What I think you should know:
Keeping Christmas Volume One is a compilation of Christmas themed Novellas. In addition to the Christmas theme they are all centered around a castle in one form or another. The time frames of the book range from the time of Herod to contemporary with a nice mix of times and setting so there should be something for every reader.

What I think about this book:
Each of these stories were unique and compelling. I highly recommend this book and would read other books by each of these authors.

The Light of Castlebourne by Cathe Swanson and Chautona Havig is a contemporary story. I really enjoyed both of the main characters, Sydney and Philip as well as the supporting characters. Sydney was a neat character, I enjoyed how she loved landscaping and plants and didn’t mind getting her hands dirty. Philip was slightly more frustrating at times, but it all came together to make a really fun story. I really look forward to reading the series.

The Girl From Dalarna by Olivia Talbott is a historical fiction set in 1833 Sweden. It was a very emotional story, Linnea had to leave her family and home and go to a larger city to try to provide for her mother and sisters after her father’s death. Despite her exceptional beauty she was shy with a stutter and just wanted to be left alone to do her job. It was very interesting to read the story and see how her life changed. I really appreciated Rane and think that everyone should have a Rane in their life.

The Cross at Morioka Castle by Kathleen J. Robinson is a contemporary story set in Japan. I found this story extremely fascinating . I loved Ariko and the beautiful way that she honored her faith as well as her family. I enjoyed reading about some of the differences between Japanese culture and American culture. I would love to read more books like this!

The Ghost of Christmas by Denise L. Barela is a contemporary story set in Neuschwanstein Castle. I will admit I am a huge fan of Neuschwanstein Castle so I automatically geeked when I found out that it was the setting for this story. Abbi jumps at a chance to spend Christmas at Neuschwanstein and is swept into the magic of the Castle.This is the second book that I have read by Barela and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I would love to see a series based on the characters who live and work in the castle.
Crystal Clear by Marguerite Martin Gray is a historical fiction set mostly in 1879 France. It follows Rosalind who is sent to stay in France after her older sister causes a scandal by breaking her betrayal with a Viscount. This was a very sweet story with realistic characters.
The Weary World Rejoices by Naomi Craig is a historical fiction set in the time of King Herod in Jerusalem. I really enjoyed this story. It was unique and fascinating. That is a beautiful, heartbreaking and meaningful story. I can’t imagine being in Amal’s shoes, it was very eye opening. I definitely recommend this story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

As an avid reader, I always love reading books set around Christmas time. When authors add in castles, it makes me enjoy the books even more. Out of this collection, I loved that two of my favorite authors, Chautona Havig and Cathe Swanson teamed up to create a memorable book set around Sydney, a landscape designer, who wishes only to create memorable landscape designs at a castle. When you add in a skunk, an electrician, a cousin, a dog, and a grumpy owner of the castle, and The Lights of Castlebourne grabbed my attention, and would not let me put the book down. Both of these authors create books I love reading and this story definitely lived up to my expectations.

Crystal Clear by Marguerite Martin Gray also proved to be a story worth reading. I found both the story and the characters to be memorable. I also found myself unable to put this story down as well.

Adding in Christian faith, Christmas, memorable characters, and settings, this collection proves worthy to be read. I enjoyed going from story to story and reading works by the various authors contained in this collection.

So if you enjoy Christian centered books that take place at Christmas, check out this collection for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I love reading anthologies because I get a variety with authors with their own gift of telling a story. Each one has a different way to reach readers and their imagination is always fun to explore. Come join the authors as they explore castles, Christmas and faith.

THE LIGHTS OF CASTLEBOURNE BY CHAUTONA HAVIG AND CATHE SWASON

A very easy story to read with wonderful characters. It was fun to read about this lonely castle that needed some TLC. Sydney is determined to get the landscaping job at Castlebourne. If she can just get past the overbearing dog that is running around and Philip who knows the owner she will have a job.

I loved reading how the castle was going to be used for a charitable cause for children. Philip can be pretty persuasive when he wants to impress Sydney. The lights are going up around the castle, and Philip and Sydney feel excited about the upcoming event. Their relationship is growing and each time they are away from each other their feelings grow stronger.

