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Christmas In My Heart #18
Christmas in My Heart: A Timeless Treasury of Heartwarming Stories
Open up this precious treasury of classic stories and you rediscover what makes Christmas so special. Fond memories come flooding back as these heartwarming tales transport you to happy times surrounded by family and friends. What makes these stories such a special gift is that they come from the heart. They share the spark of Christmas in all of us--the caring, the sharing, and the self-giving love.
Joe Wheeler's great discovery is that the best of Christmas is in our hearts, and we embrace life in new ways when we read heartwarming stories about this joyous season. He was so convinced of this that he began to collect all sorts of Christmas stories, old and new, from far and wide. With the trained eye of a seasoned English professor, and the sensitive heart of one who grew up listening to wonderful stories year after year, he knows a good story when he hears it.
In Christmas in My Heart, the author brings together the best old familiar favorites and fresh new yarns from his literary treasure trove. The riches of master storytellers such as Pearl S. Buck, Madeleine L'Engle, Taylor Caldwell, and O. Henry are combined with stirring tales from the golden age of Christmas stories to form a priceless treasury of holiday classics.
Read them once, to loved ones or in peaceful solitude, and they will forever become a part of your family's Christmas traditions. Because these stories sparkle and shine with the true spirit of Christmas, they will make you smile, bring tears to your eyes, and give you goose bumps all over. You may give this delightful collection as a gift from the heart to someone you love, or buy it for yourself. No matter what, you won't be able to put it down, or to let one Christmas pass by without opening this timeless treasury of heartwarming stories.
Joe Wheeler's great discovery is that the best of Christmas is in our hearts, and we embrace life in new ways when we read heartwarming stories about this joyous season. He was so convinced of this that he began to collect all sorts of Christmas stories, old and new, from far and wide. With the trained eye of a seasoned English professor, and the sensitive heart of one who grew up listening to wonderful stories year after year, he knows a good story when he hears it.
In Christmas in My Heart, the author brings together the best old familiar favorites and fresh new yarns from his literary treasure trove. The riches of master storytellers such as Pearl S. Buck, Madeleine L'Engle, Taylor Caldwell, and O. Henry are combined with stirring tales from the golden age of Christmas stories to form a priceless treasury of holiday classics.
Read them once, to loved ones or in peaceful solitude, and they will forever become a part of your family's Christmas traditions. Because these stories sparkle and shine with the true spirit of Christmas, they will make you smile, bring tears to your eyes, and give you goose bumps all over. You may give this delightful collection as a gift from the heart to someone you love, or buy it for yourself. No matter what, you won't be able to put it down, or to let one Christmas pass by without opening this timeless treasury of heartwarming stories.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 1992
21 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Joe L. Wheeler
117 books37 followersJoe Wheeler has been labeled many things: as Father Christmas because of his editing/compiling America’s longest-running Christmas of story series — Christmas in My Heart (now in its 18th season); as one of America’s leading story anthologists (56 story collections by twelve publishing houses); as the world’s foremost authority on life and times of the frontier writer Zane Grey (he is co-founder and executive director of the international Zane Grey’s West Society); as a biographer, having written full-length biographies of Abraham Lincoln and St. Nicholas and shorter biographies of Louisa May Alcott, Abbie Farwell Brown, Daniel Defoe, Charles Dickens, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Gene Stratton Porter, Grace Richmond, Henryk Sienkiewicz, and Lew Wallace; and as a Renaissance Man because of his encyclopedic interest in everything (popular culture as well as the academic); and his master’s degree in the teaching of History, his master’s degree in English (thesis on Utopian and Dystopian literature), and his Vanderbilt doctorate in English (History of Ideas emphasis).
Because of all these variables, and stirring in his 71 books (and counting), this blog series promises to be unlike any other — and that’s why he titles the series, “UNCHARTED WATERS.”
Because of all these variables, and stirring in his 71 books (and counting), this blog series promises to be unlike any other — and that’s why he titles the series, “UNCHARTED WATERS.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 29, 2021
Great stories...but too much wasted space.
December 19, 2023
I needed something uplifting and this collection of charming and heartwarming Christmas stories was perfect, reminding me of the true meaning of Christmas.
December 29, 2018
A gift from a friend. This book had a Christmas sentimentality in it, but it also had sweetness. Each chapter was its own short story with a different author. Part of the reason it didn't hold a higher rating for me was that I'd read many of these stories before: Dina Donohue's "Trouble at the Inn," Howard Schade's "The Gold and Ivory Tablecloth," O'Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," and Wendy Miller's "Charlie's Blanket." In particular, I've read O'Henry's contribution several times before, most recently in a collection of O'Henry's writings.
I did enjoy Bess Aldrich's "Star Across the Tracks," David Grayson's "A Day of Pleasant Bread," and Joe Wheeler's "The Belle of Christmas," among others.
On contentment, I liked this quote from Temple Bailey's "The Candle in the Forest":
"Why don't we have ...?"
"Because we are content... It is making the best of what God gives us."
"Everything with you has a happy ending." I wish I could have that attitude. It made me smile.
I liked the joie de vivre in David Grayson's "A Day of Pleasant Bread," and this quote:
"It seemed certain to me that something unusual and adventurous was about to happen - and if it did not happen offhand, why, I was there to make it happen."
I loved that quote so much that it was still ringing in my head hours later when my husband, at the steering wheel, asked me, "Wanna go on an adventure?" before veering off onto an unknown road to chase Christmas lights.
On anticipation, I also liked David Grayson's quote, "You have comforted my mind with the joys of anticipation." I love that, because, of course, anticipation does bring its own set of joys, and perhaps, even comfort.
I'd consider reading some of his other works, "Adventures in Contentment" or "Adventures in Friendship," I liked David Grayson's work in this collection so much.
The surprise ending of Joe Wheeler's "The Belle of Christmas Eve" got me with whom his protagonist was. I don't want to give it away, but I've read one of her works earlier this year: "A Long Fatal Love Chase." That's not one of the ones for which she's well known, but it ought to remind me if and when I'm looking back on this review.
"One of the greatest tragedies of our time is the shattering of the family unit; without it, no nation has flourished long on the planet." - Joe Wheeler, in the intro. Interesting assessment, no backing research, but it wouldn't surprise me. I have heard before of the status of the United States, in decline, has been compared to that of the Roman Empire's decline during its moral quagmire. But to claim that NO nation has succeeded without viable family units goes even further.
"Unquestionably, the golden age of Christmas stories occurred during the first third of this century [now the last century]; actually, it began in the 1890's and receded in the forties. Clearly, this was a period of spiritual renewal in America ... and, not surprisingly, it parallels the Social Gospel Period. This was born with Charles Sheldon's 'In His Steps,' in 1898 ... these authors held a deep conviction that the essence of Christianity is not sterile doctrine, but the application of Biblical principles into a caring relationship with all those with whom we come into contact on a daily basis." - Joe Wheeler, in the intro.
That quote makes me sad on number of levels. I have read and enjoyed Charles Sheldon's 'In His Steps,' and I think it has some valid, essential points about trying to live our our faith, or, as summarized later, asking ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" But it makes me sad to link that book to the Social Gospel, which later lost all semblance of hope and truth, all knowledge of what is good about our God, in favor of just doing the right thing. While doing the right thing is important, there's something profoundly sad about a movement that forgot what Jesus has done for us, in sacrificing Himself to save us from our sins. There has to be both right action and clear understanding of Jesus, not just one or the other. I didn't know that Sheldon's work had been tied to the Social Gospel, which came later, and went far afield from what he'd said.
The Social Gospel was so-called because it replaced God's gospel, that is, the gospel of the Bible, with the good, positive help and interactions of other human beings, social aid, or humanitarianism or social gospel. It was a social good news, not the good news of Jesus coming to save us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16. But, as I said, it should be both. Gentle, real compassion as well as understanding what Jesus did for us and loving Him for it.
For example, this kind of thinking could be seen in Paula McDonald's "The Last Straw," in this collection. The meaning of Christmas is NOT our kindnesses to one another, although our gratitude to God and to each other should spark that. The meaning of Christmas is that Jesus came as a baby to earth, to die. Hebrews 10:8-10: "First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
The meaning of Christmas is not the gifts we give each other, although that makes it sweeter. The meaning of Christmas is the Gift that God gave us.
I did enjoy Bess Aldrich's "Star Across the Tracks," David Grayson's "A Day of Pleasant Bread," and Joe Wheeler's "The Belle of Christmas," among others.
On contentment, I liked this quote from Temple Bailey's "The Candle in the Forest":
"Why don't we have ...?"
"Because we are content... It is making the best of what God gives us."
"Everything with you has a happy ending." I wish I could have that attitude. It made me smile.
I liked the joie de vivre in David Grayson's "A Day of Pleasant Bread," and this quote:
"It seemed certain to me that something unusual and adventurous was about to happen - and if it did not happen offhand, why, I was there to make it happen."
I loved that quote so much that it was still ringing in my head hours later when my husband, at the steering wheel, asked me, "Wanna go on an adventure?" before veering off onto an unknown road to chase Christmas lights.
On anticipation, I also liked David Grayson's quote, "You have comforted my mind with the joys of anticipation." I love that, because, of course, anticipation does bring its own set of joys, and perhaps, even comfort.
I'd consider reading some of his other works, "Adventures in Contentment" or "Adventures in Friendship," I liked David Grayson's work in this collection so much.
The surprise ending of Joe Wheeler's "The Belle of Christmas Eve" got me with whom his protagonist was. I don't want to give it away, but I've read one of her works earlier this year: "A Long Fatal Love Chase." That's not one of the ones for which she's well known, but it ought to remind me if and when I'm looking back on this review.
"One of the greatest tragedies of our time is the shattering of the family unit; without it, no nation has flourished long on the planet." - Joe Wheeler, in the intro. Interesting assessment, no backing research, but it wouldn't surprise me. I have heard before of the status of the United States, in decline, has been compared to that of the Roman Empire's decline during its moral quagmire. But to claim that NO nation has succeeded without viable family units goes even further.
"Unquestionably, the golden age of Christmas stories occurred during the first third of this century [now the last century]; actually, it began in the 1890's and receded in the forties. Clearly, this was a period of spiritual renewal in America ... and, not surprisingly, it parallels the Social Gospel Period. This was born with Charles Sheldon's 'In His Steps,' in 1898 ... these authors held a deep conviction that the essence of Christianity is not sterile doctrine, but the application of Biblical principles into a caring relationship with all those with whom we come into contact on a daily basis." - Joe Wheeler, in the intro.
That quote makes me sad on number of levels. I have read and enjoyed Charles Sheldon's 'In His Steps,' and I think it has some valid, essential points about trying to live our our faith, or, as summarized later, asking ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" But it makes me sad to link that book to the Social Gospel, which later lost all semblance of hope and truth, all knowledge of what is good about our God, in favor of just doing the right thing. While doing the right thing is important, there's something profoundly sad about a movement that forgot what Jesus has done for us, in sacrificing Himself to save us from our sins. There has to be both right action and clear understanding of Jesus, not just one or the other. I didn't know that Sheldon's work had been tied to the Social Gospel, which came later, and went far afield from what he'd said.
The Social Gospel was so-called because it replaced God's gospel, that is, the gospel of the Bible, with the good, positive help and interactions of other human beings, social aid, or humanitarianism or social gospel. It was a social good news, not the good news of Jesus coming to save us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16. But, as I said, it should be both. Gentle, real compassion as well as understanding what Jesus did for us and loving Him for it.
For example, this kind of thinking could be seen in Paula McDonald's "The Last Straw," in this collection. The meaning of Christmas is NOT our kindnesses to one another, although our gratitude to God and to each other should spark that. The meaning of Christmas is that Jesus came as a baby to earth, to die. Hebrews 10:8-10: "First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
The meaning of Christmas is not the gifts we give each other, although that makes it sweeter. The meaning of Christmas is the Gift that God gave us.
December 20, 2017
A wonderful, eclectic collection of stories perfect for the season, only one of which I was familiar with already. The last story, by Mr. Wheeler himself, made me cry big, galumphing tears. This would make a great gift item.
Favorite quotes: "And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses." - My Christmas Miracle, Taylor Caldwell
"I sometimes think we expect too much of Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and humanity of the whole year. As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year. And thus I drift along into the holidays - let them overtake me unexpectedly - waking up some fine morning and suddenly saying to myself: 'Why, this is Christmas Day!'" - A Day of Pleasant Bread, David Grayson
"What a lot of kindness and common human nature - childlike simplicity, if you will - there is in people once you get them down together and persuade them that the things they think serious are not serious at all." - A Day of Pleasant Bread, David Grayson
Favorite quotes: "And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses." - My Christmas Miracle, Taylor Caldwell
"I sometimes think we expect too much of Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and humanity of the whole year. As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year. And thus I drift along into the holidays - let them overtake me unexpectedly - waking up some fine morning and suddenly saying to myself: 'Why, this is Christmas Day!'" - A Day of Pleasant Bread, David Grayson
"What a lot of kindness and common human nature - childlike simplicity, if you will - there is in people once you get them down together and persuade them that the things they think serious are not serious at all." - A Day of Pleasant Bread, David Grayson
December 29, 2022
My mother-in-love lent me this book. I was a nice, solid collection of nostalgic Christmas stories.
