Description:
Marva Ferguson has a very personal Christmas tradition that happens every December 26. As an aging widow, the tradition means more to her now than it ever has. Her newest neighbor, nine-year-old Charlee, loves Christmas too. But her family has fallen on hard times and things get worse when Charlee becomes critically ill. Then, on December 12, Charlee makes a wonderful discovery. A mysterious note is delivered that promises twelve days of gifts and stories that will reveal the truth behind the beloved Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. As the days go by, the gifts hint at a possible lost lyric. Was there once a 13th day of Christmas? And if so, could its magic change or save a life? If Marva knows something about the letters from the Elves, she s not telling. However, you don t live as long as Marva Ferguson and not have a secret or two including a whole lot of faith in your apron pocket. Filled with laughter, tenderness, and hope, The 13th Day of Christmas invites us to see how an old Christmas favorite can turn into a true Christmas miracle.
Review:
The 13th Day of Christmas is one of those perfect Christmas reads. Short and simple for those busy days leading up to the big holiday. Well-written and with characters who are ably drawn. Familiar themes of loss and struggles blending into all that is good about Christmas make for a heart-warming, heart-rending story that ends with hope. Wright also wends the narrative with humor and clever dialogue. This isn't a light, whimsical read because it does deal with illness, poverty and sorrow. It might be too sad for some who might be freshly dealing with loss or illness.
Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer
Bonus Review:
The 13th Day of Christmas revolves around the friendship of 80 something Marva Ferguson, and her new neighbor, nine-year-old Charlee. Marva is a widow who collects aprons and loves Christmas. Charlee has just gone through a tremendous change, as her father lost his job and the family had to sell everything and move to a small trailer in a new town. Marva and Charlee become fast friends, as Marva is young at heart and Charlee is an old soul. Everyone’s world is torn apart when Charlee becomes quite ill. However, there are surprises in store for Charlee, as on December 12th, a mysterious note is delivered to her that tell the “truth” behind “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
This book started out a tad slow for me, but as it got going, I found myself really enjoying it and having a hard time putting it down. There were a couple of different plot twists that were completely unexpected to me, so it kept me on my toes. I loved the story of Marva and Charlee’s friendship. And all of Marva’s aprons! I believe the author said she had hundreds of them, and would change them several times a day, depending on her mood. That just sounds like so much fun! This was a very heartwarming story.
Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers
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