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The Christmas Coat
Two days before Christmas, ornery Elliot Ebberts is tasked with school drop-off even though distracted by an important real estate transaction. In the holiday carpool chaos his extravagant, lucky coat goes missing. In a panic, he searches for it, tracing its path as it passes through the hands of good people in dire situations. Meanwhile, his plan to WOW his wife Libby with an ostentatious gift reveals Elliot’s shallowness to the world and mortifies his entire family. Is it too late for him to rediscover the meaning of Christmas, to remember who he is without all the trappings of the job that defines him? Can Libby and their children ever forgive him?
78 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2019
123 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Shoop
49 books1,129 followersBestselling author, Kathleen Shoop, holds a PhD in reading education and has more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. She writes historical fiction, women’s fiction and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered various awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards, Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the San Francisco Book Festival. Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Pittsburgh Parent magazine. She lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 28, 2021
The cover and title of this little novelette attracted me enough to download it without reading any of the reviews. It’s a wonderful story that can be read in one sitting.
Elliott is a grump and is a bit short on compassion for his fellow human beings. Enter a special color-block, fringy, cashmere coat that “only” cost about $5000. Elliott deserves this self-gift after scoring a great real estate deal. Doesn’t he? Not all, including his wife Libby, agree that he deserves any sort of reward for what he has accomplished.
The coat is sent on a journey, and we meet a number of strangers that come into Elliott’s life. Can they possibly teach him anything about the concepts of loving one’s fellow man and the true meaning of Christmas or is Elliott too set in his ways and doomed to be a forever jerk?
A poignant tale and one to savor this holiday season. I recommend it for everyone.
Elliott is a grump and is a bit short on compassion for his fellow human beings. Enter a special color-block, fringy, cashmere coat that “only” cost about $5000. Elliott deserves this self-gift after scoring a great real estate deal. Doesn’t he? Not all, including his wife Libby, agree that he deserves any sort of reward for what he has accomplished.
The coat is sent on a journey, and we meet a number of strangers that come into Elliott’s life. Can they possibly teach him anything about the concepts of loving one’s fellow man and the true meaning of Christmas or is Elliott too set in his ways and doomed to be a forever jerk?
A poignant tale and one to savor this holiday season. I recommend it for everyone.
December 11, 2021
Elliott Ebberts is a modern-day Scrooge, of sorts, in Kathleen Shoop’s novella, The Christmas Coat .When he is tasked with dropping of a sack full of clothing at the Goodwill, the last thing on his mind is good will. He’s preoccupied with a real estate transaction, and he’s in no mood to deal with a carload of his son’s glib, rowdy friends, either. In the chaos, his expensive, “lucky” coat disappears. Franticly, Elliot goes on a hunt to recover his missing treasure. This occurs two days before Christmas, and Elliott is a man on a mission – the real estate deal is a gift for his wife, one he is certain she will love.
We learn a lot about Elliot in the process. He’s become so obsessed with success and money that he seems to have lost sight of what’s really important: people. Will Libby, his wife, be thrilled with his real estate prowess? What about the extravagant coat? Is that good money down the drain? Even if he does recover it, will Libby understand his self-indulgence?
I had difficulty engaging with this story. The writing style did not draw me in, nor did I feel one iota of empathy with Elliott’s character. Does it contain a lesson for the season? Yes, certainly. However, I felt very little emotional response to this story until the very end, which was predictable.
We learn a lot about Elliot in the process. He’s become so obsessed with success and money that he seems to have lost sight of what’s really important: people. Will Libby, his wife, be thrilled with his real estate prowess? What about the extravagant coat? Is that good money down the drain? Even if he does recover it, will Libby understand his self-indulgence?
I had difficulty engaging with this story. The writing style did not draw me in, nor did I feel one iota of empathy with Elliott’s character. Does it contain a lesson for the season? Yes, certainly. However, I felt very little emotional response to this story until the very end, which was predictable.
December 11, 2022
The perfect story to get in the holiday spirit
This novella was exactly what I needed to read this holiday season. The true meaning of the holiday season is defined by the storyline and the characters were relatable.
