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.

I received this book "Colors of Christmas" from Netgalley for my honest review.

This was actually 2 books and I did like the stories although I thought they just kind of ended. I wish the stories were more developed. Christmas in Gold was the better of the two but again I was hoping for more of the story - it just ended and you are left hanging.

I only made it about half way through this book. I didn't dislike it, but I couldn't connect well with the characters or story. There was something that wasn't making me itch to turn the pages. I kept putting it down in favor of others books. Maybe it was too slow, both in character development and story line, for me.

Colors of Christmas is a duet of Christmas stories by Olivia Newport. Both deal with difficult times and heartache. Despite the sadness off the characters at the beginning of the stories by the end the readers finish each with a feeling of hope and renewed faith.

Christmas in Blue deals with a woman who is only going through the motions of living after losing a close friend. It is through the helping someone else that she finds a measure of healing in her own life.

Christmas in Gold is gives us a friendship between the old and the young. Eighty-year old Astrid has lived through may difficult and tragic times. Now in an assisted living community she befriends Carly, a physical therapist, who now has troublesome concerns. It is through this friendship that Carly is helped but then so is Astrid.

CHRISTMAS IN GOLD
Astrid, an older lady, finds herself in a nursing home following a fall. Rather than feel sorry for all tbe changes she has gone through, she ferrets out a need in her physical tberapist, Carly.

Carly seems lonely and verging on the edge of paranoia. Astrid tries to encourage Carly to seek God, telling Carly there is always a time of second chances with God. Also, the whole Christmas season is one of hope. Will Astrid's urging finally get through to Carly, or will both Carly and Astrid spend
the holidays in a strange place,away from those they hold dear?

CHRISTMAS IN BLUE
A mature piano teacher who recently lost her best friend is shocked to discover that the committee that plans the Christmas festival has unanimously named her the new chair. Uncomfortable, stressed, and stymied at every turn, how can Angela produce a festival honoring her departed friend and pleasing to the townsfolk? After much despair, is it possible that Angela can find her hope fanned into flame by God, and will relationships forged in difficulty produce triumph?

Both of these stories start out with mature women who have every "right" to feel sorry for themselves. Yet, as they give themselves to the God Who sent Baby Jesus, they find hope renewed, which energizes them and others around them. The importance of relationship, first heavenly, then earthly, shines through. Their stories may be fictional, but are realistic enough to be truly inspirational.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. This did not affect my opinions, for which I am solely responsible.

This collection contains two stories focused on the holiday season but designed to showcase faith during the difficult times in life, which can be prevalent during the Christmas season. Both novellas have a mature woman as the heroine, which is a nice change of pace. The stories are quite different but meaningful nonetheless. I would have enjoyed them a bit more as full-length stories with a bit more character development.

The cover is absolutely beautiful. This is a Christmas-themed book versus an historical Amish fiction book for which Olivia Newport is often known for writing. If you are looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit, as it’s never too early, this is one to check out.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Colors Of Christmas by Olivia Newport is two wonderful tales with similar themes of love, loss, friendship and hope. Both are set around Christmas and are sure to warm the readers hearts. Both remind the reader of the importance of good friends, community and the hope we have in Jesus.
Christmas In Gold is a wonderful story of hope and memories. Told from the point of view of an octogenarian, originally from Germany but living in America, the reader gets a glimpse into Christmases past and present. Memories are tied up in ornaments and snowfalls.
Nazi Germany was a hard place to grow up in but Astrid "held on to God" knowing that "God wouldn't change." In an ever changing world, God is our secure anchor in every storm.
Life holds fears. Some we cannot control. "Even the best parents cannot prevent everything." We need to put our faith in God and trust Him to guide us through life. "Faith fed my hope." We have to hold on to the hope that life can and will get better.
There is much courage within the story. "We didn't think of it as courage... Just take the next step." At times of war all we can do is take one step at a time, holding on to God and trusting Him for tomorrow.
Love permeates the tale. The love of a survivor for her children. A love that sees the hurt in others. A love that reaches out to help.
A positively delightful read.
Christmas In Blue is a poignant story surrounding love and loss, memories and traditions. "We're going to do it because we loved her." In the busyness of the season, it is all too easy to feel overwhelmed. When things go wrong, it is important not to focus on them but to focus on the real meaning of Christmas... the baby in the manger who came to save.
People are important. A community who pull together is beautiful to behold.
I loved the inclusion of a dog called Blitzen. It really added that extra level of warmth to an already warm and wonderful read.
So beautiful
Two wonderful stories of hope that will warm every heart.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

This book is two stories in one. I have read a few books by Olivia Newport but not many but I really enjoyed this one. It's not your typical Christmas story with all joy and snowflakes. Astrid our main character in the first story, Christmas in Gold, finds herself moving into an assisted living facility just before Christmas after she breaks her leg in a fall at home. The move and subsequent unpacking transports her memories back to he childhood in Germany during and after the war. Christmas has not always been bright. Astrid befriends her physical therapist Carly who is having a hard time.
Christmas in Blue, our main character Angela is mourning the loss of her best friend Carole. Carol loved everything Christmas, Angela just wants it to be over instead she finds herself taking over Carol's role being in charge of the town's Christmas festivities.
This book shows that Christmas is not always a joyful time for everyone, it does not always go the way we want or envision. However it also shows us hope, peace and joy that can only come from God and our faith in Him. This is a great book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Another wonderful book by Olivia Newport
ByMaggie on October 2, 2017
Format: Paperback
I am very partial to the stories of Olivia Newport, and this book of 2 novellas is among my favorites. These are two very different stories with a bit atypical themes for Christmas. Stories of loss -- loss of independence, loss of hope, loss of friends, loss of joy in life -- with strong characters and interesting plots. Very well written, considering the length constraints!

You know that you're engrossed in a book when you find yourself trying to give advice to the character! I really wanted to talk to the characters in each stories, but especially the first one, Christmas in Gold. Having a mom who is now in a senior apartment, with all the challenges of downsizing and moving at 85+, I really can recommend using the services of a senior move consultant. Yes, it costs some money, but less than I thought. The senior move consultant helped my MOM choose the correct furniture and layout for her new place (not an adult child), with several iterations until it was right. They made the move day a lot less stressful, and, most important, at the end of the move day ALL of the boxes were unpacked and put away and by noon the next day, ALL the decorations were up. Some of my mom's friends in her senior complex have taken months to unpack and feel so very overwhelmed.

You can probably tell which colors are the focuses of the two novellas by the cover, yes gold and blue. Two entirely different reads, but both heart warming and timely, Christmas love, and not romantic, but loving.
The author places us in two time periods in the first story, the golden years, and her youth, but the time period of the first is a time that most would want to forget. You don’t often think of the enemy and how they are living, but are they the enemy, or innocent by standers, and from that perspective we see a great deal of suffering. Yes, we walk in Astrid’s shoes through the eyes of this story, and you will soon want to get out of the shoes, but all that happens to her has made her love God all the more. This one kept me page-turning, but seem to end to soon.
The second is also about loss and trying to move on, and you are going to love the dog. Again the author has shows us that all lives are not rosy, but putting your faith first and moving on. We also meet a new comer to the town, and at first you are going to wonder what he is doing there. Yes, some are very leery, but you are in for some awesome surprises, even when it seems that nothing more could go wrong, guess what!
Enjoy these different, but meaningful Christmas reads.
I received this book through Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review