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Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge #1
Christmas Sisters
Random circumstances brought them together. Love made them family.
When a terrible accident takes Madeline Kirby’s husband and only child, the school guidance counselor is sure she can’t go on. Left behind with nothing but her work and an empty heart, she vows to survive Christmas by reaching out to comfort someone else who knows similar pain.
Fostering four motherless children for the holidays is supposed to be temporary, but as Maddie tends to defensive Stevie, distrustful Jo, delicate Alissa, and frightened little Hailey, the ache in her own heart slowly becomes bearable. And before the season of giving comes to an end, it becomes clear that life intended for them to find each other.
Enjoy these soul sisters’ first Christmas together in Christmas Sisters, a free prologue novella - then catch up with each of them individually, fifteen years later.
Don’t miss a Soul Sisters book!
Book 1: Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Book 2: Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Book 3: Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Book 5: Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson
When a terrible accident takes Madeline Kirby’s husband and only child, the school guidance counselor is sure she can’t go on. Left behind with nothing but her work and an empty heart, she vows to survive Christmas by reaching out to comfort someone else who knows similar pain.
Fostering four motherless children for the holidays is supposed to be temporary, but as Maddie tends to defensive Stevie, distrustful Jo, delicate Alissa, and frightened little Hailey, the ache in her own heart slowly becomes bearable. And before the season of giving comes to an end, it becomes clear that life intended for them to find each other.
Enjoy these soul sisters’ first Christmas together in Christmas Sisters, a free prologue novella - then catch up with each of them individually, fifteen years later.
Don’t miss a Soul Sisters book!
Book 1: Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Book 2: Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Book 3: Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Book 5: Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson
93 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2020
About the author
Ev Bishop
32 books146 followersEv Bishop is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author, who believes in the power of fiction to transform lives, knowing we both lose ourselves—and find ourselves!—in good stories.
Best known for her small-town contemporary romance series, River’s Sigh B & B, readers describe her books as “full of humor, love and wisdom,” set in places “where breathtaking scenery and the magic of love are the best medicine for the soul.”
In addition to writing novels—her favorite length of story because she always has so much she wants to fit in!—Ev was a columnist with the Terrace Standard for almost twenty years and is a prolific scribbler of . . . other things. Her articles, essays, short stories, and poems appear in a variety of publications, and she also writes under the pen name Toni Sheridan.
When Ev’s nose isn’t in a book or her fingers aren’t on her keyboard, you’ll find her with her family and dogs or playing outside, usually at the lake or in the middle of a forest somewhere.
She loves any and all garden-related talk and work, cooking (and eating!), and making all sorts of random things—especially out of upcycled or reclaimed items.
For more information, visit Ev’s website at https://evbishop.com. You can also connect with Ev on Twitter @Ev_Bishop, or follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEvBishop, but the best way to keep in the loop re: current works, upcoming books and events, and other fun tidbits is to subscribe to her newsletter at: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
She looks forward to hearing from you!
Fall in love with books by Ev Bishop today:
RIVER’S SIGH B & B SERIES
Wedding Bands
Hooked
Spoons
Hook, Line & Sinker
Silver Bells
Reeling
One to Keep
The Catch
SOUL SISTERS AT CEDAR MOUNTAIN LODGE
Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson
STANDALONES
Bigger Things
A Sharla Brown Christmas
WRITING AS TONI SHERIDAN
The Present
Drummer Boy
Best known for her small-town contemporary romance series, River’s Sigh B & B, readers describe her books as “full of humor, love and wisdom,” set in places “where breathtaking scenery and the magic of love are the best medicine for the soul.”
In addition to writing novels—her favorite length of story because she always has so much she wants to fit in!—Ev was a columnist with the Terrace Standard for almost twenty years and is a prolific scribbler of . . . other things. Her articles, essays, short stories, and poems appear in a variety of publications, and she also writes under the pen name Toni Sheridan.
When Ev’s nose isn’t in a book or her fingers aren’t on her keyboard, you’ll find her with her family and dogs or playing outside, usually at the lake or in the middle of a forest somewhere.
She loves any and all garden-related talk and work, cooking (and eating!), and making all sorts of random things—especially out of upcycled or reclaimed items.
