journaled bookbox; light Christmas story that takes place over 3 days in the Charleston, South Carolina home of the family matriarch, Theodora, and her family of "malcontents" as she refers to her children, grand and great grandchildren. On the 23rd, her housekeeper/cook is called away to the birth of her first grandchild & arranges for a friend to fill in. Theodora dreams of her childhood Christmases & the role their Gullah housekeeper, Pearl, had in it. In the morning, in long deceased Pearl sweeps in the door, in a swirl of fog. She and Theodora work together to get the family on their feet again, using some help from the spirits above and a pinch of Gullah magic. It's truly a Christmas like Theodora remembers! ( )

A story of miracles in one dysfunctional family. A typical Christmas theme. Goodreads: Theodora is the matriarch of a family that, in her opinion, has grown into a bunch of truculent knuckleheads. They've all come together to South Carolina to celebrate Christmas. But this Christmas looks nothing like the extravagant, homey Christmases Theodora grew up with. What happened to the days when the holiday spirit meant tables groaning with home cooked goodies, over?the?top decorations, and long chats in front of the fire with Pearl, her grandmother's housekeeper/manager/caterer/psychiatrist/best friend? Luckily someone hears Theodora's plea for help and Merle (possibly Pearl?) arrives, pockets filled with Gullah magic and common sense to straighten everyone out. (less)

A magical Xmas when a deceased Pearl appears for 2 days to turn a troubled family around.

Meh. Not impressed but I loved the narrator’s voice. ( )

It took me a little while to get into this story but then I really enjoyed it. I am from SC and I have heard about the Gullah language and I enjoyed knowing the Pearl was a true Gullah lady. She was funny and lively and a wonderful addition to this story. Although Pearl passed away long ago, she returns to help Theodora straighten out her modern family. ( )