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A review by momwithareadingproblem
A Christmas Hope by Stacy Henrie
5.0
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
What's not to love about a sweet story during the Christmas season?! Stacy Henrie's A Christmas Hope follows the evolving relationship between Maria Schmitt and Dale Emerson. Maria is a character that I fell in love with during Hope at Dawn. She was hopelessly in love, or I guess infatuated with, Friedrick and is heartbroken when he chooses Livy over her. But the willful girl leaves her hometown and remakes herself. She finds a job at a bank and puts her heart and soul into it. You have to admire her! She is strong-willed, full of faith, but guards her heart and why wouldn't she?!
Dale has just returned from the war (WWI), injured and insecure. He lost an eye which means he can no longer be the surgeon he trained to be. He broke off his engagement with a girl that had been his since college. Though thankful for his life, he mourns the life he dreamed of having. Is he bitter? No, not really. Is he unhappy? Yes. He takes his uncle's offer of managing the bank so he can retire. Although he is good at it, it feels stifling to him. With Maria's help though, he begins to accept the hand fate dealt him.
What I love about this story is that Dale and Maria do not instantly like each other. It's a slow, creeping up on them type of love and it's utterly heart-warming! I loved reading the progression of their relationship. Their own insecurities hinder them, but each makes the other a better version of themselves. And isn't that what a spouse/significant other is supposed to do? Make you the best you? Their relationship starts simply when Maria offers to help Dale in his new role at the bank. It's professional, but evolves to friendship. You know the kind of friendship that you feel comfortable being with him/her, the kind that when the day is over you're already planning your next excursion.
The emotions that come through tied with the historical setting are beautifully written. The characters come alive as does the scene of a Northern Christmas where electric lights on the tree is new and something to still wonder at. I lost myself in this short novella and really didn't want it to end! The story was romantic with a hint of Christmas magic and like Hope at Dawn some Christian influence as well. Even though this is a part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel without any interference with the plot. If you are looking for a good, faith-based, historical romance for your quick weekend read or maybe just something for the holidays, I highly suggest you check this one out. It is not to be missed!
What's not to love about a sweet story during the Christmas season?! Stacy Henrie's A Christmas Hope follows the evolving relationship between Maria Schmitt and Dale Emerson. Maria is a character that I fell in love with during Hope at Dawn. She was hopelessly in love, or I guess infatuated with, Friedrick and is heartbroken when he chooses Livy over her. But the willful girl leaves her hometown and remakes herself. She finds a job at a bank and puts her heart and soul into it. You have to admire her! She is strong-willed, full of faith, but guards her heart and why wouldn't she?!
Dale has just returned from the war (WWI), injured and insecure. He lost an eye which means he can no longer be the surgeon he trained to be. He broke off his engagement with a girl that had been his since college. Though thankful for his life, he mourns the life he dreamed of having. Is he bitter? No, not really. Is he unhappy? Yes. He takes his uncle's offer of managing the bank so he can retire. Although he is good at it, it feels stifling to him. With Maria's help though, he begins to accept the hand fate dealt him.
What I love about this story is that Dale and Maria do not instantly like each other. It's a slow, creeping up on them type of love and it's utterly heart-warming! I loved reading the progression of their relationship. Their own insecurities hinder them, but each makes the other a better version of themselves. And isn't that what a spouse/significant other is supposed to do? Make you the best you? Their relationship starts simply when Maria offers to help Dale in his new role at the bank. It's professional, but evolves to friendship. You know the kind of friendship that you feel comfortable being with him/her, the kind that when the day is over you're already planning your next excursion.
The emotions that come through tied with the historical setting are beautifully written. The characters come alive as does the scene of a Northern Christmas where electric lights on the tree is new and something to still wonder at. I lost myself in this short novella and really didn't want it to end! The story was romantic with a hint of Christmas magic and like Hope at Dawn some Christian influence as well. Even though this is a part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel without any interference with the plot. If you are looking for a good, faith-based, historical romance for your quick weekend read or maybe just something for the holidays, I highly suggest you check this one out. It is not to be missed!