"Beautiful, touching holiday classic."

Christmas is a time of magic, a time when new memories create themselves even as the old ones beckon longingly to replay their magic at least once more. Sometimes those dear old memories trap people within them when the people long for the past -- people like Nova Scotia tree farmer Christopher Byrne and New York research librarian Catherine Tierney. Every Christmas season, Chris Byrne makes the long trek from his farm to a certain street corner in New York City, where he sells his Christmas trees and wreaths for the upcoming holiday season. With the loss of his wife, he has no choice but to bring his children, Danny and Bridget, along. At first, everything goes well. However, like a siren's song, the lure of the big city calls to 16-year-old Danny. Danny doesn't want to follow in the "tree man's" footsteps because he has dreams of his own, dreams he can't express to his father.

Christmas for Catherine Tierney is not a time of happy holiday cheer. Almost three years ago, she lost her beloved husband, Brian, to a horrible illness. His last words to her were to listen for him at Christmas. However, Christmas comes and Christmas goes and Catherine feels her stoic solitude pulling her down with each passing day. Going through the motions, her only bright moments come from her friend, Lizzie, and her daughter, Rose, and her job as the private librarian for old Mr. Sylvester Rheinbeck at the Rheinbeck Tower. Unlike his son, Sylvester wants to preserve all the stone angels, gargoyles and other architectural wonders. More importantly, he is looking for the whereabouts of the elusive stone bells that somehow exemplify the Christmas spirit. Catherine, with the help of a secret partner, replaces the emotions of the season with her quest to make an old man happy. When the librarian and the tree farmer's worlds collide, they discover new strengths and feelings inside that may just bring the miracle of Christmas back to life.

Book after book, Ms. Rice never fails to deliver a beautiful tale full of emotion. This book is destined to become an enchanting Christmas classic for future generations to enjoy. Stirring and poignant, it is full of hope and love both lost and found. This is not just a love story; it's also the story of how families and friends deal with the loss of their loved ones and how they care for one another. Additionally, it speaks to the reader of magic, miracles and pursuing your dreams, no matter what the cost. When the hustle and bustle of the holiday season start to get you down, pick up this book and let its magic work wonders as it enlivens your soul.

Reviewed by Anne Barringer
Posted October 18, 2004