Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh

For the first time since their children were born, empty nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving without the kids, and it's looking like Christmas will be the same. Judith can't bring herself to even start decorating for the holiday; her kids always hung the first ornaments on the tree, ornaments they had made each year since they were toddlers. Sure they were strange-looking--some could be called downright ugly--but they were tradition. A tradition she's heartbroken to miss this year.

With Judith refusing to decorate the bare spruce tree in their living room, Stan knows something must be done. And his only hope for saving the holiday is found in a box of handmade ornaments.

Fan-favorite Dan Walsh invites readers to enjoy this nostalgic Christmas story that celebrates all of our most cherished seasonal traditions, especially the importance of family. Readers will join in remembering the things that make their own Christmas season so special.


About The Author

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Dance and The Promise with Gary Smalley, as well as The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery, and The Reunion. He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. 

Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more 


My Review

The empty nest syndrome hits Judith Winters hard this years, Stan and her first Thanksgiving that they have been alone since they had children. Now a call of all three of her children informs her that they cannot make it home for Christmas.
The story revolves around the reminiscing of past holiday season moments, remembering how each year she helped the children make new ornaments for their tree, and how they are in a box marked Ugly Ornaments. The story tells about the ornaments and how the family jokes and cherishes these, to the point that Judith can’t stop mourning and put them on the tree.
A fun Christmas read and one that makes you keep turning to find out all that is happening here. It almost felt like I was reading an O. Henry, and hoping it wouldn’t end up like that one did. This one would make a great holiday movie, and I recommend this sweet read.
I received this book through Revell Reads Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.