I love all of these authors and was so excited to learn they were putting this collection together. I enjoyed hopping through time periods in each story - it allowed me to be in four places in a very short time ;) Each author did an amazing job of staying true to their time period and writing style, and yet the four stories together just blended so well. Highly recommend.

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

I really enjoyed the concept of following one nativity set through the generations of the family. It made the novellas connect in an intriguing way. Along with historical facts and sweet romance, this set of Christmas stories really makes good reading any time of the year. I recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

A collection of sweet, touching novellas about love, happiness and hope. It was beautiful seeing good people recovering from their hurts and finding good hearted people that uplifts their lives.

I really enjoyed following this heirloom Nativity set as it was passed through a few generations. These are some of my favorite authors and these Christmas stories were as good as I expected. I loved how this Nativity showed up in unexpected places. Wonderful stories and sweet
romance... Perfect!

I LOVE the idea that all the novellas are linked through an heirloom nativity set! Each story is set in a different era and revolves around a different piece from the nativity set, giving a unique reading experience that helps usher in Christmas cheer.

I recommend this collection for anyone looking for uplifting Christmas stories that highlight the beauty of the season.

*I received this collection through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Collection of Stories about a Nativity Set: While Shepherds Watch Are Keeping: Set in Massachusetts in 1899, Pastor Seth Shepherd loves is poor small town but his parents are pushing for his return to a prestigious New York church. I loved Jessalyn Grant who is visiting her uncle for Christmas after being pushed out by her father and his new young wife. Young Paulie Mack adds humor to the story as does Ora Cole, a lady in her sixties whose father called her Squirrel Girl and who still wants to perform church roof repairs! A broken nativity set brings about forgiveness but there is always the hand carved nativity.
The Wise Guy and the Star: 1919. Stella Shepherd and her businesswoman Aunt Lila embark on an interesting trip by rail from Charleston, North Carolina to Kansas City, Missouri. You will love the three Wise brothers who have returned from the war and needing work and how Nat passes time by whittling three wise men!
On Angel Wings: Missouri 1945. I loved Elodie Wise who is a nurse and was a prisoner of war. Benjamin is a true war hero. Hollywood star, Clyde Irving will not be someone you admire! Ben carried Elodie's picture with him all through the war but she has always considered him her best buddy. An angel is added to the nativity.
Making Room at the Inn: Modern Day. I admired Benjie Gabriel who is seeking a position as a chef at a bed and breakfast in Cape Girardeau, Missouri against her mother's wishes! Benjie always loved her grandparents' hand carved nativity set and regrets that her aunt sold it in an estate sale. Surprising things are found in the attic of the B&B where Benjie finds employment.
It was great to follow the nativity set though the years. I recommend this sweet Christmas book to others. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Though predictable, I enjoyed this collection of sweet Christmas themed romances. I preferred the historical stories and the one set in the 1940's after World War II was my favorite. All of the stories feature a wooden Nativity that is passed from generation to generation and lovingly added to by each couple in the story. I am a very sentimental person, so the thought of having a family heirloom that has been passed down over 100 years was something I loved. Other than Deborah Raney, these were all new authors to me. I would like to read more of their work in the future.

Love’s Pure Light is a delightful Christmas Novella Collection of four stories by Susanne Dietze, Shannon McNear, Deborah Raney, and Janine Rosche. It follows a nativity set as it is passed down from generation to generation and what I loved most was how each generation’s love story added a piece to it.

The first story captured me right from the start with the shepherd of a church in small town Massachusetts in 1899. Family struggles, an Scrooge-ish uncle, and a wonderful supporting cast got the first romance off to a heart-touching start.

War wrapped itself around the second and third novellas. I loved how both a journey and a star wove through the wise men’s story, complete with a bit of humor and excitement. The angel’s novella held a twist I don’t recall seeing before and it added a depth to the story that made it just beautiful: instead of a male POW returning home, the character was female. That take on a usual story line will stay with me for a long time.

The final novella skips a few generations and takes a look back at the previous three stories as the characters try to understand what happened to the nativity while also navigating the situation they find themselves in today. I loved that the story highlights the innkeeper, showing the nativity from an angle not commonly seen.

If you’re looking for a couple sweet novellas that present a unique perspective on a wooden nativity set, definitely pick up a copy of Love’s Pure Light. The characters are each a delight and the stories ones that will touch your heart.

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I received a complimentary copy. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Four very nice Christmas stories with a common thread. Although by different authors, the stories are tied together and form a charming reading experience.

