Christmas Books

In this brief text, Fr. Brown masterfully distills his biblical exegesis into a form which is digestible by those who do not have a predisposition for exegesis. In this collection of essays based on his larger work "The Birth of the Messiah," Fr. Brown discusses specific motifs from each of the infancy narratives, looking for their significance not only intra-textually but also inter-testamentally. While much of the exegesis remains brief, it is enlightening for each narrative and serves as a "spring board" to further studies as needed and desired. Nonetheless, for its brevity, the content is dense enough to truly give one something upon which to reflect during Advent and Christmas.

This booklet contains an excellent summary of some of the important conclusions reached in Father Brown's comprehensive and scholarly work, "The Birth of the Messiah." Father Brown's concern in the booklet is the theological message of the evangelists--he views this as the most important aspect of the message, and something that can get lost amid modern searches to either prove or disprove each item of the stories as historical events.

As usual, the late great Father Brown did an excellent job. He explores the Old Testament roots of Mathew's and Luke's Birth Stories and analyzes broad and beautiful topics such as "the Meaning of the Magi" (the Good News is for all who will believe, including Gentiles) and the "Importance of the Shepherds" (they symbolize an Israel that comes to recognize and glorify its Lord Jesus, the Davidic Messiah foretold in the Jewish Scriptures).

Father Brown said he hopes the regognition that there is an adult Christ in the message of Christmas--i.e., that the theological meaning of God's gift of Jesus is included in these beautiful opening verses--will lead believers to proclaim that revelation to others, and that they will respond in faith. It was a wonderful thing to have this brilliant and intellectually honest scholar also put his faith on display.

Father Brown has written some great books. While this is a good book, I would advise a touch of caution here. If you or your church believe in a strict literal interpretation of the Bible, this book may not be good for you. That said, this book is an interesting study. Father Brown points out that both Matthew and Luke have passages in their Gospels that tell of Jesus' birth. However, neither Matthew or Luke were present at the birth of Christ. There is a theory that Mother Mary (who was obviously present at the birth of Christ) talked to Matthew and Luke about the birth of Christ. (Father Brown does not seem to believe this.) But even if we accept this theory as true, it does NOT disprove the important facts that Father Brown points out. The first thing he points out is that while Matthew and Luke present a different picture of Christ's birth, they both wrote with a hindsight of Jesus' great works, his crucifixion, and his ressurection. (Anytime we are writing something with hindsight, we can color the previous events to our liking. Moreso if the way we color it helps lead up to the ending.) Basically, Matthew wanted to emphasize Jesus' greatness. So, he includes the star that lead the 3 wise men to Jesus. Matthew also wrote for the Jewish populations. (He was trying to emphasize that Jesus was the new Moses.) In the Old Testament, there is the slaughter of children at the time of Moses' birth. So, Matthew has the wicked Herod order the deaths of all the new born children in hopes that Jesus will be killed. Like Matthew, Luke was also trying to emphasize the greatness of Christ even at his birth. So Luke adds the beautiful story of the wise Simeon who pronounces Jesus' greatness: "Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people" (Luke 2:29-31). Also with hindsight, Luke has Simeon make a reference to the crucifixion: "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also..." (Luke 2:35). Father Brown's point is emphasized further when he points out a major point. Obviously, Matthew and Luke included passages on Jesus' birth. But while they made their changes, they still had to stay to some extent within the earlier written Gospel According to Mark. (Mark of course does not include a birth chapter.) Well obviously, Mark presented Jesus' conflict with the Jewish authorities. Well, the Jewish authorities were fascinated by the 12 year old Christ in Luke: "...all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers" (Luke 2:47). So, if the religious authorities were so fascinated by Christ as a 12 year old child, then why as an adult was he rejected to the point where the religious authorities wanted him crucified? Don't get me wrong. This IS a great book as well as an important study. But it is my opinion that the content of it could be disturbing to some.

One of Raymond Brown's most enduring and significant works is THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH. It is without a doubt the most helpful work for preparing Advent and Christmas homilies as well as Bible studies based on the Advent and Christmas seasons. Though it's filled with great information, it's not quick reading by any stretch of the imagination. A quick reference guide would be more than appreciated by most readers and AN ADULT CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS and a volume that precedes it, A COMING CHRIST IN ADVENT, both published by Liturgical Press, serve this purpose.

