Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
Published: 30 August 2016
The Blurb:
Five women from different walks of life have become close friends through their book club–enjoying one another’s company even more than they enjoy the books. So when the leader of the book club unexpectedly passes away on the cusp of the Christmas season, the four remaining friends are stunned. They relied on Abby for inspiration and motivation. She was the glue that held them together, and they’re sure that without her the group can’t continue.
When the group gathers “one last time” to open a bag Abby’s husband gives them, they find Abby had made each of them an angel ornament for Christmas, crafted especially for each woman and accompanied by a sweet and personal note. Inspired by their beloved friend, together Cassidy, Louisa, Grace, and Belinda decide to commit themselves to becoming Christmas Angels to others in need. Each woman will use her life situation and talents to reach out and help others in her own unique way–little knowing that her own life and her relationships will be changed forever.
Fan favourite Melody Carlson is back with another touching Christmas story sure to grip readers’ hearts and perhaps inspire them to become Christmas Angels themselves.
The Review:
Melody Carlson comes into her own with her warm Christmas stories. However The Christmas Angel Project doesn’t start as an average light-hearted festive fable. This one has more of a message.
We meet Abby straight away. She’s a kind, caring and nurturing friend. And no sooner do we learn about her, Abby is ripped away – from both us as readers and her book club friends. This tale from the outset was different to many of the seasonal stories I have read, it took a good while to get to the point of the story.
The meandering style of learning about each character is well meant, and does give you a connection to them so when the journeys to empowerment begin you feel you are part of it.
Each of the ladies from the book club are given their own time to shine, and each of them has something to learn about themselves thanks to a gift from the late Abby – an angel decoration with a bible verse attached. As the members begin to grow and pay it forward their lives begin to flourish.
This is lovely, not too preachy story perfect for this period before Christmas gets fully underway.
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