The Letter

Rating:
Summary: This was a dull novel.
Review: This was a very dull novel. It was very slow moving and left me wanting to know more about the relationship between mother and son. It was not as powerful and emotional as Timepiece was. I was disappointed in this book. The press built it up to be more than it really was. This is one book I would not recommend.

Rating:
Summary: Great beginnings ...
Review: This was the weakest of the trilogy series, but nevertheless was well written in Evans' typical eloquent style. I love most of his character descriptions, and thought he did a splendid job in fleshing out David, Diedre and Catherine. But, unfortunately, he lost it with Mary Ann this time around. When I began reading the novel it was a struggle to put it down, but around the halfway mark the story seemed to lose its momentum and I started to lose interest. Still, I recommend it to all who have read his other books and quite honestly would put it between 3 and 4 stars. As usual the ending was touching and left me weepy-eyed. The main problem was the lag between the middle and the end.

Rating:
Summary: A truly moving account of life and love.
Review: We can all benefit and relate to the story of Mary Anne and David Parkin's love, for we have all been there before. In this final book in "The Christmas Box" trilogy, we are taken once again into David Parkin's world. The characters are ghostly and almost mystical in nature. The lost child Andrea looms like a magical spectre over the story, while David and Mary Anne must continue to face life after loss. This novel reminds us all that we are far from perfect in dealing with tragedy, and it teaches us all that life is the only statement we ever make. I did find that David and Mary Anne's obsession over their dead daughter was unhealthy at best, but Richard Paul Evans does his writer's best in trying to illuminate their struggle, and their eventual quasi-victory over their terrible loss. I was left with the impression that these were very sad people, and I only wish the author could have uplifted the story a bit more. A beautiful story, but depressing nonetheless.

Rating:
Summary: Hate to see the Parkins Go
Review: Well, I love his books! :) I started with A Christmas Box 8 years ago. It was a gift from a friend when my little boy died. And it gave me such inspiration and hope that I now feel compelled to read every single work that he has written. I have given his books as gifts to friends and I have hooked them all. Continue the great work, Mr. Evans. Thanks for helping me to cry and giving me reason to begin to smile once more. (Terry Blinkenberg)

Rating:
Summary: I LOVE RICHARD PAUL EVANS!
Review: Well, I love his books! :) I started with A Christmas Box 8 years ago. It was a gift from a friend when my little boy died. And it gave me such inspiration and hope that I now feel compelled to read every single work that he has written. I have given his books as gifts to friends and I have hooked them all. Continue the great work, Mr. Evans. Thanks for helping me to cry and giving me reason to begin to smile once more. (Terry Blinkenberg)

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: You may call me a sap, a die hard romantic, whatever you like, but this man is something. I saw Timepiece on tv on New Years Eve, and went directly to the library to get this book and Timepiece, and I read them both in two days time. And I got to say, the book is better. But let me address this one. I loved it. Now what was the purpose of digging up Lawrence's body?? What was he going to do down below anyhow?? Upset the other occupants? Now, that was simple and disrespectful. I was sorry for the Parkin's seperation, yet rejoiced in their reunion, and saddened for David. I cannot adequately describe Mr.Evans writings, but to say it is truly beautiful. Thank you Mr.Evans for your books.