Waiting for Christmas - by Lynn Austin (Hardcover)

I was introduced to Adelaide and Howard Forsythe in a previous book, All My Secrets, so this Christmas story is especially endearing. I loved seeing Addy and Harold's growth as a married couple, and I was touched by their willingness to help two young children searching for their father. 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. Wonderful characters, the anticipation of Christmas, and New York as it was in 1910 are key attractions in this novella but I especially loved that 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.

I just loved this book. It was so sweet to follow up with Addie & Howard from All My Secrets. It did have some sad parts and was quite interesting to read about the class differences that existed in the early 1900s. It kept me guessing as to what would happen to Jack & Polly. Such a heart warming story to read around Christmas. I highly recommend reading this book! I also recommend reading the book All My Secrets, as it will help you understand the backstory of Addie & Howard.

A perfect novella to put you in the Christmas Spirit bringing out what's important at Christmas time and in daily living. This heartwarming story has lovable characters, festive energy, and an intriguing plot keeping you turning pages. Great gift idea paired with All My Secrets by Lynn Austin. Superb writing! Beautiful story all the way to the end.

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin is a sweet holiday story. I discovered when I began reading Waiting for Christmas, that it continues the story of Adelaide and Howard from All My Secrets. I was able to read the book as a standalone. Addy and Howard are newly married and there will need to be adjustments on both of their parts. The couple must deal with financial issues and social pressures. They also need to make decisions regarding their future. I liked the main and secondary characters. I thought it was a well-rounded cast of characters. Jack was a little rapscallion while Polly was a sweetheart. Mrs. Gleason was a dear. I thought the author captured the time and place. Addy is actively involved in the women’s suffrage movement. Most people associate women’s suffrage with the right to vote, but they advocated for other rights for women as well. The other topic addressed was the plight of orphans. It was heartrending the number of children without homes. I like how the author tied the meaning of the Advent candles to the story. The true meaning of Christmas is discussed, and I loved the reading the description of the beautiful nativity that Addy received from her mother. Waiting for Christmas is a touching tale with a tenacious child, financial tension, a lost little one, an upsetting search, lighting candles, helpful lessons, and a happy holiday.

If you think you will read All My Secrets, then read it before even looking at the description for this book—-it will give some things away. If not, this sweet story can also be read as a standalone. Oh, this is a magical Christmas story, with hardships mixed with joy and a true meaning of Christmas ending. I adored all of the main characters in All My Secrets, so getting to visit some of them again was a joy. Add in a feisty little boy named Jack, an endearing cook and a quest to solve the mystery of Jack’s family and you have a lovely, wintry adventure. I also loved the spiritual arc as church services, lighting candles, praying and the spirit of advent created a deeper story of trusting life in His hands. This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

Waiting for Christmas is a delightful, heart-tugging sequel to All My Secrets continuing Adelaide and Howard’s story after their marriage. I loved All My Secrets and was thrilled to read more about Adelaide and Howard. My expectations were met and exceeded in this novella. The characters, main and secondary, are expertly crafted and easy to cheer for. I love Addy and Howard as individuals and as a couple. The children Jack and Polly stole my heart. The historical aspect of the story centers on the women’s suffrage movement and the plight of the poor immigrants and orphans in 1901 New York. I appreciate the “faith in action” angle of the story and the emphasis on the real meaning of Christmas. This is the kind of book that makes you smile and perhaps shed sad and happy tears. I recommend this charming story of family and faith brimming with hope and love as an enjoyable, inspiring read not only at Christmas time but also at any other time of the year! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.