The pressures of raising a family that increase during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season are nothing new. Ella McFarland Evans faces this problem during 1908 in A Christmas to Remember by Linda Brooks Davis. This novella is the sequel to Davis’s award-winning novel, The Calling of Ella McFarland, and the story picks up several years later.
Ella and her husband Andrew adopted five orphaned children shortly after their honeymoon, and they have one biological child. Ella finds herself overwhelmed with her family and teaching responsibilities as well as Christmas preparations.
Her husband and children leave for a few days, and Ella hopes to take advantage of the time to get ready for Christmas, but unexpected circumstances thwart her plans and help her reevaluate her priorities.
This work of historical fiction contains a timeless message that is applicable to women today. Our value lies not in what we do but in who we are, and our best gift to our loved ones is our presence.
I recommend this novella, which is available in print and e-book formats. It would make an excellent stocking stuffer this Christmas. Check it out!