Customer Reviews

The Christmas Box Collection: The Christmas Box, Timepiece, and The Letter

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

I absolutely enjoy every book that I have ever read by Richard Paul Evans! He is a most gifted author, and the stories that he writes are so thought provoking. Every message will leave you examining your own life and morals. I would recommend these to anyone!

As a parent who lost her son two years ago, I found this book absolutely wonderful. The author touched on losing a child and the aftermath of it. He showed that the years do heal and that love can survive. I cried most of the way through the book. I will visit the Angel statue in Salt Lake City as soon as I can.

I have read all of Richard Paul Evans books in the last month. I think he has a way of giving all of us time to think about our lives and how precious it is. I have recommened these books to all my friends. And I can not wait until his next novel comes out.

The Christmas Box is a book to be purchased for treasured friends and family memebers. It is a timeless story that need not be saved for the holiday season. The book offers the reader an opportunity to search within oneself for the 'first christmas gift'. Because I don't want to spoil the ending, I will not reveal any of the content; however, my advice would be to have a box of kleenix ready. To truly experience this book, read it alone first and let the emotion of the story creep into your soul and overtake your being. Finally, if you like this book, read "Message in a Bottle." It too will provide one an opportunity to search one's emotional being for the answer to the age old question, "Does true love really exsist?"

This is a fine book for anyone to read and enjoy although it has a special interest for some. Written to comfort those who have lost a loved one, to bring people closer to family members, and to offer comfort to all who have suffered tragedies and abuse, this book is a reasonably well written collection of stories that will change your life.

Evans's dynamic characters come to life as you experience their pains, triumphs, challenges and loves. As you finish each book of this trilogy, you can't wait to sink your teeth into the next one.

Though it is not a literary superstar I gave this book 5 stars for the power with which the message hits home and the importance of the message of this book. I think it is especially timely in the new millenium.

It is written as a story of hope in the face of great pain and loss. It offers comfort to so many who have experienced the death of a child, a miscarriage / still born child, or the death of any loved one. This book also applies well to one who has suffered abuse or tragedy in any form.

In addition, it speaks of sacrificing family interests for our career and focusing our attentions where they bring the least happiness, a lesson learned as a busy entrepeneur and the author refers to as trading stones for diamonds.

The greatest lesson, though is love and faith. Devestating as great challenges can be on individuals, they reek havoc on a relationship. This book delves into the rebuilding of individuals as well as the marriage in the years after the loss of a great tragedy.

This book is enjoyable reading (though at times bordering on melodramatic) and I am buying my fourth and fifth copy today as gifts for more friends. Having read all of his books which seem to deliver a similar message with equally engaging characters, I especially recommend his latest book from Spring of 2002 which tells his personal story of writing and self publishing 'The Christmas Box'.

But, again it is the characters in the stories that you quickly become attached to, so much that you will laugh with them, weep with them and not want to put the book down when you come to the satisfying end. Enjoy!

The Christmas Box trilogy captures the same sentimental and warm feeling as in the famous film with Jimmy Stewart. The story of Maryanne and David Parkin spans the Gold Rush, Depression up until the 80's. It's well written, the characters are heroic. If it is a bit sentimental and old-fashioned, well, that's what gives this book collection its charm. If you like a romantic tale of the sort that Hallmark Hall of Fame dramatizes on television mini-series, you will very much enjoy this book.

Although I enjoy reading very much, this is one book that I know I will enjoy reading over and over again. It is not often that I have come across a book that tugs at you, and makes you want to see and know the characters personally. Being a very thick book, and taking more time than usual reading books I had lined up before this, I was able to finish this book in record time. Actually, I finished reading it at one in the morning. Very, very, very, very good! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!