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The Christmas Village
When 12-year-old Jamie Reynolds comes to his grandparents' Vermont home for Christmas, he just wants things to go back to the way they were before his dad disappeared. Time and again he is drawn to Grandma's miniature Christmas Village, where he imagines that life is perfect. Late one night, the village comes to life before his eyes, and his fantasy of escaping into it becomes very real indeed. Jamie discovers that the village is called Canterbury, where the year is 1932. He becomes fast friends with Kelly and Christopher Pennysworth, and is taken in by Ida, who runs the local boarding house. But he also makes a dangerous enemy of the mysterious and menacing Jim Gordon, whose return to town is nothing but trouble.
As Jamie desperately races against time to find his way back home, he is suddenly faced with a terrifying choice: to go ahead with his plan to leave, or to stay and help his friends, at the risk of never going home again.
As Jamie desperately races against time to find his way back home, he is suddenly faced with a terrifying choice: to go ahead with his plan to leave, or to stay and help his friends, at the risk of never going home again.
- GenresChristmas
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Ann Goodwin
6 books47 followersMelissa Ann Goodwin is an author, poet, and yoga teacher living on Cape Cod. She is the author of Candles in the Windows, A Christmas Romance, two middle-grade novels, The Christmas Village and Return to Canterbury, a poetry collection, The Brook in the Woods Behind Our Old House, and a self-illustrated picture book, Come Fly with Me.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 8, 2011
The Christmas Village is, by far, one of the best books I have read in some while. With all of the craziness in our world today, this is exactly what we need. I won't spoil it for anyone, however I will say the ending......well, you just have to read this book. Between, Jamie's fantasy of diving into a parallel universe and the vivid descriptions of it all by author, Melissa Goodwin, you will not put this book down until you've soaked up every single word. The last page comes before you know it and leaves you screaming, NO...NO, IT CAN'T BE OVER.
This is classified as a middle grade fantasy, but it will be enjoyed by all, young and old. In fact, I plan to make it a Christmas tradition. My grandchildren and I will read it every year during the Holiday season, just to get our heads where they belong...when we think about what Christmas is all about.
Thank you, Melissa Goodwin, for giving us something to believe in.
This is classified as a middle grade fantasy, but it will be enjoyed by all, young and old. In fact, I plan to make it a Christmas tradition. My grandchildren and I will read it every year during the Holiday season, just to get our heads where they belong...when we think about what Christmas is all about.
Thank you, Melissa Goodwin, for giving us something to believe in.
October 21, 2011
The Christmas Village is a delightful holiday story geared toward middle grade readers. However, this is a book the entire family will enjoy. Not only is the story an adventure, it also contains a message of love, friendship, and forgiveness. The nostalgic times of Christmases past, when villages and towns gathered in the town on Christmas Eve for celebration and companionship, the portrayal of the depression era and how people banded together to help each other in hard times...these elements are all present here and it's a refreshing and comforting read, perfect for reading at Christmas time, reminding us just what the Christmas spirit is all about.
December 7, 2013
I was supposed to be reading this book with my son, a chapter a night, but I cheated and read ahead because I had to see how it worked out! The Christmas Village is such a well-written, well-crafted, well-rounded story. I got goosebumps in the later chapters when Jamie was realising how the magic had happened (as far as he could). I've had this book for a while, but I knew I had to wait until December to read it, and I'm glad I did because I suddenly feel very festive. A great read for children and adults alike.
December 4, 2013
OH MY GOSH!!! This is a Christmas Classic!!! Such an enchanting, engrossing, wonderful story that the reader can't help but fall in love with. I loved every page, and fully intend to read it every Christmas!
January 20, 2012
Blurb From Goodreads
When 12-year-old Jamie Reynolds comes to his grandparents' Vermont home for Christmas, he just wants things to go back to the way they were before his dad disappeared. Time and again he is drawn to Grandma's miniature Christmas Village, where he imagines that life is perfect. Late one night, the village comes to life before his eyes, and his fantasy of escaping into it becomes very real indeed. Jamie discovers that the village is called Canterbury, where the year is 1932. He becomes fast friends with Kelly and Christopher Pennysworth, and is taken in by Ida, who runs the local boarding house. But he also makes a dangerous enemy of the mysterious and menacing Jim Gordon, whose return to town is nothing but trouble.
As Jamie desperately races against time to find his way back home, he is suddenly faced with a terrifying choice: to go ahead with his plan to leave, or to stay and help his friends, at the risk of never going home again
My Review
Jamie is going through a tough time for a 12 year old. After his fathers actions put his family to shame Jamie and his mum leave their town to spend Christmas with his grandparents and get away from it all. His Grandparents have their Christmas decorations up with one beautiful piece, a town complete with figures and it's own story. Jamie wishes he could be part of the beautiful wee town and before he knows it his wish comes true.
