It's almost Thanksgiving in 1918 Sioux City Iowa, and Maria Schmitt, a bank clerk, is busy decorating the bank; while doing so she falls off a ladder straight into the arms of a stranger. Although he wears an eye patch, he's very good-looking; Maria presumes it must be a war injury. After recovering form her mishap, Maria exchanges a few heated words with the mystery man regarding her unusual position at the bank; she's the only female clerk, but the most popular employee with the clients.

Shortly thereafter, it turns out the handsome man is Dale Emerson, the bank owner's nephew, and he will replace his ailing uncle as the manager. Dale is not thrilled: it was never what he envisaged doing after he came back from the front. He has also just broken his engagement because he didn't feel worthy anymore.

A CHRISTMAS HOPE is the story of Maria, whom we had first encountered in Hope at Dawn, book one of the Love and War series. I think it was a brilliant idea because I liked the character and I speculated as to what could have happened to her; still A CHRISTMAS HOPE can easily be read as a standalone. A CHRISTMAS HOPE features exceptionally well-rounded characters, even the secondary ones, and there's lovely Maria, who had her dreams crushed when her fiancé left her for someone else and then left her small town for the big city. Maria is determined, confident; she's a truly modern woman of the early twentieth Century. Maria is an engaging character with a sunny personality; she is cautious about giving her heart away again but she doesn't dwell on the past.

On the other hand, Dale is still in a dark place but Maria, one little gesture at a time, manages to bring light and happiness to Dale's life. I appreciated that the characters talk to each other; they don't hide their feelings; they become allies then friends through respect and communication, and eventually acknowledge that they are in love.

A CHRISTMAS HOPE reminded me just how much I enjoy Ms. Henrie's writing! Her writing style is breezy, effortless, elegant yet uncluttered and perfectly in tune with the era; pages fly by. The dialogues are superb, the banter between Maria and Dale so genuine and fun; the interactions between all the characters are just wonderful.

Ms. Henrie infuses her narrative with colourful depictions, adding small details that make the story come to life: the settings, the clothes, the mannerisms are historically accurate and add so much to the reading experience, even little things such as candies and Dale's ugly ties. I felt as if I were right there whether in the bank or in those characters' homes. I was reading with a smile on my face most of the time because Maria is simply irresistible! A few tears were shed at the end of this most lovely story; going back in time with Stacy Henrie is a very special treat!

Book Summary

In this special holiday novella, Stacy Henrie returns to the World War I setting of her Of Love and War series for a heartwarming read that's perfect for the Christmas season.

TIS THE SEASON FOR SECOND CHANCES

Having experienced the heartache of unrequited love, Maria Schmitt desperately seeks a new life. Landing a position as a clerk in a Sioux City bank is just what she needs to get started on her journey toward healing. But a dashing stranger soon puts her job-and her heart-in jeopardy.

Saving lives was all Dale Emerson ever wanted to do . . . until a fateful day in France shattered his career as a surgeon. He lost everything that mattered, and the last thing he wants to do is resign himself to a life without medicine working at his uncle's bank. Then he meets Maria, a compassionate woman who can see past his scars to the man he once was-and the man he could be again. With Christmas right around the corner, these two wounded hearts may find that hope and a little holiday cheer are just the ticket to letting go of regrets-and embracing a future full of love and possibility.

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