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The Reindeer Keeper
Abbey senses something special about the little man tending to the reindeer who, along with a century-old farmhouse, a barn full of animals, and fields abounding in woods and pasture, was a gift to Abbey from a stranger. Abbey and her husband, Steve, move in just before the holidays. They have been together since the '60s, eloping when Steve returned from Vietnam. Now with Abbey’s cancer in remission, they’re looking forward to their boys coming home for Christmas.
Turns out this Christmas proves to be more magical than anticipated as Abbey realizes an understanding never thought possible through the rekindling of a belief rooted in childhood. Of course it's who delivers this gift on Christmas Eve that gives Abbey and Steve the strength to face their greatest challenge.
About the Author
Barbara Briggs Ward is the author/illustrator of The Really, Really Hairy Flight of Snarly Sally and Snarly Sally's Garden of ABCs. Her projects include illustrating And Then There Was Hope and The Brain Reigns for the New York State Office of Mental Health. She has been a featured author/illustrator on Mountain Lake PBS in Plattsburgh, New York, and Target's Book Festival in Boston and New York City. She has been published in Highlights for Children, McCall’s, and the Crafts Report. An essay led to a feature in Ladies' Home Journal. Her story, "In Anticipation of Doll Beds," was accepted into the Chicken Soup of the Soul book, Christmas Magic, released October, 2010.
Suzanne Langelier-Lebeda is an award-winning graphic designer/illustrator. She earned national awards for art and publication design as a coordinator of publications at the State University of Potsdam. Her projects have included illustrations for the National Park Service Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitors Center, Georgia; Renee Fleming Benefit Concert Materials, New York City; Adirondack Life and Country Living Gardener Magazines; St. Lawrence University; Clarkson University; and graphic design for the permanent exhibit on History and Traditions at SUNY Potsdam. She is a member of the Adirondack Artists’ Guild in Saranac Lake, New York. In her fine artwork she primarily concentrates on contemplative nature studies that explore intimations in nature by integrating watercolor, drawing, writing, and digital photography.
Turns out this Christmas proves to be more magical than anticipated as Abbey realizes an understanding never thought possible through the rekindling of a belief rooted in childhood. Of course it's who delivers this gift on Christmas Eve that gives Abbey and Steve the strength to face their greatest challenge.
About the Author
Barbara Briggs Ward is the author/illustrator of The Really, Really Hairy Flight of Snarly Sally and Snarly Sally's Garden of ABCs. Her projects include illustrating And Then There Was Hope and The Brain Reigns for the New York State Office of Mental Health. She has been a featured author/illustrator on Mountain Lake PBS in Plattsburgh, New York, and Target's Book Festival in Boston and New York City. She has been published in Highlights for Children, McCall’s, and the Crafts Report. An essay led to a feature in Ladies' Home Journal. Her story, "In Anticipation of Doll Beds," was accepted into the Chicken Soup of the Soul book, Christmas Magic, released October, 2010.
Suzanne Langelier-Lebeda is an award-winning graphic designer/illustrator. She earned national awards for art and publication design as a coordinator of publications at the State University of Potsdam. Her projects have included illustrations for the National Park Service Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitors Center, Georgia; Renee Fleming Benefit Concert Materials, New York City; Adirondack Life and Country Living Gardener Magazines; St. Lawrence University; Clarkson University; and graphic design for the permanent exhibit on History and Traditions at SUNY Potsdam. She is a member of the Adirondack Artists’ Guild in Saranac Lake, New York. In her fine artwork she primarily concentrates on contemplative nature studies that explore intimations in nature by integrating watercolor, drawing, writing, and digital photography.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2010
62 people are currently reading
1438 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Briggs Ward
15 books54 followersI am a writer living in Ogdensburg, NY. I am author of "The Reindeer Keeper", released October, 2010 and selected by both Yahoo's Christmas Book Club and Yonkers, NY Riverfront Library Book Club as their December 2012 featured Book of the Month. Because of the positive feedback from readers, I followed with the release of "The Snowman Maker" in 2013 and in October, 2015, "The Candle Giver." The three Christmas-themed books stand on their own yet there is a thread connecting them-making them a heartwarming Christmas trilogy.
