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.

I really enjoyed these novellas. The writing is outstanding and the stories really stay with you. A perfect book to cozy up with any time of the year.

This was a cute collection of Christian fiction, perfect for the holidays! I liked the variety of the stories.

Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter

Nothing is harder for me to review than Novellas, as I’ve shared more than a few times. I was excited to get my hands on this particular collection however as it has some favorite authors, it’s Christmas-y, and they all tie together with one little brooch. Kristi Ann Hunter starts it off so amazingly with a sweet story about a 3rd son of an earl, a dowager’s companion of dubious past, and a dowager that doesn’t fit into any mold despite a family that tries to make it so. I was a bit disappointed that we fell into almost insta-love though. I mean, I guess they did know each other, kinda, for a year. However, their togetherness was sporadic at best and he was turned off by her mousiness so he was completely uninterested until a bit of spitfire at a family dinner. She was cow eyed for him but then again. . . what is a girl of lowly station to do. Forget the insta-love for a second because every thing else was absolutely captivating. The love that Randall (third son with no future) and Sarah (companion with no past) have for Lady Densbury is endearing and sweet. The lengths they go to ensure her life ends as lovely as it was lived is beyond tender. The love she helped them find will only bring more love for every person their lives touch. That is why I loved this snapshot and these people. I leave you here with this quote from Lady Densbury (Grandmother).

Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Four generations later we meet Ruth. Still in possession of the brooch that was handed down from Lady Desnbury to Sarah to her daughter Rosemary (named for Lady Densbury) to her daughter (Ruth’s mother though I never caught her name just the initials REH) to Ruth and then eventually to Ruth’s Daughter Naomi. This history of the brooch is so integral to these stories and builds on the theme of love. Not just the romance of falling in love but the love of family and generations of history. Enough about history let’s talk about that love. I love Ruth, she’s had so many setbacks but she’s got gumption and fortitude. She’s not afraid to find a way to get what she needs, for herself and for her daughter despite her lack of financial means. And Bo, Beauregard. I mean, how do you not fall for someone named Beauregard? He’s had his own setbacks as well but instead of developing gumption he developed a means to staying in the shadows while building an empire of sorts with unlimited financial means. Until Ruth. Though I’m pretty sure that Naomi helped to spur them into their own bout of insta-love. I truly loved watching these two find each other, and in honesty a part of themselves in the process. I can almost forgive the insta-love though at the sweetness of these three branching out and growing into a family despite the obstacles of money and pride and community to overcome.

A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Having read ‘The Sound of Rain’ earlier this year I was thrilled to go back and reconnect with some beloved characters in the Mountains of West Virginia. I have no idea how the brooch made it’s way to Bethel but I do know that Naomi married and had a daughter named Marion who had a daughter named Fleeta. And with a name like Fleeta you know it’s going to be interesting. (I LOVE that name!) Fleeta is as different and unique as her name, she is the antithesis of feminine. She’s only seen in a dress at holidays and church, she can out-shoot any man on the mountain, and her life goal is to become a gunsmith. Oh, and she can’t cook a lick but she can assure there is meat for the table. Hank, on the other had is a ‘flat-lander’ from South Carolina where he met Judd and provided him the opportunity to learn logging that pathed his future in ‘The Sound of Rain’. Hank has some dreams of his own that just might include Fleeta. There was a lot going on in this brief story and while they found themselves falling in insta-love it wasn’t. You know why? It wasn’t all tied up neat and forever after! I loved that Thomas took this snapshot of these people in this place and just told the story as it was. No need to ensure it was all tied up, no need to jump ahead and show the resolution, just a snapshot of the time they had together. Nothing more, nothing less.

Because of You by Becky Wade

Two generations later Fleeta’s daughter Laura drops the ball and stashes the brooch away and promptly forgets about it. Her daughter Maddie finds it on accident, while she is dealing with her long standing crush on her best friends widower. Yup, she fell for him the same time her bestie did. But, bestie rules. . . she saw him first. I love that they build on a relationship that had shared for years, nothing more than friends – of sorts – but something solid to start with. No insta-love here and for that I feel ever so grateful. I also loved that nothing had to be tied up so neatly at the end. They found their feelings and agreed to explore them and see where it lead. I loved that this novella was perfectly crafted as a snapshot in time. I loved that it took depth of emotions and history and embraced it while tackling it head on as well. The theme of the brooch running throughout these stories, these lives, these loves was refreshing. No matter where the story took us both generationally or geographically the brooch tied it all together. No matter the writing style, no matter the romance style, the brooch made it cohesive. ‘Because of You’ was the perfect tie for this collection.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Heirloom is a collection of four novellas that all center around a brooch that has been passed from mother to daughter through several generations and the true love that will be found by the current owner.  The collection follows the passing of the brooch from the 1800's to present day.  This is a heartwarming collection of stories centered around Christmastime, but could definitely  be read any time of the year.  It was interesting to see how the authors connected the stories, but each one could definitely be read by itself.  I know some people do not enjoy novellas because there is not as much time for character development, but in my opinion that is not an issue with this collection.

I was given a copy of this collection in exchange for my honest review.