Title: The Christmas
Pony
Author: Melody Carlson
Pages: 169
Year: 2012
Publisher: Revell
When
I read the synopsis of this story and saw the picture of a pony on the cover, I
knew I wanted to read it. Why? I love horses, snow, and the Christmas
season. Sometimes it takes adversity to
remind us of what is important during the season when so much focus is placed
on gifts. Melody
brings a heartfelt story to her readers using a variety of eclectic characters.
How would you decide if your Christmas
season was good? Is it based on
purchasing ability, family or even food?
Set
in the early 1930’s, the main character is a small child named Lucy whose life
is filled with love and hard work.
Losing her father at a young age causes her mother to make use of the
spare bedrooms available in their house to boarders to rent in order to provide
income for Lucy and her mother. Lucy not
only misses her father, her best friend has also moved out of the area and
living in a small town makes daily living conditions harsh.
One
of the boarders who come to live with them is a woman named Veronica. When you read about her in the story, perhaps
you will think of someone like her that you know. George is a man who has a deep faith and
rescues Veronica, but sees the beauty that another woman on the farm
possesses. Grandma moves in with her
daughter and granddaughter to help and provide company through some long
days. An elderly married couple moves in
during a particularly snowy moment for a wedding, but they bring more than
money to help Miriam provide. Smokey is
for sale by a nearby farmer, but Lucy is praying that God will bring him to
live with her as Lucy just loves the pony.
The
novel brings home the point that there are some things of far greater value to give
to others than simply packages. Lucy has
the faith of a child and a huge heart that wants her dreams fulfilled, but she
wants more for her mother than anyone else.
The book is a quick read and filled with a heartwarming story sure to
touch the heart of those who make time to read it. I like being able to see how a change in viewpoint
can make what seems to be a sad occurrence one that can actually be a blessing
as the author brings out in this work of fiction.
I
gladly recommend a book like this for peoples’ personal home library to read
more than once throughout the year.
Consider giving a book to not only those you know, but to those who
either you don’t know or to someone who needs encouragement. Bringing the best present of all to others,
Jesus Christ, is worth more than we can ever express.
My
rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
. Also follow me on Twitter
@lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
