The Christmas Blessing

Carlson (As Time Goes By) weaves a touch of suspense into this beautiful ode to faith, family, and the mysterious ways of God. It is 1944, and Amelia Richards finds herself a single mother to her infant child, Jimmy, after her fiancé, James, is called back to active duty and killed during the waning days of the war. Cast into deep depression, Amelia realizes that the baby is the only good thing in her life. She does the math and comes to the realization that her job as a beautician isn’t enough to sustain a family in a city as expensive as San Diego, so she makes the decision to find James’s family just before Thanksgiving, counting on the blessing of the holidays for good luck. Once in Rockford, Mont., all of her plans crumble as one disaster after another befalls her and baby Jimmy. Although circumstances might conspire against her, the nurturing, guiding hand of God is never far away. This light and sweet story blends the joys and miracles of the holiday season with a hint of mystery surrounding what actually happened to James during his final mission. Delightful prose and an affirming resolution will please readers of historical dramas and novels with strong spiritual foundations. Agent: Sara Fortenberry, Sara Fortenberry Literary. (Sept.)