The Special Guest: A Christmas Story

This book is a touching story that is set in the Christmas season but holds truths for any time. The Reid family is having a difficult time celebrating this year because their young daughter continues in a coma after an accident on her bike. This has become the central part of the lives of her parents and older brother. The presence of the stranger, Zachery, helps the family change their focus.
While life doesn't always have happy endings, it is good to read stories that do have happy endings and that teach important truths. This story is filled with examples of the power of kindness and the importance of forgiveness. These Christian values are often missing in our world and it is good to be reminded of our need to examine our focus.

I was surprised I hadn't read this before, especially since the author & illustrator are from VA. It was somewhat predictable, but the characters and writing kept me entertained and engrossed in the story. The illustrations are sweet and descriptive. Forgiveness is the moral of the story and understanding that every event has more than one side or perspective.
The story takes place in Richmond, VA where a family suffers the "loss" of their daughter to a drunk driver. While she is not dead, she is in a coma, family members on both sides have become imprisoned by the guilt and effects of the event. A mysterious stranger comes into their lives and changes all for the better. It is a heart-warming tale, written by the author for his show more children 30 years ago. I wish more people in the world were like the characters, spreading love and forgiveness. This is a great addition to holiday tales. show less

What an enjoyable book! It was short and sweet. There was a sad tone at times, but overall the book kept coming back to love and forgiveness. Perfect to read around the winter holidays!

This book was a wonderful addition to my holiday reading this holiday season. I love how Lee Allen wrote this for his children. I am from his children's generation and these are the kinds of stories our families would read to us. There is a lesson in helping others and doing the right thing, and never knowing how that can change your life. Yes it's a quick read, but I can see myself reading it in the evenings to my family. The book focuses on the Reid family who have experienced unexpected tragedy and who are stuck in the what if's and should've cycle. A stranger comes into their lives randomly and rights their course in order to help them find peace and happy ending.

This reads like a "Touched By An Angel". A cute, simple, predictable story. It starts on the day before Christmas Eve. A little girl lies in a coma after being hit by a drunk driver LAST year on this day. Her older brother, who works as a grocery courtesy clerk, blames himself for not protecting her. The parents are bitter towards the imprisoned driver. The a well-dressed charming stranger, who dresses from an earlier time and drives a Packard, comes to town and things begin to get better!

This is an ok book and a very quick read. I think I finished in under 2 hours, with breaks. I enjoyed it, but didn't feel like I'd be missing anything if I'd never read it.

The Special Guest by Lee Allen is a heartwarming story that immediately captured my interest. I liked the characters including Charity, Zachary’s car. Forgiveness is the theme of the story. We forget that there are two sides to every sad tale. We need to let go of the anger and bitterness that is in our hearts. If we forgive the person who has wronged us, we will be able to move forward. You never know what blessings will come our way. The illustrations were lovely and went nicely with the story. The Special Guest is a charming and positive tale that left me smiling.

The Special Guest by Lee Allen is a heartwarming story that immediately captured my interest. I liked the characters including Charity, Zachary’s car. Forgiveness is the theme of the story. We forget that there are two sides to every sad tale. We need to let go of the anger and bitterness that is in our hearts. If we forgive the person who has wronged us, we will be able to move forward. You never know what blessings will come our way. The illustrations were lovely and went nicely with the story. The Special Guest is a charming and positive tale that left me smiling.