An Angel on Main Street.

Today I'm sharing a treat with all of you---I'm posting a review of a book that will touch your heart and mind in a myriad of positive ways. "An Angel on Main Street," written by Kathi Oram Peterson is, in my humble opinion, one of the best Christmas stories written in recent times. Filled with warmth and an ample supply of the Christmas Spirit, this little book (it's only about 100 pages long) is a great way to start the holiday season. Not only will it serve as a reminder of what's really important this time of year, but it will fill your heart with enough warm fuzzies to survive the cold weeks ahead.

Set in an small Idaho town in the early 1950's, the story begins with Micah Connors trudging home from school on a cold December day. He had stayed after school to earn some much-needed money for his family. Poverty-stricken, the threesome survive living day to day as best they can. The mother, a young widow, works as a waitress at a local restaurant. Micah tries to work at odd jobs as he can, and he babysits his younger sister, Annie, while his mother works at night.

Annie is very ill, suffering from rheumatic fever. As her illness progresses, it is apparent that without divine intervention, her time on this earth will be short. Already grieving for his father, who died during the Korean War, Micah is terrified that he will lose his sister as well.

As if all of that wasn't enough to handle, Micah is caught in suspicious circumstances with his new-found friends. Sick at heart, Micah knows this is the last thing his mother needs. He makes a deal with the sheriff; the sheriff will remain quiet about Micah's supposed crime, if Micah will agree to shovel the snow outside of a local store for the aging shopkeeper early each morning.

While all of this is taking place, a large rustic nativity scene appears like magic in the middle of town. Overnight, a wooden stable is placed where all can see. Each night, new pieces are arranged around the stable. Annie is certain that it is Christmas magic and she is convinced that when the Baby Jesus arrives as the final piece, she will be healed. Desperate to make this happen, Micah vows to find the Baby Jesus for his little sister. First, he must discover who is responsible for creating the magical nativity set. Annie believes that angels are responsible for its creation. Skeptical, Micah learns that there are many ways to define the word, angels.

I cannot say enough good about this book. It is a skillfully woven story that is certain to become a Christmas Classic. Below is a book trailer about this Christmas story.








Kathi Oram Peterson, the author of this wonderful book, is sponsoring a contest. She says: "I'm holding a contest called An Angel in Your Life Contest. Here's the lowdown on it. The contest runs from now until December 15th. Anyone can enter by simply emailing me at kathiorampeterso@yahoo.com and writing about an experience you have had with someone who became an angel in your life. The winner will be announced on my blog (www.kathiswritingnook.com). A gift certificate from either Seagull Book or Deseret Book will be given to the winner and an "Angel" in his/her life. This contest celebrates the selfless, kind acts performed daily, many times unnoticed. If you are like me, many people have helped you through times of trouble. Let's face it, life is tough and the small acts of kindness shown to us by others needs to be remembered and celebrated especially during the holidays. Christmas brings out the best in people and I wanted to give others the opportunity to thank those who have touched their lives in a profound way. Hopefully this contest will remind us of the angels in our lives."

And here is a link where you can purchase Kathi's new book: http://deseretbook.com/item/5030490/An_Angel_on_Main_Street