Christmas Came Early with On a Midnight Clear

Christmas came early in the form of On a Midnight Clear! It was such a privilege for me to be on Karen's influencer team for this 3-in-1 Christmas novella collection with stories from Tracie Peterson, new-to-me-author Misty M. Beller, and of course my all-time favorite historical author Karen Witemeyer.

I binged On a Midnight Clear in a few days and would have read Karen's novella (A Star in the West) in one sitting had I started it earlier in the evening. I enjoyed The Shepherd's Heart by Tracie Peterson and No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller, and both had memorable characters and heartfelt messages. The Shepherd’s Heart offered a touching perspective on love and healing, while No Room at the Inn drew me in with its sense of hope and perseverance. That said, if I had to pick a favorite, A Star in the West was the clear winner for me. I especially appreciated how elements of the nativity tied all three stories together, creating a cohesive Christmas theme that was both meaningful and nostalgic.

Each novella explores faith and surrender in a unique way, but I found Stella and Frank’s journey in A Star in the West especially compelling. Stella Barrington was fulfilled in her life, running her father's household and volunteering at various charities. She believed that God did not design marriage as part of her path. She struck up a friendship with Harvard mathematics professor Frank N. Stentz (Sidenote: What does his name remind you of? The genius of Karen Witemeyer strikes again!) through letters, never anticipating it would evolve into anything more.

I love how Frank pursued Stella with the intention of wanting to marry her. He was not pushy or presumptuous but genuinely interested in her as a person, not just as a potential wife. Their relationship was marked by mutual admiration, shared faith, and a desire to honor God in whatever path He chose. Both Stella and Frank wrestled with sacrifice and calling. Either Stella would be leaving the comfort of her father's home to get married, or Frank would be forfeiting his academic career for the sake of love.

The central theme of the story, and the collection as a whole, is God's sovereignty and the beauty of surrendering to God's will. Whether it is yielding to expectations, comforts, or long-held beliefs about the future, each character learns that God's plan is bigger and better than their own.

Together, these three novellas weave a meaningful Christmas collection. Each is unique, yet they are tied together by the reminder that faith, sacrifice, and God’s sovereignty are at the heart of Christmas.

If you have a book lover on your list who enjoys historical fiction set around the Christmas season, tuck this in their stocking. They are sure to love it.

I would rate On a Midnight Clear as a solid 4 stars. Novellas are tricky because the author must tell a complete story in a shorter word count, and it is a challenge to write a truly satisfying novella. This trio of stories is sweet, faith-filled, and festive. It is a lovely start to the Christmas reading season. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee