While I have read interconnected anthologies before, even a similar one with a Christmas theme and following an heirloom across generations, this group of authors truly made the concept their own, resulting in one of the best Barbour anthologies I’ve read so far.

“While Shepherds Watch Are Keeping” by Susanne Dietze

4 stars

A delightful starter, and I liked the message of feeling lost and working to find one’s identity through Jesus Christ, which even I can appreciate as a bit of a skeptic who still appreciates Jesus’ teachings, but can’t stand the oppressive dogma attached to them over the centuries. I could appreciate that Seth tried to do his best for his congregation, and even helped to influence the lives of some of them, while also being enlightened by Jessalyn himself.

“The Wise Guy and the Star” by Shannon McNear

4 stars

Another enjoyable story as the nativity set shows up again and works its “magic.” I liked the continued thread of finding faith, with Stella helping war veteran Nate, and he her in return.

“On Angel Wings” by Janine Rosche

5 stars

This one was pure sweetness! Friends-to-lovers is my absolute favorite trope, and this one hit it out of the park in that regard. I love how the friendship between Elodie and Benjamin served as the perfect foundation for their romance, but it took Elodie time to see it that way, especially when blinded by admiration for the flashy film star.

“Making Room at the Inn” by Deborah Raney

4 stars

I loved seeing it all come together in the modern day with this one. Benjie and Trevor’s relationship was another with a strong basis in friendship, and I liked that progression. I also really liked the sense of Benjie reminiscing on her family history, connecting to the previous stories in a subtle way, but more so than the others.

***

This anthology is wonderful, full of faith and hope, tracking a family from the turn of the twentieth century through two world wars up to the present. If you love holiday stories with family at the center, definitely pick this one up.

What a delightful collection of Christmas novellas. I enjoyed each one of them, and what made it even more fun for me is that each story follows the descendants of the people in the first story.

While Shepherds Watch Are Keeping by Suzanne Dietze
Jessalyn Grant is a visitor to town to spend Christmas with her uncle. She jumps right in to help this church community. I really enjoyed the Christmastime story of Seth (pastor) and Jessalyn searching for home, belonging, and their value in Christ. We learn about a special family nativity set that included a shepherd, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph carved in wood by Jessalyn's grandfather.
Favorite Quote: "I'm comforted to know I'm not the only person who sometimes wishes God would draw me a signpost."

The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear
Right off the bat, I enjoyed the dedication. "Dedication to the staff at the Osceola and Central Valley railway fall colors express and Peter Jackson for his excellent documentary work in "They shall not grow old"!! I have ridden on that railway and saw that documentary last year.

Stella Shepherd (Seth and Jessalyn's daughter) with her aunt Lila Montgomery, meet Mervin "Nat" Wise & his brothers Goldwin and Frank, (the "three wise guys"!) on a long train voyage. The brothers had just returned home from war. Despite their injuries, the brothers' humor was infectious and made the trip more enjoyable. All three had served in France. Nat was healing from a leg wound and some of his decisions overseas. He has a fondness for wood carving and happens to be carving wise men for a nativity scene. Stella is a pastor's daughter that Nat thinks is out of his league. I loved this charming story!

One of my favorite quotes: "Thank You that You are with us and everything. In the heartache and the loss. In the mud of the trenches and all the blood. You are with us now.... You are with us, and that truly is enough."

I really enjoyed The Wise Guy and The Star! And I always enjoy the part of the story where I come upon the title which happens in this story.

On Angels Wings by Janine Rosche
I loved Janine's story with Elodie Lila Wise and Benjamin Gabriel- best friends each serving in WWII, one in Europe, and one in the Philippines. One is injured and one is a prisoner of war. I love historical fiction and I googled the Army Nurse Corps "Angels of Bataan" after I finished this wonderful story! Such well-developed characters, I was rooting for Elodie and Benjamin.
Fun to see the next generation that came from the marriage of Stella and Nat. The tie-in to the nativity set is a bronze angel that Ben brought home from war.

