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The Little Drummer Boy

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A holiday short story by Amazon bestselling author Sydney Logan.

It’s Christmas Eve, and Justin Banks is on the hunt for a last-minute gift for his wife, Megan. With the help of a homeless man and the beat of a drum, Justin stumbles upon the one thing Megan has always wanted. The one thing money can’t buy.

It's amazing what we can hear if we just take a moment and really listen.

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2013

1 person is currently reading
206 people want to read

About the author

Sydney Logan

33 books626 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Sydney Logan writes heartfelt romances that feature strong women and the men who love them. In addition to her novels, she has penned several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul. She is a Netflix junkie, music lover, and a Vol for Life. Sydney and her husband make their home in beautiful East Tennessee.

To learn more about Sydney and her books, visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.

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5 stars
88 (61%)
4 stars
32 (22%)
3 stars
13 (9%)
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3 (2%)
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7 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Kathie (katmom).
689 reviews50 followers
November 29, 2013
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!

This is now available...and I hope you love it like I did!



The Little Drummer Boy has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs. Then this cover...wow, the colors look so rich. I was blessed to be able to read it. Oh my gosh, Ms. Logan had me in tears, and then smiling, then more tears...then there was a touch of magic in her words and her story.

I loved it.

Yes, it's short, but this has all the things that I want in a novella. It has a beginning, a middle and an end. I easily came to care about the characters, and while MORE of them would be great, this left me in a very nice place.

In my opinion, it's never too early to get into the Christmas spirit, and The Little Drummer Boy is a lovely way to get into that mood.



Available now!

Proud to state that I helped edit this lovely little story.
Profile Image for Marisa Shor.
Author 3 books23 followers
November 11, 2013
"Listen, son. Just listen."

WOW okay, so I couldn't even type that quote without getting teary eyed. I'm dead serious.

"Little Drummer Boy" is a beautiful short Christmas story.

In this story, Sydney Logan has (yet again!) managed to make you fall in love with characters.. laugh with them, cry (read: sob) with them. You feel the love between Justin and Megan, and then you feel the loss between them, and then a little drummer boy comes along, and your heart just swells. It really is a tale of "stop, take a breath, just listen", and the meaning behind it in this story is profound.
(ps.. still fighting tears writing this..)

I have been a fan of Sydney Logan's writing style since the first book I read by her, and even with a novella length book, she still delivers a full story. I loved "The Little Drummer Boy", and you will definitely be seeing it on my 'Christmas Books' post later this year.

For more reviews visit: http://illbereading.blogspot.com/2013...
Profile Image for Alysha.
212 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2013
The Little Drummer Boy is the exact book to get you into the Christmas mood. This short story written by Sydney Logan reminds you their are people in the time of need. You just have to do whatever you can to help change a person's life no matter how big or small.
The Little Drummer Boy is a little homeless boy who plays his drum by the Lantern in the alley. He does this to help pass the time while waiting for his parents to come back. No one ever even notices this little boy as they run around on Christmas Eve. Justin was in search for the perfect present to give to his wife on Christmas, he didn't hear the little boy playing the drum, until a homeless man told him to listen. After talking to the little boy and having him play, Justin realized what he need to do to give everyone the best Christmas present ever. This is a wonderful short story that warms you heart. Just in time for the wonderful holiday season.
Profile Image for Jeanne McDonald.
Author 21 books542 followers
January 20, 2021
FIVE STARS and beyond!

Wow! This book, for being a short story, was jam-packed with all the feels! As always, Sydney's knack for the written word is impeccable. She manages to create a world so visual and so full of warmth that it lingers with you long after the story is finished. I am still reeling over this one. A short read, easily finished in under an hour, it grabs your heart and won't let go. It's a fantastic holiday story, and frankly, I would love to see this one as a movie. It would be an instant classic, for sure.
Profile Image for AnnMarie .
318 reviews36 followers
November 10, 2013
The Little Drummer Boy has always been a family favorite of mine. From the song to the yearly Rankin/Bass Christmas time special, no matter where I am or what I am doing, the lyrics always made me stop to listen, and smile.

ldb

When I was offered the opportunity to read the ARC, it was a no brainer, of course I wanted it!

I love Sydney Logan's writing style. Her words are always so palpable swirling and embracing you with all the feels. I was so curious to see what her spin on this classic would be and she does not disappoint!

A lovely little story of a couple who seem to have everything but the one thing money can not buy.

Short little story packed full of all the feels.

A great little read you won't want to miss.

"It's amazing what we can hear if we just take a moment and really listen."


