When God Calls the Heart at Christmas

Heartfelt Devotions from Hope Valley

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Pub Date 4 Sep 2018 | Archive Date 3 Jan 2019
Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC | BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC

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Description

Celebrate Christmas in Hope Valley

Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Whether it’s in the fictional town of Hope Valley in the early 1900s or in our lives today, nothing is more profound than celebrating God’s most important gift to the world.

When God Calls the Heart at Christmas is about a celebration of faith, family, friends, and the most meaningful Yuletide traditions. Inspired by best-selling author Janette Oke and the Hallmark Channel original TV series When Calls the Heart, these twenty-five devotions not only explore “God-moments” from the series, but also commemorate favorite holiday recipes, stories, and traditions—many of them contributed by the Hearties, the beloved fans of the show. 

Journey with us to Hope Valley as we focus on all the reasons for this most blessed season. As shepherds and angels learned on that holy night so long ago, when God calls the heart at Christmas, you can expect a celebration.

Celebrate Christmas in Hope Valley

Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Whether it’s in the fictional town of Hope Valley in the early 1900s or in our lives today, nothing is more...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781424557288
PRICE US$15.99 (USD)

Average rating from 40 members


Featured Reviews

EVERY HEARTIE SHOULD OWN THIS.

I'm serious. This little devotion warmed my heart with not only our beloved tales from Hope Valley during Christmas but the experiences of other Hearties as well. Jammed packed full of light and inspiring stories and lessons that we can glean from our daily lives, this is just the perfect thing to read at Christmas time (Or any time really). I loved the recipes and plan on making at least some of them around the holiday times.

I recommend this for everyone but especially to HEARTIES.

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I just finished When God Calls the Heart at Christmas (it’s mid-June) and experiencing Christmas in June is such a treat. This little book is chocked full of great stories, wisdom, holiday traditions, Scriptures and FOOD! Now that combination makes for a great read.

I’m not familiar with When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke and being a cord cutter I have not seen the Hallmark Channel TV series. I have the book on digital hold from my library and look forward to reading it.

This is considered a devotional book and assumes the reader would read one a day. Each one starts with a story from Oke’s book, then scripture and a prayer and questions to meditate on. Then there is a recipe followed by one or more stories from Hearties, those folks devoted to the book or series. Their stories relate to the previous readings

The stories, prayers etc were excellent. The recipes all looked good and easy to make.

This book crosses generational lines and has something for everyone. If you know someone who would be considered a Heartie then it would definitely be a great gift for them.

I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

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I loved this little book. It's full of stories, recipes and prayers that will lift your spirits. This is a book that I will read over and over again. Thank you NetGalley and Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC for an ARC copy of this book.

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This a heartwarming book. Short stories, Yuletide traditions and a general atmosphere of tenderness and hope.
A book to read when you feel down or on a dark day.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC and Netgalley for this ARC

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I am a huge fan of When Calls the Heart. I really enjoy the feel good atmosphere that it brings. When I saw this book I knew I had to read it. This book is a devotional which the reader can either read each day or read at their leisure. I found it to be full of hope and love at one of the best times of the year. The book is full of stories not only from Hope Valley but from the Hearties who love them. The recipes included seemed nice and easy to make. I always love when a book includes recipes. I highly recommend this book to not only Hearties but to those who feel down and need that pick me up. I received a copy from Netgalley. I positive review was not a requirement.

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This book has Christmas devotions that are thoughtful, simple, and sweet. The recipes look delicious. There are touching true accounts of Christmas memories written by several “hearties”. These devotions will have a special meaning to those who have followed the show, but even if you’ve never watched the show, you can appreciate and enjoy this book. This book would be a great Christmas gift. I read this book in August and it made me feel ready to celebrate Christmas early.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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This is not really a book so much as it is a devotional. If you love the Hallmark Channel show "When Calls The Heart" and are looking for a short, daily devotional that is perfect for the busy mom that may only have 5 minutes to spare each day, look no further because you have found the perfect book. I would recommend this to everyone but it discusses the show on every day, so if you have not seen any of the shows, I suggest you watch them. Not only are they wonderful, but they are very apparent in this book.

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What a lovely book. I am a fan of the show. So it is nice that scenes from the show are referenced and put it in a difference perspective. I tend to watch the show for the entertainment. The book puts a religious aspect to the scenes. Well done!

