Review: Fair Mountain Christmas by Heidi Eljarbo
Her winter writing retreat becomes an emotionally challenging encounter.
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Historical Fiction | Small-Town Fiction | Novella
Fair Mountain Christmas by Heidi Eljarbo
Description
A few days before Christmas, Juni’s editor gives her a writing assignment that throws her far outside of her comfort zone. She and her terrier, Leo, retreat to her grandparents’ old cabin in the Norwegian mountains in hopes of inspiration. But the trip turns into a heart-wrenching and emotionally challenging encounter. How might the miracle of Christmas live up to its promise of hope, goodwill, and love this year?
My Thoughts
Given how much I’m into Christmas novellas and how amazing the book cover of this one is, it’s kind of a wonder that it took me over a year to read this one I had on my Kindle.
Not a Romance
As romantic as this story set in the ’70s turns out to be, I’d say not to think of it as a romance novella. (Just in case that’s what you were thinking!) The heroine spends much of the time with just herself and her dog, reflecting on the family life she had as a child. It’s an easily paced read with plenty of contemplative moments, and I feel that family is the key focus here.
Real, Warm, and Inviting
Also, while I admittedly enjoy my share of holiday schmaltz, this isn’t a corny or sappy story. The emotional quality is real and relatable without being overdone. I mean, at least a time or two, the story sort of snuck up on me when it twinged my heart.
While grief is a prominent theme, the read is warm and inviting with its own kind of Christmas magic. Great for fans of wholesome holiday stories. I definitely plan on reading this author again.
Like what you see here?
You’re welcome to check out the holiday books I’ve written: fiction of hope and inspiration, featuring diverse and uncommon lead characters.
