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Remembering Christmas
2nd Edition -- Finalist RT Book Reviews' Inspirational Novel of the Year Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanks-giving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is reluctant. He's never liked Art, despite the fact his own father abandoned them when Rick was twelve. Rick's attitude sours even more when a couple of days helping at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keeps hanging about, Slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons—as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day—work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
1646 people are currently reading
2680 people want to read
About the author
Dan Walsh
36 books747 followersDan Walsh is the bestselling author of 27 novels including The Unfinished Gift, When Night Comes and The Reunion. Over 1.3 million copies of his books are in print or downloaded. He's won 3 Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 4 Selah Awards and 4 of his books have been finalists for RT Review’s Inspirational Book of the Year. His novels have received over 47,000 Amazon reviews (4.7 Avg).
A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.
A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 496 reviews
December 3, 2011
I almost did not read this book. I am not big on books where the first page says "Present Day" and you know it's going to be a flashback book. I don't mind the flashback-type books TOO much but I figured it would be most of the story and I wasn't sure I wanted to sit through that. I am so glad I did.
I won't go into all the details of what the book is about. You can read that in the synopsis or in other reviews. What I will say is that this was one of the most moving stories I've read in a very, very long time. While it was a Christmas story, it was mainly a book about self-discovery, faith, forgiveness, and healing. Healing, in more ways than one. With the exception of a few pages in the beginning and again at the end, the entire book was set in the 1980's. I had concerns that it would feel dated. It didn't. At all. The 80's were my own generation of self-discovery so I really had no issue with that time period. But much has changed since that era and I wondered how the story would be. It was amazing. It never seemed "off" at all. Not in any section of the book.
All characters, even the secondary ones, were written perfectly. Everyone from the main characters (Rick, Andrea, Amy, J.D., Art, and Rick's mom) to Art's doctors and the customers who flowed in and out of the Book Nook were necessary, in my opinion. My favorite Christian artist (Randy Stonehill) was even mentioned.
I can't say enough about this book. I cried several times while reading it. It takes a lot for me to get so moved by a story that I actually have tears in my eyes. Good tears.
I think I really needed this. This is my first by this author and I can guarantee it will not be my last.
I won't go into all the details of what the book is about. You can read that in the synopsis or in other reviews. What I will say is that this was one of the most moving stories I've read in a very, very long time. While it was a Christmas story, it was mainly a book about self-discovery, faith, forgiveness, and healing. Healing, in more ways than one. With the exception of a few pages in the beginning and again at the end, the entire book was set in the 1980's. I had concerns that it would feel dated. It didn't. At all. The 80's were my own generation of self-discovery so I really had no issue with that time period. But much has changed since that era and I wondered how the story would be. It was amazing. It never seemed "off" at all. Not in any section of the book.
All characters, even the secondary ones, were written perfectly. Everyone from the main characters (Rick, Andrea, Amy, J.D., Art, and Rick's mom) to Art's doctors and the customers who flowed in and out of the Book Nook were necessary, in my opinion. My favorite Christian artist (Randy Stonehill) was even mentioned.
I can't say enough about this book. I cried several times while reading it. It takes a lot for me to get so moved by a story that I actually have tears in my eyes. Good tears.
I think I really needed this. This is my first by this author and I can guarantee it will not be my last.
October 13, 2011
In Remembering Christmas, Dan Walsh writes with humor and a fun bit of attitude - and still writes a heartwarming tale. The story delighted me, and one twist completely surprised me. Realistic and lovable characters - even shallow Rick - and the refreshing Florida beach town setting make this a memorable Christmas story. I loved Dan's previous novels, The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, and The Deepest Waters. Remembering Christmas is sure to please his fans and to enthrall new readers as well. I highly recommend this novel.
December 28, 2013
A sweet little Christmas read and a lesson in a child's perceptions not always being correct.
December 19, 2017
It was okay for a seasonal read.
December 13, 2024
Really nice Christmas story about learning the importance of family.
December 22, 2023
This one was pretty slow for me but it was good. It had a prodigal son feel. It was a clean and faith based story about a younger guy who moves away from his family and really never looks back, until a crisis brings him home. Once he's home, his eyes are opened to the truth of his childhood, who his parents are, and who he really is. It wasn't a light and fluffy Christmas read and was slightly heavy because it was very real and had a lot of real emotions, but I'd recommend it around the holidays!
