Title: Christmas
Roses
Author: Amanda Cabot
Pages: 172
Year: 2012
Publisher: Revell
One thing about novels set near the
Christmas season is allowing oneself to enjoy them. In 1882, in the Wyoming Mountains, Mark is
searching for a father he never knew as his father left one night, never
returning. For the last two years, Mark
has been trailing him to find out why he left. Now that his mother is gone, there is no
reason to quit looking. Mark has stayed
in many homes and towns, but never one where he felt so comfortable. Mark’s entrance into Celia’s boardinghouse
and life is viewed as divine intervention, but he thinks otherwise.
Celia has been widowed for a year and
has a 6-month-old daughter, Emma, who is sick with croup the night Mark walks
into her life. The local town folk are
trying to get Celia to remarry for various reasons. Roses are a favorite decoration in the
boarding house including the wedding dishes she bought with encouragement from
her mother. The area is always covered
in a red dust due to the copper mine in operation. While trying to discover the past Mark keeps
hidden in his heart, there is one thing he makes clear and that is his firm
belief that God wouldn’t welcome him in His house.
In a time when children didn’t live
long, when Emma is sick again, Mark is scared and runs for the doctor. It takes his mind to a place where he never
imagined it would go. Mark has a
wonderful creative gift that he expresses in his work. What is his occupation anyway? If he ever finds his father, will he go and
risk rejection by seeking answers to his questions?
Celia is from Sweden and brings
with her the traditions from that country; she was raised by her parent to
uphold them. Now she is at a crossroads.
Living in America is challenging enough,
but giving up her traditions is too much.
Or is it? Changing traditions can
be done, but there is one thing she wants more than anything else. Can you guess what it might be?
While being a short novel, it is
filled with beautiful imagery and a wonderful story. I loved the “reality” that one character
struggles with--his faith in God. There
is a time of decision as to whether to risk being loved and loving, as well as
believing that love is real and not imaginary.
Today, we buy gifts for various occasions, perhaps some even make
original gifts, but reading about it reminds me to take time to think of a way
to bless another heart. Learn about the person
and hear their heart’s desires. Then, if
at all possible, be an instrument of fulfillment. Also, though no outward evidence is seen as
to someone’s believing in God, prayer is always worthwhile. It isn’t just for emergency situations; it is
for every moment of life. A truly
heartwarming story, built on faith in God’s love and desire for us. This is an inspiring work of fiction. Read it, enjoy it, and if possible share it
with someone.
My rating is 4 ½ stars.
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
. Also follow me on Twitter
@lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
