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Christmas Past
The winter holiday season is a time for gifts and music, for snow and miracles, and for family and going home. For Jessie Malone, it's a time for sorrow.
Jessie is a graduate student living in London, where she hopes to be one of the first folklorists ever to trace an urban legend back to its original source. She's also a grieving young widow unable to heal from the agony of her life-shattering loss.
In the bleak midwinter, Jessie learns of an urban legend about a lonely, wandering ghost, a British sailor named Sam who promised his bride that he'd be home for Christmas. The legends say he's been trying to make it back to her since World War II.
As she investigates, Jessie learns that Sam's story defies the patterns of how urban legends are supposed to work. It's a puzzle she can't let go. To solve the mystery, she must confront the impossible and, just perhaps, discover a miracle of Christmas love that survives beyond the grave.
A story that will engage all your emotions, Christmas Past bursts with wonder, enigma, romance, and the unquenchable spirit that comes from promises that must be kept.
Jessie is a graduate student living in London, where she hopes to be one of the first folklorists ever to trace an urban legend back to its original source. She's also a grieving young widow unable to heal from the agony of her life-shattering loss.
In the bleak midwinter, Jessie learns of an urban legend about a lonely, wandering ghost, a British sailor named Sam who promised his bride that he'd be home for Christmas. The legends say he's been trying to make it back to her since World War II.
As she investigates, Jessie learns that Sam's story defies the patterns of how urban legends are supposed to work. It's a puzzle she can't let go. To solve the mystery, she must confront the impossible and, just perhaps, discover a miracle of Christmas love that survives beyond the grave.
A story that will engage all your emotions, Christmas Past bursts with wonder, enigma, romance, and the unquenchable spirit that comes from promises that must be kept.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published December 7, 2021
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 18, 2021
Jessie Malone is a graduate student living in London while studying folklore and how to trace the history of a myth back to it's source which is what she is trying to write her dissertation on. The Christmas 🎄 holidays are coming up and her family is pleading for Jessie to come home (U.S.) for their yearly tradition of being together with all the aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins etc., who all come together at her parents house every year on Christmas 🎄 day, but Jessie can't bring herself to go home this year not without her husband who tragically passed away a year ago on Christmas 🎄 eve. Jessie is so heartbroken she just wants the holidays to quickly be over and doesn't want any cheerful reminders of her one true love being gone forever. Then, Jessie learns of a story about a.hitchiking sailor named Sam who made a promise to his new wife (Emily) that he would be home on Christmas 🎄 eve and every year on this day someone gives Sam a ride and he supposedly disappears at midnight.
Jessie soon becomes obsessed with this story and learns of a few people who have given a ride to this supposed ghost name Sam and realized this would be perfect material for her dissertation, an actual source to talk to about this unusual ghost story. In the meantime, Jessie doesn't realize that she is still suffering from depression since she has never grieved properly nor does Jessie believe in ghosts so this tale to track down a source would be the opportunity of a lifetime and also help her out of her holiday depression. While Jessie doesn't believe in ghosts, she doesn't believe in miracles either, although this Christmas 🎄 she may witness several events that will change her mind and heart forever. This was a lovely and bittersweet Christmas 🎄 ghost story. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of Sam that spun over sixty years and the tale was almost always the same every time. Jessie was a wonderful character to follow through the book with all her emotions bottled up and trying so hard not to believe in a ghost story yet deep inside of her she had hope that it could possibly be true. The storybuilding and characterization were well done and really breathed fresh quality into this little book. I also wanted to comment on the lovely artwork that was included within the book and at the beginning of each chapter. It was a wonderful and thoughtful surprise treat to find art in a digital book. The author "John Adcox" brought to life a tender story of lost loves at Christmastime 🎄.
I highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a good mysterious ghost tale about Christmas🎄. I want to thank the publisher "The Story Plant" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this captivating book a rating of 4 BITTERSWEET, CHRISTMAS 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
Jessie soon becomes obsessed with this story and learns of a few people who have given a ride to this supposed ghost name Sam and realized this would be perfect material for her dissertation, an actual source to talk to about this unusual ghost story. In the meantime, Jessie doesn't realize that she is still suffering from depression since she has never grieved properly nor does Jessie believe in ghosts so this tale to track down a source would be the opportunity of a lifetime and also help her out of her holiday depression. While Jessie doesn't believe in ghosts, she doesn't believe in miracles either, although this Christmas 🎄 she may witness several events that will change her mind and heart forever. This was a lovely and bittersweet Christmas 🎄 ghost story. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of Sam that spun over sixty years and the tale was almost always the same every time. Jessie was a wonderful character to follow through the book with all her emotions bottled up and trying so hard not to believe in a ghost story yet deep inside of her she had hope that it could possibly be true. The storybuilding and characterization were well done and really breathed fresh quality into this little book. I also wanted to comment on the lovely artwork that was included within the book and at the beginning of each chapter. It was a wonderful and thoughtful surprise treat to find art in a digital book. The author "John Adcox" brought to life a tender story of lost loves at Christmastime 🎄.
I highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a good mysterious ghost tale about Christmas🎄. I want to thank the publisher "The Story Plant" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this captivating book a rating of 4 BITTERSWEET, CHRISTMAS 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
December 24, 2022
This was a very sweet, emotional book about how true love never dies and a Christmas miracle. I really enjoyed this book.
November 30, 2021
Christmas Past is a delightful holiday book. Beautifully written by Adcox, and beautifully illustrated by Bales, the story follows Jessie as she works through both her research for her doctoral thesis in Cultural Anthropology and her grief following the death of her beloved husband, David.
It is the holidays and Jessie’s family in Alabama really wants her to come home from England, but Jesse isn’t ready to face the people who love her. Not after David’s death, and certainly not before she keeps her promise to him to complete her dissertation about the variations of an urban legend called the Pleading Ghost story. Just before Christmas, Jessie finds herself drawn into another urban legend about a sailor named Sam who is trying to keep a promise to his wife to make it home for Christmas.
As Jessie unravels the strings of Sam’s tale, she begins to unravel the strings of her own story and grief. She thought following Sam’s story would be a distraction but, in the end, Jessie’s obsession provides peace and closure to herself and to others.
This is a holiday book to read every year!
It is the holidays and Jessie’s family in Alabama really wants her to come home from England, but Jesse isn’t ready to face the people who love her. Not after David’s death, and certainly not before she keeps her promise to him to complete her dissertation about the variations of an urban legend called the Pleading Ghost story. Just before Christmas, Jessie finds herself drawn into another urban legend about a sailor named Sam who is trying to keep a promise to his wife to make it home for Christmas.
As Jessie unravels the strings of Sam’s tale, she begins to unravel the strings of her own story and grief. She thought following Sam’s story would be a distraction but, in the end, Jessie’s obsession provides peace and closure to herself and to others.
This is a holiday book to read every year!
December 8, 2021
A Christmas tale of a widowed cultural anthropologist who is completing her PhD. While researching her thesis concerning the way urban legends spread and change, she comes upon a story of a WWII solider/ghost who is trying to make it back to his wife on Christmas Eve. She investigates the story and becomes part of the legend. A sweet tale just in time for the holidays.
November 9, 2021
Christmas Past A Ghostly Winter Tale by John Adcox
Had not realized this was the next in a series I had read.
Story takes place in London during the Christmas holiday and she keeps David's picture on her night table, still NOT being able to say goodbye to him.
An urban legend of the holiday and she delves into the clues she's heard from others.
We also get exclusive information about David and his promise to return for Christmas Eve so they can hang their First Christmas ornament together and dance.
Feel like I've gotten two stories in one in this book, woohoo. Even if you are not familiar with Jessie and David you do get the story over a course of chapters that alternate about the ghost.
She hopes to reunite Sam with his Emily... Love that she bonks your hand on her head about the year of the uniform. She was looking so closely, too closely to even realize the year of the uniform.
Love how she takes matters into her own hands and makes things happen. Wow what a trip where the stories combine and to continue to her happy ending...
Great story, can't wait to read more from the author.
About the author and about the illustrator are included at the end.
Received this review copy from The Story Plant via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ChristmasPast #NetGalley
Had not realized this was the next in a series I had read.
Story takes place in London during the Christmas holiday and she keeps David's picture on her night table, still NOT being able to say goodbye to him.
An urban legend of the holiday and she delves into the clues she's heard from others.
We also get exclusive information about David and his promise to return for Christmas Eve so they can hang their First Christmas ornament together and dance.
Feel like I've gotten two stories in one in this book, woohoo. Even if you are not familiar with Jessie and David you do get the story over a course of chapters that alternate about the ghost.
She hopes to reunite Sam with his Emily... Love that she bonks your hand on her head about the year of the uniform. She was looking so closely, too closely to even realize the year of the uniform.
Love how she takes matters into her own hands and makes things happen. Wow what a trip where the stories combine and to continue to her happy ending...
Great story, can't wait to read more from the author.
About the author and about the illustrator are included at the end.
Received this review copy from The Story Plant via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#ChristmasPast #NetGalley
December 10, 2022
”When dawn arrived on Christmas Eve morning, I found that logic had fled, and the bright and golden light of pure faith was born. Faith in what? I’m not sure I can say, to be honest. Faith in Christmas, faith in miracles, and faith in love that transcends death…”
I snagged a few of these little John Adcox hardcovers not too long ago, knowing nothing about the author, mainly thinking they just looked kind of cool. This one had ”A Ghostly Winter Tale” as it’s subtitle, and this kind of thing is difficult for me to resist. A perfect book it was not, but it ended up being a decent little holiday read, and I’m glad I grabbed these.
