Highly recommend especially for those who are hurting during the holidays!!
590123
Read my 4-star review of Colors of Christmas: Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate the Hope of Christmas by Olivia Newport

Rarely does a Fiction book come along about Christmas that isn't just about Santa Claus, snowflakes, or happy families spending Christmas together! I could really relate to both Christmas in Gold, & Christmas in Blue this year because I lost my sister/best friend to the horrible disease of cancer in June this year. I haven't felt a whole lot like celebrating Christmas, & even reading a book about Christmas seemed like a drudgery. However, I had promised to review this book, & once I picked it up & started reading it, I had a hard time putting it down again.

Like Astrid in Christmas in Gold my sister had to downsize from her condo, and I helped her go through her belongings before she moved in to an assisted living place. I also loved how Astrid's story was interwoven with her time as a young girl in war-torn Germany, and how she treasured the last remaining items she had from her parents, and why they were so special.

In Christmas in Blue, Angela's story is very similar to mine because she lost her best friend. The story starts out a little slow, but then it takes some twists & turns, & when an unexpected visitor comes to town Angela eventually begins to experience some healing through her sadness.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review"
474074
Wonderful book for anyone who has dealt with pain in their life: whether pain from sin, pain from wrong decisions, or pain at no fault of their own this book is for you.  This book is ideal for anyone who is hurting and needing to deal with their emotional pain. Sharon Jaynes teaches how to forgive others and forgive yourself. She also teaches how to overcome shame, rejection and turn the bad of your past into a testimony by sharing your personal story with someone else.  Each chapter contains a real life story of individuals who have experienced hurt in some way, shape, fashion, or form, however the testify of love, forgiveness, joy and grace as a result of their pain.

I highly recommend this book for any individual who is hurting or harboring anger and unforgiveness from the past.
745932
I found this book in my grandma's book collection(she passed on 7 years ago). I'm so grateful I found it!!! It has been helping me through the stress and inner turmoil I have been dealing with having a chronically sick child. This book gave me perspective that I couldn't see on my own. Jeffrey R. Holland does an amazing job of weaving scriptures and stories that will uplift and give hope to anyone experiencing a trial in which they are feeling despair. I am putting my trust in Jesus:)
2811410
Great book for yourself or as a gift!  It is all about bringing the joy back to holidays.  Gives great ideas, tips and tricks on how to step back, enjoy the moments, and get rid of some of that crazy, holiday stress!  I also loved learning about the history of holiday traditions.  Super fun and light reading!  Highly recommend for anyone!
4788952
If you are struggling with being hurt by someone you love this book will help you find the path of letting go and forgiving. It will help you take the road that many never choose to take...the road of forgiving the impossible and in turn you will receive the blessing of freedom. Jason is real and writes with great compassion and understanding. If you are in a dark room not able to see any light....this book will be your night light...it will help you hold on till dawn breaks...I urge you to pick it up and let it comfort you in your dark night. I am sure that this book will help you find the path of freedom as it has me.
2588781
A friend gave me this book after my grandfather passed away and (sadly) I have since passed it along to family and friends who have lost loved ones. It really helped me through the grieving process. I really like the format (short, daily meditations) and the content addresses so many feelings that we experience while grieving. Wonderfully written - this book has brought me a lot of comfort but at the same time, has been inspirational! I keep this book on my nightstand and read one meditation each night before going to bed.
4914000
I remember the days when I first got married. Each holiday we went to my husbands parents house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. After each meal, we then had to drive to his aunts house for dessert. I felt like I was gonna burst at the seams. All I wanted to do was go home and forget the holidays. My family didn't do anything for holidays so it was hard to watch my husbands family all cheery and bright. I have learned over the years that holidays are only as good as you choose to make them.

I really enjoyed this devotional a lot. I loved the stories she shares and how encouraging it is to know that everything doesnt have to be perfect. I think about the Norman Rockwell paintings. I will never have the perfect table setting, or the perfect family Christmas photo, but I do have a family that comes together each year to make memories. I thought the authors idea about praying for the family or individual who sent you a Christmas card was awesome. I usually put mine on the mantle when I get them and forget about them being there. Now I can pray for one of them each day and thank God for bringing special people into my life.

