Since it was first published, more than seven million people have been touched by the magic of The Christmas Box, a holiday classic that is as beloved in our time as A Christmas Carol was in Dickens’s. When Richard Paul Evans wrote The Christmas Box, he intended it as a private expression of love for his two young daughters, Jenna and Allyson. Though he often told them that he loved them, he … told them that he loved them, he didn’t feel that they could ever really understand the depth of his feelings until they had experienced the joy of rearing their own children, and by that time their relationship would have changed forever. In writing The Christmas Box, he hoped that at some time in the future they would read the book and know of their father’s love.
As Evans began to write, he was amazed at the inspiration that flowed into his mind and heart. He completed the moving story of a widow and the young family who comes to live with her in less than six weeks, and bound twenty copies to give as Christmas presents to family and friends. In the following weeks, those twenty copies were shared and passed along from family to family, from friend to friend, and what began as a tale for two little girls became a message of miracles, hope, and healing for people throughout the world.more
This is such a heart warming story that has been around for many years and still enjoyed by all. It is a story of love and hope.
There is more to this story than meets the eye. In The Christmas Box, we meet Mary, a widow who makes her home in a Victorian mansion. A young married couple and their little girl move in to care for her, but there is a problem.
Richard is driven to succeed in his career and spends a lot of time at work, away from his family. During this time, Mary brings Christmas magic into the little girl’s world. Many sense details bring the season to life. The fairy-tale mood is created.
Meanwhile, something happens at work, and Richard is hit hard with reality. What he hears is heart-breaking, and the incident is sure to tug at the emotions of readers.
An important lesson is learned, but the tale is enchanting and memorable. Love is an underlying theme that brings the story home.
The Christmas Box is well worth reading and I highly recommend it.
This book began my love of RPE work.
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans is a beautiful Christian Christmas novella that will warm your heart. It is the first book in the Christmas Box Trilogy.
Sometimes you start a book and you just know you are going to sink into it and enjoy it. This is one such book. It is a hug and love in a book.
The novella explores love and family. Warmth just oozes from the pages. We witness the power of love to remain even when all else is gone. We see the great love that God had for us as He sent Jesus to live and to die for us.
The Christmas Box is positively charming. It warms your heart and soul as you witness love in action. I adored it. I loved Richard Paul Evans style of writing. I am onto book two now.
(3.5 / 5)
A young family of 3 move into a mansion to be companion and helper to an elderly widow named MaryAnne. As the Christmas season progresses, the narrator–husband & father Richard–uncovers MaryAnne’s painful secret, and in turn, is reminded of what is truly important in life, and what Christmas is really about.
I read this in about an hour and a half, and it was a decent read. The writing was clear and simple. The characters weren’t very fleshed-out, but for a story of this length, I wouldn’t expect them to be, so it didn’t bother me. The plot developed in a way that made it seem like I was meant to be surprised by some reveals near the end, but it all seemed pretty obvious to me.
The message about why it’s important to spend time with your loved one while you can was portrayed clearly, if not a little heavy-handedly. I must admit, though, that the Christmas box itself seemed like a much smaller element than I would have expected. There also some pseudo-supernatural elements that weren’t explained.
The thing that confused me the most is that apparently the book is set in the late 1940s, but it’s almost like it was a secret. The only way I realized it is by doing some math from some passing comments and a date shown on a letter.
I think this book would be enjoyed by those who are looking for a poignant book about love, loss, and the importance of family. The book is the first in a trilogy, which are all included in the collection copy that I have. The later 2 books are apparently both prequels to the first one. And each installment basically doubles the size of the previous. I don’t think I’ll likely end up reading any more of this trilogy this season, but I will make sure to keep it on my list to remember to read at least book #2 next Christmas season.
This is well written. It’s the sadest book I’ve read. Easy to read, and understand. I liked it.
I read The Christmas Box for the first time today, the 14th of July. 26 years ago on this very date, I miscarried my only pregnancy. The Christmas Box brought back many memories, but it also brought me hope and encouragement.
This is a wonderful, tender, Christmas story!
I love the simple way that this story is presented. It brings out what is the best of people and the connections that they can make with each other. It actually took me back to a time when people trusted each other just because most people could be trusted.
Mary is my favorite character in this story. She loves just because she knows God and His love. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how she went about teaching Richard a very basic truth that we all need to know and keep in mind.
I still it is one of Richard Paul’s best ever. It stays with you forever.
One of my favorite authors
I’m finding Richard Paul Evans books make you want to keep turning the pages. This one was a touching, tender story, sensitively written.
First book I had read from this author and I loved it.
all of Richard Paul Evans books are a good read
Wonderful story and great characters. I love all Richard Paul Evans books.
It was an Okay reminder of what is important in our lives.
I Loved this book and have given it to many of my Reader Family & Friends