This is about a doctoral student, Jessie, in London, who is writing her dissertation on origins of urban myths and their sources, who is reeling from the loss of the husband she just married. Soon she hears a familiar urban legend from a friend—one that seemingly defies the usual patterns of such things, and is given the rare chance to talk to the people who had the direct experiences. In this case, it’s “The Vanishing Hitchhiker” legend…and everyone she talks to tells the same story. On Christmas Eve, a man dressed in possibly outdated Royal Navy fatigues is picked up, in desperate need for a ride to his wife’s house to be home in time for Christmas, as promised. Of course, after reaching the destination, the hitchhiker disappears. Jessie begins getting in touch with numerous people who experienced this same odd occurance, and begins a search for answers on a foggy, rainy London Christmas. The novel also contains a series of flashbacks revealing what happened with her husband, and the effect it may be having on her current search.
The plot of this book is kind of difficult to describe properly, and I’m not sure I’ve done it justice. However, I found it to be very entertaining and interesting throughout, and not difficult to follow at all. I became absorbed. I wanted answers…I needed to know who this Navy apparition was and what he was searching for.
I’ve never been to London, but the atmosphere felt realistic. It wasn’t the Dickensian icy, snowy Christmases in London some of us in the US may like to imagine…cold and rainy enough to be annoying. Foggy enough to disrupt navigation (especially when you gotta drive on the left side of the road…I mean WTF!)…but probably more realistic. I fell right into the atmosphere of the novel regardless.
The writing wasn’t bad either. I would guess that this was one of, if not the very first book this author wrote, but it was plenty serviceable, even if some of the dialogue felt a tad over the top and not necessarily realistic. The author definitely has talent and I look forward to reading more from him and watching him get better and better.
The love story aspect of this, unfortunately, felt a bit overcooked at times. I personally think a more subtle approach the Jessie and David’s story would’ve worked a little better, as I had to roll my eyes a few times when Jessie tells either us, another character, or David himself over and over and over again how much she loves him. The actions of both Jessie and David were plenty to make this point in my opinion. Regardless, the heart was definitely in the right place and I found it to be a touching little story nonetheless.
Overall, I think 3.5 may be a tad too high, but 3.0 feels too low (overthinking these ratings much are ya?!?), so I’m going with a Jolly Ol’ 3.25, or 6.5/10. An above average read that I enjoyed, but not without flaws. Nonetheless I’m looking forward to the next one on my list by Adcox, Raven Wakes The World , and may just go ahead and read it now!
I snagged a few of these little John Adcox hardcovers not too long ago, knowing nothing about the author, mainly thinking they just looked kind of cool. This one had ”A Ghostly Winter Tale” as it’s subtitle, and this kind of thing is difficult for me to resist. A perfect book it was not, but it ended up being a decent little holiday read, and I’m glad I grabbed these.
This is about a doctoral student, Jessie, in London, who is writing her dissertation on origins of urban myths and their sources, who is reeling from the loss of the husband she just married. Soon she hears a familiar urban legend from a friend—one that seemingly defies the usual patterns of such things, and is given the rare chance to talk to the people who had the direct experiences. In this case, it’s “The Vanishing Hitchhiker” legend…and everyone she talks to tells the same story. On Christmas Eve, a man dressed in possibly outdated Royal Navy fatigues is picked up, in desperate need for a ride to his wife’s house to be home in time for Christmas, as promised. Of course, after reaching the destination, the hitchhiker disappears. Jessie begins getting in touch with numerous people who experienced this same odd occurance, and begins a search for answers on a foggy, rainy London Christmas. The novel also contains a series of flashbacks revealing what happened with her husband, and the effect it may be having on her current search.
The plot of this book is kind of difficult to describe properly, and I’m not sure I’ve done it justice. However, I found it to be very entertaining and interesting throughout, and not difficult to follow at all. I became absorbed. I wanted answers…I needed to know who this Navy apparition was and what he was searching for.
I’ve never been to London, but the atmosphere felt realistic. It wasn’t the Dickensian icy, snowy Christmases in London some of us in the US may like to imagine…cold and rainy enough to be annoying. Foggy enough to disrupt navigation (especially when you gotta drive on the left side of the road…I mean WTF!)…but probably more realistic. I fell right into the atmosphere of the novel regardless.
The writing wasn’t bad either. I would guess that this was one of, if not the very first book this author wrote, but it was plenty serviceable, even if some of the dialogue felt a tad over the top and not necessarily realistic. The author definitely has talent and I look forward to reading more from him and watching him get better and better.
The love story aspect of this, unfortunately, felt a bit overcooked at times. I personally think a more subtle approach the Jessie and David’s story would’ve worked a little better, as I had to roll my eyes a few times when Jessie tells either us, another character, or David himself over and over and over again how much she loves him. The actions of both Jessie and David were plenty to make this point in my opinion. Regardless, the heart was definitely in the right place and I found it to be a touching little story nonetheless.
