The Christmas Star

The Christmas Star
Ace Collins
(Abingdon Press)
ISBN:
October 2012/224 pages/$14.99
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.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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 on Good 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.


MY THOUGHTS

This is the first book by Ace Collins that I have read but it won't be the last. The Christmas Star is a moving tale of the other side of heroism: the grief and loss experienced by the son of a man honored for making the ultimate sacrifice. Collins wonderfully portrays Jimmy's heartache and anger over the hole in his life and the resulting choices he makes. I particularly loved how the old school bus driver, Calvin Jenkins, became such a quiet mentor and hero to him without Jimmy even realizing it. This is one of the best Christmas novels of the year; The Christmas Star will light up your season!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press via Pump Up Your Book Promotions as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”