by Dan Walsh
Publisher: Revell
Pub. Date: September 1st, 2015
ISBN: 978-0800721190
Pages: 224
Buy Link: Amazon
Review:
While my humbug attitude hasn't changed quite yet, I nevertheless made some time to read the holiday novel Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh. Actually, I was a bit too tired to even read last night, but talked myself into reading at least the first chapter. I ended up reading about half of the novel before going sleep and I finished reading the rest this morning.
The novel centers on Stan and Judith Winters, an older couple that are for first time dreading the holiday season. In the past, each and ever year they have the same routine of hosting Thanksgiving dinner for kids (Suzanne, Anna & Brandon), son-in-laws, a daughter-in-law and grandchildren. The girls would spend Thanksgiving afternoon flipping through Black Friday ads and Judith would go shopping with them the next day. Early in the morning, Stan would drag out the Christmas decorations for the kids to put up. Then he would go fishing with his good pal Barney, which they would later head to the Bass Pro Shop for some bargain shopping.
Sadly, all the kids have moved out of state and aren't coming for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, letting Stan & Judith to consider leaving behind their holiday traditions.
Trust me, I personally know that holiday season can be a bit depressing. When I read a Christmas-themed novel, I want the story to be a little happier. I mean I don't want the book making feel depressed by time I finished reading it, which is what happened when I closed the book this morning. While I can't relate to the main characters (as I'm 30-some years younger Stan and Judith with no children), I can understand the a couple their age could be a little down around the holidays when their children decide not to visit. The book is barely over 200 pages, but it was too long for me as there just wasn't enough story for a novella. It would have done better as a short story. Overall, Keeping Christmas is well-written, but boring read.
*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift and The Restoratin Series with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for the RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Learn more at www.danwalshbooks.com.
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