Overall, I think 3.5 may be a tad too high, but 3.0 feels too low (overthinking these ratings much are ya?!?), so I’m going with a Jolly Ol’ 3.25, or 6.5/10. An above average read that I enjoyed, but not without flaws. Nonetheless I’m looking forward to the next one on my list by Adcox, Raven Wakes The World , and may just go ahead and read it now!
January 1, 2022
Can a Christmas story avoid quaintness? That’s a difficult question. It seems some quaintness is innate. And most of that tends to veer into schmaltziness. It’s just ever so twee, the heartwarming aspects of it all. Even with ghosts, you ask? Yes, even with ghosts.
But then again, I do love to read thematically. I actually got this book through Netgalley a while back and deliberately saved it for Christmas and sure enough if you read it exactly on Christmas day it does take care of some of the overwrought emotional heartstringtugging. Especially, since it’s actually a fairly decent book in and off itself – a decent story, well written and featuring some very nice photorealistic sort of original art.
Like so many stories, this is a love story, specifically a story of love interrupted, abbreviated all too soon by tragedy.
A cultural anthropologist specializing in urban legends uncovers one she can’t resist – primarily because it hits too close to her, a story of a young Navy man named Sam who desperately tries to get to his new wife on Christmas day only to vanish right before midnight. Seen by many London cabbies over the years, he becomes something of a local legend. One our protagonist, devastated by the recent tragic loss of the man she had just married, is determined to figure out.
Can two lovelorn lonelies help each other on Christmas day? Well, what do you think? Tis, after all, the season.
This book, appropriately enough, is a love child of a married couple, and is on its most recent reincarnation and it somewhat reads as such, which is to say it reads like a shorter story that’s been padded up. Which implies a certain level of drawn-outness and repetition (does the protagonist really need to tell us three times that she’s an ugly crier sort of thing), so it’s leisurely paced and the investigation of Sam’s story takes an inordinate amount of time for someone who’s meant to be an expert. And yes, it is overtly emotionally charged. But other than that, it’s perfectly readable and indeed perfectly suited for Christmas.
Thematically, it’s a book that’s determined to tell you there’s no place like home. Determined like it’s heel-clicking Dorothy. Or a cheesy holidays commercial.
Which is to say, that throughout the book the protagonist’s father (whom she as an adult woman calls Daddy), who continues to call her from Alabama to London at all times of day and night (because he apparently doesn’t understand the time difference) and emotionally manipulate/guilt her into coming home for Christmas. Which is to say that all Sam wants to do is to go home to his wife for the holidays. And also, (NON-CRUCIAL PLOT GIVEAWAY ALERT. BEWARE) the main character’s husband literally dies driving in a storm to get home for the holidays.
You’d think one of the best things about the last two nightmarish years has been the fact that people no longer HAVE to get home (as designated by their blood family) for the holidays and endure all the concomitant tedium of that. But no, guess where the protagonist winds up at the end of this story? (NON-CRUCIAL PLOT GIVEAWAY ALERT. BEWARE). That’s right, in her home, in Alabama.
There, the cheesy moral of social convention driven home with a subtlety of a freight train. Job done.
Anyway. HoHoHo and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. May you celebrate where your heart is. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
But then again, I do love to read thematically. I actually got this book through Netgalley a while back and deliberately saved it for Christmas and sure enough if you read it exactly on Christmas day it does take care of some of the overwrought emotional heartstringtugging. Especially, since it’s actually a fairly decent book in and off itself – a decent story, well written and featuring some very nice photorealistic sort of original art.
Like so many stories, this is a love story, specifically a story of love interrupted, abbreviated all too soon by tragedy.
A cultural anthropologist specializing in urban legends uncovers one she can’t resist – primarily because it hits too close to her, a story of a young Navy man named Sam who desperately tries to get to his new wife on Christmas day only to vanish right before midnight. Seen by many London cabbies over the years, he becomes something of a local legend. One our protagonist, devastated by the recent tragic loss of the man she had just married, is determined to figure out.
Can two lovelorn lonelies help each other on Christmas day? Well, what do you think? Tis, after all, the season.
This book, appropriately enough, is a love child of a married couple, and is on its most recent reincarnation and it somewhat reads as such, which is to say it reads like a shorter story that’s been padded up. Which implies a certain level of drawn-outness and repetition (does the protagonist really need to tell us three times that she’s an ugly crier sort of thing), so it’s leisurely paced and the investigation of Sam’s story takes an inordinate amount of time for someone who’s meant to be an expert. And yes, it is overtly emotionally charged. But other than that, it’s perfectly readable and indeed perfectly suited for Christmas.
Thematically, it’s a book that’s determined to tell you there’s no place like home. Determined like it’s heel-clicking Dorothy. Or a cheesy holidays commercial.
