Book picks similar to
The Best of Guideposts Christmas: A Collection of Christmas Stories from America's Favorite Magazine by Ideals Publications Inc.
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Snowed in at the Villa
Chelsea Hale - 2021
Could being snowed in change everything for them? Snowed in at the Villa is a sweet, contemporary romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Enjoy this fun, flirty Hallmark-style Christmas romance by Chelsea Hale.Kat doesn’t cry over her life. Well not anymore. She is single (again) and happy about it, and with a string of odd jobs from the temp service, she has just the right amount of variety without all the drama. When an avalanche on a narrow mountain road changes her plans, she gets to see her new recluse boss in an unconventional way, and it’s messing with her plans. And her heart.Logan likes living remotely in his villa nestled in the mountains. Solitude has done wonders for his mental health. Mostly he doesn’t think about the past, just guards his wounded heart. When his chef takes the night off, he orders take-out, and when the delivery girl shows up, she has no food.Kat is unlike any woman Logan has ever met, but his new hire has just made his quiet, secluded life a nightmare. It doesn’t help that she’s attractive. Or smart. Or funny. He can’t and won’t get involved with anyone. Not again.Being snowed in brings out a lot of things that Logan would prefer to leave alone, but Kat engages him, and he’s intrigued. Could being snowed in change everything for both of them?
The Little Cottage by the Sea
A.L. Jambor - 2016
A short story by A.L. Jambor When Meg’s sister dies, she is devastated. The last of three children, Meg misses her siblings and has never felt so alone. She’s an author, but her emotional state hinders her ability to write, and she can’t sit in front of her computer without trembling. A trip to Port Revere, MA recalls memories of the summers spent there with her family when she was a girl, and Meg decides to buy the Christmas Cottage, an abandoned little house on a bluff near town. She refurbishes it, and with the help of her nephew Zack, starts to come out of her shell. But then the holidays, a time for families and celebrations, arrive, and Meg must again face her loneliness, and guilt over something she can't forgive herself for – she wasn’t there when her sister died and never had a chance to say goodbye. With the cottage almost completed, Meg has one last thing to do; she has to find out if her plumbing is up to snuff, and arranges for a plumber to visit the cottage. On Thanksgiving Day, she is sipping a cup of coffee when someone knocks on the door. She looks out the window and sees an old man, an old truck, and an old dog. Lettering on the truck announces that Angus O’Malley, Plumber Extraordinaire, is standing on her doorstep. What she doesn’t know is that Angus is on a mission and that his appearance heralds the beginning of something wonderful, and the best Christmas Meg has ever had. The Little Cottage by the Sea was formerly published as The Christmas Cottage. The content has not changed. It is a short book of 20,000 words.
The Santa Letters
Stacy Gooch-Anderson - 2008
This first year without their father and husband has been trying. Money is tight, but it's the emotional strain that threatens to snap under the weight of grief. Just as Emma and the children begin to sink beneath the surface, a mysterious package arrives on the doorstep. An ornate wax seal beckons them to open the accompanying note and start on a journey through Christmas. The note is signed simply, Santa, and each day a package arrives to remind them of the true meaning of Christmas - love, family, memories, and, most important of all, Christ.
Reunited at Christmas
Debra Ullrick - 2013
Not only does she train search and rescue dogs, but she’s a bestselling suspense author who has waterfront property in the beautiful mountain town of Grand Lake, Colorado. All is well until she receives a call to bring her dog Max and her snowmobile to help rescue a man who is lost in a blizzard up on Gravel Mountain. That man is the one person she never wants to see again—Ryker Anderson—the man who broke her heart the day he called three months before their wedding to say goodbye with no explanation as to why.After being gone for eighteen months, Ryker Anderson is back in Grand Lake where he hopes to win back the woman he loves. He only hopes Shelby understands why he left. Will he be able to convince Shelby that she can trust him with her heart again even though he broke it before?
