Reviews
"The book is perfect for children who love to read and encouraging for those who don’t."
Richmond Register, November 11, 2008
"If your Christmas will be held on a different level this year due to the national economy...you have to read this book. With it's moving message and timely theme, it will be one of Santa's best sellers this year."
Tales by the Sea, November 8, 2008
" The author has realistically captured the Cole Family celebrating Christmas, and in doing so she has added a poignant and wonderful story to Christmas literature. This is a wholesome and rich story that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas. The illustrations are extraordinary and create a warm and positive visual backdrop for the story."
The Family Review Network reviewed Cole Family Christmas and found it to be a wonderful story for the whole family.
See all sixteen reviews at The Family Review Network.
"Whether you're a grandchild, parent, or grandparent (or all three!), you'll enjoy sharing the Cole Family Christmas with your entire family! Chances are…it will bring up some of your own family stories from days gone by."
Jennifer Schaefer, mom and blogger for imommies.com
"Mrs. Kendle is a first-time author at age 88. As a writer, this gives me tremendous hope for my own passion for the written word and longevity in my profession—Go, grandma, go!"
Rebecca Jane Lacko, mom and blogger for rjlacko.wordpress.com
"This was an inspirational and heart-warming read. It tells a tale of how the most precious gifts cannot be bought or sold, but can only be given from the heart. I recommend this book to parents and grandparents who are looking for a charming book to read to their children and grandchildren to illustrate this lesson."
Elizabeth, book reviewer for crazykidschicago.com
"Families who read this story together will be reminded why gifts are given and what truly makes Christmas a special time of year. Jennifer Liu Bryan has written a classic story that will be shared between generations, for generations."
Jim Barnes, Managing Editor
Independent Publisher Online
"Reading Cole Family Christmas, I'm reminded of Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory. I can easily picture Benham covered in snow, I can see the town's tree adorned in electric lights, the silver pen, the carnival glass bowl; I can even see a goat named Hilda waking up children in a bedroom. This is a wonderful story that will endure for generations, primarily because in this Appalachian family we can all see ourselves."
Chad Berry is Goode Professor of Appalachian Studies and Director of the Appalachian Center at Berea College
"Jennifer Liu Bryan has achieved a portrayal of the dynamics of an Appalachian family that joins classics like The Dollmaker and Colored People. This quick-to-read mountain memoir is built around a special time of year and gives its readers a long lasting and special present. Set in the heart of the Appalachian coalfields - Harlan County, Kentucky - the book breathes life into Loyal Jones' Appalachian Values: family centeredness, compassion, strength, and tenderness."
William H. Turner, PhD, is National Endowment for the Humanities Chair of Appalachian Studies at Berea College
Recommended By Parents & Grandparents
"This heart-warming story reminds us of some of the greatest treasures of Christmas - creating family memories that last generations."
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Former journalist and current U.S. Senator, Texas
"The Cole Family Christmas is a wonderful story of a family that shared and celebrated each life as a part of the whole. Bound in love and respect it reminds us of what we can achieve from the most humble beginnings. A true story for all to share each Christmas."
Lynn Swann, Pro Football Hall of Fame,Former Chair, President's Council on Physical Fitness, Sportscaster and Financial Consultant, and Dr. Charena Swann, Clinical Psychologist