Which is to say, that throughout the book the protagonist’s father (whom she as an adult woman calls Daddy), who continues to call her from Alabama to London at all times of day and night (because he apparently doesn’t understand the time difference) and emotionally manipulate/guilt her into coming home for Christmas. Which is to say that all Sam wants to do is to go home to his wife for the holidays. And also, (NON-CRUCIAL PLOT GIVEAWAY ALERT. BEWARE) the main character’s husband literally dies driving in a storm to get home for the holidays.
You’d think one of the best things about the last two nightmarish years has been the fact that people no longer HAVE to get home (as designated by their blood family) for the holidays and endure all the concomitant tedium of that. But no, guess where the protagonist winds up at the end of this story? (NON-CRUCIAL PLOT GIVEAWAY ALERT. BEWARE). That’s right, in her home, in Alabama.
There, the cheesy moral of social convention driven home with a subtlety of a freight train. Job done.
Anyway. HoHoHo and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. May you celebrate where your heart is. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
December 31, 2021
I really enjoyed the concept of this story. It intrigued me too much to put down, and I admit that I was in absolute tears by the end. Unfortunately, I just didn’t care for the writing style. It contained an overabundance of short sentences. There was also a little too much repetition for a short. I really think the concept for the story is stellar. A little editing could make this a fantastic 5-star Christmas story that would be enjoyed by the masses.
November 5, 2021
Christmas Past A Ghostly Winter Tale has both sad and happy moments. An eerie, heartfelt, heartbreaking yet heartwarming story. Jessie hears a story of a WW2 Navy man attempting to complete his promise to his wife to be home for Christmas unfortunately he doesn’t make it. Jessie uses this story for her University Thesis so begins to find those who are part of the story. Due to the research and quest to find out more about Sam and Emily, she’s finally able to grieve for her own loss. This is a great book and ideal for readers who love to read ghostly tales, however if you have suffered the loss of a loved one this tale might cause a traumatic setback. If you do read and have an emotional reaction please seek help.
#ChristmasPast #NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Story Plant via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
Review run date 2021 for Netgalley, is posted on my WordPress blog, Facebook blog, Instagram, LinkedIn, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, along with the non-linked retail online stores that sell the book is at:
My WordPress blog link is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... I have 27 followers
My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95... I have 27 followers
My Amazon link is: Sorry I do not have any followers, I have a reviewer ranking #10,871
#ChristmasPast #NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Story Plant via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
Review run date 2021 for Netgalley, is posted on my WordPress blog, Facebook blog, Instagram, LinkedIn, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, along with the non-linked retail online stores that sell the book is at:
My WordPress blog link is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... I have 27 followers
My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95... I have 27 followers
My Amazon link is: Sorry I do not have any followers, I have a reviewer ranking #10,871
November 9, 2021
In the spirit of A Christmas Carol, Adcox offers a haunting yet indeliibly sweet Christmas ghost story. Honoring both the importance of the storyteller and the need to preserve folklore, Christmas Past is a must for any holiday enthusiast, as well for lovers of the paranormal. There is love here, woven through the story, through life and death. Like Sam Prescott to those he encountered, it's a story you will not forget.
August 16, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Christmas Past: A Ghostly Winter Tale is a romantic holiday novella by John Adcox. Released 9th Nov 2021 by The Story Plant, it's 169 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a sweetly romantic story featuring a cultural anthropologist trying to finish her doctoral dissertation whilst battling deep grief from a bereavement and the isolation which comes from living as an expat in another country. She begins following an unusually specific urban legend back to its source and her experiences unraveling the mystery has parallels to her own story.
Despite the heavy themes of grief, loss, and isolation, this is a surprisingly sweet and uplifting story. It's admittedly a bit sweet and sappy in places and there aren't a whole lot of surprise twists; but it's nevertheless satisfying and well written.
The book is capably and beautifully illustrated by Carol Bales (the wife of the author), and the collaboration between the art and text is lovely, with a synergy which lifts the whole to another level.
Four stars. Definitely one for romantics. Paranormal elements and magical realism are central plot points, so readers should bring the requisite suspension of disbelief.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Christmas Past: A Ghostly Winter Tale is a romantic holiday novella by John Adcox. Released 9th Nov 2021 by The Story Plant, it's 169 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a sweetly romantic story featuring a cultural anthropologist trying to finish her doctoral dissertation whilst battling deep grief from a bereavement and the isolation which comes from living as an expat in another country. She begins following an unusually specific urban legend back to its source and her experiences unraveling the mystery has parallels to her own story.
Despite the heavy themes of grief, loss, and isolation, this is a surprisingly sweet and uplifting story. It's admittedly a bit sweet and sappy in places and there aren't a whole lot of surprise twists; but it's nevertheless satisfying and well written.
The book is capably and beautifully illustrated by Carol Bales (the wife of the author), and the collaboration between the art and text is lovely, with a synergy which lifts the whole to another level.
