Bucky and the Lukefahr Ladies: A Turn Back Christmas

by Shirley Gilmore

“A Turn Back Christmas” continues the remarkable story of Bucky Carter in the months after her return from her eleven-year sojourn with the mysterious Anarianu. Life is different in the Mansion. She has had to adapt to a changed family dynamic. Sibling rivalry was never something she had to contend with before, but now she has two brothers near her own age and they are allowed more freedom than she can ever hope to have. Simon and Meredyth have three preteens in their household, and one of them is demonstrating a new erratic and destructive power. It’s November and the Carter Family is preparing for Thanksgiving and the hectic Christmas season that follows.

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2020

Reviews

[Anya Pavelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the first three books in this series, Book 4 contains tons of conflict, warm family moments, and magic. Those who have finished Book 3 will know that Bucky's life is forever changed, for better and worse. Her family expanded during the time she was "away." Change isn't easy. It's clear Bucky loves her brothers, but she has to adapt to an entirely new family dynamic in this book. The situation becomes harder when new supernatural forces enter into the mix. Thankfully, Bucky also gets a new friend :)

One thing I love most about this series is how people band together to battle antagonistic elements. Families and friends have genuine relationships that embody the complexity of those in real life. Also, the author infuses Turn Back with magic, so much so the place feels alive. Considering the forces at work, that assumption isn't far off.

Excellent conclusion to this series!

[Anne Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book in the Bucky series is a yuletide gift of exciting new characters, beloved favorites, hidden passageways, strange found objects, and secrets upon secrets. Like Mom’s home made Christmas divinity the mystery will keep you coming back until you have consumed the whole batch. When you pick up the book and read the first page, you will not put it down.
If you think Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde explored the fearful confrontation between good and evil within one individual, just wait for the dream throwing and soul throwing terror here. Yet this book has the hopeful resolution Christmas brings during the darkest times of the year and well into the new year.

[Frances Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had planned to save this for Christmas, but didn't have the self-control. Although less eventful than the earlier books, this rounded off the story beautifully. It was lovely to see Bucky settling back in with her family, making new friends, gaining small freedoms and occasionally breaking the rules.

[Jennifer Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to the series! I couldn’t put it down. Loved finding out how Bucky was doing after the events in book 3.

[Kelley P · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this installment of the Bucky series, Bucky continues to adjust to being with her family again after being taken away by the Anarianu in book 3. It’s Christmastime, and strange things keep happening to Bucky’s toys, art supplies, etc. Secrets are uncovered in the mansion, devastation happens in church, but the Christmas pageant must go on!