleminded and sent to a home for the insane.
Yikes!
Okay I am not going to give anything else away only that this was a quick, page-turner and I want you to enjoy it as much as I did.
I love these characters as well as the side characters Mrs. Gleason, Susannah, and Howard's parents.
BTW: Story delivered what it promised 💕

Want to thank NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishing/Tyndale Fiction for granted me this enjoyable early Christmas digital galley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 3, 2024.

This Christmas novel should be read together in a whole family, as a reminding for us to wait for Christmas. I like the story and I hope you will like it a lot, too.

Waiting for Christmas is a well written Christmas story. I throughly enjoyed the plot and the character dynamics. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.