This modern Christmas fable that shares some commonalities with both "A Christmas Carol" and "It’s A Wonderful Life," although it isn’t precisely like either.

In this book, the gift of time is given to a man who thinks he never has enough; who is too busy for his family, and is always wishing he could be in (at least) two places at once. In this fable, he gets the opportunity, “just in time.”

The story revolves around Lou Suffern, a Type A executive, and his neglected wife Ruth and the children he ignores, Lucy and Bud. Lou is constantly breaking promises to all of them. But then, as Christmas approaches, he meets the mysterious Gabriel, and everything changes.

“Gabe” tries to teach Lou the lesson that there’s only one choice he should make of where to spend his time; that one day time will run out, and he will be sorry if he squanders the time that has been given to him. Gabe tries to teach Lou that the shaky and ultimately meaningless steps on the ladder of ambition can’t compare to being with the people you love, and who truly love you.

Evaluation: Ahern is an appealing writer, and while she sometimes takes her imaginative flights a bit beyond what might seem “reasonable,” her books are lovely. This story, albeit bittersweet, is no exception. You won't quickly forget Lou and Ruth, and the holiday season told about in The Gift. It is the perfect Christmas present for a family member to whom you want to express your appreciation and love. ( )

Very good story plot. The ending wasn't what I predicted. It could have had a better ending. ( )

A tender story of redemption, a little predictable but a nice holiday story.

As far as I know, most of Cecilia Ahern's books carry this "motivational" theme underneath. This one is no exception. The book is written in simple English and is probably directed at class 8 students. Then again to contradict that logic, you'll find that there is reference to sex and promiscuity and is not for them. It is probably targeted at people suffering from "impatience" or "attention deficit disorder". Either way, the book fails.

The story revolves around Lou - a success hungry, work worshipper, family neglecting, corporate employee - and his encounter with Gabe - a poor man with unusual observation powers. It is the story of how Lou is helped by Gabe to understand and overcome the rat race he had put himself into. Cecilia Ahern tries to incorporate a sense of magical realism by introducing a pill as a deus ex machina, which allows Lou to be in two places at once for a brief amount of time.

Of course, the book preaches the necessity of work-life balance but that's it. Depending on what you prefer, this book can be used as a quick read during a small journey. I read it while I was commuting on a local train and back.

For simple English, yet depth of thought, my vote goes to The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. ( )

All Cecelia Ahern's books have been different and this one is no exception. ( )