Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Staff Picks The Gift of Christmas Past (Adult Fiction)

The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodmall

I was instantly drawn to the characters and their situation in this book. The depths of hurt, healing, and love are remarkable. This story has all that I look for in a book written by this author. I loved the bonus features that were included in this novel for book clubs. There are three yummy-looking recipes and thirteen discussion questions to help create a lively and inviting atmosphere for discussion. I look forward to this writing team’s next novel. This story and its characters stayed with me long after I closed the book. I highly recommend it!

Nora St.Laurent
Collection Support Aide

36 comments:

Marcia Lee Laycock said...

Sounds like a good one. Thanks Nora

Mrs Tina said...

Nice review Nora. I always enjoy Cindy's books.
Blessings, Tina

Kris Anderson, The Avid Reader said...

Nice review. I will have to check out the book!

Jane said...

Any book with Cindy attached to it is a good idea for a Christmas read. Thanks for the review! And for carrying Christian books in the library.

JBarr5 said...

Review sounds like the book is a winner and recipes also> WOW! What a gift it would be to read this one.
Thanks for sharing,
Julie

Sharon said...

Cindy Woodsmall and Christmas sounds too delicious to pass up! Thank you, Nora for this review!

MJSH said...

Thanks for the enticing review! This sounds like a fantastic read.

Unknown said...

I would like to check it out.

Betti said...

Thanks for the great review! I have this on my want to read list :)

Anne Rightler said...

Thank you for your review. This sounds like it needs to go on my TBR pile.

Sandra Byrd said...

Great review - I'll look into this book!

Library Lady said...

Dear Nora,
I will be buying this book for the church library. We have Cindy's books and our patrons enjoy reading about the Amish. So, this new book, will be a delightful surprise.
Janet Estridge.

Cheri S. said...

This is a wonderful book. Read it in November and still thinking about the characters. Great message - I hope they do a sequel. Thanks for sharing so others can see and read this great book too.

Jennifer said...

OH! This looks like another awesome read to add to my TBR list! I LOVE stories and characters that stick with me after I've finished the last page! Thanks for sharing!!

Robin Ennis Willson said...

Well put! Great review.

Anonymous said...

I have loved all of Cindy's books. I can't wait to read this one. Great review Nora!

Caryl Kane said...

Wonderful review, Nora!

Deana said...

I read and reviews this book. It is a wonderful story and one I would recommend to everyone.

Nora said...

Your members will be delighted to hear that news Janet. They will LOVE this book just as much as they did the others. This novel has all the elements I love about Cindy's Amish books. She quickly draws you in feel for the characters. They face some pretty challenging issues. The characters learn a thing or two about heart issues and life and so does the reader. It's a win win!

Nora said...

It does stay with you Cheri. I agree. Oh, I hope there is a sequel too! The little girl in this story stole my heart. It was hard and amazing to learn what the speech therapists did to help this little one learn to speak. It was a struggle but they were creative. Thanks for your encouragement Cheri!

Nora said...

This story won't disappoint!

Nora said...

Great to hear that Deana! I highly recommend it too!

Nora said...

You should look into it Sandra.
This was the sneak peek that Cindy gave about her book, "Young love…
Promises made.
Lies spoken.
She was arrested.
He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents."

Oh, and there is more that happens when the story is fast forwarded 10 years! It's a special story!

Nora said...

I was pleasantly surprised to see the recipes and the great discussion questions in the back of the book. It's definitely a bonus feature to this wonderful story!

Nora said...

Thanks for stopping by Jane! I agree with you!

Deanna Stevens said...

Sounds like one I'd enjoy!

Lee Carver said...

So glad your library invests in inspirational novels. People of all walks enjoy a safe book.

Nora said...

We are blessed with many inspirational novels in all four of Foryth County's branches. The other thing that makes it nice is the fact that we have inter-library lending which makes many books available through out the states.

Littluns said...

I'm always pleased to read an honest from the heart review from a trusted person like Nora. It makes for a more confident selection process.

Sonnetta Jones said...

I will add it to Goodreads and my Amazon Wish List.

Loved the review.

Cindy Woodsmall said...

Wow, what wonderful and encouraging comments. Thank you, everyone! It really does an author's heart good to see this kind of interaction. Nora...thank you! Wherever you are, readers and authors are encouraged. And how fun for this to happen within the Forsyth library system!

Mama Cat said...

Thanks for the great review - it sounds like an interesting novel!

Nora said...

Hi, Cindy; I'm so excited you stopped by. Your novels are heart-felt and thought-provoking. Your Amish books have been an inspiration to many. What I like about your stories is the fact they deal with issues everyone has Amish or not. Another thing I enjoy about your novels is that they don't just take place inside the Amish community.
Your first Non-Amish story, The Gift of Christmas Past, has all the elements I’ve enjoyed about your books through the years. It’s a story about forgiveness, healing, second chances and love. It’s thought-provoking and informative. I adored the little girl in this story who goes to therapy to regain her speech. You and Erin make a wonderful writing team. I’m overjoyed to let readers know about your books. I look forward to reading more of your novels.

Nora said...

Thank you for your encouragement!

Nora said...

You most definitely don't want to miss this one.

Debrajane said...

I would love to read your book!