I have been published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book-'Christmas Magic'; the Chicken Soup for the Soul book, 'Family Caregivers'; Ladies' Home Journal, Highlights for Children; The Crafts Report; and The Saturday Evening Post online. In June, 2017 I released an Amish mystery titled, "A Robin's Snow" available online in paperback, Kindle and Nook.
I have been a featured writer on Mountain Lake PBS and at Target Book Festivals in New York and Boston. I invite you to my website. My Blog can be found under the Author tab on my website: barbarabriggsward.com
I have been published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book-'Christmas Magic'; the Chicken Soup for the Soul book, 'Family Caregivers'; Ladies' Home Journal, Highlights for Children; The Crafts Report; and The Saturday Evening Post online. In June, 2017 I released an Amish mystery titled, "A Robin's Snow" available online in paperback, Kindle and Nook.
I have been a featured writer on Mountain Lake PBS and at Target Book Festivals in New York and Boston. I invite you to my website. My Blog can be found under the Author tab on my website: barbarabriggsward.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 8, 2016
I really don't know how to describe this book, it was not what I was expecting it to be but I did enjoy it-somewhat a fantasy and somewhat a year in the life of family reality tale.
December 3, 2010
Why I wanted to read this book:
* I received an email from the author, Barbara, and it was so friendly and inviting that I felt I had to take a second look at her book. After visiting her site,The Reindeer Keeper, I just knew that this was a book I wanted to read.
What worked for me:
* This was a heartfelt book but it wasn't sappy, which made me love it even more!! It left me with much to reflect upon and made me pause more than once during my reading to just think about my own life. It is more than just a Christmas story as I had many "aha" moments that still are resonating with me.
* This story brought back the innocence of childhood and that pure belief in the magic of Christmas that we all had as children.
* I loved how strong Abbey and Steve's marriage was portrayed. They reminded me a bit of my parents who had me at a young age, married, and have went through so many things together. Their connection becomes even stronger because of weathering the storm of Abbey's cancer that is now in remission. I was impressed how each partner truly believed in the other and supported their individual dreams.
* I absolutely loved how the author used funeral homes and obituaries as the touching stone in the plot. Normally a funeral home and/or obituaries conjure up images of loss, grief, despair, but in Barbara's hands it turns into something powerful and uplifting. She made me really reflect on the "in-between moments" and how you lived them.
* Beautiful illustrations at the beginning of each chapter....loved them, so simple and elegant.
What you should do before reading this book:
* Make sure the Christmas tree is up, snow is blowing outside, you have nowhere to be for a few hours, a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, blanket, comfortable chair, and a beloved pet sitting on your lap. Open book and get lost in the magical world that you will find within the pages of "The Reindeer Keeper."
Recommend? A resounding YES!!! Perfect for this time of year. This would make a great Christmas present for those family members or friends that you have who enjoy a sincere, emotional, sad, uplifting, and magical Christmas story.
* I received an email from the author, Barbara, and it was so friendly and inviting that I felt I had to take a second look at her book. After visiting her site,The Reindeer Keeper, I just knew that this was a book I wanted to read.
What worked for me:
* This was a heartfelt book but it wasn't sappy, which made me love it even more!! It left me with much to reflect upon and made me pause more than once during my reading to just think about my own life. It is more than just a Christmas story as I had many "aha" moments that still are resonating with me.
* This story brought back the innocence of childhood and that pure belief in the magic of Christmas that we all had as children.
* I loved how strong Abbey and Steve's marriage was portrayed. They reminded me a bit of my parents who had me at a young age, married, and have went through so many things together. Their connection becomes even stronger because of weathering the storm of Abbey's cancer that is now in remission. I was impressed how each partner truly believed in the other and supported their individual dreams.
* I absolutely loved how the author used funeral homes and obituaries as the touching stone in the plot. Normally a funeral home and/or obituaries conjure up images of loss, grief, despair, but in Barbara's hands it turns into something powerful and uplifting. She made me really reflect on the "in-between moments" and how you lived them.
* Beautiful illustrations at the beginning of each chapter....loved them, so simple and elegant.
