The Unannounced Christmas Visitor

by Patrick Higgins

What if angels really did come from the most unlikely of places? That’s exactly what happens in this heartwarming story set in Anywhere USA. Sent to Planet Earth by his Maker, disguised as a homeless person, Enoch was on a mission: to rescue a man whose life was slowly but steadily spiraling out of control.

Up until seven months ago, John Jensen was a responsible, churchgoing, happily married man and father of two. Then the slow fade began and John went from living life passionately to questioning everything he once thought important, deeming much of it utterly meaningless.

The only place his wife, Lydia, could go to escape her ongoing marital struggles was the church she attended the past seventeen years. But even there it seemed her desperate cries to God for help always went unanswered. That is, until Enoch appeared one Sunday morning, hair unkempt, wearing ragged clothing.

To Lydia’s great dismay, the old man was mocked and ridiculed by so many of her fellow believers, ultimately banished to the last row of the sanctuary simply because of his untidy appearance. One week later, after church service, Lydia and her two children, Matthew and Grace, spotted the old man walking to the city park where he lived among many other homeless people.

Later that night, Lydia felt God’s strong urging to introduce herself to the man she still did not know had been sent as her Christmas miracle. In the days following her first visit to the homeless community in which the old man served as spiritual mentor, Lydia and her two children learned more about what it means to be true servants of God than she did in seventeen years at her church.

But with John Jensen being Enoch’s chief reason for coming to Planet Earth, would the severely depressed, apathetic man submit to the pulling of God’s Holy Spirit, or was he already too far gone to be rescued?

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Holiday, Inspirational

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2014

About the author

THE “CHAOS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE” SERIES IS NOW COMPLETED...NO MORE WAITING! NO MORE WONDERING WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT! IS IT BETTER THAN LEFT BEHIND? MANY THINK IT IS. DOWNLOAD THE SERIES NOW AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. MAKE IT YOUR NEXT BINGE READ.
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Patrick Higgins is an Amazon bestseller and multi-award winning author of the end times prophetic series, Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye, which won the Radiqx Press Spirit-Filled Fiction Award of Excellence after the first installment was published. The latest recognition for the CHAOS series was winning the 2024 International Impact Book Award (Best Fiction - Christian Fiction).

Look for the final installment to be released in September, 2025. Pre-order your copy now...

Higgins also wrote "I Never Knew You" - 2021 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal in Christian fiction, 2021 Independent Author Network (IAN) book of the year winner in Christian fiction, 2022 American Best Book Awards finalist in Christian fiction, and 2021 International Book Awards finalist in Christian Fiction, "The Unannounced Christmas Visitor", which won both the 2016 International Publishers Awards (IPA) and the 2018 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Awards in Christian fiction, "The Pelican Trees", and "Coffee In Manila".

To date, nearly 25,000 POSITIVE RATINGS - REVIEWS have been posted on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Nobles, and Book Bub, on all of Higgins’ books combined)! And more than TWENTY FIVE MILLION (25,000,000) KENP pages have been read on Amazon...and counting...And 12 of Patrick's 13 books have reached "BEST SELLER" status on Amazon, including each of the first nine installments of the CHAOS series. And BOOKS 3-9 were PRE-RELEASE BEST SELLERS, praise God!

His books, "I Never Knew You", "The Unannounced Christmas Visitor" and "The Pelican Trees" are now available in audiobook format.

Lord willing, he will begin production on the "CHAOS" series in audiobook format soon...

Enjoy reading and listening...

http://www.patrickhigginsbooks.com

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/patri...

https://www.facebook.com/patrick12272003

Reviews

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book by Patrick Higgins was an intriguing read. Built on the scripture that encourages us to always show hospitality as we might entertain angels unaware, you knew where it was going but the story was written in a way to keep you engaged.

I have read some reviews that though it was 'preachy'. If sharing the Good News of the Gospel is preachy...than so be it. I did not think it preachy at all but was a marvelous way to get the message across. If you thought it was preachy then maybe you may need to do some soul searching.

To me, this was an expansion of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus welcomed everyone. Shouldn't we?

I thought it was well written & I enjoyed every word of it. It made me think. It made me ponder my relationship with Christ. Made me ask myself...am I open to His leading?

I would encourage every Pastor, every deacon, every board member, every teacher, every church member to read this book with not only an open mind, but an open heart.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE UNANNOUNCED CHRISTMAS VISITOR is a story about an angel coming to earth as a homeless man, to rescue a man who was in spiritual danger.



