A Christmas Cup of Joe
[d-w13273]

5 of 5 Stars This is a tender tale with an unexpected “meet cute” for a romance couple. Simon is a homeless man whom Sandra wants to help. She comes upon his lair in a local park to gift him with a “blessing bag” filled with hygiene products and snacks. While both are stunned when sparks fly, Simon balks at Sandra’s intentions, her faith, her goodness. After all, isn’t she just another privileged person easing their conscience by doling out goods to the needy? He doesn’t even have the means to buy her a cup of coffee. Sandra assures him he is worthy of God’s love, and she is devoted to sharing God’s love to everyone. She is a woman of unwavering faith and trust—the talented Ms. Clark shows this in her descriptions, prose, and Sandra’s dialogue—and we believe along with our heroine that God has truly led her to Simon. After a mean fit of pique against the woman he’s falling for—even as he suspects she’s feeling the same, Simon can’t forget her red coat matches her lips. I love this simple description. Seeing Sandra through the coffee shop window leads him to understand that she’s warmth to his coldness. Lightness to his heaviness. That her faith might uplift his own. But no. It’s just not possible. He’s been through too much. He’s closed off his life for a reason, and God has never been there for him. The heavy secret Simon keeps is his and his alone. Until he understands he’s still on earth for a bigger reason. For love, for faith. That God sent Sandra to help lift Simon’s load. When he confronts her to apologize for his trash talk and to purge his soul of his pain, he knows all he can give her is his heart. And that’s enough for her. This short, sweet read is perfect for a cold winter night when the fireplace beckons and a hot cup of coffee is within reach. And Christmastime—-make that all year round—-is perfect for handing out blessings—and blessing bags.