Christmas is coming and now is the perfect time to read a collection of stories to get readers into the spirit of the season.
This brand new collection of short stories from Barbour Publishing follows a nativity set throughout four generations and through four significant times in history. The talented authors sew the threads together tightly and seamlessly providing the reader with a delightful reading experience.
I enjoyed each story and appreciated the work and research that went in to creating stories set from the end of the 19th century through to present day.
A wonderful book to get readers ready for Christmas.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I knew this book would be wonderful when I saw that this group of very talented authors had put together this collection of stories. I was not disappointed. I loved that each story shared the history of a cherished nativity set as it was passed from one generation to another. All the storylines seemed complete and each has their own twist as to the significance of the nativity set. It easy to care about of the main characters in each story and fun to read how the families connected through the years. This book is heart-warming and as themes of faith, hope, and love that are perfect for the Christmas season.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I didn’t realize until the third story that all these were interconnected. The second story I just couldn’t get into so skipped to the third. A good idea and well done.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my GOODNESS! I’ll admit I don’t typically love historicals. Add to that, 2020 has stolen most of my ability to focus and fully enjoy many books. But this? I was sucked in From the very first story and could hardly put it down. And what a blessing to read such well written, uplifting, beautiful novellas that perfectly exemplify what a novella should be like. Many readers like to discount them, but Love’s Pure Light is exactly why I love them. Complete stories with beautiful characters and plenty of growth, depth, joy, and hope in a length I can finish in one sitting (well, four shorter sittings). And there’s no way to claim a particular favorite, either, because they were all equally perfect.

I received my copy from the publisher via Net Galley, but it’s definitely worth purchasing. All opinions stated are my own and freely given.

Love's Pure Light is four stories that follow an heirloom nativity set through the generations, written by four different authors. I really enjoyed this set of stories. My nativity stays up all year long and I have special fondness for it and the story behind it is the best ever told. The book does a great job of capturing what the nativity means and how the birth of Christ is so important. The first story follows Jessalyn and Seth, two people who meet in 1899. The start of the nativity was with Jessalyn's family and she has it with her at Christmas when she meets Seth, a pastor in a small town where her uncle lives. In the next story, Stella meets Nat Wise, who is carving the three wise men on a train, where there story starts. In the third story, WWII has just finished and Elodie and Benjamin are carrying the scars from war with them. An angel found in the rubble of France can help bring healing though. And, lastly, Benjie and Trevor meet at the inn that Trevor's family has owned and ran since Benjie visited there as a child with her great grandma Elodie. When the old nativity set is discovered in the attic at the Inn, Trevor and Benjie find so much more. I love a good romance story. And I also love historical stories. And Christmas stories. This one combines all three along with Jesus and His great gift for us! If you enjoy this, you will definitely like this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own!

Love's Pure Light: Four Stories Follow an Heirloom Nativity Set Through Four Generations is a wonderful collection. The stories include:
While Shepherds Watch Are Keeping by Susanne Dietze
The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear
On Angel Wings by Janine Rosche
Making Room at the Inn by Deborah Raney
I liked these stories. My favorite was by far Shannon McNear’s The Wise Guy and the Star. I give the collection four stars.

I was super excited for the opportunity to read this book, as it features four authors I've never read before--something completely new to me! And I'm so glad I did. It was fun, engaging, lighthearted and swoon-worthy in every way I'd expect from a holiday collection.

I love short stories because they all are different but have a different theme. This is one of those books that you will fall in love with and want to just keep reading. It’s easy to read and so sweet!

I just love these!! Seem harder to ration than TP in 2020!!

Lovely little stories that are doable in a night. Different periods for each of the stories. This set was particularly lovely with the continuing theme of the intergenerational nativity set.

Kudos to each of the authors for being able to merge their individual stories into a solid one.

I received an ARC from Netgalley & Barbour Books to prepare my honest review.

This is one of the best Christmas novella collections that I have read. Sometimes a story might have moved slowly but even that would be wonderful to savor during the Christmas season.
One of the things I loved most are that this collection moved from the late 1800s to present day. I am not much of a historical person so this book has something for everyone. I also loved that the stories were complex and educated me in some historical facts that I never knew. But most of all I love that the nativity was so so treasured and precious. Oh, and the names of the characters - how clever!
*I received a complimentary copy of Love's Pure Light through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own..

This was a fantastic Christmas read. I loved how it literally crossed generations. The way that each couple added to the nativity was fantastic.