Making Room At The Inn by Deborah Raney
I really enjoyed this contemporary story set at Keye's Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Elodie's great-granddaughter Benjie (who was named after Elodie and Benjamin) has graduated from culinary school and is applying for a temporary job as a chef at the Inn. Trevor Keye is the owner of the Inn needs all the help he can get. He loves woodworking and creating beautiful and useful items for the Inn as well as for selling in local festivals. It's interesting to see what happened to the nativity scene over the decades. I love the tie-in statues in this story!

I highly recommend this wonderful Christmas novella collection!

Overall, I really enjoyed Love's Pure Light. The concept of passing down a sentimental nativity from generation to generation was a great book idea. I especially liked the fact that each story added a piece to the collection, and the figurines that were added connected directly to one of the characters. Getting to know different generations of a family makes for a great novella collection. I also liked the fact that the women in these stories were credited for having various abilities.

The first novella, "While Shepherds Watch Are Keeping" by Susanne Dietze is set in Massachusetts, 1899. I had never read any books by this author, and I would definitely read another one of her books. The family situations were complicated in this one. Trying to meet with family approval is never easy. This almost had a twist of a Christmas Carol in the story. This one also had a real community feel.

The second novella, "The Wise Guy and the Star" by Shannon McNear is set primarily on a train ride (what a great setting!) from Charleston, South Carolina, to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1919. The after affects of the war played into this story. I thought it was interesting getting the perspective of what life was like for World War 1 veterans. I had not read any books by Shannon McNear either, but I would also be willing to read more of her titles. The railroads would have still been an important part of transportation in 1919, and I enjoyed reading about how travel would have changed from earlier train travel.

The third novella, "On Angel Wings" by Janine Rosche is set in Kansas City, Missouri, 1945. I have read Janine's first full-length contemporary novel and enjoyed that. Sometimes authors cannot tackle both modern and historical perspectives, but I think Janine handles both very well. I really enjoyed this one. She touched on a part of history that I have not read enough about - the forced march in the Philippines that included women and children in World War 2. The female main character had been held hostage, and she gradually told her story. The male main character had also been a part of the war effort, but he did not feel like his contributions were noteworthy. Part of the book was about both of them finding ways to come to grips about their part in World War 2. But this book also talked about 1940's Hollywood, so while there was drama in the story, the book did not feel heavy. This story might have been the most believable since it was about longtime friends admitting that they did in fact love each.

The fourth novella, "Making Room at the Inn: by Deborah Raney is set in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Present Day. I would have really liked this book if it would have been a separate story. The idea of a female chef working in a bed and breakfast was a great idea. I liked the fact that male B & B owner was a wood carver - that is a rare modern hobby. The concept of learning how to forgive was a strong theme. But, there were some connection mistakes made between this book and the other novellas. The female talks about coming to the inn with her paternal great grandma and seeing the nativity on their hearth when really it was the maternal side of the family that had the set. Also the paternal grandmother had died while the son had fought in the war and the older generation had never been mentioned, so there was an odd detail that did not connect. To go from World War 2 to modern day involved a skipped generation, but those details were murky and confusing. Because I am a writer/researcher, this fact confusion distracted me from the story. I have read and enjoyed many of Deborah Raney's books, and I wish that someone would have caught the connection error.
For me, that distraction made the book be a 4.5 star review. I will round it up to 5 star because I enjoyed all of the others. The final novella would have been a great stand alone, but the connection details did not work.

Thank you to Barbour Books and to NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I must say that I have not read very many Christmas books in August. But I am glad that I requested this one. I reviewed it now and will be recommending it highly in December.

Love’s Pure Light
by Susanne Dietze; Shannon McNear; Deborah Raney; Janine Rosche
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
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Description from NetGalley...
“Be transported to unique time periods as you follow a treasured family nativity set through four generations of the Shepherd family.
 
Massachusetts, 1899 - This Christmas, Pastor Seth Shepherd has little to offer his flock of congregants in their time of need until Jessalyn Grant, a mysterious newcomer, comes to his aid.
 
Charleston, South Carolina, to Kansas City, Missouri, 1919 - While journeying by train, Stella Shepherd befriends war veteran Nat Wise. She helps him find renewed faith in God, but could he also be the answer to the wanderings of her own heart?
 
