Many stories (both books and films) set in the holiday season have a focus on being up beat. However, this is a time of year when many people struggle. 

In this title, Ms. Newport does a wonderful job of showing characters who are struggling with Christmas. They find that there is hope even when life seems dark. And, that is one of the meanings of Christmas.

My only complaint is that after developing the characters and plot the stories came to an end too soon for me.

I wasn’t sure what I expected when I picked up this book.  I knew it wouldn’t be the normal sweet everything is love and light during the holidays book that many centered around Christmas usually are.  I actually appreciated the author’s note at the beginning where she talks about the fact that for many, Christmas also signifies the line between the first time without vs the last time with.  You generally don’t know it’s the last time until it’s over.  I would assume that if people were honest that the holidays are more about the memory of what has been lost than a true embracing of the season as love and light.  Christmas can be hard.

Another thing I really appreciated with these two stories is that they don’t try to be bigger than they are.  They aren’t trying to be a full-length novel with a full slate of time.  That is the one thing that frustrates me more than all the others with novellas.  Sometimes just being a snapshot, a moment, is enough.  I also appreciated that they didn’t rely on finding happiness again and romance and all those things.  They were about two people in two very different situations just making it through, finding a way to make the best of their situation, and living life.  They had histories and futures but they also had a moment.

Astrid’s ‘Christmas in Gold’ was a story of so much loss.  Loss of her home, loss of her freedom, loss of her mobility.  She had so much to gain with new friendships, new ways to view her world, and new ways to find her independence.  This story set me a tidbit sideways due to the lack of adequate back story with Carly.  It came later but took me a bit to get into the switching view points.  I LOVED the way Newport wove in the stories of Astrid’s past in WWII Germany to the current day with the ever-present theme of Gold. This story is truly about making the best of any situation and working through the despair you might feel to find the positive of love and light.

Angela’s ‘Christmas in Blue’ was so very different from Astrid’s story.  She had long since grieved her husband but now she was grieving her bestie.  Her bestie who lived and breathed Christmas.  If it was also revealed that Carole was an avid reader, possibly even a reviewer, I would replace her name with Kristin.  And put myself in Angela’s shoes.  I loved the theme of Blue in this story.  I kept hearing ‘Blue Blue Christmas’ by Elvis Presley in my mind while I was reading this.  The hard part for me with this story is the way the character changes took place and the side-ways way the ‘visitor’ to town was brought in and then treated as though I should have known who he was all along.  I felt, even as he was brought to light, that I was somehow dense and still missing something.  One thing that truly stood out was the service the church had on the longest night of the year to help people with their own Blue Christmas.  The idea that it’s not always love and light but loss and isolation.  That hope comes with comfort and overcoming.  Angela needed to embrace her Blue Christmas.  The community needed it.  Embracing it hopefully leads to healing.  And compassion for one another.  And healing from the hurts.

Whether you have experienced a Gold Christmas with memories of what was or a Blue Christmas of finding comfort and hope in the holiday season, this book has something to offer every reader.  It was written with grace and compassion.  It was written as a snapshot of two lives at two different stages of life.  And, in my opinion, it has something that would benefit every person who chose to wrap themselves into the pages for a moment during this holiday season.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

First story in this book,  Christmas in Gold was just an amazing book,   and was very inspiring.   The second story Christmas in Blue was very good.   I loved them both!!

I don't know whether I am more disappointed in myself or this book, because man, I just couldn't get into it. It was boring and as a true lover of Christmas and the real meaning of Christmas, I find myself totally disappointed. The thing is, there is no depth or interest in this book. It reads like a recipe, but without interesting ingredients. So instead of building on itself and creating a plot that is deep and moving, it offers little to that would make someone feel anything at all -- aside from boredom. -- and that is just such a shame when there is so much nostalgia and sentiment to draw from the readers. Sigh. Here's to hoping something better comes along.

Christmas in Gold was a true-to-life story of growing old gracefully and sharing of faith. Christmas in Blue was about losing someone to cancer during the Christmas holiday. Both are touching  insightful stories of  love, loss, friendship and hope.

