The Gift

by Richard Paul Evans

 
 There is no hurt so great that love cannot heal it 

Nathan Hurst hated Christmas. For the rest of the world it was a day of joy and celebration; for Nathan it was simply a reminder of the event that destroyed his childhood until a snowstorm, a cancelled flight, and an unexpected meeting with a young mother and her very special son would show him that Christmas is indeed the season of miracles.

From the beloved author of the international bestseller The Christmas Box comes another timeless story of faith, hope, and healing.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Holiday, Romance, Inspirational, Book Club, Christian Fiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2007

About the author

When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I see many reviews saying this was a heartwarming read, and I guess I can see that a bit… but I found it more sad than anything. There were parts I liked but I didn’t like the ending and events leading up to it.

Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: John Dossett
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Length: 5h

[Connie Dickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you can see, I am on fire with this author. I went to the library and found two more that I haven't read. I think there are a couple more yet.
This is about a boy who died, came back to life, but had a power to heal. It really takes off and you can't leave it alone. Every story Richard puts a piece of himself into it in some way. In this one, the main character has some "tics" from that disease which causes that...and is healed from it. Richard has that disease also, and he explains about it in the beginning of the story. I couldn't put it down. I also enjoy the journal excepts that the main characters writes as part of the story.
What a talented man and what a blessing he is to society. Be sure to read about his accomplishments in the backs of the books!

[Dierdra McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to begin on a review for this book. This book was $15 more then I usually pay for an e book, unless it's from an author I really love and just really want the book. I read the synopsis of this book and then stuck it on my wish list to read later but I could not stop thinking about it, there was just something drawing me to this book so I bought it. I'm so happy I did!
This is unlike any "Christmas story" I have ever read, no not because it's heart breaking, a lot of them are. I'm not even sure I could explain to you what makes this book so different, except to say that I have never loved chacters in a book so much before.
This is a book that will make you want to hug your kids, spouse, or just anyone in your family and hold them close to you.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a typical Richard Paul Evans book. I have to say I love The Christmas Box, so I am not necessarily anti Richard Paul Evans. The problem with this book is that it was very predictable and unbelievable. From the first chapter, I had some parts of the story figured out. The good guys were unbelievably very good, the bad guys were unbelievably very bad. Could they get any worse than the ex-husband or the sick millionaire? I don't think so. The gift in the story wasn't believable. Some of the elements of the story were just a little too strange for me, such as the massage therapy part. Ok, fine, but a little odd. There are some pearls of wisdom in this book, though some of them are paraphrases of LDS teachings. Despite all that, it wasn't a terrible book. It had some sweet moments, and it teaches some good lessons. It was a quick sweet (sticky sweet at times) Christmas read, just don't expect too much. And now that everyone thinks I am Scrooge, I'll give this book two stars.

[Lesle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift is really heartwarming! The Christmas Spirit is all throughout this novel. An emotional story that comes from the heart in the only way that Richard Paul Evans seems capable of doing. A must read for the Holidays!
"Remember, there's no hurt so great that love can't heal it."

[Lexi (Katniss' version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Nathan Hurst gets stuck at the airport when his flight is inconveniently cancelled. There he meets a young mother, Addison, her daughter, Lizzie, and her son, Collin. Collin is sick after his chemo treatment. Nathan decides to offer them his suite, where he can have one room and they can have the other. Nathan still has bronchitis and horrible tics that may bother Collin, but Addison is convinced that it is better than him being around thousands of other sick people at the airport.
However, something strange happens. Collin touches Nathan, and his bronchitis and tics both stop. He later learns that Collin has a special gift given to him by the Creator Himself. He can heal people if he likes them enough.
Everyone is scared that Collin's secret will somehow get out, and then people will use his gift against him. They are scared about this because every time Collin heals someone it makes him get more sick. Sadly, his secret does get out, and then they have to deal with paparazzi and lots of people outside of their house. Addison's ex tries to make some money off of Collin, but soon his evil and selfish plans are put to a very abrupt stop.
Nathan and Addison fall in love in the midst of this. They seem to spend every waking moment together or with Addison's lovely children. However, they may lose Collin forever. Their miracle child.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift by Richard Paul Evans
335 pages Hardcover story ends on 334

Genre: Christian Fiction, Holiday, Christmas, Inspirational, Romance, Adult Fiction

Featuring: Tourette's, Death of Child, Leukemia, Paranormal,

Rating as a movie: PG-13 for heavy topics

Songs for the soundtrack: “Angel” By Sarah McLachlan, “Live Like You Were Dying” By Tim McGraw, “Tears In Heaven” By Eric Clapton

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts: 📖 Page 10 of 334 Ch. 2 - I think it's just time to go to bed. This book isn't dull or anything, it has a heavy opening and I don't have the emotional energy to tackle it at the moment.
📖 91 second page of Ch. 9 - I wasn't expecting this book to freak me out at night. I was thinking Hallmark but it's deeper than that.

I don't know how I got through this one without crying. It starts off a little slow, then it's more profound than I was expecting, heartwarming doesn't even begin to describe it. This is my 3rd book by Evans and I think I'm going to read them all.

Recommend to others?: Yes! Where is the movie based on this book? Someone needs to get busy.

[Mary B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! So easy to read. A beautiful story (as Evans does so well). Fits in with the season so well. I have more of his books but will come back to them later. These latest ones have really given my spirits a much-needed boost and helped make the holidays that much more enjoyable.
Like Albom's, Evans' books are smaller than most and beautifully designed. They are fun to read, have important messages in them, and stay with you longer than many. I will read as many as I can get my hands on. He has found a good place in my library and in my heart.
I hope you will read some of them too. They cannot but touch your heart - just a little.

[Filipa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sobbing!