For more information, visit Ev’s website at https://evbishop.com. You can also connect with Ev on Twitter @Ev_Bishop, or follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEvBishop, but the best way to keep in the loop re: current works, upcoming books and events, and other fun tidbits is to subscribe to her newsletter at: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
She looks forward to hearing from you!
Fall in love with books by Ev Bishop today:
RIVER’S SIGH B & B SERIES
Wedding Bands
Hooked
Spoons
Hook, Line & Sinker
Silver Bells
Reeling
One to Keep
The Catch
SOUL SISTERS AT CEDAR MOUNTAIN LODGE
Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson
STANDALONES
Bigger Things
A Sharla Brown Christmas
WRITING AS TONI SHERIDAN
The Present
Drummer Boy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
August 30, 2020
Christmas Sisters by multiple authors
Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, book 1. An intro to the 5 stories to come by the 5 authors. Short snippets of each, their lives and the expected changes to come with the approaching Christmas season. Holiday magic. And the magic of creating a family.
Get your hankies and Kleenex ready. I was crying with each and every story. Heartbreaking and happy sentimental tears.
Maddie by Violet Howe
Maddie Kirby lost her family in a tragic accident. Moving on is difficult but Maddie knows she has love to give. She makes several decisions that will change her life for the better as well as others. How can she resist? It’s Christmas. And Christmas is about love and family.
Jo by Tammie L Grace
15 year old Josephine is pulled from class by her social worker because her foster parents have been shut down. Jo doesn’t regret that since the children placed there were no more than slave labor. Is this next move temporary or permanent? Jo finds love and comfort with Mrs. Kirby and the other girls. But will it last? Or is this just another temporary place in the foster care system?
Stevie Fox by Ev Bishop
Stevie is only 13 but after her mother abandoned her, Stevie has no illusions that’s she on her own and can’t depend on the foster system. Moving in with her former guidance counselor is just the next step before finding a place to squat. Moving in with Maddie and three other girls is just a temporary stop over the Christmas holiday. It can’t last. Can it?
Alissa Mann by Tess Thompson
8 year old Alison is all alone. She wonders what happened to Mommy’s purse after the accident. Or the Christmas ornaments their family collected each year. At least she’s not alone at Mrs. Kirby’s foster house. Or the youngest. Maybe she help protect Hailey, the littlest in the house.
Hailey Kirby by Judith Keim
Even at 8, Hailey knows that foster homes are not always nice places. But getting a stuffed puppy dog for her very own is a great way to start changing her mind.
Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, book 1. An intro to the 5 stories to come by the 5 authors. Short snippets of each, their lives and the expected changes to come with the approaching Christmas season. Holiday magic. And the magic of creating a family.
Get your hankies and Kleenex ready. I was crying with each and every story. Heartbreaking and happy sentimental tears.
Maddie by Violet Howe
Maddie Kirby lost her family in a tragic accident. Moving on is difficult but Maddie knows she has love to give. She makes several decisions that will change her life for the better as well as others. How can she resist? It’s Christmas. And Christmas is about love and family.
Jo by Tammie L Grace
15 year old Josephine is pulled from class by her social worker because her foster parents have been shut down. Jo doesn’t regret that since the children placed there were no more than slave labor. Is this next move temporary or permanent? Jo finds love and comfort with Mrs. Kirby and the other girls. But will it last? Or is this just another temporary place in the foster care system?
Stevie Fox by Ev Bishop
Stevie is only 13 but after her mother abandoned her, Stevie has no illusions that’s she on her own and can’t depend on the foster system. Moving in with her former guidance counselor is just the next step before finding a place to squat. Moving in with Maddie and three other girls is just a temporary stop over the Christmas holiday. It can’t last. Can it?
Alissa Mann by Tess Thompson
8 year old Alison is all alone. She wonders what happened to Mommy’s purse after the accident. Or the Christmas ornaments their family collected each year. At least she’s not alone at Mrs. Kirby’s foster house. Or the youngest. Maybe she help protect Hailey, the littlest in the house.
Hailey Kirby by Judith Keim
Even at 8, Hailey knows that foster homes are not always nice places. But getting a stuffed puppy dog for her very own is a great way to start changing her mind.
December 11, 2023
What a great idea!
This is a FREE prologue novella written by 5 different authors. Although written by different authors, each story is seamlessly told from the point of view of a foster child and is an introduction to the following 5 books, each set fifteen years later. The focus of the series, the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, is found family and reminds us about not giving up, maintaining hope, and making a difference, small as it may be.