I love Christmas, and this book will certainly help readers get in the spirit. Colors of Christmas is composed of two sweet novellas—each quite different, but both heartfelt and endearing. In Christmas in Gold elderly Astrid, who survived Nazi Germany, must adjust to life in assisted living. She maneuvers new relationships, including one with her physical therapist, who has needs of her own. In Christmas in Blue Angela also deals with loss as she grieves for her close friend, who had chaired the city’s Christmas to Remember celebration each year. How can Angela pull it off in her absence? The story evoked tears at touching moments. In each of these, the characters are well-developed and the plot realistic. Special surprises add delight as the scenes unfold. I recommend this newest book by Olivia Newport. It will help you recapture the real meaning of the season. All opinions are my own.

I had lots of trouble following Christmas in Gold.
Astrid is force to move out of her home into a home for the elderly. She  can't find her 3 gold ornaments from Germany. She meets Carly her physical therapist and knows something is wrong in Carly's life.
Christmas In Blue
Angela is grieving  the death of her best friend who years earlier helped her through her husbands death.. Angela has inherited Carole's dog named Blitzen and the planning of the town's Christmas celebration, a job she definitely does not want.  She just wants the holiday over with.
These stories teach us that Christmas is a time of hope and love, 
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

I loved Colors of Christmas for a rather odd reason. It wasn't a Christmas romance! I don't know if I've ever read a Christmas book that didn't have some kind of romance. Why is that? There definitely should be more books like this. I mean, there is a backstory there but no current romance and I'm more than okay with that!

I also loved that in Christmas in Gold , the main character is in her eighties!  Astrid is an older woman who has transitioned from her home to an assisted living center.  I often feel that the older generation is overlooked by authors so I found Astrid's story to be refreshing.

Christmas in Blue took more for me to get into for some reason. I wasn't connecting with Angela at first and felt her story started off a bit slow. However, once it picked up I really enjoyed her part in this book. Angela is mourning the loss of her close friend and letting it rob her of her Christmas joy. How many of us have been hurt and dread the holidays because of a heartbreaking loss? I know many of us have been there.

The author was able to tell a story without using romance as a crutch and while I sound like a broken record about it—I found it to be a nice change of pace. I have nothing against romance but I loved that these women found joy in life and didn't need a man to give them that. I mean, after all, if we need a person to give us joy—aren't they going to let us down?

This book told a heartwarming tale of Christmas joy. While some of Angela's woes seemed so outlandish to me—it did lend a near comedic air. And while Astrid's life wasn't always the happiest she made the best of things.

Overall, I'd give this story a good solid five because I would love to pick this book up again.  I am definitely considering reading it once more before the Christmas season.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Celebrate Lit, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed both of these books. They were different but very well written. The first one was an older woman toward the end of her life reminiscing about her Christmas in Nazi germany as a child. It tied in with the changes she currently was going through during the Christmas season. 
The second one was a refreshing attempt to recreate the Christmas traditions of town after being “dumped” in her lap. Angela is left with things out on control and seeing things don’t always have to be traditional. Very sweet ending

In Colors of Christmas Olivia Newport gives readers two heartwarming stories of Christmas. Christmas in Gold finds an elderly woman being uprooted from her home to an assisted living facility. As Astrid is absorbing the reality of the changes in her life, she reminisces about her childhood and the long ago fiery destruction of her home in Germany. In these memories readers are treated to a dual time story--one of my favorite types of stories. Astrid knew Christmas was sure to be different this year. Would she be able to believe that God is still in control? As she shares her story with those around her that are hurting will they come to know the Christmas message of hope and grace? And just what did happen to the gold ornaments that she had kept safe for almost seventy years? 
Angela is the frustrated main character in the second story, Christmas in Blue. Each year her best friend organized A Christmas to Remember event for their town. This year Carole was gone and Angela was told she was to head the event. She had less than a week to pull the rabbit out of the hat to make it happen and had neither the rabbit nor the hat. How in the world did her friend do this? And who is the young stranger in town? Is he the reason for all the glitches Angela has encountered? Will she find comfort for the pain of her loss during this season of hope?
Newport has done a wonderful job of displaying the message of Christmas in these two stories as she writes of the healing power of family love and friendships. The characters are realistic and evocative and capture the reader's heart. The stories move quickly and are full of emotional tension and drama and a tad of humor as well. And as one of the characters notes, 'we have traveled to Bethlehem not to dwell on what we have lost but on what God has given.' Colors of Christmas is a book not to be missed this holiday season.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

