The Heart of Christmas is from the Mosaic Collection, a collection of books by many author writing faith base stories. The stories are all different and cover a wide range of characters that will warm your hearts. Not all are happy stories, some are sad and make you shed a few tears, where others will have you smiling, and even laughing a bit. The stories in the book are as follows:

Broken Noel by Brenda S. Anderson

No More Night by Eleanor Bertin

Star Light by Sara Davison

Hart of Noel by Chautona Havig

Caught in the Act by Lisa Renée

Claus-trophobic by Lorna Seilstad

it is difficult for me to pick a favorite one because they all have a different meaning for me and I love each of them. They were enough to get me in a festive mood and wanting to go Christmas shopping!

I enjoyed hearing from different authors, allowing of them I knew or have heard of already but it’s nice to be reminded of the awesome writing skills of these ladies. The Heart of Christmas would be a wonderful addition to your family library. The stories are short and can pretty much be read in one setting, and each will keep your attention. I encourage you to check out this sweet book and enjoy during the Christmas holidays. This one is getting Five Stars from me.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

This is a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit, but be prepared! The Heart of Christmas has all of the 'feels', so you may alternate between laughter and tears. Six talented authors share stories of faith and inspiration, as they reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Some of these stories have grief and loss, while others are more light-hearted, but they all offer wonderful messages, and they all made me examine my own thoughts about the holidays.

The stories include Broken Noel by Brenda S. Anderson; No More Night by Eleanor Bertin; Star Light by Sara Davison; Hart of Noel by Chautona Havig; Caught in the Act by Lisa Renée; and Claus-trophobic by Lorna Seilstad. This is a wonderful anthology and I will be reading these stories again, because you can never have too many reminders of love, faith, and the wonder of Jesus's birth!

I received a digital copy from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

This collection of Christmas stories is filled with, joy, grief, laughter and Jesus. Each story is different but still shares the Christmas spirit. I loved how each author gave us stories that show us that we are always surrounded by God’s love. I enjoy reading Christmas stories year round and this book will be added to my best of 2021 books.

Broken Noelle by Brenda S. Anderson

A loss at any time is hard but is especially difficult during the holidays. This story made me cry as I read how Thomas and Noelle were trying to find joy at Christmas. Thomas can’t help but feel anger that his wife died and blames God and her devotion to her work. Noelle is hurting over the loss of her mom and her dad is ignoring her. I understand how it must be for Thomas to try to make the holidays cheerful but first he needs to ask God for help. We follow Thomas as he walks through the stages of grieve and learns that God is always there in our darkest times.

I loved how Noelle in her innocence wanted to help another child during the holiday. Her heart is big and her example of unconditional love is just what Thomas needs to see right now. It is a beautiful story of forgiveness and joy that brings healing during the holidays.

No More Night by Elenor Bertin

Lily finds herself celebrating Christmas a little sad this year. After losing her parents and her children moving away, things will be different this year. Nagging in the back of her mind is the news that her ex-husband was dying from cancer. There is still bitterness towards him, but maybe she needs to give him grace. Oh that can be hard when the person has been hurtful to you.

I loved how Lily went to the hospital everyday and cared for her ex. The way she brought light to his hospital room was touching and made me sob. Lily shows compassion and shared the Word of God and I know in the moments before her ex passed, he found Jesus. What touched me about this story was that we need to show grace to others even when we feel like they don’t deserve it.

Star Light by Sara Davison

What a wonderful journey the author takes us on as we see the birth of Jesus through the eyes of several different people. I knew Felicity was hurting but I didn’t know why. Each day she pulled out a different part of the manger scene and was transported back to that moment in the Bible. I loved going back to the moments leading up to that special moment and feeling what the innkeepers must of felt. In their stable a miracle was about to happen. In the present day, Felicity is feeling a stirring within herself.

I loved how each piece for the manager scene is put out one day at a time. The author gives us a glimmer of what Felicity is going through but still I wasn’t sure what it could be. I know she was grieving a loss but something about this tradition of the manger was very special to her. Her feeling of loneliness is overwhelming and I loved the moment she surrenders everything to God. She was never alone but pushed God aside. Now her healing is beginning at she is reminded that God will never leave her.

Hart of Noelle by Chautona Havig

This is such a fun book. Two business owners fighting over silly things as Christmas time approaches. Poor Joshua has used all his savings to open up the tiny bookstore in his town. Across the street is Holly with her bakery doing well for herself. They don’t get along at all which makes for an enjoyable look at enemy to friend story. They are both good people even if they are stubborn at times.

Milton is a great character who loves to help struggling businesses. Can he breathe new life into Joshua’s bookstore? As Milton begins to work with Joshua there was something that really stood out to me. They are talking about family and Milton says, “ and one day, they aren’t there to do it anymore.” He is referring to how families can get you involved in things you don’t want to do. But at some time, they won’t be there anymore. Time is short and the author reminded me to take each day as a blessing and spend as much time as you can with family and friends.

It was so enjoyable to watch Joshua and Honey try their best to work together and be civil to each other. Milton is so patient with both of them and his gentle spirit helps ease tension as they all work together. The plan to help Joshua’s store begins and so does the hope that two people can work together to accomplish a plan that will bring joy back to Joshua. Milton is someone who brings cheer wherever he goes and I love how he never gives up. As for Joshua and Honey, well I will let readers fund out for theirselves.

“Only in salvation and romance is the end the real beginning.”

Caught in the Act by Lisa Renee

This story sure brings back memories for me. Each year I directed the Children’s Church Christmas program. It was a lot of work but so much fun. When I started reading about a sweet little girl named Bella my heart went out to her. I know each child wants to feel special and getting a big lead in a play really boosts their self image. But what do you do when the girl who has her heart set on being an Angel in the play can’t sing the song ?

Page is beside herself when Bella’s father proposes a compromise before his child is removed from the part she has her heart set on. I laughed so hard knowing I have been there myself. She runs into a busy body who has come to help Page with costumes. I guess Page knows everything about Dion now. We are in for a treat as these two begin a friendship. They work together to get the play ready and find themselves starting to like each other. I wonder if their relationship will blossom?

I had to laugh when the children’s play started. There is always that one child that stands out and thus begins the fight over baby Jesus between two little girls on the stage. Even though there are a few hiccups in the play, the message was clear. Jesus is the reason for the season.

Claus-trophobic by Lorna Seilstad

I would love to be a part of Meg’s family. They decorate the house outside and inside with an emphasis on over the top. Each year cars cause a traffic jam just to see the spectacular show of lights. I thought Meg’s parents had a great sense of humor by naming their children Nick and Nutmeg. Maybe it wouldn’t be so much fun to be called Nutmeg but it is still very cute.

Meg coming home this year for Christmas is filled with anxiety and hope. There is something going on between her and her dad. I’m not sure her dad knows there is friction, but I have a feeling he is going to find out soon. I’m excited to see where the author takes readers as we follow Santa and his elf otherwise known as dad and Nutmeg.

The story is fun as we watch Meg and her dad bring joy to the children. Meg begins to understand why her dad likes to be Santa each year. There is a scene where Santa encounters a child with autism. This is a beautiful part of the story that shows that special needs children should be treated the same as other children. Reaching them is important and our Santa in the story is an excellent example of seeing others the way Jesus does.

The message in this story is really good. Meg has been angry for so long because she thought her dad always put others first especially at Christmas. Spending time with him she finds out that he has a big heart for children with special needs. I can’t wait for readers to learn what his plan is. I loved this story because it really shares the true meaning of Christmas. Can I be adopted by this family please??

“Let the little children come to me,”

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