Okay, first the writing. The print (in the print copy) is very small and hard to read. The author was in everyone's point of view and it switched without warning, making it hard to read. The book was not well edited and there are spelling errors. And it is very preachy which is skim-inducing.



That said the message is very good and all Christians need to read it. Especially the main underlying message in the first part of the book. All who come to Christ are accepted. Even if they are not rich and showy. Even if they are raggy and not so well off. With so many churches shunning those who are not like them (my husband served as pastor in one!) they are doing more harm than good and need to accept all people as being loved by God -- even those who the important people would shun.



Theologically I am not going to argue any points. Some could be debated both ways with scripture. I have my opinions, but you may disagree, and we both could use scripture to prove our stance.



The writing is not good, the message is. Read this book. And welcome that next visitor to your church who doesn't quite seem to fit.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

[Elaine Stock]

I had the pleasure of meeting author Patrick Higgins at the 2018 Readers Favorite Awards where he gifted me with his novel, The Unannounced Christmas Visitor.

This is a very special novel because of its Christmas, Biblically-inspired Gospel message. Especially read during the Christmas season, this story of what it's like to be homeless in a world of unaccepting people who "have it better" carries a powerful punch and puts into perspective of what God wants for us: to love one another and He loves each of us.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unannounced Christmas Visitor is a beautifully written Christmas tale. I found it to be a quick and enjoyable read. It captured my attention all throughout the book, making me want to continue to read without putting it down. I had it read in just a few hours.
When I first started reading The Unannounced Christmas Visitor, I was a little put off with how a church family were acting toward others who were there to worship. I quickly understood what was happening and felt at ease. So many would receive inspiration and learn life lessons by reading this book.
I am giving The Unannounced Christmas Visitor five plus stars and highly recommend this to all readers. It gave that warming after reading it. It is a beautiful, delightful, thought provoking, heart warming and inspiring story.
The Unannounced Christmas Visitor is definitely not one to be missed this Christmas season.
I received this book from the publisher, This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short novel. It might not have had hundreds of pages but it was packed with powerful messages that stayed with me. This contemporary Christian fiction is an eye-opening book that I would recommend to everyone.

The author has done an exemplary job of capturing society’s views on multiple issues. It offers food for thought and insight into many issues. Homelessness is explored as well as motives for going to church. Giving graciously and joyfully is addressed. Serving others is discussed. His story is God glorifying. Shouldn’t every book that is classified as “Christian” bring glory to God?

The characters are relatable and believable. Grace and Matthew, the children, are adorable. Enoch, the angel, was riveting and I wanted to keep “listening” to him speak. The author did such a good job with this book. I could not put it down.

Scripture is not sprinkled throughout this book, but rather it is heavily dropped in all the way. It took me from page one to become invested. This is a story that should move and change everyone who reads it. I hope to see it on the Hallmark Channel at Christmas on day.

It get a huge recommendation from me. Everyone should read it. I rated it 5+ out of 5 stars but wanted to go higher. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but all opinions and the review are my own honest opinion.

[Tiffany Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unannounced Christmas Visitor

A fan of Christian fiction and Christmas books, I decided to give this book a shot, and can't say enough to good things about it. It definitely isn't your typical Christmas book, but a very thought provoking book about being a "Christian" in more than name only. This story tells of an "Angel" living on earth as a homeless man, sent to lead others to the true Christ of Christmas, and to stir them from their complacent ways. This book caught my attention and drew me in right off.
I give this book 4 stars and look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

[Jennifer J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is a powerful and an all-too-likely story that is well-written and convicting. Poignant, convicting and absorbing, the author does an excellent job of painting vivid pictures with his words. Contained in this special story is a message to be taken to heart by us all. The Unannounced Christmas Visitor will stay in my mind, heart and intentions indefinitely. Highly recommended!!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.

[Carol Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect to like this book. Let's say I was concerned that it wouldn't live up to my hopes. Instead, I found a book that was well written, refreshing, and Christ-like. While some may see it as a bit preachy, sometimes we need reminders like that. I'm very glad I read this story, and I'd recommend it as important reading.

