Welcome to Friday Reads!
You can enter to win a print copy of the novella collection Five and Dime Christmas, courtesy of the publisher. (US ONLY!) You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends September 16, 2022.) Click To TweetIf you’re the chosen winner, I’ll contact you for your information to pass along.
About the book…
Christmas Is a Time for Romance at a 1880s Department Store
Visit Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1881 where the Woodworth’s Five and Dime has become the center of Christmas commerce—and a great place to fall in love.
A Merry Little Christmas by Susanne Dietze
Woolworth’s store clerk Hattie Scott’s heart is touched by a handsome customer, but when she takes on additional secretarial work to earn money for Christmas, she learns her new boss is Englishman Timothy Branson—her favorite customer. . .and a threat to her brother’s job! Can two proud hearts overcome their differences to help her brother. . .and find love?
A Home for Christmas by Patty Smith Hall
Essie Banfield doesn’t need money but welcomes the challenges of working a job where she meets a minister and six little boys who inspire Christmas wishes. But will Pastor Max Warner trust that she is more than just a socialite with charitable intentions?
The Light of Christmas by Christina Lorenzen
A job is the only thing independent orphan Lizzie Miller needs, and Henry Kimball is singularly focused on proving his success outside the family business. But could the lure of an old-fashioned family Christmas bring them together?
Lunch with Maggie by Cynthia Hickey
Maggie Larson works the lunch counter where she befriends a girl who’s lonely father delivers milk each Friday. Friday’s noon hour becomes the highlight of Maggie’s week, but after being left at the altar, she closed her heart to love and to God. Will Seth Jamison be able to unlock her heart?
My review…
I love novella collections, particularly Christmas-themed one, and this charming collection fits the bill! After all, it’s never too early for Christmas stories!
All four stories features characters connected to the Woolworth’s Five and Dime store in Scranton, PA in the 1800s. Faith elements are woven throughout each story and do not come across as preachy. The novella nature of each story makes them quick reads, so they fit nicely into a busy schedule. While there are familiar characters in the various stories, each one could stand alone. Characters are relatable and realistic, the settings cozy, and the descriptions vibrant to make the reader feel a part of the story. As this takes place in the 1800s, it was also nice to be reminded of a simpler time, when life wasn’t the crazy, hectic pace that it is now.
This is definitely a book for fans of clean read romances to add to the TBR pile!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Rules for giveaway can be found here.
My favorite thing about Christmas stories is the way that they instantly transport me to that heartwarming season. Bonus if it’s in another time period!
I agree! I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this collection. Good luck, Candice!
The 1800s is my favorite time period, especially for Christmas novellas. I have always loved the decorations and traditions of a Victorian Christmas so I enjoy reading stories set during that era. “A Five and Dime Christmas” will be a wonderful book to read this upcoming holiday season.
Yes! That era provides such a charming setting, especially for Christmas stories. Good luck, Roxanne!
Decorating and being w/family
That’s always fun! Good luck, Lori.
music
I agree! I love Christmas music. Good luck!
Wow! Sounds like a great book! Most of the authors are new to me!
Oh, great! I love introducing readers to “new-to-them” authors. It’s a great one to get you in the holiday spirit. Good luck, Beverly!
I have always loved Christmas, but in the past few years I have come to focus more on the joyful anticipation of the birth of God’s son than on the other things like decorating, gift-making, etc. *** Thank you for sharing this book with us and for the opportunity to win a print copy. :0}
Amen! It’s certainly important to remember the reason for the season. Good luck, June!
Christmas stories are so inspiring! This looks like a great collection of stories 🙂
Yes, they are! They always seem to warm the heart, don’t they? Good luck, Jennifer!
Christmas is usually dull for me.. this year I intend to start reading Christmas theme books early – If I can’t have those wonderful holidays I will “invite” myself to those that do have them! LOL!
Sounds like a good plan! I think this book will fit in nicely. Good luck, Cheri!
Love so much about Christmas…the music, the decorations, spending time with family and all the delicious food and goodies. I enjoy reading novellas, remember our local Woolworth’s and live in PA, a few hours from Scranton. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Oh, that’s awesome that you have a connection to the stories. I believe you’ll really enjoy them. Good luck, Maryellen!
My favorite thing about Christmas is how the season brings out the best in people.
So true, Danielle. It’s unfortunate it can’t be like that all year long. Good luck!