Kansas City, Missouri, 1945 - Elodie Wise plans a fundraising ball with the help of her friend Benjamin Gabriel. But can she look past the swanky Hollywood headliner to see the man who truly loves her?
 
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Present Day - Benjie Gabriel thinks the chef’s position she’s just taken at an award-winning bed and breakfast is temporary—just a stepping stone. The B&B’s owner, Trevor Keye, thinks the same. Will five months be long enough for them to figure out that what they’ve each been longing for, praying for, is right beneath their noses?”
.
Thank you to @NetGalley #barbourpublishing #barbourbooks for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
A Nativity set. Stories of this family heirloom that passed down generations were heart-warming. In this book, you kind of get four Christian Christmas romance stories in one. There are also some historical fiction aspects, as a couple of the stories touched on the impact/aftermath of wars. All the four authors are new to me, but I really enjoyed their storytelling. The stories have the cozy, small town feel. It also told stories of strong women. Overall, the book was a quick and charming read.

I really liked the idea of an heirloom nativity set being passed through the generations. Each story was unique. My favorite was The Wise Guy and The Star. I enjoyed reading a bit from each of these authors. Their stories and writing worked well together. This is a great set of stories to get you in the mood for Christmas!



I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Tales of love and redemption that take you on a journey through several generations are the perfect way to relax and unwind. Each novella was wonderfully written and captured my attention quite easily. I love all things Christmas (except the stress) and this was a wonderul collection to discover.
i did receive a digital copy on Netgalley but I freely give my honest review.

What a delightful collection of Christmas stories. I loved these heart warming stories that follows an heirloom nativity set through the ages.

Four stories starting in 1899, with a wood carved nativity set being passed down through WWII, then on to the early 1920's and the 1940's Each story enjoyable in of itself, but I loved how Deborah Raney pulled it all together in the final modern day scene. There was a little bit of a mystery in Benjie and Trevor's story. But oh so charming.

Three of the authors were new to me, but they each wrote wonderful characters and scenes that definitely kept my interest.

If you love Christmas stories, this is definitely one to get. Sweet clean romance.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Follow a family, and their heirloom nativity set through the decades and generations. Love's Pure Light is made up of four different stories that trace one family through time. It's a sweet and heartwarming book with some Christmas flair and great faith based truths. Whether you're enjoying the Christmas season or simply want to keep the season alive anytime of year (such as me reading this book in August), this is a great way to do it.

I absolutely loved the details about the navitity passing from one generation to the next. Also, I adored that each new generation added figures. First the wise men, then the angel, and finally an innkeeper and his wife. Plus there are connections between the different figures from the nativity and the characters who add them to the stories. Hint, hint: the last names Shepherd and Wise just to name a few.

Growing up I used to buy and read so many 4-in-1 Christian romance novels like this. I couldn't get enough so this was really nostalgic to me. All the stories flowed together really well. There was no choppy transition from one story or one author to another. I will say some of the stories flowed better and didn't feel as rushed as others, but overall it was very enjoyable.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.

This was a wonderful, seeef collection of novellas that almost read like a series that follows four generations of the same family. They’re Christmas themed with one nativity set as the object that ties them together (other than the family part). I’ve regularly read two of these authors and I enjoyed getting to read the other two authors stories as well. Definitely worth the read if you’re looking for some heartwarming stories!

Love's Pure Light 5 stars

Do you like to read books in series? This book reads like a series and I am so delighted with it. It tells the story of four courageous women in the family from different generations.

The stories are family oriented with the wooden nativity scene providing a link to each story. I think woodcarving is impressive and it’s fun to read the characters loving the craft. I love historical fiction and this one covers multiple events in history like WWI and II. As I read story after story, I appreciated more the men and women before them. They are hardworking people, with love for their family, friends, community and to God. It’s also set in small towns so I feel like I know everybody there too! I love all the funny and charming conversations. There are a good many LOL moments.
I highly recommend this book if you like family drama, romance, snarky comments and Christmas! The authors did a wonderful job weaving each story. Blurb in the comments section.

