A Western Christmas Carol

Set in the late 19th century in the newly-formed state of Wyoming, A Western Christmas Carol offers a gentle tale of Christmas cheer following a young widower and father's courtship of an equally young widow and mother. As David Clarke pursues his attraction for Lucy Devlin, he comes up against her formidable brother-in-law. As the story unfolds, bitterness and anger turn to repentence and forgiveness as the true spirit of Christmas envelopes all within its path.A Western Christmas Carol is a delightful addition to anyone's Christmas library. Tom Roulstone skilfully weaves threads of Charles Dickens into his story, adding a touch of that familiar Christmas tale to the resolving of problems that beset some of the people of this small western town.I was especially intrigued by Belle, a saloon girl who loves the seemingly unlovable Eddie "Lucky" Devlin. Her constancy, diligence and compassionate heart show a true Christ-like nature in spite of her past. All of the characters are endearing and down-to-earth and neatly interact with one another. The story is simple, and in its simplicity offers old-fashioned wisdom and goodness. Read it and be nurtured.--Mary Siever for LDS Canada