Christmas Forevermore

Authors: Sally Britton, Sarah Eden, Ashtyn Newbold, Karen Thornell
Genre: Anthology
Pages: 400
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Publisher: Covenant Communications

This holiday season, fall in love with a brand-new collection of swoon-worthy novellas from four of your favorite historical romance authors. From meddling matchmakers to fortuitous fiascos, the holidays have never been more magical!

“A Family Christmas” by Sally Britton
After years abroad, Cyril Grant worries about relating to his highborn relatives at the family’s holiday celebration. But an unexpected connection with a member of the household staff opens his heart—in more ways than one.

“Christmas Forevermore” by Sarah M. Eden
In this reimagining of the beloved Charles Dickens tale A Christmas Carol, spinster Minna Schofield is inadvertently ensnared by a local matchmaker whose meddling launches Minna on a journey of self-reflection that could lead her to unexpected love.

“Christmas at Cranfield” by Ashtyn Newbold
Though childhood friends Hannah and Samuel secretly adore one another, fate conspires to keep them apart. But after years of shared holidays and missed opportunities, this Christmas brings the hope that their stars will align.

 “A Thrill of Hope” by Karen Thornell 
After a devastating loss, Christmas holds little appeal for Isabel Reid. But when a snowstorm traps her in the company of a surprising traveling companion, the perpetual winter of Isabel’s heart may just begin to thaw.

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Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson

A delightful anthology that is sure to whet one’s appetite for Christmas.

Christmas Forevermore is a collection of four novels that all revolve around Christmas, set in the early 1800s and in different places in the United Kingdom. Sally Britton’s A Family Christmas will usher you into the home of Lord and Lady Mardale, where Cyril Grant, the grandson of Lord Mardale, is having a difficult time integrating into his family after being gone for so long. Enter Jane Allen, the female companion of his grandmother, Lady Mardale, to help at the request of her employer. None of them can imagine what this request will eventually lead to.

If this does not create enough excitement for Christmas, Sarah M. Eden’s Christmas Forever, a retelling of Charles Dickson’s A Christmas Carol, is sure to get you there. Minna Schofield, Rupert Crawford, and Mrs. Mary Jackman may leave an indelible mark in your mind as they do mine.

Ashtyn Newford’s Christmas at Cranfield is another beautiful piece that will get you wondering if Hannah and Samuel will ever have their happy ending. Karen Thornell’s A Thrill of Hope lives by its name. The story of Isabel Reid and Robert Collingham caught my attention from the beginning to the very end. A simple request by Robert’s father to escort Isabel, a childhood acquaintance, leads to a new beginning for these two.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading these pieces and will recommend this book to anyone who wants to start Christmas early. Happy ‘readmas’!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

What is better than getting a book with four stories in it? Getting a book with four Christmas stories in it!

Christmas Forevermore is a delightful Christmas anthology, with some authors that are new to me and others that I already follow. But each author got me in the mood for Christmas and kept me turning the pages.

Each story is set in the 1800s and takes you back to all the Christmas activities that might have taken place. From gathering greenery to decorate the house, to lighting a Yule log, to snowball fights in the snow, and to romances that make you wish to see the characters again, Christmas Forevermore is a book you want to read.

Make sure you get this book on your list for the holiday season, as it is one you don't want to miss!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Covenant Communications through NetGalley for my honest review.

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Reviewer: Trixi Oberembt

A Family Christmas by Sally Britton: 

Cryril Grant spends Christmas time with his family after years abroad, but he doesn't feel he fits in. Jane Allen, a ladies companion to his grandmother, shows him kindness and eases him into the holiday fun with all his cousins. Her gentle ways soon lead him to fall in love with her. It seems this Christmas had a magic all its own!

Christmas Forevermore by Sarah M. Eden:

A Christmas Carol re-imagining story that was every bit as delightful as the original! Against her wishes, the local matchmaker sets Minna Schofield up to meet three gentlemen in hopes of a wedding by Christmas day. Minna is just as determined to thwart her efforts! I loved the twists and turns, and the references to the movie or book were cleverly sprinkled throughout. It was also a friends-to-more romance, which I absolutely love! If you are like me and enjoy watching Charles Dickens movies every year, you'll be delighted with Sarah Eden's contribution to this wonderful collection.

Christmas at Cranfield by Ashtyn Newbold:

Siblings William and Hannah Somerton are invited to spend Christmastide with their childhood friend Samuel on his newly inherited estate. Both Hannah and Samuel carry a secret adoration for each other and hope this holiday season will spark a romance between them. However, circumstances conspire to keep them apart. Will their someday love story ever come to pass? I loved this friends-to-more trope by a favorite author of mine! Newbold pens heartfelt stories that tug at your emotions, and this was no exception. What a perfectly lovely novella!

A Thrill of Hope by Karen Thornell

A snowstorm forces Isabel Reid and Robert Collingham to spend Christmastide at her aunt’s estate. They haven’t seen each other since childhood, and it wasn’t with fond memories either. Sparks fly between the two, but most certainly not the romantic kind! Will their close proximity bring more strife, or perhaps a possibility for love? I didn’t care for this one as much because I had a hard time liking Isabel’s character. I felt she was much too abrasive, abrupt, aggravating, and childish at times. I didn’t see enough redemptive qualities for my taste, even in the end. All in all, I did enjoy getting to know her aunt and Robert, and all the Regency Christmas traditions played out in the pages.

Each one of these stories brought Christmas to life in all of its festive traditions of old, and through the eyes of the characters. If you’re looking for your next holiday read, might I suggest picking up Christmas Forevermore to enjoy?

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Covenant Communications through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley.

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