Customer Reviews

The Gift

5 star:		(63)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

THE GIFT by Richard Paul Evans
January 1, 2008

Amazon Rating: 4/5 stars

In Richard Paul Evans latest novel, a man witnesses a series of miracles performed by a young, terminally ill boy, and learns lessons in love and giving. Nathan Hurst doesn't realize what is missing in his life, but upon the start of this new relationship, Nathan makes some changes in his own life and also learns the lesson of forgiveness.

Nathan works for a retail store in which he is to prevent and catch employees who are stealing from the company, in particular, merchandise. During one of his business trips visiting one of the stores, he encounters a boy and his family while waiting at the airport on a very snowy night. This young boy is terminally ill, but Nathan discovers a gift that this young boy has. It's a type of gift that is kept secret, because once it is known, the boy's mother knows that the media will be on their backs, as will the rest of the world. For the sake of the boy's health, his mother tries her best to hide this special gift from the public.

Nathan gets involved with the woman and her two children by volunteering his hotel room for the night, as their flight has been cancelled due to the snowstorm. This act of kindness leads to one thing and another, and soon he has fallen in love with the woman, as he also learns lessons in unselfish love from the young boy.

THE GIFT is the type of book geared toward the holidays, a story filled with miracles. It's an emotional story, so be sure to have a box of Kleenex by your side! Readers who enjoy reading books by Mitch Albom will love THE GIFT.

Richard Paul Evans has written his best novel in years! I was not planning to read this book in one sitting, but I could not put it down. This was a wonderfully emotional book. I enjoyed so many relationships from Addison to Nathan, Collin to Elizabeth and Nathan to his mother. I was completely enthralled in their world and it made me reflect on my own life and relationships. As always, the diary entries are such a great part of the story. My favorite "Small kindnesses often, unintentionally, produce the biggest payoffs." It's what life is all about. This is a truly amazing book from an incredible writer.

What can I say that hasn't already been said? If you enjoy reading Richard Paul Evans' novels year after year, you certainly won't want to miss this one. If you've never read a RP Evans before, this is as good a place to start as any. The story moves along at a nice pace and the characters are well defined. We understand their thoughts and actions and the reasons that they do things. Under the pen of other authors, this is not always accomplished. RP Evans knows how to bring characters to life and make us feel like we know them personally. As you read a RP Evans novel, you'll think you're reading an article in your local newspaper or magazine. The characters and stories feel that real.

Inspirational without being mushy or over-dramatic. He tugs at just enough heartstrings without leaving you feeling overwhelmed or exhausted with emotion.

I look forward to Mr. Evans novels year after year and he never disappoints. My only complaint is that I get through the book so darned quickly, I'm left hanging for another 11 months looking for something to fill that void (nothing ever really does!) I look forward to many more books and wonderful reads from truly one of the most inspirational authors of the 21st century!

If you like Nicholas Sparks, Debbie Macomber, Luanne Rice, Kristin Hannah then you'll love Richard Paul Evans!

I anxiously await Richard's books every year and this year was no different. I knew it would be in bookstores on October 9th so I went right down and got mine. It may seem weird but I savored every page. It was wonderful. I loved the character of Nathan Hurst and, if I wasn't already married to the perfect man, I'd marry Nathan! I loved the tender little boy, Collin, and his family. The characters are so rich and the story so compelling that I have to say this is my favorite Richard Paul Evans book--at least until next year's comes out!

I've read all of Mr. Evans books and this one reminds me of how I felt after reading The Christmas Box trilogy. It was a wonderful, moving book. One of the best yet.

Wow! His books just keep getting better and better! I also couldn't put this book down once I started. We can only hope for a movie!

Keep writing Richard Paul Evans, can't wait until the next one!

I have a serious problem with ANY of Richard Paul Evans books .. once I start reading them I cannot set it down until I have finished the book. Richard Paul Evans has the most amazing books and each one will sparka tear in your eye. If I had to choose just one of his books I couldnt do it because they are all fantastic !

God has truly blessed Richard Paul Evans with an ability to touch our hearts and pull us into the lives of the characters he writes. As like the other reviewers, I could not put the book down and read the entire book in one sitting! The only problem is now I have to wait another year for the next one! I highly recommend this or any of his books. Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!

Each Christmas season, I try to indulge in a novel or two, a good Christmas story to help get me in the mood and provide a bit of relaxation during a very hectic time. This year, "The Gift" by Richard Paul Evans (author of "The Christmas box") called to me from the "new" section of the library shelf. I'm so glad that it did!

"The Gift" tells of Nathan Hurst, a single man suffering from Tourette's syndrome, haunted by his past. He travels a great deal as an in-store detective for the "MusicWorld" retail chain. Suffering from a bad case of bronchitis and snowed in at an airport in Denver, he meets Addison and her two children Elizabeth and Collin, who is suffering from both cancer and a heart condition. In an act of generosity, he offers the exhausted mother and her children the use of the suite at the hotel his assistant had booked for him. While at the hotel, Nathan suffers from another bad coughing spell. Collin reaches over and touches him sending a surge of energy through his body. Nathan doesn't know what to make of this, but he soon discovers that both his coughing and his Tourette's are gone. Yes, Collin has the ability to heal, but this gift comes at a price. Each time he uses it, Collin becomes more sick.

"The Gift" explores what it means to love and forgive and to give without counting the cost. It tugs at the emotions and will make you think. Reading "The Gift" is a gift you can give yourself this Christmas season.

Once more Richard Paul Evans gives us a gift, straight to our hearts, just in time for Christmas. This poignant story of a small boy with a very special gift, which costs him more than most gifts ever cost, touches us beyond measure. Thank you again, Mr. Evans, for sharing your gift of telling stories to remember and cherish.