Description
In World War II France, the future Madeleine Perrin and Daniel Raymond hope for is in grave peril when the Nazis imprison Daniel, a courier for the Resistance network. But a centuries-old law soon paves the way for a Christmas Eve wedding that becomes both a celebration and a daring rescue in this historical romance.
1943. Lyon, France. After bidding her students farewell for the holidays, Madeleine Perrin is looking forward to a quiet, simple Christmas at home with her mother. With the war raging on and rations tight, she knows it will be up to her to make the day festive and find special ways to remember the papa she lost and honor his love for Christmas. But first, Madeleine must smuggle secret messages hidden in her students’ essays to the Resistance network. She never expects the person waiting to receive them is her childhood best friend, the man who broke her heart.
Daniel Raymond has thrown himself into his work as courier for the Resistance, carefully concealing his Jewish ancestry that, if discovered by the Nazis, could put his life at risk. Haunted by regret about the day Madeleine professed her love and he turned her away, Daniel longs to make things right. When he sees her again, he dares to hope for reconciliation―and realizes the love he once denied has only grown deeper.
As Christmas nears and Daniel recovers from a wound sustained in a courier run, forgiveness and romance soon blossom between Daniel and Madeleine and the two begin planning a future together. But when a mission goes wrong and Daniel is captured by the Gestapo, Madeleine must turn to her Resistance allies―and a centuries-old law―to attempt a dangerous rescue before it’s too late.
- A standalone WWII historical Christmas novella inspired by true events
- A low-spice second-chance holiday romance with a friends-to-lovers trope
- Compelling Christian fiction about brave spies and daring escapes for fans of Sarah Sundin, Kristen Harmel, Lynn Austin, and Sara Ackerman
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Sexual Content - 1/5
1/5
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Violence - 2.5/5
2.5/5
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Language - 0/5
0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
0/5
Summary
Book Review: The Christmas Courier by Roseanna M. White. Reviewed by Donna
The Christmas Courier by Roseanna M. White is another incredible story that I know will stay with me long after finishing it. I continue to be amazed by how much emotion, history, romance, and faith White can pack into a novella without ever making the story feel rushed.
Set during World War II, this Christmas novella combines a beautiful friends-to-more romance with resistance work, danger, sacrifice, and a strong thread of faith. I especially loved knowing that elements of the story are based on actual history. Whatever you do, don't skip the author’s notes about the real story! It made the story even more meaningful for me.
Madeleine is such a courageous and memorable heroine. One of my favorite moments is when she tells the man she loves how she feels while acknowledging that he may not feel the same way. But his response doesn't determine the truth of her feelings or her willingness to express them. There was something so vulnerable, brave, and beautiful about that scene. I don't think I can adequately describe why it touched me so much; you just need to experience it for yourself.
While this is a Christmas story, don't go into it expecting a light and fluffy holiday read. The danger surrounding these characters feels very real, and the tension became so intense at one point that I actually had to pause reading for a little bit! When a novella can make me that emotionally invested in such a short amount of time, that says something about the writing.
But despite the danger and heavier moments, this is ultimately a beautiful story filled with courage, love, hope, and faith.
Roseanna M. White once again proves why she is one of my favorite authors. The Christmas Courier may be a novella, but there is nothing small about the story she tells.
If you enjoy historical romance with real historical connections, strong faith, courageous characters, and plenty of suspense, don't miss this one. Just know that your Christmas reading might be a little more intense than usual. 😊