"Gift of the Heart" by Karen Witemeyer -A Review

I picked up The Christmas Heirloom, a collection of four novellas whose connecting thread is an heirloom brooch/pin, simply because it featured a novella by Karen Witemeyer. We all have those authors whose books we buy without needing to know anything about it, because we love everything they write. Karen Witemeyer is one of mine. Her novella, Gift of the Heart, is featured in this collection. 

Gift of the Heart follows widow Ruth Albright and her daughter Naomi as they move to a new town for a fresh start in life. Due to low funds, Ruth ends up using the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker, Bo Azlin. The more she gets to know the kind and generous man behind the stern business man, she hopes for a second chance at love. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. I loved the connection to the Biblical Ruth and Boaz story. I thought Bo's name, BO AZlin (emphasis mine), was a particularly clever touch. Karen's characters are always to relatable and down to earth, and I love that she often gives them flaws and quirks, either physical or personality wise, that makes them all the more believable and real. 

This is a sweet and enjoyable story that's perfect for the holiday season. So pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa, cozy up with your favorite blanket, and enjoy this wonderful read. 

I give it a 7/10.