What you’ll get:
Snippets of the 5 lives and unexpected changes that come with the Christmas season. You’ll get lots of Christmas magic about ‘family’ and you may even be moved to tears. Yes, there's a Christian thread running throughout the story.
Maddie Kirby is dreading the holiday season as she’s grieving the loss of her husband and young daughter. Her job as the school guidance counselor means that she’s aware of a troubled teen needing housing. One thing leads to another and soon Maddie is foster mom to 4 children at Christmas; 15 y/o Josephine, 13 y/o Stevie, 8 y/o Alison, and 8 y/o Hailey. You’ll love this heartwarming story about a woman who channeled her pain into sharing an incredible gift with 4 needy girls.
It’s just the perfect book to remind us to take our eyes off ourselves this season and look for ways we can positively impact the life of another.
This is a FREE prologue novella written by 5 different authors. Although written by different authors, each story is seamlessly told from the point of view of a foster child and is an introduction to the following 5 books, each set fifteen years later. The focus of the series, the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, is found family and reminds us about not giving up, maintaining hope, and making a difference, small as it may be.
What you’ll get:
Snippets of the 5 lives and unexpected changes that come with the Christmas season. You’ll get lots of Christmas magic about ‘family’ and you may even be moved to tears. Yes, there's a Christian thread running throughout the story.
Maddie Kirby is dreading the holiday season as she’s grieving the loss of her husband and young daughter. Her job as the school guidance counselor means that she’s aware of a troubled teen needing housing. One thing leads to another and soon Maddie is foster mom to 4 children at Christmas; 15 y/o Josephine, 13 y/o Stevie, 8 y/o Alison, and 8 y/o Hailey. You’ll love this heartwarming story about a woman who channeled her pain into sharing an incredible gift with 4 needy girls.
It’s just the perfect book to remind us to take our eyes off ourselves this season and look for ways we can positively impact the life of another.
September 1, 2020
Madeline Kirby lost her husband and young daughter to a terrible car accident. One she had blamed herself for even though it wasn't. She is a school guidance counselor and works with troubled kids. She is lonely and only has her mom and a lot of love to give. So she fosters 4 young girls and has them all at Christmastime. Giving them a Christmas that they either haven't had before or giving one to someone who has lost their parents recently.
The first story is told in the POV of Madeline. Then each story is written by a different author and POV of one of the foster girls.
This was such a heartwarming book that I read it all in 1 sitting. To give yourself to these girls during a difficult time just made my heart melt and the tears were there.
I will be reading the rest of the books.
I received this from the authors for review.
The first story is told in the POV of Madeline. Then each story is written by a different author and POV of one of the foster girls.
This was such a heartwarming book that I read it all in 1 sitting. To give yourself to these girls during a difficult time just made my heart melt and the tears were there.
I will be reading the rest of the books.
I received this from the authors for review.
August 20, 2020
They became sisters of the heart, brought together by the strength and love of a woman whose greatest pain gave life to her greatest gift. CHRISTMAS SISTERS created by an incredible group of authors, is a story of love, family and the spirit of the holidays that would change the lives of one woman and five young girls forever.
Simply incredible! Heartwarming, this tale of salvation is a must-read that will leave a smile on your face and joy in your heart.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Ev Bishop! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge - Book 1
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Independently Published
Genre: Holiday Fiction
Print Length: 90 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Simply incredible! Heartwarming, this tale of salvation is a must-read that will leave a smile on your face and joy in your heart.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Ev Bishop! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge - Book 1
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Independently Published
Genre: Holiday Fiction
Print Length: 90 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Read
August 18, 2020I love Christmas stories and I'm thrilled to see all the lovely reviews Christmas Sisters is getting from our early review teams. Like our readers, I fell in love with the four foster girls and the kind woman who took them in during the holidays. Each of them has their own story to tell and this FREE prologue novella is the perfect introduction to all of them.
You'll want to read each of their stories in subsequent books, with Christmas Kisses and Hailey's story releasing on October 1st, followed by Jo's story in my book, Christmas Wishes, on October 8th. Maddie, the woman who opens her heart and home to the girls, tells her story in Christmas Hope, releasing on October 15th, followed by Stevie's story in Christmas Dreams, on October 22nd. The last book in the series, Christmas Rings, tells Alissa's story and comes out on October 29th.
