Long Lost Christmas: a sweet, fun, fast paced read with Christmas hope

Long Lost Christmas is the first book in the Sweetheart, Montana series by Joan Kirby. Hayley Stevens has a Christmas mission: to reunite her mother with her long lost brother. On a whim, she decides to head to Sweetheart, Montana to her uncle’s last known address and hand deliver a Christmas card. When she arrives, she finds her uncle fairly easily, but getting him alone is another matter. Hayley decides to keep her true identity and reason for being in town a secret at first. Someone else has caught her attention. Blake Dennison works for her uncle as an architect and builder. Blake is immediately drawn to Hayley but he is also suspicious of her interest in his boss. Hayley knows that once she reveals her true reason for being in town may result in rejection; however, she is determined to fight in order to give her mom closure or maybe even a Christmas miracle? 

Long Lost Christmas is a sweet, fun, fast paced read with plenty of emotions and heartfelt moments. I loved the Christmas background to a possible family reunion and a love story on top of it. I enjoyed Hayley and Blake’s characters both flawed with their flawed pasts but still found hope in the future. I understood Hayley not explaining who she was when she immediately got into town; however, with each passing day, it made telling the truth harder to tell. Blake had his reasons to be suspicious which added to the conflict. My only disappointment is the reason why the uncle stopped contact with Hayley’s mom. It made sense for the time; however, it felt a bit anti-climatic. The romance between Hayley and Blake was clean but sweet. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the resolution and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend Long Lost Christmas. 

Long Lost Christmas is available in paperback and eBook

The Sea Captain's Wife: a true story on the high seas

The Sea Captain’s Wife: A True Story of Mutiny, Love and Adventure at the Bottom of the World by Tilar J. Mazzeo. It is the true story of the first female captain of a merchant ship and her treacherous navigation through the deadly waters of Antarctica. In the summer of 1856, nineteen year old Mary Ann Patten sailed with her husband, Joshua. Both from seafaring New England families, they plan to win the race to San Francisco in order to fulfill their dream of building a farm and starting a family. However, the voyage is dangerous through the most treacherous waters. Their ship, Neptune’s Car, leaves New York Harbor and heads south down the coast of South America, and soon disaster strikes. Joshua becomes ill, the first mate is confined to the brig and begins to agitate for mutiny. Mary Ann sees no other options but to step up and captain the ship. Can she convince the crew to support her? 

With the California Gold Rush in full swing, there was big money for ships who made the journey quickly and it was an opportunity many attempted and few surviving. The Sea Captain’s Wife is Mary Ann Patten’s story. The first woman to command a merchant vessel and the fight she endured during and even after when the journey was complete. Through archival research as well as her own experience, sailing Mary Ann’s route, Ms. Mazzeo writes a tale that is thrilling, harrowing and heroic. Mary Ann is a woman who does what is necessary to survive for love. As I read, I kept reminding myself that Mary Ann was 19 years old during these events. Nineteen! I know it is a different time but I am not sure I would be able to do the same at 19. While the journey was nailbiting, Mary Ann’s life after the journey was equally thrilling. If you enjoy detailed, historical nonfiction, I highly recommend The Sea Captain’s Wife. 

The Sea Captain’s Wife: 

A True Story of Mutiny, Love and Adventure at the Bottom of the World 

is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

OMG Christmas Tree: a country boy-city girl Christmas romance

OMG Christmas Tree is the first book in the Holidays in Crystal Cove series by Stephanie J. Scott. Three nights before Christmas, Megan reluctantly comes home to their small town of Crystal Cove to spend the holidays with her mom and her new husband. On her way in, her mom asked Megan to pick up a Christmas tree and she did. Nick Bennington heads to the Christmas tree farm to pick up the tree on hold for the charity event at the mayor’s historical mansion. However, he learns that the tree was sold to someone else. He is determined to get the tree back and luck may be on his side as he helps Megan out of a snowy ditch. As they fight over the tree, what Megan and Nick don’t account for is their instant attraction. Can the city girl and the country boy find love during the magic of the Christmas season? 

OMG Christmas Tree is described as a “sweet, slow burn, holiday romantic comedy.” However, I did not find it sweet, romantic or comedic. However, as a novella, there is no time for a full development of the characters or a slow burn story. From the very beginning I did not like Megan. She does not know what she wants in life, which is fine as many struggle with future decisions, and has an attitude about it when others talk about her choices. Then suddenly, at the end, she knows exactly what she wants. I also did not like Nick as he constantly degrades Megan because she knows how to live life in the country. And then, suddenly, he decides she is everything he didn’t know he needed. I could see this story as a Hallmark Christmas movie; however, it is one I would not watch. I do not recommend OMG Christmas Tree.  