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If you are a fan of the TV show, or you have never seen an episode, you will love this Christmas devotional. It is so sweet inspirational. Sure to become a seasonal favorite for years to come. Thank you netgalley snd the publisher for a free Arc in exchange for this honest review

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Such a sweet book. Full of inspiration and hope. This is one I will read every year. I have watched the series since the beginning and now I can enjoy this book all year.

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This was a very nice devotional remembering the episodes of the show When Calls The Heart around Christmas time. It was heart warming and sweet and I enjoyed it very much.

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I really enjoyed this devotional over the holiday season. I used it as part of my quiet time in the morning. Every day brought an uplifting scene from When Calls The Heart, a scripture and prayer, a story from a “Heartie” or WCTH fan, and a recipe. I hope there is another devotional like this for another season.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. I received this in exchange for my honest opinion and was not required to leave a positive review.

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A Christmas devotional centered around the Hallmark TV series, When Calls the Heart. Stories from old and new are incorporated with family traditions, recipes and prayers to make you think of the real reason of the season, the birth of Jesus.

I am not a true Heartie (yet) as I have not taken the time to sit down and watch the series from beginning to end. I have watched a few of the shows and understand the phenomenon around the show. I love how faith is one of the main focus' on the show. The same goes for this devotional. It is inspiring. I already have plans to start this devotional again on December 25 and read a devotion a day and focus my heart on the stories and prayers. I also cannot wait to make some of the yummy recipes that have been included.

For fans of the show new and old, this is a book to buy and treasure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

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This title would be an amazing read for any fan of the TV show (if you're a fan of only the books, sorry!)...

Overall, it's truly a beautiful collection of homespun stories of Christmas memories from around the world, mixed with lessons we learn from the characters from When Calls The Heart, with inspirational devotional thoughts, and even several recipes too! It's actually quite a lot mixed into this treasure trove. I enjoyed it, and I'm sure you (and your friends will too!)... May the combination of everything in this book bring you a lot of love, joy, and laughter this season.

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I love the move When God Calls The Heart so I was extra for the devotion. The devotional is divided into twenty-five days, or chapters, each one containing a lesson that somehow connects to the When Calls the Heart TV show, a Bible verse, a prayer, a list of related questions, a recipe, and a few Christmas traditions.

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A lovely, heart-warming book. I cannot recommend highly enough. I adore the tv show and had been worried this would not live up to expectations - it did.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this lovely book.

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"When God calls the Heart at Christmas" by Brian Bird and Michelle Cox is a delightful and inspiring compilation of tasty recipes and biblical truth, interspersed with heartwarming stories to move us to tears. The devotions, Bible verses and meaningful questions help us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. It draws us into the love-filled, healing heart of Christmas. This inspiring book is a shining celebration of the Christ at the heart of Christmas.

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When God Calls the Heart at Christmas by Brian Bird & Michelle Cox

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Brian Bird and Michelle Cox bring together a delightful series from Hallmark channel/Janette Oke, Christmas traditions of the Hearties and some fun Christmas recipes to create a delightful 25 day devotional that will be a re-readable favorite for years to come.

Oh Christmastime, how we love you! And although it seems that it comes around faster every year, I, personally, begin to plan and enjoy my holidays on November 1st. I love the 8 weeks that encompass three of the biggest celebrations of the year and truly enjoy both the hard work and fruition that surrounds each one. I always look for ways to appreciate and learn something new during those weeks and this year I had an opportunity to begin a little earlier with this wonderful devotional. Each day there was a short reading that tied a scene from the series to a biblical concept, making it new and fresh. I loved that there were very accurate Bible verses included each day and did my best to memorize a couple. Then there was a delicious recipe submitted by a fan that they traditionally make for Christmas. I’ve noted a few of those that we already make and a few that I’m going to try to add to our menu this year. The third part of each day’s devotional was a story of hope or miracles that happened in the lives of Hearties (fans of When Calls the Heart) through the years. Some of these stories were so amazingly special they brought tears of joy and celebration to my eyes as I read. I looked forward each day to what was going to be presented, praying that God would touch my heart and mind with the desire to apply the concept. I couldn’t really find anything that I didn’t like about the devotional except that I wish each day’s reading had been longer. I’ve not seen the entire Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart” so I’m not sure if all the scenes featured were accurate, but I have read the books by Janette Oke and was familiar with the characters. I’m hoping to make time to watch them in the new year and see some of the scenes that were mentioned in the devotional. All of these delightful inclusions served to make this one of the best Christmas devotionals I’ve read. It was much different from others but its the difference that I believe enhanced my enjoyment. I’ve already purchased and gifted one copy to a family member and will certainly encourage others to do the same for themselves. I’m also hoping that this will be one of multiple Christmas devotionals to come from these two authors as they both seem to have great skill with them.

