“My faith shouldn’t depend on whether or not God answers my prayers exactly the way I want Him to.”

It was so wonderful catching up with Addy since we last met her in Lynn Austin's ‘All My Secrets’.

Adelaide and Howard Forsythe remind us about the true meaning of Christmas - loving our neighbour, spreading God's love to others and bringing the lost ones home.

Jack and Pollly Thomas are brought into the Forsythe’s lives quite unexpectedly and show this newly married couple the value of prayer, a father's love and serving others. Austin ties together what it means to be a servant and invest in others with the 4 themes of Advent; hope, love, joy and peace.

“We find peace in the assurance that in all life's changes, we can trust in an unchanging God.”

I love how despite Addy’s drive to support the suffrage movement and embrace change, she continues to trust, and encourages others to trust in, an unchanging God.

I was gifted this copy by Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Lynn Austin provides us a cozy followup to All My Secrets with a Christmas novella. Lynn's excellent writing provides a satisfying story as Adelaide helps a young boy she finds hiding near her new home the first Sunday of Advent.

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin
4 Stars
A great companion story to All My Secrets by Lynn Austin

“Maybe that’s all God asks of us. Some people are given the opportunity to do grand things in life, but if we just make a difference in the lives of the people God puts in our paths, I think He’s pleased with that.”

What a sweet Christmas story set in 1901 during the Gilded Age. All My Secrets was a favorite of the year for me this year and we follow Adelaide and Howard from that story. We see them as newlyweds together and they find Jack, a young boy who is missing from his family and says he is not an orphan. We see the journey of Addy and Howard trying to do the right thing and help this young boy and reunite him with his sister and family. Finding this young boy on her doorstep changes their lives completely.

This novella was filled with the spirit of Christmas. Addy and Howard working together as a newly married couple on something very serious really brings them together in showing their support for one another. We see some details surrounding women's suffrage and her husband's support for her efforts. Howard really is a hero for Addy who really supports his wife in everything she wants to do.

If you're looking for a novella that really captures the true meaning of Christmas this holiday season, check this one out. It's definitely going to tug at your heart strings and Lynn Austin never disappoints in her storytelling!

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This sweet Christmas read follows up with Lynn Austin's novel All My Secrets. Adelaide Forsythe is now married and living in a townhome with her husband Howard. She can't cook to save her life and cleaning - well, where does a rich girl begin to learn all the homemaking skills she so desires? A conundrum to be sure! On her way home one day, she finds little Jack huddled in her bushes and so begins her new project. A disputed orphan - that's his story and he's sticking to it! - Jack insists his little sister is out there somewhere and must be found; also, his father WILL return for Christmas. As Adelaide and Howard search for answers, Christmas creeps closer and they all begin to wonder what will transpire.

Lynn Austin is a fantastic writer! I was in the mood for something cozy and heartwarming, and this was just the book to read! I fell in love with Adelaide right away. She wanted to be more than her status. She wanted to be independent and make the world a better place. Shortly after that, I fell in love with Jack. A young boy who won't take no for an answer, when it comes to finding his sister and father again. Of course, it broke my heart when they shared about the state of the orphanages they had to search through. Being an adoptive parent, it breaks my heart to think of the many many children still awaiting forever families and the ones who will never be part of one. This was a great book and I highly recommend it!

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin

This novella takes up where Ms. Austin’s last book, All My Secrets, published in 2024, left off. I really enjoyed learning how Addy and Howard were adjusting to married life. Their little family expands to welcome some orphans in need of temporary home. Addy and Howard do their best to help them find their missing father, who may be working as a sailor. As they prepare for the holiday and work to find Jack and Polly’s missing parent, both Addy and Howard learn important lessons about love and trusting God.

The characters are lovable and determined. I admired Addy’s tenacity and determination to be a good wife. Howard is creative and loves Addy well. Each character grows and develops in a realistic way.

The plot is neatly tied up at the end of the book with some interesting possibilities for the characters’ futures and a couple of surprises the reader will enjoy. I am grateful to the publisher for this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

It’s only September, but I’m always ready to read a Christmas story; this one is billed as a novella but it’s 280 pages long. Set in 1901, Adelaide is a newlywed who, as her mother would say, did not marry up; she’s a New York society girl and suffragette who fell in love with a middle-class man who will do anything to make her happy, including busting the budget to hire servants and not batting an eye when she takes in a runaway child who’s looking for his little sister and insists his father is at sea but will be home for Christmas. A sweet, motherly cook and her shy niece complete the cast of characters in this sweet story. Love the cover, too! (Netgalley)

This story was so sweet! We follow the newly wedded Addy and Howard. After Addy finds a little boy, Jack, at their door step, she takes him in and learns his family has been separated after his mother’s death. Together they search for his sister, Polly, and pray for his father’s safe return.

“I’ve prayed some pretty big prayers over the years that seemed to go unanswered. And if I wasn’t careful, I could start to believe that God didn’t love me because He didn’t give me what I asked for. I had to learn that my faith shouldn’t depend on whether or not God answers my prayers exactly the way I want Him to.”

