It is Christmas Eve and, for the toys in Mr Blossom's shop, it is their last chance to be sold. Holly, a small doll dressed especially for Christmas, wishes hard for her own special child. But the day ends and Holly is left in the window. On Christmas morning a little lost orphan girl finds herself outside the toyshop. Ivy has never had a doll to love, but when she sees Holly, she knows at once that this doll is meant specially for her. But Ivy has no money, and the shop is closed . . . The Story of Holly and Ivy is a Christmas classic by Rumer Godden, beautifully illustrated by Christian Birmingham.
THE GIFT OF FAMILY The flames of memory always seem to glow a little brighter during the holidays. Perhaps that’s why this time of year is so difficult for airline heiress Ivy Macintosh, as she faces thoughts of yet another festive season alone. Since the plane crash that claimed the lives of her husband and two children eight years ago, she’s been submerged in grief. When eleven-year-old Holly Greenwood knocks on her door, lost and frightened after a forbidden visit to her singing teacher, Ivy’s self-imposed exile is shattered. Holly has an extraordinary voice, and wants nothing more than to perform in an upcoming Christmas musical. Holly’s father, Daniel, doesn’t allow music in their home, refusing to give a good reason why. Yet Ivy is drawn to the warmth she senses beneath his gruff exterior. As Christmas nears, their shared concern for Holly begins to draw Ivy back into the world again . . . and toward a family who may need her just as much as she needs them . . . “Bestselling Michaels’ bittersweet Christmas story offers the promise of a better tomorrow.” —Booklist “The storyline is an emotional rollercoaster, so keep a tissue box nearby . . . A great read.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
Nearly twenty-five years ago, Kathleen Halloran's brother drowned during the last summer they ever spent with their grandmother on a remote island off Maine's coast. Like a siren's call she can't resist, Kathleen is pulled back to Little Sister Island. She leaves her job and her girlfriend, packs up her few belongings, and moves into her grandmother's cottage. Molly Cooper loves life on Little Sister, where the islanders take care of their own. Kathleen Halloran doesn't belong here, and her arrival stirs up unwelcome memories for the islanders-including Molly's brother. Molly is certain Kathleen will pack up at the first big blow. When she doesn't, Molly begins to see maybe there's more to Kathleen than she thought. Sometimes, before you can move forward, you have to look back.
Get into the spirit of the Christmas season with this beautiful coloring book for adults filled with festive illustrations and holiday-inspired quotes from beloved writers, songs, and Scripture. With candles in the windows, lights in the trees, stockings over fireplaces, and the sound of bells in the air, Christmas really is one of the most wonderful times of the year! In the midst of Christmas shopping, party planning, and event hosting, this coloring book offers a beautiful and festive way to meditate on the wonder and joy of the season. Each beautifully illustrated page features an original design from a talented artist that illustrates a corresponding quote. Features include: 45 large format 9.75" x 9.75" (25x25cm) pages with perforated edges for easy removal and display High quality, bleed-proof, bright white paper stock—heavy enough to use pencils, pens, or markers Quotes from the Bible, Christmas songs, and a variety of inspirational writers, such as Ann Voskamp, Asheritah Ciuciu, Charles Dickens, Enuma Okoro, G. K. Chesterton, George Eliot, Liz Curtis Higgs, Maya Angelou, and more A link to a Spotify Christmas playlist to help set the festive mood for worship, creative expression, and a spirit of joy Original illustrations by artists who were previously featured in the bestselling Whatever Is Lovely and Everything Beautiful The Holly and the Ivy invites you into the holiday spirit and encourages you to cultivate a joyful perspective so that you can share cheer and goodwill to those around you. Whether you are curling up by the fire or hosting a Christmas party with friends, pick up your favorite art supplies and color your way to a refreshed appreciation for this special season.
