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The Ghost of Christmas Present: A Novel
In this heartwarming Christmas story, a loving father will do whatever he can to make the money for a life-saving operation his ten-year-old son needs—including begging on the streets of New York.
It’s the fourth Wednesday of November, and Patrick Guthrie is giving thanks. He’s giving thanks that his eight-year-old son, Braden, will finally have a procedure on his heart that will cure him of the same life-threatening condition that took Patrick’s wife several years earlier. But when Patrick suddenly loses his job teaching drama at a New York City high school, his already desperate financial situation becomes dire. Rebecca Brody, a social worker, shows up at his door with a judge’s order for him to appear before the city’s family court to determine if Patrick is financially fit, and Patrick realizes he is in danger of losing his son.
Patrick knows that he must somehow make it through the holiday season to a new job waiting for him in the new year. He also knows that Ted Cake, his former father-in-law, blames Patrick so much for the death of his daughter that he, a rich and disagreeable man, is the one pushing the city to call the custody hearing and give the boy over to him. Now Patrick has only three weeks before Christmas to somehow make enough money to pay his bills, present himself to the family court as a fit father, and keep Braden in his life.
It’s when Patrick sees a charming beggar on the subway dressed up as a crazy alien that he gets an idea. In true Dickensian holiday spirit, Patrick makes use of his old acting skills and his love of
A Christmas Carol and takes to the streets in the guise of the Ghost of Christmas Present. Making a midtown corner his performing stage, he begins to touch and change the lives of all those who come his way, including Rebecca Brody and the bitter and heartbroken Ted Cake.
***
The train stopped at a station where the signs read Thirty-fourth Street. The doors opened and Patrick waited for the commuters to disembark before he got off.
He walked to the stairs as the morning light from the street shone and the sounds of Broadway bounced down into the station in echoing waves. He caught sight of himself in the plastic window of the token booth, where the transit workers shook their heads at his appearance.
Perhaps he had gone too far with the costume. Perhaps he had gone too far thinking he should even attempt this madness. Perhaps what was worst of all was thinking he could save the semblance of a life that he could carve for himself with Braden.
Maybe Braden would be better off without him in his daily life. Maybe . . .
Patrick shook off the thought as the noise of Broadway waited for him above. He drew in a breath and exhaled. “Into the breach, dear friends.”
He began to climb the stairs.
It’s the fourth Wednesday of November, and Patrick Guthrie is giving thanks. He’s giving thanks that his eight-year-old son, Braden, will finally have a procedure on his heart that will cure him of the same life-threatening condition that took Patrick’s wife several years earlier. But when Patrick suddenly loses his job teaching drama at a New York City high school, his already desperate financial situation becomes dire. Rebecca Brody, a social worker, shows up at his door with a judge’s order for him to appear before the city’s family court to determine if Patrick is financially fit, and Patrick realizes he is in danger of losing his son.
Patrick knows that he must somehow make it through the holiday season to a new job waiting for him in the new year. He also knows that Ted Cake, his former father-in-law, blames Patrick so much for the death of his daughter that he, a rich and disagreeable man, is the one pushing the city to call the custody hearing and give the boy over to him. Now Patrick has only three weeks before Christmas to somehow make enough money to pay his bills, present himself to the family court as a fit father, and keep Braden in his life.
It’s when Patrick sees a charming beggar on the subway dressed up as a crazy alien that he gets an idea. In true Dickensian holiday spirit, Patrick makes use of his old acting skills and his love of
A Christmas Carol and takes to the streets in the guise of the Ghost of Christmas Present. Making a midtown corner his performing stage, he begins to touch and change the lives of all those who come his way, including Rebecca Brody and the bitter and heartbroken Ted Cake.
***
The train stopped at a station where the signs read Thirty-fourth Street. The doors opened and Patrick waited for the commuters to disembark before he got off.
He walked to the stairs as the morning light from the street shone and the sounds of Broadway bounced down into the station in echoing waves. He caught sight of himself in the plastic window of the token booth, where the transit workers shook their heads at his appearance.
