Unfinished Gift, The: A Novel [Hardcover]

Dan Walsh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Patrick Collins is seven years old, and on his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather's house. And, for reasons even he doesn't understand, he wants the soldier that's tucked away in his grandfather's attic. Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift tells in an engaging, simple style the story of a family, and reminds us of the surprising things that affect powerful change in our hearts--like a young boy's prayers, a shoebox full of love letters, and even an old wooden soldier, long forgotten. This nostalgic story of forgiveness will engage readers everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Unfinished Gift is one for the keeper shelf! Dan's book is a fabulous story of redemption and forgiveness. Couldn't put it down and it made me cry, which is hard to do."

-- Colleen Coble, Bestselling Author, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

From the Inside Flap

"Everything else in the room had suddenly gone out of focus. There was only the wooden soldier." Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is the engaging story of a family in need of forgiveness. With simple grace, it reminds us of the small things that affect powerful change in our hearts--a young boy's prayers, a shoe box of love letters, and even a half-carved soldier, long forgotten. This nostalgic story of reconciliation will touch your heart.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800719247
• ISBN-13: 978-0800719241
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #769,740 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born in Philadelphia in 1957 (guys don't care if you know) to a mostly
blue-collar, hard-working Irish family. My Dad was the first person on either side of the family to earn a college degree. It took him nine years, working during the day, going to college at night, using the GI Bill from his war days in Korea. In the mid-sixties, General Electric hired him as an engineer for the Apollo space program. We packed up and moved to Florida, which is really where I grew up.

I spent my childhood years playing basketball and surfing. In the spring of my senior year in high school I met the woman who would become my wife, Cindi. We dated for a brief period. I asked her to marry me and, to my great surprise, she said yes. We were married near the end of 1976. We have two children, now grown.

The desire to write novels first began in high school. But I didn't have the time to pursue this passion until 2007. To find out more, visit my website at www.danwalshbooks.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nostalgic page-turner, October 24, 2009

By 

Ane Mulligan "V.P./Sr. Editor, Novel Rocket" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unfinished Gift, The: A Novel (Hardcover)

Set in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is an engaging story of broken relationships and sorrow. Patrick is the age when a child still forgives easily and responds to love without reserve. While Walsh portrays that side, we also see Patrick as a little boy moved by a child's whims.

Patrick's grandfather is a bitter man who has cut off his son and his family. When Patrick arrives on his doorstep, he has no idea what to do with him. The child's very presence brings to the surface long-buried pain.

The social worker assigned to Patrick's case has fallen in love with the little boy. I don't like to give much of the story away in reviews but allow the reader to experience what I have as the story unfolds. Suffice it to say, Walsh resisted romantic clichés.

What he did do is make me cry and rob me of a good night's sleep. I couldn't put the book down. The Unfinished Gift is a satisfying, nostalgic read, one of forgiveness and restoration, of hope and faith. An exquisite debut novel. Novel Journey/Reviews gives it 4½ stars.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Unfinished Gift, September 17, 2009

By 

P. Wall "P.Wall" (FL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Unfinished Gift, The: A Novel (Hardcover)

This book was absolutely wonderful!! I couldn't put it down and finished it in two days!

It is easy to read with a comfortable sized print good for older folks.

The story grabs you and carries all the way through to the end, bringing out many Christian truths along the way, encouraging our faith.

I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Endearing Story, October 16, 2009

By 

Leslie Santamaria "children's writer" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unfinished Gift, The: A Novel (Hardcover)

What a heartwarming story! You'll root for the characters and enjoy the satisfying conclusion. The WWII time period adds depth to the experience, and the theme of forgiveness is so encouraging. This book will make a great gift, especially for Christmas. Looking forward to reading more books from Dan Walsh...