Christmas Kisses
Christmas Wishes
Christmas Hope
Christmas Dreams
Christmas Rings
Join the hundred of other readers who have clicked to pre-order Christmas Sisters and all the books in the series, so they'll be on your devices the minute they release. In addition, we've started a special Facebook Group, SOUL SISTERS BOOK CHAT, where we'll be sharing inside information and other fun tidbits related to our journey writing this series. Join us over at https://www.facebook.com/groups/souls...
You'll want to read each of their stories in subsequent books, with Christmas Kisses and Hailey's story releasing on October 1st, followed by Jo's story in my book, Christmas Wishes, on October 8th. Maddie, the woman who opens her heart and home to the girls, tells her story in Christmas Hope, releasing on October 15th, followed by Stevie's story in Christmas Dreams, on October 22nd. The last book in the series, Christmas Rings, tells Alissa's story and comes out on October 29th.
Christmas Kisses
Christmas Wishes
Christmas Hope
Christmas Dreams
Christmas Rings
Join the hundred of other readers who have clicked to pre-order Christmas Sisters and all the books in the series, so they'll be on your devices the minute they release. In addition, we've started a special Facebook Group, SOUL SISTERS BOOK CHAT, where we'll be sharing inside information and other fun tidbits related to our journey writing this series. Join us over at https://www.facebook.com/groups/souls...
August 22, 2020
This book, the prologue to a series, pulled me in immediately. It gives you a little taste of all of the characters that will have their own book and the back story about how they all came together. My favorite character was Maddie because of her strength and determination to give love to those who need it after losing those most important to her. Second favorite character was Claire as her love and support was clearly responsible for the person Maddie is - I love how Stevie saw the relationship between Maddie and her mother and understood how it could have shaped Maddie.
Overall, this was a great book with a lot of promise moving forward. It tugged at my heartstrings at every page turn and had me thinking of the spirit of Christmas often. I can only imagine the challenge of writing so many novels with overlapping characters. And I hope there is a lot of overlapping in the lives of the Soul Sisters and the woman who opened her heart and home to them one very amazing Christmas.
I was given an ARC of this book. This is my honest and fair review.
Overall, this was a great book with a lot of promise moving forward. It tugged at my heartstrings at every page turn and had me thinking of the spirit of Christmas often. I can only imagine the challenge of writing so many novels with overlapping characters. And I hope there is a lot of overlapping in the lives of the Soul Sisters and the woman who opened her heart and home to them one very amazing Christmas.
I was given an ARC of this book. This is my honest and fair review.
August 16, 2020
Christmas Sisters is the prologue to the Soul Sisters at Cedar mountain series. In it we first meet Maddie and the four girls that she decides to foster and eventually adopt to ease the loss of her husband and daughter in an accident. Maddie is such a delightful character - even though she is still grieving she realizes how much she has and can share with girls with no family. The girls all come to her house during the Christmas season and she went out of her way to decorate each bedroom and buy the girls Christmas gifts. She also started family traditions that the new family could follow in the future. I enjoyed the fact that she went shopping with the girls and gave them money to buy gifts for each other. They all knew that they weren't sisters by blood so they referred to themselves as soul sisters. Even though they all brought different strengths and baggage to their new home they soon realized how much they needed each other and they become a family
This book was gifted to me by Judith Keim, one of the authors and all opinions are my own.
This book was gifted to me by Judith Keim, one of the authors and all opinions are my own.
August 25, 2020
Christmas Sisters is such a well written introduction to the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series that I just wanted it to go on and on!
You'd never know that more than one author wrote the different sections if it wasn't noted as such. Each sister's story flows seamlessly into the next and the entire thing was heartwarming and just perfect for a Christmas book. There is love, redemption, loss, caring for those less fortunate, and all the feels that I find myself needing during this crazy world we live in right now.
I can't wait for the entire series to release because I'm so interested to see where these sisters are today! Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. I think you'll be glad you did.
Thank you to the authors and publisher for granting my request for an ARC. All thoughts in this review are my own.
You'd never know that more than one author wrote the different sections if it wasn't noted as such. Each sister's story flows seamlessly into the next and the entire thing was heartwarming and just perfect for a Christmas book. There is love, redemption, loss, caring for those less fortunate, and all the feels that I find myself needing during this crazy world we live in right now.
