Posted on December 6, 2012 - by Shari Barr
The Spirit of Christmas
Nothing puts me in the Christmas spirit faster than an inspirational story, especially one that can be read in one sitting, or several hours at the very most. I suppose I feel guilty curling up with a long book when I have so many other things I need to accomplish before Christmas, so I love those quick reads that really pack a punch and make me say, “Aah, that was so good.”
Here are a few of my all time favorites—a story picture book, a middle grade reader, and an inspirational adult book.
The Christmas Candle by Richard Paul Evans is a beautifully illustrated tale for children and adults alike, though I wouldn’t recommend it for kids much younger than eight.
Many years ago on a bitter cold Christmas Eve, young Thomas is on his way home to celebrate Christmas with his family when he notices that the candle in his lantern is almost spent. When he stops in a chandler’s shop to purchase a new one, the candle maker sells him a candle unlike any other. As Thomas continues on his way home, he holds up his new candle to illuminate the face of an old woman begging for money, only to see his own mother staring back at him. Confused, Thomas gives her his coat only to have her face return to that of the beggar woman. The candle continues to trick Thomas over and over until he arrives home, cold and penniless, but richer in learning the importance of giving to those in need.
The Special Guest by Lee and Donna Allen is a story for middle grade readers similar in style to It’s a Wonderful Life.
When sixteen-year-old Scott Reid meets an old man stranded in town the day before Christmas Eve, he invites the elderly gentleman to spend the holidays with his family. Upon hearing the tragic story of Scott’s sister, who has been in a coma for over a year after being struck by a drunk driver, the old man convinces the family to perform an act of forgiveness which inevitably shows them the true meaning of Christmas.
The Last Christmas Ride by Edie Hand with Jeffery Addison is based on the true story of five children growing up in Northern Alabama. Every year at Christmastime, the children ride across the family ranch in search of the perfect Christmas tree. When they reach adulthood and go their separate ways, two of Edie’s brothers are killed in separate car wrecks. The three remaining children grow closer and their grandmother reminds Edie that God is using her sorrows to give hope to others. The family tragedy continues when Edie’s one remaining brother, Terry, is diagnosed with a brain tumor. When Christmas nears, he asks Edie to fulfill her promise to him and take him on one last ride.
This touching story shows how one woman, despite her overwhelming heartaches and trials, remained true to her faith and never gave up.
Comment on any post this week and your name will go in the drawing for a copy of Shawna K. Williams’ Christmas novel, A Hand to Hold and a set of snowman earrings. Deadline: Dec. 8th, 11:59 pm central time.
11 Comments
We'd love to hear yours!
White Pearls by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Shell doesn't have a good reputation...But no matter what everyone in Rose Bud, Arkansas, thinks of her, she's back in town with a job to do. She'll stick it out and make the best of things. But why does Ryler have to be the landscaper on this project? She was just getting her heart under control. Ryler has his own reasons for being in Rose Bud, and they don't include Shell. Spying on his birth family was going to be hard enough. He doesn't have time to worry about a woman who dumped him...even if his heart says otherwise. McKenzie’s Branson Brainteaser by Shari Barr
McKenzie and Sydney meet in Branson, Missouri, where McKenzie has been recruited to help at the Dixie Stampede. While the girls take in the sights and sounds of Silver Dollar City, they become involved in a search to find a teen girl’s long lost uncle–who is rumored to have settled near the Branson area. With no clue other than a whittled necklace with an “SS” on the back, how will they ever reunite Shara with her uncle? The Camp Club girls are on the case, and they’re not about to give up until they close the gap and reconnect Shara’s family.
The Prodigal Daughter by Linda Fulkerson
Ruled by despair, remorse, and anger, the author’s life had become a classic rendition of the cliché “What’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?” Desperate. Overwhelmed. Isolated. Trapped. She hit bottom.
On the elevator of life, those descending will all exit on different levels–some much lower than others. You don’t have to go all the way to the bottom. Stop now and push the “up” button. This book will show you how!
Visit My Website
December 6, 2012
Permalink
Rose Ross Zediker said:
Shari,
I haven’t read any of these books, but I’m going to look for them. I like shorter Christmas books too.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a great short read that packs a punch.
It’s so much fun to be introduced to new authors/books!
Visit My Website
December 6, 2012
Permalink
Brenda Anderson said:
Oh, those all sound like excellent books — tear-jerkers too. I’ve read the Richard Paul Evans book–his Christmas stories are always beautiful.
Visit My Website
December 6, 2012
Permalink
Dawn Ford said:
We all know what a whimp I am when it comes to tear jerkers. They sound really fabulous, though.
Visit My Website
December 6, 2012
Permalink
Amy Houts said:
Thanks, Shari, for sharing your favorite Christmas books and plot summaries. I hadn’t heard of those titles. I agree that reading a Christmas story is a great way to reflect on the meaning of the Christmas season. I recommend Madeleine L’Engle’s Twenty-four Days Before Christmas. It tells about a family whose mother is in the hospital a few days before Christmas, and the fears about her health, as well as concerns getting ready for the big day without her.
Visit My Website
December 6, 2012
Permalink
Stacy said:
Shari, they all sound like wonderful books. Definitely tear-jerkers. I love finding new Christmas stories so thanks for sharing these.
Visit My Website
December 6, 2012
Permalink
Shari Barr said:
The Last Christmas Ride is a tear-jerker but also uplifting and inspiring.
Rose, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is really good.
And, Amy, I’ll have to check out Madeline L’ Engles’ book. Sounds good. Thanks for stopping over!
Visit My Website
December 6, 2012
Permalink
Judy Burgi said:
All those short Christmas books sound so good. I am familiar with Richard Paul Evans books but I haven’t read anything by Lee and Donna Allen or Edie Hand. I would love to read them all but oh The Last Christmas Ride sounds so good.
Visit My Website
December 6, 2012
Permalink
Barb Shelton said:
Probably I shed more tears at Christmas than any other time. Not because I’m sad, but I miss the Christmases of my childhood with dear ones who are now with the Lord celebrating His birth. Hearing Christmas Carols while shopping makes me melancholy – but again – not sad, because Christmas is such a special time and love seems to abound everywhere. I feel sad over the stressed faces I see, praying that they can see the peace and joy of Christ in the season and not the commercial drudge we are constantly subjected to beginning before Halloween. To me, Halloween should be called holloween…because I see no relationship to the Lord in that. I am rambling…LOL. Giving is more special than receiving to me, and if I can give only a smile and receive a smile back from a stranger, then I cry about that too! Do I have any sob-sisters out there? LOL
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to You and Yours,
Barb Shelton
Visit My Website
December 6, 2012
Permalink
Shari Barr said:
Thanks for stopping by, Judy! I’m thinking I need to reread “The Last Christmas Ride.” I found it at our library’s used book sale and don’t know why anyone would want to get rid of it. So good.
Visit My Website
December 6, 2012
Permalink
Shari Barr said:
Barb, you are so right that giving is more important than receiving. I hope you know how much good you’re doing for people when you smile at them. Sometimes that can brighten a person’s entire day. Thanks so much for visiting us today.
Visit My Website
December 7, 2012
Permalink
Kav said:
Oh Shari, The Christmas Candle is one of my favourite Christmas stories ever!!!!!!! Picture books definitely set the tone of the season for me!