Published: Dec. 09, 2009
Words: 6,614 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781452452319

Short description

A heartwarming story about a doll named Constance and how she learns to love a little girl named Sarah in the Great Depression. It takes place in 1937-38, when a homeless girl named Sarah steals the doll from a wealthy woman's house in Philadelphia. Sarah and Constance have many adventures, and both of them learn the value of opening their hearts to love.

Extended description

A heartwarming story about a doll named Constance and how she learns to love a little girl named Sarah in the Great Depression. It takes place in 1937-38, when a homeless girl named Sarah steals the doll from a wealthy woman's house in Philadelphia. Sarah and Constance have many adventures, and both of them learn the value of opening their hearts to love. This is a book that would make a wonderful Christmas present from a mother to a daughter, or vice versa.

Tags

christmas, christmas story, 1930s, dolls, fairytale, children stories, childrens ebook, christmas story online, best ebooks, christmas classic, christmas classics

Available ebook reading formats

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Reviews

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Review by: Ashley @ Book Labyrinth on Nov. 30, 2011 :
'The Christmas Gift' is (surprisingly, I know) a short story about Christmas and the power of love (cue Marty McFly guitar solo here). Okay, to be serious now: it’s a short story that focuses on the connection that little girls have with their dolls. I thought it was a pretty sweet Christmas story. It’s fairly predictable in plot and theme, but it has heart, and I could picture parents reading it to their little girls as a yearly Christmas tale.

There was a lot of power of imagination at work with Constance the doll being able to think and feel. Normally I would want some reason for this, but in a short story I can excuse it and have fun just appreciating the emotion behind the story. Overall, definitely a cute Christmas story.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: John Thomas on Nov. 05, 2011 :
This the story of Sarah, Miss Emily, and Constance, the beautiful doll. It is also the story of Christmas and how often things turn out all right against all odds. I liked the story very much!
(reviewed the day of purchase)

Review by: Todd Fonseca on Sep. 30, 2011 :
The Christmas Gift - A Wonderful Gem!

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Author: John McDonnell
Format: Kindle

As Constance sat at the beautifully appointed holiday table, she once again found herself the center of the neighborhood girls' attention. Of course, being the most attractive and coveted doll in the house, this was a familiar position. Enjoying her perch, a sudden commotion in the kitchen pulled her mistress away. Moments later her mistress returned with a filthy street urchin in tow. Suddenly, Constance found herself handed over to the young girl who mercilessly pawed at her with her grubby hands. Just when Constance thought it could not get any worse, her life changed forever.

John McDonnell's detailed and wonderfully textured descriptions of early twentieth century life, rich characterizations, and juxtaposition of the wealthy versus the destitute vagabonds engrosses the reader into a portrait of depression era America. Hopping the rails, working for food, and finding happiness in life's simple pleasures transport one to a harder but in some ways simpler time.

"The Christmas Gift" tugged at my heartstrings evoking a number of emotions. Its simple yet touching messages lingered with me long after finishing the final pages. This and a wonderful feeling of nostalgia it induced are what prompted me to give this five stars. I really enjoyed this short story. "The Christmas Gift" is $4.99 on Kindle.

Note: A complementary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: bluejay on March 02, 2010 :
Excellent story. The reader is drawn straight in to the dolls world and the different perspective. I wish I had daughters or granddaughters to share it with. It shows the true Christmas spirit that we could all benefit from at any time of year.
(review of free book)

Review by: Lynn on Feb. 09, 2010 :
Excellent story. As one reads they can see so much truth and love between the lines. Beautifully written
(review of free book)

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