I can't wait for the entire series to release because I'm so interested to see where these sisters are today! Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. I think you'll be glad you did.
Thank you to the authors and publisher for granting my request for an ARC. All thoughts in this review are my own.
August 28, 2020
LOVE! Love, love. I loved this book, I loved the characters and I loved the individual stories of each of the girls including Maddie. I love the covers and I love that I will get to read some new authors to me! What's more to love?
Maddie Kirby is a woman with the biggest heart I've ever experienced. She has been through her own heartbreak but, rises above the heartbreak to take in 4 abandoned girls from separate circumstances. What better time than at Christmas!
I can't wait for the series! It is going to be so good. The prequel is available on Amazon for free. So, why are you still reading this review? Head on over to Amazon and get your free copy.
Maddie Kirby is a woman with the biggest heart I've ever experienced. She has been through her own heartbreak but, rises above the heartbreak to take in 4 abandoned girls from separate circumstances. What better time than at Christmas!
I can't wait for the series! It is going to be so good. The prequel is available on Amazon for free. So, why are you still reading this review? Head on over to Amazon and get your free copy.
August 11, 2020
I was given an Advanced Copy for my unbiased review of Christmas Sisters. This book had me in tears from the very beginning. It is such a heart warming story about 4 "sisters" coming together from the foster care system and being mothered by a wonderful woman who has lost so much herself. This book gives you the background story of the 4 young ladies who, through hard times, come together at Christmas to start a new future together.
August 15, 2020
This was an absolutely wonderful and heartwarming introduction to the new series written by several amazing and talented authors. Sweet, heart touching and beautifully written short stories by each of the authors to get some insight how these little girls and an adult woman got together and so promising about what's about to come. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would give more stars if I could!
Can't wait to see what comes next!
Can't wait to see what comes next!
August 10, 2020
This prologue novella is perfect start to the series. I was instantly enraptured in the lives of Maddie and the girls.
I am excited and anxiously waiting for the other books in this heartwarming series of novels!!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
I am excited and anxiously waiting for the other books in this heartwarming series of novels!!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
September 5, 2020
What a wonderful start to a new series. I can’t wait to read all these books and follow along with all these sisters !
September 6, 2020
Wonderful Christmas story
A genuinely heartwarming holiday story that makes you feel all good inside. I now need to go find the rest of the books in this series!
A genuinely heartwarming holiday story that makes you feel all good inside. I now need to go find the rest of the books in this series!
September 1, 2020
Christmas Sisters is a prequel to a new series, Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge. This novella is written by five different authors, each author focusing on a different main character, but all of the short stories blend seamlessly together. What a unique and wonderful way to introduce the reader to the new series written by Tammy L. Grace, Tess Thompson, Judith Keim, Ev Bishop and Violet Howe.
In this current season, as we all navigate the journey and trauma that has resulted from such a tumultuous time, the Christmas Sisters is a welcomed novella about the power and strength of love and compassion. The protagonist, Maddie, rather than allowing loss and despair consume her, chooses to transfer her love to four unsuspecting girls - all who have experienced their own sense of trauma throughout their lives - and allow it to transform their circumstances for the better. The use of multiple authors help create a uniqueness to each character that allows for the voices of each character to shine.
Normally I would write a much longer review, but in this instance, I feel that giving away too much will spoil the story. This is a story that will truly tug at your heartstrings, and you will want to see each character finally have the life they were previously denied. Christmas Sisters perfectly lays the groundwork for the remaining books in the series. I was completely hooked from the very first page until the very last...and I am patiently counting down until I can read the rest of the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series.
I would like to thank Judith Keim for allowing me the opportunity to read an review an ARC of Christmas Sisters. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
Book 1 Christmas Sisters
Book 2 Christmas Kisses
Book 3 Christmas Wishes
Book 4 Christmas Hope
Book 5 Christmas Dreams
Book 6 Christmas Rings
In this current season, as we all navigate the journey and trauma that has resulted from such a tumultuous time, the Christmas Sisters is a welcomed novella about the power and strength of love and compassion. The protagonist, Maddie, rather than allowing loss and despair consume her, chooses to transfer her love to four unsuspecting girls - all who have experienced their own sense of trauma throughout their lives - and allow it to transform their circumstances for the better. The use of multiple authors help create a uniqueness to each character that allows for the voices of each character to shine.