Four stars. Definitely one for romantics. Paranormal elements and magical realism are central plot points, so readers should bring the requisite suspension of disbelief.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 6, 2021
Christmas is not only hope and dreams for a brighter future, but also memories of the past: sometimes a happy, and sometimes a sad past.
The action takes place around a strange story that happens every year on Christmas eve. Sam is trying to return home, where his wife Emily is waiting for him, by Christmas. The problem is that Sam died in 1943, during the World War 2.
Jessy is an anthropologist and learns the story about Sam, what interested her, because she, like Sam's wife Emily, is an American girl and she lost her beloved husband David too. She does not believe in ghosts and considers this legend to be fiction, tries to find an explanation for what is happening. Ghosts don't exist, do they?
I enjoyed reading this well-written story. It hooked me from the first chapter and did not let me put the book down. Christmas Past made me laugh out loud and cry. The narrative easily transported the reader to London on Christmas eve, where even the nature reflected sad events: snowfall, rain, fog.
The stunning illustrations for the book convey the atmosphere of London, reflect the events and complement the story, turning it into a complete picture of the book. These illustrations are a great addition that pleases the eyes of the reader.
I liked Jessy so much, I felt her grief, loneliness, emptiness and enjoyed to relive those happy and sad moments of her life.
I also liked Sam, I wished to help him find his way home, to his Emily.
I will definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves reading Christmas season books, fiction and who prefer ghost stories. I am sure that this book will be enjoyable reading for many people, as it was for me.
Thanks to John Adcox, Carol Bales, The Story Plant and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review this book!
The action takes place around a strange story that happens every year on Christmas eve. Sam is trying to return home, where his wife Emily is waiting for him, by Christmas. The problem is that Sam died in 1943, during the World War 2.
Jessy is an anthropologist and learns the story about Sam, what interested her, because she, like Sam's wife Emily, is an American girl and she lost her beloved husband David too. She does not believe in ghosts and considers this legend to be fiction, tries to find an explanation for what is happening. Ghosts don't exist, do they?
I enjoyed reading this well-written story. It hooked me from the first chapter and did not let me put the book down. Christmas Past made me laugh out loud and cry. The narrative easily transported the reader to London on Christmas eve, where even the nature reflected sad events: snowfall, rain, fog.
The stunning illustrations for the book convey the atmosphere of London, reflect the events and complement the story, turning it into a complete picture of the book. These illustrations are a great addition that pleases the eyes of the reader.
I liked Jessy so much, I felt her grief, loneliness, emptiness and enjoyed to relive those happy and sad moments of her life.
I also liked Sam, I wished to help him find his way home, to his Emily.
I will definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves reading Christmas season books, fiction and who prefer ghost stories. I am sure that this book will be enjoyable reading for many people, as it was for me.
Thanks to John Adcox, Carol Bales, The Story Plant and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review this book!
December 24, 2023
Christmas 2023 - Naughty
What it's about: An odd Christmas ghost story.
What I thought: This was a good idea for a story, and the main theme was undying love, so I feel Scrooge-y for finding it a bit ridiculous. But the writing style was not great: the main character was an annoying drip, and the flashback scenes with her dead husband were so over-the-top cheesy I am surprised that a dude wrote this; the pace was slow, with too much repetition, e.g., if I was reading a physical copy of the book, I would have hurled it across the room if she mentioned the "first married Christmas" ornament or the “Christmas Hoedown Hootinanny” one more time.
To be fair, I think the audiobook in this case was a poor choice and started me off on a grouchy note. Although the main character, Jessie Malone - a graduate student living in London - was born and raised in Alabama, the narrator declined to attempt any hint of a southern drawl but proceeded to destroy both British and Irish accents in a grievous way. Add to the fact that much of the dialogue was silly and my head hurt from all the eye-rolling I did.
The ending was unintentionally hilarious (see spoilers) and I'm glad I soldiered on with this, because I'm sure no ghost story ever included such a scene as this one.
Random thoughts/questions: (SPOILERS)
What it's about: An odd Christmas ghost story.
What I thought: This was a good idea for a story, and the main theme was undying love, so I feel Scrooge-y for finding it a bit ridiculous. But the writing style was not great: the main character was an annoying drip, and the flashback scenes with her dead husband were so over-the-top cheesy I am surprised that a dude wrote this; the pace was slow, with too much repetition, e.g., if I was reading a physical copy of the book, I would have hurled it across the room if she mentioned the "first married Christmas" ornament or the “Christmas Hoedown Hootinanny” one more time.
To be fair, I think the audiobook in this case was a poor choice and started me off on a grouchy note. Although the main character, Jessie Malone - a graduate student living in London - was born and raised in Alabama, the narrator declined to attempt any hint of a southern drawl but proceeded to destroy both British and Irish accents in a grievous way. Add to the fact that much of the dialogue was silly and my head hurt from all the eye-rolling I did.
The ending was unintentionally hilarious (see spoilers) and I'm glad I soldiered on with this, because I'm sure no ghost story ever included such a scene as this one.
Random thoughts/questions: (SPOILERS)
May 30, 2023
The winter holiday season is a time for gifts and music, for snow and miracles, and for family and going home. For Jessie Malone, it's a time for sorrow.
Jessie is a graduate student living in London, where she hopes to be one of the first folklorists ever to trace an urban legend back to its original source. She's also a grieving young widow unable to heal from the agony of her life-shattering loss.
"John Adcox's Christmas Past is a perfect reminder that some of the very best ghost stories revolve around the holiday season. Lavishly illustrated by Carol Bales, filled with tragedy, mystery, and love, it's a story you'll want to savor every Christmas." -- James A. Moore, author of the Seven Forges series and the Serenity Falls trilogy
“Christmas Past is a beautiful, bittersweet exploration of grief and wonder, a touching ghost story about urban myths and the way love lingers. John Adcox and Carol Bales have gifted us with a bit of Christmas Magic.” -- Christopher Golden, New York Times bestselling author of Ararat and Road of Bones
I can't say it any better than these reviews. This is just so beautiful and wonderful, I'm crying. It's partly happy tears because she gets to *be* a miracle and gets one for herself, too. But it's sad because of why she even *needs* a miracle. Even though it makes me bawl my eyes out like a baby, I'll be reading this and A Star in the East at Christmas every year.
Jessie is a graduate student living in London, where she hopes to be one of the first folklorists ever to trace an urban legend back to its original source. She's also a grieving young widow unable to heal from the agony of her life-shattering loss.
"John Adcox's Christmas Past is a perfect reminder that some of the very best ghost stories revolve around the holiday season. Lavishly illustrated by Carol Bales, filled with tragedy, mystery, and love, it's a story you'll want to savor every Christmas." -- James A. Moore, author of the Seven Forges series and the Serenity Falls trilogy
“Christmas Past is a beautiful, bittersweet exploration of grief and wonder, a touching ghost story about urban myths and the way love lingers. John Adcox and Carol Bales have gifted us with a bit of Christmas Magic.” -- Christopher Golden, New York Times bestselling author of Ararat and Road of Bones
I can't say it any better than these reviews. This is just so beautiful and wonderful, I'm crying. It's partly happy tears because she gets to *be* a miracle and gets one for herself, too. But it's sad because of why she even *needs* a miracle. Even though it makes me bawl my eyes out like a baby, I'll be reading this and A Star in the East at Christmas every year.
November 3, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and The Story Plant. for eARC.
This is a very sweet story of Jessie who hopes to be one of the first folklorists ever to trace an urban legend back to its original source. At the same time, she is still mourning the loss of her husband.
This is a modern twist on the idea of traditional Christmas ghost stories and Christmas miracles, while the main focus of the story is grief, and coming to come to terms with grief, this is a story that shows that miracles can happen.
I enjoyed this read (more so towards the end), and actually found myself in tears at the end of the story.
This is a very sweet story of Jessie who hopes to be one of the first folklorists ever to trace an urban legend back to its original source. At the same time, she is still mourning the loss of her husband.
This is a modern twist on the idea of traditional Christmas ghost stories and Christmas miracles, while the main focus of the story is grief, and coming to come to terms with grief, this is a story that shows that miracles can happen.
I enjoyed this read (more so towards the end), and actually found myself in tears at the end of the story.
January 7, 2022
Adcox has created an enthralling story combining Christmas, heartache, loss, urban legends, and a ghost that you just have to pull for.
Jessie is a young widow trying to avoid the pain of a Christmas without her deceased husband by throwing herself into research for her doctorate. When she runs across elements of a ghostly urban legend that might be traceable to its origins, she can’t fight the temptation to pursue it. What follows is a story of depth and empathy while the reader is swept up into the experience of grief and healing with Jessie.
Definitely a must-read!
Jessie is a young widow trying to avoid the pain of a Christmas without her deceased husband by throwing herself into research for her doctorate. When she runs across elements of a ghostly urban legend that might be traceable to its origins, she can’t fight the temptation to pursue it. What follows is a story of depth and empathy while the reader is swept up into the experience of grief and healing with Jessie.
Definitely a must-read!
December 25, 2022
This Christmas ghost tale made me tear up and hit all the boxes. I connected to the characters and was quickly invested in this short little novella. Our protagonist, Jessie, is 2 years widowed and living far away from home in London. She stumbles upon a story of a wandering ghost solider who appears to strangers every Christmas Eve looking to get home to his wife. She pursues the story and it takes her on a journey of healing and romance. HIGHLY recommend this gem.
October 29, 2021
This is a sweet Christmas ghost story with an unusual take on the traditional hitchhiking ghost genre. The characters are not exactly deep or developed, but they don't need to be for the story, which is a nice homage to the English tradition of ghost stories at Christmas. It's a quick and easy read, perhaps best done with a cup of tea on a winter night.
