Peppermint Lightning

by Phillip Davis

There is a force that powers the Christmas spirit, a magic that makes lights shine brighter, cookies taste sweeter, and keeps reindeer in the air. It is a power as old as Christmas itself, an unseen electric current of kindness, cheer, and good will. That force is called peppermint lightning. It is fading and in need of a champion. Sidney, a nine year old school girl from Pleasant, Ohio, full of peppermint lightning herself, is called upon to help restore that magic to its former glory. She is recruited by a hopeful elf, an English gingerbread man, a matronly reindeer, and a proud snowman to bring the spirit of Christmas, the peppermint lightning, back to a community that has lost theirs. If she fails in her task, the spark of the holiday will fade and with it all the magic of Christmas. Will her determination, her random acts of Christmas kindness, and a little holiday mischief be enough to put the spark back in the season?

Genres: Christmas, Fiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2014

About the author

Phillip Davis has been writing short stories, novels, poems, and plays for most of his life, although Peppermint Lightning is his first published book, and decidedly so, for reasons that are quite personal to the author. While in high school, he won awards for two plays that he authored, and later he completed the NaNoWriMo challenge three times, the literary equivalent to multiple Boston Marathons. Phillip was born in Waterloo, New York, but has made dwellings in Texas, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, and Tennessee, ultimately returning “home” to East Liverpool, Ohio. Along the way he has attended Merrimack College, The University of Massachusetts, and he has earned a degree from Western Governors University. Over several decades Phillip has earned his keep warehousing vitamins, renting everything from heavy machinery to automobiles, setting up tents, acting in theater, laboring in a grocery freezer, scheduling service jobs, mixing paint, slinging java, washing dishes, and selling books, eventually answering his calling as a teacher, where he helps his students find lightning, peppermint and otherwise, in the spots it is least likely to strike, and magic in the corners that require a special eye to uncover. Although he has always written, we may now add “author” to that considerable list of vocations. Phillip has parents and step-parents, brothers, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and in-laws all of whom he cares for deeply. Inquiries may be sent to peppermintlightning@gmail.com

Reviews

[Ronna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book free from Firstreads. This is my honest review.

Sidney is a happy nine year old from Ohio, who is called upon by a reindeer, a snowman, a gingerbread man, and an elf to help bring back what they call "peppermint lightning"--that spark of cheer and goodwill that adds the fun and excitement to the Christmas season. In the process, she brings random acts of kindness into people's hearts and cheer multiplies amongst communities as they decide to bring back all the traditions of the Merry Christmas season to everyone.

I have very mixed feelings about this cute little book. On the one hand, the idea of Christmas spirit being multiplied by random acts of kindness appeals to me. I also like the idea of not being influenced by the present PC attitude of not offending anyone by being specific about announcing your religious seasonal beliefs. And though I can thoroughly enjoy cute secular Christmas stories like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty The Snowman, and The Night a Before Christmas, none of those stories make a point of negating the basic religious theme of Jesus as the reason for the season. So I think this is a cute story, but it fails the true Christmas spirit test for me.

[Cheryl Dietr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book full of traditional winter/Christmas characters all brought together in order to try and save Santa, the Christmas Holidays and Christmas cheer from disappearing forever. Speaks to how the true spirit of Christmas is just that...the spirit that spreads and brings love and life to all it touches without needing all the crass commercialism and political correctness that now inhabits the holidays. Unlike most Christmas tales which deal only with children believing in the spirit of the holidays and Santa; I love how the parents are brought into the mix and how they help their daughter to try and keep the goodness and purity of Christmas alive.


* I received this book through the Goodreads Giveway program.*

[Shannon Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was a cute tale about a girl keeping the Christmas spirit alive! A good tale to share with your loved ones and children around the holidays to brighten the mood! Sidney is a delightful main character, and along with her companions, share their love for the holiday season.

I think the book needs a little polishing but is definitely one I suggest you pick up if you want extra holiday cheer in your life.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

This is a very cute story about a young girl and some festive holiday friends who aspire to bring Christmas spirit back into the hearts of those who have lost or are forgetting it. A pleasurable read that evokes Peppermint Lightning any time of the year!

[Joelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun holiday read that breeds the spirit of the season. I would recommend the book to be read by the whole family at Christmastime.

***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in exchange for an honest review. I am looking forward to letting my children read this during the holidays. I loved the message behind the story, and now I know I have been a conduit of Peppermint Lightning myself for many years without even knowing it!

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in beautifully descriptive style, with magical feel and cozy setting story of the book grabs you from the start.
Book as itself is positive and inspiring.
I have really enjoyed how unusual charters were brought to life. It would be a great Christmas gift not only for children but for grown ups too.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

all I can say is - I found my Peppermint Lighting in this book. loved it, loved it. they should make a movie out of it. I sure would add it to my Christmas movies I watch every year. thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it!!!!!

Monika

[Charlon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel as if there were many typos. My children had to ask for clarification as sentences didnt make any since. It tended to either drag or go super fast. My youngest enjoyed it but not so much the rest if us.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: received this book in exchange for a review.

This was a great Christmas story that really puts you in the mood for celebrating the season. I know we just had Christmas but I'm already excited for it to come back around!