Review: Christmas with the Colburns by Keely Brooke Keith

A lovely early Christmas present!

Keely Brooke Keith sent me a complimentary copy of her Christmas novella as a thank you for reviewing the three novels in the Uncharted series. She didn't ask for a review, but I'm thrilled to write one. 

Amazon Description

It’s Christmastime in Good Springs, and Lydia Bradshaw is eager for the light at the end of her year—the Colburn family’s big holiday gathering. When she discovers none of her siblings are coming back to the village this year, she believes Christmas will be ruined. As Lydia faces a gloomy holiday in the Colburn house, an unexpected romance brightens her favorite season. Will it be enough to rekindle the light of Christmas? Spend Christmas with the Colburns in this inspirational holiday novella. Holiday recipe included!

My Review

Christmas with the Colburns is a Christmas novella that follows on from the Uncharted trilogy, all of which I’ve read and enjoyed—and it’s probably best to have read the Uncharted novels first, both because they give the history of the Uncharted island, and because there will be some spoilers for those who haven’t read them.

However, it’s a little different in terms of plot: rather than following a romance and a mystery, as the earlier novels did, it’ s about Lydia’s disappointment at the prospect of not having a traditional Colburn family Christmas, and how an unexpected gift changes her attitude.

It was a short but enjoyable story which gives a little more background to the Colburn family, and hints at some future changes (and romances) in the village of Good Springs. Recommended for anyone who has enjoyed the Uncharted series.

Review: Christmas Star Sapphire by Hallee Bridgeman

Christmas Romance

Madeline Viscolli is studying for her Masters degree when she meets Cru leader Ps Joe Westcott (Cru, for those of you as old as I am, is the new name for Campus Crusade for Christ). She’s attracted to him, and believes he’s equally attracted to her, but he does nothing about it . . .

I did find it weird that Madeline and Joe called each other Miss and Mr for a lot of the story—it came across as dated rather than respectful, especially he introduced himself as Joe when they first met. But it’s Alabama, the Deep South. Maybe that’s really how they talk there. Maybe it was meant to be a joke. Or maybe it was a deliberate erecting of barriers, so they could pretend they weren’t interested in each other.

However, the characters and the storyline were more than strong enough to compensate, and the story managed to get more spiritual depth than most full-length Christian novels I read. However, this flowed naturally out of the story and never felt preachy or forced. Joe has issues in his background, and while Maddie may have had a privileged upbringing, she’s no hothouse flower with no understanding of life outside her rich Christian bubble. I will admit to a bit of eye-rolling at the cliché ‘rich heroine’, (and why are we so fascinated by the rich, anyway?), but it was dealt with well: sure, Maddie comes from money, but we should judge her on her own intelligence and character. And she is an excellent character.

Joe is perhaps a little harder to get to know. He’s got the whole man thing going, but does manage to open up to Maddie and share some of his secrets. After that, it’s good to see him let his guard down a little and understand his character and what Maddie sees in him. All in all, he’s a loveable hero, and that’s what we want to read. Especially at Christmas!

This novella is apparently inspired by Bridgeman’s Jewel series, which I haven’t read. However, Christmas Star Sapphire can easily be read as a standalone story, and may even inspire you to read the Jewel series (right after the other 39 books on my to-review list. And 64 in my to-read list). An enjoyable short romance with some yummy recipes at the end!

Thanks to the author and BookCrash for providing a free ebook for review.

ACRBA Review: Star! Stable! Saviour! by Cameron Semmens, Illustrated by Rod Allen

6 - 10 December

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Star! Stable! Saviour!

(Wombat Books 1 December 2015)


By

Cameron Semmens

About the Book:

“Forget the kids! It was me who loved this in our house. OK, the kids did too!” – Sally Smith

The traditional Christmas story has been told and re-told for nearly two thousand years – but never quite like this. Poet Cameron Semmens’s quirky and alliterated re-telling of it in Star! Stable! Savior! brings a totally fresh perspective on the ancient Christmas story.

Originally published in 2007 under the title The Story of The Star, The Stable and The Saviour, the book sold out after only a few years. Now it’s back with a fresh, punchy new title,

About the Author



Cameron Semmens is a poet, entertainer and poetry educator with 15 books to his name. He makes his living through words: performing, running workshops and book design. He lives in the Dandenong Rangers with his wife and two children.

My Review: Fun!

Star! Stable! Saviour! is the familiar Christmas story, retold for preschool children by Australian poet Cameron Semmens, and “supercharged with a startling stream of S’s”. Yes, it’s the Christmas story with alliteration. Yes, there are a few changes from the traditional version (the wise men are scientists, and wear snazzy sneakers), but it keeps as closely to the account in Matthew as is possible given the emphasis on words beginning with ‘S’.

Yes, it’s a little contrived at times, but it’s a quick and fun read, and small people will love the repetition and the alliteration. The illustrations are bright and colourful, and sure to attract the attention of said small souls. You might even find the alliteration rubs off on you …

Recommended for those looking for a different take on a well-known story. Thanks to Wombat Books for providing a free paperback for review.