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The Christmas Box Trilogy #2
Timepiece
The inspirational sequel to The Christmas Box follows the love story of MaryAnne and David Parkin as they struggle with the lessons of love, loyalty, and forgiveness and cope with tragedy, in a story about the gifts we pass on to our children. 500,000 first printing. Tour.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
176 people are currently reading
3356 people want to read
About the author
Richard Paul Evans
225 books6,440 followersWhen Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews
November 22, 2021
From the blurb.
It is in the darkest skies that stars are best seen -- perhaps it is divine irony that within the darkest moments we are capable of revealing the greatest light, demonstrating what is best with humanity.
Book 2 of The Christmas Box is a historical fiction set in Utah. Told through a diary of David Parkins from the early 1900s through the Depression. This sad and happy holiday story is thought provoking with many life lessons sprinkle throughout. David's wife, MaryAnne ties into the first book of the collection. I love the historical aspect of the novel and the message of forgiveness.
I'll be be reading book 3, The Letter sometime soon. 🎄📯💌
Many of Richard Paul Evans books are faith based. Some more than others. If you want to try his Christmas books that are more romance than religious, this is a wonderful one, Mistletoe Series.
It is in the darkest skies that stars are best seen -- perhaps it is divine irony that within the darkest moments we are capable of revealing the greatest light, demonstrating what is best with humanity.
Book 2 of The Christmas Box is a historical fiction set in Utah. Told through a diary of David Parkins from the early 1900s through the Depression. This sad and happy holiday story is thought provoking with many life lessons sprinkle throughout. David's wife, MaryAnne ties into the first book of the collection. I love the historical aspect of the novel and the message of forgiveness.
I'll be be reading book 3, The Letter sometime soon. 🎄📯💌
Many of Richard Paul Evans books are faith based. Some more than others. If you want to try his Christmas books that are more romance than religious, this is a wonderful one, Mistletoe Series.
December 26, 2024
This the 2nd of the Christmas box trilogy and I had hoped for a heartfelt Christmas story. A historical fiction set in the early 1900's in Salt Lake City that traces the romance and marriage of David and MaryAnne Parkin. Inspired by the diaries of David and a gift that MaryAnne gave to Richard before her death. No Christmas theme although the Christian values of love and forgiveness lift up the story amongst the tragic events that happen in this short novel. Tissues recommended.
October 31, 2017
Though a very short read but more interesting than the first book in the series...4star.
December 19, 2023
The Christmas Box Trilogy continues, and this time, it's even more depressing. That's right, you guessed it, it's a prequel focusing on Mary and the loss of her three year old daughter. It's a bit more adult and even longer than the first entry.
It was decent. The characters had a bit more depth than the first and the story was long enough to feel more for the characters.
Would recommend for the Christmas season.
It was decent. The characters had a bit more depth than the first and the story was long enough to feel more for the characters.
Would recommend for the Christmas season.
November 21, 2025
The Christmas Box was a very good short story. This novel length "sequel" (actually more of a prequel) is even better.
August 17, 2017
I read The Christmas Box this past Christmas and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sure, it was short, but its message was a true one. I didn't realize it was a series until several months later. So, I decided to try out the next book. Once again, I was not disappointed. I liked the second book, though, not quite as much as the first. One thing I really liked is the feeling of close to home, at least in a way. This book takes place in Salt Lake City in the early 1900's and it is so refreshing to read a book that takes place in that city. But, I said close to home in a way because I was born and raised in Utah. Even though I have never lived in Salt Lake City, I have still been there more times than I care to count. So, that feeling was a nice one. Also, I like stories of this sort (life lessons, romance, etc) that take place in snowy winters, especially just before Christmas.
Timepiece was a sad book and had emotional weight, but there was a message behind it - several in fact if you read close enough. One of the reasons this book caught my interest early on is that it captures the life of the old woman from the first book (sorry, I forgot her name - Mary Ann I think). You, the reader, get to learn more about her past.
A definite recommend!
Timepiece was a sad book and had emotional weight, but there was a message behind it - several in fact if you read close enough. One of the reasons this book caught my interest early on is that it captures the life of the old woman from the first book (sorry, I forgot her name - Mary Ann I think). You, the reader, get to learn more about her past.
A definite recommend!
