An Endless Christmas in Transformational Fiction

Nov 24, 2019 Rebecca rated it it was amazing

4.5stars
"She said no?"

After embarassing herself and the man whose heart she holds dear with a public "no" to his marriage proposal, in front of his entire family no less, Katie Vale wonders if she needs to end this Christmas vacation before it has a chance to begin. Micah's noisy, comedic, loving, hugging family is so opposite to her own experience that she is shocked when they take her answer in stride and act as if it's only a temporary blip on the "made for each other" radar. How can she poss ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 21, 2015 Becky rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2015

'Tis the season for all things Christmas: Hallmark Christmas movies playing 24/7, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You," Christmas decorations, holiday baking, and—of course—Christmas reading. An Endless Christmas fits that last category, though it's far from the fluffy romance that comprises many Christmas novellas. In fact, while there is romance, An Endless Christmas is more about embracing family and cherishing each other than it is about romantic love.

We never know when we'll hav 'Tis the season for all things Christmas: Hallmark Christmas movies playing 24/7, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You," Christmas decorations, holiday baking, and—of course—Christmas reading. An Endless Christmas fits that last category, though it's far from the fluffy romance that comprises many Christmas novellas. In fact, while there is romance, An Endless Christmas is more about embracing family and cherishing each other than it is about romantic love.

We never know when we'll have our last Christmas all together as a family—a fact that has become more real to me after the deaths of three of my four grandparents. That's a concept the Binder family embraced, and I loved reading about their traditions and extreme love for each other. I also thought the way they rallied around each other and clung to the Lord amidst difficulty was inspiring and realistic. (I may have shed a few tears.)

The majority of the story is told from Katie's perspective, and I enjoyed trying to learn about the family members and figure out what was wrong with Grandpa Wilson along with her. However, I never quite understood Katie's hesitance to accept Micah's proposal. When her reasons were revealed, they seemed a little too inconsequential to me—that doesn't mean they were inconsequential, but I certainly didn't understand them.

I did enjoy almost everything about the novel, especially the way Ruchti told the story. I knew that she and I would be on the same page when she touched on one of the things that annoys me most in romances—"just talk about it already" syndrome. As Katie said to Micah, "It frustrates me when I read a novel about a conflict between people that goes on and on when all they'd need to do is sit down and talk to each other for a few minutes" (p. 103). At that moment, I wanted to give Ruchti a high five :-)

With a plot that I could easily see as a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, An Endless Christmas is both a good read and challenging. As I head into the Christmas season, I will certainly be considering how I can make the most of each experience with my family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Oct 13, 2015 Katie Andersen rated it it was amazing

Minnesota winters are not for the faint at heart. I should know, I call it home. A Minnesota Christmas is even better. Well, it would have been if Katie had said "yes" when her boyfriend, Micah, asked her to marry him, right? Now Katie has to spend an entire week with him and his family in a tiny house/cottage after saying no to his proposal. If you live in a mostly warm area and can't imagine being couped up in a tiny house when it's cold and snowy, I find there are two kinds of people in that ...more

Like · see review

Jul 08, 2021 Caryl rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary, 2021-challenge

An Endless Christmas is a heart warming novella. Ruchti reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus. It will cause your heart to hope again. I read this novella in one sitting.

Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational, Christmas novellas.

I borrowed a copy from my local library. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Like · see review

Nov 24, 2015 Tina rated it it was amazing

This was such a great story!!! Once I started it, I could not put it down. There was such a great message in this book pertaining to pre-conceived notions about people. The other thing that I really enjoyed, or rather, appreciated was the strong message that came through about forgiveness and healing of relationships. Your family determines who you are and yet, they don't. Cynthia Ruchti is a truly gifted author who can really pull you into the story. ...more

Like · see review

Jan 04, 2017 Barb rated it it was amazing

A very public proposal right after the prospective bride meets the whole extended family turns into an awkward few days when everyone is snowed in. The only one really feeling the awkwardness is Katie, who's convinced that it's not a good idea for her to marry anyone. I loved the family in this novella--such great characters! Highly recommended. ...more

Like · see review