Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanksgiving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is more than a little reluctant. He's never liked Art and resents the man's presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. When what was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keep hanging about, Rick's attitude sours even more.
Still, slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons--as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day--work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas. With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story will have readers remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.
My review:
This story was one that I found truly heartwarming. I bought it because I'd read other books by the same author and enjoyed them a lot. Normally stories that have a Christmas theme seem a bit sappy to me, but I decided to try it anyway. I thought it was cool that the story was set in 1980 since that was during my childhood. So many of the events mentioned in the novel I actually remembered. I loved how the author showed several perspectives, and how the hero's heart softened over time because of people that knew his family. His initial resentment toward the step-father and the eventual transformation of his feelings as a result of hearing so much about the real man and his relationship with his mother melted my heart in a good way. His attitude and lifestyle was literally changed by his surroundings. I also appreciated his perspective on the heroine. The only thing lacking in this love story was a good kiss, however, the love between his mom and step-father made up for that. It was tender and emotionally moving. I enjoyed getting to know these characters.
Remembering Christmas was published by Revell and released in Sept. 2011.
2 comments:
I know what you mean about Christmas stories but I like the sound of this.
Merry Christmas Michelle,
This is a new author that I have found this year and I like the way he writes and his stories he has to tell us. I had thought I would like to read this one and your review is a help. I love the story he tells on his blog of trying to get the perfect gift for his wife.
thanks for sharing
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
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