Christmas at Harrington's - Book Review

Just in time for the holidays, comes Christmas at Harrington’s, a tender story about fresh starts from Melody Carlson, the bestselling author. Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com.


As I have mentioned in previous reviews, I often don’t take the time to read fiction. But I am learning, through the awesome opportunity of writing reviews, there are valuable lessons to be learning in fiction as well! And this book was simply spectacular!
Although I have not endured the same adversity as Lena, I consider my journey back to happiness to have been a long, difficult road too! The issues of trust dealt with in this book ring SO TRUE to my heart! The way the story takes you through ups and downs (and requires patience), reminds me of a non-fiction story/book.
Honestly, I must also admit that I have never read a book by Melody Carlson, although I have heard of her and know her reputation of being a fabulous author. After reading this book, I KNOW I will be purchasing, at a minimum: The Christmas Dog, The Christmas Bus, All I have to Give and An Irish Christmas! As a hopeful author-to-be, I was amazed at how effortlessly this story takes you on a journey with Lena. The words “I couldn’t put it down” came to mind this morning as I finished the last several chapters (and absolutely enjoyed EVERY minute)! I pictured Ms. Carlson’s mind creating the intricate weavings of twists and turns and wondered: Did she KNOW it would end this way, or did she go back and add details to the story? The way she portrayed Lena initially was so true to life for a REAL Christian; and to see how God truly DOES weave every person/place/situation in place as He promises in His Word-FABULOUS! Even though this story is different from mine, it ends the same….I am incredibly blessed because HE IS! He is my Savior, He is my Redeemer, and He is my Father!
Thank you so much Ms. Carlson for a heart-warming story! You are an inspiration to me! I can’t wait to run to the bookstore TODAY!

Available November 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.