November 14, 2011
I have been reading a lot of death and mayhem lately so I was lucky enough to dig this out of the reading pile and get to it. Just the cure for a respite from cars blowing up, end of the world scenarios and terrorists, unless of course you count nice old ladies coming into bookstores terrorists; they come in all shapes and sizes you know.
Dan Walsh delivers a very twist on a classic theme and does it with a very nice deft touch and plenty of panache. These are not words I usually get to use in my reviews; this though fits like a glove. I love the publisher, Revell, and have a major soft spot for them and enjoy everything I have read that they have put out. This is an excellent read to sandwich into any reading week; the novel is a nice size and will fit in any purse, back pack, lunch pail, or cargo pocket to take anywhere. Props to everyone from the author on up and down, grab this, put it in someone’s stocking for the holidays, but do yourself a favor and read it first; don’t pass it up.
Here is a little something on the novel:
“Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanksgiving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is more than a little reluctant. He's never liked Art and resents the man's presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. When what was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keep hanging about, Rick's attitude sours even more.
Still, slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons--as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day--work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas. With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story will have readers remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.”
Dan Walsh delivers a very twist on a classic theme and does it with a very nice deft touch and plenty of panache. These are not words I usually get to use in my reviews; this though fits like a glove. I love the publisher, Revell, and have a major soft spot for them and enjoy everything I have read that they have put out. This is an excellent read to sandwich into any reading week; the novel is a nice size and will fit in any purse, back pack, lunch pail, or cargo pocket to take anywhere. Props to everyone from the author on up and down, grab this, put it in someone’s stocking for the holidays, but do yourself a favor and read it first; don’t pass it up.
Here is a little something on the novel:
“Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanksgiving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is more than a little reluctant. He's never liked Art and resents the man's presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. When what was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keep hanging about, Rick's attitude sours even more.
Still, slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons--as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day--work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas. With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story will have readers remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.”
November 16, 2011
Remembering Christmas is one of those books that though, simple in it's telling, packs a powerful punch emotionally. Dan Walsh proves yet again that he is a master storyteller, with his latest release of forgiveness and family.
What I love about Mr. Walsh's books is how deep all of his characters are, and there is always more than what first meets the eye. Every character is complex and miles deep, each with their own struggle, and yet Mr. Walsh weaves all the ends in beautifully (yet not painlessly) in such a way that though you might not have seen it coming you couldn't imagine it any other way.
The story is well told, and the pages turn rapidly, though at times it's an inner battle between speeding through the book to find out what happens next, or slowing down and savoring every word.
This was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover, and that doesn't happen often. With Christmas fast approaching this is the perfect book to get you in the mood, or to give as a gift. You could even give it to yourself!
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to just about anyone, whether it's Christmastime or not, Remembering Christmas is a satisfying read, that will tug at your heartstrings :)
Final Rating: 5 out of 5
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1979-1
What I love about Mr. Walsh's books is how deep all of his characters are, and there is always more than what first meets the eye. Every character is complex and miles deep, each with their own struggle, and yet Mr. Walsh weaves all the ends in beautifully (yet not painlessly) in such a way that though you might not have seen it coming you couldn't imagine it any other way.
The story is well told, and the pages turn rapidly, though at times it's an inner battle between speeding through the book to find out what happens next, or slowing down and savoring every word.
This was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover, and that doesn't happen often. With Christmas fast approaching this is the perfect book to get you in the mood, or to give as a gift. You could even give it to yourself!
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to just about anyone, whether it's Christmastime or not, Remembering Christmas is a satisfying read, that will tug at your heartstrings :)
Final Rating: 5 out of 5
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1979-1
August 31, 2011
This is a great read and not just for the holidays.
Though it's a serious look at family relations and growing up long after we become adults, there are many light moments in this book. It's a story of a young man who comes home to help his mother when his stepfather becomes ill, and the pages are full of details from a time not so long ago. A fast pace with well-drawn characters, I was charmed.
