By Cynthia Ruchti
Worthy Publishing, 2015
Summary
An award-winning novelist’s heartwarming story about family and love lost, found, and finally truly revealed at Christmas.
Christmas takes a very different turn when the guests of honor break up instead of announcing their engagement. Trapped with his family, they learn that love looks different than either imagined. Both in their eighties, Dodie and Wilson Binder celebrate every Christmas as if it were their last. This year, their grandson Micah is planning to ask his girlfriend, Katie, to marry him so they can celebrate with the whole family. But things go very wrong when she says "no."
Now they are stuck. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it's Christmas.
My thoughts
Legacy. Unconditional love. And not only unconditional love, but outrageous, extravagant love.
This and so much more is the essence of An Endless Christmas, one of the most memorable and endearing stories I’ve ever read. While its December Minnesota setting certainly invokes the Christmas spirit, this story gently unfolds messages that readers can take to heart every day of the year. Cynthia Ruchti is one of my favorite writers, for she always entertains with stories filled with deep characterization, lyrical writing, heartfelt emotion, and spiritual lessons that make life all the richer.
As Micah and Katie join the Binder family for an important family tradition, the Christmas week extravaganza at his grandparents’ cottage north of Stillwater, we are introduced to one of the most precious fictional families I’ve ever met. Katie, “the daughter of parents who ate conflict for breakfast,” yearned for a real family who could weather storms with their love intact. With his patience, tenderness, and steadfast love, God used Micah and his family to open Katie’s eyes to all that could be. This conversation between them is so meaningful . . .
Katie: “You do know that those people in there aren’t normal. Forgiveness is second nature to them. Nobody holds a grudge. The in-laws are indistinguishable from the children born into the family.”
Micah: “What if this kind of crazy love is normal and everything else is the warped way of living?”
The best of stories leave me with much to dwell upon and apply. Here are just a few gems that spoke to me . . .
- Older family members are a blessing, jewels to be treasured.
- Family traditions are important, yet shouldn’t be held too tightly because “sometimes the detours turn out better than the original plan.”
- Contentment might not show up when making the choice to extend forgiveness, but it will come.
- Squeeze every drop of delight from life by staying present in the moment, “take life as it comes and cherish every moment, good or bad.”
But the message that touched me most is one which we can all apply daily . . . that we should never leave any unfinished business when it comes to our loved ones. That we should never have to rush to a sick person’s bedside with a need to express love, because that love has consistently been conveyed by words and actions every day.
It is my hope that all who read this review will find a copy of An Endless Christmas and cherish your family in a more meaningful way every day because of it. For beauty of narrative, the entire Binder family, and the way this story touched me . . . 5 stars! Highly recommended.
_________________________
She and her plot-tweaking husband live in Pittsville, Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.
Connect with Cynthia online at cynthiaruchti.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Worthy Publishing for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review - and for making this giveaway possible.
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GIVEAWAY
To enter the drawing for An Endless Christmas . . .
1) Please share my Facebook promo about this giveaway ("likes" to my FB page are not required, but very much appreciated).
2) Answer the following question or leave a comment for Cynthia:
Thinking of Thanksgiving, do you
have a favorite
family tradition or memory you’d like to share?
If you'd like to receive e-mail notifications of reviews, author interviews and giveaways, please subscribe to my blog in the upper right corner.
E-mail required for entry – please leave in a safe format - [at] and [dot]. Contest ends at midnight PST on December 4. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.
Eligibility: US residents
Thanks for your review, Carole. The part about " never having unfinished business" is such a powerful message. Today is the 1st anniversary of my brother-in-law's death -- a death both sudden and tragic. We all got that lesson last year and are endeavoring not to forget. An Unending Christmas is a great reminder.
ReplyDeleteBeckie, I remember you telling of your brother-in-law's sudden death last year, and with a close-knit family like yours, he had to know he was loved. I don't know if it's possible to ever be fully prepared, but Cynthia's book certainly made me resolve to do much better with my loved ones. Thank you for sharing, Beckie.
DeleteBeckie, your comment brought tears to my eyes. What a tender moment!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful story. Stillwater is one of my favorite places.
ReplyDeleteKay, I could tell that Stillwater is a beautiful place just from looking at pictures online. Would love to visit!
DeleteMy husband grew up in Minnesota. Usually, when I go visit my sister in MN, we go have lunch in Stillwater. I'm really looking forward to reading this book :)
DeleteKay, I may be traveling through Stillwater this weekend. It's one of my favorite places too.
ReplyDeleteWatching Detroit Lions football game, a memory that goes back as far as I can remember. This started when Lions football was the only game on Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteAnn, it's hard to believe there was ever only one football game on Thanksgiving! I'm not a sports fan, but love the family time together. Thanks for sharing - and please leave your email for the drawing.
