This is a Christmas/Holiday story that will stir your emotions in many ways. It is a story of forgiveness, faith, understanding, peace, love and or course restoration of the spirit all rolled into a story a bout a home renovation project.

The three main characters, Alexis, Gabe and Elsie, each had their own backstory, and a need for some personal restoration. Alexis is trying to win the coveted spot on a Christmas renovation television show to kick start her design business, Gabe is taking over his father's videography business while he recovers from an accident and Elsie is trying to get some much needed work done on her fieldstone farmhouse for free. As we get to know each of the characters we learn about their past and how it has affected their life. One of the most important things they have to do is learn to listen and trust one another, which is easier said than done. With unexpected disasters, an unco-operative and disappearing owner and some weather problems it seems that this project will never get completed. This book is a good reminder that everyone has a story, and seeing them through God's "eyes" helps us to be compassionate. The writing is beautiful and spiritual. There are many spots in the story where both Gabe and Alexis relate what is happening to the birth of Christ and there being no room for him. My only complaint is that you have to go to the website to read the epilogue but that was not a biggie for me. Another lovely story reminding us of the peace, joy and love that surrounds the Christmas Season. ( )

This was a very good Christmas story. I did not want to put this book down. This was a bit different than most Christmas stories that I have read. I had to go to the website to see if she won the contest or not. Gabe and Alexis had a great relationship. It would be fun to see them in another book. I enjoy these restoration projects on TV and to incorporate them in to a book story was wonderful. I received a copy of this book from Worthy Firstlook blog tour for a fair and honest opinion. ( )

Cynthia Ruchti’s latest Christmas-themed novella is the perfect addition for your holiday reading this year. Restoring Christmas is a story filled with humor, heart and hope. Alexis is a designer with dreams of a big break in television. She travels to small town Wisconsin to take on the challenge of restoring a home in just 8 weeks before Christmas. She soon finds that her plans must take a backseat to the story of the home and its owner, Elsie. Amidst obstacles, the project bumpily progresses, and Alexis grows in her appreciation for a true restoration.

While Restoring Christmas is a novella, I never felt short-changed in character development. Alexis is a woman driven to be the very best despite insecurities brought on my her childhood experiences. Cameraman Gabe has overcome a past as well, and his irritating enthusiasm and perkiness is the perfect foil for Alexis. It is their pasts and the past of the home they are restoring that points to the overall theme of how the past often comes to define us, unless we let God remake and restore us. One of my favorite lines in the book reflects the way God overcomes and makes new out of a mess — Our past converted into something more suitable for how we live today. (p. 211). Ruchti also uses setting to great effect. I now have Door County and its environs on my travel bucket list!

Restoring Christmas is a quick read, but it is one that will stay with you for a long time. Pick it up for your Christmas reading fix!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Worthy Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )