This is the full-color gift edition of this inspirational American historical fiction novel with colored ribbons at every chapter heading, and full-color pictures scattered throughout. It makes a great Christmas gift to give esprcially to anyone who might be huting at this season,.
Full Title: The Christmas Victory (Christmas Gift Edition). A Gem of a sermon, All wrapped up in a Historical Novel.
This is the new full-color gift edition, with better red ribbons at every chapter heading, and beautifull full-color pictures scattered throughout. It makes a really nice Christmas gift to give, & It's the perfect gift to give any who may have suffered a loss at this season.
The Christmas Victory" is an American historical fiction novel. It could also be classed as alternative history. The lives of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Mark Twain both contained terrible tragedies from which they eventually found real hope and spiritual meaning—at least in this novel. This book is about one little sermon called “The Christmas Victory,” and one, even littler poem, called “Christmas Bells,” and how, fictionally, they both may have influenced and given hope to, not only the author of the poem, Henry W. Longfellow, but also his son, Charles, and Mark Twain, whom Charles meets. Though suffering tragic losses, these all eventually find hope and spiritual fulfillment in this novel.
Excerpt
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Professional Reviews
REVIEW By Jamie Polychrones
(This is the same review of the original version pasted here for your convienance)
JAMES M. BECHER has an uncanny way of mixing history with fiction in The Christmas Victory. He takes famous individuals from the past and expands on some the actual events that occurred in their lives with fictional suppositions. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Mark Twain are major contributors to American literature. But their personal lives remain hidden in the past.
This historical fiction novel expertly weaves two genres together to create a tale that’s entirely possible. No one will ever know the true beliefs of these two men, but readers will enjoy James’ speculation about their everyday lives. With a spiritual slant, this book will enlighten and inspire readers and fellow writers to examine their own lives and contribution to history. Tragedy defines their future in this novel, as it does for many people.
Machelle Miller's review (Goodreads)
First of all, let me say that this is A MUST READ! The storyline is mixed with just the right amount of historical information, which makes the book both a learning tool as well as a heart-warming experience. The sermon itself is one that I will always remember and leaves no doubt that it can change lives. I loved the poem that eventually became the Christmas Carol "I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day." When I heard vs. 4 it brought tears to my eyes, because for the first time I realized what the original context might have been. Thank you to James Becher for my signed advance copy, and the privilege of writing this review.
Reviewed By Liz Konkel for Readers’ Favorite
5-Stars: The Christmas Victory: A Gem of a Sermon, All Wrapped Up in a Historical Novel by James M. Becher is a delightful gift edition of an uplifting story of Christmas and faith. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow hasn't felt the Christmas spirit since the death of his wife but that doesn't keep his children from trying to bring him cheer. He struggles more when his oldest, Charles, declares he wants to join the war and he immediately fears for his son's safety. Samuel Clemens goes on a journey to become Mark Twain and meets the lovely Olivia who becomes his wife. Mark's and Henry's lives overlap in interesting ways as the two men face unexpected tragedies throughout their lives and challenges in their uplifting discovery of faith. The story revolves around a sermon called “The Christmas Victory” and a poem called “Christmas Bells.”
James M. Becher's story is light and uplifting with a historical setting centered on two well-known writers who pull themselves out of tragedy and bleakness to find their faith. These known figures' stories are taken from biographical information but the story is fitted around Christmas. The story weaves between Henry and his son Charles, Mark Twain, and Jim Berk. They influence each other as their stories link together through their struggles and how they come to discover their faith in God. The historical backdrop is set during the war and the time of Lincoln but the focus is solely on lighter elements of the Christmas spirit, family, and faith. Becher centers on tragedies and uses the darkest moments in Mark's and Henry's lives to explore how to not give up on happiness and turn to their faith.
Christmas is the perfect time to set the story as it's a season for hope, belief, and family which blends perfectly into how the story progresses with Becher capturing cheer and melancholy in the tone. Becher uses “The Christmas Victory” to lead each of the characters toward the light and help them pull themselves out of the tragedies that have made them lose faith. Becher also includes a variety of colorful images throughout that add to the Christmas spirit, which is captured in the very meaning of Christmas found in the characters' struggles. The Christmas Victory would make the perfect gift to share with loved ones and is a story to enjoy as a family with its poignant themes of faith, family, and reconnection.
