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The Christmas Letter
Pat Wahler’s The Christmas Letter shines as a beautifully crafted, heartwarming novella that weaves the spirit of Christmas into the tapestry of real-life struggles. This touching story introduces us to Zoe Kendrick, a teacher on the brink of burnout, trying to balance the demands of her job, a sick friend, two young children, and an often-absent husband. As the weight of her responsibilities grows, she finds herself merely trying to keep her head above water. Yet, with Christmas approaching—a season rich with the promise of miracles—hope begins to flicker when Zoe encounters a stranger in an elevator. Although quirky at first glance, this stranger’s warmth and wisdom bring unexpected comfort to Zoe, rekindling her hope.
Despite its brevity, this story holds an abundance of depth. Wahler’s writing is rich and evocative, painting emotions vividly so readers can almost feel what each character experiences. Every interaction is thoughtfully detailed, from subtle gestures to deeper connections that reveal the resilience of friendship. One striking example is Zoe’s relationship with her friend Viola. Although Viola’s presence in the story is brief, the strength of their bond and mutual understanding is undeniable, a friendship most of us would be lucky to have. Set against the festive backdrop of Christmas, the story brims with holiday warmth and wonder while delving into relatable adult themes like marital strain and personal sacrifice. Wahler skillfully balances the enchantment of Christmas with realistic issues, crafting a narrative that resonates with readers while preserving its magical atmosphere.
The Christmas Letter is a compelling reminder of the courage it takes to face life’s challenges and the strength found in meaningful connections. This novella is perfect for those seeking a gentle nudge to appreciate the unique bonds that lift us and bring warmth to our lives.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0DKB6TQFP
Sharing Rose’s Story
The Rose of Washington Square follows the life of an aspiring woman and artist who fought to make a name for herself in a man’s world. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I love writing biographical historical fiction. The protagonist of my debut novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James, had ties to my home state of Missouri, and I wanted to shine a spotlight on another woman from the Midwest. When I searched for possible candidates, I ran across Rose O’Neill. I found her to be an extremely accomplished woman, one who doesn’t get nearly enough credit for what she did. For example, she worked tirelessly to help women get the vote. She advocated for women wearing comfortable clothing instead of binding themselves in corsets. She was generous to creatives who had no other support, and she wasn’t afraid to advocate for herself and for others. I think of Rose O’Neill as a true Renaissance woman.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I spent more than a year in initial research, and another year with additional research while I wrote the book. I dipped into family correspondence, read books and articles, studied newspaper accounts, and spent a day at Rose’s beloved home in Walnut Shade, Missouri. The more I learned, the more excited I became about sharing Rose’s story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Although Rose produced a prodigious body of work, my intent was not to bring up every detail of her artistic and literary endeavors. Rather, I wanted to explore her relationships with other people, places, and events; using that as a springboard to show how these elements helped to shape her life’s path: her personality, opinions, and decisions. How she evolved from a nineteen-year-old girl to a determined woman of world fame who remained tempered by compassion.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I haven’t started researching in earnest yet, but I’ve identified a potential subject for my next historical novel. I can’t disclose anything more now, but I can say she’s a woman who made waves in the world of medicine.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | GoodReads
Self-taught artist Rose O’Neill leaves the Midwest for New York in 1893, determined to become an illustrator in a field dominated by males. Mindful of her duty to the impoverished family she left behind, Rose’s obligations require her to yield to the men who hold the reins of her career; as well as the men she grows to love.
Yet despite every obstacle facing her, she excels at her craft, eventually designing a new character, the Kewpie. Her creation explodes into a phenomenon, but Rose’s disenchantment with the status quo fosters new ambitions. She must decide whether to remain within the boundaries dictated for her, or risk everything she’s gained to pursue the creative and personal passions that ignite her soul.
With grit and tenacity, Rose O’Neill blazed an unforgettable path during the tumultuous times of the early 20th century.
The Rose of Washington Square
The book is a well-written piece of historical fiction that brings to life the extraordinary life of Rose O’Neill, a trail-blazing American artist who lived from 1874 to 1944. Through the writing, the author Pat Wahler explores the social context of the time period documenting how O’Neill forged her incredibly successful career at a time when women were still fighting for fundamental liberties like the right to vote.
The writing itself is easy to read, and Rose’s story is instantly absorbing. I particularly enjoyed how the book brought to life the bohemian artistic community Rose inhabits. It is full of colorful characters living a life full of artistic spirit and exploration. The appealing thing about historical fiction is that it allows the reader to enter the world of the character it is exploring. The Rose of Washington Square is very effective at bringing Rose’s world to light.
Rose’s development as both an artist and a woman from a young age makes for a fascinating subject matter. Her relationships and the unique dynamic of her family in a more traditional time are a pleasure to read and learn about. She is the breadwinner for her family and supports many artist friends, and is incredibly generous with her financial success. In terms of romantic relationships, the book demonstrates Rose’s ability to take control of her own destiny and does a great job of capturing Rose’s headstrong and determined personality. She is a woman in charge of her own life and passions.
The Rose of Washington Square is a fascinating historical and women’s fiction work. Readers will find the writing style to be conversational and easy to follow, with engaging facts mixed into the story. It was a pleasure to be introduced to and learn about the life and work of its central protagonist O’Neill. I would readily recommend this book to other readers.
Pages: 375 | ASIN : B0BSSFDK9Q
Family History Is Important
The Christmas Keepsake follows a young woman who must decide what’s more important, her dream job or her boyfriend, and seeks advice from her wise grandmother. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Years ago, my grandmother shared with me a few events from her youth. As a teenager, Grandma had begun to sing at a local theater in her small town. But when her mother was diagnosed with kidney failure (a death sentence in those days), my grandmother was shocked by the advice her mother gave to her—advice destined to change the course of Grandma’s life. I won’t give any spoilers, but around these tidbits I wove a story.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
I look back on time I spent with my grandmother, and wish I’d asked her more questions. Seniors, whether family or friends, are a wealth of fascinating stories, and the truth is, family history is important. The past is important. If we take time to pay attention, it can teach us a lot.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this short story?
Decisions often require courage. Especially when it means leaving a “safe” path to take a chance on what seems like an uncertain and scary future.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m very excited about my next novel, scheduled for release in February 2023. The Rose of Washington Square: A Novel of Rose O’Neill, Creator of the Kewpie Doll, is the story of the woman who wowed the world with her iconic creation. But Rose did much more than invent her magical elves. She was also a respected illustrator, artist, sculptor, novelist, poet, philanthropist, and passionate suffragist. I can’t wait to share her story!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
2005 – Just before Christmas, Janelle Young accepts her dream job which means a move from the Midwest to California. When the man she loves insists that she decline the offer or risk the end of their relationship, Janelle is stunned. Torn over what to do, she seeks advice from her octogenarian grandmother, who shares a long-ago dilemma of her own; one that took place in 1938.
1938 – During the final years of the Great Depression, Peggy Norwood is a promising soprano who yearns for a career on stage. She ignores the attentions of a handsome young stranger to stay focused on her dream. But when her mother receives a dire diagnosis, the future is no longer clear, and Peggy is forced to make an impossible choice.
Can a tale from the past, a treasured Christmas ornament, and a touch of magic, guide Janelle’s future?
This is an inspirational small-town story filled with the healing spirit of the holiday season.
The Christmas Keepsake
It’s a few days to Christmas, and Janelle Young finds herself uncharacteristically visiting her grandmother. With a job offer to move to California and an ultimatum from her boyfriend hanging over her head, Janelle seeks advice from Gram on her choices. Their conversations and reminiscing about Christmas lead to Gram narrating her story as a teenager, including how she met her husband in 1938. In 1938, toward the end of the Great Depression, Peggy Norwood is a brilliant chorister who dreams of taking center stage. When her mother’s illness worsens, Peggy has to choose between fulfilling her dreams and her dying mother’s wishes.
The Christmas Keepsake by Pat Wahler is a simple story of love, family, dreams, and choices. Although short, it is a holiday-themed story enjoyable for all ages. The author uses a simple style and symbolism in telling the tale of two generations and alternating between two timelines. The author explores the themes of faith, spirituality, and the magic of Christmas with mementos like the Christmas Ornament. The book also features a heartwarming love story and evokes deep feelings of nostalgia, especially during the Christmas season. It is exciting how a marriage of convenience morphed into a meeting of soulmates.
In the end, it is clear that Janelle has made her choice after spending a day listening to her Gram. And although they walk different paths, Gram’s story has many lessons to be learned. The Christmas Keepsake by Pat Wahler is a reminder to follow one’s heart and be courageous in doing so. The characters also stress the importance of domestic family and the aftermaths of grief.
The Christmas Keepsake is a beautiful holiday short story. It gives readers that warm feeling of the season and emphasizes the importance of family and connections. This is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter day as you wait for the magic of Christmas.
Pages: 73 | ASIN : B0BFJKCPC1
LITERARY TITAN 