Thank you #netgalley and @barbourpublishing for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

SUMMARY: Overall, I absolutely LOVED Love’s Pure Light it’s a sweet series of stories that reminds us of God’s love, reminds us to cherish the family He’s given to us, and brings the joy of the season back to the forefront. Don’t miss this fabulous series of Christmas memories.

See post for full review: http://www.hottbooks.com/?p=52224

While Shepherds Watch Are Keeping by Susanne Dietze
A sweet and hopeful start to this family novella collection! Although I didn’t fall in love with the story, there were valuable lessons and heartwarming moments I appreciated. 3.5/5 stars

The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear
I loved this story! The introduction of the characters, especially the three Wise brothers, was fun, and their names were a nice touch. This story grabbed me from the beginning, and I loved Stella and Nat’s banter. The mention of the Spanish flu was timely and sobering, but was not dwelt upon. The story ended a bit suddenly but was still satisfying. 4.5/5 stars

On Angel Wings by Janine Rosche
One of my favorite tropes is friends to more, because a foundation of friendship is so important and makes a relationship much more meaningful. Janine captured this perfectly with Elodie and Ben! I absolutely loved their story. 5/5 stars

Making Room At the Inn by Deborah Raney
A sweet ending to this lovely collection! I loved Benjie and Trevor’s friendship, although I did think the ending was a bit premature for their relationship. It was wonderful to see the stories different generations of the Shepherd family! 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This collection of Christmas novellas was such a sweet and wonderful read! I enjoyed each story and the link they held with the nativity set. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an uplifting holiday read.

Love's Pure Light
4 Stories Follow an Heirloom Nativity Set Through Four Generations
by Susanne Dietze; Shannon McNear; Deborah Raney; Janine Rosche
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
You Like Them
Barbour Books
Christian | Romance
Pub Date 01 Sep 2020 | Archive Date 01 Nov 2020

This is a delightful collection of 4 novellas for Christmas reading. I love the presentation of the stories and the biblical references. This will be a great read for anyone who enjoys the love and warmth of Christmas.
Thanks to Net Galley and Barbour Books for the Christian/Romance.

5 star

These four stories are sweet Christmas novellas written by four very talented authors. It is just perfect to bring you back in time to a peaceful time of years past and how Christmases might have been back then and then up to the present as well. I loved the historical aspect and it how it continues through four generations of the Shepherd family which connects a family together over time with a special heirloom nativity. The stories included scripture from the Christmas story. So definitely a book for the Christian readers. I loved the continuity in the family generations. Really a lovely book and has sweet romance as well.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Love's Pure Light
4 Stories Follow an Heirloom Nativity Set Through Four Generations
by Susanne Dietze; Shannon McNear; Deborah Raney; Janine Rosche
Back of the Book: “Be transported to unique time periods as you follow a treasured family nativity set through four generations of the Shepherd family.
While Shepherds Watch Are Keeping by Susanne Dietze
Massachusetts, 1899
This Christmas, Pastor Seth Shepherd has little to offer his flock of congregants in their time of need until Jessalyn Grant, a mysterious newcomer, comes to his aid.
The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear
Charleston, South Carolina, to Kansas City, Missouri, 1919
While journeying by train, Stella Shepherd befriends war veteran Nat Wise. She helps him find renewed faith in God, but could he also be the answer to the wanderings of her own heart?
On Angel Wings by Janine Rosche
Kansas City, Missouri, 1945
Elodie Wise plans a fundraising ball with the help of her friend Benjamin Gabriel. But can she look past the swanky Hollywood headliner to see the man who truly loves her?
Making Room at the Inn by Deborah Raney
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Present Day
Benjie Gabriel thinks the chef’s position she’s just taken at an award-winning bed and breakfast is temporary—just a stepping stone. The B&B’s owner, Trevor Keye, thinks the same. Will five months be long enough for them to figure out that what they’ve each been longing for, praying for, is right beneath their noses?”
Impressions: This is a sweet, clean collection of novellas that collectively follow a nativity set through the generations.
Liked: I loved this collection. It was so fun to journey with these characters and see how the nativity helped them find love.
Disliked: There wasn’t much to dislike.
Quotes: “God hadn’t promised Seth anything when it came to this church, but His other promises – including that He’d never leave or forsake him- kept him going most difficult days.” – I understand having to cling to God's promises daily. I related to Seth’s struggle in knowing and following God's will for his life. I often get caught up in what I think I’m supposed to do without consulting God. My impatience and lack of prayer cause so much more difficulty for myself.
‘“I’m not sure I can be fixed.” Uncle Francis took Jessalyn’s hand. His fingers were cold, bony. She rubbed warmth into them. “Fixing takes time. But renewed? That can happen in an instant.”’ – Isn’t that the truth. One prayer can change your life. Life isn’t fixed but renewed, yes!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review which I've shared here.