Hometown Christmas Dreams: A Contemporary Christian Christmas Romance Collection
Lesley Ann McDaniel - 2021
After a fight with her aunt, and a frustrating conversation with her daughter’s father, she sets up an autumn display at her dream home with beautiful thrift store finds.Jordon is mourning the loss of his parents. Weird things, like someone decorating his parents’ porch with his mother’s donated decorations, make grieving harder. Still, the oddness is the distraction, and call to faith, he needs.My True Love Gave to MeCassidy loves her life. She has a job in a vintage store, a cute Seattle bungalow, and a dog who adores her. But being single is getting old. She receives a Christmas party invitation, and an excuse to find a plus-one. Someone from her singles group...?Sean's favorite thing about his delivery job is the pretty woman at the vintage store. But from what he’s overheard, she has plenty of prospects already. Would she be interested in adding him to her dance card?The Wonder of ChristmasCheyenne heads north for Christmas, with no idea that a storm will strand her in the small town of Misty Cove. But when she bumps—literally—into handsome Grady, and learns about a family in need, she realizes God sent her there for a bigger reason than meeting a handsome man. But with the way her pulse kicks up in Grady’s presence, maybe God has a dual purpose in mind.Mountain LaurelWhen tragedy strikes, Laurel is left alone to raise her son. She wonders if the Lord she’s trusted all her life will help her as she raises her feisty boy.Jon, who has loved her for as long as she can remember, is good with her son and steadies her through each crisis that comes along. He’s a close friend, but will she ever be able to love again?Cephalopod CupidWhen Lacey’s boyfriend breaks up with her it opens the opportunity to join a research vessel for six-months.Then she meets an autistic boy who shares her love of Gabriel the giant Pacific octopus. And Anders, his dad.Lacey considers staying. It might be crazy to give up her dream for a man she barely knows. It might seem crazier still to stay so she can protect her beloved cephalopod from himself.But sometimes love means letting go.To Hear the Angels SingDevlin enjoys her role as temporary guardian of her niece while her sister goes through drug rehab, but it isn’t easy. If she works dinner shifts, her job at a Seattle restaurant brings in enough. So, when her niece is invited to evening rehearsals for a church show, the free childcare is hard to pass up. But when they learn Devlin knows how to sew, she’s enlisted as costume designer. How will she find time?One of Jonah’s favorite parts of his job as church worship leader is directing the music for the kids’ Christmas musical. Between his job and writing his own music, he barely has time for a social life. But there’s something about the costumer for the show this year that gets him thinking. Could there be more to life than music?The Heart of ChristmasWhen Wynn sees police lights at Misty Cove’s one-and-only bar, she goes inside to investigate, just in time to see her ex-boyfriend punch the star of her favorite TV show in the face. What is Ryland Sage doing in their tiny Pacific Coast town? Since Wynn is the only medical help for miles around, she has to stitch his face—and maybe his heart—while protecting her own heart from the worldly charmer.Prairie RoseFor years, Rose has lived alone with her dog. Mitch, a handsome, unmarried neighbor, brings her a bright red geranium and insists on helping with chores. But who should appear but the scoundrel husband who deserted her years ago. Later, a pre-teen runaway adds his troubles to hers, so Rose decides to recapture the peace and serenity of Christmas.
The Matchmakers of Holly Circle
Chautona Havig - 2014
Well, if so, Ruth and Richard are “the old masters” of the flirting game. Despite their strictly platonic relationship, there’s “something there,” as so many of their friends and families say. Neighbors and friends for ten years, neither seems willing to change the course of their relationship. Three doors down, at the end of the cul-de-sac, Mason Dickenson has watched his favorite neighbors with an interested eye, but he’s finally had it with the dance. So, with a pack of cards and a few tricks up his sleeve, he's determined to get them out of the "friend rut" and into romance. Thanks to Mason’s unique matchmaking scheme, Ruth and Richard concoct one of their own—a deeper, stronger, eternal love and relationship that nothing on earth can match.
God Stories: Inspiring Encounters with the Divine
Jennifer Skiff - 2008
. . . I did have stories. I hadn’t dared to tell many people about them, but I definitely had had what I believed to be encounters with the Divine. I wondered if many other people had stories too. What happened next surprised me most. I realized that a Divine intelligence that many people call God is connecting with millions of people every day. These are their stories.” —from the IntroductionIn God Stories, Jennifer Skiff shares the extraordinary experiences of people who have felt the power of God’s presence in their lives and been forever changed. A doctor opens the chest of a dying heart patient to discover her heart is healed; Marines watch as a fellow soldier in Iraq is hit by a powerful explosion only to discover, when the dust settles, that he is still standing and has no injuries; a struggling couple receive an answer to a prayer and are prevented from making a mistake that could cost them their children; a young woman loses her boyfriend on 9/11 and receives a message that brings her peace.Reassuring, hopeful, and unforgettable, these amazing confirmations of divine intervention will lift your spirit and leave you wondering—and even remembering—when your life was touched by a miracle.
The Heart of Christmas
Patricia McLinn - 2013
In Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning, discover how it all started in this much-anticipated prequel novella to the bestselling and award-winning Wyoming Wildflowers series by USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn. Ed’s and Donna’s worlds couldn’t have been any more different – a rancher from Wyoming and an up-and-coming Broadway musical actress on a national tour. What could have been a momentary encounter sparks desire . . . and more. But can there be anything but heartbreak ahead when they have only days before their dreams pull them apart? In Almost An Angel, Conor Malone manages to hold things together for his daughter Amy after his wife’s death, until someone tells her Santa will bring her mother back for Christmas. How can Conor force Amy to accept reality without ruining her holiday? With help from Eliza Powell, the alluring new school psychologist—and the Daddy School. In Flashover, Nick Evans, a captain in the Hidden Cove fire department, believes he committed the worst of crimes, even if it was to protect his little sister. He's not ready for a relationship with Stacey Sterling, a firefighter’s widow who’s determined to help him heal. But on Christmas, Nick learns the meaning of redemption and love.
Daily Splashes of Joy: 365 Gems to Sparkle Your Day
Barbara Johnson - 2000
And she's seen how a simple message of hope uplifts a life that's left in tatters.In these pages you'll find a daily dollop of Barbara's favorite jokes, heartwarming stories, witty cartoons, and heartache-survival strategies. Share a moment each morning with the Geranium Lady, and soon you, like Barbara, will realize you've been "blessed to be a blessing."
