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The Christmas Clock

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Sylvia Winters just found a job and an apartment in her hometown of Dreyerville, Michigan, but she is hesitant to return. Eight years ago, she jilted her fiancé, Joe Dixon, telling him that she was moving to Chicago because small-town living was not for her. But she was lying. Syl was headed to Chicago to be treated for cervical cancer. Sadly, Joe never knew the real reason she left him. Confused and distraught, he turned to drinking to heal the pain, until he accidentally killed a man and served years in jail. Now Syl and Joe are both back in town, but it will take a miracle to bring them back into each other’s arms.

Also in town is Lottie Sparks and her grandson, Teddy. Ever since Lottie’s daughter was killed in a drunk-driving accident, Lottie’s been in charge of Teddy. He appreciates her love more than she knows, so much so that the industrious eight-year-old hits up Joe’s auto body shop, so he can save enough money by Christmas to buy his grandmother a Victorian clock she adores—one that vividly reminds her of her childhood, even as the rest of her memories are slipping away with the onset of advanced Alzheimer’s.

As spring turns to summer and summer to fall, matters in the Sparks’ household take a turn for the worse. And with winter approaching, will a little hope and a big dose of Christmas magic be enough to make everything all right again?

Librarian note: This is an alternate cover for ISBN 1593155476/9781593155476.

145 pages, Hardcover

First published September 23, 2009

105 people are currently reading
1535 people want to read

About the author

Kat Martin

188 books3,169 followers
Kathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)

Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.

Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.

Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.

"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."

"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."

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5 stars
350 (25%)
4 stars
441 (32%)
3 stars
416 (30%)
2 stars
111 (8%)
1 star
29 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
Profile Image for Corey Thibodeaux.
414 reviews22 followers
February 1, 2022
I might be the only male to have read this book.

Let me be clear that I only did so because I am trying a new system: To broaden my horizons, I am reading random books off the library shelves. This book was a victim, but then so was I.

Let's play a game. I will set up the story and you tell me what happens: A man and woman, once engaged, get back together five years after the woman ran away with cervical cancer. She can't have any kids, but they want a big family. Meanwhile, a boy comes into their lives who has lost his entire family save for his grandmother, who is increasingly unfit to raise him because of her Alzheimer's.

Did you guess the outcome correctly? I bet you did!

Here's another game: Which of the following did I do during the reading of this book:

a.) Brought upon my own laughter to the point of tears when I finally comprehended that I was reading a Christmas book.

b.) About 20 percent of the way in and after telling my wife a brief synopsis, she asked what were the chances of the two main characters (who allegedly hated each other) having intercourse. "One hundred percent," I replied.

c.) Shut the book and went for a cleansing walk when I read the line: "I want to see you... Watch your face when I'm inside you."

Answer: All of the above. I did all of these things.

Perhaps this review isn't fair, so I'm bumping it up a star to show that I have Christmas spirit. I didn't exactly choose this book, but it does exist to be read. It's a quick read with a feel-good story, and there is nothing wrong with that. It's just been done a million times already.

Randomly selected off library shelves.
Profile Image for Amanda.
168 reviews
December 29, 2013
I received this book as part of a Secret Santa gift exchange. The story was weak and predictable. I liked it well enough until about two-thirds of the way through when the relationship between Syl and Joe turned physical. What killed it for me was on page 114: "...she thought that God had given her an early present...". It bothers me to see God's name and character so falsely portrayed.

This wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but I won't read it again and I don't recommend it. I will be donating the copy I received.
Profile Image for Alicia  Miller.
211 reviews11 followers
December 17, 2018
This is a cute story, and may have you a bit teary eyed at times. It’s a short read, perfect for Christmas time. A bit predictable though, and not in the pat yourself on the back kind of way.
Profile Image for Julie.
344 reviews9 followers
November 21, 2021
What a sweet, heartwarming story that reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Profile Image for Gina (My Precious Blog).
475 reviews23 followers
December 29, 2010
Summary: Lottie Sparks is raising her eight year old grandson Teddy all by herself. He's such a sweet little boy. Its really not been too difficult for her, until she's diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Alzheimer's Disease. Lottie is painfully aware of her increasing forgetfulness, soon she will not be a reliable custodian for her grandson. With no mother, father or next of kin, what will become of Teddy as her disease progresses? Will he be forced into the foster care system or will Lottie be able to work something else out before she loses her mind?

