Evergreen: A Christmas Tale

by Richard Taylor

A dying grandfather tells the story of the first Christmas tree to a family wrenched by strife.

Genres: Christmas, Short Stories, Fiction, Holiday, Ebooks, Historical Fiction

27 pages, Nook

First published June 28, 2010

About the author

Richard Taylor is a professor of English and currently serves as Kenan Visiting Writer at Transylvania University. A former Kentucky poet laureate, he is the author of six collections of poetry, two novels, and several books of non-fiction, mostly relating to Kentucky history. A former dean and teacher in the Governor's Scholars Program, he was selected as Distinguished Professor at Kentucky State University in 1992. He has won two creative writing fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and an Al Smith Creative Writing Award from the Kentucky Arts Council. He and his wife Lizz own Poor Richard's Books in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Reviews

[Lori Henrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Christmas story. I had never heard this before, but I liked it. I could almost picture the tree as it was described. Sometimes I wish Christmas would be as simple as I remember those of my childhood, well at least they seemed simple. When did Christmas become about things and not about the perfect gift. I remember treating my things with respect, to appreciate what I received.

Hard to believe Christmas is right around the corner.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet and loving story. The story is short but it packs quite a punch. The writer brings the story of the first Christmas tree to a battling family.

I enjoyed this so much.

[Ronda Tutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Sweet and heartfelt Christmas Story. 20 page read - Free from B&N

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short little Christmas love story about the first Christmas tree told by a grandfather to his family. Warmed my heart, but then I'm a sucker for good feeling books that bring a tear to my eye and a smile to my heart. Free on the Kindle, worth the reading.

[Deanna Fairchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short 10 page story was hart worming. I highly recomend it to any one who loves books that have the power to bring familys together.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a very, very sweet short story. I loved it!!!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short, sentimental Christmas tale. It is enjoyable, but certainly could have been a chapter in a much longer, interesting saga.

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found it pointless. It has nothing to do with Christmas. Very disappointing.

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different take on the first Christmas tree.....reading some Christmas stories that I downloaded to my Kindle. Nice story.

[Derek Shirts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really was just a nice very short story. Got it on my nook a while back and saved it for Christmas eve. This and my cup of hot chocolate gave a nice warm feeling. =)

[Kenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very sweet christmas story. A good in front of the fire with your hot chocalate read.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story to end the year. I loved this story of love, faith, and beauty. It left me with a smile on my face and in my heart.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This very short novella is sweet and definitely something I would re-read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice short story.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful story about how the Christmas tree came to be a part of our culture.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ailing grandfather has come to live with family. He arrives to find the household in turmoil with the stressed parents bickering in the kitchen and the four young boys wrestling in earnest next to the Christmas tree. Grandfather stops the boys, straightens the tree and sits down to tell them the history of the Christmas tree.

It is not the story I had heard before but it is a lovely story. He tells of ancient clans of wanderers struggling against ice flows and natural forces. The tribes meet rarely often hoping to find mates from other clans. A particular young man and woman meet and he tells their story of love, loss, commitment, and hope. The evergreen tree plays an important part in their story.

This is a very short story and a quick read. I found the story heartwarming and I would be glad to share it with my family near Christmas.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story that was free for Kindle.
A nice story about a grandfather who visits his daughter for Christmas and finds a house in turmoil. His daughter has lost her job and is fighting with her husband. The four sons are at war with each other.
Grandfather sits the boys down and tells them a story. About love in the time of the ice age and the healing power of faith in the presence of a magnificent evergreen tree.
The story within the story was very heartwarming.
A nice quick read.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful tale about overcoming adversity and the elements. The story of love and compassion.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Informative. Inspirational. Romantic. Scary. Tear-jerker. Whimsical. Witty. Wonderful characters.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Short story about the Christmas season.

[Arnella Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great short read about a Christmas tradition...loved it.

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story of the Evergreen Christmas Tree.

[Ashley Tintinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, it was ok. I got this story for free on Barnes and Noble.com for my Nook. It was a nice short story, just not quite my usual taste.

[Tamie charbonneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

good quick read i like it alot.

[Doreena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming

[Trish Bodine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful short about love and perseverance. Of course, it is a Christmas tale as well. :)

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming short story about a Grandfather telling his rowdy grandsons about the first Christmas tree.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In keeping with the season...a nice story

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beutiful story for the Christmas season.

[Cheryl Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story. What magic when a grandfather can calm down four rowdy school-age boys.