Hope is a word that has brought so many people to learn that love does exist in unusual places. Different people come to terms with the fact that though they lose loved ones, there is still hope of finding another loved one to bring you the happiness you once had in your life.

This collection contains stories by various authors, including Barri Bryan, Loretta Jackson, Kathleen O’ Connor, just to name a few. They show in this book that each one of us can find peace in one’s self, yet still get the satisfaction that the love you once shared with a person is still there. The stories I liked the most were about Mrs. Moody getting the love she thought was lost and about the old man in Simple Gifts. For instance, you have this woman who, out of the goodness in her heart, goes out of her way to bring a father to reunite with his son, knowing that there might be a chance that he might not come for Christmas. Not only was this a good story, but it touched this reviewer’s heart to know that there are generous people out there willing to go out of their way for a special reason.

Truly, I applaud the authors in this book for not only able to keep the stories short, yet still keep the flow of the story going and interesting.

Reviewed by: Lena C., Fallen Angel Reviews, 4 angels

CONTENTS

"Simple Gifts” by Janet Mills:
An unexpected friendship with an elderly man teaches a middle-aged woman a simple philosophy for living. When Veronica Reynolds meets Jesse Bodine in a retirement home shortly before Christmas, she merely plans to drop off the gifts he requested and perhaps spend an hour in his company. Instead, the bond their encounter creates becomes a prize they both treasure.

“No More Mr. Lonely” by Linda L. Lattimer:
Jack Meyers does not like rejection. He often feels clumsy and a klutz around women, but after Sandra Clairmont enters his life, has he finally found his one soul mate or is it just another disappointment?

“The Consecrated Spirit” By Giovanna Lagana:
The Consecrated Spirit is something many have been searching for, but few have found. What is the real secret to finding It? Does It lie in some unknown territory or is It among us just waiting for the perfect time to reveal Itself?

“Mrs. Moody” by Kathleen O’Connor:
Stella Moody’s country & western singer husband is finally hitting the big time. But the new song lyrics indicate he’s been unfaithful. He’s on the road a lot and she suspects he might even have another family. Should she celebrate his success or end this sham of a marriage? She travels to one of his concerts intending to confront him, but instead gets the surprise of her life.

“The Sound Of Angels Wings” By Mary Eason:
Jack St.Clair doesn’t believe in anything—certainly not the existence of angels, until one Christmas Eve night, on a deserted mountain pass in the middle of nowhere when he becomes a silent witness of the existence of angels in the passing of a young man’s life into eternity. It is the beginning of what will soon become a second chance at both life and love for Jack. Saving the young widow, Sarah Jennings, from the same fate as her husband, proves to Jack that his life can mean something. He can be more than just the screw up his father believes him to be. And maybe this will be the true Christmas message…that miracles, like angels can be found in the most unlikely places.

“Song Without Words” by Barri Bryan:
Raye Larson awakens in a hospital room with blurred vision, a headache, no knowledge of her past, and no clear understanding of the events and actions that are taking place around her.
The man who insists that he’s her husband is handsome, charismatic and exudes a masculine charm that is both potent and compelling. Does she dare trust Craig Larson when every instinct she possesses warns her that she shouldn’t?

“The Revised Essay” By Loretta Jackson:
Myra faces an abyss, a world without hope. The boy she loves is killed in a car wreck, and she loses all interest in her studies at the university. Failing grades, bad companions, and yet another blow—Myra must now make a decision that will change the course of her life.

“A New Beginning” by Linda L. Lattimer:
Painful memories disturb Nicole around the Christmas holidays, but when a stranded stranger knocks at her door and opens her eyes to the blessings in her life, will she be able to overcome the rocky past?

“Sands Of Time” by Giovanna Lagana:
Time slips through our fingers every day, sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly. Is it possible to control it, or do we just have to accept it and the Almighty Force that drives it?

“A Lesson For The Teacher” by Kathleen O’Connor:
Rose likes things settled. After her thirty-fifth birthday, she decides to quit dating and focus on her career. She’s finished with men. When Charlie asks her out, she knows he’s a little too rough around the edges and way too late. The problem is how to tell him politely. If they meet for dinner, will she find the right words or alienate a co-worker forever? (Story originally appeared in Redbook Magazine)

“Legacy” by Steven Douglas Womack:
A retiring pediatric physician, arriving at his final day with patients, reflects on his successful career and finds something is missing…until he meets his final case.

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