phyllish
Written on Sep 7, 2020
My rating is 4.5 stars
Each of the stories in this Christmas Anthology is delightful! I have been familiar with the works of all the authors except Susanne Dietze and was glad for the opportunity to get to know and enjoy her writing as well.
Some time had passed between the time I read the synopsis and when I started reading it. So I was caught off guard partway into the second story when I realized Stella was Seth and Jessy's daughter. (They are in the first story.) It wasn't until midway through the third story that I realized what you probably just read in the synopsis, that these stories are linked through family and a nativity set which was passed down from generation to generation.
One of the things I especially enjoyed in all the stories was the way one of the characters in each related to a different piece of the nativity than the others did. And it often tied in to their name or something about the person (or both!) in a clever way. For example, Seth Shepherd, the pastor, related to the shepherd. Many of the main character names appeared to be selected very carefully, first and last names in some cases. I love when authors do this!!
I enjoyed every one of the stories in this collection and can not pick a favorite. Each was special in its own way. There were some especially poignant spiritual messages in two that stood out to me.
In While Shepherds Watch are Keeping by Susanne Dietze, I was very moved by Seth's realization that he had been seeking the Lord for what He could provide in his time of need more than simply seeking the Lord. I find that I can trust the Lord most days but have times when I do just what Seth did. It was a powerful reminder.
The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear had a powerful message about how we often mistake pride for humility. And that it is pride to think our sin is too big for God to forgive. Wow!
It is a treat to have Christmas stories point to the real reason we celebrate the season, Jesus. If you enjoy romance that focuses on Jesus first, you are bound to love the stories in Love's Pure Light!
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.