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Review: Married Before Christmas

Married Before Christian book cover on blue background

It's always a treat to read a Christmas book that can whisk you away into the holiday season no matter what time of year it is (spring counts, right?) 😊 Married Before Christmas by Hannah Foster is one such book, and it's one that I would recommend adding if you're already compiling Christmas books to read!

Book Synopsis

While Heather MacLinn is still reeling from the unexpected death of her uncle, she discovers he’s left behind a will with some very not so twenty-first-century-like stipulations. If she’s to inherit the home she was raised in since she was twelve then she needs to be married by the end of the year. However, her uncle’s unplanned death doesn’t leave her with much time as Christmas is only just around the corner.

On top of grieving her uncle’s death, and searching for a husband, Heather’s mortal enemy Jed Canopy returns to her life to wreak more havoc. Or at least that’s what she thinks. But can Jed be an unexpected friend when unknown relatives start bringing trouble to her already heavy heart?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This was a fun read for Christmas with the marriage of convenience trope done in a very respectful manner. I enjoyed getting to meet Heather and Jed as they worked through the issues of forgiveness and repentance, and discovered what a new life in Christ means and looks like. Now that I've read all of Hannah Foster's books, I'm coming to appreciate just how clearly she writes so that there are no misunderstandings between characters. There is also a maturity in how she has her characters work together to answer questions and seek godly wisdom for the challenges they face. Everything is written in such a lovely manner that it's difficult to end one of her books without a smile.

As always, I enjoyed the supporting cast and how well they came around Heather and Jed to help them out during a crisis. I also loved that a Christian perspective on marriages of convenience was actually provided within the story, pointing to the sanctity of marriage and the lifelong commitment it entails. If you are looking for a cozy read involving childhood enemies and a Christmas deadline, Married Before Christmas balances both charm and prudence in a festive and loving manner.

Book Summary

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

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