Richard Paul Evans originally wroteThe Christmas Box as an expression of love for his two daughters, never intending for it to be published. Many Christmas seasons (and a rich publishing contract) later, this touching tale relates the meaning of Christmas in a profound but simple way. Rick, Keri, and their 4-year-old daughter, Jenna, are hired as caretakers and are welcomed into the home of Mary, an ailing widow, just in time for the holidays. Before long, it becomes apparent that Mary cherishes their companionship, and this young family begins to understand that their relationship to Mary is more special than any one of them could have realized. These tender relationships, fraught with real-life struggles, are the backdrop for unraveling a mysterious secret that gently propels the reader through this short story. Unlike most generic Christmas stories, Evans manages to bypass triviality, imbedding these pages with humble truth and emotion. This tiny treasure will cause you to rejoice in the blessings of the season while stirring up a childlike vigor as old profundity is revealed anew. In a season often shrouded in selfishness and materialism, Evans reminds the reader that the only way that we can genuinely love one another is by accepting the greatest gift of love ever given--that of a Father who "so loved His children that He sent His son, that we might someday return to Him."--Jill Heatherly
An excellent book by an excellent author. What is the meaning of Christmas and what was the first gift? This book reminds you of what is important and takes a look at yourself. This author has become my favorite and I can read one of his books in a whole setting. Everything else disappears when I am reading a book by Mr Evans. This book is a good one to pull out every Christmas and treasure.
Always have a box of kleenex handy because he writes from the heart. There isn't much to say about the story. Mr Evans shares a story about when his wife and himself with child relocated back to his hometown and moved into a mansion with an elderly lady. They made an agreement of light cooking and helping to living there and the agreement was enjoyed by all! However Mary becomes ill and you will have to read the book to find out the rest!
Enjoy!
A spiritual tale that avoids preaching "Heartwarming classics" are not my usual reading material, but I'd heard so much about this book (originally self-published) that curiosity prompted me to pick it up. The title story deserves all the praise it's received. The writing style has an old-fashioned cadence that's just right for the material, and the inspirational elements come naturally. This is a spiritual tale that avoids preaching, and steers clear of denominations while retaining its Christmas (not generic holiday) theme.
The companion tales, TIMEPIECE and THE LETTER, are longer and less satisfying. I came away from these wishing I'd stopped with THE CHRISTMAS BOX, and left the mystery behind it alone. Sometimes less is more - but another reader might well be delighted by "the rest of the story" of MaryAnne and her family.
The Christmas Box NPB December 7, 2004
The Christmas Box ISBN: 0-684-81499-4
"It was simply a wooden box." A woman named Mary needed help at her house but really only wanted company. The author of the book also the main character found the wooden box in Mary's attic one night. Mary is getting weird and not being herself. Is she hiding something? Find out it is right under the snow angel.
The Christmas Box is a very touching book. During the book your emotions change because the emotions of the characters change. This is a quick and easy book to read and probably good for eleven to twelve year olds and up because there are some hard concepts to understand. I would say that this book is good for the Christmas season because it is a touching story about Christmas. This book has brought me into the Christmas mood and has made it more enjoyable.
