It's a Wonderful Christmas: Classics Reimagined by Julie Cantrell

It's a Wonderful Christmas: Classics Reimagined Reviews

• 
  Darla

  Five novellas in one volume -- each a retelling of a Christmas classic. "A Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Christmas" by Julie Cantrell is a tribute to "Christmas Family Vacation" and has a YA feel. "Lovely Life" by Janyre Tromp is modeled after "White Christmas" and is set in the time of the Vietnam War. "Miracle On Main Street" by Lynne Gentry is a reimagining of "Miracle On 34th Street" with a man playing Santa in a town he left a wife and little girl in 40 years before. "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by Kelli Stuart is a fantastic tale that reinvents that special song from "The Nutcracker." Finally, my favorite was "500 Miles to Christmas" by Allison Pittman. Based on the movie "Remember the Night" starring Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck and set in modern times, a small-town deputy stops a young car thief and finds himself having his best Christmas ever. There is something here for everyone while also being a collection that appeals to those who enjoy a variety of genres. It made for lovely reading over the Christmas weekend.
• 
  Staci

  Lovely novella collection inspired by five Christmas movie classics. Three are contemporary, one historical and one mythical. Beyond the movies, they each have in common that hardships happen and there are good people that come along and help us move past the difficulty. And of course, there is a happy ending. This is a Christmas novella collection after all. Definitely recommended. Here's a brief glimpse of each novella.
  
  Novella One: A Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Christmas by Julie Cantrell; Inspired by National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
  
  This novella is set in current times with an engaging story of a broken family with some colorful characters in the family tree.
  
  Favorite quote:
  "And things might not always look so picture perfect. But then something comes along that shakes us, reminding us that no mater the situation, the beauty has been there all along"
  
  Novella Two: Lovely Life by Janye Tromp; Inspired by White Christmas
  
  Simply charming. This early 70s novella delivers a well written, feel good Christmas tale. It's brimming in atmospheric and time period vibes. I could visualize the beautiful castle where the story takes place and the characters.
  
  Novella three: Miracle on Main Street by Lynne Gentry; Miracle on 34th Street
  
  Set in present day west Texas primarily in a small town diner. The diner is on the brink of closing and owner has lost her fight. I loved the southern flair in this novella and learned a new term: "barn sour". A main character is a Vietnam Veteran which holds a special place in my heart.
  
  Novella Four: The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Kelli Stuart; The Nutcracker
  
  Fairy tale about saving a kingdom. The riddle was a fun inclusion.
  
  Novella Five: 500 Miles to Christmas by Allison Pittman; Remember the Night
  
  Contemporary story with fabulous flashbacks to the 80s (GoGos, Mervyn's, Jordache Jeans, Golden Girls, etc.). BTW...I just heard the GoGos on my playlist this morning. Leah is an aspiring fashion designer that gets frustrated with her mom and steals her car...and drives it 500 miles before getting arrested. Lots of great humor.
  
  My gratitude to author Julie Cantrell for a complimentary e-copy of the novella collection. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
• 
  Mimi Matthews

  From my endorsement:
  
  Both poignant and heartwarming by turns, this sweet Christmas-movie-inspired novella collection is a holiday delight.
• 
  Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews

  Who's ready to get into the holiday spirit? Well, book friends, I have found the perfect book for you! Grab your cocoa and a fuzzy blanket and get settled in. It's a Wonderful Christmas is filled to overflowing with feel-good holiday-themed love stories all paying homage to great Holiday classic films.
  
  It's just fantastic!
  ~T
  
  *ARC Provided by Tall Poppy Writers
  
  
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• 
  Dana Michael

  A lovely anthology of classic Christmas movies retold. There are five novellas included in this box set and each could easily be read in one sitting. I found the stories to be sweet, humorous, and filled with love. One in particular had me laughing out loud!!
  
  If you like clean stories that will warm the heart and get you fired up for Christmas, then I recommend this set.
• 
  Susan Peterson

  I was hooked immediately by the premise of this book: reimagined stories based on some of my favorite Christmas movies! This anthology is heartwarming and poignant, and I loved how each paid homage to a special film. I love to read novellas during the holiday season, because we get so busy; it’s nice to have a wonderful that we can read from start to finish during those times we can take a break from the busyness of those days with great characters, wintry settings, and heartfelt stories.
• 
  Annette

  This was a nice collection of Christmas novellas. All perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit. Each one is different so there’s something for everyone.
  I enjoyed this collection
  Thanks to Julie Cantrell for the early copy
• 
  Jill Williamson

  Just finished reading this collection of five Christmas stories. Each was inspired by a movie classic. There were three contemporary stories (one YA, one drama, one romance), one 1970s historical, and one fantasy. I think the first and the last story were my favorites: the YA and the traditional romance. But I enjoyed them all in different ways. These stories are not retellings. They were each inspired loosely by a Christmas move but are each their own, unique story. If you love Christmas stories, this book is a great deal to get five for the price of one. Here is a bit on each story:
  
  1- A Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Christmas by Julie Cantrell was inspired by National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. This told the story of a teen girl whose father left and she’s determined to bring the family together this year.
  