This story is told in four parts, following the four weeks of advent. Love, hope, joy, and peace. The author goes on to show how the happenings of the book align with these four things and how Jesus is with them through it all watching over them and helping them. I loved this book and highly recommend adding it to your holiday tbr!

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

Overflows with the hope, love, joy, and peace of Christmas. 🎁 🎄

Here are five things I loved about this inspiring holiday read:

⛪ The book is set during Advent with a section for each of the weekly candles.

📚 We return to the world of Adelaide and Howard from All My Secrets. The two are newlyweds and working through the differences in their upbringings. They bring Ephesians 5:25-33 to life.

🚸 James (8) and his sister Polly (3) are about the same age as my grands. We were just visiting them so it was easy for me to picture these two little waifs without a home. You will need your tissues!

🎄 This may sound like an overused cliche, but Lynn Austin has given us a holiday read that truly points us to the meaning of Christmas -- the reason for the season!

😍 And how about that gorgeous cover! Today is Publication Day. Wouldn't this be perfect for someone on your Christmas list?

A big thank you to Tyndale House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so good!! Perfect feel good Christmas book!! I would recommend reading If I Were You by Lynn Austin before reading this novella!** Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

This was a delightful story in four parts, corresponding to the Four Candles of Advent: Hope- Love-Joy- Peace.
After his mother died, all 8 year old Jack wants is to find his 3 year old sister Polly and wait for his father to come home for Christmas. He runs away from an orphanage and hides in the bushes at the townhouse of Addy and Howard.
It was great to reconnect with Addy and Howard from All my Secrets to see how this lawyer and former wealthy lady are coping with married life. Howard is a worthy hero, hardworking and fighting for the underdog while supporting Addy and her dreams. Addy is determined to continue what her grandmother and mother started: to uplift women in the early years of the suffragette movement. She wants to be a good wife and learn domestic skills that were missing in her privileged upbringing.
Jack steals the show with his doggedness to find his missing sister and is certain his father will return by Christmas.
This story will tug at your heart and give you a peek at what New York City was like in the early 1900s.
With solid spiritual content, this story has characters who rely on God and use their God-given talents to serve their neighbors. It is all wrapped up in the joy of Christmas and its true meaning of Christ coming to earth.
I enjoyed this Christmas story that reminded me in a way of The Gift of the Magi by O’Henry.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

I absolutely love anything by Lynn Austin. Her latest Christmas novella, Waiting for Christmas, was such a delight. Containing my favorite characters from her previous book, All My Secrets, Austin crafted a story filled with the hope and promise of Christmas. Complete with the love of family and a hint of mystery, this novella made me smile in satisfaction. Truly, Austin knows how to tell a story that keep you riveted from start to finish!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Themes/Tropes: Christmas season, Christian historical fiction, Hope against all odds

Waiting for Christmas is a book at its core about hope and trusting in your faith. When an orphan boy hitches a ride on Addy’s mother carriage bringing him to her house she decides to help him. Addy learns that Jack is not an orphan but is looking for his sister after his mom died and they are waiting for their father to come home for Christmas.

This is a novel at right out of every feel good Hallmark movie you have seen. It is a sweet nostalgic look at Christmas time in the 1900s. This is a novel that is strongly about the Christian faith and has a lot of those themes as well.

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin is a heartwarming novella that wraps the true meaning of Christmas in a story filled with hope, faith, and love. Set against the backdrop of New York's Fifth Avenue in 1901, this Gilded Age tale draws us into a world where the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations intertwine with the deeper yearning for family and belonging.

Jack, a young boy who insists he's not an orphan, arrives on Adelaide’s doorstep, bringing a flurry of emotions and hope with him. His determination to reunite with his family echoes the relentless love of our Heavenly Father for His children. As Adelaide and her husband, Howard, unravel the mystery of Jack’s story, they also discover a greater truth—one that highlights God’s sovereignty, the power of prayer, and the true essence of family, whether by blood or by heart.

What shines brightest in this novella is the portrayal of faith. Lynn Austin gently weaves the characters' trust in God into every decision they make. Adelaide’s compassion, Howard’s steadfastness, and Jack’s pure and consistent faith in God and His power come from a place of deep belief, reminding us of the simple, child-like faith that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 18:3-5.

The theme of reunion resonates deeply throughout the story, reflecting the spiritual truth that God pursues us with relentless love, just as Jack searches for his sister and waits for his dad’s arrival. It's a reminder that we are never lost to Him, no matter how far we may wander.

As the Christmas season unfolds within the pages, the novella beautifully explores themes of sacrifice and generosity. It’s not just a historical tale but a tender reminder of the true spirit of Christmas—of giving, serving, and trusting in God’s provision, much like Jesus did when He came to earth for us.

