Review: All I Have to Give by Melody Carlson

All I Have to Give by Melody Carlson 

Publisher:Fleming H Revell Co. 

Pages: 167 

Format: ebook

Buy the Book: Amazon 

Goodreads:  Anna and Michael have been trying for years without success to have a baby. Now in her late thirties, Anna has given up on the hope of motherhood after heartbreaking miscarriages and shattered dreams. As Christmas nears, she has to consider the possibility that it might be time to empty out the nursery and convert it to a guest room. Amidst her heartache, Anna secretly struggles with strange health problems that have her very worried. But, as often happens at Christmastime, there are miracles in store for Anna and Michael. As each tries to give the other the perfect Christmas gift the magic of Christmas is working its way into their lives. And what each of them unwraps for Christmas will surprise everyone.


Kritters Thoughts:  A Christian fiction author with a perfect short holiday story to read with friends.  This novella is centered around a couple - Anna and Michael who have recently decided to end their pursuit to try to create a family with children; this is where this story begins as they enter the holiday season.  

The family dynamics with birth order and spouses always interests me and I just love reading about how siblings and their significant others create such dynamic families.  I love reading about how spouses fit into the family because I am trying to fit into a family that is twice the size of mine and it is always a joy to read about what that can look like.  

The only part that really upset me was the short scene where Anna's sister and friend are complaining about their husbands and children in front of a woman who tried with everything she had to have children of her own.  I just wish this section of the story had gone a little differently; it took quite some time for the sister to show compassion and realize that this conversation may be hurting her sister.

I think this book would be a perfect read for a book group to read and discuss during the holiday season - it is short and full of a sweet message.    


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2012 Challenge: 65 out of 25