The Santa Shop

by Tim Greaton

Skip Ralstat is a man so steeped in grief and despair that life seems no longer possible. After the death of his wife and child, Skip blames himself. He has given up his friends, his job, and even his home. Now, homeless, he survives on the mean streets of Albany. He knows it can't go on, that life must end. But will it?
Come join him on his most unusual road to redemption. The salvation of one life...lies along this road.
Let the healing from "The Santa Shop" begin.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Inspirational, Ebooks, Holiday, Contemporary, Romance

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2002

About the author

I live in Maine with my beautiful wife and three amazing children. We share seven acres with one dog, two cats and a population of ducks that varies with the weather. I'm is a full-time corporate writer and novelist. My fiction and nonfiction have appeared in forums all around the globe. You can find my novels in paperback and ebook formats at all quality book retailers.

Though I'm sometimes referred to as "Maine's Other Author" (TM), I prefer just Tim.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

When attorney, Skip Ralstat loses his wife and baby on Christmas Eve, he blames himself for not being there and dedicates his grief-stricken life to one of misery and homelessness in memory of them. As thoughts of self-destruction continue to haunt him, he hears the story of a treacherous cliff (aptly named) Christmas Leap having a history of numerous Christmas Eve suicides......and so decides his fate.

While this short story has much sadness, it is not a joyless tale. It is filled with the kindness of Christmas spirit, hope, and the magic of life. Visit The Santa Shop and see where Skip's life takes him.....you won't be sorry.

Thank you Tim Greaton for the FREE heartwarming holiday read!

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't call this your typical happy Christmas story.

The Santa Shop is about a man whose wife and child are killed on Christmas Eve while he was at his office Christmas party.

Wracked with guilt he is determined to commit suicide to honor them.

It's a very dark and sad story.

[Mark Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning the idea of a Santa Shop caught my imagination, but what kept me reading were the believable characters, simple truths and powerful themes wrapped up in a delightful package of irridescent prose. Tim Greaton is not just a writer, he's a consumate storyteller. His books should be on everyone's short list of must reads.

Mark Reeder

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Santa Shop
Author: Tim Greaton
Reviewed by Fran Lewis



Have you read a Tim Greaton novel lately? One reviewer called The The Santa Shop "...pure distilled emotions." Tim's mainstream emotional novels and fantasy books for all ages are available at all fine bookstores, or get discounted and signed collector editions at www.focushousepublishing.com.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_...

http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.c...

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pa...

Hope is something that everyone needs and never give up on. No matter what life throws at you it’s too precious to take yourself away and out of the world. Everyone has a purpose in life and sometimes events happen that we cannot control yet feel that if we were present the outcome would have been different. Not always the case. Skip Ralstat was a lawyer whose family died at the hand of a thoughtless man who was on drugs. Going to an office party on Christmas Eve and arrive back home finding his wife and son burned to death riddled him with guilt. Deciding his life was worthless; his time on earth limited, he gave up on himself and decided to live on the streets. But, unknown to Skip although he lived alone and wandered the many streets in Albany each day and night he was never really alone nor lacking people who really cared about him and understood his despair.

The decisions we make in life can determine what happens to us in the present as well as the future. Not all decisions will be sound or right. But, making them we have to stand by what we decide. Replaying and reliving failures and successes will not help because you cannot rewind time and recreate the outcome of a decision or event. Skip decided to go to a Christmas party on Christmas Eve leaving his wife and daughter home. Unfortunately, one of the tenants where they lived was careless, on drugs and started a fire that killed many including his family. Was their death really his fault? Would the outcome have been different had he been home? Would the world be better off without him? Hard decision. What would your answer be?

Self- blame is a way out of facing reality. Suicide is one means of escape. As Skip wanders the streets one morning he meets Father Johnson he invites him into his warm church, gives him a warm meal, somewhere to sleep and much food for thought. Kind, caring and understanding and definitely not judgmental, Skip hears what the Father’s message about life is but will he heed his words.

Leaving the church he meets a man named Barwood who shares his story with him and takes him to meet a wonderful woman named Martha who owns a soup kitchen. Justifying being homeless, explaining why he’s living on the streets and yet encouraged the man to return to his life and not give up on himself. Christmas and the holiday season often brings out the best in some and the worst in others. Meeting Barwood would play some positive thoughts and remembrances in his mind as he remembers the good times and the wealth of having a family. But, yet he planned to take his own life and when Barwood tells him about Christmas Leap in the town of Gary, he plans to find a way to get there. Meeting several people along the way, Jenny who owns a lot of property and is striving to open her own shelter. The lady at the Governor’s office who opens his eyes to prejudice and the waitress at the diner that was just plain rude. Yet, Skip in all of his despair and sorrow found a way to teach each one of these people and others a lesson in kindness, humility and understanding.