AN ADULT CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS looks at the second chapters of Matthew and Luke's Gospels which deal with the birth of Jesus. Brown acknowledges the historical difficulties associated with these stories: Why did people not notice and record the star or Herod's massacre of the infants but doesn't allow these factors to take away from the overall message of Jesus' birth. He pays attention to the theology of the stories, namely that the Infancy Narratives for both Matthew and Luke summarize what we will discover in the Gospels themselves, specifically that upon learning of Jesus Christ some will respond and others will not. Brown further states that these stories challenge readers today in the same manner, so they're not cute stories as much as important lessons for mature believers, hence the titles.

The three essays in this book, the first of which focuses on Matthew's narrative, the second which looks at Luke's birth narrative and the Presentation in the Temple, and what Brown calls the "Third Christmas Story" or the finding of Christ in the Temple, were originally published as articles in the journal WORSHIP. They're informative and great for group discussion or homily ideas. Because it's a slender volume, it's perfect for an Advent Bible Study series or spiritual reading for people who combine scripture study and prayer. At such a busy time of the year, people want substance but often don't have time for lengthier works. This volume is perfect for that purpose. It's also great for preparing a homily, since it has major themes specifically for Advent. It also has footnotes with references for THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH and other works by Brown which makes it a great beginning for further research.

I read this book in this time of Christmas, 2001-2002. The content was incredibly interesting and changed my mind about the narratives of Jesus infancy. The two initial chapters of Matthew and Luke now say different things than I understood just a month ago. Recommendable only for people with a very well cemented faith. Short and very interesting and clear reading. That is the reason why I am a father Brown's fan.

Alabaster's Song is a story that you should own, even if you don't have a child. It is warm and sweet, and brings you back to the place where the child inside each one of us still lives.

As always, Max Lucado has the gift of reaching down into the depths of your heart and soul, and touching you, drawing you closer to God.

Make this book part of your library, part of your Christmas traditions. I read it each year to my "babies", who are now 19, 17, and 13. It is a tradition I will carry on with my grandchildren.

This is a fabulous book that brings to mind the wonder of Christmas through a child's eyes. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is timeless and unforgettable! I read this story to my children, ages 11, 8, and 4, each year around Christmas. I even read it to my MOPS group as a Christmas reading last year. Thank you, Max Lucado, for another wonderful children's book!

Very cute story about a little boy whose Christmas Tree angel comes to life to sing sweet songs to him. Gorgeous artwork brings the story to life with brilliance. I loved that the story repeated itself once the little boy grew up and had a son of his own who hears the angels music.

This is one of the most beautifully illustrated, delightful stories I have had the good fortune to encouter. Alabaster, the spirited little angel, touches the life a boy with positive results. The message in this gentle story is that when good is done, pass it on. It is so lovely, so moving that it might make one misty eyed. This book is a real treasure. Max Lucado and the illustrator have used their talents to enrich the lives of others.

As a Preschool Teacher of 4 and 5 year olds, I have read many books about the Christmas Story. This book is by far, the childrens' favorite. It is both touching and exciting. I have never read one of Max Lucado's books that I was not absolutely thrilled with.

I love Efken. She writes great stories, and the e-mail format is fun. It's a nice change from the usual books out there! ;-) The story is enjoyable, and it's nice light reading. The perfect escape.

This book was so funny but, you should read SAHM I Am first...I like the fact that Christian books can be fun to read. Give it a try.

It is not often that you will find a sequel that is better than the original. But, Ms. Efken has done it. I loved SAHM I AM, but @ Home was even better. Once I started the book, I could not put it down. It is a fast read and leaves you eager for more. I am hoping that there is a 'SAHP We Are' in the works, or some sort of third book. I love the idea of adding the Dads. Please keep up the great work!

If you've ever been in an email discussion loop, you'll fit right in with cyber-girlfriends, Dulcie, Zelia, Jocelyn, Veronica, and Rosalyn. Fans of Efken's first mom-lit novel, SAHM I Am, will find plenty to laugh about in this snappy yuletide tale.

The quick-paced email exchanges between these stay-home moms make for hilarious reading as they try to balance housework, family crisis, and the impending holiday madness.

Though the book is uproariously funny, Efken delves into important issues, such as struggles with infertility, postpartum depression, going back to work, discipline problems, and isolation. If you're a woman who plugs in a laptop to stay connected and sane, this jolly faith-filled novel will keep you turning the pages.

