Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn

• Series: Father Christmas
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (September 6, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455565946
• ISBN-13: 978-1455565948

About the Book(s):

By beloved author Robin Jones Gunn, two timeless, heartwarming Christmas novellas bound together for the first time in an omnibus edition.

In FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS, Miranda Carson's search for her father leads her unexpectedly to London with only a few feeble clues as to who he might be. Immediately welcomed into a family that doesn't recognize her, and whom she's quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision. Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this London Christmas will forever change the future for both herself and the family she can't bear to leave. 

In ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation. But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost. And yet . . . maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

My Thoughts: 

With a heavy nod to the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens, Robin Jones Gunn has written what is destined to become its own Christmas classic.

"Finding Father Christmas" is the story of Miranda Carson and her search for the father she has never known. Her journey takes her to England, just in time for the Christmas holiday.

Alone, fearful, and feeling quite lost, she stumbles her way to a tiny shop called Tea Cozy. Immediately Miranda is welcomed into the fold by a booming voice calling, "Come in, come in, and know me better, friend!" (my favorite line from "A Christmas Carol"--especially the Muppets version:-)

Katherine and Andrew, co-owners of the Tea Cozy, are taking part in a Christmas Eve production of "A Christmas Carol"...at least, a modified version of the play. Invited to attend, Miranda does so with a reluctant heart. But in the process of the rest of this story, she not only finds her heart, but finds her answers in the most unlikely of places.

Filled with delightful characters and a brief tribute to C.S. Lewis' Narnia classic, Robin has written a holiday hit. I fell in love with Miranda and related to her need for that father her heart longs for. The writing is so powerful that you feel what Miranda is feeling...the emotion leaps off the page and into your own heart.

In "Engaging Father Christmas", Miranda has finally found the family she's always longed for, and her hope is to join them in Jolly Old England. As she makes her plans to return to Carlton Heath, Miranda carries a secret wish...

...for a new found love.

Bumping into an old boyfriend at Paddington Station wasn't in her list of things to do. But if not for Josh, Miranda wouldn't have discovered her family and her father. The least she can do is share her news; news that MUST be kept secret.

The joy of Miranda's return is evident in every member of her new family--except for Margaret, the family matriarch. News of Ian's father being hospitalized, the unexpected encounter with Josh...will anything go according to Miranda's plans?

My response: why should things go her way now? God has been orchestrating a beautiful melody in Miranda Carson's life, and I'm loving the sound of it! Reading Robin's Christmas novellas reminds me that God is always in control, and even when things look bleak, the Son will shine through.

I'd love to say this was a most satisfying sequel...but my bookhound nose is scenting a trilogy in the making. Quite possibly, I'm wrong. I hope I'm not. I'd love another trip back to Carlton Heath next Christmas. I have a feeling you would as well, once you've been there with Robin, Miranda and company.

You can see "Finding Father Christmas" on the Hallmark Movie Channel this Christmas season, and the dual book is available now in bookstores everywhere! My thanks to my friends at FaithWords Publishing for my complimentary copy, with no obligation.  Both stories receive my "Oh, The Feels!" award, and be watching for the THIRD novel, coming soon!  Until then...

Mark Your Place,

Deena