I enjoyed how quick I was able to read this yet still felt value in the story which was not short changed by lack of pages.
This was my first read by Kathleen Shoop but I look forward to reading more of her stories.
Happy Holidays!
This novella was exactly what I needed to read this holiday season. The true meaning of the holiday season is defined by the storyline and the characters were relatable.
I enjoyed how quick I was able to read this yet still felt value in the story which was not short changed by lack of pages.
This was my first read by Kathleen Shoop but I look forward to reading more of her stories.
Happy Holidays!
December 13, 2022
A beautiful Christmas story!
November 28, 2021
My Musings
What a lovely Christmas tale of regaining internal sight into one's self. I love this talented author's writing style. I am so glad I found this book. Happy ☺reading 📚!
What a lovely Christmas tale of regaining internal sight into one's self. I love this talented author's writing style. I am so glad I found this book. Happy ☺reading 📚!
December 22, 2021
This is the story about Elliott who goes out and spends almost $5000 on a cashmere coat for himself without telling his wife how much he spent. He feels like the coat will give him the confidence he is lacking for a real estate meeting he has.
On the way to the meeting he takes his kids to school and that is when the trouble begins. Today is the last day for the school's clothing drive and some how Elliott's cashmere coat gets mixed in with the donation
The story is about how Elliott tries to track down the coat and making a mess of things. It is a great story and perfect for Christmas. It makes you stop and realize that what you think is so important isn't.
On the way to the meeting he takes his kids to school and that is when the trouble begins. Today is the last day for the school's clothing drive and some how Elliott's cashmere coat gets mixed in with the donation
The story is about how Elliott tries to track down the coat and making a mess of things. It is a great story and perfect for Christmas. It makes you stop and realize that what you think is so important isn't.
December 13, 2023
Perfect book to get you into the holiday spirit. I originally got the book as it was skinny and I knew I could read it fast. Setting in Pittsburgh and a local author was an added bonus. Saw there are more and will try to get them. Recommend this as a quick read to anyone ready to get into the holiday spirit.
January 17, 2022
Actual rating: 3.25/5
This short and sweet story is a nice reflection on the Christmas spirit and how to never lose sight of the goodness in you. To remain humble and kind, and to never give up on being good. We may stray often, but we must remember to return back to who we are.
This short and sweet story is a nice reflection on the Christmas spirit and how to never lose sight of the goodness in you. To remain humble and kind, and to never give up on being good. We may stray often, but we must remember to return back to who we are.
December 12, 2022
A magic coat brings people together at Christmas in Pittsburgh. It all started with a school drop off line… my Bookclub friends refer to that Hell on earth often, lol. Overall I enjoyed the setting and the message. I just wish I could see that monstrosity of a coat!
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
December 7, 2020
This reminds me of The Christmas Carol--remember Scrooge? Well this is kind of a modern day version.
Elliot Ebberts is a definite modern day Scrooge! But he thinks he will make his wife happy by buying her a very special gift. On his way to finish up the signing for her gift he see a coat in a window of a NYC store. It looks like a woman's coat but is for a man. He buys it for a very high price and immediately feels like a million bucks. He has his wife wrap the coat as a present for him. As he is leaving for the signing he decides to wear the coat. He drops all the kids and their friends off to school and goes on his way.
When he gets to where he is going he realizes that the coat is no longer in his car. He becomes frantic. He heads back to the school where he is told they just sent that coat to the local Goodwill store with all the other clothing collected-----Goodwill has sold it already---that person has given it away after it brought her good luck--and on he traveled to find his very expensive coat.
Have no fear there is a very happy ending!! As a matter of fact I found tears in my eyes--I love happy endings!!
The author graciously gave me a copy of this ebook for my enjoyment and possible review.
Elliot Ebberts is a definite modern day Scrooge! But he thinks he will make his wife happy by buying her a very special gift. On his way to finish up the signing for her gift he see a coat in a window of a NYC store. It looks like a woman's coat but is for a man. He buys it for a very high price and immediately feels like a million bucks. He has his wife wrap the coat as a present for him. As he is leaving for the signing he decides to wear the coat. He drops all the kids and their friends off to school and goes on his way.
