The Christmas Box

The Christmas Box...Timepiece and The Letter.... This is the best set of books I've read in years. These books are so timely... so beautiful....Being bombarded by negativity and hatefulness in society isn't new but the Parkin family reminds us what is important through their experiences. I couldn't put the trilogy down. Great holiday read.....

Didn't get it

Jody Maier, Riverfront Book Club, Yonkers, New York The Christmas Box was the December selection for the Riverfront Book Club. Richard Paul Evans writes a modern allegorical story in an empathic and sensitive prose style that appeals to a wide audience of readers. This touching story's central message of parental love is expressed through Christian imagery of God sending Jesus to live in the world. But one does not have to be Christian to appreciate the sequence of mysterious events that lead the main character to a transforming experience in which he is called to reorder his priorities. Our group concluded that the popularity of this author's books, comes from the intense emotional impact they have on the reader and the desire of the reader to seek refuge from the anxiety, fears, and uncertainites of modern living. Mr. Evans has an ability to express human emotions and vunerabilities in ways that are understandable and accessible to the reader. This book has become a Christmas classic because it is not rooted in fantasy, but instead in a realistic portrayal of the human quest for hope, connection, and fulfillment.

I had enjoyed the tv movie of this with Richard Thomas and Maureen O'Hara, but never liking to read a book once I've seen the movie, I avoided picking this one up. Surprisingly, I won it while playing 'Dirty Santa' at a neighborhood party and felt compelled to read it. What a treat! This is one of the most heartwarming stories and probably the best by the wonderful Richard Paul Evans. Readers will be enchanted by the story of the young father who with his wife and daughter take up residence with an elderly lady in order to make ends meet. Instead of mere companions and housekeepers to the woman, they become dear and trusted friends. They, like the reader, are mystified by her past and want to know more about the Christmas box in the attic and the secret of the letters it holds.This book answers the profound question, 'What is the first gift of Christmas.' As every parent knows, it is a parent's love for a child and without being overly sappy on the religion angle, this book beautifully illustrates God's love for His children in sending His Son.Speaking directly to parents who have lost children, this book will appeal to everyone who believes in Christmas and the importance of cherishing family. For an uplifting renewal of your committment to yourself and to your family, read this book.

I received this book as a gift, she calls me here angel on earth and knew I would like this book. She was right. I started it on Christmas Eve. We needed to get to church early, having a family of six, plus a grandfather, who all wanted to sit together. I read the book while we waited for the children's service to begin. I was immediately drawn into the book. When the attic was entered, I did not want to put the book down, but of course it was time for service. Christmas Day was a busy one with the children and I did not get back to the book until the evening when the day was winding down. Needless to say, I finished it and decided that it would become a part of the Christmas season each year. I enjoyed the book so much that I came on line to make purchases for friends whom I am sure will treasure the book themselves and look forward to reading it each year.

This book is a "must read" for any parent, grand-parent, sibling, aunt, or uncle who has experienced the death of a child. One of my children died earlier this year, so my reason for reading the book may be different from other readers. While the book was sad, it was also filled with hope - hope that survives the separation of a parent and child, hope that never wanes or forgets! The story may be simple and short, but it is an enduring testimony (both personal to the author and for his fictional characters) of enduring love!

Thirty minutes ago, I finished reading this to my children (all in one sitting!) My four-yr-old fell asleep, but the other two kids kept telling me "Just one more chapter!" During the last chapter or two, we all started crying and couldn't stop. At times, I could barely read the words through my sobbing. It is such a POWERFUL story of love. Even though young children may get bored with the first few chapters, keep reading with them. By the end of the fourth chapter, they will be begging you not to stop reading. They have asked me to buy them each a book of their own. I plan to do so, so that they may share this beautiful story someday with their own children. I'm sure that my family now has a new Christmas tradition: reading aloud "The Christmas Box."