[Sylvainne Poitras · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I could not put it down.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An original concept and excellent story.

[Free Ekpe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book is popular because it’s heartwarming and is a feel good story, but I just couldn’t get into it. It was a very quick read, with short chapters, and a quick moving storyline but it lacked depth. The relationships and romances develop far too quickly. There isn’t enough build up or character development, and the good guys and villains are very stereotypically good or bad. There are no nuances or real dilemmas. The story unfolds exactly as you would think it would and concludes in much the same way: predictably. It’s disappointing because the premise itself would have made for an excellent story.

I was also annoyed that the author mentions the main character has Tourette syndrome (as does the author himself) but the syndrome was mostly ignored. It gets mentioned a couple times but didn’t play a significant role in the storyline. Yet I would have loved to delve further into that aspect of the character’s story.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a nice, easy read, this book would suffice. But if you’re looking for a story to awe, inspire, or captivate you, this book, unfortunately, lacks that level of complexity.

[Lynn Rueff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan Hurst, a national in-house detective for MusicWorld, gives a mother, Addison, and her two children Elizabeth and Collin his warm dry room during a snowstorm. Collin has a gift for healing which he dispenses at great cost to himself. As a young boy Nathan experienced a double tradgedy in his family. This experience has followed him throughout his life and affected most of his relationships. After meeting Addison and her children Nathan comes to view life in a more positive prospective. The book progresses toward a forgone conclusion where Nathan and Addison marry.

The book is short and reads very quickly. I have watched on tv another of Richard Paul Evans' books, the Christmas Box, made into a movie. This is a book that I would recommend.

[Maria Carmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a Hymn to life's capacity for compassion and transformation. Little boy Collin is a "Christ - like" character, who can love so deeply that he gives his life for others, withering out as he uses his healing gift... The books characters find much needed peace, when they face their past with the courage to forgive others and, most importantly, themselves!!!!
A wonderfully inspiring book, absolutely a Good Read!

Maria Carmo,

Lisbon 18 Th. January 2013.

[Suzanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very simple story. Did not appeal to me. Written for women. Author is like many Christians I know who only want the "Right" kinds of people to experience God's blessings. I will not read this author again.

[Spens (Sphynx Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming yet incredibly cliché read. If you've seen at least one Christian movie with a kid who heals people (like Heaven is For Real), this is basically what it is with a sprinkle of Hallmark magic and cheesiness. Still pretty good though.

[Kathy Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally heart this book.

It's really very christmassy and feel good. How nice it is if the world works that way.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typically I don't like stories where a child dies, but this story was very thought-provoking and heartwarming.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical story of giving, love and healing. If I could only pick one holiday book to read, it would definitely be one from Richard Paul Evans.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will post on my site on December 23, 2019.
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The Gift is a sweet story to be read at Christmas. Nathan Hurst does not celebrate Christmas for very personal reasons. Then one day his flight is delayed and he meets single mom Addison, her children Colin and Elizabeth and all of their lives are changed forever.

The Gift shows what happens when a very unique ability (with consequences) becomes a news story and life gets out of hand. This story shows how greedy we can be as humans without regard for others. On the flip side, this novel also shows how love can and will overcome the greed.

If only more of us were like Colin, the world would be a better place. This is a novel that will touch your heart and you may possibly shed a tear or two. You will definitely feel better emotionally when you finish The Gift.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great heart felt read from Richard Paul Evans.

I’ve been trying to catch up on all my Christmas reads. He doesn’t disappoint in this book.

Nathan is kind of a loner and when a snow storm hits and his flight is canceled his assistant books him a hotel. While in line waiting to get his flight booked for the next day there’s a woman with her 2 children.
She looks tired and for reasons unknown he offers to help her out. He offers to give her his presidential suite.

He has Tourette’s and he’s very sick with a cough. The woman takes him up on his offer. When they get to the room the little boy touches him and he’s no longer sick and his Tourette’s is gone.

He can’t get her out of his mind and they end up spending time together. This sets off a string of events. Both good and bad.

The story is very well written if you are looking for that heartfelt Christmas read.

I only give 5 stars to books that I would read again. This is definitely one of those.

[Liisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite Richard Paul Evans book. I love the story, characters, and even though I generally guess the ending before the end of the book, I really enjoyed this book. It's not a typical Christmas story, but rather a more realistic take on life during the holiday season. What would you do if you had that gift? Or if you knew someone who did? Love how this plot really makes you think and take a good look at yourself.

[Nancy Laflamme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just before Christmas, I was looking for a well-written and heart-warming story that would leave me with a smile. I found it in The Gift.

This quick read manages to offer three-dimensional characters that support a solid story. Well-done.

[Tiziano Brignoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Richard Paul Evans books, but it's not been the case with this one. The story is too much fictionalized, even paranormal. The characters are definitely not well developed, and I definitely not fell in love with anyone of them. However the message expressed in the book is perfect for the Christmas season, and so I choose to give three instead of two stars.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what I expect from Richard Paul Evan’s! This book was beautiful and it made me cry. This totally made up for that unfortunate book, Promise Me, that made me cringe.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars (Outstanding)
Setting: Utah

[Allie Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad, but a good reminder on what Christmas is really about.

[Cheryl Betts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gripping story, but just too sad for me.

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three favorite quotes from The Gift:

"Some things are true whether you want to believe them or not."

"There's no hurt so great that love can't heal it."

"Books are the most tolerant of friends."

[Aya Ayadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to describe this book, but I hope this quote does it right."We all have need of healing. And while our world spends billions of dollars each year on pills, potions, and procedures, it is all a shadow of what we need most. What good is a life prolonged if it only extends the season of cowardice and sin? What good is a new heart if it's only to be filled with hate or regret-- or new eyes, if all they can see is criticism and intolerance " (331)