Love’s Pure Light is a delightful Christmas Novella Collection of four stories by Susanne Dietze, Shannon McNear, Deborah Raney, and Janine Rosche. It follows a nativity set as it is passed down from generation to generation and what I loved most was how each generation’s love story added a piece to it.
The first story captured me right from the start with the shepherd of a church in small town Massachusetts in 1899. Family struggles, an Scrooge-ish uncle, and a wonderful supporting cast got the first romance off to a heart-touching start.
War wrapped itself around the second and third novellas. I loved how both a journey and a star wove through the wise men’s story, complete with a bit of humor and excitement. The angel’s novella held a twist I don’t recall seeing before and it added a depth to the story that made it just beautiful: instead of a male POW returning home, the character was female. That take on a usual story line will stay with me for a long time.
The final novella skips a few generations and takes a look back at the previous three stories as the characters try to understand what happened to the nativity while also navigating the situation they find themselves in today. I loved that the story highlights the innkeeper, showing the nativity from an angle not commonly seen.
If you’re looking for a couple sweet novellas that present a unique perspective on a wooden nativity set, definitely pick up a copy of Love’s Pure Light. The characters are each a delight and the stories ones that will touch your heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, as well as one of the authors. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.