A fast, easy read, Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall’s The Gift of Christmas Past is a story of hardship, overcoming difficult odds and enduring obstacles all mixed with a touch of romance.
Centered on protagonist Hadley Granger, The Gift of Christmas Past gives readers a peek at what life for foster children is really like. Hadley must deal with feelings of abandonment, lack of trust for authority figures, anger issues and betrayal.
The novel provides readers with an appreciation for the type of loyalty Hadley and her foster sisters particularly Elliott display. The girls are extremely resourceful, learning how to make life work for them despite their hardships.
One might expect the characters to grow up with a harsh worldview, but it is actually quite the opposite; they are kind-hearted, and always looking for ways to help others.
As an added bonus, the story deals with one character’s selective mutism, a topic many may be unfamiliar with but may enjoy learning more about.
Definitely an entertaining story, worth the read.
***In exchange for this review, the publisher provided a complimentary copy of the book.