Up in East Tennessee, the spirit of Christmas is almost palpable in the air...especially in this case, when there might be a real spirit floating around. Told in alternating stories, Nora Bonesteel tries to bring some rest to the possibly haunted old Honeycutt house while the town sheriff and deputy attempt to arrest an old man on Christmas Eve.
While this isn't my normal go-to read, NORA BONESTEEL'S CHRISTMAS PAST brings out more frequent and unexpected smiles than I anticipated. Sharyn McCrumb brings readers to the rich setting of Tennessee, and she fills these stories with so many beautiful descriptions of the land and people you want to pull up a rocking chair and stare at some mountains.
Though some of the story was a little clichΓ©d, the simple and wholesome approach to Christmas is full of warmth and sentiment. I especially like the surprising hint of paranormal element with Nora and her psychic abilities that still somehow ties into that quiet Christmas feeling. Though I haven't read any of McCrumb's other Ballad novels, the character still felt distinctive, and there was plenty of background to get a feel of what this town and people are supposed to be like.
Overall, while I think those familiar with McCrumb's other work may enjoy this more, I still found NORA BONESTEEL'S CHRISTMAS PAST by Sharyn McCrumb a delightful seasonal read. The rich writing is perfect for a cold winter's night, and the warm homey feel of the story will bring out the sweet embrace of the holiday season.
When someone buys the old Honeycutt house, Nora Bonesteel is glad to see some life brought back to the old mansion, even if it is by summer people. But when they decide to stay through Christmas, they find more than old memories in the walls. On Christmas Eve, Sheriff Spencer Arrowood and Deputy Joe LeDonne find themselves on an unwelcome call to arrest an elderly man for a minor offense. As they attempt to do their duty, while doing the right thing for a neighbor, it begins to look like they may all spend Christmas away from home. In a story of spirits, memories, and angels unaware, Sharyn McCrumb revisits her most loved characters who know there is more to this world than the eye can see, especially at Christmastime.
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