DeleteThat was tradition at our house, too, Ann!
DeleteThanksgiving every year has been about the only time when every single person in the family has been able to be in the same place at the same time so we all look forward to that.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the things Grandma Dodie in An Endless Christmas valued most!
DeleteSo glad your whole family can get together at Thanksgiving, Laurie! My daughter lives in Germany and can't afford to fly home every year, so this will be her first Thanksgiving with us in several years. She just got in a couple of days ago and I'm cherishing every moment. Thank you for stopping by, Laurie.
DeleteI always remember my Dad carving the turkey. He is no longer with us and it makes me sad every year when I think about it.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad is gone as well, and I understand that ache.
DeleteOh Beth, don't the memories of loved ones make the holidays bittersweet? But like me, I'm sure you have many treasured memories to cherish. Thanks for stopping by, Beth, and may your Thanksgiving celebration bring you much joy.
DeleteWe eat bbq! Nontraditional
ReplyDeleteI love your nontraditional tradition, Marsha! I know a few people who do something different. Still like my turkey and dressing, though. Thanks for stopping by, Marsha - and be sure to leave your e-mail for the drawing.
DeleteSo much fun!
DeleteI remember a Thanksgiving when the power was out, but everyone was grateful to be together. We were especially thankful when the power came back on.
ReplyDeleteLenita, we've had some fun family times when the power went out, almost to the extent that I hated for the power to come back on - but not quite! Thank you for visiting, and please leave your email for the drawing.
DeleteThose forced candlelight times can be so sweet.
DeleteI remember a Thanksgiving when the power was out, but everyone was just grateful to be together. We were especially thankful when the power came back on.
ReplyDeleteWe had a Thanksgiving when the septic tank failed. Another issue entirely!
DeleteLenita, sometimes situations like the power being out can allow you to do some fun creative things. I'd be glad when the power came back on, though! Now Cynthia had a REAL problem!
DeleteWe're just in the second year of our new Thanksgiving tradition of preparing and enjoying our meal at home, just my husband and children. We much prefer home to the hustle and bustle of rushing off somewhere else and not spending any time together!
ReplyDeleteWe certainly wouldn't be caught snowed in any where else... Thank you for the giveaway! betherin02 [at] gmail [dot] com
For years, we traveled about three and a half hours for each holiday. My husband's parents and my parents lived five blocks apart in our hometown. The weather played a big role. But it was fun to get snowed in near both families!
DeleteI'm an only child, Beth, so our family is small on Thanksgiving also - but then, it's not the size that matters! So glad you're enjoying your new tradition. Best wishes in the drawing, Beth.
DeleteCarole, Thanksgiving is a very hard holiday for me. 13 years ago, just the week before Thanksgiving my mother lost her battle with cancer. Thanksgiving was actually her favorite holiday. After her funeral I came home to a busy house and lots of things I had let go while caring for her, so I guess you could say her death didn't really hit me. 3 days later my house was full of relatives that I had to cook for. It was very stressful, but nothing compared to the following day which we packed up her house. Each year since I am thankful for my family and friends I share the day with, but each night I sit and just reflect on what mom would have thought of the day. Of course this year we had Pip and I can assure you she loved the holiday.lol
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you.
Katrina, I can't imagine that level of grief! What tenacity you showed. What grace you were given.
DeleteKatrina, I didn't have as large a family to cook for as you did, but my mom died two weeks before Thanksgiving in 1987, so I have a feel for all that you went through. We lived next door to each other and had a unique bond, according to my husband. And just like you, I think of her often, especially around Thanksgiving.
DeleteMy two kitties could smell the turkey cooking during the night and were almost beside themselves when we got up that morning. Keep those pictures of precious Pip coming! I feel a connection with the sweetie.
Hello to Carole and to Cynthia. Would love to read this book. Christmas is always such a special time when we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. But love Thanksgiving when we remember to be thankful for all he has given us. I love my children and families gather in a circle of holding hands for our prayer of thanks. Also, holidays are the main times I get my kids together. Hoping to win. GOD bless you both. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteHolding hands to pray always makes the moment instantly more poignant, doesn't it?
DeleteHello to Carole and to Cynthia. Would love to read this book. Christmas is always such a special time when we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. But love Thanksgiving when we remember to be thankful for all he has given us. I love my children and families gather in a circle of holding hands for our prayer of thanks. Also, holidays are the main times I get my kids together. Hoping to win. GOD bless you both. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteSome think the two holidays are too close together. But the one really does lead into the other, doesn't it?
DeleteMaxie, you are always such a joy! My daughter has led a campus ministry in Germany for 8 years, and while she's occasionally been home at other times, this was her first Thanksgiving with us since going on the field. Your family tradition of holding hands and praying is wonderful - and very meaningful, I'm sure. Best wishes in the drawing, Maxie.
DeleteThis book sounds amazing! I really want to read it! I'd love it if you'd share this review and any other Christmas-y ones you do at my Christmas Reads for 2015 blog-hop any time this month! (http://mommynificent.com/2015/11/24/mommynificents-christmas-reads-2015/)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this wonderful list at Booknificent Thursday this week!
Tina
This review blessed me, too, Tina. Thanks for wanting to include it in your Christmas reads for 2015.
DeleteI'll be sure to add this review, Tina. Something wasn't working right with the Linky yesterday, but I'll be back. I hope you get to read Cynthia's book soon because I can't wait to see what you think.
DeleteAbout the only tradition for Thanksgiving for us is my kids love chess pie and Thanksgiving and Christmas is usually the only time I make it. I didn't make it one year and they were not happy about it. LOL.
ReplyDeletekarenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com
There are some traditions we just don't want to mess with, right?
DeleteKaren, my grandmother used to make chess pie and I loved it, one of my favorites. Sounds like yours is a tradition that you need to bring back!
DeleteI celebrate Thanksgiving every day of the year. For you see, I was born on Thanksgiving. My mother called me her "turkey surprise" because I came 2 months early.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
You give a whole new meaning to turkey surprise!
DeleteI'm sure Thanksgivings are special to you, Janet, and rightly so! Being thankful every day of the year is something I try to do also, making it a lifestyle habit. As always, thanks for visiting, Janet.
DeleteJust reading this review brought tears to my eyes. I love Christmas stories and I know this one is a keeper!
ReplyDeleteMy children all love Pistachio Pudding but since none of them were with us this year, I didn't make any. I have to say our plates looked a little sad.
duhpaynes[at]gmail[dot]com
Anne, I do hope you get to read An Endless Christmas. Writing it brought me face to face with what's important and what's not at this time of year!
DeleteAnne, I can't imagine you not falling in love with this story! When I finished it, I immediately wanted to begin again, and I can't say that about many books. I hope you get a chance to read it soon.
DeleteAs for the pistachio pudding, I can certainly relate to your sad feeling because my daughter leads a campus ministry in Germany and hasn't been home at Thanksgiving for 8 years - but she was here this year!
Thank you for stopping by, Anne. Best wishes in the drawing.
I have wonderful Thanksgiving memories of celebrating with our extended family on my grandparents' farm. The aromas, the laughter, the people. Such a great heritage!
ReplyDeleteckbarker at gmail dot com
Our extended family used to meet at a hotel and restaurant at a halfway point. We'd rent a big room and play board games, watch football, and not do dishes!
DeleteCheryl, that truly is a heritage to cherish! My grandparents lived on a farm in the north GA mountains and it was always a treat to visit - except for the outhouse! (This was back in the mid 50s.) Thank you so much for visiting today, Cheryl.
DeleteI suppose the tradition of Thanksgiving revolves around the menu. Must have turkey, stuffing, squash or sweet potatoes, gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce, creamed onions, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
ReplyDeleteConnie, we had everything on your list with the exception of creamed onions. That's a dish I would probably enjoy, so I'll look for recipes. As for sweet potatoes, my brother-in-law had just given us some that he grew on his farm and they were wonderful. Really big, too! Thanks for stopping by, Connie.
Deleteoops, my email is bcrug(at)myfairpoint(dot)net
ReplyDeleteA favorite Thanksgiving memory is one I have pictured in a scrapbook, the last Thanksgiving my aunt was with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to receive this book!
Janice
pjrcmoore@windstream.net
Thanksgiving is such a sweet family time, Janice, that remembering our loved ones - the "empty" chairs - is a beautiful part. Thanks so much for sharing.
DeleteOur favorite is to stand and hold hands around the table for prayer and to tell what we are thankful for.
ReplyDeleteLucy, that's a wonderful and meaningful tradition. Thank you for sharing - and be sure to leave your email address for the giveaway. Thanks!
DeleteCynthia, I keep running into your books with messages from the heart and for the heart! Thanksgiving always carries meaning as my father's birthday was November 25 and often were the same day. He would have been 100 this year but died 7 years ago. I miss him so. I also, lost my dear cousin a month ago who took his life after suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia. I spoke with him a few weeks before and knew he was troubled. We spoke of his mother's 100th birthday celebration that he was creating. Two weeks after that he was gone. My aunt then had to say goodbye to her third son. Our family stands together in this loss. We believe we will see each other again as our faith is strong yet we know that our love must be expressed here on earth as best we can and whenever we can. Thank you for your blessed reminders in your writing! Thank you!
ReplyDeletesh2rose(at)cox(dot)net
This cover reminds me of Melissa Tagg's sweet Christmas novella. Gotta' love a fun Christmas story - thanks for the review, Carole. I'll have to look this one up. :) :) :)
ReplyDelete