The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans

 The Christmas Stranger

Book Summary

Sometimes the universe sends us exactly who we need...

Three years after losing his family in a Christmas Eve accident, grief-stricken Paul Wanlass hasn’t just given up on Christmas, he’s given up on life. He can’t imagine anything to keep him here—not his work as a computer repairman, not the residents in his Salt Lake City neighborhood, and certainly not the idea of connecting with someone new. When a stranger knocks on his door, claiming to be picking up a laptop, Paul allows him in—but discovers the man has a very different mission in mind.

Paul wakes the next morning unsure if his encounter with the stranger really happened or was just a dream–but when the stranger shows up again, Paul challenges him to give him just one reason to live. The stranger agrees to the challenge but warns Paul not to expect a path he would have guessed or chosen.

As the stranger promised, Paul’s life takes a wild and fateful turn. A robbery connects him with a woman who has also lost the love of her life, and, in a seemingly unrelated incident, Paul rescues a young boy from bullying, only to find the boy needs a different kind of rescue. The twists leave Paul wondering what these people have in common, and why they were brought together. Who—or what—really is this Christmas stranger, and how will Paul find meaning once again?

My Thoughts

The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans is a heartfelt, well-written story with believable characters who display both strengths and flaws. This narrative integrates themes of adversity and recovery. Evans effectively illustrates how, even during challenging periods, compassion and faith can provide guidance. The story demonstrates that hope may be renewed through support from unexpected individuals.  The story reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas. It is amazing how a stranger can change your life.  Kindness does not cost us a thing, but it can be so rewarding. I just loved Barkley, Paul’s darling dog (such a cutie pie).  The Christmas Stranger is a touching tale that will linger with you longer after its conclusion.

The Christmas Stranger is available from Amazon*.  You can find Richard Paul Evans' other novels here.  Todays images are of Salt Lake City, Utah during the holidays (the setting for the book). Thank you for joining me today. I am a little overwhelmed at the moment, so I am going to take next week off.  I will return on Tuesday, November 18 with The Botanist's Assistant by Peggy Townsend. I am hoping this will give me a chance to get caught up as well as rest (sharp spikes of pain are shooting through my back). I hope that you have a wonderful weekend. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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