What you should do before reading this book:
* Make sure the Christmas tree is up, snow is blowing outside, you have nowhere to be for a few hours, a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, blanket, comfortable chair, and a beloved pet sitting on your lap. Open book and get lost in the magical world that you will find within the pages of "The Reindeer Keeper."
Recommend? A resounding YES!!! Perfect for this time of year. This would make a great Christmas present for those family members or friends that you have who enjoy a sincere, emotional, sad, uplifting, and magical Christmas story.
December 5, 2010
I am only write a bit about this book here. It is beautifully written and is a story to touch the heart.
Abbey's father is left a wonderful gift. He was kind to a stranger and was left a home and the surrounding land. It was stated on the will that after Abbey's father's passing, she would inherit. Shortly after, Abbey's father passes.
Just before the holidays Abbey and her husband, Steve, move in. Their two grown sons and wife for one, significant other for the second, come home for the holiday's.
Abbey learns why she has inherited, and rediscovers the magic of Christmas. She needs the joy of believing to sustain her through the trials thar are just around the corner.
A remarkable book. I haven't shed tears on reading in a while, I cried reading the pages of this book.
I'll try to come up with a more coherent review when I have time to digest this book a little more.
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com
Abbey's father is left a wonderful gift. He was kind to a stranger and was left a home and the surrounding land. It was stated on the will that after Abbey's father's passing, she would inherit. Shortly after, Abbey's father passes.
Just before the holidays Abbey and her husband, Steve, move in. Their two grown sons and wife for one, significant other for the second, come home for the holiday's.
Abbey learns why she has inherited, and rediscovers the magic of Christmas. She needs the joy of believing to sustain her through the trials thar are just around the corner.
A remarkable book. I haven't shed tears on reading in a while, I cried reading the pages of this book.
I'll try to come up with a more coherent review when I have time to digest this book a little more.
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com
December 12, 2016
A quick, heartwarming story about the magic of Christmas. Do you believe?
January 20, 2013
Not a fun or worthwhile read for me. I am not the kind of reader that wants to read about some one dying if I pick up a book that is supposedly a "Christmas" story. The writing was difficult to get through and the dialog felted contrived.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2011
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" The Reindeer Keeper is a short novel about love, life, family and loss with a dash of magical realism on the side. It is by turns both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Abbey and Steve, the main protagonists are a more mature couple (around 60-ish), but their love and passion for one another hasn't dimmed one bit in the 30+ years they've been married. Their love was a palpable thing throughout the entire story. Their life together hasn't always been easy, but they've been each other's rock through the bad times, and taken great joy in the good times.
Abbey and Steve begin the book preparing to spend Christmas with their two sons, a daughter-in-law and the other son's girlfriend in a new house that was bequeathed to Abbey's father by a mysterious, reclusive stranger and then passed to her when her father died. It is the first time they've all been together in a while and it turns out to be a beautiful and joyous occasion. The magic of Christmas works through Abbey to finally help her make peace with her mother's death when she was a teenager. She in turn is able to see and understand the same feelings of loss in her daughter-in-law, who up to this point, has been rather difficult to like. Abbey is also able to help rekindle her son's dream/talent for cooking, and assist both him and his wife in understanding that they do have choices in life. It's just sometimes hard to make them when it means changing everything to which you've become accustomed. After the holidays and throughout the coming year, Abbey and Steve face the biggest challenge of their lives, as everyone deals with a devastating loss, but the spirit of Christmas continues to sustain them.
I liked how the author used a bit of magical realism in the form of Santa Claus. In the midst of an incredibly serious story, there were moments of surreal escape, but it wasn't just for fun and games. Santa became a universal, non-religious illustration of faith and how it sometimes takes going back to that pure faith of childhood in order to believe in something greater than ourselves. I liked how Santa took the characters back to that place in the past to help them understand the present and future. There is also a lovely message about how each person can touch other people's lives and even after death, they live on in the small things. Life still goes on for the living, and we just have to open our hearts to look for our loved ones who have passed on in the spirit they left behind.
