— Double Carol Award-winner (Best Debut Novel, Best Historical Fiction) —Patrick Collins has three items on his Christmas list. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather’s house. And he wants–very badly–the wooden soldier tucked away in his grandfather’s attic. Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is an engaging family story that reminds us of the … of the surprising things that can affect powerful change in our hearts–-like a young boy’s desperate prayers, a shoebox full of love letters, even a dusty, long-forgotten wooden soldier.
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The best Christmas book!
Not only did I love the meaning that this story carried, but the emotional flow was astounding! A story of reconciliation, forgiveness and love that surpasses many I’ve read/listened to. The author does an amazing job of showing God’s mercy and the narrator was brilliant in his performance! I will definitely be reading or listening to more from this author!
7year old Patrick has just lost his mother in an auto accident and his father us a pilot flying runs over Germany. His Protective Services case manager, Miss Townsend, has placed him with his unwilling and unknown to Patrick, grandfather. Ian has lost his wife, is estranged from his son and family, and lives a life of solitude. Patrick disrupts that and discovers a wood carving in the attic that he dearly wants. That carving stirs up the bad memories of Ian’s split with his son and brings out his worst behavior. Thus story shows the importance of family, neighbors and others in your community. It is both heartbreaking and heart warming. God uses Patrick to change the family.
A good story with kind characters. A story about a seven yea old boy waiting for his father’s return from fighting in WW11. A very well written and heart warming story. I would recommend this book and enjoy books by this author.
I loved this book!!
Really enjoyed reading this book!
I loved this book about family, love and forgiveness
True Christian Fiction! What an amazing story!!
I love this book! Dan Walsh is a wonderful writer, and sure does know how to spin an inspirational story!
This book was so good that I read it all in one day, and when it was necessary for me to pause for some chore, I could not wait to get back to the book! Very appealing characters, except for Grandfather, and I found them all very believable. A very good read for a cold, wintry day!
This was my first Dan Walsh book. I loved it and have read two more so far. Dan is able to write so that you understand and care about his characters. His books touch my heart. If you haven’t read any of his books, I recommend you start. You will love them.
Dan Walsh is, quite simply, the best writer I have read in some time. His stories deal with reality, his characters have true emotional responses to real-world crises and complications, and still seek a positive end to what seems an unending or almost insurmountable conflict. And sometimes faith is involved. Not a fake religious faith, which most people reject out of hand, but a knowing that there is hope and a higher power that will be there for them when they need it. That positive outlook is missing in most writing today, although most authors assume we will identify with their lead characters. And so many stories rely on violence and vulgarities to force their points. Dan Walsh simply states their existence without dragging the reader through the slime most authors – and publishers- think we crave to be immersed in.
I think Dan has far better approach in his novels. I have read 4 or 5 now. They are all good. And the variety is commendable. I found I enjoyed even the “historical ” ones. So here is a thumbs up and a recommendation – try Dan Walsh. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Really enjoyed. Realism woven into the story of this family during war times with some happily ever after mixed in.
This is such a well crafted story. The characters are genuine and easy to get attached to. The details and word choices tell a very rich story of heartache, love, and healing. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
“The Unfinished Gift” is a heartwarming story of generational conflict perpetuated by unreasonable expectations of duty and respect. The characters draw you into their lives, which are all affected and change throughout the scenes of the story. A wonderful Christmas story.
Wonderful book. It shows us if we do not have forgiveness in our hearts.
We are the losers. A tear-jerker at times, inspirational and wonderful characters.
This was such a touching book by Dan Walsh. Little Patrick is such a sweet child, His Dad is a pilot during WW2 and just before Christmas his Mother is killed in a car crash and he is sent to live with a Grandfather he as never met who is grieving for his lost wife. Patrick’s Christmas wish comes true and answers several other wishes also. Wonderful book.
Great book. Shed a few tears. Totally worth the time. In hindsight there may be a slight problem towards the end, but I can overlook that because of the depth of the characters and the well written story.
Every book written by Dan Walsh is ALWAYS the best!!!!
even bitterness is seen as having a place in someone’s life. A place with a cause and a result that is oh so real. Loved this book.