A wonderful collection of stories by my (and your) favourite authors. Delightful. Insightful. And charming. Read this novel on your front porch...or back deck. You will not be disappointed. Five stars.

A delightful collection of inspiring Christmas stories! I especially enjoyed the first three novellas in this collection, following the movement of an heirloom nativity set from one generation to another spanning from 1899 to the present day. I recommend this set of stories highlighting faith, romance, and family values to anyone who loves reading lighthearted Christmas fiction. My thanks to Barbour and NetGalley for an ARC for this, my honest review.

I loved this collection of stories! They are all heartwarming, sweet and inspirational reads. Grab this book and feel the love and miracles of Christmas! I highly recommend this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Per NetGalley Star System: (Would you recommend?): 1= No, 2=Not Really, 3=Maybe, 4= Yes, 5=Strongly
I give 4 stars.

***RECOMMENDED - CHRISTMAS EASY READING ***
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCH ARE KEEPING BY SUSAN DIETZE
Massachusetts, 1899
"...when one is facing hardship, it often helps to focus on helping somone else."
"Never had a friend, male or female, challenged or encouraged him in his relationship with God or his work the way she had. He'd never met a woman who could make him feel this confused yet at the same time this peaceful- "
This was a decent story with plenty of moments of redemption. However, I never care for characters who profess their love after a mere 3 weeks. It takes away from the story.
((3 Stars=I like it.))
THE WISE GUY AND THE STAR BY SHANNON McNEAR
Charleston, SC to Kansas City, Mo, 1919
"Good noon, ladies! Might I start you off with a cup of coffee or tea?" "Tea please," Aunt Lila said.
"God feels very far away. Like I've seen too much, done too much, somehow. Ordinary church is fine for ordinary people but..." [Stella shifted from one to the other. "Lord, help me grasp just what it is he's trying to say - and give me words that might offer comfort and strength."]
I really enjoyed the writing style, rich with detail but not so much as to get in the way. Nat and Stella are very sweet in their interactions. Realizing that Seth and Jesse from the previous story are her parents was unexpected and nice.
((4 Stars=I Really Liked It)
ON ANGEL WINGS BY JANICE ROSCHE
Kansas City, MO, 1945
"since Elodie Wise was a little girl, she'd been told she carried a light inside her soul that even the darkest night could not snuff out. The only problem? When she wanted - or rather needed - to hide, she never could. That didn't stop her from trying of course."
Decent story. I liked Elodie and Benjamin's lifelong friendship.
((3 Stars=I liked it))
MAKING ROOM AT THE INN BY DEBORAH RANEY
Cape Girardeau, MO, Present Day
"An old hutch leaned agains the brick. Painted her favorite robin's-egg blue, the hutch held an exquisite mismatch of old dishes. No doubt the same cups and saucers she and Mimi had taken tea from that long ago Christmas. Oh how she wished they'd taken a photo..."
Very good story. Although I generally do not enjoy modern tales, this one held my interest. The easy banter between Benjie and Trevor, yet moments of trepidations as they grew in affection for one another worked really well for me.
I love how the nativity found its way into the story and even grew with more pieces. It sure would be fun to see it!
((4 Stars=I Really Liked It))
I received a complimentary eBook from the NetGalley & the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.
Barbour Publishing, 448 Pages, (c) Sept 1, 2020

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