This season we were graced with another release from one of favorite Fiction authors, Mr. Steven Manchester. The title featured here is a collection of three novellas, two released previously on their own and the third being a new pen. While some have connections to his other works (case in point, A Christmas Wish is actually an add on of sorts to Goodnight, Brian), they can all be read as is and enjoyed to the fullest.

A brief look at my stroll through the pages found me having a bit of a hard time to get into the first story, The Thursday Night Club, initially with the number of voices struggling to be heard, but finding it oh so heartwarming after a tragic interlude. The second story took me right back into the world of GOODNIGHT, BRIAN, a story that I adored, with a furtherance of the initial message we received...love should be unconditional. I was very glad to catch up with Mama, Brian, and Steph once again! Last but not least, The Tin-Foil Manger, just about broke my heart. Such warmth, such love, such feeling...all wrapped up with a Christmastime bow.

When all is said and done...THIS is the stuff that drew me to this author's work in the first place. THIS type of writing, this type of storytelling. It may not hit NY Times Bestselling lists (though it certainly deserves a spot of its own), but you know what...it speaks for itself.

**copy received for review ( )

Every once in a while an author comes along who writes novels that are so powerfully compelling, poignant, and thought provoking, that they pull at the heartstrings and stir the soul. For me, that author is Steven Manchester and his latest Christmas Novella Collection, The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories of Christmas Spirit.

The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories of Christmas Spirit is a wonderful holiday novella collection that features three heartwarming stories revolving around the Christmas Spirit theme.

In The Thursday Night Club, after the tragic death of Jesse, one of the members the Thursday Night Club, the remaining four college friends Izzy, Ava, Randy, and Kevin decide to honor Jesse's memory by paying it forward and making a positive difference in the world.

In A Christmas Wish, Grandma Angela "Mama" encourages her granddaughter Steph to search within herself for the truth in her life, to have faith, make a Christmas wish, and believe that it will come true.

In The Tin-Foil Manger, elderly nursing home resident Nancy Guillmette has lost her desire to live due to the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and is slowly wilting away. Nurse Jeanne encourages Nancy to make the most of every day she's given on earth, and together they embark on a walk down memory lane as Nancy revisits her beloved childhood memories when Christmas traditions meant so much to her.

In each of the novellas, the reader will be easily captivated and drawn into these sentimental and touching stories. You can't help but get swept away and experience the full gamut of emotions as each heartwarming story stirs your soul and celebrates the true meaning of the Christmas Spirit.

While I enjoyed reading all three stories, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much The Tin-Foil Manger resonated with me. As a retired NJ licensed nursing home administrator, I was instantly drawn into this beautifully written and thoughtful story dealing with Alzheimer's disease. Over the years I have witnessed many residents, families, and staff deal with this traumatic disease, and author Steven Manchester does a wonderful job of providing the reader with an inspirational story that will simply tug at your heartstrings.

If you are looking for a wonderful collection of Christmas novellas that will get you in the holiday spirit, then look no further, The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories of Christmas Spirit is the collection for you!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-thursday-night-club-and-ot... ( )

The Thursday Night club and other stories by Steven Manchester
Have read other works by this author and have enjoyed them all immensely.
This collection of holiday stories will reach age group. Talks of times when things were simpler and not as commercialized as the holidays are today.
Love memories of visiting the shrine with all the lights, right at dusk and everything goes quiet as the lights go on. Slow down and enjoy the reason for the season.
Also up the road to the railroad and ferris wheel where weather is always 10 degrees colder there than anywhere else. We have recently visited these places doing research of things to do when grandchildren visit.
I love that the author can bring you into the book with such detail you can picture it all in your head. Love additional, new to me holiday stories because they also bring up great memories of caroling around the relatives house each year where we'd bring our own musical instruments of a pot with a spoon to bang on while we all sang. We'd stop in for a cookie and milk then all would leave to go to the next house.
Have to bring the newer generations up to speed because it's all about the simple easy things.
Loved all the books equally as each will bring a smile to your face. This author knows how to write and can't wait to read the new stories.
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest review. ( )