Hello, Spirits! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! 😊 Today, I'm absolutely THRILLED to share my review of Faith Potts's latest release: Behold, a collection of military-themed Christmas novellas and short stories!
Book Review
★★★★★
4.5 stars
As soon as I found out Faith Potts was releasing a Christmas anthology, I. Was. ECSTATIC. I ADORED her previous releases, Dandelion Dust and Love Needs No Words, but a Christmas release?? From one of my most favorite contemporary authors EVER?? Um, ALL THE YES. 😍😍😍 So I signed up for the tour as soon as I could, and, on a chilly evening curled up in bed, I finally cracked this collection open. And oh, my friends, I'm so glad I did.
Home for Christmas // ★★★★★ 4.5 stars
It's November, 1944 -- and Ruth Watkins has one wish this Christmas: to see her brother, MIA, safe and returned home. Then a wounded soldier, badly burned, appears at her hospital... could he be the answer she was looking for?
THIS STORY, YOU GUYSSSS. It was SO sweet. Ruth is such a determined character, and DOUG. DOUG, MY PRECIOUS CINNAMON ROLL. 😭💗💗 And Mary, too!
This novella was perfectly titled; and I think it captured the essence of the Bing Crosby song -- from the characters to the setting to the story -- just perfectly.
Unexpected Blessing // ★★★★☆ 4 stars
Ash and Kaitlyn are orphans, but happy -- well, as happy as they can be: perfectly placed with a loving, Christian foster family, but missing their corporal brother nonetheless. But when a curtain falls at church on Christmas Eve, it seems their beloved sibling might finally return home.
Unexpected Blessing was short and sweet! Within just a few pages, Faith told a beaming story of tiredness, affection, and hope -- and the kind, familial love everyone ought to strive for.
Christmas Homecoming // ★★★★☆ 4 stars
It's Christmas Eve, at the height of World War II, and Emma has three concerns in life. First, the well-being of her toddler and veteran husband. Second, her solider brother-in-law, for whom her whole family prays. Third... getting to her mother-in-law's holiday dinner in time.
Another short tale, Christmas Homecoming is a parable of trust. Emma's worry was relatable, and her abiding love for her husband and child were so sweet to uncover. And Jamison, Titus, and Molly were all so precious! Christmas Homecoming was a happy, darling little read. 😊
What Matters // ★★★★★ 4.5 stars
Charity and her husband are going to see Charity's family this Christmas... and perhaps for the last time. But when a vehicle mishap delays their travels, a curious stranger teaches them the true meaning of home.
This was, without a doubt, the story I was most looking forward to. The sequel to Dandelion Dust, What Matters follows the lives of Charity and Ryder, newlywed. And OH MY GOODNESS Y'ALL, I /LOVED/ THIS. It was SO much fun to see Charity and Ryder again!
Practically perfect in every way, What Matters was everything I'd hoped for and more... although I certainly wouldn't mind another sequel, too! 😉
~~~~~
Behold was lovely. Heartwarming. Just wonderful. *happy-sighs* I can't wait for Faith's next book!
NOTE: I received a free ebook copy of Behold from the author, in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
About the Book
A Collection of Short Stories Honoring the Birth of the Savior
From two siblings caught up in the harrowing days of World War II to separated foster children in the US...
From a memorable road trip across the southeast to the reunion of a war-torn family...
You'll be swept into the Christmas spirit with the endearing stories tucked inside these pages. The storylines range from family to romance to the bond of community, with settings scattered across America and beyond.
Behold the beauty of the Savior's birth with this gathering of stories that warm the soul and bless the heart.
Amazon // Goodreads
About the Author
Saved by God's grace, Faith Potts is a teenage writer and homeschool graduate, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the North Carolina mountains. When she's not weaving stories, consuming large amounts of coffee, reading stacks of books, or studying American Sign Language, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming, and -- of course -- blowing dandelions.
Blog // Website // Facebook // Instagram // Goodreads
Giveaway
Enter below for a chance to win a copy of Behold!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Schedule
Brooklyne @ Showers of Blessing >> interview
Abigail McKenna @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors >> review
Victoria G. @ Victoria's Book Nook >> spotlight & interview
Jana @ Reviews from the Stacks >> spotlight & review & excerpt
Thursday, December 6th
Janelle @ The Ramblings of a Bookworm >> review
A. Kaylee @ Kaylee's Kind of Writes >> review & interview & excerpt
Kaitlyn Smith @ Maidens for Modesty >> review & excerpt
Hannah Marie @ Silver-Lined Ramblings >> review
Friday, December 7th (release day!)
Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh >> review
Ryana Lynn Miller @ Life of Heritage >> review & interview
Rebekah Morris @ Rebekah's Reading Room >> review & excerpt
Molly Anne @ Qadash - Set Apart, for Him >> review
Saturday, December 8th
Angela Watts @ The Peculiar Messenger >> spotlight
Gracelyn @ Literatura >> spotlight
Serethiel @ The Book Sprite >> spotlight & review
Abigail @ Books, Life, and Christ >> spotlight & review
Have you read Behold? Which story was your favorite?
Bold dreams and adventures,
~Serethiel
AWWW GIRL. <33 Your review was like THE most precious thing! Thanks for joining the tour! :)
ReplyDeleteAww this sounds like such a sweet, heart-warming read! Great review! :D
ReplyDeleteGreat.
ReplyDelete