The Christmas Heirloom

Four riveting short stories with a Christmas theme centered around a broach passed down through generations. Such a clever idea executed beautifully!

With gratitude to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are fully mine. Pub Date 02 Oct 2018. #TheChristmasHeirloom #NetGalley

3.5 stars
Cute concept. Most suffered from a bit of the cram-too-much-in syndrome common to novellas, though Witemeyer’s didn't.

Legacy of Love: Kristi Ann Hunter 3 stars
This one was a little difficult for me to get into, but turned out really sweet. It’s about a young woman in Regency era whose future doesn’t look too rosy until a friend gives her the brooch.

Gift of the Heart: Karen Witemeyer 5 stars
I’m still thinking about how sweet and engaging this little story is. It’s by far my favorite story in the book! A widow who’s fallen on hard times and a man with a deformed arm are the stars of this little story, and there’s even a bit of intrigue thrown in. I’ll be rereading this one more than one time. Just another reason why Witemeyer is a top favorite author!

A Shot at Love: Sarah Loudin Thomas 3 stars
I think I just struggle in connecting to Thomas’s author voice. It was good but I didn’t feel any emotions over these characters. I also didn’t like some of the feminist vibes that didn’t quite get dealt with, the idea that children were a burden...obviously the MC later had kids for there to be a fourth story, but I was left thinking perhaps she didn’t really want to become a mom.

Because of You: Becky Wade 2.5 stars
Becky’s shorts are hit or miss for me, either love-love or eh. This one was an “eh” for me. I liked Maggie more as a side character in the Bradford Sisters novels, which was odd for me.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

I'm not usually a reader of historical romance, but even I can admit that this collection was enjoyable. For me, it was the perfect "get in the mood for Christmas" story, starting with the historical roots of the heirloom and traveling through the generations to a modern day romance. I like to get a little nostalgic (more appreciate of history & tradition) at Christmastime, so this was the perfect excuse to expand outside my preferred genres--happy to say I wasn't disappointed in the least!

All four novellas have a distinct "flavor" (attributed to the unique style of each author) and while I was a little nervous to see how that would play out in four inter-connected tales, I was delightfully surprised to find that the nuances of each novella actually contributed to the overall story of the "magical" family heirloom, showcasing the passage of time, the differences in dialect and custom, while maintaining one constant--the brooch itself and the truth about love that withstands the test of time.

This book is awesome as you follow the path of a family heirloom as it handed down to the women of one family.
Talented authors who join together to share their own stories of the journey of this heirloom and how it affected the lives of those who owned it.

The Christmas Heirloom has something for everyone. The four novellas span generations so you get historical AND contemporary stories.

I loved how all four novellas went together and yet were their own individual story. I didn't really have a favorite, although I loved how the first one showcased how the original woman got the heirloom.

All in all, I read this collection mainly because of Wade's contribution, but I ended up enjoying them all and recommend the book.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

I absolutely loved this book of four novellas. I was drawn to it because I recognized 3 out of 4 of the authors, but I had no idea it would be such a meaningful story. Yes, that’s right, story (singular).

If you've read the back cover, you would not be taking a shot in the dark in assuming these four novellas revolve around the family brooch, handed down for generations.

Of course, the historical novellas are my favorite (I mean, I’m biased, really), but all of them were heartwarmingly well done.

I give Christmas Heirloom 4.5 out of 5 stars… so for the sake of Amazon (where I will also share my review), I’m rounding up to 5.

If you are looking for a book this Christmas for that Christian Fiction reader in your family, look no further. There is truly something here for both contemporary and historical fans. I read it this past Christmas and I hope to get around to reading it again this Christmas. Also, I think it should be made into a Hallmark movie. I’d not only watch it, but I’d also buy it.

Note: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review.

This book was a beautiful read on how over time family history can be passed on with only one special token. Right away we know that there are 4 novellas written by 4 different authors. What I didn't expect is how smoothly each story flowed to the next, all with a single thread holding them together. I have a Claddagh ring but I had never heard of a similar brooch. And of course, with a little Irish magic built in...if you believe in those things. ;)

Christmas time was the perfect time to read these stories. Each one was as sweet, and wholesome as they come. I love how each story ties into the next. It's all about a family Heirloom and the love and luck it brings to those who have it. My favorite story was Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer. I found myself unable to put it down. If you are looking for some wholesome, feel good, Christmas stories then this book is for you.

Four beautiful stories by authors I love. I enjoyed how each author was able to put their own spin on the story and bring everything together. The stories each stand alone, but with the tie-in that flows throughout the books. I can't pick a favorite story from the collection since I loved them all equally. The settings drew me into the story and allowed me to see glimpses into each character's life. Well-developed storylines, which can be hard to do in a novella, and characters who made the stories shine.

I love the idea of an heirloom tying together multiple generations. I have things that were passed down from my ancestors and it makes me want to take them more seriously. As I get older and can see the links in my own family going both forward and backward from me, and that integral connection is what really settled this story into my heart. This collection takes the reader from Regency times to present day and each story is sweet and the perfect length for the busy holiday season. Everyone has a story to tell (I enjoyed them all) and that common bond that threads through the maternal line is endearing and also lends an element of nostalgia.

Content: mild romance; mild+ religion

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

This 4 Christmas novellas by 4 great authors. It makes for the perfect Christmas 🎄 reads you won’t be disappointed!

Very clean reads!

Synopsis:
In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

Confession: when I agreed to read this collection, I had no idea the heirloom would made an appearance in all four stories or that it was across different time periods. All I knew was that Karen Witemeyer contributed and she’s a favorite of mine, so I said I’d read the book.

I’m so glad that I did! If you’re looking for something to help get you in the mood for Christmas, you can’t go wrong with these sweet love stories. The women are strong, yet realistic, open to love but not incomplete without it. They each face unique circumstances that require them to take action, and love is an added bonus (not the prize for which their striving). With the exception of one story, the heirloom isn’t some sort of talisman that brings love, it’s more of a reminder that each woman in this family can find love.

This was my first introduction to Hunter and Thomas, and I wasn’t disappointed. I didn’t connect as well with Thomas’s story, but I think it was more of the time period than the writing. It was a fun story, and I could relate to Fleete and some of her frustrations. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Hunter, but I slipped right into Sarah’s story and couldn’t put it down. Wade’s style isn’t my personal favorite, but if you enjoy her contemporary romances, you’ll enjoy this novella; it includes some of her popular characters and flows in the same style as her full-length novels. Witemeyer once again managed to create a flawed hero who wasn’t quite a flawed as he thought he was. Her historicals always include a woman who’s a bit tougher than the rest, but not by sacrificing femininity or authenticity. I’ve always been a fan of her stories, and “Gift of the Heart” fits right in with the rest of her novels.

Overall, this was a lot of fun to read. As I mentioned above, I didn’t know a lot about this book when I picked it up, so it was a fun surprise to read the different time periods and then discover the family connection. If you enjoy sweet romance — and are ready to get in the mood for Christmas! — then I highly recommend this collection.