January 2, 2018
I enjoyed the book. It was connected to the first one of the series nicely. I found the emotional connection stronger in The Christmas Box. I think that was why I wasn't as impressed with this second offering. I am not saying it wasn't a good book. It was. But in comparison, I felt it wasn't as strong as the first one. I have read several of the author's books. I have enjoyed them all. He is on my list of must read people. I look forward to reading The Letter. The Timepiece filled in the history of the first book. It was well written and flowed nicely. I wanted to be touched more deeply.
December 27, 2020
Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans is a beautiful Christian historical tale and the second book in the Christmas Box trilogy.
This story provides the background to a character we met in book one. We witness the events that shaped a character – the loves and losses.
Life presents us with choices. We always have the choice to choose correctly. Bitterness will corrupt and drag us down to the mire. We need to exchange hearts of stone for hearts of flesh.
Within the story we see pure hearts in those who are viewed as the least in society. Their hearts are inversely proportional to their social standing.
At the turn of the twentieth century there was much inequality in America. There was much racial injustice and prejudice. We need to see the size of a heart and not the colour of a skin.
Within the novel there was a great loss. It is a loss that could sink souls but a gift given in love injects hope eternal.
There is the theme of forgiveness. We must forgive or risk becoming bitter. “Forgiveness has nothing to do with them… It has to do with us. It has to do with who we are and who we will become.”
Timepiece was a beautiful and powerful tale. It’s on to book three in the trilogy now.
This story provides the background to a character we met in book one. We witness the events that shaped a character – the loves and losses.
Life presents us with choices. We always have the choice to choose correctly. Bitterness will corrupt and drag us down to the mire. We need to exchange hearts of stone for hearts of flesh.
Within the story we see pure hearts in those who are viewed as the least in society. Their hearts are inversely proportional to their social standing.
At the turn of the twentieth century there was much inequality in America. There was much racial injustice and prejudice. We need to see the size of a heart and not the colour of a skin.
Within the novel there was a great loss. It is a loss that could sink souls but a gift given in love injects hope eternal.
There is the theme of forgiveness. We must forgive or risk becoming bitter. “Forgiveness has nothing to do with them… It has to do with us. It has to do with who we are and who we will become.”
Timepiece was a beautiful and powerful tale. It’s on to book three in the trilogy now.
June 8, 2012
This short story was a sequel to The Christmas Box but was a flashback that told the story of Mary, who was an old lady in The Christmas Box, and her marriage to David, who accepted her unborn child as his own, and how they eventually lost their angel when she was just a child. It made me cry, but also had some very impressive parts that explained how Mary acquired the stone angel that sits on the little girl's grave. The ending went back to present day and was a happy ending. I highly recommend both of these short stories.
January 5, 2022
I read The Christmas Box over winter break this past year and realized it was part of a trilogy, which I didn’t realize the last time I read the book. I decided to read the next book and I was pleasantly surprised.
I enjoyed Timepiece a lot more than The Christmas Box. I felt like there was more development of the characters and things actually happened, unlike in The Christmas Box.
I was not expecting to sob as much as I did while reading this book. This book punched me in my heart and my heart broke for MaryAnne and David.
I plan to continue on with the third book in the trilogy, though I’m unsure if I will reread the trilogy in it’s entirety again.
I enjoyed Timepiece a lot more than The Christmas Box. I felt like there was more development of the characters and things actually happened, unlike in The Christmas Box.
I was not expecting to sob as much as I did while reading this book. This book punched me in my heart and my heart broke for MaryAnne and David.
I plan to continue on with the third book in the trilogy, though I’m unsure if I will reread the trilogy in it’s entirety again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2018
This is one of those sweet little books that are fun for an afternoon read. Although it is short, I still fell in love with the characters. If this had been a longer book, I would have loved more depth and insight into how MaryAnne became pregnant. Her backstory was not as believable because it was so rushed. However, many great messages within this book. I’ll have to read the others in the series.
December 24, 2019
After meeting Mrs. Parkin in The Christmas Box, we get to see a side of her that is filled at first with great romance, and then with great sadness. Keep some tissues handy, ladies (or men, I won't judge)!
January 6, 2023
A heartstring tugger for sure. Much less religious in all aspects than The Christmas Box but no less full of lessons to be learned. A sweet, sad story, the love story of David and MaryAnne and sweet little Andrea, that, really, is a prequel to The Christmas Box.
