Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanksgiving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is more than a little reluctant. He's never liked Art and resents the man's presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. When what was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keep hanging about, Rick's attitude sours even more.
Still, slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons--as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day--work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas. With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story will have readers remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.



Anyone is welcome to join Crystal and Carole.

That sounds like a good book. I put it on hold.

Just started reading and loving it already! This is my kid of book.

I've started this as well and am enjoying how "real life" it feels.

I thought this was a wonderful book, one that will long stay with me and that I can see reading again in the future.

I loved the setting. My family started taking Florida vacations back in the 50s, when there were small east coast communities like the imaginary Seabreeze. I suspect it was inspired by towns like Jacksonville or Daytona.

Relationship drama is my favorite genre, and this story was filled with it! Did anyone see that huge twist toward the end coming?

I loved Art and really felt for him. The quote that "Art had been guilty of not being Rick's real father" got to me. Family is so very important, and relationships outside of flesh and blood can be just as strong. Coming-of-age stories usually involve young people, but I thought this was an adult coming of age for Rick.

Any other thoughts?

I really enjoyed this book. I would have changed a few things, but overall, great story. Growing up with both parents in the medical field, I grew up in the hospital between my parents’ opposite shifts. The simplicity of the medical explanations in the book drove me crazy until I put myself in the character’s shoes. There was also an entire unnecessary chapter that could have been omitted because it was just a repeat of the one before and didn’t add anything to the story. I like how Rick’s heart softened over the course of the book. You could really see God working in Him as he struggled. Character growth was gradual and well done. This was a heartwarming story. If I remember correctly, Sea breeze was a real place at one time, the store is real, as well as the owners, the rest is fictional.

This one was a bit slow for me, but I still enjoyed it. I actually grew up in Florida and usually love books set in Florida but didn't feel like the descriptions of the setting were true to the location. That threw me off a bit but I did enjoy how Rick actually began to see the truth about himself and how he treated Art. And his mom. It had almost a prodigal feel to me. Loved the ending with little Amy.

It's really interesting to hear both of your feedback on this book through the lens of your own experiences! I think this is the first month I've done the buddy reads and I definitely want to do more of them in the future. :)