Oh what a stunning, beautiful wee story! I loved it. Had work not got in the way I would have devoured it in one sitting. It is beautifully wrote, very simple to follow and most important (for me) just about every question I had was answered.
Not only is it a magical journey for Jamie it is also a journey of self discovery, friendship and a path to adulthood. If I had to class this book in a genre I would say Young Adult but also for adults to enjoy. There is something for everyone in this lovely story. I think as a child you can identify with Jamie and as an adult it takes you back to your childhood and some of the magic you may have found yourself wishing for when fairies where still a possibility.
It is definately a book I will be recommending to adults and kids and will revisit it again, 4/5 for me ad I would certainly read this author again. Available on the kindle for £2.60 and on paperback for £8.43.
Thank you so much to the author for introducing me to this beautiful story and giving me the chance to review it.
When 12-year-old Jamie Reynolds comes to his grandparents' Vermont home for Christmas, he just wants things to go back to the way they were before his dad disappeared. Time and again he is drawn to Grandma's miniature Christmas Village, where he imagines that life is perfect. Late one night, the village comes to life before his eyes, and his fantasy of escaping into it becomes very real indeed. Jamie discovers that the village is called Canterbury, where the year is 1932. He becomes fast friends with Kelly and Christopher Pennysworth, and is taken in by Ida, who runs the local boarding house. But he also makes a dangerous enemy of the mysterious and menacing Jim Gordon, whose return to town is nothing but trouble.
As Jamie desperately races against time to find his way back home, he is suddenly faced with a terrifying choice: to go ahead with his plan to leave, or to stay and help his friends, at the risk of never going home again
My Review
Jamie is going through a tough time for a 12 year old. After his fathers actions put his family to shame Jamie and his mum leave their town to spend Christmas with his grandparents and get away from it all. His Grandparents have their Christmas decorations up with one beautiful piece, a town complete with figures and it's own story. Jamie wishes he could be part of the beautiful wee town and before he knows it his wish comes true.
Oh what a stunning, beautiful wee story! I loved it. Had work not got in the way I would have devoured it in one sitting. It is beautifully wrote, very simple to follow and most important (for me) just about every question I had was answered.
Not only is it a magical journey for Jamie it is also a journey of self discovery, friendship and a path to adulthood. If I had to class this book in a genre I would say Young Adult but also for adults to enjoy. There is something for everyone in this lovely story. I think as a child you can identify with Jamie and as an adult it takes you back to your childhood and some of the magic you may have found yourself wishing for when fairies where still a possibility.
It is definately a book I will be recommending to adults and kids and will revisit it again, 4/5 for me ad I would certainly read this author again. Available on the kindle for £2.60 and on paperback for £8.43.
Thank you so much to the author for introducing me to this beautiful story and giving me the chance to review it.
October 20, 2014
Jamie Reynolds was devastated when his father ran away from him and his mother after doing something illegal. Shunned by his friends, talked about behind his back, he wanted things to go back the way they were before his dad left. His mother decided to take him to jis grandparents for Christmas where he was shown her precious miniature Christmas village of Canterbury Village - a scene from 1932. He fantasized about what it would be like to live in this quiet little village.
One night when Jamie fell asleep on the couch, he woke up around midnight and heard voices. Following the voices, he found that the skaters on the ice pond in the miniature village had come to life! In his attempt to help save the girl who had broken through the ice, he found himself drawn into the village and that he had escaped his life was now a reality.
I enjoyed the way the characters of the town of Canterbury were introduced in the story. Their characters were well-developed. They were interesting people themselves with interesting characters and lives.
The plot twists that came up for Jamie to solve were appropriate for middle grade readers. They were unexpected and were not predictable. You couldn’t say “I knew that was going to happen”.
There was a lot of exciting action and suspense in the book that will hold the interest of middle graders. Even as an adult reader I didn’t want to put the book down.
I loved the old time feel to the town of Canterbury. With a look back to the depression era, The Christmas Village brought back the old time magical feel that Christmas used to have before all the electronic gadgetry brings now.
I found the resolution to Jamie’s dilemma of how to get home cleverly thought out and executed.
I absolutely loved The Christmas Village. It’s one of those favourites that’ll be one my bookshelves for years to come. I gave this book 5 stars out of 5. A great read for everyone in the family!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
One night when Jamie fell asleep on the couch, he woke up around midnight and heard voices. Following the voices, he found that the skaters on the ice pond in the miniature village had come to life! In his attempt to help save the girl who had broken through the ice, he found himself drawn into the village and that he had escaped his life was now a reality.