-- Christian Women Online Book Buzz

She has put out another book that I proceeded to finish in just a few hours. I was actually in the process of reading two other books, but I dropped them both to read this one. It was definitely worth it. I declare it tied for best book of the year!

In @Home, the sequel to SAHM I AM, we again are meeting up with members of the SAHM (stay at home moms) email group. Rosalyn is now on better terms with her sister Veronica but the two are still at it with their sibling rivalry. They propose to hold a contest as to who can have more readership with their posts, while each facing their own personal situations. Dulice finds herself in the position as a working mom while her husband has become a SAHD. Zelia is in the process of adopting two children from Zimbabwe while Brenna is trying her luck with egg donation adoption. Then there's also Jocelyn who's slowly busying herself to death, Paige who has to take over for her pastor husband who's fallen ill, and Marianne, the newest member who finds herself with the baby blues and a very unruly 2 year old. The women still find time to get together and talk about everything through the email loop.

I looooooooved this book. It's so addictive to read because there are no chapters to stop at. I found everyone's story funny, sad, touching, and very very real. The only thing I didn't like was the attitudes of some of the women when Dulcie was talking about her work experience. While it's understandable that things have changed with her life, it still wasn't fair for the group to gang up on her and accuse her for not being true to herself. I don't think it's right for people to tell others what to do simply because that is what work for their own selves. Dulcie enjoyed going to work, the other women should not have put guilt trips on her for doing so. There were some times I wanted to strangle Rosalyn with her snobbishness but at least this time we had Veronica there to tell her off about it. The sisters' relationship was very funny and realistic. I really enjoyed reading this book. It's such a fun and easy and enjoyable read and it helped to get me in the holiday spirit.

(i also must confess that I never got the hang of the Christmas song game and only figured it out after I visited Meredith's website and saw the answer *sheepish look*.)

I bought this book and I love it. There are so many cute cookies ideas. I haven't actually made any yet but I'm planning on to very soon. :-)

This `A Baker's Field Guide to Christmas Cookies' by Dede Wilson is a perfect example of how the same subject can be served well in two very different ways. The obvious touchstone against which to proof this volume may be Rose Levy Beranbaum's book on Christmas cookies. But, this would be an unfair comparison. Beranbaum's work covers the very high end of Cookie making, ending with a truly glorious creation of a gingerbread cathedral of Notre Dame. Beranbaum also covers just about every little issue you may possibly encounter in baking cookies and provides us with lots of unusual recipes.

Dede Wilson, on the other hand, has given us a very practical kitchen reference for lots and lots of common cookie recipes baked for Christmas, including several ethnic favorites such as the relatively difficult Moravian Ginger Cookies.

My favorite thing about Ms. Wilson's contribution aside from its spiral binding which lays flat on the table is the fact that you often have more than one recipe for a particular type of cookie. For a rolled gingerbread / spice cookie recipe, there are at least three alternatives, not even including the difficult Moravian cookie. That generally means that if you want to make a particular kind of cookie, you have your choice between an easy, intermediate, and hard recipe.

Other very nice features are the fact that every recipe falls on two facing pages, begins with a very clear picture of one or two of the cookies, states the type and (very cute here) habitat, gives a description of the cookie and alternatives, gives the shelf life under proper storage conditions, and gives appropriate tips on making this and similar cookies. I think the recipes are well written and leave little room for error, although I was just a bit confused by the instructions to form rolled gingerbread dough into a disk. This sounded more like instructions for a freezer cookie than a rolled cookie.

The introductory material to the book gives nothing near the detail of Beranbaum, but gives enough to avoid any egregious errors. It also does not give lessons on using piping bags and other decorating techniques, but none of the cookies require elaborate methods.

The book does include an appendix on sources, most of that are probably familiar to regular bakers such as King Arthur, KitchenAid, and Wilton. Several are unfamiliar and welcome to me, especially New York Cake and Baking Distributors and The House on the Hill.

If I were the author, I may have included a bibliography of major works on cookies such as by Malgieri, Heatter, and Beranbaum, especially for help on decorating, but the book does a pretty good job of standing on its own as a great reference for common cookie recipes. It really fits its `Field Guide' metaphor well.

This is a Christmas cookie lovers dream. It has easy to read instructions, great info on storage. Lots of space in the book for your personal notes as well.

I decided to bake Christmas cookies for the first time this year. I ordered several books and this one is the best. Its not too overwhelming. The layout nice and the sprial binding makes it easy to use. The assortment or recipes is good, but lacks the homey feel that someone's great Aunt Edna's recipe handed down over generatons will provide. But, its good for the basics and for those starting out.

