(Heartwarming Christmas)
By Heidi Eljarbo
Publication Date: 4th October 2021
Facing a looming deadline, Juni retreats to her grandparents’ cabin in the Norwegian mountains. It has been a long time since she visited, and with only a few days left to meet her deadline, she still hasn’t started the article she needs to write. She hopes that spending time at the cabin will eliminate distractions and provide her with the focus and inspiration she has been lacking.
However, just walking into the cabin hits Juni with a wave of nostalgia, and with the company of others up in the mountains, she finds herself realising that, maybe, it is time to take a step back and reconnect with her childhood.
“Fair Mountain Christmas (Heartwarming Christmas)” by Heidi Eljarbo beautifully combines the chill of winter air with the warm, fuzzy feelings that come with the joy of Christmas and families gathering to celebrate. This captivating winter story presents a comforting narrative that brings the magic of Christmas to life.
Juni feels an intense pressure on her shoulders as the article she has been tasked with writing could determine the future of the newspaper. Normally, she would have no trouble sitting down at her typewriter and producing something engaging for readers. However, this time, she is struggling. The topic—"Five Things Children Need for Christmas"—is unfamiliar to her, and her mind is blank when it comes to ideas that might attract enough attention to save the newspaper and, consequently, her job. With no children of her own, Juni finds herself completely stumped. Her writer’s block has thrown her into a panic, and relaxing during the Christmas season is the last thing on her mind.
Despite her plans to focus solely on writing the article, Juni finds herself easily distracted. Her grandparents’ cabin evokes memories and feelings she hasn’t experienced in years. This novel serves as an exploration of nostalgia, capturing the essence of returning home after a long absence and settling into cherished memories of joy and family. As Juni revisits the cabin, she begins to uncover memories hidden away in the cupboards. Old decorations, which she used to hang with her grandparents, stir vivid images of the gentle glow of Christmas lights on the tree, with reflections dancing off decorations collected through the years. As she rediscovered the magic of Christmas, Juni starts to relax, reconnecting with her childhood. Consequently, the article almost writes itself; ideas flow effortlessly as she realises just how much the spirit of Christmas can envelop her mind, allowing joy to seep into her heart.
Juni is not alone in the mountains, but she finds herself in more company than she expected. Henry’s family has owned and operated Moose Lodge for generations. Juni recalls spending time there with her grandparents when she was younger. Now, it seems that Henry is frequently stopping by her cabin to help her with various tasks. He often drags her away from her work, getting her involved in the preparations leading up to Christmas Day. Juni can’t help but admit that Henry is a distraction she doesn’t mind. However, she is not ready to let go just yet. Not only does she have an article to write, but she has also been on her own for so long and has distanced herself from close relationships. She’s unsure if she is ready to take the leap and get to know Henry better. Her reservations make her hesitant to let loose, but Henry seems to sense exactly what she needs to embrace the present and enjoy herself. Henry is truly a wonderful character; he prioritises the happiness of others and does his utmost to ensure that everyone around him feels joyful. His enthusiasm for the holiday is infectious and can easily bring a smile to anyone’s face, including the reader’s.
Henry plays a vital role in creating a festive atmosphere, but there is another character who significantly lifts both Juni’s and the reader’s spirits throughout the story—Leo, Juni’s terrier! He is full of life, and even without a voice, he embodies an innocent joy that permeates the narrative and provides companionship to Juni when she is alone. His seemingly endless energy fills the pages with enthusiasm and greatly contributes to the uplifting mood of the story.
The intricate descriptions of Christmas preparations—such as dragging out decorations, baking, or watching snowfall through the window while the fire crackles in the hearth—create the perfect backdrop for immersing oneself in the Christmas spirit. The book evokes memories of past Christmases and puts the reader in the holiday mood, making it an ideal heartwarming read for December.
“Fair Mountain Christmas (Heartwarming Christmas)” by Heidi Eljarbo is the perfect story to get you into the holiday spirit. It embodies the essence of a cosy Christmas tale and leaves you with that warm, fuzzy feeling reminiscent of snuggling in front of a fire with a mug of hot chocolate, while fairy lights twinkle on the tree. If you’re looking for an uplifting and truly heartwarming story, this is the one to choose.
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(Heartwarming Christmas)
Congratulations on such a lovely review.
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