A short and sweet story with a vintage flair and plenty of gentle Christmas spirit.
My rating: ★★★★★
A sweet, gentle story set in the aftermath of WWII, this book has just the right blend of characters, plot, and barely-there romance. It’s not exactly a Christmas story in the typical sense. But it has all the “feels” of Christmas and demonstrates the principle that Christmas doesn’t have to happen only on December 25.
Comfort and Joy
This is one of Bunn’s earlier books, but the writing is definitely his. It’s a bit dramatic at times, but with an almost formal feel that suits an English village. The granddaughter seems younger than fourteen, but she does mature over the course of the story. I love Colin’s quiet, serious ways and the contrasting frank bravado of the American flyboys who come to the rescue.
I suppose this would be considered a romance, but in a nostalgic, poignant way as a grandmother tells her granddaughter the story of her long-ago love. It’s so much more than that, though. There are lovely themes of finding joy and peace in helping others, choosing not to give in to bitterness, and discovering a love based in character and sacrifice rather than superficial attraction. And it all happens against the backdrop of a quaint English village where neighbors band together to bring joy and hope where it’s most needed.
Worth Rereading
The only small quibble I have is how Emily realizes her parents were right about her romantic choices yet promptly falls for another man whom they’ve never met. I think it’s implied that her parents approved, but this seems like it could easily have been a repeat of her previous stubborn choices.
Aside from that, the spiritual themes are well done, and the cast is endearing. I return to this story often. There’s love in it—familial love, steadfast love, quiet love, making-things-right love. And selfless love, the very essence of Christmas.
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If you enjoyed this book review of Tidings of Comfort and Joy by Davis Bunn, you might also enjoy my book review of Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon. Read here on Goodreads, or join my email list for book recommendations, a free short story, author updates, and more.
Happy reading!
Jayna Baas is the author of Preacher on the Run and director of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network. Learn more about Jayna here or join her email list for more recommendations.