In the Bookcase

12/13/2016

2 Holiday Short Story Reviews: Distorted Glass & Noelle's Gift

A Literary Christmas: 2016 Reading Challenge // inthebookcase.blogspot.com

Dear Readers,

I have not one -- but two -- sweet holiday-themed stories to share with you!

Check out my reviews of each, below.

Also, let me know in the comments what holiday books you've been reading!




Distorted Glass: A Snow Queen Story by Sarah Holman (5 star review)


Distorted Glass: A Snow Queen Story

written by Sarah Holman

42 pages // published in 2015 // teen fiction


BOOK DESCRIPTION

Sixteen-year-old Jared is sure that this Christmas season is going to be the worst ever for his family. His fifteen-year-old sister, Amber, is scaring their whole family with how little she is eating and her obsession with winning a beauty pageant.

When Jared seeks help from his pastor, he comes up with a plan to help his sister by Christmas. As the days pass and he sees no change in his sister, he wonders if he can reach his goal.

A Christmas short story about faith, family, and unconditional love.



My Review...

5 Star Rating

This is an enjoyable read, that packs a powerful punch in its message.

We find a teenage girl, who is dying to win a Christmas pageant -- and so attempts losing weight in a haphazard way. She's also diving right in to shedding the modesty her parents have instilled in her, to become "prettier" for the pageant. By way of unsound counsel, and being tempted by worldly titles, Amber is unraveling.

Although it's a quick story, it doesn't buzz by so fast that the reader can't help but notice the beautiful sibling relationship. This is true brother and sister love. If a sibling saw you falling into a hole, wouldn't you want them to grab you and set you on the right path?

The brother in this story is caring and thoughtful, far beyond what we see in this world on a daily basis. Jared's light really shines for God in this story. This is what really locked me in to this story and compelled me to read it, because, honestly, I was amazed.


Distorted Glass: A Snow Queen Story is available on Amazon in e-book format.


P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads and Amazon.





Noelle's Gift by Amanda Tero (4 star review)


Noelle's Gift

written by Amanda Tero

12 pages // published in 2015 // children's fiction


BOOK DESCRIPTION

Mama needed happiness for Christmas, but Noelle was only eight. What gift could she give?

A short story.



My Review...

4 Star Rating

A sweet story about family and love. A little girl sees her mother hurting and tries her best to come up with a great Christmas gift to make up the loss -- something to bring happiness back into the family. Of course, the best gifts are from the heart. Noelle is sure to touch yours. An excellent read for kids, or as a family read-aloud.


Noelle's Gift is available on Amazon in e-book format.


P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads and Amazon.




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4 comments:

  1. Aw! Both of these look like sweet holiday reads. Thnx for sharing.

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  2. These sound like some great holiday reads. I recently read a great Christmas read called What Light by Jay Asher. This week I posted two reviews. Check them out: http://shoshireads.weebly.com/home/city-of-glass-review http://shoshireads.weebly.com/home/breakwater-review

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  3. @Shoshi, thanks for stopping by! I'll be sure to check out your recent reviews. :)

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  4. Both of these sound lovely. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed them!

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