phyllish
Written on Nov 23, 2018
The four stories in this collection are all very different from each other. Starting with intense suspense set in Alaska, moving to a bookstore in a small town in New York, then to a dyslexic dress designer in Minnesota, and finally, to a small town somewhere in the Midwest with a ghost story, this collection has a little something for all Christmas novella lovers.
If you have followed many of my reviews, you may have noticed that I don’t “do” ghost stories. Or anything else eerie or very scary. You can blame it on my getting traumatized by the Oompa Loompas when I was a child if you want. Or just chalk it up to the fact that I’m a bit of a wimp. Either way, you’re probably right.
So, I saw this anthology was going to be on a blog tour, saw Chautona Havig’s name and therefore didn’t read the description of the stories. I’ve found that I don’t need to with her books. Afterward, I realized that her contribution was a ghost story! My heart sank and I thought, “A Christmas ghost story? Really??” So I did what any conscientious book tour host does in a situation like this. I read the first three stories and then procrastinated. For a few weeks! My excuse was that I didn’t want to start reading it when I would have to be reading it at night. Then because I didn’t want to read it too early in the morning. Finally, this morning, I laughed at myself, reminded myself that I trust this author and picked up the book again.
For those of you who are not into ghost stories, don’t worry. Chautona Havig writes for readers like us. Somehow, she managed to write a story about a plasmaphobic (afraid of ghosts) storyteller who is forced into participating in a ghost storytelling contest and experiences ghostly visitations without making it scary. To me, at least. How’s that for talent?! This is a fun romantic story with some important spiritual lessons about judging and forgiveness.
I won’t highlight all the stories but can’t write this without mentioning Deck the Shelves by Toni Shiloh. I have read several other stories by her and have liked them a lot, yet this one just gripped my heart. It was incredibly beautiful and touching. Deeply moving and warm and cozy. Those were some of the phrases I jotted down as I read.
Each chapter begins with a famous quote. Considering the method in which Kendall and Q, who are both quite shy, decide to express their interest in one another, it was absolutely perfect.
A drawing illustration (sorry, couldn’t not say that!) activity was used to teach a spiritual lesson and it was poignant. The entire story was so honoring to the Lord. This is now my favorite story by this author!
For those who are not fans of heavy suspense, do be aware that the first story is exactly that, intense suspense. It was well written, just not my preferred subject matter. Nevertheless, if you like your stories a bit gritty and a little grim, this one might be your favorite in the set.
the rating is based on my favorite story of the collection, Deck the Shelves
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.