Perhaps he had gone too far with the costume. Perhaps he had gone too far thinking he should even attempt this madness. Perhaps what was worst of all was thinking he could save the semblance of a life that he could carve for himself with Braden.
Maybe Braden would be better off without him in his daily life. Maybe . . .
Patrick shook off the thought as the noise of Broadway waited for him above. He drew in a breath and exhaled. “Into the breach, dear friends.”
He began to climb the stairs.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 23, 2012
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Scott Abbott
17 books5 followersScott Abbott likes to think of himself as an architect, builder, and custodian of prosperous companies, leadership, and growth. He has 35+ years of credentialed experience and expertise launching, operating, buying, and selling great companies. Along the way, Scott has worked with hundreds of startups, small, midsize, and Fortune 1000 companies. He has raised over $35M+ in venture capital, with several successful exits (and some not so successful). In total, Scott has led teams and organizations that generated billions in sales, serviced thousands of clients, and hired hundreds of employees. He is a finalist for the E&Y Technology Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a former Entrepreneur in Residence at Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Inc. 5000 Winner, Fast Company Executive Board Member, hosts a top-rated podcast, and is the author of 4 best-selling books, including BOS-UP, BOS-UP Moments, The Co+Factor, and Level-UP to Professional. For the record, Scott likes to emphasis that he’s also learned a lot, through a truckload of failures and mistakes.
As for his current professions and passions: he has the joy and privilege of being the Founder & CEO of BOS-UP, Straticos, and Phase4 Investments. He’s also a Business & Executive Coach, Angel Investor, and Board Member. Most of all, Scott loves helping good and caring people - along with team-centric organizations - effectively learn, implement, and leverage the essential concepts, tools, and disciplines for exceptional leadership, management, teamwork, and accountability: in business, work, and life.
Learn more about Scott at http://www.scottabbottabc.com and connect on social media @scottabbottabc.
As for his current professions and passions: he has the joy and privilege of being the Founder & CEO of BOS-UP, Straticos, and Phase4 Investments. He’s also a Business & Executive Coach, Angel Investor, and Board Member. Most of all, Scott loves helping good and caring people - along with team-centric organizations - effectively learn, implement, and leverage the essential concepts, tools, and disciplines for exceptional leadership, management, teamwork, and accountability: in business, work, and life.
Learn more about Scott at http://www.scottabbottabc.com and connect on social media @scottabbottabc.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 30, 2013
I hate this book.
I hate that the authors have apparently never spoken to children and have no idea how children talk. I hate the cliches and saccharine sentimentalism that wouldn't make it into a Lifetime holiday special. I hate how the authors (author*s*, by the way--multiple authors!) can't even keep the age of the child the story revolves around straight from chapter to chapter.
I do, however, love that this book only took me roughly two hours to read. But not enough for me to give it an extra star.
I hate that the authors have apparently never spoken to children and have no idea how children talk. I hate the cliches and saccharine sentimentalism that wouldn't make it into a Lifetime holiday special. I hate how the authors (author*s*, by the way--multiple authors!) can't even keep the age of the child the story revolves around straight from chapter to chapter.
I do, however, love that this book only took me roughly two hours to read. But not enough for me to give it an extra star.
July 28, 2019
A quick, inspirational read. It reminds of what the spirit will do to protect our children and to what levels we will go to for them.
December 9, 2022
"The Ghost of Christmas Present" gets off to a memorable start - Patrick Guthrie's son, Braden, 10, is close to death.
"There came the day when the tests stopped, and so did the abbreviations. There was no short way of saying the word “palliative,” the kind of gentle care given to terminally ill patients who are simply waiting to die."
Suddenly there is hope, just a glimmer, that a new treatment may, just may, save his life.
And, just as suddenly, Patrick loses his teaching job. His savings are long gone, his bills are overdue, and only medical insurance is keeping Braden alive.
The only work he can find is in a pizza joint.
