The Unfinished Gift
by Dan Walsh
Winner of 2 ACFW Carol Awards 2010 – Best Short Historical Novel & Debut Author
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.
My Review: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Christmas novel that really touched me at the heart, but this one did. The Unfinished Gift is a tear-jerker about a seven year old boy who’s mother has died and father is off to war. He’s sent to live with his grandfather, a grouchy old man he never met who doesn’t celebrate Christmas. I sobbed through most of the novel. But in the end, I was inspired by this child who kept his faith in the midst of adversity. It reminded me of the verse “a little child shall lead them”. It’s every bit as good as The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens or It’s a Wonderful Life. I plan to read more Dan Walsh novels after this. A must read.
Reviews & Endorsements
“The Unfinished Gift is one for the keeper shelf! Dan’s book is a fabulous story of redemption and forgiveness. I couldn’t put it down and it made me cry, which is hard to do. Loved it!” – Colleen Coble, Best-selling Author of the Rock Harbor and the Lonestar series
“The Unfinished Gift is a poignant story about a grieving little boy and the estranged angry grandfather who takes him in. Make sure you have a tissue nearby, because you’re going to need it!” – Terri Blackstock, NY Times Bestselling Author of Intervention and Double Minds
“Although this is a debut novel, we have a Christmas classic in the making. A story readers will want to revisit year after year, much as they do with movies like It’s a Wonderful Life. So move this book to the top of your to-be-read list and grab a box of Kleenex on the way.” – Lena Nelson Dooley, Author of more than 20 Christian fiction novels
Leave a Reply