June 3, 2018
the second book in this series just made me want to read more. I am so excited to read the 3rd book
September 9, 2018
Very touching story about a successful man that marries a lovely woman who works with him. Totally held my interest. Good writer!
November 28, 2020
A bit more depth and history in this story than in the first book in the series, which I preferred. Beautiful Christmas message.
December 28, 2022
Wait wait wait wait. You mean to tell me that rich ass Mary Anne got the widow’s rose gold timepiece back from the men that stole is from Lawrence after almost beating him to death…and she didn’t give it back to Lawrence? 🙃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 30, 2023Such a sweet little story
December 28, 2024
Reread.
June 30, 2023
Lovely addition to the Christmas Box Series. If you liked the first one, definitely take time to read the second.
I would definitely recommend!
I would definitely recommend!
February 18, 2021
Sad, but a good story!
October 9, 2014
I picked up Timepiece for its first and last pages–for the passage above and the last passage. I also picked it up for its cover, its elegant interior, and because of my insatiable fascination with clocks and time. I love books that address the menace of time–and even better if they have foreboding clocks. Timepiece is a prequel to The Christmas Box, which I’d heard about but never read and wasn’t terribly interested in reading. But hey, prequels can stand alone, and this book looked interesting in its own right.
The first half of this book was fantastic. Clever, crackling, appropriately archaic dialogue between romantic but amusing characters. MaryAnne’s lofty snark and self-respect endeared me to her, and David’s awkward, well-meaning attempts to get to know her were enjoyable. I’m not usually one for feel-good (or in this case, feel-good-then-break-your-heart) love stories, but David and MaryAnne were realistic and their dialogue always hooked me. Thus was the first half of the book.
The second half of this book is where things started to go awry. The dialogue fell out–and for good reason, in some cases. Tragedy struck. But instead of the characters handling it realistically, instead of them coping together, instead of me seeing them struggle and cry, and instead the menace of time being highlighted in moments of grave clarity, the book descended into melodrama. I felt like half-way through, someone told the author he had to pull on the heart strings, and I feel like maybe the characters weren’t ready for that yet. The lively personalities of David and MaryAnne fell flat in the end, making the tragedy less than heartwrenching. By the end, I felt like someone was trying to manipulate me into crying, even though I had lost interest as soon as the characters fell out. Disappointing.
What makes it especially sad is that Richard Paul Evans is one hell of a writer. He can turn a phrase with fantastic and powerful precision–that stark attention to detail and succinct gravity is what initially interested me in this book. But even that seemed to fade near the end. In summary, Timepiece had a great setup, but the delivery fell flat. I do want to read more Richard Paul Evans. But this book just frustrated me in the end.
However, as always, what can be learned as a writer from this experience?
1. Being precise, succinct, and powerful with your words is a great way to hook readers. When I read that first passage, I was immediately excited. What a brief but intriguing bit of writing. What a fantastic setup for conflict! I can forgive many things if the writing gives me chills of delight.
2. No matter how cliche the situation, if your characters are well-developed, the story is still interesting. So, I’ve heard the love story of David and MaryAnne a dozen times over in other books–but that never bothered me, because David and MaryAnne were so distinct as characters. For that first half, their banter was fresh, their actions authentic and enjoyable. Characters make everything!
3. Whatever you do, don’t force the story into places where characters fall flat! If your characters aren’t having any of the drama, recalibrate your course. The worst possible thing that can happen to ruin a book (in my opinion) is to have your characters fall out! Without that, plots quickly become dry, cliche, forced, and often melodramatic. Wherever the story goes, make sure the characters go with it, and don’t draw out tears at the expense of those characters.
The first half of this book was fantastic. Clever, crackling, appropriately archaic dialogue between romantic but amusing characters. MaryAnne’s lofty snark and self-respect endeared me to her, and David’s awkward, well-meaning attempts to get to know her were enjoyable. I’m not usually one for feel-good (or in this case, feel-good-then-break-your-heart) love stories, but David and MaryAnne were realistic and their dialogue always hooked me. Thus was the first half of the book.
The second half of this book is where things started to go awry. The dialogue fell out–and for good reason, in some cases. Tragedy struck. But instead of the characters handling it realistically, instead of them coping together, instead of me seeing them struggle and cry, and instead the menace of time being highlighted in moments of grave clarity, the book descended into melodrama. I felt like half-way through, someone told the author he had to pull on the heart strings, and I feel like maybe the characters weren’t ready for that yet. The lively personalities of David and MaryAnne fell flat in the end, making the tragedy less than heartwrenching. By the end, I felt like someone was trying to manipulate me into crying, even though I had lost interest as soon as the characters fell out. Disappointing.