When a misunderstanding happens thanks to Sydney’s mother, Philip calls off their relationship. Sydney’s mother is quite the rude person and thinks she is some important person, but I have a feeling God is going to humble her.

The story is full of surprises, funny moments, misunderstandings and a Christmas wedding that brings two people together in a beautiful setting of a castle. I adored Arielle and Mark’s banter and hope to read more about them soon.

THE GIRL FROM DALARNA BY OLIVIA TALBOT

I could tell from the beginning of this story that it was going to be emotional. Linnea is a beautiful young lady who needs a job to help her family out. She is quite shy but I admired how she went out looking for work. As she stands outside the door the next day waiting to enter, I wondered what kind of job she had acquired. The man who hired her was very evasive and I know Linnea was praying she had made the right decision.

What a great relief to learn that she would be looking after cows. She is so excited and can now relax and enjoy her work. Holding the canisters of milk was no easy feat but Linnea proves how strong she is as she travels to town to deliver the milk to customers. Suddenly her job changes a bit and I felt like she was being paraded around because of her beauty. Linnea thinks nothing of her looks and does not like the attention of others.

As Linnea finds herself the center of attention at a ball she starts to question why she is here. The place is grand, the King and Queen are elegant as they announce that the Christmas Eve Julbord is beginning. I think Linnea knows she doesn’t belong here being stared out, admired and on display.

The story shows how easy it can be to fall into a trap when something enticing comes your way. Linnea knows that being paraded around for her beauty is wrong. She has to make things right in her heart with God. I loved the ending and how Linnea found that she was not judged by everyone. A special man has been looking out for her and this Christmas will be special for both of them. She knows her worth and feels that she has been given a new beginning.

THE CROSS AT MORIOKA CASTLE BY KATHLEEN J. ROBISON

I love the setting of this story where we find ourselves in Japan. Ariko has come here after losing her job in Los Angeles. With the holidays coming she is happy to be home . How exciting to wake up hearing carolers. I wanted to be there with Ariko to soak up the feeling of Christmas with her family.

Morioka Castle was everything Ariko hoped for as she glanced as it’s beauty. A cross gets her attention and also catches the eye of the stranger Ariko encountered last night. It was very interesting listening to Ariko and Kai talk about Christianity. Finding out about Ariko’s father made me sad. He became a Christian and his family was ashamed of him. Can Ariko stay in Japan knowing that she is a Christian as well? Will she shame her great grandmother?

This is a very powerful story about standing up for your beliefs. Ariko knows her great grandmother wants her to stay, but she must make a hard decision. She refuses to put “no other gods before Him.” We find out about the cross and the history behind it. Can you imagine having to hide that you were a Christian?

Get ready for a beautiful story about reconciliation, Japanese culture and finding your way back to God. Ariko never wavered from her faith and was able to help other family members know who God is. I loved finding out that the history of Morioka Castle is factual. I couldn’t believe that only 1%of Japanese people embrace Christianity. This has been a great story of Japanese culture, family and finding faith.

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS BY DENISE L. BARELA

It is not very often that I become so mesmerized by a story that I block out everything around me. One author has been able to do that to me twice now. With great expectation I am happy to give my thoughts on this charming story. Abbi is thrilled to be at the castle. It was what dreams are made of and now Abbi is here for the tenth-annual Christmases of the Past Celebration! Abbi should be enjoying herself yet she is allowing her mothers words to remind her of her weight. My heart went out to Abbi as I discovered the verbal abuse she has endured by her mother. Abbie’s self esteem is low and the hateful words her mother says has hurt her. She needs to find strength and overcome those words that cause her so much pain.

It is easy to identify with Abbi because she wants to be accepted and follow her dreams. The guilt her mother puts on her is sad and I wanted Abbi to find her way to where she is content and happy. As she begins to explore the castle all thoughts of her mother disappear. Abbi is like a kid in a candy store when before her are artifacts from World War I and II. The emotions she feels as she takes in everything is far more than anything she has ever experienced. I felt like I was beside her as she looks at photos of prisoners of War. One particular picture catches Abbi off guard. How could Kristen the man she has been speaking to in the castle be in one of these pictures from the War? Something is not making sense and I was now right beside Abbi as she waits for an explanation.

