From the author of the bestselling "A Stranger for Christmas". All her life, Annabelle Perkins has dreamed of traveling to Bethlehem and bringing a gift to the birthplace of Jesus. But when it finally happens, what actually occurs is not what Annabelle expects.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Pearson's (A Stranger for Christmas) simplistic Christian fable concerns an unremarkable woman who finds that faith enables her to do the most remarkable things. Annabelle Perkins, a 57-year-old unmarried waitress with a weak heart, is set on visiting the Holy Land in order to bring "to the baby Jesus" the gift of a bronze ("but really gold, as gold as the gold of the Magi") lamb her deceased mother has left her. She tells the travel agent, Mr. Olson, that she doesn't need to see Jerusalem, only Bethlehem, and when she leaves his agency she feels suddenly empowered: "She was one of the Magi on a fabulous journey." She scrimps and savesAyet when she finally has enough to pay off the ticket, she discovers that someone else has a greater need of the money. Prompted by the voice of her mother, she gives the money away. Another year passes, and another needier case warrants her hard-earned savings, though Mr. Olson unaccountably informs her that her ticket has been paid in full. Pearson's tale is a kind of Simple Heart for believers; but its mawkish sentimentality combined with wooden and clich?-ridden prose should limit its audience to those who like their doses of spiritual uplift in childlike portions.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
A Christmas ``fable'' by the author of A Stranger for Christmas (not reviewed) and Morning Glory Mother (1997). Annabelle Perkins, a spinster of 57 who waits tables, has a little bronze lamb she wants to take to Bethlehem as a gift for baby Jesus. Her mother had always told her that they would take it together. But now her parents are dead. Annabelle deposits $200 on a $2,000 Christmas trip to the Holy Land. She doesn't earn much and has a bad heart as well, but she puts in an extra day a week at the restaurant and by November is ready for the trip. Then, however, she learns that the daughter of one of her regular customers is going to drop out of collegeshe's run out of money. Baby Jesus whispers to Annabelle, Give me my gift now. So Annabelle anonymously sends her savings in a postal money order to the girl. Next year, Annabelle again saves up for the trip, but this time she reads that an ex-boyfriend has a daughter who needs a kidney transplant (price: $50,000). Baby Jesus whispers again. And Annabelle sends the money to the ex, anonymously. Next year, the same kind of giveaway occurs. Now she's too weak to work overtime (and thus save for the fare). But, lo, a miracle takes place. . . . You have to like baby Jesus an awful lot to dig this story. But, after all, Christmas is His birthday. -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Will warm you all over!!,
By Judith E. Pavluvcik (Dreaming of the beach in Hawaii, but living in the reality of the desert in Arizona!!) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Modern Magi: A Christmas Fable (Hardcover)
The Modern Magi, A Christmas Fable, is a most wonderful, delightful little book, on living the true meaning of Christmas, the whole year through. Carol Lynn Pearson brings home this meaning poignantly, simply, and beautifully through the character of Annabelle Perkins. Annabelle will touch your heart and maybe even spur you on, to perform your own selfless Christmas miracle. Even though the ending was predictable early on, this, in no way whatsoever, detracted from the beauty of the fable. God talks to us constantly, yet one just has to be still and listen, have faith and follow what that inner voice is guiding us to do. Annabelle heard God speaking to her and she followed her heart and performed miracles for others while on earth. Was she an angel or a messenger or both? Only you the reader can decide that. Annabelle's good will was able to live on long after Annabelle left earth and that is what the message of the book was portraying. This little fable will warm you, bring tears to your eyes and remind you once again, that God does indeed work in mysterious ways though many people who touch our lives. A wonderful book to share with the entire family!!! I loved it!!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A yearly read at the holidays.,
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This review is from: The Modern Magi: A Christmas Fable (Hardcover)
I really enjoyed this little gem. My wife and I read it the same night and had similiar thoughts. A great story with a predictable ending. But what's wrong with a warm feel-good read at this time of year!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
---An Engaging Christmas Fable---,
By
This review is from: The Modern Magi: A Christmas Fable (Hardcover)
Annabelle Perkins is a middle aged woman who is alone in life. Her parents are both gone and her only brother was killed in Vietnam. At the age of fifty seven she works as a waitress in the restaurant that once belonged to her father. She likes her job and enjoys the contact that she has with her customers. However, she does have to be careful because she has had a heart condition for quite a long time, but that doesn't keep her from enjoying life.For many years, Annabelle has had a dream of visiting the Holy Land. She wants to go to Bethlehem and place her most cherished possession, a small bronze lamb, at the manger where Jesus was born. Her mother often talked about taking the trip, but never had the opportunity. Annabelle's strong faith in God gives her the courage to decide that she must make the trip alone if she has to. She desperately feels she has to give a gift to Jesus. After visiting a travel agency where's she chose the exact trip that she wants, she begins saving her money. She doesn't mind the extra hours that she puts in at work because she knows it will all be worth it. When she get's enough money saved, she becomes aware of a situation where a talented young woman will be forced to give up her chance for an education because her Dad had lost his job. Annabelle feels very sorry for the young woman, and inside her she hear's a voice saying, "You can give me the gift now." This is a lovely story about complete faith in God. The Modern Magi is a perfect book to read anytime, but especially before Christmas. Judith J. Miller
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