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.