MY REVIEW:
Somehow I overlooked posting a review for this sweet, historical Christmas romance novella by Sharlene MacLaren. It is the perfect book for a cold evening by the fire after all the Christmas preparations are finished for the day. I apologize if my negligence prevented anyone from enjoying this experience during the past Christmas season. I hope you will add it to your Christmas reading list for 2016.
The book itself is quite attractive with snowflake illustrations on many of the page margins. Another illustration of a Christmas tree is placed at the end of each chapter. I thought it was a nice touch.
After two years, young widow Sadie Bennett still mourns her husband of only one month and finds it difficult to move on with her life without him. She especially hates Christmas and except for her job and church on Sundays has become mostly reclusive. However, this is one Christmas that friends and family, particularly Reed Harris, decide to bring Sadie back to the land of the living. She finds herself asked to participate in various Christmas projects and slowly feels her icy heart begin to thaw. Could a new love be far behind?
I enjoyed “Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek” both times I read it. I particularly liked how both Sadie and Reed prayed and listened to that still small voice of the Holy Spirit that directed and encouraged. Reed was a special hero whose patience and obedience helped lead to Sadie’s healing and a promise for the future.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK (144 pages): Two years ago this Christmas, Sadie Bennett’s beloved husband was killed in a tragic accident at the local sawmill. What was once her favorite time of year now haunts her, with its cheerful trappings a cruel reminder of the love she lost. The young widow would like nothing more than to hibernate until the festivities are over. When she finds herself assigned to the committee tasked with picking a Christmas tree for the town square of Little Hickman Creek, she begrudgingly agrees but determines to fulfill her duties to the bare minimum. As the search for a suitable tree gets under way, Sadie is dismayed to learn that one of her fellow committee members is a man she’s worked hard to avoid. Reed Harris owns the local livery, and while he’s friendly enough, good-looking, too, Sadie isn’t ready to invest in another relationship. In fact, she may never be ready, unless a Christmas miracle manages to thaw her frozen heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University, earning a degree in elementary teaching. In 1975, she married one of her childhood friends, and together they raised two lovely daughters. Now happily retired from 31 years of teaching,”Shar” enjoys reading, singing, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and precious grandchildren.
