Saturday, December 16, 2017

About the Book

Title: The Hope of Christmas

Author: Jodie Wolfe, Terri Wangard, Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Christmas

Release Date: November 24, 2017

Picking a Bride for Paul

When Teddy Love’s neighbor and best friend breaks his leg, she pitches in to do whatever she can to help him on his farm. But when he enlists her aid in finding a wife, she comes to realize she has feelings for him.

Paul Baker follows his heart mother’s wishes by looking for a bride from the East who is refined and gentile, two qualities Teddy isn’t. When his potential bride arrives, he finds himself comparing her to Teddy. How can he go back and change things before he makes the biggest mistake of his life?

Typhoon Prompting

A destroyer escort is among the smallest of warships, but the USS Tabberer has the heart of a giant. A typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific during World War II, days before Christmas. The men of the Tabberer stand tall as they rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. For Seaman Jerry Collier, the typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive.

A Dr. in the House
Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?

Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?

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About the Authors

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, author, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the light bulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). She volunteers at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a trustee for her local public library.

This collection of novellas are sweet, easy and clean stories. The authors give readers stories that make the characters come alive and along the way we laugh, cry and travel back in time. Each story is a different theme, but they all blend together with a natural flow.

Picking a Bride for Paul by Jodie Wolfe

The story was funny at times because of the wonderful character of Teddy. She was full of life and some may call her a tomboy. I loved her spunk and found her to be a great addition to the story. Growing up with her best friend Paul has made her very comfortable around him. It was funny how Teddy reacted when Paul told her he was sending for a mail order bride. I think the best scene was them sitting at the table reading letters from prospective brides. Will Paul find his bride? Can Teddy finally admit her feelings before it is to late? Good story with a nice but perhaps predictable ending. I still loved it because the characters were so fun to know.

Typhoon Prompting by Terri Wangard

I really loved this story. It is set around the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The details are so beautiful, I could feel the ship moving in the water. I don’t think it would be fun at all to be trapped on a ship as the sea is hammering you with waves that tip the ship sideways. I was intrigued by the duties the men had and found that they were brave and honorable. The author does an amazing job of allowing readers to experience bombs going off and the danger the men faced with her gifted words .

Jerry was a great character and I loved reading the letters written between him and his girlfriend. It was nice to hear news from home and I know the letters cheered him up. I was glad to read about the women who were not afraid to get their hands dirty. It must have been a bit intimidating being one of a few women who worked on submarines. Through the letters, you could tell how proud Jerry was of his girlfriend. The story is a nice reminder of war and how it affects families. Will Jerry make it home safely?

A Doctor In The House by Linda Shenton Matchett

What a wonderful story of how many people served during the war and the obstacles they had to overcome. Emma was a delight to read about. It was unheard of to have a woman doctor during this time period . When she has an encounter with Archie an Englishman, you could sense the uneasiness felt between them. Archie is not happy that his beautiful mansion has been turned into a hospital for wounded soldiers. His dislike for Emma is evident as he thinks she is not qualified as a doctor.

I loved the details of the war and how difficult it was to get supplies. The author has really done her homework on making the story so real with historical facts. I liked that both characters looked to God for answers. I kept being reminded of how sometimes first impressions can be wrong . Is it true that opposites attract? Will Emma and Archie ever become friends? Will Emma go home or stay in England?

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