OMG Christmas Tree is available in paperback and eBook

 

Christmas in Snow Valley: a second chance romance novella

Christmas in Snow Valley is the first book in the Hometown Christmas series by Tammy L. Grace. After leaving Snow Valley for college and building a life in New York City, Emily Bishop is returning to her hometown for Thanksgiving. When her sister and her husband have to leave town, Emily reluctantly extends her stay and helps fill her sister’s shoes for the upcoming Christmas festivities. She hopes she doesn’t run into Nick Morgan, the boy who broke her heart fifteen years ago. That is until he walks in. She is shocked and prepared to give him a piece of her mind. When a massive snowstorm hits, leaving them snowed in, it is the perfect opportunity to clear the air. Could they even have a second chance at love? 

Christmas in Snow Valley is a quick novella filled with second chance romance and the magic of Christmas. Of course, there are two adorable, lovable dogs. It wouldn’t be a Tammy L Grace book if there wasn’t. The way she writes about dogs almost makes me want one, almost. I enjoyed Emily and Nick’s reconciliation and the snowy atmosphere definitely gives it a romantic feel. I loved the small town feel as they threw themselves into the holiday season. Overall, I enjoyed this novella and I am looking forward to other books in this series. If you are looking for a Christmas romance for an afternoon of reading, I highly recommend Christmas in Snow Valley. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and bundle up to enjoy this Christmas romance. 

Christmas in Snow Valley is available in eBook

Christmas at Yuletide Farm: a grumpy-sunshine romance with the magic of Christmas

Christmas at Yuletide Farm by Megan Squires is a story of two very different people falling in love at Christmas time. For her news section, On the Job, Kate Carmichael follows a local business, works in the field and learns the trade. The newest assignment is learning how to run a Christmas tree farm. However, Deacon Winters, the farm’s owner, thinks she is there simply as a hired seasonal farmhand and doesn’t want the cameras around and certainly doesn't want to be interviewed. He is too gruff to be a man whose livelihood revolves around Christmas. Little does she know that Deacon carries the weight of his family’s legacy and he reluctantly agrees to allow Kate to work the farm; hoping the publicity generates new customers. Kate’s joyful attitude chips away the icy around his heart that he finds himself hoping for a merry-ever after. 

Christmas at Yuletide Farm is a sweet, clean, grumpy-sunshine romance. I loved the fun banter and the feel of the Christmas season. I enjoyed Deacon who hides a painful broken heart and Kate’s willingness to try any task, the growth in their relationship was fun to read. I also enjoyed his commitment to his family’s farm and his determination to see it thrive. Kate’s sunshine attitude certainly melts Deacon’s grumpy demeanor. Of course, the reason behind his broken heart is revealed and causes plenty of drama. I loved all the aspects of Christmas, the snow, the gingerbread houses and hot cocoa. I swear I could smell the pine scent of the trees. There’s even fun moments with a lovable puppy. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were smiles, laughs and great romantic moments. If you enjoy Christmas romances, I highly, highly recommend Christmas at Yuletide Farm. 

Christmas at Yuletide Farm is available in paperback and eBook

The Unfinished Gift: a war time Christmas story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles

The Unfinished Gift is the first book in the Homefront series by Dan Walsh. December 1943, Ian Collins is an old man who has lost his beloved wife and is estranged from his only son. Patrick Collins recently lost his mother in a horrible accident and his father is a bomber pilot fighting in Europe. Grandfather and grandson are put together as the only family each other has. Ian isn't prepared to care for the seven year old and Patrick only has three Christmas wishes: he wants his father to come home, he wants to leave his grandfather’s house and he wants the dusty wooden soldier he found in the attic, the one he has been forbidden to touch. As Christmas Day approaches, and with the help of Miss Katherine Townsend, the kindhearted social worker and Mrs Fortini, Ian’s formidable Italian neighbor, can grandfather and grandson come together and find the magic in hope and faith of Christmas? 

Dan Walsh is a retired pastor and now full time writer with The Unfinished Gift is his first novel. The Unfinished Gift is a story of a family in need of forgiveness and hope. The story is an engaging story that the small things can lead to powerful change in our hearts. It is an emotional and heartwarming story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles. Ian is a gruff man who hides a grieving heart. Patrick is a little boy who prays for his father’s return. I also loved Katherine Townsend and Mrs Fortini who fall in love with the little boy and want Ian to love him too. There were many emotional moments where my heart broke and I cried tears of sadness and joy. Overall, I could not put this story down as I wanted to see if Patrick gets his Christmas wishes. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I highly, highly recommend The Unfinished Gift. 