One of the most touching moments is when Adelaide reflects, “Maybe that’s all God asks of us. Some people are given the opportunity to do grand things in life, but if we just make a difference in the lives of the people God puts in our paths, I think He’s pleased with that.” This simple truth captures the heart of the story—serving where God places us and trusting Him with the rest.

From the candle-lit warmth of Adelaide’s home to the snow-covered streets of New York, Waiting for Christmas fills the soul with the light of Christ and the promise of hope. It’s a story that gently reminds us that no matter how cold or dark the world may seem, the light of Jesus shines brightly, guiding us home. If you're looking for a novella that captures the joy, wonder, and true meaning of Christmas, this one is a treasure waiting to be unwrapped.

I received a digital ARC of Waiting for Christmas from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Thank you Netgalley & Tyndale Fiction Publishing for an eARC ♥️
Cozy up with this charming Christmas novella!🥰

Meet Adelaide, a lovely lady navigating married life in 1901 New York. She's trading in her carefree days for a new adventure, but let's be real, she's still figuring things out. Who hasn't been there, right?

Just as Adelaide is finding her footing, two unexpected visitors bring joy and mystery into her life. There's Jack, a sweet young boy with a story to tell, and a kind housekeeper who's like a warm hug on a cold day.

As Adelaide and her husband Howard help Jack uncover his past, Adelaide discovers a whole new world of possibilities. It's a heartwarming tale of hope, love, and the magic of Christmas.

And the best part? It's only September outside, but the moment you lay eyes on this book's cover, you'll be transported to a winter wonderland! There's something incredible about feeling the Christmas atmosphere wash over you, even when the leaves are still green. It's like a warm cup of hot cocoa for your soul.

This delightful novella is the perfect holiday treat - short, sweet, and full of cheer. Slip it into a stocking or share it with your book club friends. Either way, it's sure to spread some holiday joy!

Rating: 5/5 stars

An endearing Christmas novella!

If you think you will read All My Secrets, then read it before even looking at the description for this book—-it will give some things away. If not, this sweet story can also be read as a standalone.

Oh, this is a magical Christmas story, with hardships mixed with joy and a true meaning of Christmas ending. I adored all of the main characters in All My Secrets, so getting to visit some of them again was a joy. Add in a feisty little boy named Jack, an endearing cook and a quest to solve the mystery of Jack’s family and you have a lovely, wintry adventure. I also loved the spiritual arc as church services, lighting candles, praying and the spirit of advent created a deeper story of trusting life in His hands.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin is a sweet holiday story. I discovered when I began reading Waiting for Christmas, that it continues the story of Adelaide and Howard from All My Secrets. I was able to read the book as a standalone. Addy and Howard are newly married and there will need to be adjustments on both of their parts. The couple must deal with financial issues and social pressures. They also need to make decisions regarding their future. I liked the main and secondary characters. I thought it was a well-rounded cast of characters. Jack was a little rapscallion while Polly was a sweetheart. Mrs. Gleason was a dear. I thought the author captured the time and place. Addy is actively involved in the women’s suffrage movement. Most people associate women’s suffrage with the right to vote, but they advocated for other rights for women as well. The other topic addressed was the plight of orphans. It was heartrending the number of children without homes. I like how the author tied the meaning of the Advent candles to the story. The true meaning of Christmas is discussed, and I loved the reading the description of the beautiful nativity that Addy received from her mother. Waiting for Christmas is a touching tale with a tenacious child, financial tension, a lost little one, an upsetting search, lighting candles, helpful lessons, and a happy holiday.

Waiting for Christmas tells the story of a pair of newlyweds enjoying their first Christmas together along with the company of an orphan boy who has escaped from an orphanage. When they hear his story of his lost sister, deceased mother, and sailor father, they adopt the mission of reuniting him with his family with the help of their cook and servant.

Unfortunately, I didn't love this book. In the past, I have really enjoyed Lynn Austin's work, and I did love that this book was set around Christmas. The characters were sweet, and I liked the connection with the suffrage movement in the Gilded Age. The book touched on class differences and financial strain, and I enjoyed Adelaide's rapport with her employees. However, this book was just too sentimental for me. Much of the dialogue sounded unrealistic and stilted, and many of the characters were two dimensional. This book didn't work for me, but if you enjoy Hallmark movies, you will probably enjoy this book!

Set in the late Gilded Age, this story centered around hope, faith, and love contrasts the lives of the working poor with the middle and upper classes. As Addy and Howard adjust to married life, they find themselves helping a young boy find his mute sister and father who went to sea, and learn more about themselves, each other, and the world they live in that they anticipated. Minor details from the period were effective in providing a solid sense of time and place. I especially liked the exploration into the way the suffrage movement aimed to help women in ways beyond seeking the right to vote. The writing at times was stilted and choppy, which was distracting, but this was otherwise a quick read despite not being completely lighthearted.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers, Tyndale Fiction, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this holiday novella.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Adelaide is looking forward to enjoying the holidays with her husband. She finds a young boy who is searching for his family. This was an uplifting read.