The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans

Title: The Noel Diary
Author: Richard Paul Evans

Read by: Richard Paul Evans

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Length: Approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes
Source: Simon & Schuster Digital Review Copy - Thank-you! 

Jacob Churcher is a famous author living a lonely life.  After a tragedy killed his older brother when they were young children, his parents divorced and his mother slowly sank into mental illness.  Kicked out of the house at 16, Jacob was able to make his way through hard work and the kindness of others.  Now a successful author, Jacob does not have a close relationship with anyone save his publicist.  With Christmas approaching, Jacob finds out his mother has passed away.  Going back home for the first time in twenty years, Jacob finds out the truth about his family and helps to unravel a mystery involving the mysterious Noel Diary.  Will he be able to find happiness and perhaps love along the way? 

I really enjoyed this audiobook.  I love that Richard Paul Evans narrated the audiobook himself and gave personality to the lonely author searching for truth about his past.  I was intrigued by the storyline and thought it was very well told.  I’ll admit I hadn’t really thought about the title too much until the diary made its appearance.  I really liked how the story unraveled and I don’t want to ruin it by giving away too much information!  I really liked all of the characters and I enjoyed how the Jacob went from being a lonely author to developing relationships and starting to think about more than himself.  It was great growth for the character.

Overall, The Noel Diary was an enjoyable holiday audiobook about what makes a family and relationships and how the truth can set you free.  I highly recommend it!