I have gone through two Christmas seasons using this cookbook with many compliments on the resulting baked goods, but have also found many recipes we use all year long. Some of the best features are:

Symbols with each recipe to indicate if the dough can be frozen, if the cookies keep well, if they are kid-friendly to make, quick to make or sturdy enough to mail.

The binding is a sturdy covered spiral so the book lays flat on the table and the pages do not tear or come loose from the binding.

The introduction has excellent information on ingredients, storage, baking and cooling advice and equipment needed

There is a listing of Resources in the back for equipment mentioned or required in the recipes so you can order items by phone or over the internet.

PICTURES! Excellent photos of each cookie so you know how it is supposed to look. This is especially helpful when making cookies with children; they like to have an idea of what they are making.

The recipe for Kris Kringle's is the best I have found. The same for the Snickerdoodle recipe (I make these at least once a month).

My children have made many of the recipes with me. Their favorites are the Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies, Night Before Christmas Mice, Pepparkakor (ginger snaps), Easy Christmas Wreaths, Candy Cane Cookies and Mocha Orange Pinwheel Cookies.

There are also a whole range of more complicated, interesting cookies, which one would want to make without their kids help.

The format is easy to follow, easy to read and less intimidating than Rose's Christmas Cookies (also a great book).

Once again, visiting the fictional Cape Light for Christmas is almost like going home for Christmas! The familiar characters are like family, and the story is always interesting, uplifting, and believable. Kinkade and Spencer are truly a team of authors that bring fiction to life and build a fan-base of people, like me, who are looking for good, clean reads that have a posative Christian message.

As with all of the Cape Light novels Thomas Kinkade brings the characters to light for a teary, jaw dropping, happy loving novel. All of the past characters are brought into this book so you don't forget anyone and we even meet a new one...who is painted perfectly, you just want to tell her to go home! A book you'll want to keep reading, then when it's over, you just want MORE! I can't wait to read the next one "A Christmas to Remember"

The book is written a bit like the Mitford Series in that it is a small united community with all the ups and downs of life. There are personality clashes, misunderstandings, discouragement and all the other negatives in human relations. However, the journey to learning to love and accept others and ourselves is full of interesting thought provoking experiences.

I have read each book in this collection in a day I can never put them down..He writes with hope just like he paints the light in his pictures..I don't know how he does it but he captured my heart with this uplifting story ..we hear of so many disturbing stories and so much trash in books these days it was just awesome to read a book that made me feel good about the world and to give me hope .I love these books waiting for the next book.

The Christmas Angel
by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer
I know it's not Christmas but a good story but a good story is a good story.
We all know of Thomas Kinkade as a great painter of light, but have you read any of his stories? This is in the Cape Light series.
This book tells more of Emily, a mayor, she's older and recently married. Emily had a daughter over 20 years ago that her mother talked her into giving up. She now has a good relationship with her daughter, but has missed all of the bringing her up.
One morning Emily was jogging she spies something moving in the cradle set up outside the church, a little hand. The baby inside starts an adventure you don't want to miss.

I love Christmas books...and I certainly love this one! This is the kind of book you can read to your whole family. It talks about the real meaning of Christmas...and the special love that is is shared between family members.

Also recommended:

Christmas at Grandfather's House: a heart-warming novel in stories--a collection of inter-connected holiday stories.

Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--a story about the blessings simple acts of kindness can bring.

I first "heard" this book at a church women's group. Two of the ladies
presented it as the program. One read the letters - and at different times during the reading, the other lady placed items (mentioned in the book) on the table or board. It was very touching - brought back many Christmas memories to those of us present. Very well written. I, myself,
was so impressed, I ordered a copy for four of my grown children as a Christmas gift for each family.

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (11/06)

"The Christmas Letters," written by Bret Nicholaus, is a heart-warming tale of a Grandfather's love for his family and the legacy he left them, that only he could provide. The reader is instantly drawn into the setting for this book, a family gathering in which everyone surprised when typically quiet `Grandpa' asks for everyone's attention and proceeds to hand out envelopes to each member of the family. As the family sets spellbound, Grandpa explains that he would like each member to open their envelopes. As the family follows Grandpa's wishes, confused glances are exchanged when hand cut red velvet alphabet letters tumble onto the table in front of each member of the family.