Abbi must now trust God that He will reveal what is going on in His own time. Now we have to be patient and see what happens next. Just to let everyone know I am not very patient so I wanted to tell Abbi to explore on her own. I will be right behind her with one eye looking over my shoulder at all times. Abbi encounters Kristian again and their discussion gets deep. I loved how the author reminds us that we are to love everyone. Oh I know it can be hard, but God sent His Son to die on the cross for each of us. Will Kristian understand what it means to forgive?

I loved the ending and how Abbi found that she was loved and had found someone who never judged her. She could be herself and enjoy the gift that God has given her. I really didn’t want the story to end and am thankful for the journey the author swept me away to. For a short time, I was celebrating Christmas with friends, and realized how much more I am than my parents said I would be.

CRYSTAL CLEAR BY MARGUERITE MARTIN GRAY

Rosalind is facing a change in her life. Her sister has caused an uproar in the palace and now Rosalind’s life may go in another direction. With the family’s reputation at stake Rosalind gets sound advice from a wise woman. “The only thing that matters is what the good Lord thinks.” Oh how I want to remember that sentence when I worry what others think of me.

With a decision made for Rosalind, she will travel to France to stay at a chateau with a friend of the Queen. This could be just what Rosalind needs to get away from gossip about her family. The scenery before her is too much not to enjoy. I can’t blame her for wanting to walk the rest of the way. Now she can take in the smells, the landscape and everything that awaits her just ahead.

I loved how Rosalind took to her new surroundings. She now is helping to decorate the chateau with beautiful Christmas trees in each room. I could see the ornaments as she placed them in strategic places in each tree. The author does a great job of making the trees so vivid that I could see them sparkling as ornaments began to bring life to its surroundings.

Luc is very intriguing to me. He is a much needed distraction for Rosalind and his presence seems to calm her. She begins to have more confidence and is less concerned about the gossip back home. Luc also seems to be healing from the war that took so much from him. When an unexpected encounter with someone causes Rosalind to flee, she must allow God to help her. Gossip is an ugly thing to be part of. It gives people a sense of power as they tear others down. Can Luc help Rosalind find strength and overcome her insecurity?

I loved how this story guides us to see that God has a plan for us. We need to listen as He speaks softly and follow His direction. I loved how Rosalind began to let go of what was holding her back from joy and allowed God to open her eyes to joy and peace. Luc is a special man who not only helps Rosalind but finds his own happiness with a woman that God had placed in his life.

THE WEARY WORLD REJOICES BY NAOMI CRAIG

This story finds us following Amal as he is assigned by King Herod to find out everything he can about the Messiah. King Herod is in an uproar and wants answers now. I loved how the author gives a glimpse of someone seeking out who the Messiah is and that salvation is for all people.

Amal has doubts about his mission but slowly he begins to wonder if the Messiah is near. He feels a darkness around him as doubt lingers. He wants to be free of this darkness and emptiness he feels. The story is filled with a journey to seeking out the Messiah. I loved how it explores faith and that we need to believe in Him so we may be saved.

I enjoyed following Amal and how he desired to follow the Messiah. It is a beautiful look at how a person desires to change and find peace within themselves. We don’t have to see Jesus to believe in Him. As Amal found out he can do the work of Jesus by spreading His word and being faithful.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

Oh my goodness! I tried to pick a favorite, but I can't! I love them all!

These six stories, all of which include castles, are wonderful! Of course, the fact that I love Christmas and old castles likely contributed to how much I loved these stories.

The writing is easy to read. The descriptions of the characters, settings, and scenery are vivid. They paint incredible images I can see in my mind's eye. Their descriptions of people allowed me to imagine each scene and interaction as the stories unfolded.

I love the historical details brought out about the castles and the families who had inhabited them in the past. These castles provided excellent backdrops for the stories.

I thoroughly enjoyed each of these stories and you will too!

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the authors for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts in My Two Cents are my own opinion. ( )