When he gets to where he is going he realizes that the coat is no longer in his car. He becomes frantic. He heads back to the school where he is told they just sent that coat to the local Goodwill store with all the other clothing collected-----Goodwill has sold it already---that person has given it away after it brought her good luck--and on he traveled to find his very expensive coat.
Have no fear there is a very happy ending!! As a matter of fact I found tears in my eyes--I love happy endings!!
The author graciously gave me a copy of this ebook for my enjoyment and possible review.
December 23, 2021
It was a story that I think was great for the novella format but it did leave me wanting a little more on some of the characters.
The Christmas Coat is a ridiculously expensive and apparently rather ugly cashmere overcoat. Our scrooge-like main character, Elliot Ebberts purchased it to celebrate a major real-estate purchase. Now he wants to wear it to close on a run-down property from his wife's past to vacate it, tear it down and rebuild a profitable building. He sees this as the perfect Christmas present to her.
When he is forced into the worst possible morning...carpool drop off and the jacket goes missing he must find the coat. While he's trying to track it down it is off bringing magic to those who wear it. Can the coat help remind Elliot of the man he used to be and re-evaluate his priorities in life?
All in all a predictable little story that was an enjoyable listen. I didn't love the narrator for this one so if you are debating audio vs another format maybe listen to the sample.
Thank you to @booksforwardpr for the audio version of this one.
The Christmas Coat is a ridiculously expensive and apparently rather ugly cashmere overcoat. Our scrooge-like main character, Elliot Ebberts purchased it to celebrate a major real-estate purchase. Now he wants to wear it to close on a run-down property from his wife's past to vacate it, tear it down and rebuild a profitable building. He sees this as the perfect Christmas present to her.
When he is forced into the worst possible morning...carpool drop off and the jacket goes missing he must find the coat. While he's trying to track it down it is off bringing magic to those who wear it. Can the coat help remind Elliot of the man he used to be and re-evaluate his priorities in life?
All in all a predictable little story that was an enjoyable listen. I didn't love the narrator for this one so if you are debating audio vs another format maybe listen to the sample.
Thank you to @booksforwardpr for the audio version of this one.
February 5, 2026
The Christmas Coat is a heartfelt and gently humorous holiday story that explores materialism, identity, and redemption through a deceptively simple premise. Kathleen Shoop crafts a timely narrative that uses Christmas chaos to expose deeper truths about family, priorities, and what truly defines success.
Elliot Ebberts begins the story distracted, self-absorbed, and driven by appearances. As his prized coat passes from hand to hand, the story widens its lens to reveal acts of kindness, struggle, and quiet generosity. The shifting perspectives add warmth and humanity, reminding the reader that even small actions can ripple outward in meaningful ways.
What makes The Christmas Coat especially effective is its emotional honesty. The story doesn’t rush forgiveness or transformation; instead, it allows growth to emerge through discomfort and humility. Shoop delivers a holiday tale that is sincere rather than sentimental one that lingers not because of spectacle, but because of its reminder that the true meaning of Christmas lies in empathy, accountability, and connection.
Elliot Ebberts begins the story distracted, self-absorbed, and driven by appearances. As his prized coat passes from hand to hand, the story widens its lens to reveal acts of kindness, struggle, and quiet generosity. The shifting perspectives add warmth and humanity, reminding the reader that even small actions can ripple outward in meaningful ways.
What makes The Christmas Coat especially effective is its emotional honesty. The story doesn’t rush forgiveness or transformation; instead, it allows growth to emerge through discomfort and humility. Shoop delivers a holiday tale that is sincere rather than sentimental one that lingers not because of spectacle, but because of its reminder that the true meaning of Christmas lies in empathy, accountability, and connection.
December 27, 2022
The Christmas Coat - Not sure what I think about this story because of the lecturing. I chose to concentrate on the coat, its gifts and the magic of Christmas, which is another way of saying the miracles and grace of God.
There are bits of Dickens, bits of giving and bits of forgetting the past. I did not like the extreme reactions of his family to the FB videos, no discussion, just condemnation. I agree that his mind was not present when his heart made the real estate purchase. It was unrealistic and unreasonable of him to expect people to move within two weeks. Sadly, he's not a planner on that project. Too much cursing for me to fully consider this a real Christmas story amongst the other wrongs. 3*
Cinder Bella - Set in 1893. I could not get into this book, made it half way through chapter five before giving up. Some of the dialog and actions put me off. The characters did not interest me. 2*
There are bits of Dickens, bits of giving and bits of forgetting the past. I did not like the extreme reactions of his family to the FB videos, no discussion, just condemnation. I agree that his mind was not present when his heart made the real estate purchase. It was unrealistic and unreasonable of him to expect people to move within two weeks. Sadly, he's not a planner on that project. Too much cursing for me to fully consider this a real Christmas story amongst the other wrongs. 3*
Cinder Bella - Set in 1893. I could not get into this book, made it half way through chapter five before giving up. Some of the dialog and actions put me off. The characters did not interest me. 2*
December 30, 2021
At first, this audiobook rubbed me the wrong way. I found the narrator to be very “aggressive” in his tone with the way he read, but overtime, I got used to his voice and cadence. He seemed to fit the main character Elliott very well.
Elliott wasn’t very likable to be honest—he was so concerned about how others perceived his jacket (he was really hung up on the fact that it was “not a woman’s jacket”—that got a little old for me. I’m not a fan of gendering clothes these days). It took him a while to get to the meaning of Christmas and see that the way he was living his life put his future with his family in emotional danger.
But as the story kept going, I found that Elliott was really learning the error of his ways, which is why I think this book is a great Holiday tale. It shows improvement within the main character and it gives a sense of holiday magic and cheer!
Elliott wasn’t very likable to be honest—he was so concerned about how others perceived his jacket (he was really hung up on the fact that it was “not a woman’s jacket”—that got a little old for me. I’m not a fan of gendering clothes these days). It took him a while to get to the meaning of Christmas and see that the way he was living his life put his future with his family in emotional danger.
But as the story kept going, I found that Elliott was really learning the error of his ways, which is why I think this book is a great Holiday tale. It shows improvement within the main character and it gives a sense of holiday magic and cheer!
December 3, 2020
Perfect short story from the author to start off the festive season. This lovely tale seems to stay in your thoughts long after reading it, as Elliot's journey, and the people he meets along the way, evoke strong memories in him and he begins evaluating his life. He realises he has overworked and tired himself out to afford and enjoy the material items he cherished so much. He remembers the simple pleasures in life are goodness and kindness which mean the most to other people and can have such a positive effect all round.
A timely reminder of what the coming festive season is all about, to give up a little piece of your time in your busy life not only to gain appreciation from others but to gain satisfaction from doing a good deed.
It's time to cosy up, and enjoy this magical tale.
A timely reminder of what the coming festive season is all about, to give up a little piece of your time in your busy life not only to gain appreciation from others but to gain satisfaction from doing a good deed.
It's time to cosy up, and enjoy this magical tale.
December 30, 2020
This may be a short story but it definitely packs a punch emotionally. Elliot has spent so much time trying to get away from his own upbringing and past that he has lost sight of all the things that really matter. A coat that made him feel important will teach him what he needs to remember. A bit of A Christmas Carol meets a little bit of The Gift of the Magi to bring us this magical story that ties together Elliot's beginning with his present. I absolutely enjoyed this story and it may be one of my favorite Christmas stories this season.
December 20, 2023
Oh my gosh! What a great Christmas story! Elliot is a man who like so many others has kind of lost his way after becoming successful. His is a rags to semi riches story that isn't expounded on but is glossed over to get to the point in the story. While this story is about a "magical" coat and what it does for the people whose lives it falls into, it's also about Elliot discovering what he's lost and finding it again.
November 24, 2024
I truly enjoyed Cinder-Bella so I wanted to read more from this author.
However, I wasn't as much of a fan of this book. First off, there's cursing and some pretty rude behavior on the part of the main character--not really a hero. Then, there's a lot of twists and turns pretty much ascribed to coincidence or magic. Not my thing.
As Albert Einstein said, "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."
So, while there is a good ending, not my fave.
However, I wasn't as much of a fan of this book. First off, there's cursing and some pretty rude behavior on the part of the main character--not really a hero. Then, there's a lot of twists and turns pretty much ascribed to coincidence or magic. Not my thing.
As Albert Einstein said, "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."
So, while there is a good ending, not my fave.
January 2, 2021
A beautiful story of change
The author tells an intriguing tale of a seemingly magical coat that encourages all who have the good fortune to wear it. She weaves a story of a person who can't let go of the past and what that might cost him with the stories of others dealing with their own pasts.
The author tells an intriguing tale of a seemingly magical coat that encourages all who have the good fortune to wear it. She weaves a story of a person who can't let go of the past and what that might cost him with the stories of others dealing with their own pasts.
January 30, 2021
This was not one of my favorites. Not that it wasn’t well written; but I didn’t care for the main character! He was greedy! His family seemed to suffer because of his greed. I stopped reading it! Maybe there was a moral lesson at the end, but I couldn’t bring myself to finish it. I have read other books by Ms. Shop & have enjoyed them; so maybe this was just my mood!
December 7, 2021
A Perfect Christmas Story
What does an ugly, expensive, cashmere coat of many colors have to do with the spirit of Christmas? Read this novella and find out. The story develops slowly as Elliott chases his coat all over town, but it makes sense in the end and leaves a warm feeling in your heart.
What does an ugly, expensive, cashmere coat of many colors have to do with the spirit of Christmas? Read this novella and find out. The story develops slowly as Elliott chases his coat all over town, but it makes sense in the end and leaves a warm feeling in your heart.
December 28, 2022
Entertaining
This is a different type of Christmas story. It begins with a very expensive purchase of an overcoat. The coat was lost and ended up at a Goodwill store during a clothes drive. Its owner was desperate to find his coat that seemed to be magical. It inspired the wearer to feel confident and comfortable. This is when the adventures start.
This is a different type of Christmas story. It begins with a very expensive purchase of an overcoat. The coat was lost and ended up at a Goodwill store during a clothes drive. Its owner was desperate to find his coat that seemed to be magical. It inspired the wearer to feel confident and comfortable. This is when the adventures start.
May 26, 2022
I read this on a chilly spring day and was filled with the warmth of Christmas. If you like Hallmark movies, I think you'll enjoy Shoop's tale of an ugly but magical coat that changes the lives and hearts of those who wear it.
December 7, 2022
Believe
Wonderful story about a special coat. Cashmere and full of magic. The lives that were changed for the better in the old Victorian house. Elliott's final stop made him believe in himself and the power of the Christmas coat..
Wonderful story about a special coat. Cashmere and full of magic. The lives that were changed for the better in the old Victorian house. Elliott's final stop made him believe in himself and the power of the Christmas coat..
December 20, 2022
Perfect Holiday read
This was a great book and reminder that there is goodness in everybody although sometimes we have to dig really deep to find it. It was engaging and uplifting at the same time. The suggest for anyone especially someone who needs a little boost of the season
This was a great book and reminder that there is goodness in everybody although sometimes we have to dig really deep to find it. It was engaging and uplifting at the same time. The suggest for anyone especially someone who needs a little boost of the season
December 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this Christmas story, it carried a message about how we are all made with a "good heart", until it disappears... replaced by greed, ego, hate, money, etc. During this Christmas season and everyday of the year, may we not lose the "good heart", in each of us.
December 9, 2020
This book seemed to be trying to mirror Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but, in my opinion, wasn’t successful. It was ok, but nothing memorable.
January 6, 2021
The Goodreads description for 2 stars is about right: "it's okay." When the second person got the coat I thought, "Oh, this could be good!" but then it fizzled out.
January 14, 2022
The story is very sweet, but the audiobook narrator just didn't work for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews