Home for Christmas

It's often difficult to write stories that fit an inspirational Christmas theme but aren't sappy. The stories collected here have the dramatic heft that is usually lacking in Christmas stories. Even the stories that aim for fable-like simplicity have some compelling twist or a writing style that makes the usual seem incredible. Beautifully done, and well worth reading.

This is an adorable book. I read it on my Kindle, but I can't wait to see it in print as the woodcuts are wonderful. There are multiple short stories, all centered around Christmas. Some of them make you think, some make you smile, several may make you cry. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I think that there may be several people receiving this book as a gift from me this Christmas. I wish it had gone on and on and on. It captures the meaning of Christmas.

A fun read with lots to love! A great gift for Christmas. Buy it early . . . I will be appreciated by your recipients.

I received an advance copy of, Home for Christmas, by Henry van Dyke, Pearl S. Buck, B.J. Chute, Rith Sawyer, Elizabeth Grouge, Selma Lagerlof, Rebecca Caudill, and Madeline L'Engle. This book has 22 stories about Christmas, from all over the world. Its a great collection for families to read together.

Though I'm unfamiliar with some of these writers, I'm delighted to get to know them in this book! There is something so cozy about a book of short stories, especially with themes of Christmas and the values that traditionally come with them.

This is a book for old souls or for those who hope to develop the old souls in your own children. Most of the stories aren't explicitly focused on Christ's birth, but they're stories with Truth as their guide.

I'm still working my way through the stories, seeing as I'm writing this in August, slowly approaching them like a wise ten year old who takes his or her time to eat the Christmas candy. I can't wait to make some of these stories part of our tradition.

I received a digital advance copy of this book. All words and opinions are my own.

“Home for Christmas – Stories for Young and Old” by Elizabeth Goudge is a classic collection of twenty time-honored tales, with exemplary spiritual integrity and outstanding literary quality. Among the warmest childhood memories of Christmas, some are by world-famous authors; others are treasures from other languages. This timeless collection resonates with readers of all ages, down through the centuries. This classic anthology, full of elegant writing, has an international flavor, with stories set in various countries across the globe. Literary excellence and a heartwarming Christmas message blend together perfectly to create one of the finest Christmas collections ever. Home for Christmas is full of heartwarming stories, with clear moral lessons, to fill your heart with happiness. All the stories, filled with sweetness and light, celebrate truth, goodness, and beauty, to touch hearts and make memories. This book is a rare, priceless treasure to be enjoyed by one and all, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. This book is a must read for all families during the holidays. It has several different short stories that capture the season of the holidays and will be enjoyed for many years to come.

This book was sent to, me on Kindle by Netgalley for review… this is a collection of Christmas stories…some enchanting and others intriguing…an unusual collection…

A wonderful book of stories for the Christmas season by so many well-known author. I'm looking forward to seeing it in print and in gifting it to other bibliophiles. An excellent edition to the genre.

Home for Christmas is a compilation of short stories by various authors. I found most to be very uplifting and inspirational. A few I felt a bit bogged down when reading, mainly those set in other countries where language may be unfamiliar. All have a happy ending in some way. This book is well put together and each story is well written. Many have been published previously in other books but there was only one I had read before. I believe this book would make a nice gift for any adult reader.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Home for Christmas, brings us different authors telling us their story of Christmas. I enjoyed the book because there was more depth to the stories, the stories came from all over, and it not only felt like stepping back in time, but seemed to transport me there.
Each story is unique, some I learned a lot from, and others, felt like, going through it while reading it. It is a different style of Christmas book, that reminded me of the classic Christmas stories of long ago.
I received an ARC from Plough Publishing House through NetGalley.

A book of 20 tales of Christmas for all ages by various authors. This would make a nice Christmas gift and be a nice tradition for family reading during the holidays.

I received a copy of this book from Plough Publishing and NetGalley. The opinion expressed is my own.

This book is sure to be a favorite of all those who love Christmas. A collection of 20 short stories that all honor the spirit of Christmas, this book would be a perfect read during the Advent season. The stories are appropriate for readers/listeners of all ages and offer a nice variety in tone and message. It would be a nice gift as well.

