Myra Johnson

A small book with a large message. Can I say I loved everything about it from the compassionate way mental illness is dealt with to journeys back to God and the faith that heals. I found it so believable and the characters were so real that I could identify with them and their struggles. The road to letting go of control and letting God can be difficult but this was heart warming and the lighthearted moments that Tate and the canines brought left me smiling. An all around great read that is show more quick for a rainy day with your blanket. I enjoyed this so much as it left you with hope.
I won a copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. show less

"One Imperfect Christmas" by Myra Johnson is a book that goes beyond simply entertaining the reader. For me, it made me think and, more importantly, feel. Belinda, the matriarch of the family, has suffered a massive stroke and needs longterm care. Myra Johnson has skillfully weaved a tale that examines the effects of this tragic stroke on the various family members. In addition, she conveys to us the thoughts and wishes of the stroke victim Belinda.

Anyone who has ever cared for a sick loved show more one will be able to identify with the feelings of Belinda's daughter Natalie. Myra Johnson doesn't just list the usual feelings of grief, sorrow, guilt, etc.; but, and this is the painful part, she delves into exactly why and how these feelings occur. She avoids the tendancy most of us have to catapult the victim into a saint and, rather, portrays her as a three-dimensional human being.

Myra Johnson also does a masterful job painting the many layers of a real marital relationship. It is so poignant to see two people wanting the exact same thing and being within inches of achieving it, save for the lack of communication that so often mars real life love. And Natalie's dad, caught in the crosshairs of trying to hold the family together while keeping hold of his own emotions, is a character that I found incredibly appealing.

Finally, I loved the fact that though this was an undeniably Christian family, they were, without dispute, authentic. Myra Johnson shows that even the most devout faithful don't always skip happy-go-lucky through life, whistling merrily in the face of misfortune. In many cases, as in this story, the believer's faith is hard won through trial by fire. I highly recommend this book. As you read this family tale, your smile may fade, but I guarantee, your hope will soar. show less

A friend sent me this book in a box of Love Inspired books. I'm pretty sure I've read the author before.

One of my "things" is to try to figure out how a title fits the story. In this case, it can go two ways. One is that Ben plans to be a rancher only through the holidays while he sorts out his life after being downsized from work. The second is that Marley gets a rancher as her holiday "present". (I doubt that's a spoiler since if you read these kind of books, you know love wins in the show more end.)

Despite liking the main characters, I couldn't help thinking "Ho-hum, another story about a guy who thought he had his career all planned out and now doesn't want to realize God has another plan."

I did like Marley being a photographer, but there truly wasn't much about photography in the story, and given that she's struggling along financially, I had a hard time finding it believable that she didn't have to think more strongly about relocating her business to a lower rent location.

I didn't like Marley's dad's actions. He seems like the stereotypical politician. More worried about his public image than in what really matters in life. It seemed to be all about him. How the press finding out about Marley would affect him. I liked Marley's mom better. show less

It is 1930 and there is a drought in the middle of a depression.. Everyone is suffering. This book shows what despair and desperation look like and the lengths Bryony has to go to in order to help her family. She secures work as a maid for her landlord in order to put food on the table and send her sister to teacher’s college.
On the other hand, Michael, the heir of the landlord, does not care to be overseer of his father’s holdings. He is still recovering from lungs ravaged during WWI show more and dreams of illustrating books of local flora. Clashes are inevitable and ugly comes out. But Bryony is a bight spot, even though she is too outspoken, she shows the love of God.
This was a charming tale of growing in God’s grace and a reconciliation and renewal, with romance for good measure.
I will certainly look for more by this author. I enjoy her writing style.
*I downloaded a free copy of this book from Amazon. Thanks to Franciscan Media publishers. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* show less