The Christmas Angel Project 

Hardcover, ebook, audio

August 30, 2016

by Melody Carlson

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Revell 
• ISBN-13: 978-0800722692

Perfect for readers who want a heartwarming and hopeful Christmas story
Five women from different walks of life have become close friends through their book club--enjoying one another's company even more than they enjoy the books. So when the leader of the book club unexpectedly passes away on the cusp of the Christmas season, the four remaining friends are stunned. They relied on Abby for inspiration and motivation. She was the glue that held them together, and they're sure that without her the group can't continue. 

When the group gathers "one last time" to open a bag Abby's husband gives them, they find Abby had made each of them an angel ornament for Christmas, crafted especially for each woman and accompanied by a sweet and personal note. Inspired by their beloved friend, together Cassidy, Louisa, Grace, and Belinda decide to commit themselves to becoming Christmas Angels to others in need. Each woman will use her life situation and talents to reach out and help others in her own unique way--little knowing that her own life and her relationships will be changed forever.

Fan favorite Melody Carlson is back with another touching Christmas story sure to grip readers' hearts and perhaps inspire them to become Christmas Angels themselves.

My thoughts:  THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL PROJECT is Ms. Carlson's newest Christmas novella. I look forward to reading these every year, and this one, THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL PROJECT, was one of her best. 

The idea of the four ladies becoming Earth Angels after the death of their best friend was unique. 

Grace is married, but her marriage is struggling. Her children are flunking out of college, her husband is a slob, she wants her house showcase ready and he wants it lived in. When offered a chance to decorate Habitat homes for Christmas she jumped at the chance, not realizing that she'd have to supply the furniture and decorations herself. Financially, she can't afford that, but she decides to trust God for the details. 

Louise is mourning two losses, both her husband and now  her best friend. She is an artist and decides to be an artist therapy instructor, getting people, through art, to talk about their losses. An unique idea I love. 

Cassidy is a part time vet. She discovers her angel mission when she learns a lot of  pets belonging to people on fixed incomes don't get medical care. She pays for the care of one cat herself, and discovers a whole opportunity. However, her boss wants nothing to do with it and threatens to fire her. Answers come in unexpected ways for Cassidy. 

Belinda is a bitter divorced lady who owns a swanky second hand store. She is offered the opportunity to volunteer as a fashion adviser for middle school girls. She discovers she has amazing opportunities there, both as a volunteer hairstylist, a makeup artist, and a body type fashion adviser. Plus a hot middle school principal is a plus. 

These four ladies, all best friends to the deceased, connect with each other.  I loved all four of the individual stories, and not sure who I connected with the most. Maybe there's a part of me that is a portion of all of these ladies. I'm married with a few children not living up to their potential. I am mourning the loss of very dear family members. I understand fixed income retirees. And I can find amazing clothes for the family at thrift stores though none of them offer the services Belinda does! 

If you love Christmas stories you will want to read THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL PROJECT. Maybe it will inspire you to find your unique, God-given gift, and use it to bless others.  For Melody Carlson, it's writing heartwarming Christmas stories.  Don't miss  this novella -- a great gift for yourself, the church or city library, and a friend.