Everything is Better in Texas -- Even the Mistletoe
Published by GH , 3 years ago
What a way to kick off the Christmas season! As the director of music at my church “Christmas” typically starts pretty early for me. I am already starting to look ahead to December and starting to listen to some Christmas music here and there. I have loved reading “Under the Texas Mistletoe” by Karen Witemeyer. It totally put me into the Christmas spirit. Even if you aren’t ready for Christmas yet, purchase “Under the Texas Mistletoe” and put it in your “to be read” pile. You won’t regret it! I promise.
The first novella in Karen Witemeyer’s 3-in-1 collection is “A Texas Christmas Carol”. Margaret Talley is determined to get Scrooge-like Mr. Evan Beazer to make a Christmas donation for helping the local poor. Evan wants nothing to do with her and tries what he can to shake Margaret off of his back. Margaret takes a different approach in order to help open Mr. Beazer’s eyes to the people around him. As I was reading this story Margaret reminded me of Christ and His pursuit of us. Even when we let Him down He is still there. He doesn’t leave us. He never gives up on us.
I am just totally in love with the Archer family and every story that is part of this series. “An Archer Family Christmas” is the perfect addition and conclusion to the series. I can relate to Cassandra and that adds to my absolute love of this novella. Cassie’s love for her nieces and nephews and her heart for children is so endearing. I also love her relationship with Jim Archer—swoon worthy. The best way to describe “An Archer Family Christmas” is a warm and fuzzy feel good story with heart racing adventure.
The third story in “Under the Texas Mistletoe” is “Gift of the Heart”. It is probably the sweetest story I have read. It’s a story you want to re-read immediately after finishing the last page. It is by far one of my favorite books. It’s hard to talk about it without risking giving spoilers! Ruth is such a good mama to spunky, fun Naomi. Bo Azlin. Enough said. Uh! Talk about an awesome guy! I love how real he is. He also adds a charming humor to the mix that is so good it makes you stupid smile where ever it is you are reading it.
This book is such a great way to start the Christmas season but also readable all year round. It was fun to read the devotional, Christmas history, and cookie recipes that were woven between these three stories. You really can’t go wrong with this book. I provides all the feels in it’s pages. Definitely a book you’re going to want added to your shelves.
Under the Texas Mistletoe
Published by amybooksy , 3 years ago
Under the Texas Mistletoe is a collection of Christmas Historical Romance Novellas by Karen Witemeyer. She is among one of my favorite authors and this one does not disappoint. It was fun catching up with characters from her previous books. The novellas include:
A Texas Christmas Carol
An Archer Family Christmas
Gift of the Heart
I enjoyed every single one of these novellas. They are exactly what I would expect from this author. Fun entertainment that keeps me reading until the end.
I am giving Under the Texas Mistletoe a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoyed reading historical romance novella collections. As always, I will be looking forward to more by Karen Witemeyer in the future.
I received a paperback copy of Under the Texas Mistletoe from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Loved it!
Published by labornotinvain , 3 years ago
A Texas Christmas Carol - A clever and completely charming Texas take on the Dickens' classic. An utterly delightful read with engaging characters with names that are fun twists on their inspirations.
Eben is a smart businessman, with really great ideas. He is a clever man, but likes to keep people at a distance with his gruff exterior. I loved how Felicity challenges Eben, and draw him out.
Such a wonderful twist on a traditional story, with strong faith that points to the true meaning of Christmas.
An Archer Family Christmas - The holidays are hard for Cassie and Jim Archer, but when a stranger shows up in need it just might be the answer to prayers.
A heartwarming story of faith and family that finds all the of the Archers together for Christmas. I loved seeing all the couples together for Christmas, as well as getting to know the people at the neighboring boarding school better as well like Myra and her family. An exciting, action-packed read, with strong themes of faith and family.
Gift of the Heart - A widow puts up a treasured broach for collateral on a loan from a wealthy land-owner to help her and her daughter make it through their first Christmas in a new home.
Ruth is a hardworking mother, and the last thing that she wants to do is ask for help, she is a great mother to her young daughter. Naomi is so cute, and I loved how outgoing and friendly she is. Bo is impressed by Ruth's work ethic and charmed by Naomi's honest innocence and accepting nature.
A heartwarming romance, with an adorable little girl, I enjoyed the characters and the Texas setting of this re-telling of the Biblical story. A highly enjoyable read.
Overall, an excellent collection of Christmastime novellas from one of my favorite authors, with familiar faces and familiar timeless tales told in a fresh way. An excellent gift for Christmas or anytime, I read the whole book in one sitting, and you won't want to miss it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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