The Tin Whistle ('Tis the Season)

by Kathleen Shoop

Series: 'Tis the Season (2)

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Inspired by a true story... 1854 Jacob Gusky wakes up hoping Santa has arrived. And he has... but not for Jacob, one of two Jewish boys living at the Boys' Home of Manhattan. When a friend gifts him a tin whistle, Jacob learns the power of giving, the joy in receiving, and hears what he considers to be the sound of happiness. 1881 Recently widowed and completely out of options, Frannie takes her daughter Molly to the Home for the Friendless. "You'll be back before Christmas?" Molly asks. Frannie gives Molly half a quilt square and keeps the other, choking on her reply. Now a happily married father of three, Jacob Gusky owns Gusky's Grand Emporium, Pittsburgh's first premier department store. After unearthing the tin whistle from the orphanage, he is reminded of what it felt like to have nothing, and decides to make a difference in the lives of others no matter their faith. But with so little time before Christmas morning, can he even begin to give the orphaned children of Pittsburgh what he knows they need? When giving is more important than receiving...… (more)

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Genuinely moved me so much whilst following the story of Molly, Frannie, Jacob, and all those around them. As with all Kathleen's books, she seems to touch your soul with her words, which is why I've read this story three times.

An act of remarkable kindness from successful store owner Jacob sets the scene built from remembering the hardships he faced in a children's home years back and the feeling of having nothing to cherish of his very own until a friend selflessly gifted him a tin whistle.

Meanwhile, Molly and Frannie find themselves destitute through no fault of their own, and Frannie faces the hardest decision a mother has to make.

Yet both stories will touch each other through fate for a truly emotional read, and will definitely light up the festive spirit within you for sure.

A beautiful thought provoking, inspiring, and touching read.

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'A tremendously easy'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (

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beckvalleybooks | Nov 25, 2021 |

This was a heartwarming novella, perfect to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Traveling back through history to Pittsburgh in the late 1800s, we are surrounded by a time long gone. Jacob's story is so sweet, showing how even the smallest acts of kindness can bring great joy and changes. I will admit at times I had tears in my eyes, but at others I couldn't stop smiling. An absolutely wonderful Christmas tale that will warm your heart just in time for the holiday season. (

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LilyRoseShadowlyn | Nov 15, 2021 |

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Inspired by a true story... 1854 Jacob Gusky wakes up hoping Santa has arrived. And he has... but not for Jacob, one of two Jewish boys living at the Boys' Home of Manhattan. When a friend gifts him a tin whistle, Jacob learns the power of giving, the joy in receiving, and hears what he considers to be the sound of happiness. 1881 Recently widowed and completely out of options, Frannie takes her daughter Molly to the Home for the Friendless. "You'll be back before Christmas?" Molly asks. Frannie gives Molly half a quilt square and keeps the other, choking on her reply. Now a happily married father of three, Jacob Gusky owns Gusky's Grand Emporium, Pittsburgh's first premier department store. After unearthing the tin whistle from the orphanage, he is reminded of what it felt like to have nothing, and decides to make a difference in the lives of others no matter their faith. But with so little time before Christmas morning, can he even begin to give the orphaned children of Pittsburgh what he knows they need? When giving is more important than receiving...

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