The Santa Letters by Stacy Gooch-Anderson

The Santa Letters
by Stacy Gooch-Anderson

General/Christmas
190 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: Adult

Sweetwater Books
978-1599551456
Release Date: July 8, 2008



From the publisher:

One year ago on Christmas Eve, William died.

For Emma, the hit-and-run driver killed more than her husband—he killed her joy in life itself.

Now, as Christmas again approaches, Emma Jensen finds herself sinking into a depression that nothing can breach; not her job, not her love for her children, and certainly not the season!

Money is tight, emotions taut, and those realities are magnified tenfold by knowing that this year Christmas will be a meager, empty, and painful experience. Only six-year-old McKenna believes in miracles and the magic of Christmas. The rest of the family knows that Christmas can never be the same.

But when a mysterious package and an ornate letter arrive on the doorstep, things begin to change.

Each day, a package and a letter signed “Santa” arrive for the family, and together they come to understand that the joy of Christmas does not have to be lost forever and that God’s love can heal any wound, . . . no matter how deep.

The Santa Letters will take the Jensens on a journey through a Christmas experience that will have the power to heal them all.

Read a sample from The Santa Letters here or here.

I haven't had this same experience, but I did find myself in dire need one Christmas season. Secret Santas left several gifts of love and support and kindness—and toys for my children!—on our doorstep that year. I can tell you that the feelings and emotions described in this book are right on with my own.

I have a secret. I love Christmas stories—the kind that make you cry. I get at least one new Christmas book every year. Usually it's a picture book because—well, just because. But I also like Christmas novellas, like The Christmas Box and The Christmas Wish. So I was thrilled to be asked to review The Santa Letters.

I loved this book. It's a quick read—only 200 pages. I cried as I read it and I could feel my heart growing with that special Christmas spirit. This is definitely the Christmas book for 2008 at my house. I know a few people who will be getting it for Christmas this year.

If you're feeling the Christmas spirit (and if you're not, that's okay—you've got a few months to get in the mood), and you want to help spread the joy and cheer with a struggling family—or your own—Stacy has downloadable Santa letters and gift ideas that are free for you to use here.

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Content Ratings

Language: No swearing.

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