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Christmas: 101 Holiday Tales of Inspiration, Love and Wonder
Amy Newmark - 2016
We laughed out loud at some stories; and others made us tear up a little. They’ll all leave you smiling and eager to share the holidays, filled with new ideas and enthusiasm for this special time of year. And Chicken Soup for the Soul didn’t forget the rest of the season either, with stories about Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and New Year’s. There’s something for everyone in these joy-filled pages.
Mistletoe Memories
Leah Atwood - 2016
Wrapped in Love--Leah Atwood: Cara Scott doesn’t know why she stays in Weatheron. No career opportunities, no family, and no husband prospects. The only man who interests her, Jase McCade, doesn’t date, and hasn’t since a nasty breakup several years prior. Stuck in a rut, she contemplates leaving the only home she’s ever known. Jase McCade loves Cara, but a previous relationship leaves him hesitant to giveaway his heart. When he notices Cara has been down in the dumps lately, he knows he has to act soon or risk losing her. The annual Weatherton Christmas Extravaganza presents him with the perfect opportunity to show his love for her. Can a single weekend filled with Christmas charm change everything? The Heart of Christmas by Belle Calhoune: Christmas hasn’t been the same for Eden Lassiter since the death of her beloved grandmother four years ago. Gran was the heart of Christmas and Eden hasn’t embraced the spirit of the season ever since losing her. In fact, she’s lived a fairly reclusive life other than her job as a vet’s assistant at The Country Vet practice. When a stranger shows up at on Eden’s doorstep one stormy evening, she is shocked to discover the handsome man is none other than her childhood friend, Brady Shepard. He’s all grown up now and gorgeous. Now a veterinarian, Brady is taking over the practice for his ailing grandmother, Vicky Shepard, who happens to be Eden’s boss. As Eden and Brady begin to work together, Eden’s heart begins to open up to the spirit of the season…and to Brady. Moonlight and Mistletoe--Kristen Ethridge: Whitt Peoples knew this Christmas would be the worst holiday he could ever face, as he returned to Port Provident to say goodbye to his dying grandmother. He hopes to slip into town and back out without running into the family who turned their back on him when he was a kid. Samantha Spaeth isn’t afraid of anything, except the fact that she is running out of time to save one of Port Provident’s most historic landmarks. When Whitt asks her to navigate Port Provident’s history in order to help him discover the secrets from his own past, she accepts the challenge because she needs all the allies she can find to preserve the island’s heritage.Can a woman who lives for a love of the past make Christmas meaningful for a man who’s spent his whole life running away? Mistletoe Wedding Reunion--Danica Favorite: When Nate Higgins arrives for his best friend’s wedding weekend at a Colorado mountain lodge, the last person he expects to see is his old flame, Cordelia Blake. He’d always thought they’d be walking down the aisle as man and wife, not members of the same wedding party. When their unresolved past creates discord between the bride and groom, can Nate and Cordelia made amends long enough to save the wedding…and maybe find a way to have a wedding of their own? It Was You--Jessica Keller: Natalie Rhodes vowed she’d never return to King’s Cove. But after her business failed, she’s forced to go home. At Christmastime, no less. When Tanner Avery offers her a temporary job as a fill-in chef at the resort he runs, Natalie believes it could be her ticket out of town. However, growing feelings for Tanner along with a Christmas mystery end up making it more difficult to leave than Natalie ever imagined Forever Christmas Kiss--Jolene Navarro: Isabella Cortez is a small town librarian with a large family and has been in one too many weddings. This Christmas might be the worst. Not only is she still single, but she is standing in her twin brother’s second wedding.
The Christmas Kite
Gail Gaymer Martin - 2003
The spirit of the season helps this vulnerable trio to review the past with forgiveness and move on to forge loving, lasting bonds.
Born This Happy Morning
John Bytheway - 2020
Although Christmas can feel over-commercialized and stressful, Born This Happy Morning helps readers recapture the magic of childhood Christmases by focusing on how we can give the joy of Christ's light to those around us, reminding us that the spirit of Christmas is multiplied in our hearts when we share the spirit of Christ with others.Table of ContentsJoy of Giving SpontaneouslyJoy of Giving AnonymouslyJoy of Giving to a Friend in NeedJoy of Giving to FamilyJoy of Giving a Return to ChildhoodJoy of Receiving God's GiftsJoy of Forgiving
Shepherds, Why This Jubilee?
Jeffrey R. Holland - 2000
Holland celebrates the Christmas season and spirit by focusing on the birth and life of Jesus Christ-the true meaning of Christmas. In three essays, Elder Holland traces the path of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and sheds new light on familiar scriptures. He reflects on the sweet refrains of the carols and hymns that so eloquently recall the glorious first Christmas night, and he shares his own personal stories and memories of Christmas to testify of his deep feelings about Jesus Christ.When details overwhelm the holiday spirit, Elder Holland reminds us to remember why the shepherds were so joyful-because "in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" was born beneath a shining star. He reminds us that Jesus Christ is the answer to all our questions and the source of all our jubilee.