"A Brilliantly Written and Enchanting Christmas Past!"
Reviewed by Monique Daoust
Posted November 30, 2014
Holiday | Novella / Short Story | Romance Historical
It's almost Thanksgiving in 1918 Sioux City Iowa, and
Maria Schmitt, a bank clerk, is busy decorating the bank;
while doing so she falls off a ladder straight into the
arms of a stranger. Although he wears an eye patch, he's
very good-looking; Maria presumes it must be a war
injury. After recovering form her mishap, Maria exchanges
a few heated words with the mystery man regarding her
unusual position at the bank; she's the only female
clerk, but the most popular employee with the clients.
Shortly thereafter, it turns out the handsome man is Dale
Emerson, the bank owner's nephew, and he will replace his
ailing uncle as the manager. Dale is not thrilled: it was
never what he envisaged doing after he came back from the
front. He has also just broken his engagement because
he didn't feel worthy anymore.
A CHRISTMAS HOPE is the story of Maria, whom we had first
encountered in Hope at Dawn, book one of the Love and
War series. I think it was a brilliant idea because I
liked the character and I speculated as to what could
have happened to her; still A CHRISTMAS HOPE can easily
be read as a standalone. A CHRISTMAS HOPE features
exceptionally well-rounded characters, even the secondary
ones, and there's lovely Maria, who had her dreams
crushed when her fiancé left her for someone else and
then left her small town for the big city. Maria is
determined, confident; she's a truly modern woman of the
early twentieth Century. Maria is an engaging character
with a sunny personality; she is cautious about giving
her heart away again but she doesn't dwell on the past.
On the other hand, Dale is still in a dark place but
Maria, one little gesture at a time, manages to bring
light and happiness to Dale's life. I appreciated that
the characters talk to each other; they don't hide their
feelings; they become allies then friends through respect
and communication, and eventually acknowledge that they
are in love.
A CHRISTMAS HOPE reminded me just how much I enjoy Ms.
Henrie's writing! Her writing style is breezy,
effortless, elegant yet uncluttered and perfectly in tune
with the era; pages fly by. The dialogues are superb,
the banter between Maria and Dale so genuine and fun; the
interactions between all the characters are just
wonderful.
Ms. Henrie infuses her narrative with
colourful depictions, adding small details that make the
story come to life: the settings, the clothes, the
mannerisms are historically accurate and add so much to
the reading experience, even little things such as
candies and Dale's ugly ties. I felt as if I were right
there whether in the bank or in those characters' homes.
I was reading with a smile on my face most of the time
because Maria is simply irresistible! A few tears were
shed at the end of this most lovely story; going back in
time with Stacy Henrie is a very special treat!
SUMMARY
In this special holiday novella, Stacy Henrie returns
to
the World War I setting of her Of Love and War series for
a
heartwarming read that's perfect for the Christmas
season. TIS THE SEASON FOR SECOND CHANCES Having experienced the heartache of unrequited love,
Maria
Schmitt desperately seeks a new life. Landing a position
as
a clerk in a Sioux City bank is just what she needs to
get
started on her journey toward healing. But a dashing
stranger soon puts her job-and her heart-in jeopardy. Saving lives was all Dale Emerson ever wanted to do . . .
until a fateful day in France shattered his career as a
surgeon. He lost everything that mattered, and the last
thing he wants to do is resign himself to a life without
medicine working at his uncle's bank. Then he meets
Maria, a
compassionate woman who can see past his scars to the man
he
once was-and the man he could be again. With Christmas
right
around the corner, these two wounded hearts may find that
hope and a little holiday cheer are just the ticket to
letting go of regrets-and embracing a future full of love
and possibility.
