Member Reviews

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  • Rated 0 stars

  “Step back into the Dickens era with this fun Christmas novella by Robin Jones Gunn. Miranda Carson, having never known her dad, finds herself following her curiosity to find out who the Father Christmas was in a picture that was in her deceased mother's belongs 18 years earlier; maybe just maybe she'd able to fit all the puzzle pieces together. Will she find Father Christmas or the Father of Christmas? Will this trip change her? She'd always longed for a relationship with a father. As Miranda uncovers one clue sting of questions open up; will she ever find her father she has longed for? Some questions may never be answered. Upon arriving in Carlton Heath she finds herself in a nostalgic Tea Cottage with the invite of "Come in, come in and know me better, friend." Is this offer more than she bargains for? I guess you'll just have to read the delightful book and find out for yourself. I can't wait to get started on book two Engaging Father Christmas.
  Read first Chapter at my blog
  [http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/2008/10/finding-father-christmas-engaging.html]
  ”

  Abi B wrote this review 20 hours ago. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 4 stars

  “I haven't read Christian Romance for years. I was very pleased with these 2 books, a little mystery, a little romance, no vivid adult content, so refreshing. These books would make wonderful Christmas holiday reading. Both were novellas, short and easy to read but very difficult to put down until completely read. Miranda now an orphan goes in search of her biological father and when she meets the family isn't sure whether to go ahead and tell them or not. She was not raised as a Christian but finding the family at Christmas time helps to introduce her to the faith and to see it come out in the lives of the people she meets. The author obviously has theater training because her descriptions are vivid and right on. Miranda although surrounded by other characters is definitely the main character and in fact the attitude of the story is almost biographical. The scenes are warm and cosy, perfect atmosphere for Christmas. The second book in the series is just as good as the first with more character development and an awesome proposal. I would definitely recommend both these books”

  Wyn C wrote this review 13 days ago. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 3 stars

  “a nice quick christmas read. somewhat predictable but sweet. ”

  3girlsmom wrote this review Thursday, February 28 2008. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 4 stars

  “This was a nice, cup of cocoa kind of read. While it had some poignant and soul-searching moments, I didn't find it very deep or compelling. But then again, I'm not much of a warm fuzzy Christmas story kind of book reader, either. So there was not enough conflict to make my heart respond. But it was a nice story and I want to read the next book in the series. I want to know what will happen to Miranda's love life since this story had no romance in it at all. Maybe if the book had been longer than a novella the author could have probed the inner workings of her heart more. But given the limitations of the word count, the author did a good job with this novel. It was well-written, and I finished it, which is a rare occurrence these days. Need I say more?”

  MichelleSutton wrote this review Thursday, January 24 2008. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 5 stars

  “
  Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn is the story of Miranda Carson who has traveled to London on a whim at Christmas time to find her father. The only clue she has is a photograph of a man dressed as Father Christmas with a crying boy on his lap. The photo has the studio's name and address on the back, so Miranda goes thousands of miles and halfway around the world to find a connection to someone she can call her own. First off, let me say that I am not normally a fan of Christmas books. They tend to be treacly and precious, and novellas often try to pack too much story in too few pages. This book shattered all of my preconceived notions about holiday novellas. Gunn creates a charming story with heart and great characters. Miranda wants so much to know the truth, but when she finds it, she tries to run from it. While she comes to know the truth and character about her earthly father, she also recognizes God's hand in her life. The book is the first in what should be an engaging series. The ending isn't too neat; illusions are shattered and lives will never be the same, but just as the message of Christmas is hope, so too is Gunn's book. There is a reading guide in the back, so it would be perfect for book clubs at Christmas.”

  clockstein wrote this review Wednesday, November 7 2007. ( reply | permalink )
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  • Rated 4 stars

  “A nice, sweet read at the beginning of the holiday season. Discovered it while wandering Amazon.com. Robin Jones Gunn is one of my favorite authors because her books were so connected to my return to church fellowship in high school. The tragedy of the book is that the sequel will not be out for a year.”

  Meg D wrote this review Sunday, November 4 2007. ( reply | permalink )