Arriving in Gary he befriends the man in the Santa Shop who explains how he came to own it and why. But, one toy truck, one man dressed as a reaper would make all the difference to him and many others. Living on the streets, not used to the kindness and caring of others he turns down the gift from the man who owns the Santa Shop, tells the waitress she is rude and finds a way to make a little girl at the inn smile. Why do people treat the homeless and those less fortunate as less than human? Remembering his wife and son he realizes that his own death should be imminent and finds the bridge famous for the Christmas Leap event each year and climbs to the top.

What does happen I cannot tell you or explain? The thoughts played in his head, the words that come out and the fear in his heart is immeasurable. The reality of the situation, what changes him or does not change him you need to read for yourself. The story begins with one man who needs to do something before he and his wife move to another place. Just how the beginning links to the ending you will have to read for yourself. Will he jump or will something in his heart bring him back and show him that life is fragile as delicate as a piece of blown glass which needs to be protected or it will shatter. Find out for yourself because this is one book that everyone should read.

I just lost my mom and my sister. There are times that I feel sad, cry and wonder why they are no longer here. I often wonder what more could have been done by the doctors to save them. I often wonder what would have happened had I been there or told sooner about my sister’s heart attack. You cannot rewind the past but you can make them proud of you and your work in the present.

One man’s heartfelt story and journey from despair to redemption. One man’s voice heard loud and clear and one author who gave me the honor of reading and reviewing it.

Skip could be anyone. He could be your neighbor, friend, husband or brother. This book teaches so many important lessons. First, you are never really alone if you allow others to reach out to you. Second, the kindness of both Martha and Jenny was precious to him regardless of the end result. Third, never letting the words of others sting even though they burn your heart. The tears that came to my eyes were not only for my sister and mother but for anyone who loses faith and does not realize that life means easing the pain of others to sometimes help yourself. The only leap anyone should take is one of faith and hope.

Fran Lewis: Reviewer

[Susan Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy it was to read this touching story. I love that the protagonist is a homeless man. It gives Tim Greaton the opportunity to show us the world from this character's point of view. The adjective that kept jumping out at me was "invisible." It is sadly true that this is the way "normal" people often treat the disadvantaged. It is easiest to turn away, not because we humans are inherently cruel, but, as Tim says, because we see what we fear we may become. How many of us are only a tragedy away from living life in the shadows?
This is the tale of a man's pain and guilt over the death of his wife and child. It might seem strange that one so filled with these terrible emotions could, at the same time, be so practical in the way that he plans his own suicide. Yet this is often exactly what happens. In extreme misery, latching onto an idea, no matter how self-destructive, gives you a focus that enables you to carry on. Our hero (for he is most definitely a hero) is able to worry about the effect he has on others, right down to the concern over who will find his body. It is actually amusing to follow his thoughts as he prepares, while never forgetting his pain. His journey back to the light is accomplished with the help of many people, some mysterious and some just ordinary folks whose acts of kindness warm the heart. This is an absolutely beautiful story in the true Christmas spirit that inspires all year round.

[Marla Blowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Santa Shop. Many people look at homeless individuals as low life or lazy. This novel is from the eyes of a homeless man. He was well educated and a professional and yet he found himself homeless. How he was treated for the most part was not a surprise. It was nice to see that there were a few individuals out there that took the time to get to know him and show him some kindness. To consider suicide it has to be about as low as you can possible get. Greaton brought this character into my home and I will truly try to look at the homeless from a different perspective. This is not a humorous book, but one line I will remember forever. You've got to finish your Pop-Tarts. Made me laugh, I even had to read a few paragraphs to my husband. It was such a great line. If for no other reason read this book to know what that meant. I look forward to my next Tim Greaton book. It will probably be Bones In The Trees.
Marla

[Norma Budden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting and must admit that the story and emotions portrayed were very engaging and very real.

Living in Arctic Canada, where suicides occur more often than in the southern provinces, The Santa Shop provided a glimpse into the heart, indeed soul, of a person plagued by thoughts of suicide. I wrote a non-fiction book at one point dealing with this very subject and, when I release it as a Kindle version, I will be promoting The Santa Shop along with it.

