Another Christmas Carol: A Modern Sequel to the Charles Dickens Classic

by John C. Derr

What if the remarkable story of Ebenezer Scrooge was true? What if the account was relayed to Dickens and he turned it into A Christmas Carol? What if the Ghostly visitations did not begin with, nor end with, Scrooge, but the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come visit one misanthropic soul in need of reclamation every Christmas Eve? This modern-day sequel to the Charles Dickens classic assumes all of the above. And this time, the spiritual trio’s attentions have been directed to a not-so-nice woman in Philadelphia.

Ellie Printh is a 53-year-old heart transplant survivor and wealthy business owner who loves no one and has no intention of changing that. On the anniversary of the life-saving operation performed seven Christmas Eves prior, the spirit of her equally irascible heart donor warns her she will be visited by three ghosts, looking to reform her character and give her a fresh start.

But will this supernatural encounter change Ellie for good or are some people simply too stuck in their ways?

John Derr’s Dickens-inspired novel is a Christmas story that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Exploring some big themes including childhood trauma and abuse, Another Christmas Carol’s message will stay with readers long after they finish the final page.

Genres: Christmas

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2021

Reviews

[P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished, appropriately, on Christmas Eve, but I’m just getting around to writing the review. I was in a mini reading slump and this may have been the cure!

I thoroughly enjoyed this modernized take on one of my favorite classics. I loved the nods to the original and chuckled at the contemporary references. The writing was very good. John C. Derr’s use of figurative language and imagery is masterful. Well done, Sir!

An extra special aspect of the novel is that the author is a local guy. I know his family, but I’m not sure I’ve ever met him. Sharpsville, PA peeps, get this book!

Thanks Vicki Lingner for the recommendation. And to John Derr - I look forward to reading more from you!

[Cindy Feigert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another retelling of the classic Christmas Carol. This one was set in modern times and also some of it took place in my home community. That made it interesting. John C. Derr stayed true to the core of the story while adding his own touch.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I was a little girl, A Christmas Carol has been my favorite story. I have watched all the different versions and read the original every December.
I honestly wasn't expecting to love this new version as much as I did, but I believe I will be adding this as an annual read too! The writing is a beautiful blend of modern with nods to the original text. It is equal parts a familiar, cozy story with enough changes that it was interesting and unpredictable. I love the twist at the end. It is one of my new favorites 🥰

[Sophie Morningbread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read in a long time. Only disappointment is that I can’t find any other books from this author. So sad really! I can only hope he continues writing more books and preferably the same kind. I’d love to see which person is chosen each Christmas. I’ll definitely be reading this book again next Christmas.

[Rebecca Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every bit as moving as Charles Dickens version.

What a moving story highlighting that a little love, kindness, understanding, and empathy can make a huge difference in someone's life. This story had me angry at times, and crying both sad and happy tears. It reminded me to keep the Christmas spirit in my heart all the year thru.

[Linda Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Christmas Carol

I don't usually watch or read "A Christmas Carol" knockoffs. Why I read this one is because the reviews were so very positive. This was a very good book. Keep tissues close. Spread kindness and good cheer. Buy local. Highly recommend you read this book!

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Ms. Printh, such a haughty skinflint! A very dislikable woman who took advantage of others each time she could. But those three ghosts, so full of personality (even one who was "like an actuary on steroids"), and how they presented each memory or rooms full of what she didn't know. A terrific Christmas read!

[Tammy Buchli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real charmer, full of Christmas spirit and a very satisfying read.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly good book I had picked as a seasonable read. Based on the premise of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, this original story has some similarities in that it involves the three spirits who annually visit a different person each year in an attempt to change the course of a persons life from a self centered view to one of generously and caring. I definitely can recommend this novel for the Christmas season or any time of year.

[Patti Tindal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read

My favorite non-horror book of 2023 (and I’ve read over 100 this year). You may think this will be predictable and follow the story of Ebenezer Scrooge but you’d be wrong. Twists, a surprise at the end and a delightful fleshing out of characters and attention to details that I SO love in a book! Treat yourself - you’ll be so glad you did. A great read all year round.

[Jennifer Barten · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was given this book I wasn't sure I would like it because I don't love the Christmas story. BUT this story was cute!
I liked that Derr was able to combine the two stories and still make it it's own story. It truly was a modern telling of it that did a great job of explaining how it was possible again, giving little glimpses to the old story without retelling it and finding ways to make it it's own.
I really liked the theme of making your own family and that you can be like a snowball, adding to it.
I got really annoyed with the word 'puh', though. I don't think I've ever read it in a book before, but was sad I didn't keep track of how many times it was used in this book. No matter how many times it was, it was too many.
Overall fun holiday story!

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernice wasn’t too nice, but her organs were!!! Ellie wasn’t much different, was she??? The visions of the past didn’t help much!!! The second vision was of abandonment!!! Sharpsville PA??? The third vision was the most heartfelt. Although it didn’t end with “God Bless us Every9ne” and it is more current, and…well, it is Another Christmas Carol.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful

A great modern take of the tale A Christmas Carol. I truly enjoyed the ghost visits and even more enjoyment came with her turn around in life. Enjoy life and share the live.

[Cheryl Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Great modern spin to an old classic!! I absolutely loved the ending!! Highly recommend!
I gave it a 5 because while you recognize the bones of the classic "A Christmas Carol," it's totally different! Very imaginative!

[Cynthia Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Great updated version of a classic story. I laughed, I cried.
Can't wait to see what John C. Derr writes next .

[Loni Rifenburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book! Very well written! I felt I was right there with Ellie as she transformed, very discriptive......highly rccomend!💗💗💗💗💗

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A holiday must read!

A beautiful rendition of the classical story! The story is told with poise and elegance. Well done John C. Derr!!

[Mike Laverty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this holiday treat! Really good writing-descriptive and rich scenes actually had me along with the main character at each stave! In true Dickens fashion. Must read!

[Sandy Heisey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This followed the original story very closely until the last chapters when it redeemed itself with an interesting insight into what all can be accomplished.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

I am a huge fan of A Christmas Carol. I have watched and read many versions and this one is exceptional! What a perfect holiday book.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

A very well written story with a modern twist to the Dickens classic Christmas story!
This could easily become the modern successor!

[Carolyn H Nuwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This a great updated version of A Christmas Carol. Every Christmas I read A Christmas Carol, now I will include this version. Mr. Deer did a great job on this story.