This is a delightful set of holiday stories that are sure to get readers into the holiday mood. But honestly - read it any time of year. The romances are on point and will put a big smile on your face!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

"If that's the treasure you seek, then quit thinking about how you don't measure up and start thinking about how you can him something that's beyond measure."

Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter This is where the passing down of the heirloom begins. While Sarah isn't used to the life she is currently living in, she does fit in well and makes the woman she is helping happy by speaking her mind and not holding anything back. It is also what helps this woman's grandson fall in love with her and realize it's time to start working on creating his own life instead of taking care of his family's businesses that he will never inherit or get any part of. This one was really sweet and I actually liked it after the first few chapters as it was a little slow in the beginning.

Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer is the second novella and we see a young widower have to take out a loan in order to provide for herself and her daughter in a new town. This one ended up being my favorite of the four stories. I loved Ruth and her daughter as characters, and the male love interest I liked as well because he wasn't pushy and made sure that things were what Ruth wanted as well and he wasn't assuming anything.

A Shot at Love by Sarah Thomas This was the third novella and one that I just found okay. I wasn't blown away by this story I felt like it definitely needed more pages because of how many characters were involved and all the backstory that felt like it was missing to a certain extent. I did like that Fleeta was so good at shooting and was able to pursue her passion even though her family was struggling financially.

Because of you by Becky Wade This one actually ended up being my least favorite. Maddie was a character that I thought was okay.Maybe because it was two generations out from the last story, and the history was kind of lost by this point because of how the heirloom had been passed down. The love interest just seemed very rushed to a certain extent. This one just wasn't for me personally.

"Then I wouldn't worry too much. Lots of people go a long way looking for contentment without ever finding it."

Overall I did enjoy this novella family saga. All of the stories were nice and I loved how they all interconnected but were also still able to stand on their own and each woman was seen as an individual. I liked as well that the broach was either found around Christmas time or that was when it was passed down to the next generation. This was just a really nice Christmas romance series that did just the right amount of romance and allowed each woman to be an individual and have a say for a change. There was some instant love but each couple took their time with the romance as well and there was only one hasty marriage.

(Read a finished copy from the library)

My thoughts on Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter. 3/5 stars
From the first page I was captured by Hunter's writing.
I actually enjoyed the writing more than the story.

Well, that's not entirely true. The story was better than the characters.

I presume Hunter wrote her characters in such a way to not be the stereotypical "gorgeous" and "perfect."
But honestly, they were described as.. quite ugly. Not just their appearances, but also their personalities.

Sarah was meek and shy, though I did very much enjoy when she came out of hiding.

But her insecurities got to the point of annoying.

And Randall was...odd.

I was never quite sure where he stood. Did he like Sarah? Did he not? Did he think she was ugly and weird, or beautiful and unique?
Did he detest Sarah's social status as much as his family did?

I did very much enjoy Randall's grandmother.
She reminded me of Jenny B Jones's "Mad Maxine" from the Katie Parker series.
Lady Densbury had a ferocious and lively personality. She was fun and pushy. Probably my favorite character!

My thoughts on Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer. 4/5 stars.

I loved Gift of the Heart!
Ruth and Bo were awesome! I loved their story, their personalities, and their iron wills.

Bo was a sweet, kind, gentle giant with a disability.

I love that he didn't sulk around, though he has been hurt by his disability.
He rose above it and didn't let it hold him back.

Ruth had fire, armour, and an iron will.
She did not let her past stand in her way.
She was fun, kind, and amazingly strong.
Ruth was a good mom, sweet friend, and an incredible Christian.

I was surprised and delighted by her willingness to take a chance. To step out in faith and be bold.

Those are the kind of characters that stick with me and inspire me the most.

Bravo to Karen Witemeyer for such great main and supporting characters! There was not one I disliked!


I did not review the other two novellas because they are both part of a series I have not read yet.

-Rebekah Lewis

*Thanks to the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own.*

Four novellas written through different time periods with a central theme around a broach being passed down from generation to generation. Each has a unique style but weave together beautifully. While I enjoy each of the authors books, some are more hit or miss for me in the novellas. Overall, if you want several short reads that flow together into a cohesive story, then you will enjoy this book. It's an easy read for a holiday break!

