Review: Project Scrooge - Christmas in Garland Collection #1

Project Scrooge book cover on blue background

Bah humbug does not describe Project Scrooge by A.M. Heath at all, other than when we first meet Sanford Stone. Otherwise, this first book in the Christmas in Garland series is a lovely book that honours Christmas in the heart by pointing to Jesus first and foremost.

Book Synopsis

Can Scrooge find love from a friendship gone cold?

Sanford Stone cut ties with his best friend, Natalie, in favor of the love of his life … a woman who ended up walking out on him just before Christmas. Six years later, Sanford can’t bring himself to celebrate Christ’s birth with any joy. Little does he know, his grandmother and her companions have dubbed him the Scrooge and intend to help him overcome his bitterness and find happiness again.

The only thing that has hurt Natalie Dunivan more than Sanford cutting her out of his life has been watching his long-held grudges slowly destroy the man she has always loved. Together with Ms. Carol, Natalie devises a plan to reach out to Sanford.

Sanford accepts his grandmother’s challenge to celebrate Christmas for 31 straight days, but he didn’t count on her plan involving Natalie. Can his family and friends help their Scrooge see the error of his ways, or will Natalie’s presence only make things worse?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

What a delightful and deep take on A Christmas Carol! A.M. Heath presents a story that is as much heartwarming as it is convicting. The themes of forgiveness and mercy resound throughout this Christmas in Garland novella, helping readers to understand what it means to truly forgive others out of obedience to Jesus. Sanford and Natalie's story exemplifies God's grace and patience with us, bringing the meaning of faithfulness to life. I enjoyed the literary references, along with the spiritual lessons sprinkled throughout. This was a book that not only entertained me but also encouraged me in my walk with God to examine my own heart.

I love that Natalie exhibits selflessness and sacrificial love when it is not easy. It's a very tender story where the grumpy/sunshine trope exists but does not overshadow the story. My favourite discovery about this book was that the author employed a spiritual content editor, which blew me away. To know that there is such care and concern over communicating spiritual content correctly makes me a fan. If readers want a quick Christmas book that is wonderfully redemptive, Project Scrooge offers a glimpse of hope in a broken heart.

Book Summary

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

Comments

Diverse Stories

One of the things I've been challenging myself to do this year has been to read more Christian books written by authors from other countries. I love that the body of Christ spans the four corners of the world and that we get to benefit from hearing so many different perspectives. I've also appreciated getting to know some amazing authors and readers online from other nations and continents as it's enriched my understanding of how Christians experience life. It helps me realize that the views I take for granted may only be limited to where I am situated, geographically and culturally. I haven't read all of the authors below yet, but here are a few Christian fiction authors who write from outside of North America if you're interested in reading more: Africa Ann J. David Ivy Emerson Enewerome Anna Jensen Tope Omotosho Vida Li Sik Asia Joanna Alonzo Joy Crain Australasia Narelle Atkins Liz Chapman Amanda Deed Jenny Glazebrook Iola Goulton Jessica Kate Bessie Le Couteur ...

Review: The French Kitchen

A historical fiction with dual timelines on two continents regarding the Second World War and French cooking? If The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron doesn't make you hungry for fine dining by the end, the cover will surely inspire you to don an apron. What a dreamy cover! 😍🇫🇷 Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis As Paris rebuilds in the aftermath of World War II, Kat Fontaine never expected the skills she learned in a French chateau kitchen to be the key that unlocks the secrets swirling in her new post-war life. Paris, 1952—Still haunted by the years she spent serving in the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII, ex-pat Kat Fontaine, now living in Paris, finds a simple cookery class led by indomitable chef Julia Child unearths the tangle of gut-wrenching memories of war. Determined to find her brother who went missing d...

Review: Uncluttered Faith

Whenever I see a new Joshua Becker book, I read it. Make that a Christian book and I'll read it even sooner. Uncluttered Faith is perhaps the clearest and most unapologetically Christian book I've seen on the topic on minimalism and it's where the author's pastoral heart shines through the most. This book releases in February 2026 and is one that connects an intentional life to Gospel teachings in a way that is inspiring and attainable for believers. Many thanks to WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : mentions of contemplative spirituality authors, brief mention of monks and nuns Book Synopsis A transformative guide to experiencing the fullness of God's promises through the power of minimalism—from the bestselling author of The More of Less and The Minimalist Home. Consumerism competes for our attention daily—from social media influenc...