The Gift

I really enjoyed this book—great storytelling by Evans, as usual. Nathan works as head of security for a music store chain with tons of health issues since birth. With his travels he meets a woman with two children in an airport, stranded and offers to share his hotel suite, as the little boy was a chemo patient. This was the beginning of an amazing relationship. Colin was a special boy with a special gift of healing people; however, it would drain himself and his health when he used this gift. Sadly he was unable to heal himself. With a touch, he heels Nathan and soon after, he falls for Addison, the mother and this sweet family. With some challenges along the way, this book was a very uplifting story about unselfish love, giving, show more and caring for other---an important lesson for all. show less

The premise: Nathan Hurst meets a single mom and her children while stranded at an airport. He feels sorry for them, and offers them his suite at the hotel, generously offering to sleep in the hallway. However, the family lets him stay, and he finds himself falling for the mom, Addison, while being charmed by her children, particularly the boy Collin, who's got leukemia and a heart condition, and also happens to have a rather magical touch, the gift of healing. Unfortunately, every time Collin heals someone, it makes him sicker, and since he's already got a host of health problems, he's not long for this world.

My Rating

Wish I'd Borrowed It: definitely not one of Evans's stronger offerings. It's got his usual sentimental, sweet romance, show more but it's lacking in solid characterization and making his characters really earn their ending. The premise also reminds me a little too much of Pushing Daisies, which isn't Evans's fault, but the comparison is in my mind and it also kept distracting me from the book. Fans of Evans will probably want to check this out, but it's not a keeper. If you haven't read Evans yet but are interested, I wouldn't recommend starting with this one. Try his debut, The Christmas Box, instead.

The full review, which does include spoilers, may be found in my journal. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome.

REVIEW: Richard Paul Evans's THE GIFT

Happy Reading! :) show less

I enjoyed this story of a man "touched" by the innocence and goodness of this special boy and his family. A feel good story that's hard to put down.

Nathan Hurst has had a rough life. He left home at an early age after his brother's death and his father's suicide. Nathan's mom was absent after these tragic events so the thought of leaving seemed to be the only solution.

Never letting go of his past, Nathan spends most of his adult life isolated from the rest of the world. His isolation is enabled by his career, which requires him to travel often each year. Returning home from a business trip, Nathan finds himself stranded at an airport due to a snowstorm. While waiting in line to book another flight, he meets Addison and her two children, Collin and Lizzy. This chance encounter sets in motion a chain of events that will change Nathan's life and permits him to unload the burdens of show more his past. show less

A rather predictable story as many Christmas books are. Some good moments but not enough.

Nathan Hurst is a lonely business man who meets a mother and her two children one snowy night at an airport. By helping them, he changes his life. The family is Addison, the mother, Collin and Elizabeth. The Gift is Collin's ability to heal people, which comes at a price. This boy has leukemia and every time he heals someone, he becomes sicker himself. An easy read. A worthwhile read.

A magical story of giving, love and healing. If I could only pick one holiday book to read, it would definitely be one from Richard Paul Evans.