The Santa Letters

by Stacy Gooch-Anderson

Book Overview

The falling December snow brings with it the sadness that has engulfed the previous year for the Jensen family. This first year without their father and husband has been trying. Money is tight, but... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1599551454
• ISBN13: 9781599551456
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Sweetwater Books
• Length: 190 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

Very Inspiring

It's hard to imagine Christmas a year after a tragic accident to one's spouse but that is what Emma Jensen is dealing with but as if that is not enough she also faces monetary problems and an overwhelming since of sadness. Not only is she depressed but her whole family feels it and seems to have lost hope except of six year old, McKenna. The surprising arrival of a package and letter, signed "Santa," that arrives each day offers hope and the family begins to heal and feel love. The feeling of redemption and hope from this book make it a must read anytime but especially in the Christmas season. Hopefully, it will be gift-wrapped under many trees this year.

A must read Christmas story

This is a book that most likely every person will want to call their own and pass on to future generations. The Santa Letters will surely become a family heirloom because of the warmth, love and inspiration it contains. Christmas has become so commercialized over the years that the true meaning has so easily been forgotten. This new book reminds us of family traditions, the warmth and comfort of friends and family, and those around us needing a lift. Written with great wisdom to uplift and inspire. The Santa Letters is a beautiful story about how the lives of Emma Jensen and her children were changed overnight by the death of her husband, William, killed by a hit and run driver. As Christmas Eve approaches, marking the anniversary of his death, she finds herself sinking into a deep depression where nothing can reach her - not her job, not the love of her family, and especially not the season. Her youngest child, McKenna, is the only one who still believes in the magic of Christmas, and in miracles. When an ornate letter and mysterious package appears on their doorstep and one continues to arrive every day, Emma and her sons begin to experience the same magical journey to Christmas that McKenna feels and believes in. As the meaning of the letters unfolds, the whole family comes to realize that William is still playing a part in their lives and the joy of Christmas need not be forever lost. Read this one, if you read no other for this season!

A moving and uplifting tale

Christmas is meant to be a happy and joyous time of the year - but it is still December, a winter dominated time of the year where unfortunate things can happen. "The Santa Letters: A Christmas Story" tells the tragic story of Emma Jensen and how her husband was killed in an automobile accident the year before. Depressed, Christmas for her family seems as if it'll be miserable at best. But the desires of the youngest keep them alive, as she writes to and believes in Santa - who seems to begin to respond. A moving and uplifting tale, "The Santa Letters" is in the style of classic Christmas tales, making it highly recommended to any reader, but most especially those for whom Christmas has become associated with tragedy.

While there are chemical cures for depression, in many cases the best prescription is an uplifting s

If reading this book does not generate an emotional reaction in you, then you have no emotions that can be generated. The Jensen family is now headed by single mother Emma as a consequence of the actions of a hit-and-run driver on the previous New Years Eve. Her husband William was killed when a driver slowed down and then in a deliberate act sped up and hit him. It has been a difficult year of sadness, the sense of loss has overwhelmed Emma; the story opens with her huddled, thinking only of the small patch of land which overlays her husband. The lack of money means that there is little chance of anything other than practical presents for the children; things like socks, underwear and other clothing necessities seem to be the only options. Suddenly, there is a ray of hope as they begin to receive letters from an anonymous person who signs them Santa. While the objects themselves are within the traditional realm of gifts, the real power is in what they symbolize. In combination, they are a general uplifting of their perspective, even to the point where they can forgive the man who deliberately killed William. From sadness and despair, there is now joy, new life and a feeling of optimism about what the world offers. While the title and the context of the story make this an excellent Christmas gift, it is also something that is worthy of an anytime, any day present for someone who has experienced great loss. While there are chemical cures for depression, in many cases the best prescription is an uplifting story, which is what this is.

Wonderful read--highly recommended

This book is incredible! Stacy Gooch Anderson really has a way with capturing the reader and making it impossible to put the book down. I found myself laughing, crying, and feeling the warmth of the holiday season as I shared this special time with the Jensen family. As they eagerly waited each day for the new letter and package to arrive, I was there right along with them, waiting in anticipation to see what Santa brought. A wonderful Christmas read, or any time of the year, this book is sure to help you remember those things that are always the most important in life--family and love.