What makes it especially sad is that Richard Paul Evans is one hell of a writer. He can turn a phrase with fantastic and powerful precision–that stark attention to detail and succinct gravity is what initially interested me in this book. But even that seemed to fade near the end. In summary, Timepiece had a great setup, but the delivery fell flat. I do want to read more Richard Paul Evans. But this book just frustrated me in the end.
However, as always, what can be learned as a writer from this experience?
1. Being precise, succinct, and powerful with your words is a great way to hook readers. When I read that first passage, I was immediately excited. What a brief but intriguing bit of writing. What a fantastic setup for conflict! I can forgive many things if the writing gives me chills of delight.
2. No matter how cliche the situation, if your characters are well-developed, the story is still interesting. So, I’ve heard the love story of David and MaryAnne a dozen times over in other books–but that never bothered me, because David and MaryAnne were so distinct as characters. For that first half, their banter was fresh, their actions authentic and enjoyable. Characters make everything!
3. Whatever you do, don’t force the story into places where characters fall flat! If your characters aren’t having any of the drama, recalibrate your course. The worst possible thing that can happen to ruin a book (in my opinion) is to have your characters fall out! Without that, plots quickly become dry, cliche, forced, and often melodramatic. Wherever the story goes, make sure the characters go with it, and don’t draw out tears at the expense of those characters.
Read
December 10, 2023Read this book pre- GR.
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: "Of all, clockmakers and morticians should bear the keenest sense of priority-their lives daily spent in observance of the unflagging procession of time... and the end thereof."
-DAVID PARKIN'S DIARY. JANUARY 3, 1901
So begins Timepiece, the unforgettable story of hope and the source of the wisdom MaryAnne Parkin shared with Richard in The Christmas Box. With the help of David Parkin's diary, Richard discovers the mystery of the timepiece and the significance of MaryAnne's request.
REVIEW: This is the second book in The Christmas Box trilogy. I thought the first The Christmas Box was incredible. For some reason, I did not connect with this book nearly as much. I felt like the pace was rather slow and that the action didn't get interesting until almost the end of the book. The focus in on good and evil. But it seemed that the set up at the beginning was rather lengthy and the format somewhat confusing. I also got somewhat bored with the repetitive use of the time theme. The second part was gripping and filled with both sweetness and tragedy. The focus on loss of a child and race relations was done well. I also liked David's strength to stand up for Lawrence no matter what the consequences. Overall a nice read but not the quality of the first.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "What kind of life could that be knowing that I had betrayed a friend?"
"If this is life, exchanging hate for hate, it is not worth living. Vengeance will not bring her back to us. Forgiveness has nothing to do with them, David. It has to do with us. It has to do with who we are and who we will become."
"..some things, like a parent's love, do last forever in a time and place where all broken hearts will forever be made whole. And if, in the silent vastness of a mysterious universe, or in the quietness of men's hearts, there is such a place as heaven, then it couldn't be anything more than that."
-DAVID PARKIN'S DIARY. JANUARY 3, 1901
So begins Timepiece, the unforgettable story of hope and the source of the wisdom MaryAnne Parkin shared with Richard in The Christmas Box. With the help of David Parkin's diary, Richard discovers the mystery of the timepiece and the significance of MaryAnne's request.
REVIEW: This is the second book in The Christmas Box trilogy. I thought the first The Christmas Box was incredible. For some reason, I did not connect with this book nearly as much. I felt like the pace was rather slow and that the action didn't get interesting until almost the end of the book. The focus in on good and evil. But it seemed that the set up at the beginning was rather lengthy and the format somewhat confusing. I also got somewhat bored with the repetitive use of the time theme. The second part was gripping and filled with both sweetness and tragedy. The focus on loss of a child and race relations was done well. I also liked David's strength to stand up for Lawrence no matter what the consequences. Overall a nice read but not the quality of the first.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "What kind of life could that be knowing that I had betrayed a friend?"
"If this is life, exchanging hate for hate, it is not worth living. Vengeance will not bring her back to us. Forgiveness has nothing to do with them, David. It has to do with us. It has to do with who we are and who we will become."