*ARC provided by publisher in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,449 reviews119 followers
November 9, 2013
I received a copy of this novella for an honest review for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock! I love novellas, when done right I get a great story that perks me up without having to invest a lot of time. Sydney Logan definitely got it right with “The Little Drummer Boy.” This was a super sweet and engaging holiday themed read that I was able to finish in less than 30 minutes. Author Sydney Logan does a great job of establishing the love between her leads Justin and Megan. When they come to the rescue of a little boy in need I actually caught myself going “Aww…” I highly recommend checking this story out.

Quote: “His face is sweet and content as he snoozes in her lap. Her fingers continue to ruffle his hair, and the smile on her face as she gazes down at the little boy assures me that I have finally found the perfect Christmas gift for my wife. And I have a feeling I won’t be returning this one.”

5 fangs
Profile Image for R.E. Hargrave.
Author 32 books609 followers
November 23, 2013
This was my first sampling of Logan’s work and I found it quiet touching. Short in length, but not on story, The Little Drummer Boy introduces us to a couple who have been trying to start their family without much luck. Told from the male POV (which I rather enjoyed because it allowed us to see how much this man adores and loves his wife), we are taken on a holiday journey that leaves you believing in miracles. I would be lying if I said this tale didn’t draw a tear or two (happy ones!) from me as I read.
If you want a feel good, quick seasonal read, you won’t be disappointed in giving this one a try. I promise, you just might believe in the magic of Christmas again by the time you’re done. ~R.E. Hargrave

*I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Jennifer Pedroza.
Author 1 book9 followers
November 17, 2013
What a great story. This is a great read for a cozy night after a long day. As with all her books, the characters are wonderfully developed, even though this is a short story. You feel like you know them well....not to say that I wouldn't love to have the back story of how the hero and heroine fell in love. Once again, Sydney Logan has made me laugh and cry, but left me feeling completely satisfied.

Profile Image for Jaime.
43 reviews
November 7, 2013
I loved it! I think it is completely beautiful.

I love how what Justin and Megan wanted most, a child of their own, happened.

I may have cried before work...

Another beautiful story by Sydney...

You will not be disappointed...a little short to warm your heart!
Profile Image for  Lori (Ficwishes).
693 reviews21 followers
December 16, 2013
A sweet, adorable little boy helps heal a couple's broken hearts. A perfect story just in time for Christmas.
Profile Image for Savannah Leigh.
Author 6 books59 followers
November 18, 2013
Great short story! I read it in less than an hour and I really enjoyed it. I cried. I smiled.

If you are looking for a feel-good holiday read, then this is the one for you!
243 reviews15 followers
October 28, 2016
This story was read as part of a compilation. Following is my review of the entire compilation, including this story.

*I was provided a copy of Once Upon a December by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*

Once Upon a December is a collection of three short holiday stories that will lift you up and keep you smiling long after you finish reading. They are sweet and enchanting, and will make you a true believer in holiday miracles.

In Mistletoe Magic, Melanie Taylor’s marriage is on the verge of breaking down. She has no idea what to get her husband for Christmas. But as it turns out, the gift is not what’s important. A chance encounter in an elevator could turn everything around. This story reminds us that the cost of the gift isn’t important, but that the holiday is a chance for reconnecting.

What Child is This? is a story about a man who no longer celebrates Christmas due to events in his past that left him scarred and emotionally absent. But when Thomas Fisher is stranded at the airport not far from his hometown, a young boy shows him what he’s been missing all these years. This sweet tale of love and loss will give you hope that even the most difficult situations can be repaired.

In The Little Drummer Boy, a homeless man points Justin Banks in the direction of a little boy in need, and Justin realizes this is the perfect gift for his wife. Giving little Luke the perfect Christmas also gives Justin and Megan the family they’ve always wanted. This is a moving story filled with hopefulness and love.

As always, Ms. Logan delivers inspiring stories that are a pleasure to read.
Profile Image for Landon.
289 reviews57 followers
August 24, 2018
I like it, my brain didn't realize it was a Christmas book until I re-read the description once I started the first chapter. This short story "The Little Drummer Boy, introduces us to a couple who have been trying to start their family without much luck. It also reminds us, readers, to remember what Christmas is all about.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
Author 13 books976 followers
December 18, 2013
This short story begins amidst the tiring hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve, a time when many of us are so focused on the quest of finding the right gift for our loved ones that we forget the intended meaning behind the gift exchange. We’re consumed with dinner plans, wrapping presents, preparing our homes for guests and running from one social engagement to another. By the end of the holiday season, most of us are more than ready to leave it all behind and move on to making our New Year’s Resolutions, many of which I’m guessing involve making the holidays more simple going forward. Yet somehow, we find ourselves repeating the cycle year after year.

Justin Banks finds himself in this mode when his mission is interrupted by a man on the street.

“Do you hear drums?”

I turn and find myself face-to-face with a man. Homeless, I assume from his appearance. He’s dressed in a tattered coat and looks desperately in need of a bath. I try not to cringe as he tugs on my designer suit.

“The drums,” he says again, his voice forceful. “Do you hear them?”

Although Justin is inclined to ignore the request, the man is so insistent that he relents and pauses to listen. He is surprised when he realizes that the homeless man is right. Somewhere nearby the sound of drums can be heard.

“Intrigued, I step away from the old man and walk slowly toward the alley. Each step brings me closer to the beat, until finally, I see a little boy, nestled in the corner. His only light comes from a lantern, and a snare drum rests in his lap. The drum is scarred and the strap is frayed, but it’s obviously his most prized possession.

Probably his only possession.

Does he live here? In this filthy alley? And where are his parents?

“Shall I play for you?”

His voice is just a whisper. His clothes are dirty and ragged, and the faded blue jacket he wears is about three sizes too big.

“I heard you playing,” I tell him, keeping my voice soft and light. The last thing I want to do is scare the kid. “You’re very good. Are you alone?”

He nods.

“Where are your parents?”

His face contorts in pain, and my stomach lurches. He can’t be more than five years old. Maybe six.

“Shall I play for you?” he asks again. A little stronger this time. A little more determined.

Because I don’t know what else to do, I nod. The covered alleyway has thankfully kept most of the snow away, so I find a flattened section of shredded cardboard and sit down. I don’t think about the fact that I’m probably ruining my thousand-dollar suit. I just sit and listen.

The boy’s sticks pound the head of the drum.

Rum pum pum pum.

Rum pum pum pum.

Each rhythmic thump pierces my soul, and when he comes to the end of his song, I reach inside my jacket for my wallet.

“No, sir,” he says softly. “I don't need your money.”


To reveal much more than this would likely ruin what I promise is an uplifting and heartwarming reading experience, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. I gave this story a five star rating on my Goodreads page without hesitation. I knew at once I’d found a worthy gift for my friends and family this holiday season. The Little Drummer Boy is a moving and compassionate piece which perfectly captures how hope, love and compassion can change not only the recipient’s life but the benefactor’s as well.

I highly recommend that you take the time to read this and then pass it along to others as a gift.

Many thanks to Sydney Logan for writing and sharing this holiday short. It is the perfect reminder of what this time of year should really be all about.
Profile Image for T.S. Arthur.
Author 14 books29 followers
July 20, 2014
And so I suppose you’d like to know what I thought about it then? Well in a nutshell, this book was truly fabulous! And for such a short story it really does pack a punch! I dived into this book with high expectations, Sydney’s work always grips me and is told with great skill and finesse, and this book certainly bears all the hallmarks of her high standard of writing.



Essentially, this is a simple ‘happily ever after’ kind of story, where you know the happy ending will come, but you are still on tenterhooks waiting for that final confirmation that little Luke will get his happy ending. It’s a very simple, yet eloquent tale of how to really embrace the Christmas spirit in our own lives and how if we really look and listen to the things in the world around us there is so much more we can do for our fellow man. I’m not sure if Sydney Logan was intending on her book having a moral, but it really is a book that once you’ve read it, it makes you think about the little changes you could make to make like better for others. Or even make you grateful for the gifts and luxuries you have in your own life. I felt humbled after reading it, but in a proactive and very positive kind of way.



Something else I loved about this story is that even though it’s a quick and easy read, the emotions and depth to which the characters, especially Luke, get under your skin and into your head is phenomenal. You may be with them for a matter of pages but the raw emotions and story telling are incredibly well written and I truly have not cried so much at a book (in a good way!) for some time. It pulls heavily on the heart strings and really opens your eyes to a multitude of issues in the world today. I can only imagine where Sydney got her inspiration and I found myself feeling ready for the good will and peace to all men that comes hand in hand with the coming season.



That being said, I think you should all go take advantage of this book and have a good read because honestly, this book is truly outstanding, and a fabulous little piece of story telling. But don’t take my word for it, go one-click!

ARC received in return for honest review as part of a blog tour on Lily Loves Indie - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=262
Profile Image for M.B..
Author 41 books287 followers
December 2, 2013
*** I was gifted a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***

For a short story, Little Drummer Boy sure packs a punch. I read the entire thing on the precipice of shedding many tears. Logan sucks us in from the very first word and keeps us hanging on until the very last.

