Nestled in the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, the Grey Sage Inn looks like the perfect place for weary travelers to escape the craziness of the Christmas season. There's plenty to see in historic Santa Fe during the day, and the inn's owners, Maude and Silas Thornhill, are happy to spend their evenings hosting this year's guests from across the country.
But an unusual snowstorm throws a wrench in the festive mood. The sprawling inn becomes close quarters as stranded
guests discover this Christmas won't be the relaxed vacation they expected. Tension and fear mount as the storm worsens, and Silas, a retired doctor, is called away in the middle of the night to care for a neighbor. The snow and stress unlock tongues---and in the unexpected conversation that follows, secrets and pasts are revealed, and hearts are healed.
In the midst of snowdrifts and fireside conversations of days
gone by, the warmth of Christmas brings a renewed hope as these trapped strangers become friends---proof again that the joy, hope, peace, and love of Christmas can be experienced no matter where you are.
My review:
This was a new author to me, but I didn't hesitate to request it since I love Christmas stories. I was not disappointed, and it left me wanting to read the author's other Christmas novel.
There are a lot of main characters in this novel. At the center of the story is Maude and Silas Thornhill, who are hosting a group of travelers guided by a friend of theirs. Some of the group are very unique, and all are likable.
I felt this story truly got the real meaning of Christmas across, as sacrifices were made to make Christmas special for those who had planned to spend it elsewhere. There's a romance, painful memories, laughter, and a lot of introspection by the visitors and their hosts.
The book was a very enjoyable read, and I applaud the author for her afterword where she gave information on what happened to her characters after the story was finished. This is a great Christmas offering that any lover of Christmas stories will enjoy. And it may leave you wishing you could be part of such a Christmas gathering as that.
About the author:
Phyllis Clark Nichols grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in Georgia and weaves her Southern culture into character-driven stories that explore profound human questions. She is a classically trained musician and enjoys art, books, nature, cooking, travel, and ordinary people. Aft er retiring as a cable network executive, Phyllis began leading mission teams to orphanages in Guatemala and now serves on three nonprofi t boards, where she works with others who are equally passionate about bringing hope and light to those who need it most. Phyllis and her husband live in the Texas Hill Country.
Learn more at phyllisclarknichols.com.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity for the review copy.
Learn more about the book here.
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