For someone who loves a good story and is looking for a way to focus on the real reason for the season, 21 Days of Christmas (A Fiction Lover’s Devotional) is a perfect choice. This unique collection has 21 short stories ranging from contemporary to historical settings revolving around some aspect of Christmas. In Star Light, Star Bright the reader sees the momentous birth through the eyes of Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph. In Camouflaged Christmas we see a young mother struggling to celebrate while her husband is deployed. And in The Last Ember we see a how a kind gesture speaks volumes to a despairing woman. And those are just a few of the wonderful tales shared by twenty-one different authors as they present their take on the real message of Christmas — hope, love, joy, and peace through the birth of the Savior. I liked that all the characters in the various stories were real and relatable, with struggles and doubts, hopes and dreams, just like you and me. At the end of each story a short Life Application is shared making each relevant for the reader. 21 Days of Christmas will make the perfect pre-Christmas gift for the bookworm in your life. Or pick a copy up for yourself and kickstart your day by focusing on what is truly important this Christmas.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

The book is a collection of short stories with a biblical reference tucked inside. I loved each story and found them encouraging. I love at the end of each story is a life application and scripture to reinforce the story. This brings the story to a beautiful remembrance of His Word. We are reminded about His grace and His provision.

Each story is filled with emotion and reminds us that “God is there for you, ready to provide whatever you need. So seek Him today.” I loved reading that, because as the holidays approach, it becomes hard for me to find joy. So many bad memories of growing up and other tragic events have robbed me of my joy. I struggle to get through the holidays each year. I cry for the little girl who never received gifts and was told that I was not wanted. As I read through the book today, I was overwhelmed with the truth. He is there for me and I have forgotten to cry out to Him.

I loved each story and how they remind us to remember what the true meaning of Christmas is about. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, we forget about a sweet baby born long ago that grew up to save us . I cry every time I think about the story of His birth. How precious it is to know that no matter what we have done, He loves us unconditionally. Thank you for a book that lifted my spirits and reminded me that I am not alone.

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

Sunday, November 26, 2017
21 Days of Christmas: Stories that Celebrate God's Greatest Gift compiled by Kathy Ide, © 2015
A Fiction Lover's Devotional series, Book 2

My Review:
Twenty-one authors contribute a Devotion and Life Application within this hardcover book with a ribbon bookmark! Just the right size to slip into your purse and take along with you ~ to share with a friend over a mocha coffee or chai tea latte!

Join Joanne Bischof's Becca Fletcher on her Balsam Walk.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10, 11 ESV

Watch what path you may be on this Christmastime ~ it may be in your own family right close at home. Or to cross the path of someone from long ago...

Lena Nelson Dooley's story, "The Christmas Child of 1864," is a war torn story of the gift of grace given. He turns our mourning into J*O*Y as only He can. A gift to last beyond pain to mend a heart.

Kindness is an antidote to sadness or feeling alone ~ to share a word of encouragement and a different way of looking at where you are.

"Christmas Then and Now" is shared by David B. Carl. In his Life Application he shares how Jesus was born in a stable; Herod would not look for Him there. The "Now" family found their gift ~ His J*O*Y received on Christmas Eve.

***Thank you to Celebrate Lit and Broadstreet Publishers for this copy of 21 Days of Christmas. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.*** ( )