Read
January 18, 2023It was better towards the end. A book Mom had read and had all kinds of notes that she enjoyed it.
January 16, 2015
Another excellent collection of short stories that capture the true spirit of Christmas. Loved it and would love to reread it every year or two.
December 7, 2024
A Timeless Collection of Christmas Stories
"Christmas in My Heart" by Joe L. Wheeler is a captivating anthology of Christmas stories that will warm your heart and fill your spirit with the joy and wonder of the season.
This beautifully crafted collection of tales, both old and new, is a treasure trove of Christmas magic. From heartwarming stories of love and kindness to poignant tales of sacrifice and redemption, each narrative is a masterful blend of storytelling and holiday cheer.
Wheeler's writing is engaging, and his passion for the Christmas season shines through on every page. His stories are infused with a sense of nostalgia, reminding readers of the true meaning of Christmas and the values that bring us together as family and friends.
One of the strengths of this collection is its diversity. Wheeler draws from a wide range of sources, including classic literature, folklore, and real-life experiences. This diversity ensures that there's something for everyone in this anthology, making it an excellent choice for families, book clubs, or individual readers seeking a festive and inspiring holiday read.
In short, "Christmas in My Heart" is a holiday treasure that will become a beloved part of your annual Christmas tradition. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in by the fireplace, and let Joe L. Wheeler's wonderful stories transport you to a world of Christmas joy, love, and wonder.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Recommendation: This book is perfect for anyone seeking a heartwarming and inspiring holiday read. It's an excellent choice for families, book clubs, or individual readers looking for a festive and uplifting Christmas story collection.
Copyright ©️ Sharon Dorival
"Christmas in My Heart" by Joe L. Wheeler is a captivating anthology of Christmas stories that will warm your heart and fill your spirit with the joy and wonder of the season.
This beautifully crafted collection of tales, both old and new, is a treasure trove of Christmas magic. From heartwarming stories of love and kindness to poignant tales of sacrifice and redemption, each narrative is a masterful blend of storytelling and holiday cheer.
Wheeler's writing is engaging, and his passion for the Christmas season shines through on every page. His stories are infused with a sense of nostalgia, reminding readers of the true meaning of Christmas and the values that bring us together as family and friends.
One of the strengths of this collection is its diversity. Wheeler draws from a wide range of sources, including classic literature, folklore, and real-life experiences. This diversity ensures that there's something for everyone in this anthology, making it an excellent choice for families, book clubs, or individual readers seeking a festive and inspiring holiday read.
In short, "Christmas in My Heart" is a holiday treasure that will become a beloved part of your annual Christmas tradition. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in by the fireplace, and let Joe L. Wheeler's wonderful stories transport you to a world of Christmas joy, love, and wonder.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Recommendation: This book is perfect for anyone seeking a heartwarming and inspiring holiday read. It's an excellent choice for families, book clubs, or individual readers looking for a festive and uplifting Christmas story collection.
Copyright ©️ Sharon Dorival
December 23, 2024
This was a nice book of short stories to read during the Christmas season. Out of all the stories, four were my favorites. Trouble at the Inn was about a school Christmas pageant where a change in lines goes incredibly right. The Gold and Ivory Tablecloth brings two people together again, taking place after Hitler’s armies devastation. A Gift from the Heart tells the tale of a Swiss girl who wants to give something to someone who does not have material wealth. Charlie’s Blanket shows the innocence of a child, and a family who has much love to give each other on Christmas.
All these stories have something in common. It’s not the presents, but the love one has during Christmas being the most important.
All these stories have something in common. It’s not the presents, but the love one has during Christmas being the most important.
September 5, 2021
This book came to me via two friends: one of whom read it, then gave it to the other, who read it and passed it on to me. I enjoyed the stories, but I find that most of them slip out of my memory soon after reading them. Right now, the only one I can truly remember is the last one (the one I read most recently) and I didn't guess the significance of that one until near the end of it.
December 9, 2018
Enjoyable
I found this book enjoyable. All the different stories were interesting. It brought to mind some of my own Christmas stories - both happy and sad. I look forward to reading more.
I found this book enjoyable. All the different stories were interesting. It brought to mind some of my own Christmas stories - both happy and sad. I look forward to reading more.
January 17, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely collection of Christmas tales. It includes classics, like "The Gift of the Magi," by O. Henry, and "A Full House," by Madeleine L'Engle, one of my favorite authors. I think I will have to reread this book every December!
