A Christmas Hope (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
ebook, 160 pages
Published
December 2nd 2014
by Forever
My Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Description: TIS THE SEASON FOR SECOND CHANCES
Having experienced the heartache of unrequited love, Maria Schmitt desperately seeks a new life. Landing a position as a clerk in a Sioux City bank is just what she needs to get started on her journey toward healing. But a dashing stranger soon puts her job-and her heart-in jeopardy.
Saving lives was all Dale Emerson ever wanted to do . . . until a fateful day in France shattered his career as a surgeon. He lost everything that mattered, and the last thing he wants to do is resign himself to a life without medicine working at his uncle's bank. Then he meets Maria, a compassionate woman who can see past his scars to the man he once was-and the man he could be again. With Christmas right around the corner, these two wounded hearts may find that hope and a little holiday cheer are just the ticket to letting go of regrets-and embracing a future full of love and possibility.
My Review: Maria is starting over--as a bank clerk in a town a few hours away from home. The bank owner wants to retire and his dashing nephew, wounded from the war, steps in as manager for awhile. The way Maria and Dale meet is charming...and quite funny. I was immediately drawn into the story and rooting for the relationship to develop. But as for that relationship...there are a few hurdles to overcome that just may be too much for this couple to endure. Even though this is a novella, it was surprisingly well-developed.
Maria is a very positive, cheerful woman. She's been hurt, yet she makes it her mission to make life a little better for those around her. She is able to see straight to the heart of people and in turn, many want to be around her. She has a way of making changes in her place of business in a time when woman didn't have much of a say in matters.
Dale's dreams have been shattered and he seems almost stunned by the events. His calling in life is to be a surgeon, but he can't very well operated with his permanent injury. He's broken and and Maria makes it her mission to fix him. I love the way they help and soften each other.
I love the writing style and the characters really come to life. I'm looking forward to more!
Content: mild talk of war; no language; mild kissing. Clean!
Buy links for A CHRISTMAS HOPE:
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1yc6kCA
Books-A-Million: http://bit.
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1sl3E9b
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Bt9d5r
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1wkC8bl
About the Author:
Stacy Henrie has always had an
avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in
public relations from Brigham Young University and worked in
communications before turning her attentions to raising
a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an
entrepreneur husband and a stay-at-home mom to three, Stacy loves the
chance to live out history through her fictional characters, while
enjoying the modern conveniences of life in the 21st
century. In addition to author, she is a reader, a road trip enthusiast
and a novice interior decorator.
Stacy’s SM:
@StacyHenrie
Thanks for reviewing this, Katie! So glad you enjoyed Maria and Dale's story. :)
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