Review: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Christmas in Garland Collection #3

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear book cover on blue background

As I've been reading the Christmas in Garland series, I've discovered that A.M. Heath is not afraid to tackle uncomfortable subjects in her books, making them relatable and realistic. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear is a special story set at Christmastime that is even more meaningful with the impending birth of a baby.

Book Synopsis

Can a cozy inn at Christmas transform the troubled hearts seeking refuge there?

Pregnant and alone, Alissa Hill moved to Garland, Tennessee to help at her aunt’s inn. When a guest brings her hidden past to the inn’s door, she must decide whether to face it or continue to run.

A career-ending injury ruined Stephen Powell’s life plans. Now a former NFL kicker, he’s searching for a new purpose while recovering at the Cheery Inn. But those at the inn may offer him so much more than he expects.

Sparks fly the moment Alissa and Stephen meet, but secrets and regrets may keep them apart unless they can learn to forgive and move beyond their brokenness.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

I really love the messages of God's forgiveness and redemption in this story about a single mom regretting past choices in her life. Alissa comes across in such a vulnerable manner that it is easy to understand her doubts and misgivings about others. At the same time, Stephen is also going through similar emotions while grappling with events outside of his control. Together, the two characters beautifully navigate what it looks like to trust God when circumstances are not as planned, whether as a result of external forces or internal sin. The author addresses both of these journeys equally well, taking the time to share what it means to trust in God’s plans and believe that He can bring beauty from ashes.

The supporting characters in the form of the sisters provide comic relief, while it is a joy to see David, the young neighbour, taken in and loved on. All of these characters form a family in a way at the Cheery Inn, helping Alissa throughout her pregnancy. Faith is strongly referenced, and difficult issues are tackled, such as why God allows suffering. There are raw emotions on display and multiple life decisions that have to be made in a complex situation. This Christmas novella shines a light on hope when things appear darkest at midnight.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Review: What Is Left of the Night

I'm very grateful to be able to read my first fiction book by Mark Buchanan , a Canadian author who has written extensively on Christian non-fiction topics. What Is Left of the Night is an ambitious feat, combining multiple points-of-view to deliver a story that is as suspenseful as it is thoughtful. Discourse and action carefully balance each other, keeping rapt attention on a book based on true events during the Second World War. Many thanks to Kregel Publications for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of: see author's note regarding language; a closed door scene; descriptions of harm, torture, and death Book Synopsis In the quiet village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, a resistance is stirring. In Europe, the Nazi regime's bloody wake persists as they brutally send "undesirables" to concentration camps. Hannah, a young Jew, loses her mother and sister while fleeing certain death, arri...

Review: Breath of the Almighty

I've had the pleasure of revisiting my love of poetry through reading poignant and touching collections of Christian poetry that I've been introduced to on Instagram. I'm grateful that Breath of the Almighty by Shay McNally came at just the right time for me, tugging on my heart and my mind through verses that point back to God in every breath and poem. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : SA Book Synopsis Breath of the Almighty is a debut collection of free verse, confessional Christian poetry born from a life that's seen both deep wounds and deeper mercy. These poems move through topics such as family, grief, soul searching, healing, love, marriage, calling, spiritual warfare, prayer, forgiveness, and the ordinary places where Christ shows up when we least expect it. Each poem is rooted in Scripture and lived-in faith, and grounds lofty theology to an eve...

Hello Again

Wow, this is the longest I've been away from blogging, so thank you for taking the time to check out old posts and reviews instead! It hasn't been fun being sick, especially when I didn't even have the energy to read anything for the first part of my illness. I'm slowly on the mend and hope to change my reading stats for the remainder of the month. In case I haven't expressed it on here, I am deeply grateful to you for reading my little musings and different Christian book reviews. Although I haven't had the energy to even think about posting reviews, I have missed them, so stay tuned for the ones coming up! I wish you a very happy start to the summer if you're in the northern hemisphere and a very happy start to the winter if you're in the southern hemisphere 🌞❄