I got this book because, well its Christmas!! Any way I thought it would be interesting, than I wasn't sure cause it wasn't quite the style I'm used to. But it was pretty good...It shows a side to Christmas you don't usually see especially in books.  Its a bit sadder than some might like...But it was nice seeing how people might cope with some things and watching them still enjoy Christmas. Christmas in blue was definitely my favorite! I almost hope for a bit more of each story....maybe we should check in on them and get a new years novel???

This is a book of two Christmas stories.  Both stories are equally good.  I laughed and cried through both stories.  The first story is called Christmas in Gold.  Astrid is in her eighties and is moving to an assisted living facility.  She fell and broke some bones so her children feel it is time for a change.  It is close to Christmas and  she needs physical therapy.  This is where she meets Carly.  Both Carly and Astrid need to make adjustments here.  This story is sad and happy.  I really enjoyed it.
The second book is called  Christmas in Blue.  Angela is a piano teacher.  Her best friend has died earlier in the year and she is not looking forward to Christmas.  Instead of being by herself like she wants to be she is firced to run the towns A Christmas to Remember celebration that her dead friend Carole ran every year.  She is not ready for this.  This made me laugh and cry .  Each person in the town learns a few lessons of their own.  I loved both stories.  I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I  really enjoyed the first book, I  could hardly put it down. A story about two ladies, one who chose to believe in God, despite having hard times. The memories of World War I I, loss of loved ones.The other lady living in fear,  moving from place to place and switching jobs,  all because she was nice to a co worker. 
The second book just dragged for me and I  have to admit that I didn't finish it, I  didn't connect with the characters at all, I  just gave up on the book.

Colors of Christmas 

Two different Christmas stories: 

Christmas in Gold is the first one, Astrid moves to a assisted living home after breaking her foot. I really loved her attitude and loved the history of her life growing up. It is close to Christmas when she moves there, one thing is missing, the Gold Christmas bulbs she had since a child. Will they be found? 

Christmas in Blue is the second one, Angela’s best friend had past away and she was the one that did a lot with  the town’s celebration of Christmas event they had each year so the committee appointed Angela to do it. Loved Angela’s Character, even though she was hit by a surprise she does her best with a positive attitude. 

Both of the stories were very good, enjoyed the history from Germany in the first one and the second had a sweet dog in it. Definitely a five star. 

I received the book from the publisher thru NetGalley for a honest review.

This book contains two stories, each revolving around a Christmas theme.  I definitely enjoyed the first one more, maybe because it wrote about Astrid, an elderly woman survivor of Germany in WWII, such as my mother.  The memories alone of the War and how the people of Germany struggled to survive brought back many of the stories my mother has shared with me over the years.

I was a bit confused about the ending as it went right into the second story and I wasn't even aware that I had finished the first story.

I do like the thoughts of the author, of certain things that bring back feelings and emotions in our lives of Christmases past and those in our lives that aren't with us any longer.  I definitely get those feelings today and really related to this.

I enjoyed the book.

I received an e-copy of this book from NetGalley for my review.  All thoughts are my own.

The cover of this book is stunning and fits the feel of the stories inside very well. I enjoyed these two Christmas novellas. Both stories were tales of overcoming adversities during the most special, and magical, time of the year...Christmas. There were many heartwarming moments that put you in the mood for Christmas.

Colors of Christmas includes two short stories that are both interesting and fun to read. The first is the story of elderly Astrid who struggles with moving to a senior's home just days before Christmas. She befriends her physiotherapist and helps her over come her fears. I loved Astrid's flashbacks to World War 2.

