Prah, Constantine, and Baryeh Review: The Gift: A Christmas Miracle by Joanne Clancy
Although it was a November read, we decided to go with a Christmas novella - cos let's face it, November is a busy month so a short read was in order. Secondly, December is an even busier month and so we thought we should get a short story in case any of you are moved to add this to your December reads.
Our book of choice was The Gift: A Christmas Miracle by Joanne Clancy
The blurb
Julie wants only one gift this holiday season, but it's going to take a Christmas miracle to make her wish come true. Julie Hamilton loves Christmas. It's her favorite time of year, from the cinnamon smell of freshly baked mince-pies to the excitement of buying gifts for family and friends, decorating the tree, and hanging stockings for Santa Claus on the mantelpiece.
My Impressions
The Gift: A Christmas Miracle is a story of Julie, a woman who loves Christmas and is expecting a Christmas miracle, and Casey, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks also expecting a miracle (sort of).
As a parent, the plot of this story is one of the most frightening things to think of. From the way the story is written, it is easy to predict what will happen, but it didn't diminish the anticipation as I read it. And the happy ending makes it worthwhile.
However, I felt that the story was too short for the plot and therefore the author didn't explore the real issues that would have made this a four or five star story for me. Julie is a woman who has pretty much everything she (or anyone) needs--good enough finances, love, family etc. Casey, on the other hand, has had to struggle for the little she has. As their worlds collide, in a story that's one of the most frightening things for any parent to fathom, I expected to see more emotion, more angst, and perhaps redemption or a new beginning for Casey who has never known love or family. All of which would have fit nicely with the Christmas theme.
Don't forget to check of reviews from Nana Prah and Cathrina Constantine.
I bought my copy from Amazon US, but for some reason only the paperback version is currently available.
Our book of choice was The Gift: A Christmas Miracle by Joanne Clancy
The blurb
Julie wants only one gift this holiday season, but it's going to take a Christmas miracle to make her wish come true. Julie Hamilton loves Christmas. It's her favorite time of year, from the cinnamon smell of freshly baked mince-pies to the excitement of buying gifts for family and friends, decorating the tree, and hanging stockings for Santa Claus on the mantelpiece.
This Christmas promises to be extra special because she's expecting the perfect gift--her first baby--on Christmas Eve.
However, a chance encounter turns her world upside down, and soon, she's praying for her very own Christmas miracle. Can the spirit of the Christmas season and the kindness of strangers find a way to make her wish come true?
My Impressions
The Gift: A Christmas Miracle is a story of Julie, a woman who loves Christmas and is expecting a Christmas miracle, and Casey, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks also expecting a miracle (sort of).
As a parent, the plot of this story is one of the most frightening things to think of. From the way the story is written, it is easy to predict what will happen, but it didn't diminish the anticipation as I read it. And the happy ending makes it worthwhile.
However, I felt that the story was too short for the plot and therefore the author didn't explore the real issues that would have made this a four or five star story for me. Julie is a woman who has pretty much everything she (or anyone) needs--good enough finances, love, family etc. Casey, on the other hand, has had to struggle for the little she has. As their worlds collide, in a story that's one of the most frightening things for any parent to fathom, I expected to see more emotion, more angst, and perhaps redemption or a new beginning for Casey who has never known love or family. All of which would have fit nicely with the Christmas theme.
Don't forget to check of reviews from Nana Prah and Cathrina Constantine.
I bought my copy from Amazon US, but for some reason only the paperback version is currently available.
I am nodding at your review. So on point. Especially about the redemption for Casey. I was hoping something good would come out of it for her. Maybe it did, off the pages,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Empi!
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