The Reindeer Keeper was a much sadder book than I was expecting, so readers should definitely keep a box of tissues handy for this one. I'm tearing up just writing this review. It's difficult to use the word enjoy to describe a book that is this melancholy, but I did like it very much. This is one of those books that has a lovely message to impart rather than a feel-good story to tell. It has no objectionable elements which should make it appropriate for readers of all ages from teen and up, although the older protagonists and the mature subject matter may not resonate as well with younger people. The only thing that kept me from giving it a perfect five stars is that I thought the writing itself could have used a bit more polish. It was just little things like the dialog not flowing as naturally as it could have in places or needing a few more details here and there. Overall though, The Reindeer Keeper was a book filled with heart and soul from beginning to end that has found a spot on my keeper shelf. I definitely recommend that readers who liked The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere, or similar books, give this one a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author via the publicist, Bostick Communications, in exchange for my review.
"4.5 stars" The Reindeer Keeper is a short novel about love, life, family and loss with a dash of magical realism on the side. It is by turns both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Abbey and Steve, the main protagonists are a more mature couple (around 60-ish), but their love and passion for one another hasn't dimmed one bit in the 30+ years they've been married. Their love was a palpable thing throughout the entire story. Their life together hasn't always been easy, but they've been each other's rock through the bad times, and taken great joy in the good times.
Abbey and Steve begin the book preparing to spend Christmas with their two sons, a daughter-in-law and the other son's girlfriend in a new house that was bequeathed to Abbey's father by a mysterious, reclusive stranger and then passed to her when her father died. It is the first time they've all been together in a while and it turns out to be a beautiful and joyous occasion. The magic of Christmas works through Abbey to finally help her make peace with her mother's death when she was a teenager. She in turn is able to see and understand the same feelings of loss in her daughter-in-law, who up to this point, has been rather difficult to like. Abbey is also able to help rekindle her son's dream/talent for cooking, and assist both him and his wife in understanding that they do have choices in life. It's just sometimes hard to make them when it means changing everything to which you've become accustomed. After the holidays and throughout the coming year, Abbey and Steve face the biggest challenge of their lives, as everyone deals with a devastating loss, but the spirit of Christmas continues to sustain them.
I liked how the author used a bit of magical realism in the form of Santa Claus. In the midst of an incredibly serious story, there were moments of surreal escape, but it wasn't just for fun and games. Santa became a universal, non-religious illustration of faith and how it sometimes takes going back to that pure faith of childhood in order to believe in something greater than ourselves. I liked how Santa took the characters back to that place in the past to help them understand the present and future. There is also a lovely message about how each person can touch other people's lives and even after death, they live on in the small things. Life still goes on for the living, and we just have to open our hearts to look for our loved ones who have passed on in the spirit they left behind.
The Reindeer Keeper was a much sadder book than I was expecting, so readers should definitely keep a box of tissues handy for this one. I'm tearing up just writing this review. It's difficult to use the word enjoy to describe a book that is this melancholy, but I did like it very much. This is one of those books that has a lovely message to impart rather than a feel-good story to tell. It has no objectionable elements which should make it appropriate for readers of all ages from teen and up, although the older protagonists and the mature subject matter may not resonate as well with younger people. The only thing that kept me from giving it a perfect five stars is that I thought the writing itself could have used a bit more polish. It was just little things like the dialog not flowing as naturally as it could have in places or needing a few more details here and there. Overall though, The Reindeer Keeper was a book filled with heart and soul from beginning to end that has found a spot on my keeper shelf. I definitely recommend that readers who liked The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere, or similar books, give this one a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author via the publicist, Bostick Communications, in exchange for my review.
September 6, 2016
4.5/5
Right before the holidays, Abbey and her husband, Steve, inherit and move into a farmhouse with beautiful land, a barn full of animals, and a mysterious little man who tends to the animals each and every day. This Christmas at their new home is the best one yet – Abbey’s cancer is in remission and their two sons are coming home for the holidays. Best of all, Abbey learns the truth about the reindeer keeper, and what it means to believe again. With beautiful illustrations for each chapter, this is a story of family, forgiveness, love, and magic, just in time for the holidays.
