Two very different stories both beautiful, with great characters, plots and a strong message that doesn't take over the story. This author has provided us stories of strong women dealing with changes in their lives one taking from her past to enlighten and encourage another. Finding her memories stronger due to recent changes, she learns to embrace and spread the comfort and love by sharing it with another. The other deals with the loss of a lifelong friend and having to recreate that friends yearly Christmas pageant, In doing so she comes to peace with her grief and overcomes the challenges with a lot of help and is reminded of the reason for the season by taking a little trip to Bethlehem.

This is my first read by this author and I love that while yes it is a christian read, there is plenty of story to go with the word that is given. I love the trip to Bethlehem and the flashbacks of the war. The stories are well written, emotional and fun. I highly recommend this book and the author as well.

So often a Christmas story is one that gives you a warm fuzzy feeling. The decorations are perfect, the love is oozing all over and of course the snow is light and fluffy. This is not that story. This is a more realistic view that a holiday doesn't change the reality of loss, drama and emotions. There are 2 stories that bring home how loss colors our world.

Angela lost her best friend. The holidays hold no joy. The holiday committee dumps the town celebration into her lap. Depression weighs heavy on her as she wades through the decorating of the town and the big tree. Blue is a fitting color for this story.

Astrid has a fall and her children push her into senior living. This one hit home. My step children did that to their mom this year and are now trying to push their dad. Sad! But Astrid has more weighing on her. And her physical therapist has troubles too. Gold was a fitting color for this story.

I thought the stories were well done. I liked the main characters and a few other characters needed a good shaking! I found myself tearing up a few times. to me, that makes it a great story.

Reading Olivia Newport's 'Colors of Christmas' is a precious gift. There are two stories that are so profound in their lessons about the ultimate hope in the midst of loss and fear that I will retain their messages for a long time. Please do yourself a favor and pick up this treasure, you will not regret it!

These are 2 entertaining stories in one place. I enjoyed how there is a tie of bible verses that help the people get through their circumstances. These are great books to show how people can still have faith even through tragedy. Great holiday stories!

Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport is two short Christmas themed stories. Each one is set in contemporary times.
In the first story Astrid is adjusting to leaving her home and moving into an assisted living apartment just before Christmas. Like many people these days her son is very busy with work and her daughter lives out of state. Will she make friends or will she stay to herself in her room? She does have physical therapy for her broken ankle and finds herself sharing about her childhood and later adulthood with her therapist. When she discovers her treasured gold ornaments have not made the trip with her she feels devastated; are they lost or will they be found in time to renew her Christmas spirit?
The second story introduces us to Angela. She lives in a small town that celebrates Christmas as a community each year. Angela’s best friend, and coordinator of “A Christmas to Remember” has passed away during the year. The remaining committee members decide Angela should take over and give her no choice though all Angela wants to do is avoid Christmas as much as possible in her grief. Everything seems to be working against Angela as she tries to create a celebration worthy of her late friend Carole. Will it be a disaster or will someone come to her aid at the last minute? Will her spirit be renewed?
I enjoyed both stories; they were quick reads. Astrid’s son, Alex, irritated me as he didn’t seem capable of making time for his mother and was rushing to get her things in the apartment so he could leave for a trip to France. I know work is important but some advance planning would have been better for his mother. Of course, that would have upset the story some, if he were more available. I really liked Astrid and the way she was able to help others through her own story of hardships. Angela’s story also draws the reader in and I did not want to put it down. Angela is sad and grieving and I just wanted to give her a hug. I could feel her frustration at the committee who railroaded her into doing all the work and seemingly not willing to give much help. As with all of Olivia Newport’s books there are twists and turns and unexpected surprises to keep the reader engaged. I give this book 5 of 5 stars; it meets the quality I expect from Olivia Newport and was a really nice Christmas read. I recommend it to everyone who wants to read Christian based Christmas story.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This has to be my favorite book that I have read that was written by Olivia Newport.

She uses the color themes of Christmas in Gold and Christmas in Blue to help characters find healing as they go through heartbreak.

Christmas in Gold centers around Astrid, who has gone through many devastating, major changes in her life and now has to go through another major change of moving from her home to an assisted-living facility. Gold Christmas ornaments bring about memories of many tragedies she has lived through. Astrid shares these experiences with a young physical therapist to see if she can help her overcome tragedy and develop hope for her and her young son. Will she be successful? Are the tragedies too hard to overcome?

Christmas in Blue introduces us to Angela, who is mourning a loss of a special friend at this holiday time. Given the job of being in charge of the town’s Christmas celebration, she finds herself faced with obstacles at every turn. “Christmas blues” takes on a whole new meaning in this story. A mystery man comes to town and many think he is to blame for all of the problems, but Angela discovers she knows him and as he shares hope with her, they work together to see if they can accomplish the feat. There are many funny things that occur as well as deep lessons of hope, love and friendship.

I highly recommend this book as a wonderful addition to anyone’s Christmas collection as it brings thoughts of celebration, faith, hope, and love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley, from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

There were two novellas in this book.

