Naomi's Gift

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO RE-READ DAY!

CLIPSTON, AMY

NAOMI'S GIFT

Naomi King has been unlucky in love. Longing for marriage and children, she pursued love full tilt, disregarding traditional courtship. Now, at the ripe old age of twenty-four, Naomi has been burned twice, certain she'll spend her life helping with her mother's quilt business and caring for her eight siblings.

As Christmas approaches -- at time of family, faith, and hope for many others -- Naomi is resigned to what she believes is God's will for her, and she throws herself into tending the quilt booth at the farmers market. Even so, she longs for love.

Enter Caleb Schmucker, a young widower with an eight-year-old daughter. Visiting family for the holidays, Caleb is dealing with his own guilt, uncertainties, and longings.  As he and Naomi find themselves together at social gatherings and holiday events, both treasure their budding, relationship.

Caleb finds the friendship awakening feelings he's suppressed since his wife's death. Naomi begins to experience emotions deeper than any she's ever felt. Slowly, cautiously, Naomi finds the courage to open her heart to this thoughtful, faith-filled man.

With her belief in love already shaken, Naomi must once again reconsider her hopes and dreams and reexamine her faith.

My Review:

published in 2016

Sniffle...reading this review from 11 years ago was bittersweet because my old man sheltie was still alive and clamouring for walks. :-( Luckily, the story distracted me. :-)

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I was transfixed by this novella. Read it in one sitting as a matter of fact. Poor Simba missed another walk on account of a good book. I have to stop doing that or both our waistlines will suffer! Clipston weaves a tight plot line with surprising depth and characterization that makes this a rewarding read. Her pacing is impeccable, nothing drags, rather each scene builds seamlessly to the climax. I think it's more difficult to write a really good short novel but Clipston has certainly mastered the art. I felt as satisfied as if I'd just finished an epic Amish trilogy. Speaking of which -- readers who have read The Kauffmann Bakery Series will be excited to catch glimpses of old friends. I haven't read the series (but certainly will now!) but didn't feel anything lacked in Naomi's Gift because of that. A lovely Christmas read that captures the essence of the season.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read hardcover copy. (I discovered I have the same title in a two book bind up so this one is up for grabs.) 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Naomi's Gift, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 30 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!