My copy came from Celebrate Lit. However, I got my own copy as well. My review is my own, with my own thoughts and opinions.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story made me cry. I loved Enoch. This is a great Christmas story but I think there could have been just a little less scripture. This had a great storyline and wonderful characters. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Sean Elliot Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "The Unannounced Christmas Visitor" novel, written by Patrick Higgins (author of the "Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye" series), I found myself immersed into the world of the Jensen family--a Christian family who find themselves run down by the pressures of life. John, the husband and father, is struggling to understand the inner turmoil that's taken over his life--to the point that he's lost almost all passion for his marriage, his faith, and purpose in life. His wife, Lydia, alternatively, questions her self-value and wonders if her husband has lost all interest--or worse, become unfaithful. Sounds like struggles any family or person might wrestle with, which is one of the strongest appeals of Higgins' novel.

So when a devout homeless man enters the Jensen's contemporary church, huge questions arise within Lydia--especially her church's response to the man. Their not-so-welcoming response to the mysterious stranger causes Lydia to question and probe her own faith, and the church she calls home. The man's appearance galvanizes Lydia, and later John, to reflect on that which is genuine versus that which is shallow/unChristlike. This was the second aspect of the story that drew me in and confronted me; what would be my response to such a visitor? And would I be bold enough to confront a church if their response was cold/indifferent to the unfortunate? Or would I keep quiet and silently agree with the majority?

A novel that entertains is good. But a novel that touches the heart and probes our own heart-responses to social problems is far more satisfying. And Patrick Higgins accomplishes this throughout his novel.

At the same time, the novelist highlights some of the truths of Christmas as well as presenting the Good News through the main characters' evolution. And the result for me, through and through, was constantly being drawn into the story and questioning, "How would I respond?" There are some lengthy dialogues between the characters that some might not appreciate, but most will appreciate--especially those who start the book questioning life and/or empty of purpose in their own lives. Also within the pages that I appreciated are glimpses into the hardships of the homeless--what many untouched by homelessness may not know or fathom.

The author handles the writing well, and the characters are fleshed out, believable, and interesting. I recommend "The Unannounced Christmas Visitor." I also love the cover art for this novel, and the great title.

Story Originality: 4/5
Story Inventiveness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Descriptive Power: 5/5
True to Scripture: 5/5
Strength of Fictive Dream: 5/5
Proofreading: 4.75/5
Cinematic Flare: 5/5
Overall Satisfaction: 5/5

[KEY:]
Story Originality: How creative was the concept from page one onwards?
Story Inventiveness: How surprised was I by the flow of the plot? Any twists?
Characters: How real and how drawn was I to the story’s characters?
Descriptive Power: How well did the author control description, dialogue, etc?
True to Scripture: Were all elements true to Scripture’s worldview?
Fictive Dream Strength: How much was I immersed in the novel—wanting to read page after page?
Proofreading: How well was the book proofread (typos, etc)?
Cinematic Flare: How strong were key scenes (that I could easily see as a motion picture)?
Overall Satisfaction: What was my overall feeling/enjoyment level after reading the novel? Did I want it to end?

I recommend this novel, and especially with Christmas approaching, it could be a book family members or friends would enjoy. It will challenge them to look at those less fortunate and the Christmas story in a new light.

-Sean Elliot Russell

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a sweet Christmas story that really portrays what the Christmas spirit should be all about - giving to others. It also touches on a point that I think is absolutely relevant today - judging others. It broke my heart to read about how the people in the church responded to Enoch, simply based on his appearance. The truth of the matter is that he had more faith and a closer connection to the Lord than any of them. He was a man who wanted to worship the one who gave him everything he needed. These first several scenes got me thinking, would my church family react the same way? Would I react the same way? I would certainly hope not, but I bet there are churches out there who would. No matter if Enoch is an angel or not, he should have been treated with love and compassion.

For me, that was the heart of this story. Realizing that everyone has a story. Hearing some of the stories of the homeless people really changes your perspective, and for me made me want to run out and do something. The setting of Christmas time in this book was no mistake - it's the most giving time of year. A time when even the hardest of hearts open their eyes a little bit and realize the help they can be to someone. 

There was more to this story, of course, then just realizing that we shouldn't judge people based on their appearances. You also see the story of John, a broken man who needs to find his way back. I think a lot of people can relate to his story - a church going person who just kind of lost their way. I enjoyed how the author molded his character, and the slow way he came to know and understand Enoch. There were a few times I didn't think his reactions were plausible, but to be honest I didn't totally mind because I was just enjoying the story for what it was. A story of redemption. A story of helping others. A story of how a church really should be.

This a heartwarming Christmas story, though I feel it really could be read any time of year. I hope it touches your heart as much as it touched mine. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this short novel containing several powerful messages. Through the actions of the characters and their dialogue, we gain insight into the world of the homeless. It tugs at our heart to hear their stories and to find how they appreciate simple gifts or help. We see examples of people who go to church for motives other than to worship and serve their Lord. We are taken into the heart of a family transformed by a mysterious homeless man. We share in the struggles of a troubled husband and father, hoping he submits his life to the Lord.

I recommend this novel. You'll be introduced to some sweet characters. You'll see God's transforming power at work. You'll hear some good sermons. You'll be reminded of the true Christmas story. And you just might be inspired to care for the stranger in your midst, knowing you might be entertaining an angel without knowing it.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most incredible fiction book that required me to consider my relationship with God in a whole new way! 'Secular man boasts that his intellect alone is enough to provide the necessary means to eventually create a near-perfect world without the need for God.' The Jensen family found out that this statement is far from true. A very well written story that uses many Bible verses to teach the promises of God and how these promises foretold His birth, death and ultimate plan for the salvation of man. Learning to give without expecting anything in return is a lesson we all can benefit from.
In all, this book caused a great deal of thought about my own life and my willingness to live the way that God wants.
I received this book through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The unannounced Christmas visitor

The book started out good for me but parts of it got boring. It turned out a little different than I thought it would. An homeless man comes to their church and was made to sit on the back row. Lydia decides to be a friend to him and the other homeless ones in the same area. That part was very inspiring. I loved how the little girl Grace took to Enoch, it did not matter to her how he looked. We should all be like a young child. When Enoch came into their lives everyone changed for the better, especially John who was the father, and husband.

I received an complementary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story line, but I thought the author spent too much time on the extra rebellious preaching. It just brought up too many bad memories of someone close to me, preaching to me, and telling her parents, they were going to hell. Those parts spoiled the story somewhat for me. I loved the idea of helping the homeless, and having the angel Enouch come to earth to help the homeless, and to help the family, who helped the homeless.

[Beautiful Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Very well written!

The characters in all Mr. Higgins books (that I’ve read so far) are very relatable. This one tho more than most. Having been homeless myself along with my husband just a couple years ago I can totally relate to the homeless community in this book. Even though we were both working at the time we were both treated reprehensibly by other so called “Christians” at the church where we were regularly attending members were mean and rude. Even though we were always clean and neat in appearance and did not “fit” over all stereotype of homelessness. Even if we had reflected that though the Bible clearly tells us to love our neighbors. And that means we are to treat everyone with respect! And this is just one of the things that Mr. Higgins describes in this book. I highly recommend it!

[mary annette therrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be your last call.

This is one great and wonderful salvation sermon . It is written clear ,plain, to the point and the scriptures are right there to read for yourself. This book explains salvation in a way anyone can understand it.. I think it is a great work. Thank you.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story

A family that go to church but are having problems because the devil is trying to cause issues in the family. A homeless man and other homeless show the husband/father what and who he is missing. The wife and children show him how Christian values shine.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening Book

A wonderful book that will either enlighten or encourage you spiritually. I really like this book being set in today's setting, you can really relate to the characters.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus’ Love in Action

Never before have I read a book like this. I think everyone should read it. It can become so easy for church people to just simply go through the motions and do church, not be the church like we were called to. This story is such a wake-up call, to remember that God does not show favoritism to anyone. Each of his children, whether homeless, the wealthiest, the poorest, of whatever color or ethnic group, is loved by Him. He wants us all to love each other. I was very challenged as I read this book. I recommend it to EVERYONE!

[Bernita Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read this year

What a wonderful uplifting book it fit so much in today’s world and I really enjoyed it I think this author should be canonized

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

What a wonderful book this was. I haven't thought a lot about the homeless in our communities, so this book was very eye-opening to me, and I'm sure, right on as are the opinions on Christianity. This book is well worth reading.

[Csitzlar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

I have read the Chaos series, and love the way this author can draw me in to the story. This book about an unexpected visitor and his impact on a family in need of God's guidance, was a great read and rang true. We all need an unannounced visitor to remind us of God's love for us and our obligation to serve him joyfully and with our whole heart. I just know this is one book I will read over and over.

[jolene rueckert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unannounced Christmas visitor

The best book I read loved it couldn’t put it down highly recommend . Really made me stop and think about God and the world we live it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Amazing read. It's not your typical Christmas story. This book really made me stop, think, question, and reflect. So much to think about. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I am looking forward to see if Patrick Higgins' book are all this good.