Ramblings: The Christmas Clock is a book about the residents of a small town. In the beginning, its a little difficult to keep all the characters straight. They are all introduced in the first chapter. The story has three subplots: 1.) Lottie being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, faced with the dilemma of who will care for her grandson Teddy, when she no longer is able 2.) Doris and Floyd Culver, a childless couple who have been married for many years, but have lost the "spark" in their marriage and finally 3.) the Joe Dixon and Sylvia Winters saga. Where Sylvia left her college sweetheart and fiance Joe at the alter when she found out she had cervical cancer. As the storyline plays out the subplots slowly merge into one, with the boy Teddy being the magnet pulling them together. The pace is quick, the story opens in June and moves through the month of December concluding with Christmas - all in 160 pages! So, its a bit misleading to be categorized as a Christmas story, since it only touches on Christmas towards the end. In the book's defense, the boy Teddy, does work throughout the story earning money for a special clock he wants to give his grandmother for Christmas. Thus, the reason for the title. The characters are somewhat cliche, and lean towards being a little unrealistic, especially Teddy being so angelic. One would expect him to act out more, considering his grandmother's demise and situations he's abruptly thrust into. The plot is predictable, not unlike most stories written for Christmas. Despite these few minor flaws, The Christmas Clock remains another cute short story with a happy ending which will leave the reader smiling.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to adult audiences who want a quick read with a happy ending and a little PG romance along the way. There are some subtle religious undertones, definitely not overdone. Even though the story is about a young boy, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't hold the attention of a younger audience if read aloud. Please, don't pick this one up if your sole purpose is to read about Christmas. It touches on Christmas near the end, which was a bit of a letdown for me, only because I was searching for Christmas books to read. The main storyline is something completely different, but still very entertaining.
Profile Image for Debbie.
920 reviews77 followers
November 30, 2014
This was a quick read, but a really good Christmas story. I must admit that I shed a few tears, but they were happy...not sad. Just a nice break for the season.
193 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2017
A story about going home and starting over and giving hope and love to someone in need. Even when you think you can not do it.
968 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2018
It’s a very good book and story reminds me of the Christmas shoes highly recommend 👍👍
627 reviews6 followers
December 29, 2018
This book wasn't bad, but it wasn't really a Christmas book. And it was kind of sad and depressing.
753 reviews20 followers
January 1, 2020
The Christmas Clock is a novella by Kat Martin. It was a wonderful Christmas story about the true meaning of Christmas. The Christmas Clock is the story of the residents of Dreyerville. There is Lottie and Teddy Sparks, grandmother and grandson, whose lives are changing because of Lottie's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Teddy works at the local automotive repair center to earn money to purchase an clock from the window of the antique store that his Grandma been admiring. Doris and Floyd Culver who are rediscovering their love. Doris and Floyd start taking notice of the little things in life. And Sylvia Winters and Joe Dixon, who were college sweethearts, who were days away from getting married, when Sylvia received a life changing health diagnosis and ran away to Chicago so that Joe would not have to face the difficulties. In the years that past, Joe found himself convicted of involuntary manslaughter and spent three years in jail. A job opportunity opens up at a local doctor's office and Syl returns to Dreyerville. Her first interaction with Joe at the grocery store did not go as she would have hoped. Syl confesses to Joe the real reason she left all those years ago. As they spent more time together, their love for each other is rekindled. It was a wonderful Christmas story that I really loved. Kat Martin is an amazing storyteller. The Christmas Clock was filled with bittersweet and poignant moments. It was a heartwarming story about the true meaning of Christmas.
Profile Image for Monica Laurette.
183 reviews10 followers
December 21, 2020
So I found this book at my local thrift store on a holiday display and I just thought that the description was cute and heartwarming, something very different from what I normally read. But I want to broaden my reading horizons and the Christmas season seemed like the perfect time to attempt that.

Firstly I’m going to say that this book was like a Hallmark movie in book form, but not in a bad way. While it was predictable (to a point, I was shocked a few times myself while reading) like the movies, the heartwarming and happy feeling they bring is just as good as a rush of serotonin that a Marvel movie gives me.

This was a fast paced book that got its point across and still had you able to connect to the characters, maybe not as much as other books, but nonetheless. I won’t go into spoilers, but if you like some light-hearted romance, some true-love romance and family love, this book is for you. If you like Hallmark movies, you’ll like this one too. Maybe this will get me to watch more Hallmark movies lol.

I gave this book 3.75 (rounded to 4) stars because it was a good book and nicely told, but (and maybe it was just my edition of the printing) I did see a few grammatical/spelling errors during the book which brought me out of the story. It was also jarring to have the prologue and epilogue in the first person, and the rest of the book be in third? To me that was a weird choice and it threw me off when I began reading.

This book wasn’t the best I’ve read, but it might be something that I pull off the shelf again next year to help bring the Christmas mood back into my soul.

Spoilers below

Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2019
This story is told through Teddy Winters and a time in his life when he was thrown a huge curveball even though he was a bit too young to understand what was going on.

Sylvia Winters left the her hometown in Dreyerville, Michigan. She left behind a fiancee and a tidal wave of betrayal and emotion that Joe angry.

Joe went to prison for 3 years after a bar fight that ended in the death of a man. When Sylvia left saying that she didn't love him anymore it left him angry and he drank.

Sylvia returns to Dreyerville to perhaps make things right with Joe and settle back down in her hometown.

Teddy is losing his grandmother to Alzheimer's Disease and there is no one to take him when she is unable to care for him anymore.

It takes a Christmas miracle to right things and give him the family he needs, wants, and deserves.

This is a wonderful novella and it requires a tissue or two upon reading. Teddy is a wonderful character and through him we are able to see what Alzheimer's takes from the victim and the people who love them. This story is about hope, forgiveness, love and well miracles. This different from any Kat Martin book that I have read before and I loved it. She brings to live the wonderful little town of Dreyerville and the people in it. This would make a wonderful Hallmark movie.
Profile Image for Michaela.
1,851 reviews77 followers
February 23, 2024
Vianočné hodiny - knihu som si vybrala na základe obálky a tohtoročnej výzvy (hodiny na obálke) ale nemajú veľký význam. Vlastne len veľmi malou mierou zavážia.... a jedinou osobou, ktorej prinášajú radosť je pani trpiaca alzhaimerovou chorobou. Jej malý vnuk sa snaží zarobiť nejaké peniaze upratovaním v autoopravovni, aby jej ich mohol kúpiť. A celé je to písané neuveriteľne primitívnym spôsobom. Mala som pocit, akoby boli vynechané celeé odseky. Postavy neboli ani ploché, tvorili ich len nejasné body a vzťahy medzi nimi sú tak odfláknuto napísané, že som sa s tým trápila asi dve hodiny. A áno, nájde sa tam aj osoba, ktorá si dieťa chce adoptovať, nevyjasnená minulosť a sklamaná láska. Ak to už silou-mocou chcete čítať, odporúčam radšej knihu z knižnice, nestojí to za kúpu...
Profile Image for Mary Baker.
2,138 reviews55 followers
December 8, 2021
This novel needs more plot and character development. It is a warm, fuzzy story about a couple who meet again after being apart for eight years and their involvement with a young boy whose grandmother has Alzheimer's disease. At the beginning and end, the story is being told by the boy, but in between, a third-person narrator is used. There is also an explicit sex scene involved in the book which really wasn't necessary in this Christmas story which many of us might choose to read because we expect it to be a safe story. Finally, the storyline itself was too contrived for me.
563 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2024
This small quick read Christmas title will put you in the mood for the Christmas holidays. The plot is perdictable and text easy to read. A young boy comes to live with his grandmother, when his parents die. The two become very attaached and when she becomes ill, there no other family he can stay with, so he's headed for foster care. The grandmother's neighbor tries to help her, taking her to the doctors. A new nurse that lives next door looks out for her as well. See how a small community comes together to help.
Profile Image for Debbie Nicolosi.
43 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2025
Okay so what can I say, I’m a sucker for tearjerker happy endings. I have read some of the reviews and although I could feel what was going to happen from the very beginning, I enjoyed the journey. After all that is what a story is all about, the journey.
It is a feel good, quick read Christmas story. A typical Hallmark kind of story, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. I had the book from just before Christmas but only now read it. It’s extended the Holidays for me.
In my opinion worth the read.
Profile Image for Diana.
476 reviews12 followers
November 29, 2017
Christmas Clock