I was excited to read this one because I absolutely LOVE Christmas books, and wait all year to read them. I literally just finished it and must say it was the perfect book to be reading on the morning of Christmas Eve! I really loved this story because it perfectly captures the essence and magic of Christmas. It is full of magical people and it completely put me in the spirit, just like Abbey. It brought me back to memories of my own childhood and waiting for Santa every Christmas Eve night.
Not only was the magic in this story really special, but the characters were too. Abbey and Steve had a wonderful love story, and stood by each other’s sides through the worst of times and all of life’s challenges. Abbey and her daughter-in-law also learn from each other about forgiveness and the meaning of family, as they both come to terms with past relationships and childhood pain with the help of one another. If you’re looking for a meaningful and beautiful Christmas story about love, family, and magic most of all, I highly recommend you add The Reindeer Keeper to your Christmas list (but be sure to grab some tissues, too)!
Right before the holidays, Abbey and her husband, Steve, inherit and move into a farmhouse with beautiful land, a barn full of animals, and a mysterious little man who tends to the animals each and every day. This Christmas at their new home is the best one yet – Abbey’s cancer is in remission and their two sons are coming home for the holidays. Best of all, Abbey learns the truth about the reindeer keeper, and what it means to believe again. With beautiful illustrations for each chapter, this is a story of family, forgiveness, love, and magic, just in time for the holidays.
I was excited to read this one because I absolutely LOVE Christmas books, and wait all year to read them. I literally just finished it and must say it was the perfect book to be reading on the morning of Christmas Eve! I really loved this story because it perfectly captures the essence and magic of Christmas. It is full of magical people and it completely put me in the spirit, just like Abbey. It brought me back to memories of my own childhood and waiting for Santa every Christmas Eve night.
Not only was the magic in this story really special, but the characters were too. Abbey and Steve had a wonderful love story, and stood by each other’s sides through the worst of times and all of life’s challenges. Abbey and her daughter-in-law also learn from each other about forgiveness and the meaning of family, as they both come to terms with past relationships and childhood pain with the help of one another. If you’re looking for a meaningful and beautiful Christmas story about love, family, and magic most of all, I highly recommend you add The Reindeer Keeper to your Christmas list (but be sure to grab some tissues, too)!
December 9, 2011
Abbey and her husband Steve move into the farmhouse that was given to her father after he passes away.
There is a barn full of animals and a little man named Thomas who takes care of them all, including the Reindeer. Abbey and Steve are looking forward to Christmas with their children, who are coming home for the holiday. It turns out, Christmas is the most wonderful it has ever been and Abbey learns a lot from living in the farmhouse and the reindeer keeper Thomas.
I won this book in a giveaway from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. It is the story of a family coming together, forgiveness and magic.
There is so, so much I want to say about this book. The characters were likeable, flawed, but generally tried their best to do good. They were easy to relate to. This book brought tears to my eyes more than once and I felt everything the characters felt: love, sadness, joy and pain.
It was beautifully written, wonderful in every way and truly makes you believe in Santa Claus, wonder and magic. Believing in those things aren't just for children, it's okay for adults to believe too, and that is what the characters in the book learn. Believe in magic, in the wonder of it all. Life is precious, cherish every moment and love.
I love this book. Although sad, it was beautiful and I just wonder why this wasn't a bestseller? It is wonderful! More people should know about this book and read it. I highly recommend this book. It definitely great to read at Christmas time.
There is a barn full of animals and a little man named Thomas who takes care of them all, including the Reindeer. Abbey and Steve are looking forward to Christmas with their children, who are coming home for the holiday. It turns out, Christmas is the most wonderful it has ever been and Abbey learns a lot from living in the farmhouse and the reindeer keeper Thomas.
I won this book in a giveaway from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. It is the story of a family coming together, forgiveness and magic.
There is so, so much I want to say about this book. The characters were likeable, flawed, but generally tried their best to do good. They were easy to relate to. This book brought tears to my eyes more than once and I felt everything the characters felt: love, sadness, joy and pain.
It was beautifully written, wonderful in every way and truly makes you believe in Santa Claus, wonder and magic. Believing in those things aren't just for children, it's okay for adults to believe too, and that is what the characters in the book learn. Believe in magic, in the wonder of it all. Life is precious, cherish every moment and love.
I love this book. Although sad, it was beautiful and I just wonder why this wasn't a bestseller? It is wonderful! More people should know about this book and read it. I highly recommend this book. It definitely great to read at Christmas time.
October 27, 2011
Dear authors, if you write a book that brings me to tears, it automatically earns a must-read (5 stars on Goodreads) recommendation. Barbara has done it! I have not read such a touching, heartfelt Christmas book since one of my favorites, The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans. She has touched on so many of the things that resonate with me. Family, having two sons and dealing with how fast they grow and wondering where the time goes, the traditions and spirit of Christmas, and the importance of believing. I recognized so much of myself in Abbey. Her willingness to believe in the magic of Christmas is so like me. I'm sure that's why I identify with the book so well, but even if you do not identify yourself with the characters (but you just might), you will still love this book.
I must touch on another wonderful aspect of the book and that is the cover and inside illustrations by Suzanne Langelier-Lebeda. They are so wonderful and they really make the book even more special.
I must warn you...this book will make you cry, but it will also make you laugh and it will make you remember your family traditions and hopes. I really can't recommend this book highly enough. It has earned a permanent spot on my Christmas book shelves and I know I will read it again and again for many years to come. Thank you, Barbara, for this wonderful book. <3
I must touch on another wonderful aspect of the book and that is the cover and inside illustrations by Suzanne Langelier-Lebeda. They are so wonderful and they really make the book even more special.
I must warn you...this book will make you cry, but it will also make you laugh and it will make you remember your family traditions and hopes. I really can't recommend this book highly enough. It has earned a permanent spot on my Christmas book shelves and I know I will read it again and again for many years to come. Thank you, Barbara, for this wonderful book. <3
December 23, 2010
Reality meets fantasy in this wonderful mix of family life with all its struggles combined with the magic of Christmas. The characters in these pages came to life and I felt their joy as well as their pain.
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....
December 6, 2015
This wasn't the heart warming perfect for the holidays read that the description would have you believe. Was dull and depressing. Story told in mostly a realistic, often sluggish manner, than jumps into lead character going into the barn & meeting Santa. A couple of fantasy scenes thrown within a sad story about a dying/dead older woman that just doesn't mesh with the rest of the story.
November 12, 2013
Enchanting holiday novel with the perfectly balanced mix of love, family and magic in believing in the spirit of Christmas. If you are looking for a holiday novel to curl up with or a special gift for a reader this is great choice to consider.
December 31, 2017
I am mixed on this one. And I've been trying to do better at noting where a book recommendation comes from, but I didn't make note for this one, so I have no idea where I heard about it. I was interested enough that I bought a used copy on Ebay, since neither my library system or Amazon had it.
My thoughts:
I have found that I am drawn to and like books that deal with grief. I didn't know this book had that as a major theme. It was dealt with okay.
The story felt a little soap-opera-ish to me, with the various elements of high drama. But it wasn't quite as bad as all that. And there was a Romance element, too, but at least that was between husband and wife. Meg's 'attitude' was a little too easily 'corrected.'
The writing was serviceable. Nothing particularly great and not horrible. The dialogue was a little stilted - felt more like exposition some of the time. One sentence that turned out to be powerful to me, on page 135: "Not far away, reindeer lowered their heads." Simple sentences often are the best.
I liked the Santa/elves element the best. The idea of being 'a believer' was compelling. I liked this Santa and his helpers and the manner in which they carried out their responsibilities.
No profanity or violence. There are some mild sexual references and scenes. Cancer. Death.
My thoughts:
I have found that I am drawn to and like books that deal with grief. I didn't know this book had that as a major theme. It was dealt with okay.
The story felt a little soap-opera-ish to me, with the various elements of high drama. But it wasn't quite as bad as all that. And there was a Romance element, too, but at least that was between husband and wife. Meg's 'attitude' was a little too easily 'corrected.'
The writing was serviceable. Nothing particularly great and not horrible. The dialogue was a little stilted - felt more like exposition some of the time. One sentence that turned out to be powerful to me, on page 135: "Not far away, reindeer lowered their heads." Simple sentences often are the best.
I liked the Santa/elves element the best. The idea of being 'a believer' was compelling. I liked this Santa and his helpers and the manner in which they carried out their responsibilities.
No profanity or violence. There are some mild sexual references and scenes. Cancer. Death.
June 7, 2018
5 Stars plus.....................
Steve and Abbey have been married for over 30 years and life seems to be going along well. Especially since they will spend their first Christmas at a farm that Abbey inherited from a mysterious stranger. Their sons will be there too, Eric with his wife Meg and Sam with his girlfriend Cate. As Abbey readies her new home for the best Christmas ever she learns there is also something magical going on and she is a part of it. There is a caretaker named Thomas who is taking care of multiple animals in the barn, including a group of reindeer that are very special indeed. As Thomas and Abbey become friends she learns a great deal about her own past and why she has been selected to be the reindeer keeper, a job she will eventually pass on to another caring person like herself.
Abbey has had some disappointments in her life that have defined her life but through Thomas and a friend of his she learns that she shouldn't let that disappointed keep her from enjoying her life to the fullest. She also learns that her belief in Santa Claus is still strong because he does make wishes come true.
You will smile and you will cry while you read this book! I guarantee it!
I started the second book as soon as I finished this one.
Steve and Abbey have been married for over 30 years and life seems to be going along well. Especially since they will spend their first Christmas at a farm that Abbey inherited from a mysterious stranger. Their sons will be there too, Eric with his wife Meg and Sam with his girlfriend Cate. As Abbey readies her new home for the best Christmas ever she learns there is also something magical going on and she is a part of it. There is a caretaker named Thomas who is taking care of multiple animals in the barn, including a group of reindeer that are very special indeed. As Thomas and Abbey become friends she learns a great deal about her own past and why she has been selected to be the reindeer keeper, a job she will eventually pass on to another caring person like herself.
Abbey has had some disappointments in her life that have defined her life but through Thomas and a friend of his she learns that she shouldn't let that disappointed keep her from enjoying her life to the fullest. She also learns that her belief in Santa Claus is still strong because he does make wishes come true.
You will smile and you will cry while you read this book! I guarantee it!
I started the second book as soon as I finished this one.
December 10, 2025
‘The Reindeer Keeper, Believe Again …’, by Barbara Briggs Ward, was not what I was told it would be!
This is what I imagined …
Suspend your beliefs for a moment, and let your literary guard down to enjoy the warm fuzzies of a magical tale.
But what I got was …
Abbey, a woman struggling in life, inherits a farmhouse that comes with a stable, and an interestingly curious stable-keeper. And then 😢😢!
How and why did it need to take such a turn? What happened to a Christmas miracle??
A few chapters in I was willing to defend this book to the naysayers, but I’ve been flipped! The uptick at the end did not even save it.
I was there for a sappy Christmas tale, but ended up bummed out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is what I imagined …
Suspend your beliefs for a moment, and let your literary guard down to enjoy the warm fuzzies of a magical tale.
But what I got was …
Abbey, a woman struggling in life, inherits a farmhouse that comes with a stable, and an interestingly curious stable-keeper. And then 😢😢!
How and why did it need to take such a turn? What happened to a Christmas miracle??
A few chapters in I was willing to defend this book to the naysayers, but I’ve been flipped! The uptick at the end did not even save it.
I was there for a sappy Christmas tale, but ended up bummed out.
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May 6, 2019
A charming little book that has been on my to-read list for a couple of years. Somehow I was never able to work it into my holiday reading schedule, but I recently read it anyway (in May). I found it quite enjoyable. I enjoyed that the protagonist are a happily married older couple, with some interesting history behind them. As others have noted, though, and avoiding spoilers, this book has a distinctly sad edge to it, even though its themes are all about family and forgiveness.
I understand that the author has a couple of sequels, forming a kind of trilogy. I've not read the other two books, but their titles are The Snowman Maker and The Candle Giver.
I understand that the author has a couple of sequels, forming a kind of trilogy. I've not read the other two books, but their titles are The Snowman Maker and The Candle Giver.