Children's Protective Service are concerned that he's no longer able to provide for Brandon. And their minion, Rebecca, comes suspiciously well prepared with detailed information on his recent misfortunes.
Brandon's illness aside, there is another force at work trying to ruin his life. His father-in-law, Ted Cake, blames him for the death of his daughter and will stop at nothing to bring him down.
With no options left Patrick comes up with a novel idea, based on his acting and knowledge of the classics, to raise the vital funds.
It's a re-working of Charles Dickens ("A Christmas Carol") from the start, with lashings of Shakespeare, the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer and various others.
"‘The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.’ Walt Whitman.”
The policeman nodded and then lifted his baton to rest under Patrick’s chin. “The habit of you coming back here again will get this stick shoved in your ear. Transit Officer Sean McKnight.”"
From an early stage, given its origins, the reader has a very good idea of where it will go, and how it will end. But the journey is well worth it.
It's a literary tale and may be confusing for some (but that's what the Internet was invented for!).
It's the nicest Christmas book I have read this year - the one glitch was that Brandon variously ends up being aged 8 or 10 in different chapters.
4 Stars.
"There came the day when the tests stopped, and so did the abbreviations. There was no short way of saying the word “palliative,” the kind of gentle care given to terminally ill patients who are simply waiting to die."
Suddenly there is hope, just a glimmer, that a new treatment may, just may, save his life.
And, just as suddenly, Patrick loses his teaching job. His savings are long gone, his bills are overdue, and only medical insurance is keeping Braden alive.
The only work he can find is in a pizza joint.
Children's Protective Service are concerned that he's no longer able to provide for Brandon. And their minion, Rebecca, comes suspiciously well prepared with detailed information on his recent misfortunes.
Brandon's illness aside, there is another force at work trying to ruin his life. His father-in-law, Ted Cake, blames him for the death of his daughter and will stop at nothing to bring him down.
With no options left Patrick comes up with a novel idea, based on his acting and knowledge of the classics, to raise the vital funds.
It's a re-working of Charles Dickens ("A Christmas Carol") from the start, with lashings of Shakespeare, the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer and various others.
"‘The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.’ Walt Whitman.”
The policeman nodded and then lifted his baton to rest under Patrick’s chin. “The habit of you coming back here again will get this stick shoved in your ear. Transit Officer Sean McKnight.”"
From an early stage, given its origins, the reader has a very good idea of where it will go, and how it will end. But the journey is well worth it.
It's a literary tale and may be confusing for some (but that's what the Internet was invented for!).
It's the nicest Christmas book I have read this year - the one glitch was that Brandon variously ends up being aged 8 or 10 in different chapters.
4 Stars.
January 12, 2020
So, just got done reading The Christmas Carol and thought this one sounded like fun. It is a very very light version of a down on his luck father who tries to earn enough money to pay rent and not have his dad taken away from him by dressing up as the ghost of Christmas present. There are SO many unbelievable things that happen to him, both good and bad, that made the story just plain annoying. Really, he tries to escape jail and the detective lets him go because he has kids too? The end scene in the trial where his father-in-law completely flips course in spite of YEARS of nastiness.... I mean, I like a happy ending as much as the next person, but that was just TOO over the top. And of course, the Social worker falls in love with him... after meeting him what, 2 times? As others mentioned, the dialogue of the son is not even remotely true to his age, whether he's 8 or 10.
Don't bother... read another Dickens :)
Don't bother... read another Dickens :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2018
While this book was a quick read, it wasn’t very enjoyable. Shakespeare is quoted constantly throughout the book and it lacks substance. The overall plot is a great starting point, but the writing seriously is a let down. They couldn’t even keep the child’s age right throughout the book. One moment he is eight and in the next chapter, which is only a couple days later, he’s ten.
December 13, 2018
Decent Christmas story.
Read
January 1, 2019Modern Christmas fairytale, I could see this as a hallmark movie.
December 22, 2020
This book would make a great Hallmark movie that I would, actually, watch.
November 17, 2022
Such a great moving Christmas story.