Walsh helps you to see your family, and even strangers, in a different light. Remembering Christmas is rich, satisfying, and full of hope.
Though it's a serious look at family relations and growing up long after we become adults, there are many light moments in this book. It's a story of a young man who comes home to help his mother when his stepfather becomes ill, and the pages are full of details from a time not so long ago. A fast pace with well-drawn characters, I was charmed.
Walsh helps you to see your family, and even strangers, in a different light. Remembering Christmas is rich, satisfying, and full of hope.
December 19, 2021
One of the best books I've read
December 7, 2022
This was a hope-filled story of second chances, hope, redemption, and the power of loving people as Jesus loves them.
September 10, 2015
Remembering Christmas is written in a simplistic style, and yet for the message that it delivers, flowery language is not really needed. Rick, the main character, not only remembers a particular Christmas, but unearths repressed memories that make him realize just how much he had forgotten - about his mother, his father and especially his step-father, Art. When Rick has to go home to take care of his mother Leanne and Art's store, after Art suffers a brain aneurysm, he must confront these memories and truly remember what he owes to them.
There is also a sweet, romantic side-story that I thought was done well, especially considering the male author. I did not expect the big plot-twist at all, and though it could have come across as unrealistic or cheesy, it felt very natural in the progression of the story.
One thing I also have to touch on is the setting - who would have thought that a Florida setting of the fictitious town of Seabreeze would have been cozy, but it is! The setting really enriched the story. The Book Nook store that Rick's parents own felt so realistic to me, and I longed to visit it myself as well as the small, coastal town.
I guess some readers compare Dan Walsh to Nicholas Sparks, but personally I found the writing to be notches above Sparks. I really liked this story, and I look forward to reading more of Dan Walsh's books in the future.
There is also a sweet, romantic side-story that I thought was done well, especially considering the male author. I did not expect the big plot-twist at all, and though it could have come across as unrealistic or cheesy, it felt very natural in the progression of the story.
One thing I also have to touch on is the setting - who would have thought that a Florida setting of the fictitious town of Seabreeze would have been cozy, but it is! The setting really enriched the story. The Book Nook store that Rick's parents own felt so realistic to me, and I longed to visit it myself as well as the small, coastal town.
I guess some readers compare Dan Walsh to Nicholas Sparks, but personally I found the writing to be notches above Sparks. I really liked this story, and I look forward to reading more of Dan Walsh's books in the future.
September 10, 2011
In Remembering Christmas, Dan Walsh has written a story that’s sure to be a holiday classic. The story opens when Rick Denton, a successful (and self-centered) individual, receives a phone call from his mother asking for his help in the bookstore she and her husband own. Rick’s stepfather, Art, has suffered a brain aneurysm and is hovering between life and death.
Grudgingly , Rick travels to the small town of Sea Breeze, Florida, grumbling all the while about giving up his ski vacation. He avoids the quirky customers in the store as much as possible, preferring to let the intriguing young woman assistant deal with their questions.
But there must be something in the air at the Book Nook. Rick finds himself questioning his past memories as well as his present attitudes. As the story moved from one surprise to another, I found myself stealing free moments to read when I should have been doing other things.
Although Remembering Christmas would make an ideal gift, don’t wait for Christmas to read the book. This wonderful story will resonate with you no matter what the season.
My thanks to Revell for provided a copy for review.
Grudgingly , Rick travels to the small town of Sea Breeze, Florida, grumbling all the while about giving up his ski vacation. He avoids the quirky customers in the store as much as possible, preferring to let the intriguing young woman assistant deal with their questions.
But there must be something in the air at the Book Nook. Rick finds himself questioning his past memories as well as his present attitudes. As the story moved from one surprise to another, I found myself stealing free moments to read when I should have been doing other things.
Although Remembering Christmas would make an ideal gift, don’t wait for Christmas to read the book. This wonderful story will resonate with you no matter what the season.
My thanks to Revell for provided a copy for review.