December 24, 2018
This book about childhood beliefs and how they mesh with adult responsibilities and troubles managed to be both whimsical and bittersweet. While I enjoyed the plot and found the main character relateable, the writing was occasionally distracting. I found myself needing to read and re-read certain sentences to try and make sense of them. Other portions of the book seemed almost saccharine. Several major plot points felt too fast and too easily glossed over, but on the whole this was an entertaining and touching read that felt appropriate for the holidays.
January 5, 2021
Loved the magical aspect of this book! I’ve always enjoyed that part of my favorite holiday. This book confirmed that I’m a believer!
The reason for my “4” rating is the illness involved in the storyline- it was too overwhelming for me during this time of Covid stress. Extremely descriptive and detailed - it added to my already agitated state. I realize it had its’ place in the outcome of the storyline - but this wasn’t the right time for me to read gory details. I would have preferred only the peace offered by the fun of imagining the experience in the reindeer barn.
The reason for my “4” rating is the illness involved in the storyline- it was too overwhelming for me during this time of Covid stress. Extremely descriptive and detailed - it added to my already agitated state. I realize it had its’ place in the outcome of the storyline - but this wasn’t the right time for me to read gory details. I would have preferred only the peace offered by the fun of imagining the experience in the reindeer barn.
April 10, 2022
I like a good “Hallmark Movie “ like the best of them. And, this book started out appearing to be like that, magical and mysterious. However, around chapter 9 it took a turn. They introduced Santa Claus, I mean he actually shows up with his magical slay. That was a little disappointing as I was looking for the spirit of Santa to be mysterious. All the characters’ problems seem to disappear except the cancer patient who seemed to accept everything with bliss. This story was a little too sappy for me.
December 28, 2021
Well it's a 5 Star book EXCEPT it has a main character who has cancer come back.. This is my biggest fear, having had cancer 5 years ago. So if you have had cancer or have a loved one who has or has had cancer, I suggest you avoid this book unless you feel ready to read about that. It is handled with sensitivity, but still.. hard to read. It's this real life stuff combined with Santa and the reindeer that makes Santa believable, too.
October 28, 2023
What an amazing story. If you are a believer in the magic of Christmas, you will love it. It’s about love, romance and grief. I had seen this book advertised over the years and this year I decided it was time to read it and so glad I did. It’s the perfect story for anyone who needs something different than all the regular Christmas stories. You will love Abbey and Steve and there sons and the daughter in laws and of course Thomas the reindeer keeper.
December 15, 2022
This was a good Christmas story. It reminded me of my childhood writing letter to Santa and maybe gave a little more insight into the impact those letters might have in a person's life. Also it added a new dimension to my understanding of Santa's reindeer, because I ihad never thought about who takes care of them and what they do the rest of the year.
December 9, 2024
Well this was not what I was expecting at all. Sickness, death, and the real live Santa to boot. I'm a believer. Have been all my life. I tried to teach my kids the same idea when they got big enough not to believe. Santa is as real as cotton candy, although it disappears quickly. I'm going to change my rating to 4 for the Christmas spirit.
November 29, 2025
I'm so disappointed. This sounded so promising, I really wanted to love it. While it was very touching, and written well, it was just, well, so sad. Also, a little too much Hallmark movie unbelievable. The whole theme was about believing, yet everything was so much at loose ends to make it so. Maybe it's just where my brain is right now, and this was not the year for this story.
December 12, 2025
While this was a nice story to read (I enjoyed the whimsical Santa storyline and it kept me going for a quick holiday read) The main character dies, her parents died. The husbands parents died. Their daughter died.. geez I was waiting for the sons to die too. Enough with the deaths already. I found that a little strange, like why the constant depressing undertone in a holiday book?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2022
It was a delightful, heartfelt story and perfect to read during the Christmas season! I loved all of the characters and it brought back the magical wonder of the season and the belief in a Santa Claus.
December 18, 2018
3.5 stars. This was a really nice story & different than most Christmas stories.
December 30, 2019
great Christmas hope story.
January 16, 2020
Cute, quick read.
December 10, 2020
Beautiful Christmas story
A beautiful story of family, love , faith, strength and belief. Its not your traditional kind of happy ever after story. Definitely one I will read again.
A beautiful story of family, love , faith, strength and belief. Its not your traditional kind of happy ever after story. Definitely one I will read again.
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