I enjoyed the way the characters of the town of Canterbury were introduced in the story. Their characters were well-developed. They were interesting people themselves with interesting characters and lives.
The plot twists that came up for Jamie to solve were appropriate for middle grade readers. They were unexpected and were not predictable. You couldn’t say “I knew that was going to happen”.
There was a lot of exciting action and suspense in the book that will hold the interest of middle graders. Even as an adult reader I didn’t want to put the book down.
I loved the old time feel to the town of Canterbury. With a look back to the depression era, The Christmas Village brought back the old time magical feel that Christmas used to have before all the electronic gadgetry brings now.
I found the resolution to Jamie’s dilemma of how to get home cleverly thought out and executed.
I absolutely loved The Christmas Village. It’s one of those favourites that’ll be one my bookshelves for years to come. I gave this book 5 stars out of 5. A great read for everyone in the family!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
November 22, 2011
Jamie Reynolds is only twelve and his dad has done something that has turned the town against him and as a result his dad leaves town. Jamie's best friend Tommy can't hang out with him anymore because of the terrible thing Jamie's dad has done. With Christmas just around the corner his mom whisks him away to her parents home in Bell's Crossing. At grandma and grandpa's, big breakfasts, festive decorations and a surprise Christmas village make him wish for simpler times where nothing ever changes.
After Jamie's grandmother surprises him by showing off the little village, his mother tells him all about the people who live there. She explains that its 1932, and how some of the people survived the great depression. Grandma calls the little village Canterbury. Jamie's mother made it seem so real. The smells of Christmas filled the room, pine trees, burning wood in the fire place and an apple-cranberry candle made Jamie wish that he could live in Canterbury and longed to forget his troubles.
Asleep on the couch, Jamie is suddenly awakened. It was midnight and he could hear voices coming from the little Christmas village. He leaned in barely breathing watching two children ice skating on the village pond. It was Kelly and Christopher, the two his mother told him about. He felt as though he knew them. He watched the miniature villagers. On the far side of the pond the ice breaks and Kelly sinks into the icy water. Jamie panics and is not sure how to save her. Before he knows it he is catapulted into the village.
Jamie has nightmares that he is being chased by a dark stranger. As this story unfolds, Jamie is forced to choose between staying to help his new friends or going home. This is a wonderful story that family and friends can share around the hearth with a cup of hot chocolate. Little listeners will root for Jamie and his friends in the little town of Canterbury.
Goodwin has done an excellent job of introducing characters and weaving a tale with so many twists and turns that readers will get to the end and read the story all over again. The vivid imagery puts readers right in the midst of the story.
After Jamie's grandmother surprises him by showing off the little village, his mother tells him all about the people who live there. She explains that its 1932, and how some of the people survived the great depression. Grandma calls the little village Canterbury. Jamie's mother made it seem so real. The smells of Christmas filled the room, pine trees, burning wood in the fire place and an apple-cranberry candle made Jamie wish that he could live in Canterbury and longed to forget his troubles.
Asleep on the couch, Jamie is suddenly awakened. It was midnight and he could hear voices coming from the little Christmas village. He leaned in barely breathing watching two children ice skating on the village pond. It was Kelly and Christopher, the two his mother told him about. He felt as though he knew them. He watched the miniature villagers. On the far side of the pond the ice breaks and Kelly sinks into the icy water. Jamie panics and is not sure how to save her. Before he knows it he is catapulted into the village.
Jamie has nightmares that he is being chased by a dark stranger. As this story unfolds, Jamie is forced to choose between staying to help his new friends or going home. This is a wonderful story that family and friends can share around the hearth with a cup of hot chocolate. Little listeners will root for Jamie and his friends in the little town of Canterbury.
Goodwin has done an excellent job of introducing characters and weaving a tale with so many twists and turns that readers will get to the end and read the story all over again. The vivid imagery puts readers right in the midst of the story.
November 27, 2011
If you’ve ever wished to escape to simpler times when villagers gathered in the town square on Christmas Eve for celebration and companionship then The Christmas Village is the book for you. Combining traditional storytelling with the excitement and suspense of a sci-fi parallel universe, Melissa Ann Goodwin provides a children’s book the entire family can enjoy.
After his father abandons them, 12 year-old Jamie Reynolds and his mother leave home to visit his grandmother in Bell’s Crossing for Christmas. The town only provides minimal respite as the terrible rumors about his father follow him there.
One night, Jamie’s mother shares the story of his grandmother’s Christmas Village; a town named Canterbury where it is 1932. Later alone, Jamie is drawn to the village when he hears voices coming from it. He is soon catapulted into the village where he must face trials and the dangers of both nature and men.
Goodwin creatively fills the reader’s senses with the heartwarming sights, sounds and smells of a traditional Christmas; pine trees, burning wood in the fire place and apple pie. These are later replaced with disturbing images from a musty, dark, cold warehouse where danger waits.
A surprise ending left me satisfied and smiling. I highly recommend this book and look forward to other tales by this talented author.
After his father abandons them, 12 year-old Jamie Reynolds and his mother leave home to visit his grandmother in Bell’s Crossing for Christmas. The town only provides minimal respite as the terrible rumors about his father follow him there.
One night, Jamie’s mother shares the story of his grandmother’s Christmas Village; a town named Canterbury where it is 1932. Later alone, Jamie is drawn to the village when he hears voices coming from it. He is soon catapulted into the village where he must face trials and the dangers of both nature and men.
Goodwin creatively fills the reader’s senses with the heartwarming sights, sounds and smells of a traditional Christmas; pine trees, burning wood in the fire place and apple pie. These are later replaced with disturbing images from a musty, dark, cold warehouse where danger waits.
A surprise ending left me satisfied and smiling. I highly recommend this book and look forward to other tales by this talented author.
November 20, 2011
My Review: The Christmas Village is a delightful holiday story about a 12 years old boy named Jamie. When his dad left them Jamie was unhappy because everyone talked about them but not to them. So his mother decided that a trip to his grandparent’s house in Vermont for the Christmas holiday will be better.
When his grandmother shown them a miniature Christmas Village Jamie is drawn to it. Later that day, Jamie imagined how perfect life would be in a perfect little village like Canterbury, and he made a wish “I wish I could live in Canterbury,” and tiptoed to bed. Late one night the miniature village came to life before Jamie's eyes. Is the Christmas Village really what it seems? What secret does the miniature Christmas Village hold?
This book will take the readers on a rollercoaster ride to a place in time full of excitement, suspense and twists that will surprise you toward the end of the book. What an interesting read am still smiling. I highly recommend this book.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of these books from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
When his grandmother shown them a miniature Christmas Village Jamie is drawn to it. Later that day, Jamie imagined how perfect life would be in a perfect little village like Canterbury, and he made a wish “I wish I could live in Canterbury,” and tiptoed to bed. Late one night the miniature village came to life before Jamie's eyes. Is the Christmas Village really what it seems? What secret does the miniature Christmas Village hold?
This book will take the readers on a rollercoaster ride to a place in time full of excitement, suspense and twists that will surprise you toward the end of the book. What an interesting read am still smiling. I highly recommend this book.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of these books from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
April 17, 2012
I absolutely loved this book! In fact, it's the best holiday book I've read in a long time. Though it's targeted to children, it reminds me of my favorite books as a child - the kind that stand the test of time and are truly ageless. 12-year old Jamie is an imperfect hero who wishes he could escape into his grandma's little Christmas village. When his wish comes true, the adventure is on and never stops! This story has it all - humor, surprises (lots of surprises!), great characters, non-stop action and suspense. Kids will love it, but I think other grown-ups will like it too because it has great messages about life without being at all preachy. You'll LOVE the ending!!!
January 26, 2014
The Christmas Village captured and held my interest because of Goodwin’s vivid characterization and her suspenseful plotting. She has an astute ear for realistic dialogue. Because of this, I entered her scenes and lived the adventure with Jamie, a contemporary twelve-year-old boy who travels backward in time to the 1932 village of Canterbury, Vermont, where he meets two other children—Kelly and Chris.
The Christmas Village presents the reader with a mystery that these three young people solve by using their creative minds and their sense of fair play. Happily this novel for ten to fourteen years old appeals to adult readers as well as children.
The Christmas Village presents the reader with a mystery that these three young people solve by using their creative minds and their sense of fair play. Happily this novel for ten to fourteen years old appeals to adult readers as well as children.
April 14, 2012
I'm well past the middle-grade age demographic that this book is geared for but it's the kind of story I would have loved at that age. I loved it now, at my age, as anyone would! It was charming, sweet, and perfect for the season. My only regret is that I read it in April instead of December. That's okay, however, because I own a print copy, and I plan on keeping it at hand to pick up as Christmas rolls around to get me in the mood for the holidays.
September 8, 2016
Don't let the title fool you, this book is an anytime read. It is part historical fiction (travel to 1930"s during the Great Depression) and part realistic fiction. I loved the time travel into the small Christmas Village. So many exciting and unexpected things happen to Jamie who needs to get back to his own time by Christmas. Great for grades 3-5!
June 6, 2013
A very well written and compelling middle school book. Sure to keep the interest and fascinate both kids and adults. Loved it!!
June 7, 2013
Wonderful, wonderful Book! Great characters, wonderfully written, fun, exciting, suspenseful! I had goosebumps at the end. I think grown-ups will enjoy it just as much as kids will.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews