This is a perfect book for the holiday season! Not only is the subject appropriate, but it is a quick read, which is helpful for a busy holiday schedule. The Christmas Box is actually the first book in a trilogy by Richard Paul Evans. I was lucky enough to find all three books in one volume while looking in a used book store last year after Christmas. I thought I would save it to read during the season this year and was excited to pull it out and get started recently.

MaryAnne Parkin, an elderly widow, invites a young family (Rick, Keri and their young daughter, Jenna) to live with her in her large house in exchange for some help with cleaning, meals and upkeep. The young family is squeezed into a very small apartment and jumps at the offer to live in an area of the large, old home. They all quickly realize that the arrangement also gives them the opportunity to forge close relationships with each other.

Rick struggles to answer a question put forth by MaryAnne: What was the first gift of Christmas? I won’t answer that question here as I don’t want to ruin the book for all of you! However, as he is trying to solve a mysterious secret that surrounds MaryAnne, he answers her heartfelt question and is forever grateful for the answer.

This story is a beautiful, sorrowful tale that helps us remember what this holiday is all about. I am excited to read the other two books in this trilogy, Timepiece and The Letter. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit; reading a wonderful story!

BECKY’S VIEW

This story is about a young married couple that has a four year old daughter. They are struggling to make ends meet when the wife finds an ad from an elderly lady requesting a live-in couple to help with household chores. As luck would have it, she lives in a mansion and the required housework is minimal so the couple moves in. They live happily together until the Christmas season approaches. The elderly lady starts to act out of character and our story takes a turn. 

This is a heartwarming story about what we should value, especially during the holidays. Although, I enjoyed this quick tale I was a little disenchanted with how short and predictable the story was. It is not my favorite Richard Paul Evans book but it was a good story for a cold and snowy evening.  

We would like to take a moment to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season. Pam and I love sharing books with you throughout the year and your comments are always enjoyable. Have a safe and happy holiday. ◊