Love's Pure Light

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.

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
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

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.

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

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!

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.

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 is four novellas that focus on the Christmas season and the Christmas story. A heirloom nativity set makes it way from 1899 through present day. Each brings joy, hope, a sprinkling of faith, and the real reason for the Christmas. They take place during times of crisis. I love how Deborah Raney was able to pull the whole collection together. I loved these stories and their meaning for the season. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

An absolute must read for all lovers of Christmas joy! Snuggle up, relax, and savor the sweetness of these novellas. The premise is captivating, follow a treasured family nativity through the ages, and the execution is inspiring. I loved how the stories offer a continuation from the previous one. All of the authors are very talented and bring their own gifts and talents to stories that blend together seamlessly. I highly recommend this collection of Christmas novellas to all who enjoy clean, Inspirational, sweet, romantic Christmas stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Loves Pure Light is a collection of four Christmas novellas that follow a nativity set through several generations. This is a wonderful collection of stories that show the importance of family and family traditions that are handed down through many generations. I enjoyed reading this story and seeing how the nativity set started out with just a few beautifully made pieces and grew through time. This is a great book to get lost in to help prepare our heart for the upcoming Christmas season, as well as to help remind the reader of the real reason for Christmas. Each of the stories are short enough to read in just an evening and contain friendships that grow. Each of the stories also contain good messages. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

Love’s Pure Light is a compilation of four Christmas stories by well-known Christian authors.
While Shepherds are Keeping by Susanne Dietz: Set in 1899 this short story emphasizes the importance of the shepherds in our lives from pastors to neighbors. A new face is in church this Christmas season, visiting her uncle for holidays. Jessalyn Grant soon discover her uncle intends to close the mill that is the town’s livelihood. Is there a way to save it before Christmas?
The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear: Set in 1919 in South Carolina. The next generation Jessalyn’s daughter, Stella is going on an adventure with her aunt. On the train they meet the three Wise guys. Will one of them turn Stella’s heart?
On Angel Wings by Janine Rosche: Hope Hill MO 1945. We meet the children of Stella. One of them has been a nurse during the war and her best friend an airplane mechanic overseas. Both are safely home but will they be able to overcome the horrors of war to help others heal?
Making Room at the Inn by Deborah Raney: The next generation is Benjie Gabriel, female chef. She longs for a full-time job and interviews for a temporary position at Keye’s Inn hoping it might become full time. She makes discoveries at the inn that she didn’t think possible.
Each story is unique and builds on the previous one as we follow the family through the generations. I enjoyed everyone of them. There is a nativity that originates in the first story and follows the family members in subsequent generations. All does not always flow smoothly but by the end of each story issues are ironed out through various twists and turns. I give this book 5 of 5 stars. Very nicely wr9itten by four talented authors.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

A wonderful collection of heartwarming Christmas stories that cross four generations! Each story tells the love story for that generation and involves a hand-carved nativity set that gets passed down through the generations. The stories are cleverly intertwined, very well written with endearing characters, and full of family history and traditions. This book would be a great addition to any Christmas story collection!
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This is a wonderful collection of Christmas stories which are faith based. Each story is very heart warming and sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. The stories all fit together.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Each of the stories in this Christmas Anthology is delightful! I have been familiar with the works of all the authors except Susanne Dietze and was glad for the opportunity to get to know and enjoy her writing as well.

Some time had passed between the time I read the synopsis and when I started reading it. So I was caught off guard partway into the second story when I realized Stella was Seth and Jessy's daughter. (They are in the first story.) It wasn't until midway through the third story that I realized what you probably just read in the synopsis, that these stories are linked through family and a nativity set which was passed down from generation to generation.

One of the things I especially enjoyed in all the stories was the way one of the characters in each related to a different piece of the nativity than the others did. And it often tied in to their name or something about the person (or both!) in a clever way. For example, Seth Shepherd, the pastor, related to the shepherd. Many of the main character names appeared to be selected very carefully, first and last names in some cases. I love when authors do this!!

