Out with the old and in with the unexpected: A review of Jenny Hale's Postmarked in December

 

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."              Isaiah 43:18-19

If you love an amazing Debbie Macomber,  RaeAnne Thayne, or Melody Carlson cozy Christmas romance, you do not want to miss Jenny Hale's upcoming Christmas novel, Postmarked December.  This book drew me in from the very beginning and I did not want to put it down.  Hale, does a masterful job of weaving faith, hope, love and the joy and goodness of the Christmas season throughout the book.  This book checks so many boxes for readers who love an amazing Christmas read (warning:  you might want a box of tissues handy).  Regardless of the season you find yourself in, this book will bring a dash of hope and sprinkle peace in your heart for the holidays.  I know, I was reminded of the steadfast love and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, and to look for and choose joy in each season.  If you are going through a loss this holiday season, this book will bring you comfort and wrap you in a warm hug, knowing you are never alone.  For mothers, such as myself, navigating waters of adult children, this book was a reminder that though the relationship changes, there is still joy and happiness to grab onto.  For everyone else, this is just the perfect cozy Christmas book to escape in and dream of a Merry Little Christmas.

In the opening scenes, readers are introduced to Heather Hart, a young widow who finds herself on Christmas break, missing her late husband and getting lost in grief and hopelessness.  As a school librarian, she finds herself with time on her hands and begins to retreat into herself.  Enter, friend and fellow librarian, Marion.  Marion offers friendship and hope (readers will also get an amazing side story with Marion and her husband as they are at odds about adding to their family).  Heather's late songwriter husband lost his battle to cancer, and she is struggling with moving on in her life.  She feels stuck a year later, and does not know what to do.  She wants to move forward, but feels that she feels cancer robbed her and her late husband of their happy ending.  One of my favorite lines, is Marion to Heather:  "But your life is still going.  There are more endings out there for you."  Such a poignant reminder that our Sovereign Lord is the author of our story, and even in the darkest valley, the author and sustain-er of our faith is not finished with our story.  

Heather is hoping for a little bit of Tony, her late husband, to show up.   In the most unexpected of ways Heather, gets her wish through two unexpected ways:  a journal from Marion and the arrival of an unexpected beautiful postcard from an unknown sender.  This postcard is the start of a beautiful journey for Heather sending her to various places that had special significance for her and Tony.  As she visits the first place the postcard leads her to she is given another postcard, and so the journey begins as she looks to discover the joys of Christmas.  She is led to Greenville, where they honeymooned, all the way to Tony's family cabin in the mountains.  There she discovers the true meaning of Christmas and that it is time to move on.  Her journal becomes a series of last letters to Tony as she discovers who she is again in this new season of life.

On the plain ride from Nashville to Greenville, Heather finds herself unexpectedly seated next to a handsome man, Nicholas Monroe.  As they run into each other time and time again, she begins to wonder about his connection to the post cards and is he an answer to the cry of her heart that is just now becoming real to her?  As they battle through some misunderstandings, Heather comes to realize that the true joy of the season lies in helping others and embracing the love and magic that is all about Christmas.  

Simba's Corner  

 

What a delightful little cozy Christmas story this was for mom.  I got some good cuddles on her blanket while we journeyed down south for a head-start to the Christmas season.  I will say my treats were a bit delayed as Mom could not put this book down, but overall, I enthusiastically give this book four paws.  Scarlett, the calico kitten was such a charming character, and by far the best part of the story.  She was the perfect helper in all the baking scenes of the book, and she definitely gets my approval on being all a cute, cuddly kitten needs to be.  Since, in my humble opinion, Scarlett stole the show, I will forgive Mrs. Hale for introducing a poodle into the story, his appearance provided the comic relief as only a silly pooch can do.  All my fellow kitty readers, encourage your pawrents to read this book, as you will get extra snuggles as this book apparently could not be put down by meowmy.

Conclusion:

I urge all my fellow readers to get cozy underneath their favorite Christmas blanket and dive into Jenny Hale's Postmarked December which will be available October 6 on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  You will want to cozy up with some delicious peppermint hot chocolate or if you a prefer a nice glass of blackberry wine lighting that perfect Christmas candle from bath and body works (crushed candy cane or twisted peppermint will go lovely with this story).  Get lost in a world of love and hope.  Always remember you are loved by your Heavenly Father, and look to the new that he has called you to.  A special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ACR to read and review, and always remember all opinions are Simba's and mine alone.  Happy Reading!!