December 12, 2024
3.5-4: this was a sweet story of the love of a father for his son. It was touching and filled with a great Christmas spirit.
November 3, 2012
I am always so thankful for the fall because it always brings such great Christmas stories to print and The Ghost of Christmas Present by Scott Abbott and Amy Maude Swinton is a perfect novel to read to bring about the sense of hope, love and peace just in time for Christmas. This is a combination of Mrs. Doubtfire mixing with the right amount of Miracle on 34th Street. We are immediately introduced to Patrick Gutherie, a single father to his young son Braden, who has recently been diagnosed with similar heart condition that has taken the life of his mother and Patrick's wife, Linda. How is it possible that he is about to lose the only other person in the world after trying to move forward after the death of his wife and soulmate. It's only a matter of time before Braden will join his mother and Patrick will be left all alone.
When Patrick receives an emergency phone call from the hospital while teaching his drama class in college, he fears the worst. He arrives at the hospital and immediately learns that Braden might have a chance at a new life and possibly reverse his heart condition. Finally the break he's been searching for. As he prepares for Braden's upcoming surgery, he learns that he has been laid off from his teaching position due to cutbacks and worse yet, his father-in-law Tom Cake, has filed a custody hearing to assume responsibility for the care of raising young Braden. Tom has long since held Patrick responsible for the death of his daughter and wants to ensure that the same doesn't happen to Braden. Now facing the scrutiny of a Child Protective Services worker, Rebecca Brody , Patrick must find a job and be able to get current on his rent, utilities and have money in the bank otherwise he will lose custody of his son.
Faced with losing his son just when a Christmas miracle has presented itself, Patrick must find a way to make money and fast. His only options seem to be his love of Shakespeare and theater and his ability to act. Is it possible to find a way to make enough money to save his son. Will there be a Christmas miracle after all on 34th street? Or will Patrick lose the only thing keeping him alive in this world and watch his scrooge of a father-in-law gain custody of his son forever?
I received The Ghost of Christmas Present compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review and was hooked from the first page. I couldn't wait to see how this one would work out and finished it in a matter of a couple of hours. It was that good. I love the creativity that Patrick used to step outside the box and utilize his acting talents to find a way to bring money in to keep the lights on, and a roof over his head. He did what I believe most parents would, and that's whatever it takes to make sure your kids are well cared for and loved. Braden truly admires his father and despite all the stress in his own life with his heart operation, Braden can see his dad's true feelings and knows something is wrong even though Patrick won't share everything. He attempts to find a way to keep a positive spin on everything that is going on and in the midst of it all, changes the lives of every single person he encounters. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 Christmas stars and HIGHLY recommend this one to anyone looking for a feel-great Christmas novel!
When Patrick receives an emergency phone call from the hospital while teaching his drama class in college, he fears the worst. He arrives at the hospital and immediately learns that Braden might have a chance at a new life and possibly reverse his heart condition. Finally the break he's been searching for. As he prepares for Braden's upcoming surgery, he learns that he has been laid off from his teaching position due to cutbacks and worse yet, his father-in-law Tom Cake, has filed a custody hearing to assume responsibility for the care of raising young Braden. Tom has long since held Patrick responsible for the death of his daughter and wants to ensure that the same doesn't happen to Braden. Now facing the scrutiny of a Child Protective Services worker, Rebecca Brody , Patrick must find a job and be able to get current on his rent, utilities and have money in the bank otherwise he will lose custody of his son.
Faced with losing his son just when a Christmas miracle has presented itself, Patrick must find a way to make money and fast. His only options seem to be his love of Shakespeare and theater and his ability to act. Is it possible to find a way to make enough money to save his son. Will there be a Christmas miracle after all on 34th street? Or will Patrick lose the only thing keeping him alive in this world and watch his scrooge of a father-in-law gain custody of his son forever?
