Book Synopsis:
One December night, in the sleepy Cotswold village of Chilton Crosse, a drifter named Ben collapses on George and Mary Cartwright’s snow-covered doorstep. As Christmas cheer spreads throughout the village with a Dickens-themed festival, Mary nurses Ben back to health, but she becomes curious about the secrets he seems to carry. On Christmas Eve, one of Ben’s secrets accidentally comes to light, forcing him to confront the darkness of his past and to rediscover the faith he once knew.
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Learn more about author, Traci Borum.
Book Review:
Wow, just wow! Beautiful story; brilliantly written. Borum took a classic Dickens piece, and turn a story about finding the Christmas spirt into a novel about finding faith during a time of personal crisis - a time where faith and humility are most important to allow the soul to heal.
Ben is running from his life, or the sudden, unexpected turn his life has taken. Refusing to deal with the human stages of grief, he runs. He runs and literally ends at George and Mary Cartwright’s door step - two people who know tragedy and grief all too well.
But, Mary fights her despair with diamond-strengthen faith, and further submerges herself into the holiday festivities when the darkness wants more than anything to engulf her daily activities. Ben admires her strength and is naturally drawn to her disposition. He envies her will for life, for religion, for faith, and to alleviate the pain deep inside.
But, the truth of our human nature is shared pain and well-timed declarations heals some of the most broken hearts, and keeps old wounds sealed. Mary and Ben need each other, and learn that you don’t have to agree with fate to accept it.
Borum manages salvage the simplicity and charm of Dickson’s English countryside, and turn it into a modern-day classic. Needless to say, this, my fellow book-lovers, is a five star tale. Mark it as a must-read in your holiday queue.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
Thank you SO much for this review! I just loved reading it. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the book. :-)
ReplyDeleteTraci