Offerings Through Grief

So, To Honor Him

Series: The Carols of Christmas, Book 3

Written by: Alice Monday

Publication Date: 10.27.25

Published by: Jewel C Parker Press

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Christmas

5 Stars!

This is a story of loss and grief set against the backdrop of the Civil War, where faith must be rediscovered and hope must be carried through the darkest seasons. That struggle takes shape most clearly through Elizabeth Parks, whose pain is real and raw.

In the wake of her husband’s death, she feels lost and angry with the God who once anchored her heart. Her loneliness, her questions, and her struggle to make sense of her suffering are all so honestly portrayed. I was deeply moved by her desire to honor her husband, even as she wrestles with a faith that feels more distant than ever: “She was here now, not because she believed the same way that Nathaniel did, but because she needed to do something. Anything to honor him, to understand him, and to feel closer to the man she loved even if sometimes, she had felt left behind by the God who claimed his heart.”

The real turning point in this story comes through young Samuel, the drummer boy. The author weaves Samuel’s hope and childlike faith into the heart of the narrative. His Christmas wish: to make it home, to play his drum for his father sets Elizabeth on a journey far beyond the battlefield.

Alongside Samuel, Elizabeth encounters Oriana, whose words are full of wisdom and quiet strength: “… but history comes to life, just like the Bible is the living Word … Whenever you read the Bible, no matter where you are or what you are doing in life, there’s a message in there for you. It doesn’t matter that it was written long ago in a place a world away … God’s word last forever. Even if an evil soul burned all the Bibles on this earth, God’s Word would live because people have kept it in their hearts. Now, I cannot stop reading it.”

Oriana also inspired Elizabeth when she shared more of her heart with her: “I try to be more like Jesus every day.”

This story doesn’t tie up suffering with a neat bow or offer shallow answers. Instead, it shows how grief and doubt can open a door to deeper trust: “I do not have all the answers. We do not receive warnings from God about the issues we will face, particularly diagnoses and illnesses. We do not understand the reasons why they happen, but we also are not meant to know everything. The Bible says that we should not lean on our own understanding. We are human and fallible, but I also know that we do not have to go through life’s trials without Jesus. We must trust that we can lean on Jesus through the hard times. The roughness of life teaches us to trust in Him.”

By the end, as Elizabeth brings Samuel to his father and finds her own heart beginning to heal, there is genuine comfort and a sense of Christmas hope that only Jesus Christ can bring. The faith content in this story is bold, beautiful, and cherished!

I loved the characters, the historical depth, and the way every thread pointed to the love of God … strong enough for every season of loss and longing. Highly recommended for anyone who longs for stories that wrestle honestly with pain and end with hope, all while speaking the truth about our Creator and Sovereign King, and our walk with Him.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the author via BookSirens. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.