About the Book
Author: Jodie Wolfe, Terri Wangard, Linda Shenton Matchett
Genre: Historical Christmas
Release Date: November 24, 2017
Genre: Historical Christmas
Release Date: November 24, 2017
Picking a Bride for Paul
When Teddy Love’s neighbor and best friend breaks his leg, she pitches in to do whatever she can to help him on his farm. But when he enlists her aid in finding a wife, she comes to realize she has feelings for him.
Paul Baker follows his heart mother’s wishes by looking for a bride from the East who is refined and gentile, two qualities Teddy isn’t. When his potential bride arrives, he finds himself comparing her to Teddy. How can he go back and change things before he makes the biggest mistake of his life?
Typhoon Prompting
A destroyer escort is among the smallest of warships, but the USS Tabberer has the heart of a giant. A typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific during World War II, days before Christmas. The men of the Tabberer stand tall as they rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. For Seaman Jerry Collier, the typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive.
A Dr. in the House
Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?
Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?
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My Thoughts
The
Hope of Christmas is a delightful collection with a variety of elements
that should appeal to any reader. I expected this to be an enjoyable, but
typical, romance collection – but it is so much more! All three are very well
written and captured my attention immediately. There’s more character
development than you find in most novellas, and two stories feature
relationships already established, eliminating the “too quick to be believable”
element. But it’s the depth of World War II background and glimpses into particular
areas of the warfront that I found so moving in two of the stories.
Picking a Bride for Paul by Jodie Wolfe – This is the most typical of the three, but that’s okay because it was fun and relaxing to read. Paul and Teddy cared deeply for each other, but couldn’t see at first that their friendship had evolved into much more. I love this type of theme because friendship is such an important foundation upon which to build. I also loved Teddy’s sisters and suspect there’s more stories there.
Typhoon Prompting by Terri Wangard – A well-written, well-researched story that offers a glimpse into the heroic role of the destroyer USS Tabberer and its servicemen. Terri Wangard has written an impressive and creative story based on real events. Jerry was a little commitment shy in his relationship with Evelyn before experiencing the typhoon. I loved the way Wangard blended shipboard rescue endeavors with a bundle of letters Jerry received from Evelyn, giving insight into the war effort on the homefront. Typhoon Prompting is a different type of story, very enjoyable.
A Dr. in the House by Linda Shenton Matchett – Another impressive story that takes us to World War II England where a manor house is requisitioned by the military for use as a hospital. It works well as a novella and I could hardly put it down, but what a wonderful full-length novel this would have made! I loved both Archie and Emma, finding them easy to relate to. Trying to prove herself in what was typically a man’s job, Emma’s intelligence and determination are inspiring. Archie, having experienced incredible loss, makes a moving spiritual journey. A Dr. in the House is an all-around good story and I look forward to more from this author.
Recommended.
I was provided a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Picking a Bride for Paul by Jodie Wolfe – This is the most typical of the three, but that’s okay because it was fun and relaxing to read. Paul and Teddy cared deeply for each other, but couldn’t see at first that their friendship had evolved into much more. I love this type of theme because friendship is such an important foundation upon which to build. I also loved Teddy’s sisters and suspect there’s more stories there.
Typhoon Prompting by Terri Wangard – A well-written, well-researched story that offers a glimpse into the heroic role of the destroyer USS Tabberer and its servicemen. Terri Wangard has written an impressive and creative story based on real events. Jerry was a little commitment shy in his relationship with Evelyn before experiencing the typhoon. I loved the way Wangard blended shipboard rescue endeavors with a bundle of letters Jerry received from Evelyn, giving insight into the war effort on the homefront. Typhoon Prompting is a different type of story, very enjoyable.
A Dr. in the House by Linda Shenton Matchett – Another impressive story that takes us to World War II England where a manor house is requisitioned by the military for use as a hospital. It works well as a novella and I could hardly put it down, but what a wonderful full-length novel this would have made! I loved both Archie and Emma, finding them easy to relate to. Trying to prove herself in what was typically a man’s job, Emma’s intelligence and determination are inspiring. Archie, having experienced incredible loss, makes a moving spiritual journey. A Dr. in the House is an all-around good story and I look forward to more from this author.
Recommended.
I was provided a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
About the Authors
When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie.
Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the light bulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America).
She volunteers at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a trustee for her local public library.
Blog Stops
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December 10
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D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December
11
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader,
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12
Mommynificent, December 13
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Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 14
Mary Hake, December 14
The Power of Words, December
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Texas Book-aholic, December 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations,
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Carpe Diem, December 19
A Baker’s Perspective,
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Reading Is My SuperPower, December
20
margaret kazmierczak, December 21
Pursuing Stacie, December
21
Maureen’s Musings, December 22
Blossoms and Blessings,
December 23
Bigreadersite, December 23Giveaway
To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Click on the image above or the link below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
these stories sound like page turners and fascinating
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
I was pleasantly surprised at how good this collection was, Lori. Hope you get to read it soon.
DeleteWhat a great lineup of wonderful writers! Merry Christmas to all! mauback55 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you too, Melanie! Hope you get lots of good books for Christmas.
DeleteI didn't know if you knew that Teddy's oldest sister has her own tale in Let Love Spring. :) I'm touched that you enjoyed my story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me know that, Jodie. It probably toured with Celebrate Lit at a time where I couldn't work it in. I definitely enjoyed your writing and would love to read Let Love Spring soon. So glad to "meet" you, Jodie.
Delete"The Hope of Christmas" past, present, and future is our Faith in Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Amen, Janet! So glad you dropped by. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
DeleteI think A Dr. In the House would be my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI was impressed at how well written all three stories were, Dianna - and how different. As I said in my review, A Dr. in the House would make a great novel. Hope you get to read these stories soon, Dianna. Merry Christmas!
DeleteThe synopsis of each story sounds fascinating. I love to read collections of novellas and would love to read this one.
ReplyDeleteThese sound like interesting stories!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your comments, and I'm so glad everyone who has read "A Doctor in the House" enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good--I'd love to read it!
ReplyDeleteI love this picturesque book cover.I think you can judge a book by its cover. Lol
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great selection of stories. Looking forward to reading.
ReplyDeleteCarole, another great review. As I read the blurb for each story I got more and more interested. You reviews made me even more so. Thanks for taking your time to bring these reviews to us. We do so appreciate them.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely collection. I'm excited to read this one.
ReplyDelete