[Peter Younghusband · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this novel two years ago after the author recommending it to me after reading one of his other novels. The description inspired me to not only buy it but start my own Christmas fiction "collection" and that I would read in this genre during December every year. I have read in many genres and this was one that I had not. For the past two years, I had intended to read during December and every year I mentioned to the author that I would do so! But as we all experience, our plans get re-directed or changed. Life gets in the way! This is the third December that I have only read Christmas fiction during this month. This year, I was determined to read the novel that started this new trend in my reading.

Since then, I have read some wonderful, inspiring, uplifting and award-winning Christmas fiction. And I applaud the Christian authors who write in this genre. I have never been blessed so much regarding the true meaning of Christmas and the Gospel and it has definitely challenged and strengthened my faith in God.

The Unannounced Christmas Visitor is now the novel that has challenged me and blessed me the most out of all the Christmas fiction I have read over the last 2 years.

This is a truly Spirit-filled story! It is powerful on many levels. The reader will be challenged, convicted, outraged, disgusted and infuriated. This is written by one author who is very much focused on God and is under His direction and guidance. Higgins shows an in-depth understanding of what it means to be homeless and society's attitude and behaviour towards it and to those who are. Maybe what is more shocking in this regard is how some Christians take this attitude to the next level of judgement and disapproval and appear worse than those who do not know Jesus. It was here and the scenes that depicted this that both challenged and infuriated me. I have seen similar in my church life in both these two areas. And it is here that Higgins allows the Spirit of God to challenge the reader, especially those who are Christian to check their attitude and see in what areas of their mind and heart they need to change and have it replaced with the heart of God.

Higgins depicts the various aspects of the Christian's attitude and behaviour through the members of the Jensen family and their church family. Lydia, the mother is the one who shows more of the heart of God in her discernment of the attitude towards Enoch, the homeless man who attends church and of those in the Church who display such a judgemental and disapproved attitude towards him. What struck me here, with Lydia's character was that this is reflective of the fact that women are more spiritually sensitive to men so it did not surprise me that Higgins depicted her this way seeing that her husband had lost his focus on God and had allowed himself to be spiritually oppressed by humanistic attitudes of those around him and the influence of his upbringing.

We have one of Lydia's friends who has no direct contact with Enoch but who shy away from her because of her interaction with Enoch and how this makes her feel uncomfortable. We have the couple who contribute large sums of money to this megachurch who "evict" Enoch from the front row of the church solely due to their exaggerated importance and the fact that they believe vagrants have no place in the church. We have the ushers who are seemingly powerless to act on their own and follow the "orders" of this couple in placing Enoch at the back of the church. I related to Lydia's reaction to these people and events as she questions if she was really in the House of God and that her church family were not behaving as if they have the heart of God towards Enoch. I was saddened, disappointed, and infuriated here more than she was!

This novel has been criticised for its long sections of preaching by the character Enoch. I have come across this many times in novels, but I cannot understand the validity of this criticism. If the reader, Christian or not, wants to be just entertained, then they have chosen the wrong novel. Not all Christian novels solely entertain. Most Christian authors write because they have a message from God that He has encouraged them to include into their novels. This novel is a classic example.

I found these "long" sections of "preaching" necessary to the very essence of this novel. Sure, it did seem as if the plot and pace were on temporary hold while Enoch discussed with John about his spiritual state, what it meant to be homeless, the spiritual aspects towards this, and how he tied it all in with the heart of God. It is here that this novel is powerful and packs a great impact. I was challenged, inspired, encouraged and convicted during these instances of long narrative. It is this that I find and welcome in Christian fiction that it has this effect on the reader to not just entertain, but to minister more of who God is, how we are to live out the Gospel and be a willing vessel for His use to a hurting and fallen humanity. Higgins shines here. I was awestruck at how he composed these sections. The author may have been writing but the Spirit of God was speaking in these narratives. If the reader has a teachable spirit, then this novel will impact and influence them greatly. It will change the reader's heart and mind toward this topic of homelessness, hopelessness and how Christians judge and disapprove of anything that places us outside our comfort zone or especially when their heart attitude and behaviour is contrary to what and how the Spirit and the Bible encourage and instruct us to live. But what breaks through here is the message of hope, redemption and restoration that only God can provide.

