Christmas - only days away; plastic snowmen and glowing reindeer adorn the lawns of neighborhoods all across America. All is calm, all is bright, and yet there is something tragically wrong about this Christmas night.
With swift passage through Congress, the Anti-Intolerance legislation was signed into law prohibiting the public display of religious symbols. The traditional centerpiece enjoyed by millions every Christmas, the Nativity Scene, is now gone.
This is one of those perennial issues that often stir emotions to the brink. But taking a lighter approach to the argument, wouldn't it be fun if, somehow, through some bizarre chain of events, the person who most fervently opposes open displays of religion, became the mouthpiece from which a fictitious law like the Anti-Intolerance bill, was overturned?
This story brings to life a witty rendition of the political struggles fought every December over something as humble and yet powerful as the display of the Nativity Scene.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Mad Professor and the Nativity Scene
Chapter 2: A Prank is Born
Chapter 3: In the Dead of Night
Chapter 4: Prank turns to Conspiracy
Chapter 5: A Hero is Created
Chapter 6: Press Conference Gone Awry
Chapter 7: The Silent Hero
Professional Reviews A startling way to save Christmas
By Deborah Tompkins Johnson for The Potomac News/Manassas Journal Messenger newspaper
If you wonder sometimes whether to say Merry Christmas, Happy Honukkah or Happy Holidays, and you wish you didn't wonder that, you might be interested in reading "The Man Who Saved Christmas."
If you wonder about the debate over nativity scenes placed on government property or get perturbed when friends or neighbors complain about the same, you will definitely want to read Jeff Ovall's novella, "The Man Who Saved Christmas."
The local author has taken the debate over Christmas decorations - the nativity in particular, and other religious symbols like the cross and the Star of David - and uses wit, shock and even a bit of humor to register his stance in the debate.
This is definitely a book for the mature adult, including the mature young adult. Some of the characters would appeal to young adults and the ultimate lesson warrants their attention. But I say it's a book for the mature person because Ovall intentionally startles at the beginning to get our attention. And he shocks us later to make his point.
A STARTLING START
A winter snow storm opens the novel. Quickly added are a father, mother and child: Yes, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. But we soon meet another father, mother and child. The second family is accosted by police. The lighted nativity scene setting in their yard is the reason.
A SHOCKING SECOND
We get through the nativity, family and police scene, begin to relax into the book, and oh my, Ovall shocks and jolts us again. We are left somewhat disturbed as we begin to wonder how the characters and activity can settle down to save Christmas. Well, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, Ovall comes through with an unanticipated ending.
"The Man Who Saved Christmas" is cleverly written. While you can probably read it in less than an hour, it lingers with you.
As I mentioned earlier, Ovall is a local author. From his bio we learn he has won a first-place prize for a science fiction story, titled "The Rocking Chair" and his first novel, "Chronicles of the HEDGE," proved popular among readers.
You can find "The Man Who Saved Christmas" and "Chronicles of the HEDGE" at bookstores and at online retailers.
This tiny book packs a whollop!!! I thought the story was leading down a path when suddenly it took an unexpected turn.
Readers see the author's creativity as he brings this story to its remarkable conclusion. I never saw the end coming.
The plausible prank by teenagers leads to the hero the country needs--was perfect.
The type is easy to read, the double spaced writing is appreciated, and the compact size makes this book a great stocking stuffer.
Reviewed by Hannah Thomas (Reader)
Reviewed on March 1, 2018
An amazingly beautiful way to share a Christmas story! As the plot is developed, it carries the reader along anticipating who will win in this battl of wills and beliefs. One of the perks of this very entertaining and refreshing read is that it can easily be read and enjoyed in an afternoon. Absolutely loved it.
Reviewed by Debbie Mayfield (Reader)
Reviewed on November 15, 2017
Christmas is my favorite time of the year and I love to read books about Christmas. The Man Who Saved Christmas is a book full of humor and mischief. You will find yourself immediately immersed into the story wanting to know what is going to happen next. It is an easy read with only 106 pages.
Reviewed by Susan Anderson (Reader)
Reviewed on October 17, 2017
This little book packs a big punch! I love Christmas stories and this one is no exception. I loved it! Jeff Ovall grasps your attention right from the start and keeps you hungering for more through both suspense and humor. You'll be surprised at the twists and turns it takes.
You won't be disappointed in this choice!
Sounds like an interesting premise and an interesting adn perhaps even fun, story.
Reviewed by Marjorie Coogle (Reader)
Reviewed on October 22, 2006
This sounds just like my kind of book. Sorry, I am not financialy able to buy any books at this time but if I were your book would be on my list. I just wanted to let you know I wish you lots of success. Keep writing.
Marjorie
Readers see the author's creativity as he brings this story to its remarkable conclusion. I never saw the end coming.
The plausible prank by teenagers leads to the hero the country needs--was perfect.
The type is easy to read, the double spaced writing is appreciated, and the compact size makes this book a great stocking stuffer.
You won't be disappointed in this choice!
Marjorie