We meet Justin Banks on Christmas Eve as he goes on the hunt for a gift for his wife Megan. From their history, there's one thing she wants, but is too scared to reach for, but it's not something you can buy in a shopping mall. As he's wandering through the snow, he's distracted by a homeless man who leads him to Luke. A little boy abandoned with just a snare drum and an oil lantern.

From then on in, the reader can guess what is going to happen, but they don't care because the entire thing is so heartwarming. As a mother, I would certainly want this to happen if, for any reason, I could no longer provide for my children.

A wonderful story that will warm the heart of any reader at this time of year!
Profile Image for Sassy Moms Say Read Romance.
781 reviews16 followers
January 17, 2014
Adri’s Review:

This is a different type of love story. It encompasses the meaning of Christmas so sweetly.

Justin is a lawyer who wants to give his wife a special present for Christmas, but as a woman who isn’t really into materialist things he can’t seem to find the right gift for her. All that changes the moment that he hears the drumming of a little boy who is homeless and alone on Christmas Eve. Wanting to help such a sweet, scared lonely boy, he takes him home with him. This turns out to be the best gift he could ever give his wife. Megan is so surprised when her husband takes her to see the sweet homeless boy he came across. She wants nothing more than to give him the love and home he desperately needs and deserves.

This is one of those stories that is quick to read but filled with so much good cheer and feeling.

I hope you take the time to run out and read buy this story… You won’t be sorry.

Happy Reading… Adri
Profile Image for Gina Hott.
746 reviews70 followers
January 6, 2015
Justin Banks loves his wife, Megan, more than anything. His love shows even when he’s thinking about her. But they come from different worlds and his extravagent gifts just don’t delight on Christmas morning.
Once again, he’s scavenging the stores on Christmas Eve looking for anything that will bring tears of joy to eyes. When he follows the Rum Pum Pum Pum Justin finds just the gift of Megan’s dreams.

Hott Review:

The Little Drummer Boy is so heartwarming and sweet! This is an absolute must read.

More…
Author: Sydney Logan
Source: Purchased as a Kindle Free Read June 21, 2014
Grade: A+
Ages: 5+
Steam: Nada
Setting: Minneapolis, MN
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,649 reviews63 followers
December 22, 2013
They old saying: Stop and smell the ROSES! This story is a real fairy tale, if, if only it could be true. There are so many out there that need just this very thing to happen to them. As to the short story it is beautiful and well written. Good characters make it a very good short story. When your finished, please say a little prayer asking if this could be true for someone, somewhere. Maybe, just maybe our prayers will make it so. If I have offended anyone I'm sorry, but someone has to ask.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
December 14, 2013
This story was absolutely amazing and heart warming. It was a story that anyone could completely relate to. This is a quick read but it is something that will last forever in your heart.Sydney Logan is an amazing writer. Everyone needs to read this story and support a great and talented author. I can not wait to read more of her work.
Profile Image for Cindy.
957 reviews33 followers
July 21, 2014
Sometimes we just feel the need to read about the magical time of Christmas. I read this in July but it would be the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit. It's a short story that can read in one sitting.

I definitely would recommend this if you need a sweet story to read. It is a feel good that will leave you with a happy heart!
Profile Image for Carrie Elks.
Author 73 books2,256 followers
December 12, 2013
I love Sydney Logan's writing. She creates truly believable characters, excellent settings and compelling story lines. This story is no different. It was heartwarming and emotional. I smiled, I teared up and I finished with a warm feeling in my soul. A truly enjoyable Christmas short.
Profile Image for Terri.
23 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2015
As always, Sydney Logan has written another wonderful story. Very timely for the season, making us all think about what this season is TRULY about!! Very quick read, extremely well written and thought provoking! Thank you Sydney!
Profile Image for Ashley N..
1,741 reviews17 followers
December 22, 2013
Perfect short story for the Christmas season. Sydney Logan brings great emotion and heart to this sweet tale. I was smiling and tearing at the same time. A nice feel-good read that will have you believing in the Christmas spirit.
Profile Image for Lisa Bilbrey.
Author 28 books123 followers
December 30, 2013
This is the first book of Sydney Logan's that I've read. It won't be the last. The Little Drummer Boy really touched my heart, and I found myself smiling over Luke. I wish it had been more in depth and longer, but it was a great read and I encourage everyone to check it out.
Profile Image for Colleen Everly.
379 reviews10 followers
November 29, 2013
A very touching short story makes a heart feel good. I really enjoyed this story. It made me think of what Christmas is all about, giving and sharing love. Makes you believe in the Christmas spirit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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