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Well, even though it’s past Christmas, I have just finished my Christmas reading. This year I read four books by Richard Paul Evans: The Christmas Box, The Christmas Box Miracle, Finding Noel, and The Gift.

The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

Synopsis: “Whatever the reason, I find that with each passing Christmas the story of the Christmas Box is told less and needed more. So I record it now for all future generations to accept or dismiss as seems them good. As for me, I believe. And it is, after all, my story.” So begins, the touching story of a widow and the young family who moves in with her. Together they discover the first gift of Christmas and learn what Christmas is really all about.

My thoughts: I was first given this book when it was first published as a gift and I have since read it about 2-3 times. Interestingly, this year as I began reading it I could not remember what it was about, only that it’s about a young family who moves into a mansion. This reading, however, probably had the most impact on me as it was the first time I’ve read it since the birth of my two children. I truly know what a mothers love feels like. I hope to never know the pain and sorrow from losing a child.

Reading Group Guide Here

The Christmas Box Miracle by Richard Paul Evans

Synopsis from Richard Paul Evans website: It has been six years since Richard Paul Evans’ debut novel, The Christmas Box, catapulted him out of obscurity and onto to the bestseller lists. Now, the international bestselling author reveals the tragedies, triumphs, and turning points that led to his initial publishing success. In his first work of nonfiction, Evans is also at his most intimate. “This book is about forces that move about us like wind – unseen, yet powerful enough at times to knock us over. And it’s about a little Christmas tale I wrote that was the result of such forces. Some call these forces divinity, others call them coincidence. Some just call them magic.”

In the process of sharing his personal odyssey with readers, Evans also reveals the genesis of many of the characters and themes that run throughout his novels. Woven into this engaging memoir are letters from and extraordinary stories of people whose lives have been affected and transformed by The Christmas Box. Evans writes, “As a novelist I find it ironic that this story, the most unlikely of my books, is the only one that is true…More incredible are the stories I encountered along the journey – miraculous stories of healing and curious coincidence that often defy explanation. These are experiences that have changed the way I view the world.”

My thoughts: Richard Paul Evans is a local Utah author, so I enjoyed reading this book purely because it told a little bit about his life.  Personally, I was surprised to find that he attempted to open his own claymation studio. I passed this tidbit on to my husband Taylor who is an animator by profession, he didn’t believe it.

Reading Group Guide Here

Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans

Synopsis from Richard Paul Evans Website: “There are stories, Christmas stories that are stored away like boxes of garlands and frosted glass ornaments, to be brought out and cherished each year. I’ve come to believe that my story is a Christmas story. For it has forever changed the way I see Christmas.” The Christmas season is supposed to be full of joy, but not for Mark Smart. Life had dealt him one body blow after another: he lost his scholarship and had to drop out of school; his beloved mother had died in a car crash; his girlfriend dumped him, and now, late on a snowy night in November, his car had broken down. Stumbling into a coffee house, he was looking for a phone to call a tow truck. What he found was a beautiful young woman with an unusual name who, through a simple act of kindness, changed his life forever. Macy Wood had little memory of her birth parents, and memories she’d rather forget of her adopted home. A Christmas ornament inscribed with the word “Noel” was the only clue to the little sister she only vaguely remembered, a clue that would send her, and Mark on a journey to reclaim her past, and her family. From the author of the beloved classic, The Christmas Box, comes another inspiring story of the power of love and the wonder of Christmas.

My Thoughts: An easy read of a very simple story. Mark Smart comes into Macy’s life just as she’s trying to find a long lost sister, during this time their affection for each other grows. I felt that the characters were stiff and monotone, as Evans had very little descriptive elements in the way they communicated with each other. I was humored by the fact that the story takes place in Salt Lake City, my hometown, but felt that he gave way to many details about locations, street names, etc. It’s as if he really wants to make everything accurate. Yes, I knew exactly which Home Depot he was referring to, but was it necessary? All in all though, a nice read.

The Gift by Richard Paul Evans

Synopsis in Richard’s own words from his website:

“The Bible says that God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. My story is about one of God’s weak things. His name is Collin, a frail, beautiful little boy with a very special gift.” -The Gift

What if you discovered your child had the power to heal people, but it made him sick and could even cost him his life?What if someone came to you for help because their child was dying?
Knowing that there are people who would do anything for your child’s power, would you ever tell anyone?

What if someone found out about his power?

Healing is the premise of my newest book, The Gift. Nathan Hurst meets Addison Park when they’re snowed in at the Denver airport. As Nathan is falling in love with this woman, he discovers her son’s gift of healing. Unfortunately, he’s not the only one. As Addison tries to protect her son, Nathan is drawn into the melee that unfolds. But there are things Addison doesn’t know about Nathan’s past….and her own son’s future.

My Thoughts: This was a very interesting concept and indeed answered the question, “If Jesus were to come again, how would he be received?” Although the boy was not Jesus, there were many parallels. I would recommend this book, it was an interesting read. Books don’t make me cry, but if they tend to make you cry, you may want a box of Kleenex handy.

Reading Group Guide Here

Video on The Gift:

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