Epiphany

by Paul McCusker

Richard Lee may be gone, but he's not yet departed. In this captivating Christmas novella, as the unseen observer of the family events that follow his own death, Richard watches his children return to their hometown to attend his funeral, settle the estate . . . and come to terms not only with their father's passing, but with the disappointing direction each of their lives has taken. There is Jonathan, the starving artist whose talent languishes beneath a burden of failure. David, the family success practical, capable, worldly-wise . . . and cynical to the bitter bone, dying inside. And Ruth, a small-town girl who left for the big city in search of fulfillment she has yet to find. Powerless to act, Richard can do nothing to help his children resolve their struggles. He can only watch as pain and truth surface in each of their lives. But as secrets and surprises are revealed, the depths of a departed father's love for his children and those around him emerges with poignant and redemptive clarity. And for Richard's loved ones, healing at long last begins. Being dead isn't like what Richard Lee had expected. For instance, he's able to eavesdrop on the grown-up children he's left behind. Able to watch as his daughter and two sons absorb the news of his death --- and able to absorb, in turn, some things about their lives that they had kept from him. Similar in tone to It's a Wonderful Life and Touched by an Angel, Epiphany is a captivating Christmas novella. Richard, as the unseen observer of the family events that follow his own death, watches as his children return to their hometown to attend his funeral, settle the estate . . . and come to terms not only with their father's passing, but with the disappointing direction each of their lives has taken. Being dead has disadvantages, Richard discovers---one in particular being his powerlessness to help his children resolve their struggles. But as secrets and surprises are revealed---why Richard was such an Elvis fan, for instance---healing at long last begins for his loved ones. Rolling together fantasy and storytelling with pathos, humor, and frank glimpses of life, Epiphany offers no neatly tied, syrupy endings. Rather, it gently reveals the things that make for a truly heartwarming, reaffirming, happy Christmas ending---simple, biblical values that draw families everywhere together in celebration of the birth of Christ.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Inspirational

Hardcover

First published September 29, 1998

About the author

Paul McCusker is a writer of many different kinds of things. You may know him from Adventures In Odyssey and Focus On The Family Radio Theatre. Or the Father Gilbert Mysteries. Or the Augustine Institute audio dramas Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi and The Trials of Saint Patrick. Or plays like The First Church of Pete's Garage and Catacombs. Or C.S. Lewis projects like The Chronicles of Narnia audio dramas or The Annotated Screwtape Letters. Or the film Beyond The Mask. Or lots of other dramas, novels, scripts and lyrics. He simply can't make up his mind what he likes to write.

Reviews

[Kaylee Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was a heart-warming Christmas novella that delves into the subjects of grief and reconciliation in a refreshing way. It still had some cheesy moments, but overall, it follows a good message that centers on the real reason for Christmas in a unique way. Fans of It's a Wonderful Life should appreciate this one.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first of McCusker's adult fiction. Reading this reminded me how much I enjoy engaging with his works. Some parts of this were a little tacky, but overall it was a sweet and solid read. I really liked how human yet genuinely good Richard was, and his narration (especially at the beginning) was Fun.

The reflection on department stores, towns, and suburbs on p. 54 was legitimately tragic 😢 And my favorite bit of prose was "the cheap tinseled letters wishing a merry Christmas to the empty sidewalk." (p. 125)

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy read- my last Christmas book of the season. It be had this book for years but finally took the time to read it. Loved the story. It’s what a Christmas tale should be- love, hope, reconciliation. I will read it again during more Christmases to cone.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas read.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice Christmas read.

[Tracy David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read again. Love it!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love the "It's a wonderful life" flavor of this book. I'm drawn to the word "Epiphany" anyway, but was so pleasantly surprised while reading this. This is one I take off the shelf and read every Christmas.