Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Christmas At Harrington's by Melody Carlson



I believe I've read every Christmas novella Melody Carlson has written, but I can honestly say that this is the best...and I've read a LOT of Christmas stories! Melody was recently nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, and you'll know why once you've read this sweet story.

"Christmas at Harrington's" is a wonderful holiday tale of forgiveness and redemption, as well as the true meaning of Christmas. Lena Markham simply wants a fresh start. Recently released from a nearly decade long ordeal, she's beginning her life from scratch in a new town with very little to her name.

A chance encounter on the bus ride to New Haven, Minnesota finds Lena with her first new friend, an older woman with a huge heart. Moira Phillips takes a seat next to Lena and before long has learned things Lena swore she'd never speak out loud.

Turns out Moira is also from New Haven, and Moira's friendship will prove both invaluable and providential for Lena. Her new home at the local boardinghouse sparks another friendship with a single mom and her six-year-old daughter, two relationships that will restore Lena's damaged sense of confidence.

Her job at Harrington's department store yields surprises of its own for Lena, and it would seem life is finally favoring her. But when a person from her past appears and works to take away all Lena has gained, where will she turn?

So much is packed into this short story...and you'll come away so much richer for having read it! Every character is full and rich, adding depth and...well...character to the story!

Lena stole my heart from page one, and I was rooting for her all the way. Cassidy was a treasure, and her story melted my heart and warmed my soul. Even Sam grew on me...eventually! I'd love to tell you all the themes I picked out in the story, but that would ruin the suspense for you.

Just trust me when I tell you Melody Carlson has written her ultimate Christmas novella...and I'm so grateful to my friends at Revell for sending me my copy. Please, do NOT miss this delightful story this Christmas season!

Light a fire (or turn up the thermostat!), curl up with your favorite comfort beverage, and spend some time celebrating "Christmas at Harrington's" with Lena! I'm giving this one the Golden Bookmark for Excellence in Story and voting it "Best Novella of 2010"!

Yup, it's that good! In fact, I can see it on the Hallmark channel now.........


Happy Reading!

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2 comments:

Kim said...

I REALLY liked this one...not just because of the holiday message...but more for the realistic look at the challenges Lena faced in the eyes of others. What a terrific and unique way to present this thought!

I think this is the best holiday book I've read in quite some time.

tracysbooknook.com said...

Wow! What a fantastic review! I posted a link to it on my own site for my own readers to see.

I thought Christmas at Harrington’s was a charming little read. Melody Carlson is a truly heart-warming author.

You can see my thoughts on this book here:
www.tracysbooknook.com

-Tracy