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“As a Reference Librarian I will highly recommend ‘Magic and
Miracle’ volume two to a wide variety of readers because the stories
are both lighthearted and thought provoking. This is an excellent
carry-around book, or an easy gift idea for readers on the go. I
look forward to presenting a copy to each member of my family.”
-- Cynthia A. Techmeyer
Associate Librarian, Davis County Library System
“The Magic and the Miracle of Christmas volume two is a good
reflection of life with it’s variegated yarns of humor, hurt, hope, and healing. Whatever the reader’s mood or past experience
this collection of stories has something for almost everyone.
While some stories seem like a page torn from my own journal,
others provide a glimpse of life through a less familiar perspective.
I was reminded that laughter can temper life’s frustrations, that
miracles can revive failing hearts, and that it’s still fun to
believe things can happen that are too good to be true.”
-- Jean Keaton
Artist and Illustrator
Debra Jandreau
Assistant Editor, Leader
For most people the approach of Christmas signals the return of fond memories and deep feelings of warmth and giving. But for others, the arrival of the holidays reminds them of lost loved ones and difficult times.
However, a new book, “The Magic and the Miracle of Christmas, Stories of Hope, Volume 2,” reminds those suffering that it is okay to feel loss but also be able to experience joy at the same time.
Written by the Parker Lane Publishing Group, authors of the popular “The Magic and Miracle of Christmas, Volume 1,” and “Hearts and Hands, Stories of Hope for Mothers,” the new book brings more of the authors’ enduring spirits to script, in a uplifting and even humorous atmosphere of words.
Kaylynn England, owner and book critic of www.bookreviewsandmore.com, gave “The Magic and Miracle” a four star rating. She said: “A great little book of Christmas stories. One that will bring joy and hope to each Christmas. A perfect book to have to read a story from each night before Christmas. Join this book with the first and you have 21 stories to read before Christmas. A great gift to give to neighbors and anyone who could use some hope this Christmas. As the title implies, this book does bring hope.”
Although at times the stories can evoke the strongest of emotions, the endings seem to bring joy and relief to the aching heart at a time when struggles of the human spirit can be the hardest.
Author Lyn Austin, of Riverside, takes one on a journey into what Christmas might be like in Heaven in “Heavenly Christmas,” while Box Elder County native Janie Van Komen’s “Too Old for Christmas,” refuses the inevitable of growing up. Lori Nawyn’s “Through Danny’s Window,” shows how Christmas can raise individuals above the pain and anguish that often causes families to become dysfunctional. “Millie’s Moment,” by Lesa Price, of Brigham City, gently delves into a family dealing with the challenges of a mind racked by age and dementia. Kenya Transtrum’s two downtrodden souls in the story “Sing Choirs of Angels,” give the gift of hope to each other without ever actually meting.
There is a story of new love in “Carol of the Heart,” and of old love in “The Gift”. And, of course, Bryce Haderlie throws in the spice of nonsensical humor with his version of “A Merry Little Carol,” and his off the wall observations in “Deck the Halls” and “The Gifts that Keep on Giving”.
The book can be purchased at Reflections in Brigham City, Feldman’s bookstore in Tremonton, The Book Table in Logan, Jorgenson’s in Roy, and it can be requested at Seagull Book and the Deseret Book Store, both in person and online.
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