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The Nativity Set
Hannah’s parents insist she visit her grandfather during her Thanksgiving vacation from Julliard where she is studying violin performance. What she expected is not what she receives during her visit. Heartwarming and nostalgic, The Nativity Set by DeEtte Beckstead will touch your heart and bring to mind your own holiday traditions.
19 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 9, 2014
The Nativity Set by DeEtte Beckstead is a heart-warming, touching story that reminds us to slow down and live in the present, as you never know what tomorrow holds.
The story centers around Hannah, a young college girl whose parents have asked to visit with her grandfather while she is home for the holidays. Hannah wants to visit with her friends, but out of a sense of obligation goes to visit her grandfather. When she gets there, she realizes that he does not look as well as he had months ago when she saw him last. The stress of his wife's death and his current loneliness have taken its toll of the elderly man.
Hannah decides to stay for a few hours and her grandfather proceeds to tell her the story of the nativity set that has been in the family for decades. Alhough Hannah has heard most of the story before, she sits patiently and lets he grandfather detail the story behind each hand-carved wooden item in the set. By the end of the story, I was choking back tears.
The author's writing style is descriptive, clear and concise with a powerful message to the reader to slow down, live in the present and appreciate family. This is a perfect short story for the Christmas season and one I highly recommend to those who love short stories, especially holiday themed ones.
The story centers around Hannah, a young college girl whose parents have asked to visit with her grandfather while she is home for the holidays. Hannah wants to visit with her friends, but out of a sense of obligation goes to visit her grandfather. When she gets there, she realizes that he does not look as well as he had months ago when she saw him last. The stress of his wife's death and his current loneliness have taken its toll of the elderly man.
Hannah decides to stay for a few hours and her grandfather proceeds to tell her the story of the nativity set that has been in the family for decades. Alhough Hannah has heard most of the story before, she sits patiently and lets he grandfather detail the story behind each hand-carved wooden item in the set. By the end of the story, I was choking back tears.
The author's writing style is descriptive, clear and concise with a powerful message to the reader to slow down, live in the present and appreciate family. This is a perfect short story for the Christmas season and one I highly recommend to those who love short stories, especially holiday themed ones.
November 18, 2014
The Nativity Set by DeEtte Beckstead is written with heart and a real life-force. This is a touching short Christmas story that reminds us what is important in life. This is a sweet tale that has soul. The writing is clear and crisp while the story is told with true conviction. Humanity is all over it and I love the inspirational message. One of love… endless love.
Quote ~
“Of course, you know this one was carved with your Grandma Grace as the model. This is how I saw her when I asked her to marry me. Her face was radiant! She was just eighteen, ya know.” He smiled and tenderly fingered the sweet face of the figure in his leathery hand. His eyes suddenly sparkled in a way Hannah had never seen.
Quote ~
“Of course, you know this one was carved with your Grandma Grace as the model. This is how I saw her when I asked her to marry me. Her face was radiant! She was just eighteen, ya know.” He smiled and tenderly fingered the sweet face of the figure in his leathery hand. His eyes suddenly sparkled in a way Hannah had never seen.
January 13, 2015
Wonderful, Yet Heartbreaking
The Nativity Set was a very compassionate and heartbreaking story. I will admit that I was brought to tears no less than three times while reading this beautiful story. The beauty of this tale lies in the amount of emotion DeEtte Beckstead was able to weave into a short story. It made me think of my own grandparents - the times I lost patience with them and their final moments here on Earth, where I was just so grateful to have been able to share 30 years of life with them. I will happily recommend this story to anyone and everyone, though I will add the caveat that they will want to have some tissues at hand.
The Nativity Set was a very compassionate and heartbreaking story. I will admit that I was brought to tears no less than three times while reading this beautiful story. The beauty of this tale lies in the amount of emotion DeEtte Beckstead was able to weave into a short story. It made me think of my own grandparents - the times I lost patience with them and their final moments here on Earth, where I was just so grateful to have been able to share 30 years of life with them. I will happily recommend this story to anyone and everyone, though I will add the caveat that they will want to have some tissues at hand.
November 17, 2014
DeEtte Beckstead writes from the heart. I love her easy, tug-at-your-heartstrings style of writing. Her love of family shows through in all her writings, which brings the reader into a world of calm and love found withing the walls of a happy, though not always perfect, family home.
Whether she's telling a fictional tale, or chatting with friends about real life events, this author's heart shines through. I look forward to every story.
Whether she's telling a fictional tale, or chatting with friends about real life events, this author's heart shines through. I look forward to every story.
November 22, 2014
What a touching story! We've all been in Hannah's shoes - in a hurry, not interested in ancient history or hearing the same old stories for the hundredth time. But if we take the time, like Hannah did, and truly listen, not to the words being said, but the meaning behind the words, we learn more than ever expected.
DeEtte Beckstead writes from the heart and delivers the message to the reader's heart. Beautiful story, I highly recommend it.
November 19, 2014
Get the tissues.
A beautiful, heart touching short story that contains a life lesson for year round. Definitely a book to gift others.
A beautiful, heart touching short story that contains a life lesson for year round. Definitely a book to gift others.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews