THE THURSDAY NIGHT CLUB by Steven Manchester
Published by: The Story Plant
Publication Date: Oct. 25, 2017
ISBN-10: 1945839163
ISBN-13: 978-1945839160
Pages: 190
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: eBook
My Rating: 5
Synopsis (via GR):
A joyous and deeply emotional collection of three unforgettable Christmas novellas.
With a series of #1 bestsellers like Twelve Months, The Rockin’ Chair and Pressed Pennies, Steven Manchester has established himself as one of the premier voices of moving and heartfelt fiction. Now, he collects his three unforgettable Christmas novellas in one volume.
The Thursday Night Club: Five college friends, three men and two women, have been getting together every Thursday night to share humble meals and an abundance of laughter. But when tragedy takes one of them, leaving the others to question the fairness of life, the Thursday Night Club decides to embark on a contest in the memory of the generous spirit of their fallen brother. The objective of the contest is simple: whoever performs the kindest deed by Christmas night wins the pot – four quarters. And there are only two conditions: the benevolent deed must be anonymous, and it cannot cost a single penny to pull off. As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.
A Christmas Wish: Steph is on a search for truth in her heart as she faces the prospect of real love for the first time. Brian is out to enjoy his favorite season in a way that doctors never thought he could. And at the center of it all is their grandmother, affectionately known as Mama, a woman of remarkable commitment and charity who knows something very important about making Christmas wishes come true.
The Tin-Foil Manger: Published in this volume for the first time, this is the story of Nancy, an elderly woman with little to live for and Jeanne, the caretaker who wants to believe that Nancy has more to live for. Together, they embark on a journey to the past – a past of modest Christmases, tin-foil mangers, and abundant love – to rediscover the time when Nancy felt truly alive. Nancy’s memories and how they touch Jeanne, will turn this Christmas into one for the ages.
Rich with emotion and profound with meaning, these three stories of Christmas spirit that will strike a chord in your heart any time of year and make you look at the holiday season in new ways.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
Pass the tissues!
If you follow my blog and/or reviews, you know that I’m a BIG fan of Steven Manchester having read the majority of his books (please see list below). I originally read and reviewed this book Dec. 20th, 2016, see my review HERE. However, since that time it has been republished with a new novella, THE TIN-FOIL MANGER.
Nancy Guillmette, is in the latter years of her life, suffering from the onset of dementia where short term memory is affected. Jeanne, her geriatric nurse, realizes that Nancy is giving up and is determined not to allow her to. She has 2 daughters but their visits are seldom. While encouraging Nancy to eat, Jeanne asks her about her favorite childhood Christmas memories. Every day, she recalls more stories that she tells Jeanne with smiles and tears at the memories. The bond that these 2 ladies share and the gifts that they give each other is priceless.
Being a retired geriatric RN myself, this brought back many memories of so many patients that just wanted to share!
If you are looking for a Christmas read to get you in the holiday spirit, this is THE book. Not only will it touch your heart but you will come away with the same gifts Nancy and Jeanne did.
Steven Manchester is the King of novels that will touch you to your soul and tug on your heartstrings. An eloquent and impressive story that will impact you more than you can imagine! Highly, highly recommend!
Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗
Previous Steven Manchester books that I have read and reviewed: ASHES, PRESSED PENNIES, THE ROCKIN’ CHAIR, GOODNIGHT, BRIAN and TWELVE MONTHS.
I love his books and have this on my tbr list.