The second story is of Angela and her attempt to recreate the town's Christmas festival after her best friend's passing. Whatever could go wrong, does. A mysterious young man arrives in town just before the festival and they work together to make this year's festival a success.

These were two great Christmas reads they will definitely get you in the Holiday spirit.
Christmas In Gold is Astrid's story she is living in an assisted living facility recovering from a broken ankle she befriends her Physical therapist Carly and they form an unlikely friendship.this was a really good read I enjoyed these two characters and liked getting to know them.
Book two Christmas in Blue is Angela's story she struggling with the loss of her friend and trying to get into the spirit of Christmas her book is all about the town coming together to help her.
Both stories were really sweet.

Two novellas in this book, Christmas in Gold and Christmas in Blue. Christmas in Gold grabbed me from the beginning. The main character is Astrid, who is eighty years old and is leaving the home where she raised her two children to go live in an assisted living facility, after a fall which broke her ankle, and where she knows she'll spend the remainder of her life on earth. Her son and daughter encourage this and Astrid knows it's the right thing for her, although difficult. At Christmas time, the facility puts up many Christmas trees and one is decorated only in gold. Astrid is drawn to this tree as the only thing she has left from her childhood in Germany is three gold ornaments, which she is unable to find after her move. Astrid meets Carly, a physical therapist who is in her own turmoil. Astrid is able to share her story of war in Germany, be a good friend and witness to Carly. Lovely, lovely story.
Christmas in Blue didn't grab me from the beginning, but I persisted with reading and was so glad I did. Angela, teaches piano lessons and it's Christmas season. She is feeling terribly lonely and depressed due to the loss of her best friend, Carol seven months earlier. Carol was all about Christmas and was in charge of the town's yearly A Christmas to Remember, the highlight of the Christmas season that the entire town looks forward to. Angela has Carol's dog, Blitzen, who is great company and comfort to her. Little more than a week before Christmas, Angela learns she has been put in charge of A Christmas to Remember. She certainly doesn't want to do it, but feels she should in memory of her dear friend, Carol. One thing after another goes wrong as she discovers decor she needs for this event is destroyed or ruined. A surprise visitor days before Christmas is both an unexpected and welcome blessing to Angela. Will they be able to pull off A Christmas to Remember, after all?
I was given a free ecopy of this to read by the publisher, Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This book contains two heart-warming stories full of the true spirit of Christmas.  In one, an older German American woman, Astrid, moves into a small apartment of an assisted living home after she falls down a few steps at her home, injuring her foot. Astrid has had a long and full life, starting with her youth in Nazi Germany and continuing through to this time, having outlived two husbands, survived Nazi Germany and a tough life after the WWII bombing destruction of Wurzburg, Germany, when her family lost everything, and having raised two great children, who now have provided a bunch of little grandchildren for Astrid.  Through it all, Astrid has relied on her faith to get her through thick and thin and is now settling into the new, smaller apartment in the assisted living facility.  While there, she befriends, in addition to other residents, her physical therapist  and the facility cook. Things do not look bright for her therapist right now, but Astrid sets out to help her through this difficult time. In the second story, Angela, who teaches piano to sometimes reluctant youngsters, is having a challenging time with the season because of the death of her dear friend. She prefers to just ignore it as much as possible.  However, Angela finds herself in charge of the town’s holiday celebration.  Everyone is convinced the plans the town has for this celebration keep going awry after and because of a young man, Gabe, who has recently come into town. Still, Angela likes Gabe and befriends him.  Together they will hopefully work through their own secrets and pasts to discover the true meaning of the season and the hope that goes with it.

These are two charming stories that fit nicely into this holiday season.  The characters are well done and are very real, and all are searching for something they do not even realize they want or need. Through superb writing, the author has brought home the true meaning of the season while each character figures out their own true destinies. I enjoyed both and highly recommend them as reading for this Christmas season.  Both will brighten your day while, as I said, bring out the true spirit of Christmas and put you right there.  I received this from NetGalley to read and review.