The Shepherd’s Cross - Christmas Eve is the wrong time to be laid off, especially for twenty-seven-year-old Chipper Gaines, with a wife, two kids, and another on the way. A return to the bottle, a crutch in hard times since his homecoming from World War II six years ago, seems Chipper's only recourse. But three mysterious encounters that night before Christmas begin Chipper on a journey to healing for himself and his family.

Heartwarming Christmas Stories - In Heartwarming Christmas Stories, twelve short stories capture the very essence of the Christmas season—love, wonder, family, faith, and sacrifice. Each memorable tale is thoughtfully illustrated with an original line drawing that beautifully portrays the heart of the story. These moving stories are penned by some of today’s most beloved Christian fiction authors. Authors such as Angela Hunt, Jack Cavanaugh, and Robin Jones Gunn.

My Thoughts: When these two books were donated just about a month ago, I was excited in two different ways. First of all, the covers are absolutely gorgeous. The gold trim on the Heartwarming Christmas Stories cover took my breath away when I first saw it. But I also loved how these books reminded me of the Christmas movies I grew up watching with my mom. Films such as: It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Christmas Oranges, and even Charlie Brown Christmas. What makes those movies, and these new books such good Christmas stories, is the heart and messages infused within each one. There is a certain comfort I find in those kinds of Christmas stories. A kind of comfort I will never find in watching films like Home Alone, Elf, or The Grinch for that matter. Like that of the first Christmas story, of the night Jesus was born, there should be hope and love. And that’s what can be found in these new Christmas books. So, merry Christmas from The Cross Reference Library and have a happy new year!