I'll be re-reading this each Christmas season!

My thanks to NetGalley and Plough Publishing House for allowing me to read an ARC of this book which is scheduled for publication on 10/5/21. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

Home for Christmas is a classic collection of Stories for Young and Old by many well known authors such as Henry van Dyke, Pearl S. Buck, B. J. Chute, Ruth Sawyer, Elizabeth Goudge, Selma Lagerlöf, Rebecca Caudill, and Madeleine L'Engle. A few of them were not as well known to me but wrote lovely, beautiful stories.

Some of these stories reminded me of my childhood when I first experienced reading them. Wonderful stories with wonderful memories. Others that were new touched my heart too. Many of the stories are heartwarming and seeming simply at first glance but all have a big idea and lesson to be pondered. All in all a rare collection.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

Christmas is just around the corner and this is a wonderful collection of stories with Christmas as the theme. Some of the authors are familiar, some are not - - but all the stories are worthwhile. This book would make a wonderful Christmas gift.

Thank you for the Advanced copy.

This is a wonderful collection of stories about Christmas by many authors, including Madeline L'Engle (A Wrinkle in Time).

Highly recommended for Readers who love the Christmas season.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. It has always been a special time for me. There are 20 wonderful stories written by well known authors. There are other stories tha were unknown to me and may be to you. Those stories have been translated from other languages. Reading these stories made me feel a warm glow within. I felt comfort and hope from reading the stories. The stories enclosed that you may know isn’t the whole story and you may discover an alternative ending.

This is a book to treasure as it definitely will remind you about the Christmas spirit and love. It’s an amazing book to read.

The stories represent various cultures and time periods showing the universality of Christmas. With the variety of stories presented in this anthology, readers will definitely find one that will ignite their hearts with the spirit of Christmas. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley but the thoughts expressed are my own.

This book is a treasure trove of stories perfect for reading with your loved ones by the hearth on a cold December evening. When I saw that this collection included a story by one of my all-time favorite authors (Madeline L’Engle), as well as other beloved authors (such as Pearl S. Buck, Henry van Dyke, and Katherine Paterson), I knew I needed to read it.

But before you dive in you should know that these aren’t just sweet, little heartwarming stories about Santa and his reindeer. They are all moving, even intense, stories that point your heart back to Christ. What joy the book brought as each story reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas.

Home for Christmas is a book that every family should have on their shelves to read and enjoy together through the Advent season. I’d recommend you pick up a copy of Home for Christmas for your loved ones. 4 out of 5 stars. 🙂

Many thanks to Plough Publishing and NetGalley for the digital copy of this collection for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own! 🙂

A collection of 20 classical Christmas stories, I'd read most of them or had them read to me when I was younger. The collection is stories that feature the heart of christmas spirirts and are meant to be shared with those you love and care about. They embody the feeling of the hoilday, family and memories shared with care and good will. You will find stories for every age and every generation. Read, enjoy, share

A classic collection that focuses on the religious morals of the season. This book would be a great selection to leave out for perusing during the Christmas season.

Twenty short stories. Twenty contributors. One theme. As many popular singers croon the Christmas song, "I'll Be Home For Christmas," this collection of stories warms the hearts as many people prepare for another busy Christmas season. Just like many of us remember well how a song goes, we too could remember stories better than mere theories or concepts. Stories like "Brother Robber" remind us about forgiveness. The "Three Young Kings" tells of the gospel touches us in spite of our mischiefs and misdeeds. Madeleine L'Engle writes about a "Sister Egg" whose name is often a conversation starter as she ministers to the homeless on the streets. Nikolai Lesskov shares the story of how one could be eloquent about the faith and yet unable to overcome the hurts over injustice. It takes a new revelation of the meaning of Christ's coming that unlocks the path toward healing. Pearl S Buck shares the story of a Christmas Day morning and how a son gave his father a lovely Christmas surprise. Henry Van Dyke begins the story of the three wise men before dropping in a surprise fourth "Wise Man." This man journeyed in faith, playing catch-up after failing to keep up with his three other friends. Adding some drama into the gaps between the birth of Jesus and the trial of Jesus, the story details how this man follows the Person and Life of Christ, to offer his gift of ministry. All the stories were told around what was revealed in Holy Scriptures. From the birth narrative of Jesus, the parables Jesus taught, to the life of Jesus' ministry, the twenty authors focus on a unique theme of the coming of Jesus to show us a compelling picture of the reason why Jesus came to earth.

