Published by Revell on August 1st, 2002
Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Holidays
Pages: 168
The small town of Parrish Springs is not ready for Matilda Honeycutt. A strange older woman with scraggly gray hair and jewelry that jangles as she walks, Matilda is certainly not the most likely person to buy the old Barton Building on the town's quaint main street. When it becomes apparent that her new shop doesn't fit the expectations of Parrish Springs residents, a brouhaha erupts. After all, Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life and healing.
Once again, Melody Carlson delivers a Christmas story that will touch hearts and delight the senses. Sure to be a classic, The Christmas Shoppe is filled with the special magic the best Christmas stories share--that intangible mixture of nostalgia, joy, and a little bit of magic.
This review is a part of the Christmas in July Reading Challenge being hosted by moi! Want to participate? Jump over to this post to sign up!
The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson is one of my mom’s favorite books. I admit that the thought of liking something that my 70 some year old mother likes scares me just a little. But, I’m just gonna admit it. I did like it. I’m sure that means I’m halfway to being a granny but I’m embracing my little old lady self and going with it.
This book revolves around an eccentric old lady—or perhaps she was an angel—who shows up in Parrish Springs and helps people find what they’re looking for. This book never really says if Matilda is an angel and I like that. Sometimes angel books are in your face so much that it’s unbelievable. I believe that many times we entertain angels unaware. So, the fact that it is never explicitly said is nice.
I was drawn in from the very first page and for this to be a mere 168 pages—this book is very well-developed. The characters tell a tale of loss, love, and redemption.
There’s no better time than Christmas to believe in the small miracles that bring us to forgiveness and repentance. Though it is July—I could feel the warmth and coziness of Christmas radiating from the pages.
One word sums up this book—heartwarming. Which is why I’m giving it a rating of 5 coffee cups. So, this Christmas when you’re sitting around the fire and you’re looking for a book that gives you a warm, fuzzy feel. Pick up The Christmas Shoppe and enjoy!
About Melody Carlson
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington’s, and The Christmas Cat. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
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