The way the author depicted this through Enoch, Lydia, Matthew, John, Grace and even the homeless characters was brilliant. I came to love the latter, Leroy, Suzie, Rocky, Troy, Dillon, Pedro, Wanda, Tiwanna and by the end of the novel, I had stopped seeing them as homeless and hopeless but as people who are not defined by their homelessness or their circumstances but as people who are striving to be more than this. It was a classic example of how the Spirit works in and through us, however different we each other and how He is able to work all this together to achieve His aim of breaking down barriers and attitudes that close us off from the situations others are in and our response to them so He can have His way and save us from our sin.

Spiritually, Higgins is spot on with his inclusion of biblical theology and doctrine as depicted through Enoch. One could view the counsel of Enoch as true biblical counselling especially in his dealings with John's spiritual state. It really does show that the work of the Spirit is the correct way here as long as the person affected has a teachable spirit and has no hardness of heart and wants to change. I was so impressed with Higgins dealing with this issue, his knowledge of the Bible and how he applied all this to the specifics of John's emotional, mental and spiritual state.

I loved the narrative of Enoch about the biblical references of the Nativity and accounts of Jesus' birth. Again, Higgins ties this exceptionally well together into a cohesive "story". I found this to be an effective Bible study on its own.

I need to make mention of the character of Enoch. Yes, that Enoch, the Biblical Enoch! If Enoch is anything like Higgins has depicted him, I can hardly wait to meet him in Heaven! So many times, I kept thinking, "Is this really Enoch, or is it, Jesus?" I would not have been surprised if it was Jesus! So Christ-like was Enoch! It really impressed upon me how much I would love to attain the many behaviours he had developed from his relationship with God. Higgins has depicted him as seeing clearly, figuratively speaking, in full understanding and knowledge now he is with God and this is a great encouragement for us to cherish once we are united with God in Heaven.

As with any novel, or most, the plot has been developed to reach a peak where all the plot arcs come to a head, where everything is tied up for the ending. This novel has a very satisfying finale. It is uplifting, inspirational, emotional and joyous. I cried for such a long time. Not only for the joyous ending but for the way this novel has changed me, for what the Spirit of God has impacted on my heart and challenged me in my relationship to others and to Him. I came out of this with such a worshipful attitude and a sense of gratefulness and thankfulness for what He has done for myself and mankind.

Looking back on this novel, it is evident that to write such a story like this, the author has to be in tune with the Spirit and to also be writing what he lives. I am so encouraged by Higgins as a man of God and author. This is one novel that will have a special place in my library and in my heart.

Highly Recommended.

[Diane Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Presentation

This was a powerful presentation of the gospel: the good news of Jesus Christ as Savior. Through the telling of a family's journey from religion to relationship one is compelled to examine his own life and his eternal destination.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Unannounced Christmas Visitor" by Patrick Higgins is without a doubt my favorite best fictional book about Christmas and the power of God's love that I have read this year.

The author uses the Biblical references throughout the story in a way that you get the Gospel but it doesn't feel like you are being preached at. When Enoch, an angel disguised as a homeless person, asks characters questions such as "What are you sowing that you don't want to reap" it makes this reader stop and ask herself the same questions. There are other such questions in this story.

This story is about a married man who finds himself dissatisfied with life and his job and his marriage is suffering as well as his children. It is also about helping homeless people and finding out what real Christianity is. This story was inspired in part by the Christian feeding ministry of Jesus Loves You, Love Him Back.

This story isn't true but I believe it is happening everywhere, well all but Enoch being disguised as an homeless man. But, then again maybe that is true because this story was written using Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it,” as the plot line.

This story will give you a new awareness of what living the Christian life really is and make you more aware of what homeless people go through.

At the start of the story, a homeless man is ushered out of his seat in the front pew of the church just because of his appearance, thus bringing to the story the Scripture , John 2: 2-4 "Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,”but say to the poor man “You must stand,” or, “Sit at my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?…

I recommend "The Unannounced Christmas Visitor" by Patrick Higgins to any reader who enjoys stories of Christmas or just feel good stories and stories of forgiveness and personal growth. I also recommend this book to any Christian who wants to reexamine themselves. Yes, I know the Bible is the best book to reexamine yourself but this book clearly points the way to verses to lead you in that search.

And I say this book is a good one to read anytime of the year, not just at Christmas.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

[Gale Tinsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful enlightening book. Recommend it to anyone seeking God's will in their life.


Anyone out of sync with GODS Will for them would definitely enjoy reading about the experiences others have struggled with during their dark times.

[Gwen Van Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This is a Christmas story but I think it's appropriate to read anytime. God goes to such great measures to rescue souls. He truly means that one soul is worth the whole world!