A Hopeful Christmas

Authors: Anneka R. Walker, Sian Ann Bessey, Carla Kelly, Krista Lynne Jensen
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October 1, 2020

Kindle the spirit of the season as four of your favorite storytellers weave tales of love and hope in this charming yuletide collection.



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• LORD BLAKELY’S GIFT When Miss Ivy Hunt and Lord Curtis Blakely establish a secret acquaintance, neither can deny that their feelings extend beyond friendship. But as the children of bitter rivals, it will take a Christmas miracle for this star-crossed pair to reach their happily ever after.
  
  
• A SEASON OF HOPE Following the death of her father, Amelia knows Christmas will be lean. But when circumstances become dire, it is the unexpected arrival of a childhood friend that renews Amelia’s hope—both for the future and for love.
  
  
• CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA After two years at sea with the Royal Navy, surgeon Will Crenshaw longs for a quiet Christmas with his family. But when unrest at home threatens to ruin the holidays, it takes the kindly intervention of a mysterious house sitter to remind them of the true meaning of the season.
  
  
• EXPECTATIONS AT CANTERWOOD Marina Rowley is a spinster, Richard Stanhope a war-weary military man. A case of mistaken identity throws them together, but the unexpected stirrings of their hearts lead to an unforgettable holiday romance.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

I don't usually read anthologies, but I am so glad I picked up A Hopeful Christmas put out by Covenant Communications. What a delightful set of stories! And oh, how I wish all of them were full-length novels.

I cannot say which one I liked the best as each story was unique in their own way. Lord Blakely's Gift brings together Miss Ivy Hunt and Lord Curtis Blakely. Both are, unfortunately, the unwitting victims of a family feud that has stretched on for years. So they keep their growing attraction and their meetings secret. I loved how Ivy was the best thing for Curtis and vice versa. This was a charming tale of hope, love and finding your faith in God again.

A Season of Hope has all the necessary elements to make it a story you don't want to see end. A Scrooge, a poor family and a knight in shining armour (well, not really, but you know what I mean) make this a perfect story for the Christmas season. I will miss these characters.

Christmas by the Sea has an interesting twist that will remind you of the season's real reason. The love between Will Crenshaw and his wife is steadfast and grounded in a deep faith in God. Their desire to share their Christmas with less fortunate people results in a magical twist that I found enchanting.

Expectations at Canterwood delivers a wholesome tale of two souls who are weary of life. Marina has the added burden of lacking trust or faith in anyone. When she meets Richard Stanhope, she is wary of his attentions and intentions. I loved that Richard was not dissuaded from pursuing her. This is a beautiful story of trust and acceptance.

All the stories will put you in the mood for Christmas and leave you with a smile. I highly recommend this anthology!

This book was provided courtesy of Covenant Communications through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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