In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.
Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.
The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenges and possibilities it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers that Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.
MY THOUGHTS.....
I was introduced to Adelaide and Howard in a previous book, All My Secrets, so this Christmas story is especially endearing. Sweet romance is very evident as they experience the joy of being newlyweds, but there's also the realism of Addy longing to become the wife and homemaker that Howard deserves. As she adjusts to a life different than her former wealthy existence, she becomes totally engaged with two children who are trying to find their father. This is when the true heart of Christmas begins! Would adopting these needy children become an option for this newlywed couple?
I loved Addy and Harold's growth as a married couple, and I was touched by their willingness to help these children. Even though Waiting for Christmas is set during the Gilded Age, when the wealthy enjoyed great advantages, this story isn't all fluff and light. Poverty was rampant in Victorian New York and foster care for children was lacking, to say the least. The relationship of trust that develops between Addy, Harold, and young Jack is heartwarming and their efforts to help Jack find his three-year-sister tugged at my heartstrings but Jack's unwavering belief that his father would return is the catalyst for a tale that is rich in hope and faith.
Mrs. Gleason and Suzanne are delightful supporting characters, and I enjoyed their many preparations for the upcoming holiday, but this book is divided into four meaningful parts. Each part corresponds to the four Advent candles of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, and author Lynn Austin begins each section with relevant scripture and the mention of a Christmas hymn. Waiting for Christmas is a mesmerizing story of hope, faith, and joy, and it is destined to become a Christmas reading tradition for me and many others! Well done, Ms. Austin!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
Waiting For Christmas
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