I enjoyed every one of the stories in this collection and can not pick a favorite. Each was special in its own way. There were some especially poignant spiritual messages in two that stood out to me.

In While Shepherds Watch are Keeping by Susanne Dietze, I was very moved by Seth's realization that he had been seeking the Lord for what He could provide in his time of need more than simply seeking the Lord. I find that I can trust the Lord most days but have times when I do just what Seth did. It was a powerful reminder.

The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear had a powerful message about how we often mistake pride for humility. And that it is pride to think our sin is too big for God to forgive. Wow!

It is a treat to have Christmas stories point to the real reason we celebrate the season, Jesus. If you enjoy romance that focuses on Jesus first, you are bound to love the stories in Love's Pure Light!

I am looking forward to reading all the stories in this book. I will continue reading them between books. I’ve read the first novella so far and so love the fact that the storyline will continue. I really enjoyed the first novella in the collection, written by Susanne Dietz. Definitely recommend this collection for anytime of the year, but especially during Christmas!

I love this collection of four uplifting, heart-warming Christmas novellas gifted by four very talented authors. These stories chronicle the journey of a treasured nativity set through four generations of the Shepherd family spanning the years from 1899 to present time with an intriguing ending. Although each novella is written in each author’s unique style, they all blend together seamlessly like chapters in a single book. These faith-filled, easy to read stories resonate with messages of peace, reconciliation, acceptance, trust, and family. The characters are engaging and memorable. A touch of humor and romance add to the enjoyment of the read. I especially like the inclusion of scripture from the Christmas story that is pertinent to each stage of the journey as pieces are added to the set—shepherd, wise men, angel, innkeeper and innkeeper’s wife. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it as a delightful Christmas read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Oh my gosh I never wanted the book to finish, I just love Christmas Stories but Christmas stories the follow on are just wonderful. Thees writer seem to have a beautiful way of making the nativity set come to life in each story.

I loved reading this boxed set and following the story of the hand carved nativity through the different generations and seeing how God's love worked in each story. These books would be good to read anytime, not just at Christmas. In the first book, Miss Jessalyn Grant has come to visit her uncle, Francis Chester the owner of the local mill and a man who turned from God when his wife passed away. She meets Reverend Seth Shepherd who is struggling with his own lack of faith and purpose. Read the book to see how Jessalyn, her faith and a hand carved nativity help to lead Seth and Francis back to God and his purpose.
In the second story, Jessalyn and Seth's daughter, Stella is travelling on a train with Jessalyn's Aunt Lila and they meet the three Wise brothers who are each named after a gift from the three wise men. The youngest brother, Nat is a wood carver and Stella eventually tells him about and shows him her family's heirloom nativity that her mom sent with her incase Stella did not make it home for Christmas. See how things work out to add a new piece to the nativity.
The third story is about Elodie Wise and Benjamin Gabriel. Elodie was a nurse in Panama during WW 2 and was captured during the fall of Bataan and was held captive for three years. Her lifelong friend, Benjamin also served, but he was used as a glorified babysitter for an actor who signed up to join. Now they are both back home and trying to find their way and purpose. Read and see what happens to their relationship and how another piece gets added to the hand carved nativity.
The last book is about Elodie and Benjamin's great grand daughter, Benjie Gabriel who is a newly certified chef in need of a job. She applies for the temporary position of head chef at Keye's Inn where she and her Mimi went to two tea parties. She meets and is hired by Trevor Keye the new owner. Read about their relationship and the surprise visit of the handcarved nativity and a surprise new piece of two.

Thanks to Netgalley, the authors and Barbour Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this book, This is my freely given review of these stories and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

- A country-town pastor from the city who has never felt that he lived up to his parents' expectations and feels incompetent to help his flock receives help from an unexpected visitor.
- A train journey allows time to share problems - and leads to their resolution.
- A man who feels that his part in the war was trifling and insignificant reunites with a woman whose nursing work landed her in a prisoner of war camp - but their previous friendship is threatened by their pasts and working together to raise money for returned soldiers introduces a new factor in the form of a Hollywood star...
- A woman lands her dream job and a mutual attraction grows between her and her boss, but the job is temporary - will one end with the other?

