RELAX and treat yourself to a good book this Christmas break and pick out any of the highly recommended titles below. Rediscover the magic of Christmas in these selections of previously and newly published novels from Jerry Bledsoe, Phyllis Thereoux, David Baldacci, and Michael Malone.
Papa’s Angels: A Christmas Story (New World Library, 1996)
Collin Wilcox Paxton and Gary Carden
Set in the Appalachian Mountains, Papa’s Angels is the heartwarming story of how a group of children devised a plan to bring happiness to their father’s life after their mother died. Twelve-year-old Becca Jenkins narrates their story through journal entries. Becca recounts the hardships and struggles of her family after their beloved mother’s death and also the antics she and her siblings did to cheer up their father. Filled with wisdom, humor, and emotion, Papa’s Angels is a holiday story that proves the healing powers of love and laughter.
The Angel Doll: A Christmas Story (St. Martin’s Press, 1997)
Jerry Bledsoe
Told from a narrator’s point-of-view, The Angel Doll is the touching tale of a young boy’s love for his little sister. The story is set in North Carolina during the ’50s and is about a newsboy named Whitey Black who was the narrator’s childhood friend. Whitey lives with his mother and his chronically ill four-year-old sister Sandy. One Christmas, Whitey decides to surprise his little sister with an Angel Doll. He tries to look for one at a department store but nothing is available so he decides to buy a big doll that can be dressed up. He saves his earnings and asks a seamstress to dress up the doll like an angel. However, things don’t turn out the way he planned. Crime-writer Jerry Bledsoe deviates from his usual mystery novels and offers this touching Christmas story about caring and friendship.
Giovanni’s Light: The Story of a Town Where Time Stopped for Christmas (Scribner, 2002)
Phyllis Theroux
Phyllis Theroux explores the strengths and weaknesses of human nature in the holiday parable Giovanni’s Light. Well-paced and brief, Giovanni’s Light centers on three main characters: a reclusive Christmas tree seller named Giovanni, part-time art teacher Will Campbell, and 11-year-old Miranda Bridgeman. A snowstorm that hits the village of Ryland Falls bring these three people together as they try to get past their biases and differences to help one another. Each character develops depth as the story progresses and Theroux’s message is emphasized. This book which tackles man’s capacity for goodness, departs from the usual Christmas stories of miracles and angels.
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci (Warner Books, 2002)
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci is a charming story of the unusual experiences of journalist Tom Langdon aboard a cross-country train. On the way to California to be with his girlfriend for Christmas, Tom meets an unusual group of people – some loners and a couple of elopers, a loyal crew of train personnel, a film director, and his ex-girlfriend Eleanor whom he still loves. Sparks are rekindled between Tom and Eleanor and the arrival of his girlfriend strains their budding relationship. A loose thief, a blizzard, and an avalanche are thrown in for good measure to serve as backdrop to the interactions of Baldacci’s diverse characters. Although a bit predictable, The Christmas Train is a fine, witty story with interesting characters and a happy ending. This is perfect for anyone who likes stories characterized by intrigue, romance, humor, and adventure.
The Last Noel by Michael Malone (Sourcebooks Trade, 2002)
The Last Noel is the love story between Noelle “Noni” Tilden, daughter of an ex-basketball player and a snobby socialite, and John “Kaye” King, their housemaid’s grandson. The unlikely friendship of these two began with a sleigh ride one Christmas morning when they were seven years old. The book is divided into 12 segments – all set during the Christmas season – and tells the story of these two characters’ lives across a span of four decades. The plot drives at the ultimate reunion of Noni and Kaye. Sentimental, dramatic, and affecting, The Last Noel is an engaging holiday love story perfect for hopeless romantics.
