I have read many of Melody's books. This is one of my favorites. What a great heart felt Christmas story. ( )

It is Christmas in July for a FB group I belong to. Our group read this month includes An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson. A well-written novella, this book explores lost love, secrets and lies. I am looking forward to the discussion later in the month. Have you read this book? I would love to share your thoughts with my group.

An Irish Christmas is set in the early 1960s — less than 20 years after the end of WWII and at the start of the Vietnam War. Colleen and her son Jamie both have secrets that will impact the other. Colleen’s husband was not really Jamie’s father, and Jamie has not spent the last two years pursuing a college degree, but a music career. The secrets and lies that each used to protect could now destroy their relationship.

Carlson uses first person POV in An Irish Christmas. Colleen and Jamie share the narrative allowing the reader insight into each character. Neither character has a strong faith foundation, although it seems that both are believers. It is interesting that the legacy of faith imparted by Colleen’s now deceased husband and Jamie’s adopted father has the most impact on Colleen and Jamie’s reconciliation with each other and God. This novella is a feel good Christmas story, so there is definitely a happily ever after ending. But somehow I feel that something is missing. I would have liked a stronger faith message than shared in this book — it is there, but seems secondary to the romantic love prevails plot.

I generally liked the story, but I don’t think I would recommend it to non-believers. Faith in God seems to be presented in a vague and abstract way.

Audience: adults. ( )

Light and meaningful. Short story with some meat. ( )

I thought this was pretty good. I guess I would have liked them to see more of Ireland. ( )