Book Review: A Christmas Prayer

I searched Hoopla for another Christmas novel to pass my time on the treadmill/exercycle. If I had visited its Amazon page, I might not have selected this book. Several endorsements for Kimberla Lawson Roby's other books contained words like "juicy read," "full of sassy sensuality," and "liberal dashes of sexual satisfaction." I'm glad I went in blind. Other words from the endorsements ring more true for my experience of this book: "She pushes her characters hard, spotlighting their flaws." (USA Today) "Roby [deals] with real issues... that are important to women today." "Roby has a talent for underscoring the universal challenges of people of faith." This African-American Christian novel takes genuine struggles and brings them to a point of redemption.

Alexis Fletcher still reels from the death of her mother. The prospect of a new family would console her if only her fiancé's mother loved and accepted her. Instead, her future mother-in-law seems determined to break up their relationship. What drives this intense animosity? How can Alexis celebrate the holidays despite her grief and struggles? Her heartfelt Christmas prayer may be the answer to her deepest needs.

Although it may not have made the list in my previous post of Christmas book recommendations, A Christmas Prayer offers realistic dilemmas delivered into the hands of our gracious God. You don't have to be African-American to relate to the characters and issues presented in this Christmas novel. In a season of hope and joy, Christ brings our pain and conflict into His sphere of redeeming love. While the characters are flawed (like all of us), God's intervention brings healing and peace.