Without giving away the story, this book definitely shows - even from a work of fiction - that God is ready and willing to meet our every need. Even when we are at our lowest point, God is willing to embrace us and fill our souls with hope and promise. Absolutely wonderful, Tim!

[E.M. Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and heart-warming story of grief and forgiveness. Greaton took me on a journey through our worst fears - the loss of those we hold dearest and a life of emptiness. You truly come to understand the world through Skip's eyes. All at once you recognize the harsh realities of life and the overwhelming kindness of an individual. This wonderful story will bring out a range and depth of emotions from the reader not possible with most novels. A must-read for those seeking to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas!

[Beth F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick read of some enjoyable Christmas fluff. It ended a bit too abruptly for my taste so I wasn't left feeling fully satisfied at the end, but it wouldn't stop me from recommending the story to someone else who is in the mood for a heartwarming holiday story about Christmas magic, homeless man style.

[Mistress of the Dark Path · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally have a set outline for reviews, but this book has left such an impression on me that I felt compelled to deviate from that format. There is a good reason for this and I will explain. This story is about a man who had a horrible Christmas experience that brought him to a suicidal state one year after that tragic incident. For me, I have never been suicidal, but Christmas has always been an emotional time for me due to similar reasons. My mother died just two weeks before Christmas when I was nine years old. The doctors knew she wouldn't make it and warned my family to prepare for her upcoming death. Brain cancer had left her in a very weakened state, but she wanted to see me and my younger brother open our gifts one last time. So we celebrated early with her that year. Then just a few days later, the cancer won the battle and took her from us. When the actual time for Christmas arrived, my father, brother, and I were in a rather depressed state. A few small, cheap gifts were exchanged. My father was trying, in his own way, but he wasn't our mother who did Christmas in a big way. Also, despite medical insurance, the cost of cancer had left us nearly destitute.

We tried to hang in there that first year. My father attempted to play the dual role of mom and dad, but eventually his depression caught up with him. Alcohol became his alternative and what money we had went toward feeding that need in him to drown out his sorrows. Our Christmas' became a decorated tree with little or nothing under them. Every year, I would cry myself to sleep and mourn the loss of my mother who had always known how to make holidays so special. By the time I had reached fourteen, it became too much. I planned ahead and saved every dollar I had, usually it wasn't much, maybe twenty or thirty total. Then, just a couple days before Christmas, I would go to whatever store was within walking distance to purchase little gifts for my brother and father. I wrapped these meager offerings up and placed them under the tree with the order they not be opened until the appropriate time.

Once Christmas eve had arrived, I would drag my brother to the living room and awaken my father from his drunken stupor. Under my supervising eye, they would open those gifts and each might give a smile. It wasn't much, but somehow I had to make the holiday better for them. They had both fallen to depression, drinking, and other things by this time and I was the only one hanging on. In some way, I was trying to give them a bit of happiness. Then, after the wrapping was cleaned up, my father passed out again, and my brother back in his room, I would go off alone to cry. I had done what I could. All the holidays until I left home seemed to pass this way with only one or two minor exceptions.

That first Christmas when I was eighteen years old was spent in Army barracks in North Carolina. I had just arrived at my unit two months before and only the soldiers who had been in the unit longer were given leave to go home. Perhaps not more than a dozen or so of us were left and I didn't know the others. I sat in my barracks room with its ugly cinder-block walls, once again depressed and even more alone than ever before. Then someone started pounding on all the doors, ordering us out into the hallway. We stumbled out, it was perhaps around 7pm so most hadn't gone to sleep, yet it was dark outside already. They told us all to go to the barracks entrance steps. I didn't want to and argued against it, but they told me it wasn't an option. To my surprise, upon reaching the entrance, a gathering of families were outside singing Christmas carols for us. It was a very cold night, yet they braved it to give us a little cheer. We even received cookies as a small gift. The children smiled so happily, knowing us soldiers needed that extra lift for the holiday. For ten minutes they stood there, just singing in chorus, in the cold, before moving on to the next building. It touched my heart to see people who selflessly came out on their holiday evening to show that they remembered us. The soldiers who sat alone in the dreary old barracks. Maybe they will never know how grateful I was for that kindness, but I hope they did.