A warm and touching collection of novellas, each of which was enjoyable on its own, but which grouped together to form a lovely collection joined by a nativity set. Just the sort of book to snuggle up with on a cold night - or at any other time, really. They're all clean and well written, and felt satisfying rather than either rushed or incomplete like many novellas. A couple of the authors were new to me, but I would happily read more by any of them.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Wow. Love's Pure Light is yet another incredible novella collection from Barbour Publishing! This was my first time reading anything by several of these authors, and I've clearly been missing out. I'll be looking for more of their novels in the near future.

Love's Pure Light tells the beautiful tale of a family throughout four generations, from 1899 to contemporary times, with the story of their family nativity set beautifully woven in. From pastors and rich heiresses to chefs and business owners, this book hooked me immediately and was impossible to put down. I especially enjoyed the first two novellas, While Shepherds Watch and The Wise Guy, but On Angels Wings and Making Room at the Inn were both fantastic as well.

If you enjoy sweet Christmas romances, you won't want to miss out on Love's Pure Light!

*I received a complimentary copy of Love's Pure Light through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

I loved the way these stories were written right from the beginning. The nativity set being passed to each generation was a wonderful idea. I even thought about I need to do this. I would have to buy a special one that no one would need to make more pieces to it. It would be special for sure. Each book brought in the nativity set and even some of the characters identified with the characters in the set. How neat is that? I guess I really identified with Pastor Shepherd because I’m a pastor’s daughter and a pastor’s mother-in-law. We had (with my Dad) and now have (with my SIL)a small church like Pastor Shepherd. I knew exactly how he felt when funds get low.
Each story had its purpose and it’s own spiritual inspiration. I loved each character and how the authors described their personalities so well. It really makes you feel close to them. I had read books by two of the authors before but now I have two more authors that I can enjoy. If you like to read Christmas novellas I think you would enjoy these.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Love’s Pure light is a delightful way to start your Christmas reading as four master storytellers reel us in. The novella collection focuses cleverly around an heirloom nativity set and the people whose lives it graces.

We begin in 1899 with beleaguered Pastor Seth Shepherd who just wants to keep his little church standing until a better post becomes available in his home city of New York. That is, until Jessayln Grant arrives to turn his world upside down. As the story closes, a hand carved nativity takes center stage on Christmas Eve.

The three stories that follow feature Seth and Jessalyn’s descendants who all end up finding love as they rediscover the antique set that’s been treasured by their family for generations. Next up we reach 1919 when Stella Shepherd encounters war veteran Nat Wise during a train journey. They’re followed in 1945 by Elodie Wise, who plans a ball with her friend Benjamin Gabriel, but will her head be turned by a Hollywood star?

Finally, we reach present day to see chef Benjie Gabriel land her dream job. She discovers her old family nativity in the attic of the B&B she’s working in. Will the connection draw her and owner Trevor Keye closer? You’ll just have to read to find out.

I loved each of the stories and appreciated the creativity that went in to moving the nativity around in time and place to link four generations. Well worth checking out.

To read a excerpt or buy a copy of Love’s Pure Light, click here…

For more Christmas novella ideas, click here…

Love's Pure Light is a fabulous novella collection from Barbour Publishing! I enjoyed it throughly and didn't want the tales to end.

This was my first time reading all four of these authors and they all most assuredly write lovely stories. I'll be looking for more of their work in the future for sure!

Love's Pure Light tells the heartwarming tale of a family connected throughout four generations, from 1899 to present times by their family nativity set.

Ranging fom pastors and rich heiresses to chefs and business owners, each novella and set of characters were extremely delightful.

This collection had my attention immediately and each individual novella was a page turner.

If you enjoy sweet Christmas Stories, Love's Pure Light is for you!

***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are 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.

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..

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!

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 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!

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.