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    The Christmas Blessing
    The Christmas Blessing
    The Christmas Blessing
    Ebook164 pages2 hours

    The Christmas Blessing

    By Melody Carlson

    4.5/5

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    About this ebook

    When she receives the news in late 1944 that her baby's father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant's paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don't know that she--or their grandson--exists. When Amelia discovers that the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?

    Beloved author Melody Carlson pens a story of love, hardship, and reconciliation that will leave readers filled with Christmas joy.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBaker Publishing Group
    Release dateSep 5, 2017
    ISBN9781493410965
    Author

    Melody Carlson

    Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. Before publishing, Melody traveled around the world, volunteered in teen ministry, taught preschool, raised two sons, and worked briefly in interior design and later in international adoption. "I think real-life experiences inspire the best fiction," she says. Her wide variety of books seems to prove this theory.

    Read more from Melody Carlson

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    Reviews for The Christmas Blessing

    4.5/5

    51 ratings24 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Ms. Carlson is back with another emotionally moving Christmas novella. I love her Christmas novellas and will forever read them. She brings wonderful messages from God and mixes them into a captivating story line, and blends it all with characters that steal your heart and become your family til the end. This Christmas story is set during one of my favorite time periods to read about: WWII, and follows Amelia and her son. I loved how Ms. Carlson transported me back in time. I loved following Amelia on her journey of pain and hope, and longing. The way I felt reading this book, seeing Amelia come to terms with her situation, seeing God work on her heart, really refreshed my own.If you love stories filled with hope, longing and an ending that will leave you wanting more from a superbly talented author, then this 5 star book is for you. Ms. Carlson delivers her readers a novella that you won't soon forget! Well done! *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
    • 5/5
      The Christmas Blessing is a really good book. It had me emotional throughout the book. This shows the sad and the happy. It deals with a young woman with her son. The young woman thinks here soon to be husband has died and so do his parents.Will the Bentley accept Amelia and her son? Amelia does something to help her son Jimmy? She cares about her son. Amelia sees Jimmy family putting together a Nativity the day after Thanksgiving. She worries about her son and that he is sick. She does something and the family finds him.We meet James Bentley and what happened to him for sure. There a sweet ending and I do not want to give it away. Carlson does a good job writing the plot and it was done nicely. There some sweet moments and some teary moments.It a great Christmas story and it is sweet. I loved it.
    • 5/5
      I am always excited when Ms. Carlson publishes and new book and cannot wait to read it. I love the way she captures the true Christmas spirit in so many different ways. All stories are different and filled with faith and surprises. All my other books including this one stays on my bookshelf. I do not even loan them out!It’s 1944 and men are being shipped off to war at a moment’s notice. Caught up in whirlwind romances and knowing the possibility of being separated for years or forever, it wasn’t uncommon for young couples to give into temptation. This is what happened to Amelia when she fell in love with James. She gives birth to his son only to find out that he is reported dead.She finds herself with no job and no money to provide for her child. She decides her only hope is to go to James’ parents for help. The problem is they have no clue that her and baby Jimmy even exist. Upon learning that his family is influential and wealthy she cringes at how they might react to her being an unwed mother? Would they believe her story? Will they reject her, and worse yet her son? Does she have any hope?Bravely she leaves California and travels to his hometown in Montana. There she faces heart wrenching difficulties and serious problems for her and her baby. Things go from bad to worse but she still struggles to go to James’ family. Finally a life threatening situation causes her to make a desperate decision but one made from the depths of love.My heart ached for Amelia as she struggled. I admired her true mother’s love and devotion, and sacrifices she made for her little boy. The story had many surprises and sudden turns. Ms. Carlson beautifully illustrated the true meaning of Christmas is an unusual and unexpected way. While Amelia was pregnant out of wedlock, her issue was in no way treated as acceptable or appropriate. Another 5 star book! Thank you Melody Carlson!
    • 3/5