So you are probably wondering why I related my story to you. Well, if it touched you at all, then this book will as well. It is about depression, Christmas miracles, and people giving out of the goodness of their hearts. I couldn't read this all in one sitting. It brought out my own memories and caused tears to pour forth from my eyes. I had to walk away from it a couple of times, but always felt compelled to come back and read more. It touched me deeply and I'm glad I read it. For this reason, I'm giving it five stars. Any author that can write a story that pulls so deeply at my heart is truly talented. You will not be sorry for having read this story. It is truly a beautiful tale.

[Jackie's Bookbytes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was fascinating. It gripped my heart from the start. I enjoyed the main character, Skip Ralstat, who I thought was writing his memoirs, that's how real the story felt to me!

Tim Greaton definitely knows how to tell a good story and his awareness of homelessness and suicide is appreciated.

Here are a few mustard seeds I felt were some of the main points you could get from reading the book
His wife and child needed their father home and Skip needed to be with his family but because of neglecting to be there on that fateful day of the fire , he might of spared himself all the pain, misery and despair it caused.

Don't turn your back on those in need.
- Mustard Seeds

All people are important and they have their own unique stories to tell . It just reminds me of the Santa Shop . Had this place not been available for Skip and David , they wouldn't have been so fortunate . They weren't forgotten

Don't forget the poor.
- Mustard Seeds

Would you rather visit a cemetery or the grim reaper? like Skip who was on the verge of a precipice(a bridge)

Next time you think things are not going well for you visit a cemetery. Things could be a lot worse. Take heart, look up, have faith, and rejoice in life.
- Mustard Seeds

This is what's awesome about this story . Skip was homeless and had nothing to give, thinking suicide but after being visited by santa clause aka the grim reaper, his life was turned around and was the one to bear gifts to needy children. He received a whole lot more i.e: a house , another wife, a job, a purpose , a life . It became apparent the Santa Shoppe was there to help those heading for a Christmas Leap on river road aka suicide.

Everybody has a need to give.
- Mustard Seeds

[Terry Palardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Santa Shop (an endearing store that so echoed my husband's own devotion to making wooden toys) held my attention and kept me wondering what would happen next. The beginning seems to be a haunting of sorts, which is not fully explained until the end of the story.

The existence of the homeless in our cities is explored through the eyes of a man who has lost his wife and infant son in a tragic Christmas Eve fire. His guilt in not being with them that night ends his successful career and leaves him homeless and wandering, seemingly purposeless and yet feeling destined to make amends for his perceived fault in their deaths.

The settings of an upstate New York urban area, with the callous attitudes of regular people toward irregular people is balanced by the kindness of the rural small village population in far northern Vermont. This stereotypical portrayal of people in cities is somewhat balanced by the character who cares for the homeless in her own tough way, but it seems not quite enough, which is why I rated this one four stars.

Great use of language, very few typos, and a storyline that somehow fit the season.

You can find it at Amazon as a free Kindle book. I am glad I took the time to read this story.

[Stephanie Dagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a tendency for Christmas novels to dwell on its joyful, glittery aspect, but here is one with a difference. It deals with the darker side of Christmas - the side experienced by lonely, deprived and ill people, the homeless and the bereaved, who find this time of good cheer and happiness hard to bear.
Our hero is Skip who lost his family in a Christmas Eve fire. He was at a boring office party and so escaped the same fate. However, he’s consumed by guilt and falls apart, ending up on the streets. He makes up his mind to commit suicide on the anniversary of the deaths of Tabitha his wife and Derek his son, but bumps into an assortment of warm-hearted, selfless people who start to test his resolve. It takes a visit to The Santa Shop in Gray, Vermont, to point Skip towards making the right decision.
This is a sad book but it’s also joyful. You see the depths of human despair and people at their worst, but also people at their caring, generous best. Skip’s journey is tough physically and mentally but it’s as enlightening for the reader as it is for him.
A really amazing, thought-provoking book. You have to read it.

[Darrena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a touching story about an attorney, Skip Ralstat who lost his wife and child in a fire on Christmas Eve. Filled with grief and guilt for not being there at the moment of the fire, Skip gives up his job, becomes homeless and loses his will to live, thinking that it would be an act of justice to die like his family.
He decides to go to a small town in Vermont to commit suicide by jumping of a bridge, and it is there where he finds The Santa Shop, who at first sight is just a shop with toys made of wood, but you later find out there is much more to it.
I felt as a reader the depth of his feelings and I loved the way the author described how it is to be homeless. The characters that Skip encounters are interesting and mysterious.
What I didn't really like at this story is that the first chapter and the last one are practically ripped from the rest of the story... there is no transition. And I especially felt this at the end. There is also a lot of mystery and questions unanswered in this story, but maybe the author wanted to leave you with the feeling of a magical happy ending Christmas Story.
Overall, this is a really great story!

