The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans

 

Title:  The Christmas Stranger

Author:  Richard Paul Evans

Narrated by:  Richard Paul Evans

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Length: Approximately 6 hours and 7 minutes

Source: Review copy from Simon Audio.  Thank-you!

What is the last book that made you cry?  This book made me feel a lot of feelings and I did cry at the end.

Paul lost his wife and son three years ago in an accident.  He is at the end of his rope and has decided to commit suicide, even though he feels guilty about leaving his dog Barkley alone.  A mysterious stranger shows up and changes Paul’s life.  He directs Paul to a pharmacy where Paul helps to save people during a robbery in progress.  He also puts him in the path to rescue a boy from bullying.  Who is this Christmas stranger, and will Paul find life worth living once again?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       It’s not Christmas without a new Richard Paul Evans book.  I love reading his books every year and getting into the Christmas spirit.

·       It is interesting how many Christmas stories have a Christmas stranger, spirit, or angel that helps the protagonist find their path forward.

·       I loved that author Richard Paul Evans reads the audiobook himself.  He was a great narrator. 

·       This was a very emotional book.  The book was about grief, guilt, forgiveness, and starting over.

·       The only thing I didn’t like is although Paul was a good guy helping a kid out, it seemed creepy in today’s world that he would be at the school talking to the principal about a kid not related to him, picking him up, waiting for another kid.

·       This would be a great Christmas movie.

·       I loved the characters, especially Paul and young Ronald.

·       This was a clean read.

·       I don’t want to say too much as I think it’s best to experience this story yourself without knowing any details.

Overall, The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans is a heartwarming and touching Christmas story that was perfect on audiobook.