The Christmas Angel Project

The Christmas Angel Project is this year’s Christmas story by Melody Carlson. Abby Wentworth lives in Pine Grove, Minnesota with her husband, Clayton. Abby belongs to a book club (that she organized and created fifteen years prior) with her friends. Abby is actually what holds it together (the glue). It is Thanksgiving evening and Abby is working on ornaments to give to her friends. She wanted to do something very special for them. They were there for her when she went through her cancer treatments. The next day Belinda receives a call from Clayton, Abby’s husband. Abby passed away during the night from a brain aneurism. Abby was a gentle soul with a good heart (her husband and friends called her an angel on Earth). Abby will be sorely missed. Clayton gives a package to Belinda for the group. At the next meeting, each member opens her gift from Abby. They are angel ornaments created to look like each one of them. Grace, Belinda, Louisa, and Cassidy decide to become angel’s this Christmas. They will do something special to honor Abby and to help others. But what will each of them do? Cassidy is a veterinarian and the idea comes to her the next day. Mrs. Morgan brings in her sick cat even though she cannot afford it. Her little baby (her cat) is ill and needs assistance. Cassidy finds out that other people in Mrs. Morgan’s building are in the same predicament (they are all on social security). Cassidy starts offering her services to them (at no charge), but her boss does not approve. Cassidy really gets to know the residents and enjoys spending time with them. What if Cassidy has to make a choice? Louisa is an artist and finds out that the local community center needs someone to teach an art therapy class. Maybe this would help her too. Louisa is also dealing with the loss of her husband, Adam (passed away the previous year). Grace is an interior designer and Habitat for Humanity Homes is doing a special project for Christmas. They need to someone to furnish the living rooms of three homes for their new owners. Grace did not read the whole letter and thought they needed Christmas decorations. But there is no turning her back. Grace will need the help of her friends to fulfill this wish. Belinda owns Glad Rags in town. She offers unique fashions (upcycles items). Belinda receives an email from the new McKinley High School principal. The students are fashion challenged (dressing like street walkers). Casey, the principal, wonders if Belinda can help them. Belinda ends up organizing a fashion show with the proceeds going to charity. But she is in for a shock when she meets the principal! Join Louisa, Cassidy, Belinda, and Grace as they start The Christmas Angel Project.

I always look forward to Melody Carlson’s Christmas novel each year. I was so delighted when I received an advance copy. I enjoyed the overall story, but I did not like the amount of romance in the book. Two of the characters end up having romantic encounters while doing their angel projects. I wish there had been less romance in the novel and more about the woman (and their angel projects). The book really did not need the romantic element. I love the descriptions of the angel ornaments that Abby made for her friends (wish there had been pictures). The book is well-written (as usual) with engaging characters. I give The Christmas Angel Project 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The book was lacking the normal Melody Carlson magic.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The cast of characters is wonderful. They are very different from each other, but each one is extremely well developed. Each of the four women who make up the book group goes on a personal journey of emotional growth after their mutual friend dies suddenly.

I thoroughly enjoyed the way they worked together to figure out what they could do to honor their friend’s memory. I was fascinated by the very special projects that they became involved in. Four very different projects that were tailor made for each of them.

I received a free eBook copy of this story through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*