I couldn't put this down. A complete surprise ending. Loved it! ( )

Peace & Goodwill is a wonderful seasonal novella that will get you into the Christmas spirit. Author Lee Strauss weaves an inspirational tale of love, loss, hope, peace, and promise that will tug at the heartstrings and stir your soul.

Peace & Goodwill follows the story of two women who are both struggling through the Christmas season. For Belle loneliness turns to love when a soldier home on leave stops in at the used bookshop where she works and a mutual attraction develops. For Anna, living in the moment with only her dog as a companion is what she strives to do while battling cancer. For both women, their paths will cross on Christmas Eve and change everything ... Christmas is the season for miracles, peace, and goodwill.

This is a lovely little novella that easily draws the reader into Belle and Anna's alternating stories. You can't help but get wrapped up in their stories, it takes you on emotional roller coaster ride that will leave you spent but with a smile on your face. Peace & Goodwill is the perfect inspirational and feel good story to kick off the Christmas holiday season.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Author Lee Strauss and Publicist Elana Johnson.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/11/peace-goodwill-by-lee-strauss-... ( )

Christmas can be a difficult time for some. Belle and Anna are included in this. Belle is all alone since her mother died. Anna has her dog Angel and a death sentence looming over her head. Both ladies are struggling to find any good cheer in their lives. Things start to look up as Belle meets a handsome stranger. As things start to look up for Belle, Anna's situation turns even more desperate. Everything collides on Christmas Eve, and nothing will ever be the same for any of them.

This story is split between the points of view of Belle and Anna. They both have some similarities in their lives. Both are lonely. Both wish that they had a better chance for a happy Christmas. Belle sees a chance when she meets the handsome Ian in the used book store she works in. Anna on the other hand has a tumor that won't stop growing. This quick read takes some very surprising turns. It all leads up to an interesting and uplifting finale. This story gives some good cheer and hope even in the saddest of circumstances. Miracles still happen, and when is a better time for a miracle than Christmas?

Novella provided for review. ( )