As a young teen, I read The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing every year because I had lost a parent very young, and had heart problems. I connected to Nathan Andrews so much. I found these stories beautiful and full of magical kindness.

But, now as an adult, I read the entire series this Christmas time and I am wildly disappointed with where it goes. Gloria and Miriam take over the entire series from the point they are introduced in book four. I know they are a fan favorite, but I did not connect with them in the same way I connected with Nathan and Robert in books prior. I did not enjoy Gloria's spunky old lady caricature. I did not enjoy the bickering between her and Miriam that was constant. I didn't enjoy the fact Glory's place usurps the entire plot for most of the series. I love that she does social work and gives back the the community, but that's where my fondness ends.

I was so tired of reading the same thing. So many of the books have name mix ups and dramatic irony that feels over done to death (ie. Chaz/Matthew/Zack. Kelly/Lauren. Mary Richards/Gloria. Gigi/Andrea). It's the same thing over and over and over. It's sad because I felt the first three novels were so good. Original and heartfelt. Deep and inspired. But somewhere, around book 4/5, that ended for me.