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 … 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.
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Been about two years since I’ve read this, but really enjoyed it.
Was pleasantly surprised with how gripping this story became for me. the characters are all well-developed. rick matures and changes in believable ways. The plot has an amazing twist near the end that is the hinge for the whole story. A very pleasant, light holiday read. Highly recommended.
Great characters. Honestly felt like a true story.
This book can be read anytime of year! The author does a great job of building deep characters; some likable, others not so much! It takes on redemption, forgiveness and service to others, as well as complicated family relationships. If you like stories based on healing family relations, prodigals, or outcast, this book will touch your heart.
I love to read books showing how God moves in people’s lives gently melting their hurts and giving them a look at life. I will read anything that Dan Walsh writes.
This is a really sweet Christmas book. One of the main characters didn’t seem especially likeable at first, but most of the others are. l liked the fact that change and resolution didn’t come immediately.
Dan Walsh always delivers a great story. This will not disappoint the next reader!
A good Christmas story that is warm and beautiful.
Started out a little slow and confusing but stick with it, it’s worth it. Rick Denton is a hard man to like at first but his journey is worth the read. And if you were an 80’s young adult you’ll get a kick out of a lot of the references in this book.
Rick Denton is a successful CPA, somewhat estranged from his mother and especially the man she is …
I loved this book! It just shows we really don’t know someone if we don’t give them a chance. Tender and almost heart breaking, I found myself hoping that the step father doesn’t die before the step-son has a chance to thank him.
I loved the characters, and the plot kept me interested.
It was interesting to see the main character blossom as he opened his heart
This was a wonderful story. The setting is Christmas time, however; not a major part of the story. It’s about a man becoming a true man: a son, family man, son of Christ and a true kind man. It is a tragic story of a person through life became a harden man who stopped caring about anything but possessions. A must read.
This was an easy read. I enjoyed reading about Rick and the turn his life took. The characters were believable ad likable. I would recommend this book.
I thought it was a good book. I like the inspirational aspect.
It was a light and sweet book.
I really enjoyed this book. I think the author did a good job of taking the reader back to the 80’s, where the story is set. It was fun to remember the days of cassette tapes and copying with carbon paper and some of the original Christian music artists. I liked how the relationship in the book developed slowly and cautiously, and the …
Loved this story! Very inspiring Christmas story about a man finding a better life after spending time helping his estranged family during a crisis. He learned a lot about love and faith.
Love this book
All I can say is that Dan Walsh never fails to disappoint! He does an excellent job of bringing true-to-life characters alive in your mind. Every time I finish one of his books, I feel like I am having to say goodbye to a whole new set of friends. And to me, that is characteristic of a well-written book – that you are sad at the book being over.