The Unfinished Gift is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Simon the Zealot: militant rebel or devoted follower?

Simon the Zealot is the disciple I studied this month. I can say that I had preconceived ideas of who Simon was and I went into this study thinking I knew what I wanted to discuss and highlight. However, I was wrong and I loved it. There is very little information in the gospels about who Simon was. His occupation is unknown. His hometown is unknown. It isn’t recorded if Jesus said anything about him. His name only appears in the lists of the disciples in Matthew, Mark, Luke and Acts. However, there are assumptions made about him. With a title like “the Zealot,” The Chosen portray him as a member of the Zealots. Who were the Zealots? Was Simon a Zealot? If he wasn’t, why would have that title? What does it mean to have zeal for God? 

The Zealots were one of the four Jewish philosophies of the time. Philosophies which blended politics and religious denomination. The other three are the Sadducees, the Pharisees and the Essenes. I plan to study each one in the future; but for this post, I will focus briefly on the Zealots. They were the Rebels. They were a radical political party working for the violent overthrow of Roman rule in Israel. The Roman-Jewish historian, Jospehus, wrote about the Zealots in Antiquities of the Jews, written in about 93/94 AD. The Zealots were responsible for the first Roman-Jewish War (AD 66-70) about 35 years after Jesus, which led to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Zealots were hyperfocused on freedom and liberty and viewed God as their only ruler. They were willing to die and kill for their beliefs. According to Josephus, the Zealots were founded in AD 6. There is little evidence that the Zealots were officially organized prior to the war in AD 66 (Tate, 2021). 

Being called the Zealot is ambiguous. Matthew and Mark use the Greek word kananaios which is from the Aramaic word qan’an meaning zealous one (Nelson, 2019). There are three possibilities for Simon the Zealot. First, he was a member of the earliest corroboration of the Zealot party. Second, he belonged to a different Zealot party. Or third, Simon was simply zealous and was nicknamed the Zealot to distinguish him from Simon Peter. The Chosen (2017) definitely takes the first two possibilities that Simon was a member of a Zealot party prior to becoming a disciple. Since the gospels are silent on any discussion between Jesus and Simon have led many, including myself, to believe that Simon was a zealous believer than a militant agent against an oppressor. Simon could have been simply a zealous believer. A passionate and dedicated believer about Jesus and his faith, although he may have been quiet in word and deed that the gospel writers didn’t feel the need to record them. 

Zeal is having an intense, passionate and unwavering commitment to God. Characterized by a deep devotion, spiritual enthusiasm and a strong desire to honor God, it is a wholehearted pursuit of a relationship with God, actively serving Him (Romans 12:11). What does zeal look like in practice? First, a life dedicated to prayer, study of God’s word and personal devotion. I must admit I struggle with this one. A busy life often pushes aside prayer and study to the back of my mind. I strive every day to do better. Second, enthusiastic commitment to living a life worthy of the Gospel and standing firm in faith. This is an everyday commitment. Jesus is a prime example of someone who had zeal for God. John 2:12-16 records Jesus clearing the temple of sellers and money exchangers who had turned the temple into a market. Seeing his passionate fervor, the disciples remembered the Psalm “for the zeal for your house consumes me” (John 2:17, Psalm 69:9). 

In conclusion, the Zealots were a militant group who sought to overthrow the Roman occupation. A group who saw only God as their ruler and was willing to kill and be killed in order to show their devotion to God. Simon the Zealot may not have been the militant rebel that I thought he was; although militant rebel to disciple is a highly possible extreme conversion. However, I believe he was a zealous believer who was passionate and committed to following Jesus. Having zeal for God is an enthusiastic, daily commitment to seek a relationship with Him. In prayer and study, a believer can be zealous for God as they seek to honor Him with their lives. Do you have a passion for God? Do you have an enthusiastic commitment to studying His Word and show His love to the world?

Reference

Nelson, Ryan (August 7, 2019). Who Was Simon the Zealot? The Beginner’s Guide. Overview Bible. https://overviewbible.com/simon-the-zealot/. Retrieved October 4, 2025

Tate, David (November 21, 2021). The Life of Simon the Zealot. Now Let’s be Honest. YouTube. https://youtu.be/GRGEhN7JwkY?si=knAJ3yyH71zisRRb. Retrieved October 4, 2025.