The Mosaic Collection

Christmas at the Crossroads by Eleanor Bertin

This is a nice story about two friends who enjoy spending time with each other. They come from different backgrounds which makes for an interesting turn of events. I am a preacher’s kid and growing up I was always the outsider. Everyone called me goodie two shoes which made me cringe. As we follow
Myra and Susan we start to see a little rebellion creep up. Susan and Myra get caught stealing and causes both girls to face consequences. I liked how the author took Susan on a journey to discover how she could turn away from her rebellious spirit. It was nice to see an adult take time to share God with a teenager. Myra surprised me in her actions yet I understood her so well. Just like Myra I turned away from God thinking I would become popular and wanted to disobey everything I had been taught. Great lesson on what happens when you sin and how you can be redeemed and find Christ.

The Magic of Christmas by Lorna Seilstad

I loved reading how Shayna was so dedicated to her patients. Although one of her patients is the nephew of her ex-boyfriend she gives her all to get him back to where he once was as a football player. You could feel the tension when Dante finds out that Shayna is his nephew’s therapist. He can’t deny that she is doing a great job but he still isn’t comfortable being around her. Someone is holding bitterness towards another and the author draws our attention to it in the story.

When Shayna and Dante have a disagreement about Luca’s care, the tension becomes overwhelming. I was quite surprised at what Shayna confessed to Dante. I can’t imagine having to relearn everything that use to come easy. Shayna knows exactly what obstacles Luca is facing. Can she convince Dante that she is the best occupational therapist for him? I admire Shayna and how her faith has seen her the through the darkest moment in her life. This is a great story about anger and control. Once we learn that we can’t control everything we can let go and let God.

A Single Spark of Light by Sara Davison

Ty has a big uphill battle before him as he is released from prison. Walking along the street and seeing Christmas decorations doesn’t exactly get him in the mood. He has a past that tries to draw him back into that dark hole he doesn’t want to ever visit again. Feeling all alone he starts to think about the gang he use to be in and seems to feel that maybe he could just go back with them til he gets on his feet.

I was riveted to the story as Ty is near the edge of a bridge calling out to God. He feels all alone but soon hears a voice asking if he needs help. Who is this stranger that asks Ty if he needs help and tells him he is a good listener? The story Ty shares with the stranger is hard to read. The many things he had to do to be in the gang was horrible to read. Stealing, setting a fire and taking a life didn’t seem to bother him back then. Now he sees how wrong it was but doesn’t think God will ever forgive him.

The wisdom this stranger shares with Ty reminds us that God forgives us and you can begin a new relationship with Him. It may sound foreign to Ty but he must decide if he wants to be set free from the sins that still causes him to doubt God. I liked how Ty started to see his heart soften as he learned that God was there to help him. I could feel the turmoil he faced and wanted him to let go and trust God. “You can’t change the past, but you can find your way out of the darkness.”

This is a beautiful story of redemption and surrendering to God. Ty may have a journey before him but with God all things are possible. It shows how powerful it is to forgive and be forgiven. I was shocked at who the stranger was that first spoke to Ty on that bridge. Guilt and shame can hold you back, but Ty took a step of faith and took responsibility for everything he had done. We need to remember to give our burdens to God and allow Him to set us free from anything that holds us back from Him.

Reclaiming Tomorrow by Angela D. Meyer

Josie is trying to make a new start but her past may catch up with her. I couldn’t wait to read her story and see what she was running from. Living with her parents has been nice but now Josie is ready to move into her own apartment with her son. She wants to do this on her own but her parents offer to help which makes Josie gets defensive. I think Josie may be dealing with pride and allowing her past to keep her from getting close to anyone.

Daniel is a good character and wants to make Josie comfortable around him. When he shares his past there is a little hesitation on Josie’s part. I liked how open Daniel was and told Josie that he understands that she needs time to trust him. There is a little suspense in this story that gave me chills. Josie has been so careful to keep where she lives a secret. In a blink of an eye her worse fear is standing in front of her as he holds onto her son. You can tell in her voice that she is trembling.

I liked how Josie stood her ground and didn’t let the threat against her make her run away. She has become confident and realizes that she is stronger than she thought. It is a nice Christmas for all as Josie and Daniel see a future together.

