Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin

 Waiting for Christmas

Book Summary

In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.

My Thoughts

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin is a sweet holiday story.  I discovered when I began reading Waiting for Christmas, that it continues the story of Adelaide and Howard from All My Secrets.  I was able to read the book as a standalone.  Addy and Howard are newly married and there will need to be adjustments on both of their parts. The couple must deal with financial issues and social pressures.  They also need to make decisions regarding their future.  I liked the main and secondary characters. I thought it was a well-rounded cast of characters.  Jack was a little rapscallion while Polly was a sweetheart. Mrs. Gleason was a dear. I thought the author captured the time and place. 

Addy is actively involved in the women’s suffrage movement. Most people associate women’s suffrage with the right to vote, but they advocated for other rights for women as well.  The other topic addressed was the plight of orphans.  It was heartrending the number of children without homes.  I like how the author tied the meaning of the Advent candles to the story.  The true meaning of Christmas is discussed, and I loved the reading the description of the beautiful nativity that Addy received from her mother.    Waiting for Christmas is a touching tale with a tenacious child, financial tension, a lost little one, an upsetting search, lighting candles, helpful lessons, and a happy holiday.  

Waiting for Christmas can be obtained from Amazon* along with the other major booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.).  All My Secrets tells of Addy and Howard's romance.  If you follow Lynn Austin on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  On Tuesday, September 10, I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson.  It is the first book in The Little Red Truck Mysteries.  I am heading outside to work on my fall decorations.  I have been wanting to decorate since the first day of Sepember, but it has rained  every afternoon (leving my yard a big wet puddle).  The sun has dried up the water, so I can finally begin.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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