  2- Lovely Life by Janye Tromp was inspired by White Christmas. This was the 70s historical about a famous singer who comes home to help save the castle home of her former fiancé and childhood love—their relationship fell apart when he returned from Vietnam.
  
  3- Miracle on Main Street by Lynne Gentry was inspired by Miracle on 34th Street. A town pulls together to plan a Christmas parade to try and revitalize their town. The owner of the diner doesn’t have high hopes, and things get worse when her “husband,” who ran out on her 40 years ago after returning from Vietnam, shows up and volunteers to play Santa.
  
  4- The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Kelli Stuart was inspired by The Nutcracker. This one is a fantasy story about a young queen with a cursed kingdom and the adventure to end the curse.
  
  5- 500 Miles to Christmas by Allison Pittman was inspired by Remember the Night. I don’t know the story Remember the Night, but this was a romance between a young woman pulled over for speeding and the officer who arrests her for stealing her mother’s car. This one should be a Netflix movie. It was super fun and had lots of great characters.
  
  *I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
  
• 
  Lisa Wetzel

  If you are looking for a way to get yourself into the holiday spirit then I highly suggest you read this anthology. It’s a Wonderful Christmas:Classics Reimagined is an Anthology of stories inspired by our most beloved Christmas movies. Each story is as wonderful as the next one! Read each story alone or all at one time. I guarantee either way they will warm your heart! So start reading now or wait until the Holiday Season is upon us! You are going to want to turn the Christmas lights on, make a cup of hot chocolate and grab a warm blanket. You will enjoy each story!
  
  Thank you Julie Cantrell, Lynne Gentry, Allison Pittman, Kelli Stuart and Janyre Tromp for an advanced copy of this beautifully written Christmas anthology in exchange for my honest my honest review.
  #itsawonderfulchristmas:classicsreimagined #juliecantrell #lynnegentry, allisonpittman, #kellistuart #janyretromp #arc #christmasanthology
• 
  Susan Cushman

  Christmas movie remix! If you love Christmas movies, you will LOVE these "remixed" stories of Christmas movies past and present by a group of seasoned authors. Great Christmas gift! - Susan Cushman, author of John and Mary Margaret and Friends of the Library
• 
  Carolyn Greer

  I truly am not usually a fan of short stories, but I do love books about Christmas. This was such a neat premise—updating and reimagining old favorites. Each of the authors did a wonderful job. All so different, but all so good!
• 
  Debra Slonek

  I thoroughly enjoyed each of the stories in this collection. They were heartwarming, engaging, entertaining and just plain fun!
  
  A Fun, Old-Fashioned Christmas, by Julie Cantrell, is just that, with a modern twist. Dysfunction and old hurts turned into forgiveness and renewal as a common challenge was accepted. As I read this story, I laughed many times and shed a few tears.
  
  In A Lovely Life, by Janyre Tromp, a struggle to save a family business in a real castle is just what is needed to re-kindle a romantic flame and repair damaged friendships. A lovely life is within reach for 3 former friends, as long as they tend to much needed repairs. This was a sweet story of forgiveness and second chances.
  
  Miracle On Main Street, by Lynne Gentry
  Miracles really do happen, especially around Christmas. Many townspeople and businesses came together to resurrect their tradition of a Christmas parade. This was a heartwarming story of forgiveness, second chances and teamwork.
  
  Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy, by Kelli Stuart
  I loved this story and the characters! So many good lessons were woven together with wonderful and engaging storytelling. Going through pain and darkness can lead to a greater appreciation of goodness and joy in our lives. Amen to that!
  
  500 Miles To Christmas, by Allison Pittman
  Sometimes, along the detours of life, you get the awesome opportunity to do a re-set in your life and set things right. That is exactly what happened for Leah, Rick and their loved ones. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story!
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book through Bookfunnel. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
• 
  Cheryl Barker

  Thoroughly enjoyed this new collection of novellas this Christmas season. Gorgeous cover and wonderful stories. Each one very good. Also loved getting to read some of these authors for the first time. If you like to read Christmas books during the holiday season, add this one to your must-read list for next year!
  