As the family sits silently, Grandpa explains that each letter symbolizes an important part of the holiday for him. Continuing on, Grandpa tells each recipient what their letter means to him and why each letter stands for a special part of Christmas. Combining the letters C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, he explains, adds up to what makes Christmas complete for him. The family members realize that he is in fact telling them that they are each an important part of Christmas for him and without one of them; his Christmas would not be complete. As they sit silently thinking about their individual letters, Grandpa reaches for another envelope, tears it open, and withdraws the letter "J." Confusion is once again seen in the faces around the table until Grandpa speaks. He tells them that the "J" stands for `Jesus' and says..."without this piece of Christmas, there can be no peace of Christmas." As the meaning dawns on the family, Grandpa cuts the "J" into small pieces and hands one to each person present. With this simple gesture and the deep faith behind it, the family is reminded of what Christmas really means in their lives and how Jesus is the "piece" that defines Christmas for what it truly is.

This book touched a part of my heart that I didn't expect it to, upon first opening the cover. I found myself transformed to a Christmas Eve celebration, with my own family in attendance and saw through its pages, how everyone adds their own special "piece" of Christmas to the family. I was touched by Grandpa's love for his family and his need to tell them so. I too have an older father and I know my Christmas' with him will someday be no more. Somehow, through reading this book, although it brought tears to my eyes, it also brought a peace to my soul as well. It is a book that I intend to purchase for many friends this holiday season, as it is one of timeless love and deep faith as well. It is not just a story of Christmas but a story of deep love for not only family but for Jesus as well.

I would highly recommend "The Christmas Letters" as a gift for anyone on your list. It is a book that is rare indeed, as it can touch the youngest and the oldest heart alike with its message. It would be a welcome addition to any family bookshelf and reading it aloud could easily become a family tradition during many Christmas seasons to come. This book is one that will stay with you long after you close its cover and will touch you every time you read it. It is a jewel of a book for the Christmas season ahead and one that should be on everyone's "must read" list.

The Christmas Letters by Brett Nicholaus is one of those books that as soon as you finish reading it, you can't wait to pass it on to someone else so they can enjoy it too. While taking out Christmas decorations, the narrator reflects on the previous Christmas: the last he spent with his grandfather. Grandpa gave each member of his family a small piece of red felt cut out in the shape of a letter. Each letter signifies something special about that person that was important to Grandpa. Putting all the letters together spelled CHRISTMAS, and without any one of them, the holiday wouldn't feel complete. Grandpa also takes the time to remind his family the real meaning of Christmas and how much he loves them. The book has beautiful illustrations and is a really quick read. It's perfect as a gift book or to put out on the coffee table for guests to read. It will stir your emotions and remind you of what Christmas really means. I did pass the book on to my mom, and she thinks it will be a best-seller. I hope so!

As the family has done for years, they all come together to share Christmas with Grandpa. Four generations invade the patriarch's home to shower each other with love. However, this year turns out slightly differently as Grandpa announced to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild that "This may be the last Christmas I get to spend with each of you". He gives his beloved relatives nine sealed individualized notes using the letters in the word Christmas to symbolize the recipient. The loving notes explain how each brought joy and happiness into his well filled contented life as well providing them with a life parable.

Christmas is coming soon, but Grandpa proved accurate as he died in the summer. Yet everyone gathers at Grandpa's house because they all believe he is there for them through his letters and in spirit to celebrate Christmas with his loved ones.

This novella is a terrific tale as each of the family members receive a precious memento from a person held in high regard and cherished by all. Readers will appreciate the gift from Grandpa as Bret Nicholaus provides touching short vignettes of what Grandpa as says in his letters to each person. THE CHRISTMAS LETTERS is an uplifting holiday tale that reminds the audience what really is blessed about life is giving and receiving love.

Harriet Klausner

Then buy this! In essence, this is a five-year Christmas scrap book where the pages are all done for you- you just have to fill in the blanks, add your own photos, etc. I have bought so many of these already... for family, for friends and for me :) What a wonderful gift for people you know who love to document special memories.

(If you keep your eyes peeled you can find these books for quite a reasonable price- I found 2 at Borders at $2 each! Almost a steal really...)

I loved this book so much, I used all the pages each year and was delighted that Amazon had a copy to order a second one! The whole family enjoys looking at the book each year, going over the previous years events and memories. I recommend it, a treasure for your grandchildren!

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (10/07)

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19NIV)
What a marvelous event she had to ponder in her heart. What are your favorite Christmas memories? Do you remember all the particular details of that special time? Don't you wish you would have a book where you could write down special memories so that just by reading them later on, all those wonderful memories could come back, without having to rely on your memory? Imagine the fascination of the children when they read about when Mom and Dad were young or they were just youngsters.

Susan Branch has created just the keepsake book for your favorite five Christmases. Remembering your last Christmas or New Years with a special family member or special friend are just a couple of ideas she presents. Preserving memories for years to come is just what this book is terrific for. There is a place for traditions, movies of that year, moments, humorous happenings and a picture of the tree which adorned your house could be kept.

There are very beautiful illustrations throughout this spiral-bound album for you to enjoy as you prepare it from year to year. Even if you aren't a scrapbooker, you too can become a `preserver of memories.' We don't have all the special times and the miracle of the first Christmas like Mary did, but we all have our own special "Christmas Memories."

This is my second book, I love this book and hope to get one every 5 years! It's a great way to save all our wonderful Christmas memories, places to put photos,write notes and share your wonderful experiences for years to come. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys scrapbooking but doesn't have the time...it's done for you except what you put in...love it

Although our 2 children are still very small, we already love to flip through the pages of this book and look at the first year when our oldest was a baby. This book records 5 years of Christmas memories and is a treasure in our home. Each year in full of areas for pictures, attaching keepsakes, and recording memories that would otherwise get forgotten with the passage of time. There is also a pocket in the far back to keep other treasures in as well, such as letters to Santa, etc. We have completed the first 4 years and I intend on buying another copy after we complete the 5th year in December 2006. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to preserve memories!

Christmas On Deery Street is a collection of short, cozy stories centered around the popular Christian holiday. Steven Roberts has neatly spun a collection of his father's well-told tales into an entertaining and often inspiring book.

Each segment is a fictitious account, "with a small element of truth" according to Roberts, of life in the not-so-distant past. The reader learns about the hardships and miracles of life through the eyes of everyday folks during the magical time of the Christmas season.

"The Angel at Union Station" is one tale that seems almost too good to be true, but nonetheless, you believe it anyway. The reader has little choice because in this nutty world of ours, a dreamy story that firmly puts a smile on your face is a welcome respite.
Who would not want to read about an anxious soldier, away from home for several years, wondering if his girl still loves him after all this time? Of course we know how it turns out, but the charm is in the way Roberts tells the story. The magic and mystery are what make it all worthwhile.

"Magic Socks" and "Our Star"are two others that go well with a fire and a hot cup of tea on a cold night. And if you are sitting, reading next to your Christmas tree or not, you may find yourself happily reminiscing of your own favorite childhood memories or ones of your family or friends.

Christmas On Deery Street is a wonderful book for all ages that will delight the heart and warm the spirit. And you can get these good feelings reading them at Christmas or any old time of year.

Reviewer: Gene Berger

I know of very few writers that can recreate the "spirit of Christmas" the way Steven Roberts has done in "Christmas on Deery Street". If you want to spend a few hours reliving the best moments of your childhood, then you should read this book. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry; but most of all it will fill you with a longing for the goodness of humankind.

Christmas on Deery Street is a collection of real, accessible stories set within a Christmas theme, but it is actually a group of rare, readable, delightful parables about the human condition. They touch the heart and the conscience, and they show us what we know about everyday experience but had never put into words. There is hope and comfort in these stories, and there is genuine wit. These are stories you read over and over again because they ring true to the way life is or ought to be. The book is a special gift to give for Christmas -- or for all seasons! season!

Christmas on Deery Street is a wonderful collection of holiday stories. It's perfect for those weeks before Christmas when you want to be fully immersed in the season from decorating to reading. I gave several for Christmas gifts last year and will do the same this year. It makes a great hostess/host gift to take to holiday parties.

Steve Roberts' gift is touching hearts with unique characters, beautiful prose, and stories that cause us to recall our own childhoods. I laughed and cried and was always uplifted at the end. Bravo! Hopefully there will be another volume so I can reenter my childhood next Christmas.

I LOVE this book. It is thoughtfully written and has many wonderful photos to evoke the moods and memories of the era. Brought back the magical moments of my childhood when our family would drive into Chicago at night to walk around Marshall Fields and take in the beautifully done window stories. So glad I found it when searching for information on Uncle Mistletoe. He always sat on our fireplace mantel during the Chrismas season in the 1940s. The book gave me lots of information to back up my childhood memories. Thank you Robert Ledermann. Will always love Chicago.

