Oh, Poppy Alexander. She’s the author of The Littlest Library. Even her Christmas novels tear my heart apart before the happily-ever-after ending. And, she certainly knows how to do that in 25 Days ‘Til Christmas, the story of a single mother who hasn’t appreciated Christmas, or much of life, in the last four years.
When Kate Potter’s husband, Tom, died in Afghanistan four years earlier, she was left with a two-year-old, Jack, and accepted the responsibilities for Tom ‘s grandmother who has dementia, and is in a nursing home. But, this year, the Christmas season is a little too much. Jack’s at the age when he wants an Advent calendar, and Christmas activities, and even a tree. Kate’s job at Portman Brothers, working in lingerie most of the year, and selling the Christmas trees outside in December, leaves her little disposable income for fun things. And, every year, she faces the possibility that her contract at the department store could end in January. Despite her worries, Kate tries to create a magical Christmas for Jack, one day at a time.
This year is Daniel’s first Christmas without his sister, Zoe. Zoe always enjoyed picking out a Christmas tree, and Daniel always enjoyed seeing “The Christmas Tree Girl”, although he doesn’t know her name. But, he’s always recognized the look of sorrow in her eyes that he knows now appears in his own. His co-worker, Paul, worries that Daniel’s only outlet is working the phones at a Crisisline, where Daniel can sympathize with the people on the other end.
It may take a few days for Daniel to have the courage to introduce himself. But, he discovers Kate is another lonely, lost person, not just “Christmas Tree Girl”.
Oh, I’ll admit the ending is a little too pat, and Daniel is able to solve Kate’s problems a little too easily. But, that’s okay. Kate was in need of a Christmas miracle. And, some of us need a happily-ever-after story this time of year. If you’re willing to wade through Kate’s big problems, 25 Days ‘Til Christmas is a satisfying Christmas miracle.
Poppy Alexander’s website is https://poppy-alexander.com/
25 Days ‘Til Christmas by Poppy Alexander. William Morrow, 2019. ISBN 9780062958792 (paperback), 352p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought an eBook.