Normally I would write a much longer review, but in this instance, I feel that giving away too much will spoil the story. This is a story that will truly tug at your heartstrings, and you will want to see each character finally have the life they were previously denied. Christmas Sisters perfectly lays the groundwork for the remaining books in the series. I was completely hooked from the very first page until the very last...and I am patiently counting down until I can read the rest of the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series.
I would like to thank Judith Keim for allowing me the opportunity to read an review an ARC of Christmas Sisters. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
Book 1 Christmas Sisters
Book 2 Christmas Kisses
Book 3 Christmas Wishes
Book 4 Christmas Hope
Book 5 Christmas Dreams
Book 6 Christmas Rings
September 1, 2020
Christmas Sisters: Soul Sisters at Cedar Lodge Book One is a collaboration by five wonderful authors, Violet Howe, Judith Keim, Tess Thompson, Tammy L. Grace and E. V. Bishop. The transition between authors is seamless. If not for the chapter headings, I wouldn’t have known the author changed.
Christmas Sisters is a heartwarming story of loss, love and finding and becoming family. It is about the coming together of wounded strangers to find family. The characters are so well written that I could actually visualize them in detail. I liked getting to know the girls.
I highly recommend this book. It touched my heart. I am looking forward to the remaining books in the series.
Thank you #WildQuailPublishing and #JudithKeim for proving me with the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
Christmas Sisters is a heartwarming story of loss, love and finding and becoming family. It is about the coming together of wounded strangers to find family. The characters are so well written that I could actually visualize them in detail. I liked getting to know the girls.
I highly recommend this book. It touched my heart. I am looking forward to the remaining books in the series.
Thank you #WildQuailPublishing and #JudithKeim for proving me with the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
August 31, 2020
Wow, I loved reading this uplifting story. It is unique, having been written by five talented authors. The characters, each represented in her own chapter by a different author, display strong qualities despite facing their own heartbreaking challenges. It is heartwarming to see the way they all come together under the same roof just in time for Christmas. This beautiful novella is just what I needed during this strange time in our world. It reminds me of the good in people and that love truly can heal hearts. What a fantastic start to this series!
Thank you to the authors for the advanced review copy of Christmas Sisters. All opinions and comments are my own.
Thank you to the authors for the advanced review copy of Christmas Sisters. All opinions and comments are my own.
August 31, 2020
Christmas Sisters is a wonderful introduction to the characters due to star in a series to be released soon.
A woman filled with grief at losing her husband and child, opens her heart and home to a young girl who has been left with no carer, and as she comes to terms with having a new child in her life, she ends up with not one, but four new foster girls.
No links to one another, but connection that becomes so strong, they become soul sisters. Looking forward to reading the series, now!
A woman filled with grief at losing her husband and child, opens her heart and home to a young girl who has been left with no carer, and as she comes to terms with having a new child in her life, she ends up with not one, but four new foster girls.
No links to one another, but connection that becomes so strong, they become soul sisters. Looking forward to reading the series, now!
August 30, 2020
Christmas Sisters is the prologue of a 6 book series, each chapter is written by one of 5 authors. I was familiar with one of the authors and i have to say after reading this prologue i have added 4 more authors to my TBR list. I loved this book!! Its is a great story about hope and love during the holidays.. I cannot wait to read the other 5 books in the series!
August 31, 2020
This is a nice Christmas story written by multiple authors. Maddie Kirby had a devasting loss when her husband and daughter were killed in an auto accident. She plans to open her home to a foster child, which becomes more than one foster child. Each author tells the story from the point of view of one of the foster kids
August 30, 2020
What a great start to what’s going to be a fantastic series! We get a look at all 4 girls and the woman that made them a family. Their stories tug at your heartstrings. I was pulled into the story from the start. I can’t wait for the other stories in the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series!
August 31, 2020
Such a Great Book! I Love Christmas stories and Love family and friends such a heartwarming story. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for all the stories!
