The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories of Christmas Spirit by Steven Manchester (Book Review)

[Kathleen Anderson]

Every once in a while an author comes along who writes novels that are so powerfully compelling, poignant, and thought provoking, that they pull at the heartstrings and stir the soul. For me, that author is Steven Manchester and his latest Christmas Novella Collection, The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories of Christmas Spirit.

The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories of Christmas Spirit is a wonderful holiday novella collection that features three heartwarming stories revolving around the Christmas Spirit theme. 

In The Thursday Night Club, after the tragic death of Jesse, one of the members the Thursday Night Club, the remaining four college friends Izzy, Ava, Randy, and Kevin decide to honor Jesse's memory by paying it forward and making a positive difference in the world. 

In A Christmas Wish, Grandma Angela "Mama" encourages her granddaughter Steph to search within herself for the truth in her life, to have faith, make a Christmas wish, and believe that it will come true. 

In The Tin-Foil Manger, elderly nursing home resident Nancy Guillmette has lost her desire to live due to the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and is slowly wilting away. Nurse Jeanne encourages Nancy to make the most of every day she's given on earth, and together they embark on a walk down memory lane as Nancy revisits her beloved childhood memories when Christmas traditions meant so much to her. 

In each of the novellas, the reader will be easily captivated and drawn into these sentimental and touching stories. You can't help but get swept away and experience the full gamut of emotions as each heartwarming story stirs your soul and celebrates the true meaning of the Christmas Spirit.

While I enjoyed reading all three stories, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much The Tin-Foil Manger resonated with me. As a retired NJ licensed nursing home administrator, I was instantly drawn into this beautifully written and thoughtful story dealing with Alzheimer's disease. Over the years I have witnessed many residents, families, and staff deal with this traumatic disease, and author Steven Manchester does a wonderful job of providing the reader with an inspirational story that will simply tug at your heartstrings.

If you are looking for a wonderful collection of Christmas novellas that will get you in the holiday spirit, then look no further, The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories of Christmas Spirit is the collection for you!

RATING: 5 STARS 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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