Confession: when I agreed to read this collection, I had no idea the heirloom would made an appearance in all four stories or that it was across different time periods. All I knew was that Karen Witemeyer contributed and she’s a favorite of mine, so I said I’d read the book.

I’m so glad that I did! If you’re looking for something to help get you in the mood for Christmas, you can’t go wrong with these sweet love stories. The women are strong, yet realistic, open to love but not incomplete without it. They each face unique circumstances that require them to take action, and love is an added bonus (not the prize for which their striving). With the exception of one story, the heirloom isn’t some sort of talisman that brings love, it’s more of a reminder that each woman in this family can find love.

This was my first introduction to Hunter and Thomas, and I wasn’t disappointed. I didn’t connect as well with Thomas’s story, but I think it was more of the time period than the writing. It was a fun story, and I could relate to Fleete and some of her frustrations. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Hunter, but I slipped right into Sarah’s story and couldn’t put it down. Wade’s style isn’t my personal favorite, but if you enjoy her contemporary romances, you’ll enjoy this novella; it includes some of her popular characters and flows in the same style as her full-length novels. Witemeyer once again managed to create a flawed hero who wasn’t quite a flawed as he thought he was. Her historicals always include a woman who’s a bit tougher than the rest, but not by sacrificing femininity or authenticity. I’ve always been a fan of her stories, and “Gift of the Heart” fits right in with the rest of her novels.

Overall, this was a lot of fun to read. As I mentioned above, I didn’t know a lot about this book when I picked it up, so it was a fun surprise to read the different time periods and then discover the family connection. If you enjoy sweet romance — and are ready to get in the mood for Christmas! — then I highly recommend this collection.

This 4 Christmas novellas by 4 great authors. It makes for the perfect Christmas 🎄 reads you won’t be disappointed!

Very clean reads!

Synopsis:
In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

I love the idea of an heirloom tying together multiple generations. I have things that were passed down from my ancestors and it makes me want to take them more seriously. As I get older and can see the links in my own family going both forward and backward from me, and that integral connection is what really settled this story into my heart. This collection takes the reader from Regency times to present day and each story is sweet and the perfect length for the busy holiday season. Everyone has a story to tell (I enjoyed them all) and that common bond that threads through the maternal line is endearing and also lends an element of nostalgia.

Content: mild romance; mild+ religion

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

Four beautiful stories by authors I love. I enjoyed how each author was able to put their own spin on the story and bring everything together. The stories each stand alone, but with the tie-in that flows throughout the books. I can't pick a favorite story from the collection since I loved them all equally. The settings drew me into the story and allowed me to see glimpses into each character's life. Well-developed storylines, which can be hard to do in a novella, and characters who made the stories shine.

Three of my favorite Authors ( Karen W, Kristi Ann H, Becky W) in one book??!! SIGN.ME.UP!! This book was the perfect book to read when you don't have time for a long book you can just read one story and you need something cozy that will make you heart stir.

Enjoyed this compilation by these authors. Perfect holiday read. Now I will read some books by some new to me authors from this compilation. Thanks!

The trouble with books that contain short stories from various authors is that there will be some that you love and others that you don't.
I enjoyed the first book immensely but could take or leave the ones that followed, possibly because of when the first book was set.
A cute read and actually a lovely idea for a collection.

Christmas time was the perfect time to read these stories. Each one was as sweet, and wholesome as they come. I love how each story ties into the next. It's all about a family Heirloom and the love and luck it brings to those who have it. My favorite story was Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer. I found myself unable to put it down. If you are looking for some wholesome, feel good, Christmas stories then this book is for you.

This book was a beautiful read on how over time family history can be passed on with only one special token. Right away we know that there are 4 novellas written by 4 different authors. What I didn't expect is how smoothly each story flowed to the next, all with a single thread holding them together. I have a Claddagh ring but I had never heard of a similar brooch. And of course, with a little Irish magic built in...if you believe in those things. ;)

I absolutely loved this book of four novellas. I was drawn to it because I recognized 3 out of 4 of the authors, but I had no idea it would be such a meaningful story. Yes, that’s right, story (singular).

If you've read the back cover, you would not be taking a shot in the dark in assuming these four novellas revolve around the family brooch, handed down for generations.