August 5, 2020
This is such a heartwarming read. If I could give it 10 stars I would. It is written by multiple authors and each does a chapter on a different sister. The sisters are not conventional sisters but sisters of the heart. Maddie the main character loses her husband and daughter in a car crash. She has a very close relationship with her own mother, Christmas is coming and she tells her mother she wants to adopt one of her students that she has mentored as a guidance counselor. Her mother tells her she thinks its a wonderful idea, before you know it she isn't just fostering one girl for adoption but three more. Having my own sister, foster and eventually adopt three children, I could understand some of the things each girl was going through. It bought tears to my eyes to read each girls stories, and them having their worldly belongings in a black plastic bag and how wonderful it would have been for them to come into the loving home of Maddie at Christmas time and have special gifts just for them that was their very own. I look forward to reading each and every book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy I received from the authors.
August 28, 2020
Christmas Sisters is the first book in the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge. In this introduction Novella, we learn of Maddie, who has tragically lost her husband and daughter to a traffic accident shortly before Christmas. Maddie learns of 4 girls from different families who need a foster home. She has room in her home as well as her heart to give take in all 4 of the girls and give them not only a Christmas to remember but a forever family.
In this her love and sense of family as much as she does. Each of the girls will have their own book with their stories.
I love the concept of this heart-warming series.
The first book is written by 4 authors. Each author introduces us to one of the girls. Books 2-5 are written when the girls are grown up and will be written by the author who wrote their introduction.
Even though the book has 4 authors, each chapter fits together seamlessly. What a great way to get to know 4 different author's all in one book! I enjoyed learning the backstories of Stevie and each of the girls and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
I recommend this book to readers who love feel-good stories that tug at the heartstrings.
*I received an advance copy of this book from a review group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts in the review are my own.
In this her love and sense of family as much as she does. Each of the girls will have their own book with their stories.
I love the concept of this heart-warming series.
The first book is written by 4 authors. Each author introduces us to one of the girls. Books 2-5 are written when the girls are grown up and will be written by the author who wrote their introduction.
Even though the book has 4 authors, each chapter fits together seamlessly. What a great way to get to know 4 different author's all in one book! I enjoyed learning the backstories of Stevie and each of the girls and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
I recommend this book to readers who love feel-good stories that tug at the heartstrings.
*I received an advance copy of this book from a review group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts in the review are my own.
August 5, 2020
I received an ARC from Judith Keim for an honest review. What an inspiring book this is. Maddie was dreading the first Christmas after her husband and only child was killed in a car accident. She is still going through the process of grief and decides she has to carry on and decides she will be a foster Mom to a girl. She struggles with what others will think but goes through with her plan. She is told about 2 other girls needing a home and at first, said no but changed her mind. Just before the girls were supposed to arrive there was another girl who needed a temporary home so Maddie opens her home to all four girls. It sure does seem like they were meant to meet and become soul sisters.
This is a book that is going to be read over and over. It is a pick me up book to read to remind us don't ever give up, it is a reminder that one person can make a difference, and you can smile again, live again. You will always remember but you will find the light again.
This is a book that is going to be read over and over. It is a pick me up book to read to remind us don't ever give up, it is a reminder that one person can make a difference, and you can smile again, live again. You will always remember but you will find the light again.
August 27, 2020
What a great book! When Maddie's husband and daughter are killed in a tragic accident, she regrets her first Christmas without them. As a guidance counselor, she reaches out to a student, Stevie, that has been abandoned by her mother. Maddie opens up her home to Stevie. Soon her heart and household grow to accommodate 3 more motherless girls that a home. Stevie is 13 and hesitant about believing this is a permanent placement for her; Jo, age 15, has been removed from a home where she sustained an injury and is also concerned this is just another temporary placement; Alissa, age 10, parent's died in a car accident and is thankful for a new home; Hailey is 8 and had been living with her grandmother until her death. The girls and Maddie were not related by blood but linked by the bond they shared. All four girls were together because their parents were gone but bonded together as sisters. They all had something they were happy and thankful for their first Christmas together.
I was given and Advanced Reader Copy of Christmas Sisters in exchange for my unbiased review.
I can't wait until I can read Christmas Kisses.
I was given and Advanced Reader Copy of Christmas Sisters in exchange for my unbiased review.
I can't wait until I can read Christmas Kisses.
August 10, 2020
This was the book I needed to get me out of a reading funk. This novella is written by several authors. I received a copy from Judith Keim for an honest review.
This is a heartwarming story of healing and moving forward under the hardest of tragedies. Maddie a school counselor, is dreading the holidays. Learning to move forward one day at a time after the death of her husband and only child Maddie considers opening her home to a young teen who's Mother has abandoned her. How much room do you have in your heart and your home to help children in need of stability and love? Claire, Maddie's mom tells her the heart has many chambers and it's capacity for love knows no bounds.
This is a heartwarming story of healing and moving forward under the hardest of tragedies. Maddie a school counselor, is dreading the holidays. Learning to move forward one day at a time after the death of her husband and only child Maddie considers opening her home to a young teen who's Mother has abandoned her. How much room do you have in your heart and your home to help children in need of stability and love? Claire, Maddie's mom tells her the heart has many chambers and it's capacity for love knows no bounds.
August 9, 2020
This is an absolutely charming book containing short stories by several well known and talented writers. I received an arc from Tammy Grace.Weaving together the lives of 4 girls without families and an adult woman who has lost her own family from a tragic accident,we see a blending of hearts and souls.Set at Christmas in a lovely Victorian house you can almost smell cookies baking and see the Christmas lights.Settle in with your favorite cup of tea and enjoy this sweet book.
September 5, 2020
What a delight was to be introduced to these characters! In this first book in the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, we meet Jo, Stevie, Alissa and Hailey as school aged girls. Each girl has experienced loss and found themselves in the foster care system. Maddie is a school guidance counselor who has experienced her own tragedy. She decides to take in the four girls who are in need of a home at Christmastime and gives them a place to belong. The viewpoint is told from each of the girls by a different author. I enjoyed meeting these girls, and am looking forward to their separate stories as the series continues.
September 5, 2020
BOOK REVIEW: The Christmas Sisters (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, Book 1)
Christmas Sisters is a prologue novella and collaboration of authors introducing us to the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge Series~ A series I am very excited for!
From page one, I was drawn into this heartwarming story and became emotionally involved with its ability to touch my heart in so many ways... The characters are written as real and meaningful with the truest of emotions, all in need of hope and connection to fill the void within their broken-hearts, and Madeline Kirby is one of them.
A woman who has experienced a traumatic event in her life, Madeline is in need of bringing life and love back to a place where sadness and loneliness have lived for far too long~ her heart. She makes the decision to move forward with a plan to fill the emptiness in her own life by giving of herself to a special young girl in need as well~ a young girl who has become one of the lost and forgotten children within the Foster Care System.
The Christmas Sisters will touch on your every emotion. Be ready to shed a tear or two as these characters find their way into your heart in this beautiful tale of compassion, patience, strength, understanding, and learning to love again by bringing together a unique family during the season of giving. A delightful holiday story that gives even more meaning to the spirit of Christmas.
I thank each of the authors, Ev Bishop, Tammy L. Grace, Violet Howe, Judith Keim, and Tess Thompson for contributing to and combining their talents in creating what has already become a favorite of mine.
5 Stars
#EvBishop
#TammyGrace
#VioletHowe
#JudithKeim
#TessThompson
Wild Sage Book Blog
Christmas Sisters is a prologue novella and collaboration of authors introducing us to the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge Series~ A series I am very excited for!
From page one, I was drawn into this heartwarming story and became emotionally involved with its ability to touch my heart in so many ways... The characters are written as real and meaningful with the truest of emotions, all in need of hope and connection to fill the void within their broken-hearts, and Madeline Kirby is one of them.
A woman who has experienced a traumatic event in her life, Madeline is in need of bringing life and love back to a place where sadness and loneliness have lived for far too long~ her heart. She makes the decision to move forward with a plan to fill the emptiness in her own life by giving of herself to a special young girl in need as well~ a young girl who has become one of the lost and forgotten children within the Foster Care System.
The Christmas Sisters will touch on your every emotion. Be ready to shed a tear or two as these characters find their way into your heart in this beautiful tale of compassion, patience, strength, understanding, and learning to love again by bringing together a unique family during the season of giving. A delightful holiday story that gives even more meaning to the spirit of Christmas.
I thank each of the authors, Ev Bishop, Tammy L. Grace, Violet Howe, Judith Keim, and Tess Thompson for contributing to and combining their talents in creating what has already become a favorite of mine.
5 Stars
#EvBishop
#TammyGrace
#VioletHowe
#JudithKeim
#TessThompson
Wild Sage Book Blog
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