Read
December 23, 2022On a quest to read all the books I own, I brought this with me to read. I was familiar with some of the stories. This is overwhelmingly sentimental cheese if that’s what you’re looking for geared around Christmas.
December 1, 2024
Not sure why this one didn't hit me like his other stories but I still love reading them. The one by Pearl Buck actually made me so angry. The brother has every right to know and the wife was just selfish in my mind.
December 21, 2017
What a grand collection of Christmas stories. There were so many lessons to be learned about the true spirit of Christmas.
December 19, 2018
Lovely collection of Christmas stories. Interesting to read the struggles people had in the past when we generally have such abundance.
January 10, 2022
A cheery collection of Christmas short stories. The Hallmark stories of literature. I would read again, and I would own.
Note that I completed volume 15.
Note that I completed volume 15.
November 6, 2023
I thought it was a very good Christmas read.
January 12, 2024
Very good book!!
November 25, 2024
A rather boring and slow moving anthology of Christmas stories.
January 16, 2025
Beautiful stories! One of the first ones had me crying right off the bat. Definitely recommend this collection of books. This is the second one that I've read and I've loved both of them.
April 8, 2025
I really enjoyed the variety.
January 4, 2017
CHRISTMAS IN MY HEART is a compilation of sixteen heartwarming stories, including stories by such authors as Madeleine L'Engle, Pearl S. Buck, O. Henry, Temple Bailey, Taylor Caldwell, et al. I so enjoyed it! It is a book I can re-read each Christmas season (or in-between!) and enjoy it all over again! I think, perhaps, my favorite story was "A Day of Pleasant Bread" ~ superbly written by David Grayson. A couple of quotes: "All the morning as I went about my chores I had a peculiar sense of expected pleasure. It seemed certain to me that something unusual and adventurous was about to happen---and if it did not happen off-hand, why, I was there to make it happen! When I went in to breakfast (do you know the fragrance of broiling bacon when you have worked for an hour before breakfast on a morning of zero weather? If you do not, consider that heaven still has gifts in store for you!)---Harriet looked preoccupied..."; and, "Do you know, the more I look into life, the more things it seems to me I can successfully lack---and continue to grow happier...The further I run, the more I feel like casting aside all such impedimenta---lest I fail to arrive at the far goal of my endeavor. I like to think of an old Japanese nobleman I once read about, who ornamented his house with a single vase at a time, living with it, absorbing its message of beauty, and when he tired of it, replacing it with another. I wonder if he had the right way, and we, with so many objects to hang on our walls, place on our shelves, drape on our chairs, and spread on our floors, have mistaken our course and placed our hearts upon the multiplicity rather than the quality of our possessions!"
Read
October 13, 2022Some of my very favorite Christmas stories are in this book - The Candle in the Forest and The Gift of the Magi. I also really enjoyed some other stories that I was not familiar with. And then, there are some stories I considered boring. One thing I did like about this book is that almost all of the stories seemed to have a theme running through them - compassion and generosity for those less fortunate. I guess I would give it 3-1/2 stars.
October 14, 2008
Thanks Michelle for getting me hooked on this series. It has been several years since you gave Kevin this book for me to read. I loved the stories in this volume, and went on the hunt to find as many volumes in this series as I could find. I have given this book to so many people, and look forward to Dec. 1 every year so that I can pull out these books that my family and I love so much.
January 15, 2010
Great! Joe Wheeler fans will not be disappointed. This time, Mr. Wheeler chose all stories from old issues of "St. Nicholas Magazine". One change (in addition to publisher) from previous editions I've read - he did not include a Christmas story that he wrote. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection.
October 14, 2008
I agree with Stacey...thanks Michelle for a great family tradition. We pull these out after Thanksgiving along with a pile of Christmas books in a big basket next to the tree. The kids enjoy this tradition as well.
August 25, 2014
I will always love every story ever included in a Christmas in my Heart book. This volume, however, I cannot say I appreciated to the same extent that I have the volumes that come before it. Nevertheless, it was a good read.
September 2, 2013
Joe Wheeler has pulled together a number of short stories having to do with Christmas. As in all short story collections there are stories the reader will like and stories that will not appeal. Overall it is a good collection but each reader will have to decide for his/herself.
December 14, 2009
Some excellent stories. Only a couple I don't bother reading over again. Wallace Purling, the tablecloth, the lost umbrella. Classics.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews