Not Just for Christmas

When we hear the word "Magi," typically thoughts of Christmas and the three kings come to mind or O.Henry's famous story "The Gift of the Magi." We don't often think about how the individuals who were part of the group of people called "Magi" actually played a significant role and were important to their culture. When Patrick Carr's newest book The End of the Magi popped up on my reading list, I immediately jumped to the connection with Christmas but as I read the book, I discovered it was so much more.

Patrick Carr delves into the story of the Magi, and one apprentice specifically, well before the birth of Christ. This allows Carr to provide a very detailed account of the Magi, their role in society, and how they came to follow the star. Granted, The End of the Magi is fiction, but Carr has invested time in research as well. The story follow apprentice Magi Myrad from his initial dream regarding a star to the time when the star stops and he finds what he has sought. However, The End of the Magi does not end there. Carr picks up the story of the Magi again 30 years later and interjects them into the events of Holy Week as well. This part of the story brings the Magi full circle and provides insight into Carr's choice of title as well.

The End of the Magi is a great book to read around Christmas given who the main characters are and their final destination. However, it is a book that could be enjoyed at any time of the year given Carr's excellent writing and research. I found that Carr's story emphasizes that most people of this time period, including the Magi, expected the Messiah to overthrow Rome. This reminder is important. While not necessarily a book for children, The End of the Magi is appropriate for high school and up and perhaps to be read aloud to junior high. As such, it might fit the age group that has outgrown Arnold Ytriede's excellent Advent books but are still looking for a Christmas read-aloud.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The End of the Magi via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Not just Christmas in Apple Ridge

As Christmas is just around the corner, I've been indulging a bit more than usual with Christmas stories. So I jumped at the opportunity to read Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall. I had not previously read any of Woodsmall's books so I wasn't quite certain what to expect although I knew they were Amish romances.

Christmas in Apple Ridge is a three in one collection containing The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing, and The Dawn of Christmas. While each story stands on its own, as the location for each story is Apple Ridge the characters continue to appear in the subsequent tales. Thus, unlike some stories which leave you hanging as to what happens to the couple, you are provided clues and insights into their married lives as well. Unlike many Amish romances I have ride previously, the characters in these stories were all hesitant to marry, thought they would never marry, and had careers beyond what is typical among the Amish. The career focus of even the ladies, while well-respected in their communities, provided them opportunities atypical of most Apple Ridge residents. These opportunities, the older age of the couples, and the expectations of their community combine to create an enjoyable story.

Although this collection is titled Christmas in Apple Ridge and the climax of each story occurs around Christmas, these stories could be read at any time of the year. Several of the stories take place over several months and mention other holidays such as the Fourth of July. They would be an enjoyable read at any time of the year. Anyone who enjoys Amish fiction or pioneer stories would appreciate this book.

My copy of Christmas in Apple Ridge was provided by WaterBrook Multnomah Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Warm Christmas Story

If you are looking for a short, heart-warming Christmas story to read while you enjoy the lights of the Christmas tree or for someone on your gift list, do we have a book for you. Author Liz Curtis Higgs has written yet another winner set in Scotland in her Christmas novella A Wreath of Snow. However, this time the time period has changed to the Victorian era a la Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

In this brief novel, Higgs includes all of the trimmings of Christmas tied up with the customs of Scotland. However, in her usual style, Higgs also has several surprises up her sleeves which include romance, some mystery, and a good helping of a dysfunctional family. The overall theme of A Wreath of Snow is the importance of forgiveness and honesty. Although a large number of falsehoods and half-truths are utilized to carry the plot of the story along, Higgs definitely emphasizes that honesty is the best policy and shows how lies can effect families for years and generations. Fortunately, once the truth is allowed to emerge, the two main characters, Meg and Gordon, are finally able to act on their feelings toward each other. I'm quite hopeful that the story of Meg and Gordon will be continued in future stories as the reader is definitely left hanging at the end.

A complimentary copy of this e-book was provided by WaterBrook Press in exchange for an honest review.

The case of the missing present

Well, here it is Christmas Eve and I have spent the majority of my day looking for a lost present. It was the first present I bought for my children this year and I have turned all of the places where I typically hide present upside down without success. Frustrated doesn't even begin to cover my feelings. I'm really nervous that it might have gotten thrown out while I was cleaning my closet one day. I sure hope not, but at this point in time I just don't know. Fortunately, since we don't typically open all of our presents on Christmas day, I have time to find it or if needed get a replacement item (Ugh!). In the past we have opened presents on each of the 12 days of Christmas and have also waited until Epiphany/Orthodox Christmas to open all of the presents. We still haven't decided which tactic we are using this year.

Our observance of Advent has been less focused than in previous years and our decorating for Christmas has been more minimalist than usual. In some ways one contributed to the other and our lack of decorating was caused by the heap of stuff that is still in the garage from our June flood. I hope that perhaps the next few days off will allow us to address those items.