Customer Reviews

Remembering Christmas: A Novel

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What a wonderful and moving Christmas story!

Remembering Christmas was a real jewel to discover among the many books downloaded on my Kindle. It was my introduction to the work of Dan Walsh, but it makes me want to check out his other novels. His lead character Rick Denton is a real jerk in the beginning of the story. He is called home to Seabreeze, Florida from his flashy and successful job in Charlotte, North Carolina to look after the Book Nook, a small bookstore owned by his parents, when his step-father Art suffers an aneurysm.

Like Scrooge, Rick faces an awakening about Christmas, Christian charity and the real importance of life. There are also some real surprising twists introduced by the author in this story. This book moved me to tears and it was one of the best Christmas books I've read in years. It would make an ideal TV Christmas movie. When you read it, have a facial tissue handy.

It is beautifully written, with many flashbacks to 1980. A real journey down memory lane. Tbhis review is on the Kindle edition.

Well done, Mr. Walsh. Bravo!

What would you do if everything you've believed about someone suddenly appeared to be false? How would you handle your memories being questioned, and found lacking? The main character in Remembering Christmas is faced with these exact circumstances. Forced to reevaluated everything that he believes and remembers about his mother, father and step-father, Rick Denton learns that there is more to life than the way he has been living. This is a story of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Remembering Christmas is a wonderful holiday tale.

I recommend this book to those looking for a good holiday read.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Remembering Christmas
By Dan Walsh
Dan has continued to write in his unique, skilled storytelling style in this romantic fiction. He uses totally unexpected twists in his plot to keep your eyes glued to the page , while you become engrossed with his well described characters, who at times fill you with joy, other times worry and fears. These characters are so realistic, each in his/her own way, full of quirks. They continue to delight and surprise you throughout the story. Dan successfully creates a Christmas story like no other. It reminds you of everything good and perfect that Christmas is to be full of. He is certainly successful of making the reader aware of why this time of year is so special!!

The main character, Rick, lives his own life on his own terms.He is an independent man who tends to work and play hard. When his mother calls, asking him to come home after his stepfather suffers an aneurysm, he is full of doubts and reluctance. He has never totally accepted this man, yet he is to help out in his time of need. Rick is not a sympathetic man , nor does he really want a life change.
What was supposed, he thought, to be a couple of days, helping at the family bookstore, turns into a long term job. Rick is expected to run the store as his stepfather did , catering to the type of people to whom Rick has never been attracted- the elderly, the homeless, the poor. One particular homeless man is a constant throughout the book- he is always there, looking for handouts and a kind word- Rick has to come to terms with a surprising and shocking fact, involving this individual.
The one bright spot is the young, pretty lady who works daily side by side with Rick, attempting to keep the shop going during this busy season, when everything else is going wrong. Rick is forced to deal with deep hurts from the past and decisions that will affect not only his Christmas but the rest of his life. Changes have to be made and they start within.

I am unable to tell more , as it would spoil the reading of this fabulous book. Your heart will be touched in this wonderful Christmas story, as we are reminded that change is NOT always bad and remembering pain can be a healing force.

Thank you , Dan for sharing your storytelling talent with us.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

My first thought upon closing the pages of this book was "why on Earth have I never read a book by Dan Walsh before"? Walsh is clearly a gifted author, one who immediately drew me into his powerful story. The characters are beautifully developed, with a host of quirky people providing moments of hilarity in the midst of adversity the main characters are experiencing. Rick is completely believable in how he is portrayed, from his moments of humor, sarcasm, and yes, times of being overly judgmental, to his transformation towards being a better man, brought about through his journey back to belief in God. While sometimes I find contemporary dramas to be a bit slow, I found that this story simply flew by and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Walsh throws in some unexpected surprises near the end, and the result is an absolutely heartwarming conclusion that is sure to please readers.

I highly recommend this book, both for reading during the Christmas season and for reading year round. Get in the Christmas spirit and read this book. 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Story Description:

Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls begging him to come home after his stepfather has an aneurysm, Rick is more than a little reluctant. What was supposed to be just a couple of days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and dealing with the homeless guy who keeps hanging around the store. The one bright spot is the lovely and intriguing young woman who works at his side each day.

As Christmas nears, Rick's old life beckons, the hurts from his past loom large, and the decisions he makes will determine more than just where he spends Christmas Eve.

My Review:

This was an absolutely beautiful story of remembering, forgiving and never forgetting that who you "see" may not be who you really think they are. It's difficult for some people to be kind at the best of times, never mind when you're cranky and being uprooted from your job as Rick was in this story. However, what he ended up learning changed the course of his life forever. Just "remember" to take a good look at who you "think" you're talking too! I would hope that everyone will read this story especially during this upcoming festive season!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".