[Kerra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was wonderful. It was up lifting and very heart-felt. I loved the characters and the mystery that it kept you on through out the novel. I also like the writting style very much and thought that it put an extra spark to the story. I really enjoyed how Tim made you feel a very strong connection with his character and made the life experiences so real that you can feel the emotions just as strong with the character. This story had very natural life like resemblances to what you might actually do or feel if you were put in this situation. Tim Greaton has a very unique talent for writting and I can't wait to read his other novels.

If you like up lifting stories that will bring your spirit up and make you think about things, this is definately the book for you. This was a wonderful book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

Enjoy

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It's perhaps a little heavier than I would normally like for a Christmas read, but it is well written & is very emotive & thought provoking.

Favourite quotes:

"We bigger folk try our best to be brave and strong. But inside we're all just kids. Sometimes seeing the sparkle of an adult's eyes over the right toy is even better than seeing that of a child. Children are surrounded with the magic of life, but so many of us forget all about it as we get older."

"It became obvious that the human body was not made for self-sacrifice. The body wants to live. It will fight you to live."

"Life was a precious thing, not to be given up at the whim of a dream or in the heat of emotion."

This story gives plenty of food for thought. Perhaps we should all consider those less fortunate than ourselves around Christmas (& any time of the year), & express our charitable sides more freely, rather than jumping to conclusions about people because of their appearance or apparent circumstances.

[Drake RC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is from: The Santa Shop (The Samaritans Conspiracy - book 1) (Kindle Edition)
A traumatic experience pushes Skip Ralstat beyond his breaking point, and he is unable to find the willpower to go on. Guilt almost destroys him, but hope finds its way into his life, in the form of strangers. Several caring people are placed in his pathway. Kind bighearted individuals, with an overwhelming capacity for love. These complete strangers put their own needs aside, to be able to attend to their fellow man. Just moments before an irreparable incident occurs, Skip comes to the realization that he has self-worth, and is still needed. Then, he must perform his own act of kindness. His eyes are opened and his mind is freed from the remorse that has plagued him, he is then able to see that he has a future. Instead of destroying everything, he restores not only his own life, but gives hope to others as well. Very heartwarming story with lots of food for thought.

Rhonda

[Nicole Storey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't happen for me often, but every once in a blue moon, I read a story that touches my heart and soul. This beautiful story by Tim Greaton is such a book. It is a "Christmasy" story to an extent, but it can be enjoyed any time of year. Greaton's book teaches a few very important lessons about love, understanding, forgiveness, hope, and acceptance.

Unlike some who have commented, I was able to connect with the main character, Skip, right away. I rode the tide of pain along with him as he speaks about his losses, which are many. I also fell in love with the characters who, although had smaller parts in the book, made a big impact.

This is a lovely book that needs to be shared with the world. I've read it twice now and each time, I took something from it lifted my spirits and made me smile. It is truly an inspirational story that can teach us all so much.

[Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what I thought this book was about, but it turned out to be a delightful read and a real steal considering in was free. I have checked out a couple more books by the author that perhaps I will get one day.

In this book Skip Ralstat is overcome with depression, grief, and guilt after losing his wife and baby boy one Christmas Eve when he was working. His life spirals downwards until he is on the streets and feels his only answer is to end his life since he was not there to save Tabitha and Derek.

This book kept me turning the pages, and I really wonder what kind of research the author did on someone who is homeless. Even though I have never experienced that situation, it rang true because I do have a friend who was homeless for quite some time -- something I would never wish on anyone.

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just for Christmas

What happens to an up-and-coming attorney when he chooses to attend the firms Christmas party without his wife and son who perish in an apartment fire? What strange road leads him to standing on the ice laden metal bridge in Gray, Vermont on Christmas Eve staring down at a torrent of black cascading, rushing water hoping to redeem his self-worth (in some bizarre way) to atone for the untimely death of his wife and son? You'll have to read this fine work to obtain the answers.

I could relate to this telling story on too many experiences. This story is for any of us who have every contemplated taking their own lives thinking there is nothing left for us to live for.

Mr. Greaton's tale will prove it otherwise. There is always something to live for no matter how sour the cards have turned.

Thank you Tim.

[Jelly Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many have long given up on Santa. To know that he is alive and well in each us is a treasure. I wish for others that get in the state of mind that this character did that there would be someone to come along and given the direction that was needed. Just goes to show that God can place the right people in your life at just the right time. Others affect our life but we in turn affect those we encounter. Pays to be on your toes and be mindful of what you say and do. You just might be the angel or "Santa" or even the wake up call that someone needs.

How many times do we see someone in need and pass them by. Does that bother you? It does me. Or when you hear of someone in need and life gets so busy that you forget? I can raise my hand to that one as well. I need to be more mindful of life around me. I might just be someone's angle in waiting and don't know it.

[Patricia Puddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by one of my favourite authors, Tim Greaton. A wonderful inspirational story about a man who thinks he doesn't deserve to enjoy his life, or even live because his wife and baby died in a fire one Christmas eve while he was away. The story pulls at the heart strings as you travel on the journey with Skip as he lives on the icy-cold streets as a homeless man, sleeping in doorways or wherever he can.

This story gives an insight into the lives the homeless, the reasons why some become homeless, and why some want to end their lives. Though this was a sad story, it was also inspirational and a feel-good story too. I loved the ending and I highly recommend this book and the writer.

[B.J. Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Greaton's The Santa Shop is well worth the ninety-nine cents you'll pay for an inspirational Christmas story of hope. A young attorney on top of the world goes to a party to build his career and leaves his family home alone. Will they be waiting when he returns? One party changes his life forever. A homeless man contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve on the Christmas Leap Bridge. He has gone over the edge, but will he literally? Available at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.com. Don't miss this Christmas tale. It'll make you stop and think, cherish sweet childhood memories of favorite Christmas toys, reach out and grab your heart, and inspire you. The author's vivid descriptions and characterization are icing on the cake.

[C.E. Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Santa Shop by Tim Greaton is simply a wonderful read. I couldn't put it down. Tim weaves this story in such a smooth, masterful way. Its message is simple and meaningful. His descriptive writing will paint pictures on the walls of your mind. I've never really had a strong desire to visit the Northeast, so I couldn't believe how much he had me wishing I could take a trip to the small Vermont village he describes. The only thing which could have made it better was if I'd read it on Christmas Eve, but don't wait until then. You can always read it again.

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice Christmas feel-good story.


Categorising as suspense or thriller is wrong though, so if that is what you're looking for skip this one. It's good fiction, with a collection of decent characters (maybe a little one dimensional, very few flaws or dilemmas), but a nice read that makes me want to look i to more by this author.

I found this while looking for some light Christmas themed reading, and almost skipped it because of the thriller tag. I found the characters likeable and the story enjoyable.

[Marilyn L · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the reviews said this book would make you laugh and cry, they weren’t kidding. A really terrific story that was all that much better for the smooth, easy-to-understand writing. I liked the main character and was really struck by how real his grief felt to me. In truth, I hated to see this story end (but recently learned there is new extended ending available!). Read this book for its heart and straightforward storytelling. You won’t be sorry.

[Lynn Hallbrooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Greaton's book, The Santa Shop, was given to me by a really good friend. It is one of those books that has a mix of emotions. The reader is given an inside look at the main character's inner most thoughts. As the story unfolds, I kept wondering what the connection between the first and subsequent chapters is. It isn't until the very end that all the pieces fall together.

I personally love the book and I hope that others will love it as well.

[Rebecca Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Tim Greaton never got in the way of telling the story of a man so overcome by grief and guilt that he despaired of living. The story unfolded seamlessly, touching my heartstrings without pulling at them relentlessly, made me hope for the best outcome but prepared me to accept something lesser. I truly appreciate an author who does nto worry about how long the book is, but how well the story is told. What a great reading present no matter what time of year you pick it up.

[Jennifer Toliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazingly touching story of a man at the brink of suicide. After Skip loses his wife and child he finds nothing left to live for and commits himself to being homeless on the streets. He decides to end it all on the one year anniversary of their deaths.

Can anyone or anything change his mind? Does he really deserve to live? This feel-good story will story will answer that question and make your great swell. Pick it up and read it Christmas Eve (it's short).

[Whitebeard Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Santa Shop is a well written and solid holiday season story. Don't read it expecting anything other than exactly what you get. The tale leaves a trail of breadcrumbs and hints that leaves little if any doubt as to the final outcome. I find that reading in this situation really lets me see the quality of the writing. I know where the story is going and yet the trip through the writer's eyes is remarkable.