In a quiet town beneath the stars (a poem)

In a quiet town beneath the stars,

A child was born where hope lay thin,

No crown, no throne, no royal guard—

Just love wrapped warm in Bethlehem.

The angels sang what hearts had missed:

That God drew near in human frame,

A fragile cry, a mother’s arms,

The mighty clothed in meekness came.

He came for shepherds, lost and tired,

For broken souls and searching eyes,

For every heart that aches for peace

And lifts its prayers into the skies.

No golden gifts could match this grace,

No power rival heaven’s choice—

The Word made flesh, the Light of life,

Arrived as mercy, not as noise.

So every Christmas, candles glow

To tell the world what love has done:

That God is with us, here and now,

In Jesus Christ, His holy Son.

Audio Bookclub (December 2026) The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan and narrrated by Henrietta Meire

 

A long-lasting friendship

Every year, Erica, Claudia, and Anna reunite for their book club holiday. They’re bonded by years of friendship and a deep love of books, but there is still so much they keep from each other …

A perfect Christmas escape

At the cosy Maple Sugar Inn, Hattie specialises in making her guests’ dreams come true, but this Christmas all she wants is to survive the festive season. Between running the inn and being a single mother, Hattie is close to breaking point.

The start of a brand-new story…?

Over the course of an eventful week, Hattie sees that the friends are each carrying around unspoken truths, but nothing prepares her for how deeply her story will become entwined in theirs. Will this Christmas be the end of the book club’s story or the start of a whole new chapter?

Amazon

Review

Listening to The Christmas Book Club felt like settling down with a cosy blanket, a warm drink, and the gentle hum of Christmas in the background. From the opening chapter, the audiobook creates a comforting, festive atmosphere that is easy to sink into. Sarah Morgan’s storytelling is warm and inviting, making this a perfect seasonal listen.

The narrator delivers an excellent performance, bringing each character to life with clarity and charm. The voices feel natural and distinct, and the pacing allows the story to unfold smoothly. Nothing feels rushed, which makes it easy to relax and fully enjoy the experience, as though you’re sitting right there with the characters.

At the heart of the story are Claudia, Erica, and Anna, and their long-standing holiday tradition of reading and discussing a book together each Christmas. This book club is more than just a festive habit; it’s a symbol of their friendship and the bond they share, even as life pulls them in different directions. Watching how this tradition brings them back together is both touching and reassuring.

The festive setting adds an extra layer of magic without overpowering the story. Snowy streets, twinkling lights, and quiet Christmas moments are woven in beautifully, creating a cosy backdrop that perfectly complements the warmth of the friendships at the centre of the novel.

Sarah Morgan’s writing works especially well in audio format. The dialogue flows naturally, and the narrator captures both humour and emotional depth with ease. The conversations during the book discussions feel authentic and intimate, adding to the sense that you’re listening in on real friendships rather than fictional characters.

Overall, The Christmas Book Club is a five-star audiobook that delivers comfort, heart, and festive charm. It’s a story about friendship, tradition, and the importance of taking time for the people who matter most. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cosy, feel-good Christmas listen that stays with you long after it ends.

Winter ( a poem)

 

The morning wakes in silver light,

Frost tracing patterns overnight.

The world is hushed, the air held tight,

As winter softly settles in.

Bare branches wear their coats of white,

Footprints stitch paths where robins flit.

Cold clouds drift low, but fires are lit,

And warmth grows bright in every home.

The wind hums through the quiet lane,

A song both lonely and serene.

The year exhales, the days turn clean,

And time feels slower in the cold.

Yet in this calm, a promise sleeps—

Of longer days and skies reborn.

For even in the frozen morn,

Spring waits beneath the snow.

Between worn pages (a poem)

 

Between worn pages, worlds unfold,
A quiet spark in ink and gold.
They lend us wings, they lend us light,
A whispered guide through day and night.

In every line, a door ajar—
Step in, step out, return from far.
For all the places one heart seeks,
A lifetime waits within the sheets.