Christmas Bells

The Seasons of Cherryvale, #5

When A Christmas Eve blizzard strands dozens of travelers like a bad episode of Survivor:Cherryvale, the townies rally to offer them food and a place to rest. Grace, the town's fussy organizer, sets aside anniversary plans to serve them while Maggie, her loud-mouthed, sometimes crass best friend, leaves her animal rescue farm to help out. Shelby, the sage but no nonsense diner owner, scurries around town cooking enough turkeys to feed the multitudes. Six-year-old Cassie learns how to overcome stage fright, and then shares her wisdom in a hankie-in-your-hand moment that reminds us of the power of prayer. A biker gang motors into town and makes an unexpected contribution, and a young soldier fleeing mistakes she's made finds forgiveness and new hope. A gospel choir stirs the soul, and a miracle of the bells inspires reflection on what makes everyone precious, and how we can embrace others even under the most difficult of circumstances.