"..some things, like a parent's love, do last forever in a time and place where all broken hearts will forever be made whole. And if, in the silent vastness of a mysterious universe, or in the quietness of men's hearts, there is such a place as heaven, then it couldn't be anything more than that."
November 27, 2022
(2022 Re-Read)
PREMISE: In book 1 (The Christmas Box) we're introduced to Mary, a widow who we learn had also lost a child. In this book we get the opportunity to explore Mary's past.
THOUGHTS: I loved this book more the 2nd time round! I'll leave spoilers.
5 Stars this time round!
xoxo.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I APPRECIATED GETTING MARY'S BACK-STORY AND I LOVE RICHARD THOMAS NARRATING THIS SERIES (I listened on audiobook). BUT SOMETHING SEEMED TO BE LACKING FROM BOOK 1.
It's hard to say 'what' exactly was lacking, but it just seemed to leave me thinking 'hmm ok' rather than the blubbering mess I was in by the end of book 1.
I'll def continue on and can't wait to read book 3 in Dec 2022!
4 Stars
xoxo.
PREMISE: In book 1 (The Christmas Box) we're introduced to Mary, a widow who we learn had also lost a child. In this book we get the opportunity to explore Mary's past.
THOUGHTS: I loved this book more the 2nd time round! I'll leave spoilers.
5 Stars this time round!
xoxo.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I APPRECIATED GETTING MARY'S BACK-STORY AND I LOVE RICHARD THOMAS NARRATING THIS SERIES (I listened on audiobook). BUT SOMETHING SEEMED TO BE LACKING FROM BOOK 1.
It's hard to say 'what' exactly was lacking, but it just seemed to leave me thinking 'hmm ok' rather than the blubbering mess I was in by the end of book 1.
I'll def continue on and can't wait to read book 3 in Dec 2022!
4 Stars
xoxo.
December 5, 2015
This is the second time I've read this, and I'm pretty sure it's my favorite in the series. It's like a prologue to The Christmas Box. It's a really sweet story, so much romance, but it has a heartbreaking ending. I didn't cry when I read it a year ago, but I definitely did this time. I highly recommend reading it, but it's not for kids under twelve. It can be scary, and really intense, and a lot of it would probably be over their head. Also, even though the first book is a Christmas story, and you'd expect the second one to be too, it's not. It doesn't really add holiday cheer. Just to let you know! :)
January 7, 2009
I enjoyed the depth of this story more than that of "The Christmas Box." I learned about the past story of Mary Anne Chandler and David Parkin. The love story is sweet. The lessons of working hard and discovering meaning in life that I received from the watchsmith, Lawrence Flake, are appreciated deeply by me. The lessons I learned throughout this book might be the importance of living and loving with purpose. This book tackles racism, greediness, and moral dilemmas. Perhaps my favorite part of this book was David Parkin's journal entries. They were inspiring and thought-provoking.
February 18, 2013
Did not read the first book in the series (Christmas Box), so my review may be unfair. But after reading this one, have no desire to read #1. No depth to the characters or story. for example: In a short page and a half, girl announces her pregnancy, describes the circumstances, admits her feelings for another, and he immediately proposes marriage. A lot of grief, crying, injustice. Great chunks of time goes missing. In the end, love and forgiveness triumph but the message is so buried in uninteresting story that it loses its effect.
July 18, 2012
Don't judge a book by it's cover.
This is especially apt when it comes to Richard Paul Evans, whose heavy-handed spiritual "classics" (sarcasm) leave the reader amazed that such horrifyingly awful crap can come wrapped in such a beautiful-looking package. The covers of his recent books look like something designed by Martha Stewart, hiding the self-published awful Twilight-esque fan-fiction slash fest that awaits inside.
This is especially apt when it comes to Richard Paul Evans, whose heavy-handed spiritual "classics" (sarcasm) leave the reader amazed that such horrifyingly awful crap can come wrapped in such a beautiful-looking package. The covers of his recent books look like something designed by Martha Stewart, hiding the self-published awful Twilight-esque fan-fiction slash fest that awaits inside.
February 2, 2017
This is the story of how David and MaryAnn met and became a couple.
I love this series. The stories always seem to bring tears to my eyes. I can read this over and over and it never seems to grow old.
I love this series. The stories always seem to bring tears to my eyes. I can read this over and over and it never seems to grow old.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews