Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson - REVIEWED

About the Book:

Sometimes the best gift is a second chance


Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?


Reading Christmas at Harrington's, a story full of redemption and true holiday spirit, will be your newest Christmas tradition.


My Thoughts:
This is one of the most interesting ideas for a Christmas story I've ever read. Lena is in a fine predicament, and everything she is promised of second chances goes by the wayside as people decide to sit in judgment over a situation they know little or nothing about. Only Lena knows the truth, and no one wants to hear that.

The main character possesses an admirable trait of trying to push beyond the limitations placed upon her by her circumstances. Even though she has had to face unbearable heartache from the people she loved and trusted most, she still has the ability to reach out to others. Granted, she has to dig deep to do it, but the Lord uses that willingness to reach out to others to reach into Lena's heart with the ultimate truth about Christmas.

I loved the eclectic group of characters in this story, and I loved the feeling of pulling for the underdog (there was more than one in this story) and watching the Lord work all things out for His glory. I loved the unusual story angle - not only Lena's story but the Harrington family story and as well as Moira Phillips and her family! So many facets to enjoy!

I'm happy to recommend this story. It would make a great gift for any reader on your list!


About the Author:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com.