Christmas Past: When the Power of Love Reaches Across Time

by Robert Vaughn

John and Madison Carmichael's success in their careers has come at a high price at home: they are on the brink of divorce. To soften the blow for their two children, they decide to spend one final Christmas together as a family. Responding to a travel brochure, they set off to "Celebrate Christmas Past" in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with a group of historical re-enactors.

Tensions worsen when their car breaks down, but a horse-drawn carriage arrives and delivers them to the home of Judge Andrew Norton and family, where their Victorian Christmas begins. With none of the comforts or distractions of contemporary life, John and Madison rediscover each other and the love they once felt. But upon their return to "modern civilization," the Carmichaels learn that the nineteenth-century house has been empty and boarded up for more than thirty-five years. Could it be that a miracle from "Christmas Past" has brought their family together again?

Genres: Christmas

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 2, 2003

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fanciful tale reminiscent of It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle in 34th Street. A Christian couple long lapsed is considering divorce and decides to have 1 more Christmas together. They go to a country mansion for a real Christmas. much ensues.

[Kaylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book full of surprises and the power of prayer.

[Tracy David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this! Time travel, faith based, family dynamics, and Christmas! What more could you ask for in 141 pages! A classic!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful quick read! Great for Christmas time!

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

T.J. and Madison Carmichael have drifted apart in their marriage and are contemplating divorce. As Christmas approaches, they decide to try to give their two small children one last good Christmas memory, and make reservations at a B&B for an old-fashioned Christmas experience. Near their destination, their car dies, leaving them stranded, but a passing neighbor of the B&B owners, headed there for Christmas themselves, takes the Carmichael family the rest of the way. From that beginning, the gentle humor and relaxed and loving atmosphere of a “Christmas past” leads T.J. and Madison back to a firmer footing in their relationship. A warm and loving reminder of what is really important, that we too often allow to be crowded out by the more salient but less vital demands of modern day life.

[Cherice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a while back after strolling through the church library. The thought of going back in time and living without all the luxuries of today and learning (again) what love and family is all about was interesting. It was a quick read and I found it "sweet" in it's own little Victorian way. 141 pages

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the main characters were kind of hokey, but the story was still pretty good. The author put a strong emphasis on prayer, attending church, and believing that all things are possible through God, so that part I really liked!

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read in 2006

[Corgi Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christmas story with an interesting twist. I enjoyed this story very much.