I received The Ghost of Christmas Present compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review and was hooked from the first page. I couldn't wait to see how this one would work out and finished it in a matter of a couple of hours. It was that good. I love the creativity that Patrick used to step outside the box and utilize his acting talents to find a way to bring money in to keep the lights on, and a roof over his head. He did what I believe most parents would, and that's whatever it takes to make sure your kids are well cared for and loved. Braden truly admires his father and despite all the stress in his own life with his heart operation, Braden can see his dad's true feelings and knows something is wrong even though Patrick won't share everything. He attempts to find a way to keep a positive spin on everything that is going on and in the midst of it all, changes the lives of every single person he encounters. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 Christmas stars and HIGHLY recommend this one to anyone looking for a feel-great Christmas novel!
November 5, 2012
As a father myself, I have to say that I was completely drawn to this heart-stirring story about a father who will do anything necessary to be able to care for and provide for his child. The Ghost of Christmas Present is a well-written read with delightfully unique characters who are thoroughly entertaining and likable. Being a novella, the book is a quick read and I finished it in one sitting, and so I became easily absorbed into the story and into Patrick's struggles. I loved Patrick's passion for theater and enjoyed his unique perspective on life, drawing on his knowledge of Shakespeare to speak to the world around him. I was a little bothered that the front jacket of the book depicts Braden as age eight, and yet the first page refers to Patrick sharing a pop with his "ten-year-old son, Braden". Later in the story, it again switches to Braden being eight, then during the court scene he's suddenly ten. While this is really a minor detail, it is something that editors should catch in my opinion. Other than this, I was well pleased by the characterization, the swift dialogue, and the sense of suspense created in waiting to find out whether Patrick would be able to keep his son in his care.
Readers who are looking for a quick-moving, emotionally satisfying read to get them in the mood for Christmas should plan on picking up this book from talented authors Abbott and Swinton. I give it a solid recommendation and 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Howard Books, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Readers who are looking for a quick-moving, emotionally satisfying read to get them in the mood for Christmas should plan on picking up this book from talented authors Abbott and Swinton. I give it a solid recommendation and 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Howard Books, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
December 3, 2013
If I had read this book any other time of the year, I'm not sure I would have given it three stars. But it's the beginning of the holiday season, so I'm in a super sappy mood, so much so that I watched four made-for-TV Christmas movies this last weekend, and I didn't even mind. In fact, I enjoyed them.
So I didn't mind that this book reads like one of them. Seriously - get Matthew Lawrence to play the main character, and I will snuggle on Mom's couch and help her eat half a pie while watching it. I'm thinking of buying her a copy to put in her Christmas stocking.
Having said that, I'm not sure I can recommend it (except to Mom, of course). The end felt horribly rushed and contrived, and that was even after I had resigned myself to the book's limitations. I actually said out loud at one point, "Really? It was that easy? I don't believe you!" It felt like the author was rushing to finish it in the time allotted, which, while important with a movie on television, is laughably unnecessary in a book.
So I didn't mind that this book reads like one of them. Seriously - get Matthew Lawrence to play the main character, and I will snuggle on Mom's couch and help her eat half a pie while watching it. I'm thinking of buying her a copy to put in her Christmas stocking.
Having said that, I'm not sure I can recommend it (except to Mom, of course). The end felt horribly rushed and contrived, and that was even after I had resigned myself to the book's limitations. I actually said out loud at one point, "Really? It was that easy? I don't believe you!" It felt like the author was rushing to finish it in the time allotted, which, while important with a movie on television, is laughably unnecessary in a book.
December 28, 2014
The Ghost of Christmas Present by Scott Abbott and Amy Maude Swinton is a well meaning, yet flawed book. It is the story of a single father whose wife died from heart disease several years prior. His son has been diagnosed with the same disease at the same time that he loses his job and health insurance. The story deals with the challenges,and responses to those challenges, that are faced by this father. All of this is tied together with a Christmas theme. I enjoyed the portrayal of the strong and loving relationship between this father and his son, but I did not find the son very realistic. His dialogue seemed to be for a middle aged adult. I also found many parts of the story implausible. But, I am a bit more forgiving because I believe the intent of this book was to be a feel-good holiday story, not a hard-driving novel. Overall, a quick holiday read, but not one that I would widely recommend.
April 9, 2016
I picked up this book because I love Christmas and because the premise--a down-and-out father becomes a street performer as Dickens' Ghost of Christmas Present--was intriguing. However, the writing lacked any of the depth or detail that would make you care about any of the characters or become invested in the plot. It was, "Ta-da! I've totally changed!" or "Ta-da! I' m in love!", without showing readers any of the inner struggle, process, or reasoning behind that development. The characters also seemed dumb; basic actions they could take to help themselves occurred readily to readers but seldom to characters (because we need this complication to continue for plot purposes). Basically shallow fluff; would need fleshing out even to make a passable Lifetime flick. It seemed promising, but I was disappointed. -- Sue Grise
June 17, 2015
I love all things Christmas. I have read a ton of books that I am behind on reviewing here. The story was about a father and son who had a bad heart. There finally was surgery available that may correct the issue, but the father had just lost his teaching job, was behind on rent and utilities, and his father-in-law wanted custody of the boy. It was a good predictable Dickens-like theme and shows what lengths a father will go to for his son's love. Moral of the story: Tell the truth and things work out! Good, easy, again predictable, read.
December 29, 2014
Very good story. It's a short book and I finished it in one sitting. I loved the quotes from various writers in this book. Walt Whitman, T.S. Eliot, Dickens, Shakespeare.... Awesome. Unique story that shows what great lengths a father will go for his son. I didn't give this book a 5 star rating because I thought the courtroom scene felt rushed and was a bit confusing to me. Otherwise, great story.
December 7, 2016
Here's a single dad who has a very sick son and everything seems to be against him. After losing his teaching job for missing too much work to be with his son and losing a waiter job for the same reason, Patrick decides to do something way out of his comfort zone and become a .....
Did you really think I was going to tell you. It's a short, quick read and a good for the season because it does have my kind of ending!!
Did you really think I was going to tell you. It's a short, quick read and a good for the season because it does have my kind of ending!!
January 17, 2016
A father will do anything for his sick son. A familiar theme and yet Abbott carries it into the season where most appropriate. The reader comes away with what a strong sense of perseverance and love can do to help the human condition. An inspiring story even though one stretches the old adage of suspending disbelief.
December 8, 2012
A nice Christmas story that showcases a man's ability to overcome some of the worst scenarios life could throw at him. You can't help but feel sorrow and joy for Patrick, the main character, as he battles the forces that are set to destroy him. A good little read.
February 20, 2013
I love Christmas books....this was a really good one. I enjoyed it being from the side of a single father as opposed to the usual single mother. The father would do anything to assure his son has what he needs .....It makes for interesting turmoil with the father of his deceased wife.
November 29, 2013
An enjoyable, quick, heart-warming Christmas book. I liked the Shakespeare quoting father dressed as The Ghost of Christmas Present doing street theatre to earn money to support himself and his son, but not the too-quick denouement at the end. Still, a fun read.
November 26, 2012
Really loved this book! Great story line! Great characters! Beautifully written! Didn't want to put it down. Just wish it would have been a bit longer!
December 25, 2012
A great holiday read about unconditional love and forgiveness. Hope these authors write more novels as I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
December 28, 2012
This book is a wonderful story of a fathers love for his son and what he would do to keep his son. It was a good christmas story and easy reading. I really enjoyed the book!
March 12, 2013
Nice quick read. Saw it on the library shelves in March and grabbed it for.a quick pick me up.It didn't disappoint.
April 19, 2013
A wonderfully heartwarming story of a father's unconditional and boundless love for his son. Simply put, one of those feel-good-books.
July 30, 2013
A quick read and a lovely Christmas story, although the ending - and one character's predictable change of heart - felt way too abrupt for me.
April 29, 2015
Sappy.
December 8, 2013
This little book had everything that I love.....Christmas, A Christmas Carol, family, and some humor yet touching.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews