Rarely have I read a book so filled with love, acceptance, kindness, faith, and hope. The Gift brought me to tears several times, and the experience of reading it was uplifting.
This is the second in the Harbor Pointe series, covering two centuries of stories linked by the Harbor Pointe Inn on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in California.
Banished by her parents, Sixteen-year-old Shelly is heavily pregnant as the result of a one-time mistake. Her father gives her the keys to his old truck and some money for gas, and tells her to drive across the country to live with an aunt in Washington until her baby is delivered… and possibly longer. Out of gas and money, Shelley finds herself on a fire road close to the West Coast when her contractions begin.
A snow storm rages outside as Shelly delivers the baby on her own, then determines that she and the baby will die in the truck if she can’t find them shelter. Wrapping the newborn in her father’s old coat, she follows a flickering light in the distance. The light is from a lighthouse, and she collapses at the door to the lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
She is rescued by Jes, the lighthouse keeper, and his wife, Mary. Shelly and her baby are a Christmas gift of life and love to Jes and Mary, who lost their only child after a few years after she was born. The love between Jes and Mary as they open their hearts and home to Shelly and the baby is miraculous.
The characters in the story are so real and their emotions so beautifully rendered that I felt great joy while reading. This is a happy story – only good surprises as you get to meet Jonathan, Shelly’s boyfriend; his cousin Howard, who happens to live in Harbor Pointe, and Jonathan’s parents. The allusions to the real Christmas story filter in here and there, as well.
I highly recommend the book, and I hope everyone will read it to feel the joy of the season.
About the author:
Gwen M. Plano grew up in Southern California and spent most of her professional life in higher education. She taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. Gwen’s academic background is in theology and counseling. Recently retired, she now lives in the high desert of Arizona, where she writes, gardens, and travels with her husband. When Gwen is not writing, she’s often in the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, where she finds inspiration.
She has authored five books. The Contract is a thriller fiction novel she co-authored by John W. Howell, which received multiple awards and is an Amazon Best Seller.
You can find Gwen Plano on her blog: https://www.gwenplano.com/
I loved this story!
Isn’t it sweet and loving?
I’m elated you liked it, Vera. 😊
What a great review, Noelle. I loved this story and highly recommend it. It’s such a heartwarming tale, and perfect for the coming Christmas season!
I couldn’t agree more!
Thank you for your kind recommendation, Mae. 😊
An awesome review, Noelle. <3 I completely agree that this is a feel good, uplifting story. Gwen did a great job with it, and I'm glad you enjoyed the read. Congrats to Gwen on the beautiful review.
A wonderful second novella for the Harbor Pointe series. I’ll be reviewing the next one soon!
Sounds good!
Thank you for adding your support, Diana. 😊
It sounds lovely, Noelle. I must check the whole series. Congratulations to Gwen!
Do check out the series. I did a previous review of Mae Clair’s novella!
Thank you, Olga. Noelle is an angel for sharing her review. I’m humbled by her kind words. 😊
Thank you, Noelle, for your lovely review. You’ve warmed my heart with your kindness. ~Gwen
You are more than welcome in return for a beautiful read.
A super review, Noelle. Congratulations to Gwen.
Thanks so much, John.
😊
Thanks, John!
😊
A wonderful review, Noelle. I absolutely loved this story, and the message behind it. Gwen did a fantastic job.
Thank you, Joan, for your kind words. I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
Beautiful review, Noelle:) I agree this is a wonderful, heartwarming read, especially for the holidays! Xo
Thanks, Denise. I just finished reading your contribution. Review upcoming! 🙂
Didn’t she? I just realized that the lighthouse light could be the equivalent of the Star of David!
I’d never thought of that, but you’re absolutely right!
That is an amazing review. I have not opened this one yet, but I will.
Thanks so much, Craig! It’s a story for when you need a little feel-good in your life!
Congratulations to Gwen! This entire series is quite intriguing. I look forward to digging in soon.
Thanks for stopping by. The next one in the series will be reviewed soon!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this story, Noelle. I loved Gwen’s creation and it left me with a warm fuzzy feeling.
Thanks, Jan. We all need a warm fuzzy feeling from time to time!