The Christmas Clock by Kat Martin

Review by Brenda Seward

Before I begin to tell you about this week’s book, I have a small confession to make; I am an absolute sucker for holiday stories. Yes, I am one of those. One of those people who sneaks off to watch It’s a Wonderful Life for what must be the fiftieth time, and still cries like a big baby at the end. I still love the magic of watching Maureen O’Hara (and a very young Natalie Wood) turn from disillusioned skeptics into true believers in Miracle on 34thStreet. I adore the magic of overnight redemption in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the poignancy of unselfish love in O. Henry’s "Gift of the Magi." Stories of faith and friendship, the power of love and forgiveness and the idea that it is never too late to change and start over are the basis of some of the best stories ever written. They are surely required elements for any good holiday story. On that score, The Christmas Clock more than covers its bases.

Kat Martin’s The Christmas Clock is the story of an eight-year-old boy’s heartfelt wish to buy a very special clock for his grandmother for Christmas. In the process of trying to accomplish this task, this young boy, Teddy Winters, touches the lives of several people in the small town of Dreyerville, Wisconsin in ways he could not possibly imagine. From a long married couple, who have drifted apart and now feel the loneliness of living parallel but separate lives, to a man and woman who were wrenched apart years earlier by secrets and lies and now find themselves together again in the same small town, forced to confront the truth of their past. Teddy and his sweet and unselfish quest draw all these people together in one way or another.

The Christmas Clock is a sweet and endearing story that tells us that forgiveness is possible, even when it appears most unlikely. It shows us that with love, faith and friendship almost anything is possible. It reminds us that it is never too late to start over and we should never give up on our dreams. The Christmas Clock, in its own special way, embodies some of the best elements of those classic tales I mentioned at the beginning of this review. Dreyerville, just like Bedford Falls in It’s a Wonderful Life, shows us how important community and kinship with others is to our life. We see the beauty and pure love of an unselfish act, as we do in O.Henry’s story. We are reminded of the magic of faith in the power of love and believing in the impossible. All in all - a perfect holiday story.

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Review by Brenda Seward, Owner, Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts

The Christmas Clock, released through Vanguard Press, is available for purchase at Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts.

Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts is a family owned independent bookstore. Owned and managed by my three daughters, and myself. Our focus is toward women, while seeking to offer a little bit of something for everyone. From books, chocolate, unique custom gift bags and note cards to tea towels and bath products, Simple Pleasures offers just that- the simple pleasures of life. All titles reviewed here are available at Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts in Ashland, VA, 804-378-7736 or or online at: http://www.alibris.com/stores/spbooks1