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.

I really enjoyed Colors for Christmas; it was a different type of Christmas story to me.  Rather than a Christmas romance which I usually lean toward, these two stories focused more on different types of relationships.  I especially loved Christmas in Gold.  Astrid's story of her life through the Holocaust to her move from her home into a senior living facility touched my heart.  These stories deal with many different feelings from love, despair, hope, meeting new friends or dealing with the loss of old friends.  There is something for everyone in these two stories.

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

I definitely enjoyed Christmas in Gold much better than Christmas in Blue. Although, I did feel that the short story Christmas in Gold wasn't finished. I was actually a bit confused as to who the new people were that suddenly showed up and how they connected to what I had been reading from the beginning. I had no idea I had "switched" stories until a few chapters into Christmas in Blue. I love to read Christmas stories, but this one is not one I cared much for overall. I was into "Gold", but when I realized that story was over, I was quite disappointed. Because of my confusion, and not realizing I had started the second story, I never quite connected with "Blue". If reading my review has you puzzled, that's how I felt in reading the book!

How wonderful to read these two stories that deal with feelings of loss, at a season when everyone else seems to be celebrating. 
I could relate to both of these stories, having lost children, husband, friends. 
It made me smile to see how each person navigated the landscape of joy in their sorrow and found their way back to Joy.
Two unique Christmas stories well worth the reading!

Colors of Christmas is two tales set during the holiday season. Each tells a different tale with resounding voices.
Christmas in Blue shows us Angela. She has lost her best friend, Carol. Looking to get through the season on autopilot, Angela is not ready to be in charge of the town's celebration ceremony.  Deciding to do the least amount possible, she soon changes her mind when a mysterious stranger comes to town.  
Christmas in Gold shows us Astrid.  By the age of 20 she had survived war, moving across the world and her first husband's loss.  Widowed a 40 for the second time, Astrid forges a new life for her and her two children.. Age 80 finds her moved to an assisted living facility.  She befriends a young single mother on the edge of despair. Will her life memories help?
Both stories bring times of laughter and times of tears. I received a copy through Netgalley. The review was not a requirement.

I saw such a beautiful cover for this book then I saw it was one of my favorite authors. She writes such lovely historical and Amish fiction books. I have enjoyed all I've read by her. Olivia Newport is such a versatile author, she seamlessly has now authored a beautifully written contemporary fictional Christmas book. It was heartwarming and though in both stories there was adversity to overcome the spirit of Christmas was prevalent as people banded together to help each other. The first story was a bit of a time slip as well as the older main character reminisces of childhood Christmas times. 2 short Christmas stories I enjoyed immensely! 
Pub Date 01 Oct 2017 
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed these stories of hope that can be found when we open ourselves up to live life in community and accept companionship and help from those available and willing to give it.  They serve as reminders that we are really not alone in our struggles--there is always someone we can share our burdens with if we are willing to risk sharing our secrets and being known by another.  In Christmas in Gold, there is inspiration to allow others to inspire and encourage us with stories from their personal history. In Christmas in Blue, we get a reminder that grief is a natural part of loss and there is no timetable that says we have to "get over it." We can move forward and try new things while still experiencing the grief and honor the loved one's memory by doing that.  
This is not a romance collection, just a pair of stories to give you a lift in your spirit this season.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my opinions in response.

Two inspiring stories both featuring older women coping with change, grief and loss over the holiday season.

Colors of Christmas contains two separate novellas. Christmas in Gold is a story of Astrid as she faces changes in her life because of aging and memories of her childhood in Germany during the war. Astrid was a strong leading character. Christmas in Blue is the story of Angela who faces the first Christmas without her friend Carole who celebrated Christmas in a big way! This story contains many scriptures from the biblical Christmas story. Angela forms new relationships to bring her peace and happiness. I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Delivering a strong, yet gentle, message of faith and hope, this book is comprised of two novellas about love, loss, and triumph.

You will be sure to get into the Christmas mood by reading Colors of Christmas: Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate the Hope of Christmas. Each modern day story has elements of sadness, hope, loss, suspense and redemption.
I enjoyed both stories, but felt that both could have been better if fleshed out into full novels. Each ended abruptly and all the loose ends were tied with a Christmas bow.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and Shiloh Run Press in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

I really enjoyed the first story. It was really sweet and put me in the Christmas spirit with the gorgeous Christmas decorations and Astrid’s love and care for everyone around her. It still amazes me how some people who suffer the most, have the strongest faith. I was inspired by Astrid’s story and got goose bumps more than once.
I also enjoyed Carly’s story and her determination to protect her son and mother. I admire her strength and her resolve.
 
The second story… Angela seems spoiled and ungrateful. Her students give her gifts for Christmas and she complains about them and never even uses them. It seems heartless. I understand she is heartbroken over the loss of her best friend, but apparently this isn’t a new thing for her. I was turned off from this story right off the bat. I just couldn’t get into this story and was incredibly disappointed. 

Overall, I enjoyed the first story but the second felt like a waste of my time.