George Hammond and his 10 children have been through a very tough year after his wife died. Many did not think that George would be able to live without his beloved wife and they were very close to being correct a few times. Now that Christmas is approaching, the Hammonds are struggling with the anniversary of Mrs. Hammond's death...and with illness among the children. Julia Wortham and her husband Sam have been doing all they can to help the Hammond children, but will it be enough against this new sickness, the Depression, and the disappearance of George Hammond. Can Julia keep these children healthy while bringing a bit of the Spirit of Christmas back to them?

This was a good little novella. I read it in a few hours and really enjoyed the story. ( )

FYI: This book is listed as book 3 in the Country Road Chronicles, but after having read it, it should be listed as book #4 in The Wortham Family Series as this story continues on where book 3 left off. The 'Country Road Chronicles' series starts 6 years later.

This was a shorter story, but still filled with precious memories of two dear families. It is almost Christmas, one year after the death of the Hammond's dear mother and wife. George, the father of the family goes missing and all the children wonder what happened. Julia and Samuel will once again take all the children in and try to take their minds off their mother's passing and their father's leaving. Who knew what a simple paper nativity would do to cheer the children up and make Christmas extra special.

I loved how these families who have nothing, can still find simple things to make and do to make the Christmas season special, enjoyable and full of memories. I hate to say goodbye to these families during 1932 and jump ahead 6 years, but also look forward to seeing how things turn out for everyone. This is a series I will long remember and if I owned them all, would be displayed on my bookshelf. ( )

NCLA Review - This is Wortham family Christmas story is based on the lines of the song Away in the Manger. The story takes place a few days before Christmas 1932 near Farmington. Nine children from the neighboring Hammond family are at the Wortham’s farm doorstep. Their older brother has left seeking work and their father seems to have abandoned them. The Worthams, who have two children of their own, invite them in. Each chapter begins with a line from the classic Christmas song. The Christmas celebration advances with the children making their manger scene in preparation for the arrival of Baby Jesus. But tension rises as Christmas nears and there is no sign of Mr. Hammond. As a fun extra, the author includes recipes at the back of the book for food prepared in the story. An enjoyable Advent read. Rating: 4—RE ( )