ExcerptShe’d do well to remember Dale wasn’t just a friend; he was also her boss. No
matter how much she was beginning to enjoy his company, both in and out of the
bank. The sting of Friedrick’s rejection had dulled, but it had also made her
cautious. She would not lay her heart at the feet of another man unless she was
absolutely certain that man returned her affections completely.“The reason you need more than new ties, Dale, is that the whole outfit makes the
man.” She latched on to his arm again. “Now come on.” He released a low growl of disapproval, but he allowed her to lead him into the
building. Inside, Maria steered him in the direction of the men’s department. A
middle-aged woman approached, smiling. “May I help you?” “My boss is in need of several full suits. Jacket, vest, trousers, tie,
everything.” “Oh.” The woman glanced at Dale, clearly seeking confirmation. He glowered at Maria, then pushed out a long breath. “She is correct.” “Do you know your measurements?” the store clerk asked. Dale gave a curt nod. “Very well.” The kind smile appeared once more. “We’ll get started then. If you’ll
follow me, sir.” As he trailed the woman toward a screened partition, he tossed another pointed
glare at Maria. She smiled sweetly in return and settled into a nearby chair to
await his transformation from slovenly to stylish. After more than a few minutes of drumming her fingernails against the chair arm, a
movement near the partition caught her eye and she stood. Dale slipped from behind
the screen, dressed in a light brown suit with a matching vest and a chocolate-
colored tie. He held his hands out as if in surrender. “Well?” Maria came up behind him as he went to stand in front of the nearby mirror. “Much
better.” “But not dashing?” He watched her through the mirror, his expression riddled with
amusement. Good grief, her earlier compliments had gone straight to his head. She certainly
wasn’t about to admit he looked even more dashing today than he had at his uncle’s
party. “What do you think?” she countered. He flexed his arms, then straightened the jacket and tie. “It’s not bad. Maybe
wearing a full suit to work won’t be so uncomfortable.” Maria suppressed a grin. It was a victory, however small. Still, she wanted him to
appreciate himself in a new suit, not merely go along with her idea because she’d
pushed him. “You should buy it, but I think you need one more…” She spun around and
eyed the other suits on display. While the light brown one worked well with his
dark hair, another color might produce the striking combination she hoped to
achieve. “Try this one.” She selected a dark blue suit and handed it to him. “And for a
tie…” A nearby table held rows of neatly folded ties. The saleswoman selected one and held it up for Maria’s approval. “Might I suggest
the navy and white stripe for the gentleman?” “Yes, perfect.” She passed the tie to Dale as well. He examined the articles of clothing with a skeptical look. “Both are very popular choices,” the saleswoman added. Maria couldn’t help
wondering what she thought of her and Dale’s rather casual manner as employer and
employee. With a roll of his eyes, he ducked back behind the screen, the new items in hand.
Maria returned to her seat. Would he like this suit better? Would it convince him
she was right about how a bank manager ought to dress? At last, Dale rounded the screen, his gaze on her. “Is this one better?” The moisture fled Maria’s mouth, forcing her to swallow, as she gawked at him.
Thank goodness she was seated. Otherwise her knees would have bowed under the shock
of what she was seeing. The man before her looked like Dale, but in the new suit,
he appeared decidedly more confident, even handsomer. She couldn’t wait for the
bank patrons to see him dressed like this. Once her initial astonishment had worn off, she hopped to her feet and swiped up a
dark blue hat. Dale was still waiting for her answer. “You need one more thing.”
She placed the hat at an angle on his head, then taking him by the shoulders, she
turned him toward the mirror. “Now…you look dashing.” Dale studied his reflection, his countenance revealing nothing of what he thought.
He tipped his hat a little lower and turned from one side to the other. Maria
remained behind him, one hand still holding his arm. At last he muttered, “You win.” Victory surged through Maria as she caught his eye in the mirror. She bent forward,
one hand cupping her ear. “I’m sorry. What was that?” He twisted to face her, an amused glint in his gaze that set her heart skipping
chaotically. It was the same feeling of anticipation, of breathlessness, she’d
experienced when he’d caught her on his first day at the bank, or placed his hand
on her waist in his office, or peeled away her sock when she’d hurt herself
skating. “I said you win. I’ll buy them. The suits. The ties.” “I knew it.” She laughed and started to pull away from him, but Dale captured her
hand in his. “You did not,” he argued, his smile almost mischievous. He brushed a curl from her
face, his fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary before he lowered his
hand. Any clever remarks fled Maria’s head at his gentle touch. All she could think about
was the sudden need to lay her hand against his strong-looking jaw. Something about
Dale compelled her to be near him. To bask in the refreshment of his smile, the
strength of his presence, the ease of his friendship. She took a step toward him,
her feet bumping his. “I figured you’d see things my way,” she half whispered, “eventually.” His smile
deepened, then he glanced at her mouth. She hadn’t been kissed in ages and never by
someone she thought might like her as much as she did him.
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