December 14, 2013
Rick Denton is a successful CPA, striving to climb the corporate ladder. His father left when he was a boy, and over the years Rick has created an image of his father and what their happy reunion would be. He rejected his stepfather, Art, and distanced himself from his mother, Leanne, and has little contact with them. When his mother calls to ask for Rick's help running their little bookstore after his stepfather suffers from an aneurysm he reluctantly returns to his hometown. When he encounters a homeless man, whom Art had been helping, hanging around the bookstore, he runs him off. Rick has also distanced himself from God and is uncomfortable with the Christian customers, who love Art and Leanne. He does however find himself attracted to the young mother, Andrea, who works part time at the store. As Rick confronts his past and the hurts caused by his own actions, God enlightens and opens his heart to what is truly important, faith and family.
July 25, 2025
Remembering Christmas is destined to be a holiday classic, I'd love to see this story played out on the big screen! I guarantee it would become an annual favourite. Somebody call Hallmark!
Walsh writes with a measured clarity that evokes images. Vivid, heart-wrenching and definitely heart-warming, the author has penned a story that shows us the powerful difference one constant follower of Christ can make in many lives. Have a Kleenex box handy and be prepared for more than just a few goosebump moments. This is a timeless tale you'll want to immerse yourself in. I read it in one sitting because I simply couldn't stop.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/07/25/r...
Walsh writes with a measured clarity that evokes images. Vivid, heart-wrenching and definitely heart-warming, the author has penned a story that shows us the powerful difference one constant follower of Christ can make in many lives. Have a Kleenex box handy and be prepared for more than just a few goosebump moments. This is a timeless tale you'll want to immerse yourself in. I read it in one sitting because I simply couldn't stop.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/07/25/r...
March 24, 2022
My grandfather recommended this book to me and I originally wasn't very excited to read it. But after I'd gotten into it, I really liked it. I was up till about 12:30 a.m. finishing it.
My grandfather actually knew Dan Walsh personally. When he gave me the book, inside the book was a piece of paper with all the ties to real life. It was pretty cool with the info he gave me.
Anyway, this is probably one of my favorite books. And I didn't even expect it to be!!
My grandfather actually knew Dan Walsh personally. When he gave me the book, inside the book was a piece of paper with all the ties to real life. It was pretty cool with the info he gave me.
Anyway, this is probably one of my favorite books. And I didn't even expect it to be!!
September 9, 2022
A small bookstore with a "regular" homeless fella for a neighbor, a family crisis, a CPA with a chip on his shoulder from the past, a single mom with a chipper young daughter who's making up her own catalogue of Christmas ideas. Dan Walsh takes these elements and spins them into a compelling story about reframing the past and discovering what really makes life worth living.
December 27, 2019
Rick is kind of an angry guy. He resents his stepfather, Art, and has for decades. When he has to disrupt a potential ski vacation to go help his mom in the Christian bookstore and Art run, because Art winds up in the hospital, he's really mad at the world. And that's to say nothing of JD, the homeless guy whom Art lets sleep in a box under the stairs. Really, how on earth can they keep the business going?
And then there's Andrea, the nice young woman who works in the store. She's beautiful, but she has a kid ... and she goes to church because she likes it!
Now, you can see the conversion/redemption story coming for miles, of course ... but this was still an enjoyable read. We see Rick go on the classic hero's journey, with some unexpected twists.
There were some minor editorial issues in this edition, it should be noted. Still, fans of Christian fiction are sure to enjoy it.
And then there's Andrea, the nice young woman who works in the store. She's beautiful, but she has a kid ... and she goes to church because she likes it!
Now, you can see the conversion/redemption story coming for miles, of course ... but this was still an enjoyable read. We see Rick go on the classic hero's journey, with some unexpected twists.
There were some minor editorial issues in this edition, it should be noted. Still, fans of Christian fiction are sure to enjoy it.
December 10, 2022
I loved this a ton! When Rick Denton is called home by his mother, telling him that his stepfather had an aneurysm, he's hesitant to do so. He left his little hometown long ago and never intended to return.
One of the things i loved so much was the bookstore setting. I loved reading about how Rick had to learn how to keep his stepfather's book.
I wish it wasn't so hard for Andrea to et Rick love. I understand that she has a daughter, but, that was understandable. I'm gald Rick and Andrea got a happy ending.
I was feeling so bad for Rick's mother, watching her husband in the hospital, not knowing if he would make it or not.
If you're looking for a good christmas book, this is a great one to check out! I loved it so much, and it doesn't take all that long to read.