November 8, 2021
Christmas Past is about Jessie Malone, a student living in London, who is doing research on an urban legend of Sam who is an English sailor trying to make his way home to his beloved wife Emily..... Just in time for Christmas as he promised.
Jessie is trying to track down the origin of the legend while dealing with the loss of her own beloved husband, David.
At first I had a little trouble getting into the story but after a few chapters I was hooked and couldn't put it down. It was a fantastic Christmas read. I definitely will recommend it.
Jessie is trying to track down the origin of the legend while dealing with the loss of her own beloved husband, David.
At first I had a little trouble getting into the story but after a few chapters I was hooked and couldn't put it down. It was a fantastic Christmas read. I definitely will recommend it.
November 8, 2021
A romantic, poignant and engrossing Christmas story that mixes romance, urban legends and ghosts.
I liked Jessie and wanted the best for her.
The novel kept me reading and I liked the plot and the characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I liked Jessie and wanted the best for her.
The novel kept me reading and I liked the plot and the characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 12, 2021
Loved. Loved. Loved this book! Beautifully written with amazing illustrations it is a story of a women who has recently lost her husband and how she finds her way back to family and peace at Christmas. Highly recommend this book!!!
April 6, 2024
This wasn't earth-shattering, but it was a sweet, quick read.
January 2, 2025
I don't even know what just happened. 😆 This wasn't your average Dickens ghostly Christmas tale.
Review of advance copy
I am usually stingy on ratings, but this book brought out many different emotions. A wonderful story.
January 5, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and The Story Plant for the eARC in return for an honest review.
The winter holiday season is a time for gifts and music, for snow and miracles, and for family and going home. For Jessie Malone, it's a time for sorrow.
Jessie is a graduate student living in London, where she hopes to be one of the first folklorists ever to trace an urban legend back to its original source. She's also a grieving young widow unable to heal from the agony of her life-shattering loss.
In the bleak midwinter, Jessie learns of an urban legend about a lonely, wandering ghost, a British sailor named Sam who promised his bride that he'd be home for Christmas. The legends say he's been trying to make it back to her since World War II.
As she investigates, Jessie learns that Sam's story defies the patterns of how urban legends are supposed to work. It's a puzzle she can't let go. To solve the mystery, she must confront the impossible and, just perhaps, discover a miracle of Christmas love that survives beyond the grave.
A story that will engage all your emotions, Christmas Past bursts with wonder, enigma, romance, and the unquenchable spirit that comes from promises that must be kept.
This book was a DNF for me. I tried several times to pick it up and read it and just couldn't get into it. I really loved the concept of chasing down older Ghost stories or legends to see where they originated from. Unfortunately, that's where the magic ended for me.
The character didn't have much emotional output for me. The main character didn't interest me at all. I really felt nothing for her at all. It annoyed me how many times she reminded us that she cannot get distracted from her main purpose of writing her dissertation. Her memories were lovely but again, no emotional reaction from me.
I did love the ghost stories and how the legends were relayed. it's such an interesting concept of how a legend is born and how it travels from place to place. I also enjoyed reading about the affect each story has on folks as it gets passed down from generation to generation.
I wish I could have loved this but I didn't.
The winter holiday season is a time for gifts and music, for snow and miracles, and for family and going home. For Jessie Malone, it's a time for sorrow.
Jessie is a graduate student living in London, where she hopes to be one of the first folklorists ever to trace an urban legend back to its original source. She's also a grieving young widow unable to heal from the agony of her life-shattering loss.
In the bleak midwinter, Jessie learns of an urban legend about a lonely, wandering ghost, a British sailor named Sam who promised his bride that he'd be home for Christmas. The legends say he's been trying to make it back to her since World War II.
As she investigates, Jessie learns that Sam's story defies the patterns of how urban legends are supposed to work. It's a puzzle she can't let go. To solve the mystery, she must confront the impossible and, just perhaps, discover a miracle of Christmas love that survives beyond the grave.
A story that will engage all your emotions, Christmas Past bursts with wonder, enigma, romance, and the unquenchable spirit that comes from promises that must be kept.
This book was a DNF for me. I tried several times to pick it up and read it and just couldn't get into it. I really loved the concept of chasing down older Ghost stories or legends to see where they originated from. Unfortunately, that's where the magic ended for me.
The character didn't have much emotional output for me. The main character didn't interest me at all. I really felt nothing for her at all. It annoyed me how many times she reminded us that she cannot get distracted from her main purpose of writing her dissertation. Her memories were lovely but again, no emotional reaction from me.
I did love the ghost stories and how the legends were relayed. it's such an interesting concept of how a legend is born and how it travels from place to place. I also enjoyed reading about the affect each story has on folks as it gets passed down from generation to generation.
I wish I could have loved this but I didn't.
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