      Amelia Richards experienced herself in a whirlwind courtship that was supposed to culminate in marriage. Instead, her fiance gets called back sooner than he expected and is deployed in the war effort. Amelia finds herself pregnant and eventually learns that her fiance is presumed dead. She sets out with her young son from California to Montana to find his family. Her wallet is snatched on the train, leaving her with only the money her friend slipped into her pocket just before she left. Once she gets there, she finds it hard to approach his parents with her tale. She attempts to secure employment, but with Thanksgiving just around the corner, the owners are not in the beauty shops. An illness depletes her funds and, feeling she has no other alternative, she leaves her baby in the manger set up by her fiance's family. The baby lights a spark in the mother, who has been depressed since hearing of her son's death. The father is more pragmatic and realizes that they must attempt to find the mother--but when he does, he needs to treat her for the same illness her son had. Along the way, her story comes out.Meanwhile, the son is in a POW camp but manages to escape. He makes it home in time to be a Christmas surprise for his fiancee and parents.
    • 4/5
      A lovely and moving read, especially reading it around the Christmas holidays. Heart wrenching and beautiful. Excellent writing and could not put it down.
    • 5/5
      When she receives the news in late 1944 that her baby's father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant's paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don't know that she--or their grandson--exists. When Amelia discovers that the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma? Beloved author Melody Carlson pens a story of love, hardship, and reconciliation that will leave readers filled with Christmas joy.
    • 4/5
      A heartwarming holiday read. The historical details a big plus as historical fiction is one of my favorites. I don't read many "holiday" stories, but this was am enjoyable book. I will be recommending to friends to and family as a wonderful story to get lost in during the cozy holiday season.
    • 4/5
      I've read several of Ms. Carlson's Christmas stories and I'm never disappointed. She is a gifted storyteller with a knack for tugging at the emotions. This is a sweet and sorrowful story that takes place during WWII - one of my favorite time periods in historical fiction. A young woman (Amelia) becomes an unwed mother during the war and has many decisions to make concerning her child's welfare. She has suffered loss and hardships, but she doesn't give up. Will her faith see her through, and restore some kind of comfort and redemption in her life?This is a sweet, wholesome, uplifting Christmas novella. It's a quick, clean read that will most certainly put the spirit of Christmas in your heart.I received a complimentary copy from LibraryThing.
    • 3/5
      My first Christmas novella of the season and a pleasant story. The story displays all those wonderful holiday emotions of love, pity, forgiveness, piety, and faith. WWII looms in the background as a young mother faces the upcoming Christmas alone with her child and her dire situation. Amelia leaves California on the train heading toward Montana to find her baby's grandparents. The trip leaves Amelia sick and penniless as her wallet is stolen. Both Amelia and baby Jimmy fall deathly sick in Rockford, unable to care for themselves. In the spirit of God's love and kindness, a guardian angel provides for these weary travelers. Melody Carlson shows a message of hope and kindness in this short tale.
    • 5/5
      Have kleenex handy. At times you will need them. Amelia learns her intended has been shot down and considered dead. She had their marriage license filled out but wedding never took place. James was deployed before they could get married. James doesn't know about his son, Jimmy. Because of Jimmy, Amelia sets out to find the grandparents. From here the story grips you and you cannot lay the book down. A surprise ending makes for a Christmas blessing. Amelia and James' Mom become friends. Melody's books are all hard to put down and will encourage you.
    • 5/5
      There are times when love is lost too quickly. This happens during WWII to Amelia and James. Shipped out before they can marry, their whole lives change. An uncertain life for both people continues for a time. Much of what happens occurs to Amelia when she leaves San Diego, CA. for Rockford, Montana. Again in this novel, Christmas becomes a symbol of love and hope. However, the way those symbols are shown changes, and everything is seen in a different light.While Amelia lives with new and painful changes during Christmas, we hope there is a Christmas blessing waiting for her. She deserves one. Also, Jimmy's family deserves one too. It does seem true that broken hearts soon can lead to happy hearts once again. Melody Carlson in "The Christmas Blessing" helps us see that the birth of Christ always brings a new gift. The holiday is never the same old dreary day. Wait and see. Maybe there is a Christmas blessing waiting for you too.
    • 5/5
      What a wonderful heartwarming story. It is 1944 and Amelia has fallen in love with a U.S. Navy pilot, James Bradley, who is on leave in California. They both know that they are meant to love forever and make plans to marry before James is shipped back out. Unfortunately plans change and he is recalled immediately. Several months pass with no word from him and Amelia must face the fact that he will not be coming back. Unfortunately she has discovered that she is pregnant. The story deals with the tough decisions that Amelia must face as a single mother during WWII. The author has woven a completely believable story that will tug your heart strings. I found it a very enjoyable read. *A Library Thing win.
    • 4/5
      4 1/2 starts for sure. I loved the characters. It was well written. Sad at times and happy at others. Not going to spoil it but I would definitely recommend this book :) I hope to read more by this author
    • 5/5
      Ms. Carlson is back with another emotionally moving Christmas novella. I love her Christmas novellas and will forever read them. She brings wonderful messages from God and mixes them into a captivating story line, and blends it all with characters that steal your heart and become your family til the end.?This Christmas story is set during one of my favorite time periods to read about: WWII, and follows Amelia and her son. I loved how Ms. Carlson transported me back in time. I loved following Amelia on her journey of pain and hope, and longing. The way I felt reading this book, seeing Amelia come to terms with her situation, seeing God work on her heart, really refreshed my own.If you love stories filled with hope, longing and an ending that will leave you wanting more from a superbly talented author, then this 5 star book is for you. Ms. Carlson delivers her readers a novella that you won't soon forget! Well done!?*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
    • 5/5
      The War World II Story was one of the best stories I ever read. Melody Carlson makes the characters come alive. It was a fast read, and I plan to read more of Melody Carlson's books.
    • 5/5
      Saturday, November 4, 2017The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson, © 2017I first read Melody Carlson's Whispering Pine series and continued to read her Tales of Grace Chapel Inn books, followed by single titles. The Christmas Blessing is 2017's release just in time to add to her previous Christmastime stories. Set in the early 1940's, this story is during the unsettled time of WWII. As today, families were separated and loved ones longing for news. Amelia Richards receives dreaded news and prepares to leave San Diego to go to her baby's grandparents ~ whom she has not met previously. Will love's journey conquer the unknown reception when she gets there?Becoming ill, both she and her baby come under the care of Dr. George Bradley, a very vital person in the story. His wisdom in prayer outshines any uncertainty brought by the interweaving of their lives.A courageous story of hope, bravery, and most of all trust, Amelia's love for her child is selflessly demonstrated. A very visual story, the author brought the characters to life and each one's perspective is shown.I really liked this story.***Thank you to Early Reviewers ~ LibraryThing for my win of Melody Carlson's The Christmas Blessing. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
    • 4/5
      Amelia and her fiancé James had planned to marry right away, but she hears that he's been killed in the war, shot down with his plane. Hence, Amelia can't legally claim the benefits of a war widow, even when she gives birth to James's child, Jimmy. With nowhere else to turn, Amelia seeks out James's parents--even though they don't know that she and Jimmy exist in The Christmas Blessing by author Melody Carlson.I've enjoyed a few World War II Christmas novellas in the past. Without reading much of the blurb for this one, I took a gander at the soft, Christmassy book cover and decided to check it out.I think this story has much that fans of nostalgic WWII fiction will enjoy. The plot is serious, but not too heavy, and the holiday theme is strong. Except for the very end, which may be somewhat rushed, I found the pacing to be steady, even a bit slow at points, as characters stop to think or re-think things over maybe a little more than necessary. However, I can appreciate a complete tale on the shorter side that doesn't hurry through or skimp on all the important parts.There's some "info-dumping" in the opening conversation, and although it's not unrealistic for a woman in Amelia's position to cry a lot, her sobbing loses some of its effect on the page when it happens over and over. Also, I hope this isn't something widely common that I'm just starting to notice in general now, but it seems that far too many sentences in the story begin with the word "And," until it feels monotonous. I'm not sure if this issue appears in the final version of the book; I read an ARC.Overall, it was refreshing to find a holiday tale that wasn't completely predictable to me, and I think many other ChristFic readers will like this one.__________Revell provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
    • 4/5
      Melody Carlson is known for her heart-warming Christmas novellas, and many readers kick off the season with one of her new books. For the 2017 holidays, readers are in for a treat. The Christmas Blessing is part romance, part family drama, and all feel-good reading experience.In the midst of WWII, young mother Amelia Richards embarks on a life-changing trip with her 7-week old baby. From sunny San Diego, Amelia travels to Montana to find a family for her and her young son. But life is hard on Amelia — first she has her funds stolen, then she and her baby, Jimmy, become ill. Desperate to provide for Jimmy, Amelia makes a hard decision. Will Jimmy and Amelia finally find a home?The Christmas Blessing is a quick read; I finished it in one day. But don’t think that it is not long on all the things you like about a novella from Carlson. Characters, especially Amelia and Helene, will capture the reader’s heart. Both women love their sons fiercely and are determined to protect them. The setting is perfect for a nostalgic Christmas read — small town Montana from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The quaint town, the snowy scenery, and the chill in the air will make you snuggle up in an afghan with a cup of cocoa or tea. The drama surrounding Amelia may be a bit old-fashioned, but not that different from struggles single mothers face today. Although Amelia’s plight seems hopeless, there is a definite happily-ever-after in store for her and the reader. Carlson also makes sure that faith in God is woven naturally throughout the book.If you are looking for a book to get you in the holiday mood, then The Christmas Blessing is a good choice.Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 4/5
      I received "The Christmas Blessing" book as a member of the Early Reviewer group and found it to be an easy and touching holiday read. The setting is World War II, the main character has lost her fiancé to the war, and given birth to a son since she learned of her fiancé's passing. Struggling to survive, she makes a rash decision to take her infant son on the train to the hometown of her fiancé and introduce him to his paternal grandparents. Once she is on the way, she encounters complications that lead to her making a startling decision about her son. There is a healing end to this story, which Melody Carlson does so well.
    • 5/5
      I loved this story, and the author had me walking with the young mother, and remembering that things were very different back in the ‘40’s and the stigma of being an unwed mother.You can see God’s hand in each event that happens here, and you will want to have the tissues handy. I did love the symbolism of the manger, and the catalyst of bring the baby into the lives of his family, but what a sacrifice and love this mother does for her child.This is a quick reading novella, packed with struggles and love, and how everyone ends up just where they need to be on that magic Christmas in 1944.I received this book through Revell Publishing Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 4/5
      The Christmas Blessing is the latest story by Christian author Melody Carlson. It is November 1944 in San Diego, California. Amelia Richards and her baby, Jimmy has decided to pack up and move to Rockford, Montana to be near Jimmy’s paternal grandparents. James Bradley is the father of little James and he passed away a month after he was shipped out. James and Amelia were going to marry on the first leave that he received, but his plane was shot down before that could occur. Amelia is spending the last of her funds to get her to Montana in the hopes of a better life for Jimmy and herself (a family). The only hitch in Amelia’s plans is Mr. & Mrs. Bradley are unaware of Amelia and Jimmy. Amelia is not sure how they will be received. Will they be welcomed or turned away? Christmas is the season for miracles. Will Amelia’s dreams come true this Christmas?The Christmas Blessing is a lovely story. I found it to be well-written and to have a good pace (once you get into it—it starts off slowly). It is a short shorty containing under 200 pages (can be finished in just a couple of hours). It contains good messages (forgiveness, trust, power of prayer, faith) and has a heartwarming ending. My rating for The Christmas Blessing is 4 out of 5 stars. I did feel that the characters are not fully developed (fleshed out), the ending is slightly rushed, and the story is predictable (unoriginal). I missed the humor that is present in Melody Carlson’s other Christmas stories (Christmas at Harrington’s and The Christmas Joy Ride). The Christmas Blessing is a charming novella that will appeal to readers who enjoy happily-ever-after romance stories.
    • 5/5
      A great way to kick-start the Christmas season! I love Melody Carlson books, because you just never know what surprises she has in store, and this year's Christmas novella didn't disappoint. It's not always easy to create characters with depth with shorter stories, especially for an historical setting, but The Christmas Blessing still accomplished this.

      It's a story that many a family would have been able to claim during the WWII era, and anyone who had parents or grandparents and other relatives who served in the war could relate to this book too. The main character Amelia Richards had a whirlwind romance which resulted in a son whom she would gladly give her life for in order to see to his future. As she struggles under the stigmas of her day, I couldn't help but reflect on some similarities with her story and that of my grandparents - three of whom served in WWII - and what the war did to change the course of their lives as well as their children, too. The Christmas Blessing was a heartfelt book with an uplifting message of enduring love (and forgiveness) with a lovely twist you just have to read about.
    • 4/5
      This book was short and sweet. I gravitated towards it for several reasons: it was a romance, Christian, took place during WWII and it was a Christmas story. It was a perfect read for a cool, rainy night.

      Amelia is devastated when she finds out that her fiancee and father of her baby has been shot down over the Pacific Ocean. She is broke, is sharing an apartment with a friend and has recently been told that she can not bring her baby to work. Her last recourse is to try and find James' parents. She knows the name of the small town they live in, so she and Jimmy climb aboard the train and head off. She has no idea what kind of welcome she will receive, but she wants Jimmy to get to know his grandparents. She also dreams that she will be welcomed as part of the family, but only time will tell. In the 1940s, a baby being born out of wedlock can ruin a woman, but Amelia is lucky. When Jimmy gets sick, she leaves him at the home of Helene and George to be taken care of, George is a doctor. They take him in, nurse him back to health and immediately have an attraction to him. Helene wants to adopt him. Will Amelia give her son up? Will she find happiness? Will she be accepted into James' family? This was a novella that did a good job of presenting the story, and solving the situation. I can see how this could easily have been a longer book, but the shortness was one of the things that attracted me to it. If you are not a fan of novellas, you might want to pass on this one, but if you like a short, sweet story that will have you running the gamut of your emotions, pick this one up. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
    • 4/5
      I've read several of Ms. Carlson's Christmas stories and I'm never disappointed. She is a gifted storyteller with a knack for tugging at the emotions. This is a sweet and sorrowful story that takes place during WWII - one of my favorite time periods in historical fiction. A young woman (Amelia) becomes an unwed mother during the war and has many decisions to make concerning her child's welfare. She has suffered loss and hardships, but she doesn't give up. Will her faith see her through, and restore some kind of comfort and redemption in her life?This is a sweet, wholesome, uplifting Christmas novella. It's a quick, clean read that will most certainly put the spirit of Christmas in your heart.I received a complimentary copy from LibraryThing.

    Book preview

    The Christmas Blessing - Melody Carlson

    © 2017 by Carlson Management, Inc.

    Published by Revell

    a division of Baker Publishing Group

    P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

    www.revellbooks.com

    Ebook edition created 2017

    All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

    Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

    ISBN 978-1-4934-1096-5

    This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

    Praise for The Christmas Angel Project

    Carlson’s latest holiday offering is sure to become a fan favorite! Full of hope, it embodies all that is beloved about the Christmas season.

    —RT Book Reviews

    A short novel packed with the true meaning of Christmas.

    —Fiction Addiction Fix

    Praise for The Christmas Joy Ride

    No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson.

    —Fresh Fiction

    Popular and seasoned author Carlson skillfully draws readers into the lives of her characters.

    —Library Journal

    "For those that like a tidy ending with all the threads neatly tied together, Melody Carlson’s The Christmas Joy Ride is just the thing. A light, sweet, and uplifting holiday story."

    —Christian Library Journal

    Contents

    Cover

    Title Page

    Copyright Page

    Endorsements

    1

    2

    3

    4

    5

    6

    7

    8

    9

    10

    11

    12

    13

    14

    15

    16

    About the Author

    Books by Melody Carlson

    Back Ads

    Back Cover

    1

    NOVEMBER 21, 1944

    SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

    Amelia Richards blinked back tears of hopelessness as she pressed the lid of her over-packed suitcase closed. Pausing to shove an escaped baby sweater sleeve back into the well-worn case, she snapped the last brass fastener with a click of finality.

    There. She stood up straight, trying to appear confident as she set the heavy suitcase by the bedroom door. That’s it then, Claudine. I’m packed and ready.

    Her roommate, still in her pale pink bathrobe, looked worried as she gently rocked Baby James back and forth in her arms in an attempt to soothe him after a particularly bad bout of colic. Are you sure you really want to do this?

    I’m not sure about anything, Amelia confessed. She was too tired to think clearly at the moment. The baby had kept her up most of the night, and based on the headache pounding behind her eyes, she was probably getting the head cold that had been circulating around the beauty parlor where she worked as a hairdresser.

    "You don’t have to go. Claudine handed Amelia the baby. I know it’s been rough going lately, but we can make it work . . . somehow."

    You’ve already been more than generous. Amelia continued to jostle the baby, trying to settle him down and hoping he might take a little nap before it was time to leave. It’s not fair to you, Claudine. As much as I appreciate your help, Jimmy and I can’t be your charity case. Amelia looked down at her fussing baby and sighed. It’s not fair to him either. She forced a smile. And I’m guessing you won’t miss us when Jimmy cries for his three o’clock feeding—or for several hours like he did last night.

    But how will you manage? Claudine frowned. Juggling your baby and luggage and a long train ride—all by yourself?

    With one arm holding Jimmy close to her, Amelia used the other to get her large handbag, which would also double as a diaper bag on this trip. Slipping the purse’s strap over her shoulder, she picked up the bulky suitcase that she’d inherited from her grandmother and experimentally strolled through the tiny apartment. See, it’s not so bad, she assured Claudine. I can manage just fine. She continued walking around, feeling her baby relaxing with the motion. Poor Jimmy had been fretting for several hours now—almost as if he was reflecting his mommy’s stress. Besides, I’ve heard that babies like riding on trains. I think the sound of the wheels on the tracks soothes them.

    Claudine still looked skeptical.

    I just hope he doesn’t disturb any passengers tonight. I’d hate to get us thrown off the train in the middle of nowhere.

    That’s silly. But Claudine’s brow creased as if she could imagine this. What time do you arrive in Rockford tomorrow?

    Early morning, Amelia spoke quietly. Jimmy was settling down now. A little after seven I think.

    And you’ll call me after you find a place to stay? Claudine lowered her voice as Amelia nodded down to Jimmy’s fluttering eyelids. So I can send the rest of your things?

    Yes, of course, she whispered. The limp weight of her baby told her that Jimmy had finally nodded off. Not that I have much. Just those two boxes. They’re in the bedroom closet. Hopefully out of your way.

    Thanks. Claudine pointed at the wall clock. Well, you don’t need to be to the station for a couple hours. And I’ve got a send-off breakfast almost ready for you.

    You’re a doll. Amelia bent down to tuck her slumbering infant onto one end of the sofa, wedging a cushion against his back to keep him from rolling off. Not that the seven-week-old baby was doing much rolling yet, but according to the baby-care booklet her pediatrician had given her at Jimmy’s first appointment—a pamphlet she studied almost like her Bible—one couldn’t be too safe.

    It’s only Spam and eggs and hotcakes, Claudine said as Amelia joined her in the kitchenette.

    "Only Spam and eggs and hotcakes? Amelia grinned as she sat down at the little plastic-topped table. Sounds like a royal feast to me!"

    Claudine set a cup of steaming coffee in front of her. I really wish you weren’t going. I’m still mad at Alliette for backing out on her promise to you.

    Alliette didn’t know that Jimmy would have such a set of lungs when she told me I could bring him to work with me. It went well at first, but you saw how it’s been the last couple of weeks. I know it bothered clients to hear him wailing like that. Especially if you consider how many women come to the beauty parlor to relax for a bit. And the truth is I got so rattled on my last day there that I nearly burned Mrs. Barnaby’s hair with her permanent wave.

    But what about hiring a babysitter? Claudine set a tempting plate in front of Amelia.

    You know I can’t afford that. I’m barely getting by as it is. Amelia grimaced to think about her finances. She’d made a stringent budget for the trip, but she still needed to buy baby formula and a few other things on her way to the train station. The expenses of motherhood never ended. And without any employment lined up in Montana, she would need to keep close tabs on her cash.

    I still don’t understand why you’re not getting a pension from the War Department. Claudine scowled as she sat down with her own plate. It shouldn’t take them this long to sort through their paperwork, Amelia. Hasn’t it been at least six months since James died in the war? You really should file a complaint against—

    I’ll sort it out in Rockford, Amelia said curtly. And now, although Claudine never said grace over a meal, Amelia bowed her head and prayed her usual silent blessing—adding in a petition for God to give her strength for the upcoming trip. Amen, she proclaimed, opening her eyes to see Claudine watching with her usual amusement.

    "You’re such a good girl. Claudine used a friendly, teasing tone. I’d say you were brought up right. Her smile faded. Except that I know that’s not true."

    Amelia pursed her lips. She’d confided a lot about her past to Claudine this past year. But she hadn’t told her everything.

    Sorry. Claudine looked genuinely contrite. I know you don’t like talking about your parents.

    That’s right. Amelia picked up her fork. And as far as my childhood and how it relates to my faith, I already told you that I found God through my grandmother when I was a teenager. My parents had nothing to do with it.

    "I know, but I still think you should go to your mom and stepdad. You should demand that they give you some financial help. I’m sure they can afford it. And after everything your stepdad put you through—personally I think the lowlife should be in prison—he owes you. You should make him pay!"

    Amelia inhaled sharply as she gave Claudine a severe warning look.

    Okay, okay. Claudine held up her hands in surrender. I’m done. No more grousing about that. Like you’ve told me a dozen times, the past is the past.

    Thank you. Amelia’s voice was husky and, once again, she worked to hold back her tears. If she wanted to make it through the upcoming days, she would need to contain her emotions. For some reason that had been no easy task of late. One of her beauty parlor customers had assured her that emotional ups and downs were to be expected with new mothers, but Amelia wasn’t so sure.

    I know you’re always saying you were born under an unlucky star, Amelia, but I keep thinking that one of these days your luck has to turn around. Claudine sighed. Maybe this trip will do that for you—maybe your luck will change in Montana. Anyway, I hope it does.

    So do I. Amelia nodded as she forked her eggs.

    Now . . . I hate to keep nagging you about this, but did you ever write to James’s parents? To let them know you’re coming? Will they meet you and the baby at the train?

    Amelia slowly chewed, staring down at her coffee instead of answering.

    You didn’t contact them, did you?

    Amelia took an uneasy sip of coffee.

    Even if you didn’t do it yet, you can still send them a telegram from the train station. It will get there before you do. And remember you’ll be arriving just one day before Thanksgiving. They might be busy. They should be expecting you.

    Don’t worry. I’ll deal with it, Amelia reassured her.

    It’s like I keep telling you—ever since you heard the news about James—his parents will probably be thrilled to discover they’re grandparents. I can’t imagine why you’d want to keep it from them. I do understand your reluctance with your own parents, Amelia. They’re not worth your time. But James’s parents might be—

    I’m going to tell you the truth. Amelia set down her fork, twisting the band of gold on her left hand nervously.

    Claudine’s eyebrows arched. What?

    Amelia took in a deep breath, holding it as long as she could before the words exploded from her lips. I lied to you. She watched Claudine’s expression go from curiosity to confusion. It might not be easy, but Amelia knew this confession would be good practice for her. It wouldn’t be long until she’d have to do it all over again—to James’s parents in Rockford. Compared to them, telling Claudine was nothing.

    What do you mean? Claudine sounded slightly angry now. What did you lie to me about?

    About James. He and I . . . we never got married.

    Claudine’s hand covered her mouth, and thankfully she said nothing.

    "We met exactly like

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