A Carol for Christmas

Robin Lee Hatcher
Zondervan (2007)
ISBN 9780310257769
Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (10/07)

Carol and Jonathon dropped out of college to marry, too eager in their newfound love to wait through the endless years of study.  Jonathon had been attending business school in preparation for a partnership in his father’s retail store; a store that was started and built to success by his grandfather.  Unhappy with his son’s hasty decision, Jonathon’s father offered him no further financial assistance and the same opportunity as anyone else – he would have to work his way up the ranks.

Carol’s passion was music.  If she wasn’t going to Nashville, it would be to a school of music in preparation for Nashville.  At least until she met Jonathon Burke.  Not only had she left her dreams of a life of music behind, she also left her family. 

The realities of life very quickly set in for Carol and Jonathon.  Jonathon finds himself putting in many long hours at the store to prove his commitment and his ability to take on more responsibility.  Carol begins to spend more and more time by herself and when Jonathon accidentally runs over Carol’s guitar she was left without even her own music to comfort her.  With very little money left over after the rent and groceries is paid she can only dream of a replacement at the music shop window.

With Christmas around the corner and Jonathon putting in longer hours at the store, Carol begins to feel more and more alone.  She begins to question her decision to leave her family and dreams of Nashville behind.   Sensing her daughter-in-law’s loneliness, Ruth drops by to ask her if she would be interested in being involved in a big Christmas benefit that is being planned.  A singer from Nashville will be coming and he will need a couple of backup singers.  Would she be interested in not only singing with him, but coordinate the rest of the singers?

Carol quickly becomes wrapped up in the excitement of the benefit planning, rehearsals, and preparation for opening night.  When Travis Thompson, the infamous Nashville singer, begins to talk to her of coming to Nashville and working with his agent, Carol is both excited and torn.  She has had much excitement over the weeks leading up to the benefit, and a husband that has been unavailable to share it with.  Is this what she wants for her life?  As an opportunity that was once her sole dream stares her in the face she turns to God for answers.

“A Carol for Christmas” is a heartwarming look at the struggles of finding ones place in life, keeping the faith when the road gets rough, and having the strength to stand up for what you truly believe in.  Robin Lee Hatcher has packed amazing depth into this heartfelt novella.  Truly a gift for the holidays.

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