Apart from the authors mentioned above, some of the other authors come from countries such as Cuba, Germany, Siberia, Palestine, Denmark, Spain, as well the USA, and descriptions of Canada. The stories are intriguing because not only do they come from the pens of some of the most creative literary writers, they are seen from the lens of ordinary people, about the meandering thoughts surrounding Christmas. The story of Barney Hatch the panhandler is one prime example. Like a chain of Christmas lights, author BJ Chute strings together some of the most familiar Christmas symbols such as Church bells, church towers, wreaths, Christmas decorations, Christmas shopping sprees, pine trees, jingles, and even Santa Claus. As the panhandler shifts from asking for donations to becoming a Santa Claus at a store promising to give wishes, he realized that having a few more dollars in his pocket led to a tough call between buying for a little boy a harmonica he promised and a bottle of whisky he wanted for Christmas. It prompts us with the question: "What would you do with your limited resources? Bless someone or to bless yourself?"

Stories have that special touch to communicate anything. The Christmas message has always been about the birth of Jesus, but for much of the world, it continues to be about the busyness of shopping, commerce activities, year-end festivities, and other secular forms of celebrations. With biblical themes flowing through the veins of these stories, readers will enjoy the rich reminders about the spirituality of Christmas. We have all been bombarded by messages that Christmas is a time of giving, of gifting, and of forgiving. This book does not only these but elevates the message through multiple cultures and creative literary lenses. Here's a hint: Don't rush through the stories. There is more than one message within each story. The longer and slower you dwell in them, the more you would discover.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Plough Publishing House and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

This is a nice collection of holiday stories. Many are classics that I've read throughout the years, such as "The Other Wise Man" by Henry van Dyke, and "Christmas Day in the Morning" by Pearl Buck. Others, I had never seen before, but all of the stories had a classic feel.

One of my favorites was "Three Yung Kings" which told of three boys chosen to be the Three Kings riding through town distributing presents.

Some of the stories are sent in the far past, and some are set in more modern times. I didn't feel like any of them was too preachy, but they were heartwarming.

This book would make a good holiday gift for self or others - and reading the stories will be a good holiday tradition.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read an advance copy.

This was a great compilation of authors. It felt like an old fashioned good read for this time of year. I would give this as a gift.

This is a wonderful collection of stories from across the globe; that feature the true meaning of the season! I enjoyed all the different tales from different cultures and the variety of stories told from long, long ago and those that were from the 2oth century. They all touched my heart in some meaningful way.

book full of stories about warm christmas memories. A good sit by the fire and read to the family kind of book! thank you netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for a review.

Home for Christmas is an anthology of short stories that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Some stories are from well-known authors like Pearl S. Buck and Madeleine L'Engle. Others are little known offerings from different countries. Every story is a gem.

These are the kind of stories you want to read every year until they become part of the family. The wood engraving-style illustrations are beautiful in their simplicity, and add to the overall homey feeling of the book. Home for Christmas is a lovely book that would make a perfect gift for anyone of any age.

Short stories by many well-known writers from the past, as well as some less-known ones. With a focus on Christ's birth, these stories are great for family reading. A book that can be enjoyed year after year.

Dive into twenty Christmas Short Stories that take into account the true meaning of Christmas. These stories are from different areas of the world. Some are classics and some are newer.

While, I enjoyed these stories, I don't think all of them would be suitable for children. They are spiritually inspired.

This was first published in 2014.

Thanks to Netgalley, and Plough Publishing for the Kindle Version of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

😊 Happy Reading 📚😊

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