On day twenty she talks about patience. That is something I am still working on. It is a great reminder for me to learn to be more patient with others and to thank Him for His patience with me. Make sure you check out the Questions for Reflection and A Practical Approach after each chapter. I loved everything about this book and encourage you to grab a copy.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.
3514452
This arrived in perfect time for me to read during the holidays. The powerful words are motivating and encouraging! I plan to buy for my friends.
4272299
This is a book that I recommend for everyone. I will be buying multiple copies to give as gifts for my family this holiday season!
2239114
This book is full of amazing after life connections letting us know many ways that loved ones connect with each of us can appear in many different ways.
If you are missing your loved ones especially during the Holiday Season the stories will bring you comfort and understanding that your departed loved ones are always close by.

Thank you Blair for helping all of us understand that the connections and signs from our loved ones are real. I have received many messages and signs from my Pops and I keep hoping for messages from my Mom who passed a year ago this week so now I will be watching for the subtle signs that she is with me. It is a true Blessing to know that our loved ones are always with us in Spirit.

Thanks a Million for your wonderful work and the great books you have written, CK
3421086
Having losses close to the holidays myself, I identified with Me. Hurst Smith's pain and struggles.  I am inspired to help others cope with their pain in such a way.  God bless the givers of this world.
4205137
This is a great book study that is very helpful with any negative experiences you may be dealing with from the past or present. I love the coloring pages and printable scripture memorization cards. The reflective questions and prayers along with the videos make a very complete healing package and process for anyone in need. You can do this alone or in a group with the Leader's guide provided as well. Thank you Shelley for bringing to light the issues that plague us today and a positive emotional healing process for all!!!
3591908
This is a fantastic book to give yourself as a gift this holiday season. Carolyn has created a guide for handling fear and ego with practical tools for opening the heart and being more present. I love how this book is structured with daily exercises so that I can experience and practice opening again and again. I look forward to spending the holidays curled up with this book. Thank you Carolyn for this wonderful gift.
965963
As a Mum with chronic pain and CFS/ME, reading this book brought me to tears because it is so beautifully accurate in its simple language. Written from a child's perspective, it really helped ME put myself in my daughter's shoes even more than I had before. I can see it will be such an incredible tool for all parents/caregivers/relatives with chronic pain or any sort of chronic illness to explain their illness/pain to their children (or any children in their lives). I highly recommend this book to all spoonies!! Congratulations Elizabeth (and Jim) for creating this incredibly moving and very useful book.
471622
This was a welcome respite from my busy holidays this year! Do not let the name fool you, it is not just a Christmas time book.  This is my first time purchasing this author and immediately after finishing Christmas Journey i purchased another of her stories. If you are a romance reader and are tired of the only sparks flying between the twenty-somethings this book is for you!
3725098
Amazing book!  This book was very helpful after the passing of my Mom.  It doesn't directly deal with greif but explores all issues that can occur in life, and illuminates that you're not alone in this world of struggle.  Whether you're struggling or not I think this is a must read.  I gave this book to all my friends for Christmas and haven't heard of anyone who doesn't love this book.
806965
a must read for anyone who feels lonely or abandoned...it is full of insights that not only help you with handling being lonely but also helps you with biblical knowledge...i highly reccommend reading the book just to learn about what other real life people have endured in life & came out better people inspite of whatever they were going through...the book encouraged & inspired me in one of the most hurting & saddest times in my life!!!...reading true life stories & applying what & how others have dealt with adversity, pain & loneliness is DIVINE THERAPY FOR ME...BUY THE BOOK, YOU WILL BE GLAD THAT YOU DID!!!...I EVEN BOUGHT A COPY TO GIVE TO SOMEONE I FELT WOULD BENEFIT FROM IT & she called me with raving praise for the book also, she even took it on a cruise to CLEARWATER FLORDIA to read...I THANK THE LORD FOR THE WRITER OF THE BOOK!!!