I received this E-book free of charge from Broadstreet Publishing Group, LLC via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

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If you’re a fan of the TV series When Calls the Heart, you’ll definitely enjoy reading this book. It encapsulates the mood and spirit of the show, although I would’ve loved a real Christmas novel with all the characters from the show (like one of those Christmas specials). Yet, it is still an interesting read filled with touching stories from Hearties fans and flashbacks to key episodes.

The book is mainly about devotions; faith being a major element of the show and the books it is based on. If you’re not a religious person, you can approach it as a self-help book. I thought it gave an interesting, genuine perspective on the true meaning of Christmas and life values in general. Besides, there are quite a few good recipe ideas for the holidays. You’ll definitely get something out of this multifaceted book. It is quite short, so it’ll be quick to read during the busy festive season.

A lovely gift to put under the tree!

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Ok fine. I’ll admit it. I’m already listening to Christmas music. 🙈 Im ready to decorate, and bake, and feel the warm glow of Christmas lights.🎄 🎅🏼 ❄️ ⛄️ The Frank Sinatra Christmas station on Spotify is getting daily play at my house {much to the chagrin of my husband}. I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I also love When Calls the Heart so when I saw this devotional, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. Oh my goodness, it’s so wonderful! With daily devotions and heartwarming stories from the show, this is such a fantastic feel-good way to start the day. As an added bonus, it includes many recipes for the holidays. It’s early but I wanted to get this out to my fellow Hearties so you can get your copy and start this for the holiday season. When Calls the Heart at Christmas gets all the stars from me...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars!Thank you @broadstreet_publishing for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

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I love the show When Calls the Heart and so when I saw that they had a Christmas book, I knew I had to read it. I couldn’t put the book down as soon as I downloaded it! I loved the story and the wanting to read more and even the other books in the series. I highly recommend this book to all who loves a Christmas book or When Calls the Heart series.

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I grew up loving The Canadian West series by Janette Oke, which inspired Hallmark Channel’s television show When Calls the Heart. I have to confess that I don’t like the show. They’ve changed too much and they’ve removed the powerful faith lessons. So I was skeptical that I would enjoy this book, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I enjoyed a lot of the recipes that were featured. I feel the book didn’t do a good enough job of pointing to the fact that Christ’s birth is the true reason and meaning of the season- not kindness and time with family. But if you were getting that information to your family in another way, the recipes in this book are very interesting, but I wouldn’t rely on this for the only means of conveying the philosophical meaning of the Christmas season.

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While Christmas holds a special place in my heart as a holiday, the past few Christmases have come with much turmoil. This has, in turn, affected the level of festivity I’ve displayed in celebrating. So, deciding to review a devotional on the subject of Christmas was something about which I had mixed feelings. However, just a few pages in, I found the readings helping me. The topics are varied, but each one touches the on feelings that people experience during the holidays as well as at different times in life. Along with the emotional release comes a redirecting of the reader’s mindset and an inner renewal. In general, this book would make an excellent gift and if the person is also a fan of the show the stories will take on even more meaning.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are my own.

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When God Calls the Heart at Christmas. A beautiful devotional Christmas story that uses Whan Calls the Heart at Christmas. I loved the story and you will too.

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Another favorite . I have been enjoying reading these short bible studies from the executive producer of the TV series. Thank you for allowing me to read.

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This is a wonderful devotional, especially for readers that love the Hallmark Channel's show "When Calls the Heart." The snippets of the show with insight and questions are meaningful. The stories from fellow "Hearties" are heartwarming. I loved all the recipes and I know readers will also. This book will be the perfect Christmas gift for someone special. It would also be great for a small group to discuss and encourage. Highly recommend!

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“Christmas Day was so special when I was growing up. My mom had seven brothers and sisters, and the families all went from home to home on Christmas Day, ending at our house ... each family sharing their specialty food and Christmas cookies.”

When God Calls the Heart at Christmas: Heartfelt Devotions from Faith Valley, is the epitome of a beautiful, heartfelt Christmas devotional full of stories that move, inspire, warm the heart, and bring holiday joy.

Brian Bird does an excellent job capturing the Christmas spirit and the characters and warmth of Hope Valley and the characters.

Filled with plenty of stories, memories and Christmas recipes, the devotional is sure to delight and fill even the coldest heart with the Christmas spirit.

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