  (Also worth noting - Not only is the cover gorgeous, it is quality made too. The covers on some books start curling up almost as soon as I start to read them. I've even noticed at least one major Christian publisher's books doing this. Not so with this one. Stayed nice and flat the entire time!)
• 
  Amy Renaud

  Review to come!
• 
  Gina Dalfonzo

  I really enjoyed these creative and clever retellings.
• 
  Gail Hollingsworth

  This wonderful novella is part of the It’s A Wonderful Christmas collection. Miracle on Main Street by Lynne Gentry is a story most of all in my mind about forgiveness. There is also a little miracle involved, hence the name. It reminded me a little bit of the classic, Miracle on 34th Street.
  Ruthie runs a cafe on Main Street but has fallen into bad times and owes three months back rent. With no way to pay she is bidding her time. Her husband left her 40 years ago to raise their daughter by herself and keep the cafe going. She is a very down person whose glass is always half empty. Her best friend Leona try’s to boost up her morale but always seems to fail miserably.
  How will Ruthie manage to survive? Will a little Christmas miracle work it’s magic? This is a great read to get anybody in the Christmas spirit, even Scrooge! I will eventually read the other stories closer to Christmas to lift my spirits.
  I received an ebook of this novella from the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
• 
  Kerry Croucier

  IT’S A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS is a fun anthology of original Christmas stories written by five different authors perfect to kick off the holiday (reading) season. Each author picked a popular holiday movie/story to use as inspiration, and I was delighted that one movie was “Christmas Vacation.” It is one of my favorite movies and we watch it more than once during the holidays (is it bad my kids can recite the lines?) and Julie Cantrell’s spin is my favorite, though I enjoyed all five of the stories. Another thing I love for the busy holiday season: the five stories are novella length, so they are perfect for taking a break from the busy holiday season and cozying up with a holiday beverage to read one without feeling like you are taking too long a break.
  Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. All opinions are my own and freely given.
  #ITSAWONDERFULCHRISTMAS #JulieCantrell #LynneGentry #AllisonPittman #KelliStuart #JanyreTromp #TallPoppyWriter #TallPoppyWriters #BloomReads
• 
  Deena

  Absolutely enchanting! Magical stories capture the joy that is Christmas. Each story reimagines the author’s favorite holiday film.
  
  Julie Cantrell’s hilarious take on National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation comes to new life in A Fun, Old-fashioned Family Christmas.
  
  Janyre Tromp freshens up White Christmas with Lovely Life, and she does justice to the beloved classic.
  
  Lynne Gentry shines up Miracle on 34th Street in Miracle on Main Street, and this beloved classic shines bright in her story.
  
  Kelli Stewart gives answers to the unasked questions sparked by The Nutcracker in The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and I was completely drawn in from page one.
  
  Allison Pittman concludes the collection with her favorite film, Remember the Night. I’d never heard of this one, but her 500 Miles to Christmas has me wanting to hunt it down and watch the movie!
  
  One of the best collections of Christmas stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
• 
  Claire Fullerton

  “an enjoyable assembly of novellas sure to lift the holiday spirit of every reader.”
  
  In It’s a Wonderful Christmas: Classics Reimagined, each of the five critically acclaimed authors crafts a story inspired by their favorite holiday movie. Combined, the novella collection makes for delightful reading, which, author Julie Cantrell suggests, is the spirit of this collection’s intention. In the author’s note for her novella, Cantrell writes, “When the pandemic put a damper on the 2020 holidays, we decided it was the perfect time to pool our efforts into a positive, uplifting project that would bring a little jingle jangle joy to our readers.” And they do. Each unique novella shines as a complete, satisfactory experience.
  
  My full review:
  https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book...
• 
  Ian

  I have only read two of the collection so, Lynne and Kelli's, and I enjoyed how different they were in style and content while being based on familiar Christmas 'stories'. But what grabbed me the most about both were the wonderful messages they contained. In particular Lynne's story of forgiveness grabbed my heart. 40 years after having her heart broken by her husband and having held onto unforgiveness for that period, Ruthie discovered she was able to forgive and in so doing free herself of the ongoing hardship that comes with the associated bitterness. Beautifully portrayed in this story.
  
