Christmas in Focus By: Lindsay Gibson

"While one child may receive more praise another may be held to unfair expectations, criticized more, or 'expected to be the strong one.'"  Unknown

Fans of Debbie Macomber, Jenny Hale, and Denise Hunter do not want to miss Lindsay Gibson's newest Christmas romance.  Christmas in Focus will take readers on a journey from Charleston, South Carolina to the quaint ski resort town of Alpine Ridge, Vermont with aspiring young photographer Millie Rowan.  Millie is facing struggles in her home state of South Carolina.  The youngest daughter of a pediatric surgeon and nurse she is expected to follow her dad and older sister, Lyla's, footsteps into the medical field.  She is made to feel unvaluable and unloved as she is pursuing her passion of photography.  Even worse, in her family of academics, she hasn't even completed college.  When she is rejected by another potential employee due to lack of experience, Millie reluctantly goes home with her older sister, and her physician boyfriend for Thanksgiving.  As she if feeling sorry for herself the night before and takes a stroll their social media, she sees an opportunity from a friend for a photography marketing opportunity in Vermont.  Afraid to hope, she spends Thanksgiving day under the critical eye of parents who are always comparing her to their beloved eldest daughter.    As the day progresses and she fields questions about her fledgling career, she receives a call from her old friend and is given the opportunity she has been waiting for - a month in Vermont and the opportunity to gain that much needed photography experience.

Gibson, in a masterful way, tells of Millie's journey to discovery of her own talents and self-worth out from under her sister's shadow; also weaves in a centuries old family land feud in Alpine Ridge.  Millie, is assigned the task of putting together a portfolio so the current owners of the ski resort can sell after facing an untimely family loss.  She is excited to experience a New England Christmas (complete with family movie night in matching pajamas, a holiday tour of historic homes, and the all important gingerbread house making contest).  She is assigned to Luke Thayer, the town chairman, to take her around town.  Unbeknownst to Thayer, Millie is not there to put together a promotional package for the restort to draw more guests, but for the sell of the town's beloved resort to a corporation.  Millie has to deal with the inner conflict of a job of a lifetime, and her conflict to tell Luke the truth about why she is really in Alpine Ridge.  She struggles as she sees both sides of the story and is drawn into the mystery surrounding the feud. Will the discovery of an old camera, and the truth being let out bring a happy ending to Millie and Luke, and to the town of Alpine Ridge?  

Take a journey yourself to the pictersque New England town of Alpine Ridge and experience a Hallmark Christmas to remember in this cozy, insightful, heartfelt romance.  Curl up with some hot apple cider, those favorite Christmas pajamas, and a nice warm blanket,  Take a journey of growth with Millie as she finds her hearts desire in love and in her professional life.  I promise you will be ready to put up that Christmas tree and make precious memories with your children.  This book was a good reminder for me as a mom to use this special time of year of Thanksgiving, reflection, giving and looking forward to a new year to remind my own children how loved they are, and that while unuiquely different they are all loved and treasured.  I am so proud of them (and my bonus son and daughter through marriage) and the way they continue to grow in the gifts and abilities that the Lord has given them.  They are loved and I am looking forward to a wonderful Christmas season making many wonderful new memories.  

Simba gives this book four paws, and is very thankful for the Kindle that was given as a birthday gift so he could enjoy this cozy, Christmas romance.  Check out this delightful book on Amazon, you will be glad that you did.  Happy Reading!!

 

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