The first, Christmas In Gold, was well written but a little more emotional than I'm looking for in a Christmas book. To be fair, the description of the book does say the characters "find healing in the midst of heartbreak". The ending felt very abrupt and without closure.

The second, Christmas In Blue, hit a little too close to home as the main character is reeling from the death of a long-time friend. Not something I care to read about at this point.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Colors of Christmas: Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate the Hope of Christmas by Olivia Newport are delightful reads. The titles of the stories are Christmas in Gold and Christmas in Blue. Both stories have flash backs to Christmas' past. They both are heartwarming. Christmas in Blue was a little over the top with mishaps but other than that a lovely ending. I enjoyed both of them and would recommend them to to any reader who loves reading Christmas stories in during the holidays. Thanks to NetGalley, Olivia Newport and Barbour Publishing, Inc for an ARC.

Two inspiring stories set during Christmas with a message of hope and faith!
Both novellas feature older women coping with big changes in their lives, and dealing with loss or grief over the Christmas holiday season.
The first story includes some suspense and action involving a young single mom, adding a bit of excitement. The history in it also was interesting, as the older woman reminisces about growing up in war torn Germany during WW2. It was inspiring to read how she shared her story to show compassion, and to help the younger woman overcome her fear. Her faith was forged in a crucible of suffering, and she shares this with genuine friendship. A good example for all of us to reach out to others.

"Like the long ago people of Israel, we yearn to know hope once again."
The second story was tender with some inspirational moments as the main character deals with the loss of her long time friend over the busyness of Christmas, and regaining her reason to celebrate. I enjoyed all of the musical references and the small town setting, something I could relate to. Dealing with depression around the holidays is also something many people experience. The uplifting conclusion to this story was worth the wait. "And hope, once lost, was found again."

Recommend to anyone looking for an inspiring holiday read.

This is a beautiful book with older characters who celebrate Christmas despite life changes that could make the season an unhappy one. The colors relate to the memories and feelings the characters have. Beautifully engaging! I liked both stories and both are good for the season!!

Even though it is not Christmas yet....I did want to read Ms Newport's latest novel... I do enjoy her writing...and her storytelling. This novel did put me in the Christmas spirit. I loved it's imagination...it's simplicity...and it's message. Ms Newport is an excellent wordsmith. Thank you for the opportunity to read...and share this story. I have recommended it to all of my reading friends....and local libraries. Five Stars!

Colors of Christmas: Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate the Hope of Christmas is a pretty read. The titles of the stories are Christmas in Gold and Christmas in Blue. I enjoyed both of them and would recommend them to be added to any reader's Christmastime reading.
4 stars.

This book is actually 2 stories. My favorite is Christmas in Gold . Astrid is facing a new stage of her life that no one wants to face. She has sold her home and moved into a retirement home. She is determined to make the best of this situation. But as the Christmas season approaches memories of her upbringing in Nazi Germany seems so vivid. Astrid uses the stories of her childhood to reach out to her physical therapist, Carly. Carly has problems of her own. She has her son to care for while trying to avoid a former co-worker who has become a rather scary stalker. Astrid and Gabe, the cook at the retirement home, both want to give Carly back her faith and confidence especially with the holidays approaching. I thought this story was going to be a sweet story of renewing the Christmas spirit so I was pleasantly surprised by the back story of Nazi Germany, a creepy stalker and a lively octogenarian being the hero!
The second story involves facing the holiday season after the loss of a best friend. Angela just wants the season to be over. Her friend Carlo always made the season special by being the organizer of the town event call A Christmas To remember. Angela wants this to be the Christmas to forget. When she arrives late for the organizational meeting she is shocked to discover she has been nominated, voted and approved to take over the event. She was Carol's best friend after all and helped every year to make the event successful. Hardly!! When everything that could go wrong does Angela is in need of divine intervention. Along comes Gabe, Carol's long lost son. At least I think that's who he is...isn't there an angel named Gabriel floating about somewhere? Suddenly Christmas magic is happening all around town. Not the red and green Christmas colored magic but more like sparkly blue. This was a sweet story that put me in the holiday mood even in July. I think my tr9e will have lots of blue lights this year!

"Colors of Christmas" by Olivia Newport. WoW !! Two distinct stories in this emotionally packed read. I laughed and I cried and I only put the book down when it became evident that my eyes needed a break. I really wish I belonged to a reader group and this was the next book we would discuss. So many points to ponder... I will be reading this book again... soon. But I need to rest my eyes for a bit, so maybe an audio book or two to give them a break. If you like books that give you something to think about and make you feel emotions.. you will like this book.

Two lovely Christmas reads. I enjoyed both on there own merit. Both very different. With different characters, Perfect read for the winter tucked up beside the fire. Many will love this book

I wasn't sure about this book when I started it...it was a slow start and I found it difficult to get into. But once I did, I had to finish it and know how the story ended. The characters will tug at your heart strings, and you'll be rooting for Christmas to work out ok for them! There are two different stories in here - I definitely preferred one over the other, but they are both good.