"Christmas Jars Reunion"

by Jason F. Wright, AF, 2009, 194p, rating=4
source: library

Hope Jensen's story continues in Christmas Jars Reunion. It's been two years since Hope was reunited with her biological mother on Christmas Eve at Chuck's Chicken n Biscuits. Hope has never felt more complete. She's writing full- time for a family magazine and, with the help of her mother, Marianne, leading the Christmas Jars Ministry out of Chuck's quirky restaurant. To top it off, she's dating a marketing executive in a comfortable long- distance relationship. Her life is right where she wants it to be a state of organized chaos as another Christmas rolls around. Then her world changes forever over Thanksgiving weekend. The Maxwells hire a nephew to take over the family furniture restoration business. Someone that Hope can't stop thinking about. Then an out- of- town stranger shows up at the diner asking to help in the ministry --a stranger whose motives are yet unclear. Before the sun sets on Christmas Day, two men will try to change Hope's life forever. In the process, Hope will be reminded of the immense power of a single jar, and the healing that sometimes comes only with forgiveness. (Goodreaads)

I thought I was going to pick up Christmas Jars, the first book, but it turned out that my library didn't have it.  They had this second installment instead.  I was bummed but I went ahead and checked this out anyway.  It didn't disappoint.  It gave enough background of what I assumed happened in the first book to keep me up to date.  A bit repetitive but I let it slide because the book as a whole was heartwarming and I'm a sucker for heartwarming stories!  Although it wasn't awesome writing, the power of the message of the Christmas jars, making miracles, stood out and moved me. 

The put your loose coins in a jar idea isn't new to me.  Our family did one for our local Ronald McDonald House last year (collection over 3mos) as a service that our Primary (children organization of the LDS church) set up.  I'm just sorry that we ended there.  This book reminded me that we ought to take it up again and so we shall!  We'll discuss as a family a time line and recipient.  Yeay, I'm excited!  Hence, if a book can inspire one to action then it's a pretty good book ..or the reader's a softy. ;)

"The Cross Gardener"

by Jason F. Wright, AF, 2010, 293p, rating=3.5

Married and the father of a young daughter, John Bevan had finally found the traditional family he lacked as an orphaned child. But all that disappears when a fatal car accident steals away his wife-and the unborn child she carried.
Filled with sorrow, John withdraws from life and love. He erects a small cross at the scene of his wife's accident and visits daily, grieving. Then one morning he encounters a young man kneeling before the cross, touching it up with white paint. John's conversations and travels with this mysterious man-known to him only as the Cross Gardener-will forever change his world. (Goodreads)

This was a comfort read for me ..sentimental sappy, my kind of book.  This one dealt with grief and finding a unusual comforter.  I enjoyed the strong men relationships ... particularly the Bevan men, Wayne, John, and Scott.  The father-son and brother-brother bonding were feel-good moments.  I especially took a liking to Wayne, John's father.  Wayne had desirable qualities.  He was hardworking, kind, wise, and had integrity.  My kind of father figure so I couldn't help but fall in love with the man and root for his legacy.  Consequently, he raised fine boys and thus I liked the journey these boys were taking to get to manhood ..and parenthood in John's case. 

Simply put, this was a sweet family love story.  A light read that someone who has lost a loved one might find a moment of calmness.  A good Father's Day book as well.

"The Wednesday Letters"

by Jason F. Wright, 2007, 280p, rating=4

I had high hopes for this book because it was book #2 birthday gift from Mhai and she said she loved it. Up until page 144, I thought the book was just alright and that I'd have to lie to Mhai and say that I loved it too. But it turns out, I really loved it! I found myself sobbing. The beauty of forgiveness is miraculous and soul aching!

Jack and Laurel left this world in each other's arms (how sweet!! ...I smell foreshadowing) after a 39year marriage. Their adult children stumbles into boxes of love letters during the planning of their parent's funeral. Jack had written to his wife weekly on Wednesdays. The three children enjoyed reading the letters until they discover one letter that would turn one child's life upside down (REALLY fighting hard not to spoil this for you!!). But by book's end, his life became right side up in a truly awe-inspiring way.

This novel had few little extra stories that gave me an impression of messy story writing but the underlining messages --the excellent portrait of marriage, the great love story between parents and children, and the wonderful story of standing up for someone --were it's saving grace. Overpoweringly, the message of forgiveness was it's shining glory and my main reason for high rating of this book. I came out of this read grateful for the principle of forgiveness and makes me want to exonerate someone.

The very very end could have been better but reading the clever letter insert made up for it and I sobbed again!! ~Thanks Mhai for this wonderful read ... a true tug the heart book.

**My quotables:

"Now I know why the Lord took his day off on Sunday. That must be the day he personally greets his favorites." (this said after someone's death on a Sunday) pg. 132

"Time is a powerful cure." pg. 276