Love this book...I bought 3 copies for me and my sisters, who all have fond memories of shopping "downtown" with our mother. One sister cried when she saw it as it brought back wonderful memores for her.

Generally very good nostalgia. More variety in stores would be appreciated. However, I realize information is limited by historically available photography.

This wonderful little book is part of the Images of America series, and focuses on Chicago's State Street at Christmas time. Having grown up in the Chicagoland area, I well remember each year's pilgrimage down to State Street to see the lights and displays - culminating in a visit to the Marshall Field's store (recently subsumed into the mighty Macy's empire). This book contains many wonderful black-and-white images (and some color ones!) from State Street - from the parades, from the displays, and some from just the stores themselves.

Overall, I found this to be a great book, filled with many wonderful memories of State Street at Christmas time! The pictures are all crystal clear, and have well-written captions. So, if you are interested in Christmas on Chicago's State Street, then you would be well-advised to give this book a look. I highly recommend this book!

If you're an aging Baby Boomer, as I, and lived in the Chicago area sometime during your childhood, chances are this little book with touch your heart and bring back the fondest of memories. It's a sweet compilation of everything that's reminiscent of a journey to "downtown" Chicago during the Christmas season. Whether it be parades, shopping, choosing a new toy for under the tree, or perhaps lunching at the Walnut Room at Marshall Fields, this book hits all the high points. Touching photo's also round out the successful tale of Christmas on State Street. Sit back with a cup of cocoa and savor the memories!

I really enjoyed this story. Christmas is one of my favorite holiday's and I loved how this story displays the true spirit of Christmas.

A rancher knows hard work, rough times and dedication in trying to make it all come together as he makes his living on the ranch he loves so well. Tommy knows this first hand as he tries desperately to get the little calf that decides to run from the herd. He is Thankful that his neighbors and friends are there to help with taking the rest of the herd to their destination as he follows the stray. He thinks of his family warm in their home, missing them as he is out in the cold trying to bring in the lone calf.

Tommy is surprised when he stumbles across a family in need out in the middle of nowhere and of course he jumps right in trying to help in a trying situation.

This is a must read, Mr. Voss knows how to write a warm tale of what family and dedication is. Christmas on the Mesa is a must read any time of the year. I'm looking forward to more stories from Mr. Voss.

Tory Lynn, author of "My Charming Protector"

Small miracles happen, most are never brought to light. It was more than chance that lead Tommy and Patch into that very clearing on the mesa at that very moment in time. And as with most human kindness that seeks nothing in return the giver is rewarded tenfold as was Tommy Loving. A Christmas story of the highest order, the author captures the true Spirit of the Season. The good thing is I didn't have to wait until the 25th of December to experience it too.
Good job, Mr. Voss.

Mr. Voss put me on that ranch that day. This reader felt the compassion, determination, and down right grit, a family of the like entails. Warm and visual, Mr. Voss hits another homerun when it comes to bringing it alive for the reader.

Ever fall in love with a cow ... calf?

>> The calf busted out of the pinion pines in an explosion of snow, bawling for its mother at the top of its lungs. His tail stuck straight in the air with the top curled around to make a perfect number nine as it ran for all it was worth. <<

Resistance is futile. You're a mamma now.

Any time, in my mind, I can sing, "I'll be hooooommme for Christmas..." and hear the ching, ching, ching of a million bells announcing a sleigh ride in the snow. Or, here's this scene:

>>Instead here he was following this maverick calf through the pinion and cedar trees in the snow and freezing weather.... Wind blew the snow off of the top of the cliff and down the neck of his pile lined denim coat. He turned his coat collar up a little higher, tugged his hat lower on his head, and pulled his knit scarf snug to help keep out the cold.... The trail crested over the rim of the mesa on to the wide open area on top. Snow was drifting around the twisted trunks of the few juniper trees that managed to take root up on the mesa top. <<

That's how a writer puts you into his world. Whatever season, or reason for resistance, you won't have trouble riding with Tommy, then sharing the rewards.

Can appreciation of a journey's end, even in a short story, bring a throat lump and brimming tears? Sure. Here. Now. Why didn't I guess what was coming? This author has a way of creating a character you'll go along with without much contemplation, allowing the surprises to warm your Christmas craving heart in heat of July.

Cool story with warm tides, right when you need `em!

Linda Shelnutt