Robert Reed gave his life for his country in the early days of World War II. His sacrifice was honored when his widow and son were presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Each Christmas the final decoration Madge Reed hangs on the family’s tree is that medal. Rather than being a symbol of honor for young Jimmy Reed that shining star represents loss, pain, and suffering.
Yet a letter delivered by one of Robert’s fellow soldiers and a mystery posed in that letter put a father’s sacrifice and faith into perspective and bring new meaning to not just the star hanging on the Christmas tree but the events of the very first Christmas. Then, when least expected, a Christmas miracle turns a final bit of holiday sadness into a joy that Jimmy has never known.
Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than fifty books including novels Farraday Road, Swope’s Ridge and Words of the Father, as well as the nonfiction Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, grAttitudes, and Lassie A Dog’s Life. His books have become movies and network television specials. He has appeared onGood Morning America, the NBC Nightly News and The Today Show and has been featured in the Distinguished Lecture Series at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career.
His latest book is the Christian holiday fiction, The Christmas Star.
You can visit Ace on the web at www.acecollins.com.
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My Impressions:
If ever a book deserved to be made into a Hallmark Channel movie, Ace Collins’ The Christmas Star is it! I loved, loved, LOVED this book! Jimmy Reed is a 16 year old with a huge chip on his shoulder. His father, a Medal of Honor winner, died three years earlier, but this first Christmas following the end of WWII is especially hard for Jimmy. He is mad at being poor, mad at his father, mad at God and determined to make his mark, even if it means breaking the law. But as the days close in on Christmas and the big heist planned for the store his mother works for, Jimmy is confronted with what it really means to be a hero.
The Christmas Star may be short on pages, but it is long on well-written characters and setting. This small Arkansas town, just coming back to life following the war, with its close knit community and old fashioned values, is a jewel. And the characters are people I would like as my neighbors and friends. I especially liked the true meaning of Christmas that is woven throughout, yet not preachy. And Collins’ knowledge of the story behind Christmas songs is a special treat for his readers.
All in all, I think you will love this book as much as I did. So go out and get a copy to start your holiday season off right!
Highly Recommended.
If you would like to win a copy of The Christmas Star, check out this Giveaway!
The Christmas Star Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule
Monday, November 5
Book Review at A Year of Jubilee Reviews
Tuesday, November 6
Book Review & Book Giveaway at Deco My Heart
Wednesday, November 7
Book Review at The Mary Reader
Friday, November 9
Book Review at A Book Lover
Book Feature & Book Giveaway at Christian Bookshelf Reviews
Monday, November 12
Book Review & Book Giveaway at Mary’s Cup of Tea
Tuesday, November 13
Book Review at Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews
Thursday, November 15
Book Review at By the Book
Interview & Book Giveaway at I Am a Reader Not a Writer
Friday, November 16
Book Review, Interview & Book Giveway at Hardcover Feedback
Monday, November 19
Book Review at Mocha With Linda
Book Review at Splashes of Joy
Tuesday, November 20
Book Review & Book Giveaway at Reviews From the Heart
Wednesday, November 21
Book Feature & Book Giveaway at 4 the Love of Books
Thursday, November 22
Book Review at The Self-Taught Cook
Friday, November 23
Book Review & Book Giveaway at Jersey Girl Book Reviews
Monday, November 26
Book Review & Book Giveaway at Maureen’s Musings
Book Review at Sincerely Stacie
Wednesday, November 28
Book Review at Blooming With Books
Friday, November 30
Book Review at A Room Without Books is Empty
Character Letter to Santa Claus at Literarily Speaking
* * * RESCHEDULING: Book Review at The Bunny’s Review
(Thanks to Pump Up Your Book for my copy of The Christmas Star. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
I need to pick up a copy of this one. It sounds amazing!
That you so much for your kind words. When you speak of characters, I would like to have more Calvins in my life. He was joy to get to know.
Thanks so much for stopping by!