  Kelli's imaginative take on an element of the Nutcracker story was fun and enlightening while also providing a strong takeaway message.
  
  I'll add to my review as I finish each novella.
• 
  Chris Pepple

  What an amazing book to help us celebrate the upcoming holiday season! These five authors take us into the lives of people looking for hope, love, and new beginnings as they face the unknown during the holiday season. Through the wishes of children to the hopes of those who have faced many holidays, the readers connect with the characters and walk with them through the uncertainty we all face when we are waiting to see what’s around the next corner in our lives. These authors brought new life to old Christmas stories that many of us remember from our own holiday celebrations. I can’t wait to give this book as gifts for friends!
• 
  Charlotte Lynn

  I have decided that this year I am going to read as many Christmas/Holiday books as I can, what better way to get started on that goal then to read a collection of novellas that retell Christmas movies that I love. I loved that each novella was not an exact retelling, each other took liberties and told their story in their own ways. It was nice that at the beginning of each story there was a history or prologue leading into the actual story. I liked knowing the reason the author chooses their movie to tell.
  
  It’s A Wonderful Christmas is the perfect addition to any holiday reading. I loved reading four unique authors novellas all with the common theme of Christmas movies.
• 
  Deena Adams

  While these stories were mostly enjoyable, they weren’t what I was expecting from Christmas novellas based on holiday classics. Each was unique in its own way with a variety of writing styles and storylines, so if one isn’t your cup of tea, maybe another one will be.
  
  #1- I had a hard time with the first one because of believability. I can’t imagine a teenage girl responding the way this girl did to her father who abandoned the family and treated them terribly. And the fact that estranged family members who refused to respond to anyone else’s attempts at reconciliation in the past were receptive to her simple invitation to a family Christmas seemed like a reach to me.
  
  #2 - I enjoyed this one much more than the first. Although I still didn’t feel the Christmas charm I had expected from this collection, it was well-written and worth the read.
  
  #3 - This story had more of a Christmas feel to it than the first two, so I appreciated that aspect of it. It was well-written and engaging and probably my favorite of the first three.
  
  #4 - I couldn’t get into this story so I skipped over it.
  
  #5- This was my favorite of the five stories by far. So engaging, witty, and heart-warming. Absolutely delightful.
• 
  Christina

  Being a big fan of Christmas movies and books, I jumped at the chance to review an ARC of It’s a Wonderful Christmas. And I’m glad I did, as Julie Cantrell, Lynne Gentry, Allison Pittman, Kelli Stuart, and Janyre Tromp made my day (and we can’t forget the foreward by Susie Finkbeiner). Each story in the collection is a novella inspired by the most memorable and loved Christmas movies of our time, and I loved the different directions each author took us in. If you’re looking for a heartwarming read with oodles of holiday spirit, this is the collection for you.
• 
  Karen

  I received an advance reader copy of this book, and enjoyed reading all the classic Christmas stories. It was nice that all the stories were novellas as opposed to short stories, as it meant you had more time to develop the characters and get attached to them. As always, some stories are better than others, but by and large it was an enjoyable collection and I will be looking for more books by these authors.
• 
  Jennifer Purcell

  This eclectic collection of Christmas stories has definitely gotten me in the mood for Christmas. From romance to stories of family and forgiveness, I enjoyed reading each one of these.
  
  These stories are mostly clean, though one story does have what some would consider mild cursing. Otherwise, these are nice stories perfect for cuddling in a blanket with hot cocoa.
  
  (Note: I received a complimentary copy. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
  
• 
  Melissa aka Melmo

  Fun Christmas Read
  
  This was a new and fun take for a novella collection, stories based on classic Christmas movies. With that fun premise, it was high on my Christmas TBR pile this year. I enjoyed this collection overall. There is one story that was just okay for me, three I liked a lot and my favorite of the collection: Miracle on Main Street. That one was really sweet. A solid Christmas collection.
• 
  Laura Thomas

  A collection of five novellas by five talented authors based on five classic Christmas movies: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, The Nutcracker, and Remember the Night.
  An eclectic mix of contemporary and historical stories, including small-town romance and even a fantasy fairy tale, this is a cozy Christmas reading experience that warms the soul like a comforting mug of hot cocoa (with marshmallows!)
• 
  Jean

  Treat yourself to five talented authors with their Christmas novellas. Each have chosen to write about their favorite Christmas movie but with a twist. There’s a range of historic events as well as a fantasy tale yet all ring in the Christmas gift of love. I received an Advanced Readers Copy from Lynne Gentry; this is my honest review.