This is a sweet story about a small and the people who live there. Sylvia has come back to town after being away for eight years during her fight with cancer. She had told her boyfriend Joe she didn't love and ran away to Chicago. Joe had ended up in prison because of his rage of losing Syl. Joe came back and made a future for himself.
An apology and some other circumstances may bring Joe and Syl back together.
A great Christmas story for all to enjoy.
Profile Image for Tomi Alger.
443 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2019
This cozy romance has a couple of storylines that connect. Teddy lives with his Grandma, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimers. Sylvia comes back to her hometown and runs into her old boyfriend. Teddy wants to buy a clock for his grandma and starts working at the auto repair shop that Joe runs. Can Joe and Sylvia work out their differences? What will happen with Teddy as his grandma gets sicker? All these questions are answered. It was a pleasant read.
1,594 reviews17 followers
December 2, 2019
“The Christmas Clock’ by Kat Martin
A poignant contemporary story of love and second chances. I have been meaning to read this story for 2-years… yes, it has been in my TBR stack since I downloaded 2-years ago via Kindle Unlimited. If you have not read this story which has happy parts and tear-jerking parts, too, then I suggest you find a copy and don’t wait as long as I did to take the time to read it.
It most definitely is worth the read. Happy Reading ! !
Profile Image for Elida Liederbach.
544 reviews13 followers
December 6, 2019
This is a story of hope and love at Christmas. Teddy tells the story of how his family was formed at 8 years old when his grandmother has Alzheimers. His days with her lead them to a shops at the bakery and also an antique shop where she sees a clock reminding her of her childhood. Teddy sets out to earn money to purchase it. In his desire to earn money he meets Joe, Syl, and several town people whose lives all change during the Christmas season of hope for new starts!
Profile Image for Jen.
177 reviews
November 19, 2022
Having only 172 rather small pages, this book is a very quick read.
I loved the depth that the characters had. I liked that they had very real and raw complications in their lives.
Unfortunately, I was hoping for a Christmas story about a clock that somehow brings everyone together. There is really only the briefest mention of the clock and Christmas. Oh well. The story was still enjoyable and well written.
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,884 reviews13 followers
November 25, 2024
This is more a novella, not a full length novel (thank God!). I'm not sure how many books this author has written, but she's not really that talented a writer - sorry.

There are many threads to this story & they all come together to a satisfying conclusion. Of course there's a HEA for everyone but the lady with alzheimers.

I gave 3 stars because it did keep my interest. Also, Christmas is coming...
Profile Image for Denise.
1,163 reviews
December 11, 2019
Super fast read - the romance take on a much more adult content than most simple Christmas Romance books I have read. My favorite part was the young man with a great heart and drive despite what life had dealt him . No surprise or shock in what the story was about and how it ended but still enjoyable for a fast read.
Profile Image for amanda_coffee_books.
677 reviews24 followers
December 22, 2019
Words can express how much I adored this book. My last read of 2019 and one I will hold and reread. It’s a short and beautifully written book. How lives in a small town come together. Second chances given. Highly recommend this book. I recommend go into this holiday book not knowing anything reading it.
Profile Image for Sandra Schlichter.
51 reviews
April 16, 2020
Wonderful

It was truly a story of the miracle of Christmas! It had all the ingredients of a family story that people can relate to .
Syl and Joe really made the story seem real! I cried at the end (happy tears) Doris and Floyd , Lottie, Mary , really kept it a very small town story.

Loved it!
It’s a must read !
1,435 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2025
Great short story about love, dementia, adoption, and faith in God. Sylvia left town a week before her wedding because she loved her fiance and wanted him to have the life they dreamed of and she thought was dying of cancer. 8 years later she returns to town and love, and God, has never failed them
Profile Image for Elizabeth Anderson.
93 reviews
December 14, 2017
Extremely predictable plot with Hallmark type characters.
Pros
Short chapters to read before bed & short book
Community vibe

Cons
Didn’t put me in a Christmas spirit
Sex scene was poorly written
Alzheimer’s ... not cheery
Murder... not cheery

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews

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