I am still reading Christmas-themed books even though it's now February, and this two-in-one-volume is really the way to go. Because when I finished "Finding Father Christmas" I couldn't wait to continue the story of Miranda and the Whitcombe family. It was as easy as turning the page and beginning "Engaging Father Christmas." So I'm reviewing this as one book since they easily flow together.

This was a heartwarming story of a young American woman who doesn't know who her father is, since her Bohemian actress mother never shares even a clue with Miranda. Orphaned at age 11, Miranda is then raised by a quirky older woman. As a young adult, she finds a photo among her mother's things that leads her to England to search for her father. The first novel tells the story of how she connects with a family of relatives who don't know who she is and what happens when they discover her real reason for meeting them.

The second novel continues the story as the characters and their relationships develop, and there is romance for Miranda. Both stories take place at Christmas time, with warm fireside gatherings, lovely Christmas trees, gift giving, plus costumes and Charles Dickens' play "A Christmas Carol." In addition, the Christmas nativity scene contributes symbolism that meaningfully connects things for Miranda.

I don't want to give anything away, so I have intentionally been vague as to how the plot and relationships develop, but let me just encourage you to read this sweet, well-written story which is touching and satisfying regardless of the time of year.

I have only read one of Gunn's nonfiction books, and this was my introduction to her many novels. I just found out there's a third "Father Christmas" in the series, so I'll be reading that soon. ( )

With the publishing of Kissing Father Christmas this year, Faithworks released the first two books together in this trilogy (published 2007 and 2008 respectively) for those who might have missed them. I had not read any of these books so quite enjoyed this volume

In Finding Christmas, we meet Miranda, an American who is searching for her father. She was raised by her single mother not knowing who her father was. On the death of her mother she comes across clues, a picture of a young boy sitting with "Father Christmas" showing the name of the studio that took the picture. The studio is in a small village in England and even the street name is given. She also has her birth certificate that lists her father's name as Jay Ames. With nothing to lose and not wanting to spend another Christmas alone, Miranda books a last minute flight to England to see if she can locate the photography studio to see if they remember anything about the people in the picture. She ends up in a quaint village just in time to see their production of Charles Dicken "A Christmas Carol". She meets some very friendly and welcoming people who invite her to stay for Christmas. While enjoying their Christmas hospitality, friendly natures and loving families, she finds information that will change her life.

In the sequel, Engaging Father Christmas, Miranda has returned to England for Christmas a year later. She's met by Ian, her boyfriend who is also the son of one of the close friends she has made in the village she visited. Miranda's dream of an idyllic Christmas with the man she deeply loves is upset when his father ends up in the hospital with a heart attack. She is staying in the home of her newly discovered family, but all do not welcome her with open arms. There is some tension radiating from one member of her new family. Along with finding her family, Miranda has discovered the love of God and his son Jesus Christ. She had never been a church goer and she was surprised when this feeling snuck up on her unexpectantly. She embraces this and uses her newfound faith to help her cope with the feelings and tensions she encounters in her new life.

I enjoyed these stories. The characters pulled at my emotions. Because neither of these stories is very long, Miranda is the only character that is fully developed. We learn about her life from infancy to the present. The other characters are well written, we just do not get the opportunity to know them as well. I really enjoyed the character of Julie, Miranda's newly discovered niece. She is sweet, uninhibited and honest from the beginning. Her mother is very similar and it is refreshing to see their relationship is so innocent. The other British characters show some of the stereotypical personalities of the highborn Brits, but they do thaw out a little. Ian's parents are extremely welcoming and understanding. I would love to know more about their relationship and what happened to Andrew's first wife. I liked the setting of a small English village at Christmas. The way the traditions of the village were portrayed was fun and interesting. I really enjoyed the fact that the village did their own rendition of A Christmas Carol every year and it was always slightly different.

I recommend this combination of two stories to those who would enjoy a heartwarming Christmas in England with the true spirit of the season revealed. This is wonderful Christian series where the True Spirit of Christmas plays an important role in the story. If you want to read this book with a group, it includes Reading Group Guides at the end of each novella. A great Christmas find. I am now going to read the last one in the trilogy. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas are two Christmas novellas by Robin Jones Gunn. In Finding Father Christmas Miranda Carson is on a journey for answers. Miranda grew up traveling with her actress mother, Eve Carson. Miranda’s mother passed away without ever telling her the identity to her father. Miranda’s best clue is a photograph of a boy with Father Christmas taken at Carlton Photography Studio on Bexley Lane in Carlton Heath. Miranda heads to England and hopes that she will find the identity of her father. Miranda is warmly embraced by the townspeople. With a little help, Miranda soon finds the identity of her father. But will Miranda be able to tell them?

In Engaging Father Christmas, Miranda is heading back to Carlton Heath for Christmas. Miranda is looking forward to spending time with Ian (Miranda met him at the end of Finding Father Christmas) and the Whitcombe family. Miranda enjoyed her time with them the previous year. It was wonderful having a real family Christmas. Returning to Carlton Heath feels like coming home. If things turn out right with Ian, it could be home. But the road to happiness is full of bumps, curves, and icy patches. Will Miranda get her happily ever after?

Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas are lovely, heartwarming stories. The books are about acceptance, embracing love, forgiveness, and finding/accepting God in your life. Both stories are nicely written, easy to read, have a good pace, a beautiful setting (I want to live in Carlton Heath), and likeable (as well as relatable) characters. These two novellas will put you in the Christmas spirit. I give Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas 4 out of 5 stars. The only negative comment I have is that they are a little predictable. These Christmas stories are a nice change of pace and romance lovers will enjoy these charming novellas. These two books can be purchased separately or in this combined omnibus edition. The next book in the series is Kissing Father Christmas. ( )

Review: These are wonderful Christmas novels in a convenient edition. I loved being able to go from one right into the next without even having to pick up a new book. These are light and happy novels that bring you out of your world for a bit. These are the types of stories you curl up next to a fireplace to read. Since each story is about 160 pages, they don’t take long to read, making these wonderful rainy or snowy day reads.
The story is relatable, the setting is beautiful and well described, and the characters are so lovely you will be sad they aren’t real. I loved everything about this book.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a happy Christmas novel, especially for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to read. The shortness of these novels makes them great for anyone to read.
Review: These are wonderful Christmas novels in a convenient edition. I loved being able to go from one right into the next without even having to pick up a new book. These are light and happy novels that bring you out of your world for a bit. These are the types of stories you curl up next to a fireplace to read. Since each story is about 160 pages, they don’t take long to read, making these wonderful rainy or snowy day reads.
The story is relatable, the setting is beautiful and well described, and the characters are so lovely you will be sad they aren’t real. I loved everything about this book.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a happy Christmas novel, especially for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to read. The shortness of these novels makes them great for anyone to read.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. No review was required, all opinions are my own.*
( )

Title: Finding Father Christmas & Engaging Father Christmas
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Pages: 352
Year: 2016
Publisher: FaithWords
My rating is 5 stars.
Miranda is the main character in both stories whose home life is anything but ideal, but she learns to go with the flow. However, when her mother dies during a practice run of a play she starred in, Miranda goes to live with an older woman. Again, within a few years this woman passes away, but before she does her faith in Christ becomes a reality and impacts Miranda’s heart. There is a hole in Miranda’s heart as she never could get the name of her father from her mother until she discovers a birth certificate and a small portrait.
Miranda eventually leaves the life she built for herself to fly to England in order to locate her father with the hopes of meeting him. What happens when she gets there starts an adventure that includes meeting unusual people who reach out to her, offering her their hearth and heart. Though when some learn her mother’s identity, Miranda isn’t sure she will be embraced by the family. Through it all, God reveals Himself. Miranda believes her heavenly Father’s presence gives her the strength and courage to embark on a course that will change her future and might bring the desires of her heart to reality.
I found these two stories to be enchanting as well as heart-touching. I know a third book is coming out this October titled, Kissing Father Christmas and I look forward to enjoying that novel too! The author does a great job describing England’s unique language, traditions, and love of tea! I found my heart warmed by the various characters and their faith, even when it included some struggles and trials. I found it easy to picture the cozy tea shop and the warmth of the fire in the hearth as people would come in from the cold. I look forward to enjoying more of the character’s story of romance, family and faith in the coming year.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )