Christmas can't be relaxing when you're trying to ratchet your career up to the next level. Interior designer Alexis Blake is competing for her own show on the Home Project Network, and the last step is a Christmas-themed home renovation. If she can beat out the other two finalists she'll achieve her dream. She knows things won't be easy, but she arrives on location near Door County, Wisconsin, to find that the homeowner doesn't want to cooperate and her videographer has sustained an injury that will sideline him from the project. This is not a promising start.

Elsie has lived many years in the fieldstone home which her father built. She's not happy that her neighbor submitted her house for the Restoring Christmas project, and she's very set on having her say in making sure Alexis doesn't change too much. She's also prone to taking mysterious trips and will shut down any conversation that broaches the subject of family. She begins to regret her begrudging consent to allow Alexis and the crew into her personal space.

While respected videographer George Langley can't be a part of the special, he insists his son Gabe is more than capable of stepping in. Alexis isn't convinced, but Gabe is larger than life with his optimism and generosity. As he sweeps away her objections and finds unusual solutions to plaguing problems, Alexis agrees to let him in on the project, but can't help wondering what's behind all the charm and personality.

While Elsie's house is under construction, so are the hearts of all those working on it. Gabe is dealing with his first Christmas since his mother's death. Alexis feels the stress and pressure of meeting deadlines and having everything turn out the picture-perfect way she's envisioned it - while meeting resistance from Elsie at every turn. Elsie's shrouded past and sensitivity to change keeps everyone guessing and on edge as to what she'll object to next.

In a story about the true meaning of Christmas and learning to listen to one another, Cynthia Ruchti has crafted a heartwarming novella that will leave you sighing with contentment. I'd highly recommend this for all readers, and especially if you enjoy shows like Fixer Upper. This story introduced me to the song Still, Still, Still, which I have a feeling will be a regular feature on my holiday playlist this year. Are you ready to have your own heart examined before we reach the height of this busy season? Check out "Restoring Christmas" and let the message soak into your spirit.

Thank you to the author for my copy of the novella. All opinions in this review are my own.

I was immediately drawn into this wonderful tale by Cynthia Ruchti! I related to Gabe's optimistic personality because I am a "glass half-full" kind of girl. And I loved Alexis' determination! But each of the characters stole a little piece of my heart. This story of Christmas Restored is so full of emotion and heart, that I was actually sad when it came to an end. I consider this a book that anyone would enjoy, no matter what your favorite genre is. And I highly recommend any of Cynthia's books. She is a very gifted author.


(I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review)

This is a Christmas/Holiday story that will stir your emotions in many ways. It is a story of forgiveness, faith, understanding, peace, love and or course restoration of the spirit all rolled into a story a bout a home renovation project.

The three main characters, Alexis, Gabe and Elsie, each had their own backstory, and a need for some personal restoration. Alexis is trying to win the coveted spot on a Christmas renovation television show to kick start her design business, Gabe is taking over his father's videography business while he recovers from an accident and Elsie is trying to get some much needed work done on her fieldstone farmhouse for free. As we get to know each of the characters we learn about their past and how it has affected their life. One of the most important things they have to do is learn to listen and trust one another, which is easier said than done. With unexpected disasters, an unco-operative and disappearing owner and some weather problems it seems that this project will never get completed. This book is a good reminder that everyone has a story, and seeing them through God's "eyes" helps us to be compassionate. The writing is beautiful and spiritual. There are many spots in the story where both Gabe and Alexis relate what is happening to the birth of Christ and there being no room for him. My only complaint is that you have to go to the website to read the epilogue but that was not a biggie for me. Another lovely story reminding us of the peace, joy and love that surrounds the Christmas Season.

This was a really nice Christmas story. I really loved the humor within the book, even within serious situations, which I've noticed in the books I've read by this author so far. The book dragged a little and I wasn't really into all the home improvement stuff. The book also seemed to end a little abruptly. But there was some good suspense and build-up in this book, which kept my interest. I also loved the ending!

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This book was given to me for free from NetGalley and Worthy Publishing in exchange for a review.

"Roasted chestnut latte? How can that be a bad thing?" (1)

How can one not love a book that starts off like that? Truly, one cannot not love Restoring Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti. And when you add in the fact that I'm a professional interior designer? How can you pass on this story about how restoration of a home resolves to restoration of the soul? How? There's no way.

Let's talk about the characters. Elsie has a debilitating home that she can't let go. She's stuck in her ways in more ways than one. Will her sullenness and stubbornness prevent her heart from healing?

Alexis has something to prove, and much at stake for her project to succeed. Her reputation, her finances and unbeknownst to her, her heart is on the line when it came to Else's home. As a designer, I am more than sensitive when it comes to descriptive settings and Alexis' professionalism. And I have to admire the author for doing an authentic job in both areas. I like Alexis, but she also gets to me in an annoying way. What makes her annoying is that I see myself in her at times, the cynicism, the self-righteousness and the challenges. Yet, her search for life, for healing and comfort in her projects may very well reflect what she search for in her own life. And that's where Mr. George Langley, Gabe comes in. His charm and wisdom not only create a strange bridge between Alexis and Elsie, but provided a comfort zone for both women.

"Alice Through the Looking Glass in a world where sharp lines were wavy and the only men she'd met so far shared a warped sense of humor." (41)

A sense of humor is right when it comes to Gabe. This fellow with his boyish charms and freestyle persona may very well have a more sensitive and deep side to him. He is cute. Whenever he grace the scene, I can't help but smile.

For a novella, Restoring Christmas packs a great depth in the story and each of the characters. What we see as Elsie's home transforms before our eyes on the pages of this book, we also see how souls, broken, hurt or lost are restored. That dinner scene has that same quality as when I read A Christmas Carol for the first time and that final scene of Scrooge, a changed man brings joy to a family in need - heartwarming and radiating with joy. Restoring Christmas may seem to just be about the holidays, but we know what Christmas truly is - bringing the love that is our Jesus Christ to heal all wounds, save all souls and celebrate love.

When you pick up a book by Cynthia Ruchti, there's a certain level of expectation. You expect it to not only be a good book, but a great book. You expect every word to have its place in the story, and ultimately expect to arrive at the conclusion satisfied and fulfilled. I can honestly tell you, Restoring Christmas will satisfy all expectations, and possibly even exceed them for many.


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

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