Whispered Miracle by Stacy Monson

This story had me crying as I got to know Casey. She has been in foster care for so long that she misses being part of a real family. When her foster mother dies, Casey blames herself. She is bitter, lonely and unsure of her future. When she finds out that her brother is sending her to Outlook Adventure Camp for Christmas she is not happy. All she wants to do is stay at home, feel sorry for herself and cry about the loss of her foster mom who she became very close to.

Being at the camp opens Casey up to what it feels like to belong. Everyone is friendly and shares their story with her. I loved how she began to trust them and start to feel like maybe she finally belonged. With the help of a sweet little dog Casey starts to open up and begin to let all her anger and fear out. I loved the ending and how Christmas for Casey healed her broken heart.

I received a copy of this book from the authors and publisher. The review is my own opinion.… (mais)

The Heart of Christmas is from the Mosaic Collection, a collection of books by many author writing faith base stories. The stories are all different and cover a wide range of characters that will warm your hearts. Not all are happy stories, some are sad and make you shed a few tears, where others will have you smiling, and even laughing a bit. The stories in the book are as follows:

Broken Noel by Brenda S. Anderson

No More Night by Eleanor Bertin

Star Light by Sara Davison

Hart of Noel by Chautona Havig

Caught in the Act by Lisa Renée

Claus-trophobic by Lorna Seilstad

it is difficult for me to pick a favorite one because they all have a different meaning for me and I love each of them. They were enough to get me in a festive mood and wanting to go Christmas shopping!

I enjoyed hearing from different authors, allowing of them I knew or have heard of already but it’s nice to be reminded of the awesome writing skills of these ladies. The Heart of Christmas would be a wonderful addition to your family library. The stories are short and can pretty much be read in one setting, and each will keep your attention. I encourage you to check out this sweet book and enjoy during the Christmas holidays. This one is getting Five Stars from me.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.… (mais)

This is a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit, but be prepared! The Heart of Christmas has all of the 'feels', so you may alternate between laughter and tears. Six talented authors share stories of faith and inspiration, as they reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Some of these stories have grief and loss, while others are more light-hearted, but they all offer wonderful messages, and they all made me examine my own thoughts about the holidays.

The stories include Broken Noel by Brenda S. Anderson; No More Night by Eleanor Bertin; Star Light by Sara Davison; Hart of Noel by Chautona Havig; Caught in the Act by Lisa Renée; and Claus-trophobic by Lorna Seilstad. This is a wonderful anthology and I will be reading these stories again, because you can never have too many reminders of love, faith, and the wonder of Jesus's birth!

I received a digital copy from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.… (mais)

This collection of Christmas stories is filled with, joy, grief, laughter and Jesus. Each story is different but still shares the Christmas spirit. I loved how each author gave us stories that show us that we are always surrounded by God’s love. I enjoy reading Christmas stories year round and this book will be added to my best of 2021 books.

Broken Noelle by Brenda S. Anderson

A loss at any time is hard but is especially difficult during the holidays. This story made me cry as I read how Thomas and Noelle were trying to find joy at Christmas. Thomas can’t help but feel anger that his wife died and blames God and her devotion to her work. Noelle is hurting over the loss of her mom and her dad is ignoring her. I understand how it must be for Thomas to try to make the holidays cheerful but first he needs to ask God for help. We follow Thomas as he walks through the stages of grieve and learns that God is always there in our darkest times.

I loved how Noelle in her innocence wanted to help another child during the holiday. Her heart is big and her example of unconditional love is just what Thomas needs to see right now. It is a beautiful story of forgiveness and joy that brings healing during the holidays.

No More Night by Elenor Bertin

Lily finds herself celebrating Christmas a little sad this year. After losing her parents and her children moving away, things will be different this year. Nagging in the back of her mind is the news that her ex-husband was dying from cancer. There is still bitterness towards him, but maybe she needs to give him grace. Oh that can be hard when the person has been hurtful to you.

I loved how Lily went to the hospital everyday and cared for her ex. The way she brought light to his hospital room was touching and made me sob. Lily shows compassion and shared the Word of God and I know in the moments before her ex passed, he found Jesus. What touched me about this story was that we need to show grace to others even when we feel like they don’t deserve it.

