Dan Walsh, once again writes a winning book!

         "Keeping Christmas"
            By Dan Walsh

Synopsis: For the first time since their children were born, empty nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving without the kids, and it's looking like Christmas will be the same. Judith can't bring herself to even start decorating for the holiday; her kids always hung the first ornaments on the tree, ornaments they had made each year since they were toddlers. Sure they were strange-looking--some could be called downright ugly--but they were tradition. A tradition she's heartbroken to miss this year.

With Judith refusing to decorate the bare spruce tree in their living room, Stan knows something must be done. And his only hope for saving the holiday is found in a box of handmade ornaments. 

Fan-favorite Dan Walsh invites readers to enjoy this nostalgic Christmas story that celebrates all of our most cherished seasonal traditions, especially the importance of family. Readers will join in remembering the things that make their own Christmas season so special.

My Opinion:

I have to admit that Dan Walsh is a favorite author of mine. His books always hit a special spot deep within, that make me think, and leave lasting thoughts, long after I have finished reading the book. This newest book was certainly no exception. It met every criteria that I have for a  meaningful storyline.

The characters were realistically and well described. In fact, they became part of my family. I easily identified with Judith and felt her every pain, challenge, disappointment as well as her joys and satisfactions. She was the mother that I hope that I become, one day, dedicated to her children . Her husband, Stan, was a sensitive, caring man who desperately wished for happiness for his wife. If this meant he would have to give up a dream, he was ready and willing. This love was evident in his every action. What a wonderful marriage they had!! 

The plot moved slowly but steadily. There were just enough surprising twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed in the tale. I must say that I did wish at times that events would happen more quickly, however , part of the appeal of the book, was that you had to wait for God's plan to be accepted and He had to be allowed to work out the challenges in a satisfying way.

Any reader who loves happily ever after books would adore this book. It is a story which whom every parent can identify. We want our children to become independent, however , that comes with disappointments to a mom and dad. Should it???? No , but we are human . Dan Walsh addresses this difficulty in a sensitive and caring way.

I highly recommend this book for all readers of Christian fiction. Uplifting and restores our faith in human nature!!!

This book was supplied by Revell  and Graff Martin Communications in exchange for a fair and honest review. Now available from your local bookseller.