Of course, the historical novellas are my favorite (I mean, I’m biased, really), but all of them were heartwarmingly well done.

I give Christmas Heirloom 4.5 out of 5 stars… so for the sake of Amazon (where I will also share my review), I’m rounding up to 5.

If you are looking for a book this Christmas for that Christian Fiction reader in your family, look no further. There is truly something here for both contemporary and historical fans. I read it this past Christmas and I hope to get around to reading it again this Christmas. Also, I think it should be made into a Hallmark movie. I’d not only watch it, but I’d also buy it.

Note: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review.

The Christmas Heirloom has something for everyone. The four novellas span generations so you get historical AND contemporary stories.

I loved how all four novellas went together and yet were their own individual story. I didn't really have a favorite, although I loved how the first one showcased how the original woman got the heirloom.

All in all, I read this collection mainly because of Wade's contribution, but I ended up enjoying them all and recommend the book.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This book is awesome as you follow the path of a family heirloom as it handed down to the women of one family.
Talented authors who join together to share their own stories of the journey of this heirloom and how it affected the lives of those who owned it.

I'm not usually a reader of historical romance, but even I can admit that this collection was enjoyable. For me, it was the perfect "get in the mood for Christmas" story, starting with the historical roots of the heirloom and traveling through the generations to a modern day romance. I like to get a little nostalgic (more appreciate of history & tradition) at Christmastime, so this was the perfect excuse to expand outside my preferred genres--happy to say I wasn't disappointed in the least!

All four novellas have a distinct "flavor" (attributed to the unique style of each author) and while I was a little nervous to see how that would play out in four inter-connected tales, I was delightfully surprised to find that the nuances of each novella actually contributed to the overall story of the "magical" family heirloom, showcasing the passage of time, the differences in dialect and custom, while maintaining one constant--the brooch itself and the truth about love that withstands the test of time.

3.5 stars
Cute concept. Most suffered from a bit of the cram-too-much-in syndrome common to novellas, though Witemeyer’s didn't.

Legacy of Love: Kristi Ann Hunter 3 stars
This one was a little difficult for me to get into, but turned out really sweet. It’s about a young woman in Regency era whose future doesn’t look too rosy until a friend gives her the brooch.

Gift of the Heart: Karen Witemeyer 5 stars
I’m still thinking about how sweet and engaging this little story is. It’s by far my favorite story in the book! A widow who’s fallen on hard times and a man with a deformed arm are the stars of this little story, and there’s even a bit of intrigue thrown in. I’ll be rereading this one more than one time. Just another reason why Witemeyer is a top favorite author!

A Shot at Love: Sarah Loudin Thomas 3 stars
I think I just struggle in connecting to Thomas’s author voice. It was good but I didn’t feel any emotions over these characters. I also didn’t like some of the feminist vibes that didn’t quite get dealt with, the idea that children were a burden...obviously the MC later had kids for there to be a fourth story, but I was left thinking perhaps she didn’t really want to become a mom.

Because of You: Becky Wade 2.5 stars
Becky’s shorts are hit or miss for me, either love-love or eh. This one was an “eh” for me. I liked Maggie more as a side character in the Bradford Sisters novels, which was odd for me.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

Four riveting short stories with a Christmas theme centered around a broach passed down through generations. Such a clever idea executed beautifully!

With gratitude to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are fully mine. Pub Date 02 Oct 2018. #TheChristmasHeirloom #NetGalley

This past Christmas, Bethany House released a book called The Christmas Heirloom which is four holiday novellas by some pretty famous christian fiction writers--Karen Witemeyer, Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas and Becky Wade.
These stories intertwine as a family heriloom is passed down through the generations from mother to daughter.

I loved this set of stories. They were engaging and entertaining. Bethany House put together a great team of writers and I thought the stories gave all the warm, endearing feelings that you would expect from a set of books set during the Christmas season. I love how the jewlery is passed down through each story as each family's story is so different from the others. Having read Becky Wade's Bradford Sisters series, it was fun connecting to familiar characters in her story.
If you are looking for a fun set of short stories, make sure to pick up this novella set and add it to your home library. And when the Christmas season rolls around again, don't forget to add this book to your gift giving list for your friends and family.

***I received this complimentary e-book from Bethany House Publishers through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.