The Christmas Box Collection: The Christmas Box, Timepiece, and The Letter [Mass Market Paperback]

Richard Paul Evans (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998

Richard Paul Evans' #1 New York Times bestseller The Christmas Box has become a holiday classic, a tale so touching that it continues to "tug families' heartstrings" (USA Today). His exquisite prequel, Timepiece, and The Letter completed the glorious trilogy of the Parkin family. Now all three magical stories are compiled in one extraordinary treasury that -reaches into that place where all broken hearts will forever be made whole" (The Star, Chicago).

The Christmas Box

A Christmas story unlike any other, The Christmas Box is the poignant tale of a widow and the young family who moves in with her. Together, they discover the first gift of Christmas -- and what the holiday is really all about.

Timepiece

Tracing the lives of a young couple as they discover love, loyalty, and the power of forgiveness, Timepiece is a tale of wisdom and of hope -- and a gentle reminder that the connections from one generation to the next are indelible.

The Letter

A mysterious letter is found at the grave of a couple's only child in this unforgettable conclusion to the collection. As they face love's greatest challenge, they find its truest meaning and learn the lessons that are echoed throughout.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Whatever the reason, I find that with each passing Christmas the story of the Christmas box is told less and needed more. So I record it now for all future generations to accept or dismiss as seems to them good. As for me, I believe." So begins the sentimental tale of romance and family that Richard Paul Evans went to a copy shop and self-published a few years back. Readers decidedly accepted the saga, spending millions of dollars and clamoring for more, so Evans wrote two more heart-rending episodes, Timepiece and The Letter. (The original's megasuccess sparked a TV movie and inspired a parody, Revenge of the Christmas Box.)

At last, all three are collected in one of the most popular holiday-themed tearjerkers since Dickens. Can David Parkin, a hard-working man, learn from a cache of old love letters that there's more to life than work--such as his relationship with his wife, MaryAnne? What becomes of the Parkins' angelic daughter, Andrea? When a bent and bereft old lady is spotted crouching over a snowy grave, and the night watchman tells her the cemetery is closed, what can it mean that she mysteriously disappears, leaving behind one red rose and a letter? Could it have something to do with calamitous family tragedy, with David's mother and the key to healing his hardened heart?

It sure could. Scrooge-like critics did not swoon over Evans's trilogy, but they are quite outnumbered by fans. Evans made millions of readers feel touched, as if by an angel.

Review

Orlando Sun Sentinel The book's timeless message is appropriate for any season....The Christmas Box is an artful blend of fiction and inspirational writing. It is a memorable tale whose universal message will not fade with the season.

The Star (Chicago) Richard Paul Evans is a good writer. His style is crisp and uncluttered.

The Daily Sun A sweet and tender love story...The Letter should satisfy Evans' many fans and find him new ones too....On one of these cold winter nights find a comfortable place and settle down and read The Letter....When it is over you will feel warmed and enriched by the story you have shared.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 672 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671027646
• ISBN-13: 978-0671027643
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,441 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Fiction & Poetry > Fiction
  • #35 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Family Saga

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you read anything this year, make it this story!, December 8, 1998

By 

Trish ([e-mail] ) (Boulder, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Box Collection: The Christmas Box, Timepiece, and The Letter (Mass Market Paperback)

I bought the Christams Box set in paperback, while traveling from Lexington, Ky to Denver, Co.I frequently buy books when I travel, but seldom read them until after I arrive at my destination. Not so with the Christmas box. I was so taken with the simple beauty and truth in the story that I couldn't put it down. I think I scared the Attendant when, not noticing the passage of time, she startled me, and with tears in my eyes, I answered her, "I'll have a coffee, please." I was compelled to explain to her that nothing was wrong, but that the book was amazingly touching. I later saw her in the airport book store investing in a copy. I bought a copy for almost everyone this Christmas. I am certain that you will cherish it too... Enough to share it with everyone you love!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, March 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Christmas Box Collection: The Christmas Box, Timepiece, and The Letter (Mass Market Paperback)

I recently read this book and I loved it this is a heartwarming tale of the struggles of a couple and how an old woman passes down what she has learned to another generation. This is a great romance story that brought me to tears.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IN THIS GENRE, THIS TRILOGY IS AT THE TOP, March 31, 2000

By 

Nancy Martin (Pennsylvania (orig. NY)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Box Collection: The Christmas Box, Timepiece, and The Letter (Mass Market Paperback)

Having just finished The Letter, the last in this trilogy, I am sad to be saying good-bye to Mary Ann and David Parkin. This is a love story in the truest sense of the word but not sappy at all. In the Christmas Box, we are introduced to Mary Ann, an elderly widow living on her own. We meet David Parkin, her husband, in The Timepiece which in my opinion was the best of the three books. In this book, they meet, fall in love and have the perfect life until tragedy strikes. The Letter finds them 20 years later still trying to cope with their loss and trying to keep their marriage together. Evans writes, "Could it be that to truly love a thing is not to desire it, but to desire happiness for it." This seems to sum up this delightful series. If you want a break from your usual reading, you won't be disappointed. If you want to give someone a present they won't forget, try this one.