Star Light by Sara Davison

What a wonderful journey the author takes us on as we see the birth of Jesus through the eyes of several different people. I knew Felicity was hurting but I didn’t know why. Each day she pulled out a different part of the manger scene and was transported back to that moment in the Bible. I loved going back to the moments leading up to that special moment and feeling what the innkeepers must of felt. In their stable a miracle was about to happen. In the present day, Felicity is feeling a stirring within herself.

I loved how each piece for the manager scene is put out one day at a time. The author gives us a glimmer of what Felicity is going through but still I wasn’t sure what it could be. I know she was grieving a loss but something about this tradition of the manger was very special to her. Her feeling of loneliness is overwhelming and I loved the moment she surrenders everything to God. She was never alone but pushed God aside. Now her healing is beginning at she is reminded that God will never leave her.

Hart of Noelle by Chautona Havig

This is such a fun book. Two business owners fighting over silly things as Christmas time approaches. Poor Joshua has used all his savings to open up the tiny bookstore in his town. Across the street is Holly with her bakery doing well for herself. They don’t get along at all which makes for an enjoyable look at enemy to friend story. They are both good people even if they are stubborn at times.

Milton is a great character who loves to help struggling businesses. Can he breathe new life into Joshua’s bookstore? As Milton begins to work with Joshua there was something that really stood out to me. They are talking about family and Milton says, “ and one day, they aren’t there to do it anymore.” He is referring to how families can get you involved in things you don’t want to do. But at some time, they won’t be there anymore. Time is short and the author reminded me to take each day as a blessing and spend as much time as you can with family and friends.

It was so enjoyable to watch Joshua and Honey try their best to work together and be civil to each other. Milton is so patient with both of them and his gentle spirit helps ease tension as they all work together. The plan to help Joshua’s store begins and so does the hope that two people can work together to accomplish a plan that will bring joy back to Joshua. Milton is someone who brings cheer wherever he goes and I love how he never gives up. As for Joshua and Honey, well I will let readers fund out for theirselves.

“Only in salvation and romance is the end the real beginning.”

Caught in the Act by Lisa Renee

This story sure brings back memories for me. Each year I directed the Children’s Church Christmas program. It was a lot of work but so much fun. When I started reading about a sweet little girl named Bella my heart went out to her. I know each child wants to feel special and getting a big lead in a play really boosts their self image. But what do you do when the girl who has her heart set on being an Angel in the play can’t sing the song ?

Page is beside herself when Bella’s father proposes a compromise before his child is removed from the part she has her heart set on. I laughed so hard knowing I have been there myself. She runs into a busy body who has come to help Page with costumes. I guess Page knows everything about Dion now. We are in for a treat as these two begin a friendship. They work together to get the play ready and find themselves starting to like each other. I wonder if their relationship will blossom?

I had to laugh when the children’s play started. There is always that one child that stands out and thus begins the fight over baby Jesus between two little girls on the stage. Even though there are a few hiccups in the play, the message was clear. Jesus is the reason for the season.

Claus-trophobic by Lorna Seilstad

I would love to be a part of Meg’s family. They decorate the house outside and inside with an emphasis on over the top. Each year cars cause a traffic jam just to see the spectacular show of lights. I thought Meg’s parents had a great sense of humor by naming their children Nick and Nutmeg. Maybe it wouldn’t be so much fun to be called Nutmeg but it is still very cute.

Meg coming home this year for Christmas is filled with anxiety and hope. There is something going on between her and her dad. I’m not sure her dad knows there is friction, but I have a feeling he is going to find out soon. I’m excited to see where the author takes readers as we follow Santa and his elf otherwise known as dad and Nutmeg.

The story is fun as we watch Meg and her dad bring joy to the children. Meg begins to understand why her dad likes to be Santa each year. There is a scene where Santa encounters a child with autism. This is a beautiful part of the story that shows that special needs children should be treated the same as other children. Reaching them is important and our Santa in the story is an excellent example of seeing others the way Jesus does.

The message in this story is really good. Meg has been angry for so long because she thought her dad always put others first especially at Christmas. Spending time with him she finds out that he has a big heart for children with special needs. I can’t wait for readers to learn what his plan is. I loved this story because it really shares the true meaning of Christmas. Can I be adopted by this family please??

“Let the little children come to me,”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (mais)