One of the things i loved so much was the bookstore setting. I loved reading about how Rick had to learn how to keep his stepfather's book.
I wish it wasn't so hard for Andrea to et Rick love. I understand that she has a daughter, but, that was understandable. I'm gald Rick and Andrea got a happy ending.
I was feeling so bad for Rick's mother, watching her husband in the hospital, not knowing if he would make it or not.
If you're looking for a good christmas book, this is a great one to check out! I loved it so much, and it doesn't take all that long to read.
December 17, 2019
A sweet, well-paced Christmas tale with a solid Christian message.
December 30, 2019
A delightful read, especially at Christmastime. I have read several of Walsh's books and have come to consider him a go-to author. Religious undertones are prominant and always very satisfying.
December 31, 2019
I enjoyed the flow of this book. The surprises had me smiling. I even shed a tear or two! An easy Christmas read that made me reflect on my own choices.
December 23, 2021
Enjoyable Christmas read.
December 28, 2023
An uplifting story about a Christmas miracle that turned a young man’s life around.
December 16, 2021
I love Christmas stories that are heartwarming and have happy endings. This is a sweet read
November 13, 2022
3.5 stars
December 17, 2022
This is a Christian fiction novel, which I found uplifting during the Christmas season. During this season, I rate books entirely on my level of enjoyment while reading the book.
I rate the book 4 stars
I rate the book 4 stars
December 21, 2023
Charming setting, feel good story, heartwarming but not without tension. A good Christmas read
November 7, 2018
The beginning of this book was interesting. It is a story of a professional who left small town Florida after finishing college and made a new life for himself on his own terms. His stepdad becomes very ill and his mother asks him to return home to help run the Christian bookstore, so he reluctantly gives up his ski vacation to help his mother out.
I was liking it until about 1/2 way through, and then it got religious. When the stepdad had dangerously low blood pressure and a Bishop put his hands on him and it miraculously came up, I was done reading!
I was liking it until about 1/2 way through, and then it got religious. When the stepdad had dangerously low blood pressure and a Bishop put his hands on him and it miraculously came up, I was done reading!
November 18, 2011
Rick Denton, career minded, business oriented, climbing the ladder to success is thankful to have left his childhood home in Florida years ago. Rick's father left the family when Rick was very young, and Rick blames his mother for the loss. He hates it even more when his mother remarries his stepdad Art who tries to father Rick, when Rick still longs for his own father. Wanting no relationship with Art, Rick barely keeps in touch with his mother and stepfather.
Rick's Mother out of the blue calls Rick in panic mode, Art is hospitalized with a possible stroke, later learned to be an anuerism and she begs Rick to come and care for their christian bookstore during the busy holiday season when half of their income is earned. Thinking it will only be for a couple days Rick agrees to drive down and attempt to help in the tiny little bookstore in the basement of a church.
What was suppossed to only take days, lasted into weeks and Rick begins to relax a bit and reflect on his past, and what he believes he remembers.
Sometimes past memories aren't remembered as they truly happened, and I love how Dan Walsh uses Rick to reflect on past hurts and feelings and brings him full circle in his self examination. Throw in a love interest in the least suspecting person, forgiveness on the deepest levels, and twists and turns to keep the reader moving forward. A fantastic story for all times of the year, but relevant for Christmas as well!
Thanks to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rick's Mother out of the blue calls Rick in panic mode, Art is hospitalized with a possible stroke, later learned to be an anuerism and she begs Rick to come and care for their christian bookstore during the busy holiday season when half of their income is earned. Thinking it will only be for a couple days Rick agrees to drive down and attempt to help in the tiny little bookstore in the basement of a church.
What was suppossed to only take days, lasted into weeks and Rick begins to relax a bit and reflect on his past, and what he believes he remembers.
Sometimes past memories aren't remembered as they truly happened, and I love how Dan Walsh uses Rick to reflect on past hurts and feelings and brings him full circle in his self examination. Throw in a love interest in the least suspecting person, forgiveness on the deepest levels, and twists and turns to keep the reader moving forward. A fantastic story for all times of the year, but relevant for Christmas as well!
Thanks to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 496 reviews