A Christmas Prayer

by Linda Wood Rondeau

A year after learning of a son’s existence, Country music legend, Ethan Jacobs returns to Jasper Falls, a place of bitter memories, to help the his twelve-year-old autistic child, given up for adoption at birth. Orphaned after the death of his adoptive parents, the boy is at risk of institutionalization due to probation violations and alleged inadequate guardianship of his current caregiver, an older, adoptive sister. In view of his son’s delicate emotional state, the court advises Ethan to keep his relationship to Gib secret for now.

As far as Jasper Falls knows, Ethan is in town to perform a Christmas benefit, although he longs to tell the world his current hit single, A Christmas Prayer, was inspired by a son he has yet to meet. Ethan’s intent was to rescue Gib. Instead, his presence seems to complicate the child’s life even more. Does God have a different plan for Gib no one has considered?

Genres: Romance, Christian, Christmas, Contemporary, Novella, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2013

About the author

Also writing as L.W. Rondeau

Does life imitate art? I believe it does or perhaps art reflects life. Either way, life and art are intertwined. In that truth, my books bear witness to the convoluted world in which we are all a part. After nearly thirty years in human services, I retired so that I could work more hours a week than I had ever done before to pursue my writing dream. My first book published in 2011 and was soon followed by others. As evident in A Father's Prayer/Lighthouse of the Carolinas, my books, whether suspense, romance, or futuristic, are themed from my experiences as a social worker. These stories involve the human struggle to overcome indignities that otherwise could defeat us. A graduate of North Syracuse High School, I went on to Houghton College, majoring in English and education. As my heroine in A Wonderful Love, I met my wonderful husband doing Community Theater. Three children and nine grandchildren later, we moved from Northern New York to enjoy the benefits of the sunshine state, mainly golf and daily walks. Now we have moved to Hagerstown, MD to be nearer our grandchildren. An award winning novelist, my mission is to entertain as well as encourage through the written word. Visit me at http://www.lindarondeau.com, or on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, GooglePlus. Friend me and I'll friend you back! Reviews are always appreciated. Coming soon: The Fifteenth Article, a futuristic political thriller.

Reviews

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading A Christmas Prayer by Linda Rondeau. What a great story. I fell in love with Gib and Alexis immediately. Even though this was a short story, I feel as though the author filled in the blanks for me and I felt like I truly connected with each and every one of the characters. I love how she tied up the loose ends for the reader as well, answering questions about Gib’s parents’ background and why they did what they did.

This was a great read, especially as the holidays are approaching. I truly felt like I had a better understanding of what caregivers of special needs’ children go through and the frustration they can feel when the system tries to help, yet fails at times despite their best efforts. It definitely made me realize I need to be more sensitive to those involved in helping special needs’ children, whether caregivers, teachers, parents, etc. The lives most people live are rarely what is seen - there is usually a lot more happening behind the scenes than realized.

It was a really sweet love story as well, reminding us that family is the most important gift we can be blessed with. Great read, especially around the holidays.

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet sentimental story.

Perfect for the season this is filled with hope and the magic of love.
Really liked the story!
I think you will as well.
WaAr.

[Linda Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Prayer by author Linda Rondeau is a beautiful, awe-inspiring story. Linda’s gifted way with words kept me smiling as I fell in love with her characters, especially Alexis. Her selflessness and perseverance as she loved and cared for Gib warmed my heart. Although it would make a great holiday gift for anyone, all caregivers need to read this book to be blessed and better able to understand the demands and challenges of caring for a handicapped person, regardless of the nature of the handicap. The character of Ethan intrigued me and made me think about the remarkable power of prayer. As I read, I was filled with empathy, then hope, and the surprise ending was especially satisfying for me as a reader.

Linda Robinson

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this short story! It was well written and the story kept me wanting to read even while I had to get supper on. The only thing I did not like about the book was the super rushed ending. ***SPOILER WARNING!!***





The author spent more time describing the wedding of Max and Jasmine than she did describing Gib and Ethan's proposal to Alexis. The proposal scene-while I knew it was coming-was boring, rushed, and very unrealistic, in my opinion. This short story would have had five stars from me if the ending hadn't seemed so forced.

[Ginger Ketchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good old fashioned love story.

I fell in love with the characters right off. A quick paced storyline with just the right amount of twists and turns. A very enjoyable read start to finish. The story pulls you in and the characters are all so likable, that it is a must read in one sitting.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a a really wonderful story of love, acceptance and the challenges of caring for an autistic child. The characters are well-developed and very real. As one who taught a couple of autistic kids, I found the descriptions of Gib very accurate. It is an easy, very engaging read.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Father's Prayer is an informative and interesting story of dealing with an autistic child. When their parents died, Alexis came to Jasper Falls to care for her adopted brother who has autism. She feels it would be best for him to stay in the house he is familiar with. I admired Alexis for her devotion to Gib but can't imagine how she dealt with everything. Country music star Ethan Jacobs has returned to his hometown and gets involved with Alexis and Gib when the authorities are getting ready to remove Gib from Alexis' care. I would recommend A Father's Prayer to others. I received a complimentary audio book. This is my honest opinion.

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was okay, but not great. It was interesting reading about the difficulties in dealing with an autistic child, but it didn't really capture my heart in the way I hoped it would.

The ending was dissatisfactory. The very fact that Alexis didn't even have confidence that Ethan loved her, yet she accepted his proposal was a little disturbing. I understand it was because of her insecurities, but still, if he didn't show her his love in that year, then I don't understand why she would finally accept it then.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Difficult to read

This was a very disappointing book. Given there are no two autistic children that are the same, this author went back and forth between different spectrums. Thus creating many false conceptions about autism. Rewarding bad behaviors as much as they did was totally incorrect. The fact that the father never signed away his parental rights, also changes certain dynamics that are not even mentioned. I hope never to read another book by this author.

[Ann Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, because it's another example of how God works in mysterious ways, no matter whether someone has a disability or not. To find out that Gib was Ethan's son came to me as a shock. However, I loved how he not only took his son with autism in and offered to keep him from being institutionalized, but how he allowed Alexis to be a part of his family. Yet another good read that I finished in one day, or should I say that Alexa red the Kindle version on my echo dot.

[Bonnie Ainsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Father's Prayer

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a romantic. While this book mainly featured a possible relationship between a father and adopted sister, the special needs boy Gib had the starring role. As I saw it, as long as this situation was God-centered, it works out the way it's supposed to. I really enjoyed this book.

[Cheryl Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable

A sister's love for her autistic brother who doesn't understand consequences is the message of this story. In walks Ethan, a famous country music star, who wants to invest in Gib. Will Alexis learn to trust that Ethan wants to truly help? Or will she push him away?
Good, clean story!

[Lois Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prayers answered

A nice story of compassion, caring, facts known, relationships and love. And above all God's presence and the results of faith and how to see how it works in one's life. Gib a child who would benefit from all of those who loved him, Jasmine a true friend, and a relationship formed as a result between Alexis and Ethan . Good read and well written thank you.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan learning of his twelve year old aquatic son comes to Jasper Falls.
Under the disguise of a benefit concert. A brother by adoption, Alexis has her hands more than she can handle taking care of him. With a prayer that some how she can continue to care for him. Short story but the emotion of caring for a special need boy was well Written..

[Sarah]

I got to the 40% mark and didn't like how the romance was starting to play out (not bad, just to insta-love for my taste) so I decided to go on to other books.
Lots of points for showing the rough side of dealing with kids with special needs.

[Tricia Hungerford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful !!!

I haven't read such a heartwarming book in I don't know how long ! It was a beautiful approach to a subject so difficult and yet such trust in God to bring answers .

[Joanreconnu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, challenging love story

Good easy read .Loved the compassionate sister....willing to change her life to care for her challenged adopted brother. Sweet love story.
..

[Micheal Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

well worth rereading!

[Lynne Modranski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

I am just not a romance fan I guess. This was a quick read. Predictable story. If you like romance Novels you will probably enjoy.

[Lisa Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story, complex challenge that served as a good transition book after the Christmas holiday.

[cheryl doerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This is a great book. I loved it from the very beginning. I recommend it to everyone who loves to read.

[Neva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fathers Prayer

Lovely story. Easy, peaceful reading and a reminder of Gods love for us . Recommended for everyone to read. Thank you.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Father's Prayer: An Autistic Child, A Father's Love, a Woman's Heartbreak " by Linda Wood Rondeau is really a five star story, I wish I could give it more!

This story is a love story and a story of second chances. I really was drawn into the story from the first sentence! I loved the ending.

Alexis Jennings was doing the best she could to keep her adopted brother, Gib, safe and out of trouble with the law. This was not an easy thing to do because Gib was Autistic. Her parents had died. Alexis is a reporter who is sent to interview country music star, Ethan Jacobs. Ethan Jacobs is going to do a benefit concert but why is he so interested in Guilford, a place that helped children who got in trouble with the law and drug and alcohol abusers? Alexis is wary of his actions from the first meeting!

Ethan Jacobs is a recovering alcoholic who is in Jasper falls to do a benefit concert and he has a big secret concerning Gib. He is really there to claim custody of Gib because he is Gib's father, but he didn't know until recently. When he found out he wrote a song entitled "A Christmas Prayer". Ethan is Gib's idol even though he doesn't know that he is his father.

Alexis and Ethan are attracted to each other almost from the first meeting! But can their love survive Ethan's secret?

Ethan's manager and Alexis best friend get married on Christmas Eve and Alexis is happy for her friend but sad for her because Gib finally learns the truth and wants her and him to move in with Ethan, but how can Alexis move in to Ethan's house and not be married to him! She really wants to marry him.

This story takes the reader into the struggles of a caregiver and gives them insight to what they deal with daily! This story isn't necessarily a Christmas story, though it is about Christmas. I recommend all readers read this!

I was given a ebook copy by Linda Wood Rondeau for an honest review.

[Gloria Antypowich · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Father’s Prayer” by Linda Wood Rondeau was an excellent read. I often read to learn, as well as for enjoyment and this book satisfied both interests. I bought “A Fathers Prayer” after I read the authors bio and the summary of the book. I wanted to see how the writer handled the challenge of being a sole care giver to an autistic child in a story.

The book delivered far more than I had expected. It is well written, the characters felt real to me, and I related to the challenges Alexis Jennings faced while loving and caring for her adopted autistic brother, Gib Jennings. I felt that the book also gave a realistic look into the world of a twelve year old child with a form of autism, and I really appreciated that.

Ethan Jacobs had problems of his own. Fame and success had only deepened his addiction to alcohol. It took learning that he had a son to make him change his life and overcome his weakness. But can he actually step in and be a father to a child whose world is not like that of other children, a child who has never met him and a child who is still reeling from the death of his adoptive parents?

This is an inspirational Christian book, but the faith and belief of both Alexis Jennings and Ethan Jacobs is not a “preach”—rather it is woven seamlessly into the fabric of both characters who are well rounded and richly portrayed.
This is a short novella—I read it in a couple of hours. Perfect for an afternoon escape or those who like to read in one sitting. To be honest, I would love to have read a longer format. There was a great opportunity in this story to give the characters relationship time to develop and grow and that is why I am giving this novella four stars.

Still I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Prayer, a novella by Linda Wood Rondeau e-book****

A Christmas Prayer takes place in Jasper Falls where reporter Alexis Jennings is guardian to and cares for her 12 year old adopted brother, Gib since their parents death. Gib has Autism and requires around the clock supervision. The story goes into detail on what day-to-day life is like in the Jennings home. Gib tends to sneak out and “borrow” things from local stores and lights fires. Because of this Alexis is at risk of loosing guardianship of Gib and he may be placed in an institution according to the authorities. Alexis is doing everything she can to be able to keep Gib at home in the loving and safe environment he is used to.

Country singer/song writer Ethan Jacobs is scheduled to return to Jasper Falls and perform a Christmas benefit. No one knows his most recent hit song, A Christmas Prayer, was inspired by a son he recently learned about and has yet to meet. Nor do they know the secret reason he has returned to Jasper Falls.

Since Alexis is a reporter, Ethan arranges a meeting with her for an interview, something he normally shies away from. Once Alexis meets Ethan she is drawn to him but feels there is something else going on that she hasn't figured out yet. Ethan requests he meet with Gib, something Gib is thrilled about since he hero worships Ethan.

This is a beautiful written story that touches the heart, empathy, hope, forgiveness, redemption, love and the power of prayer and chances for starting over.

~~I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review~~

[Tim Fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book lists as women's fiction or romantic fiction, I picked it up because I'm the dad of a son with autism.

With a background in social services, Linda Wood Rondeau builds her story as key characters react to this neurological disorder. She does an outstanding job of portraying both the condition and its impact on family and community.

While the very good movie "Rain Man" remains the touch point for popular understanding of autism, it has some problems. For one, it focuses on a savant (the Dustin Hoffman character's off the charts math skills). Rondeau shows the more usual run of sensory, cognitive and social challenges. Also, the main care giver in the story is a stressed out sister functioning as a single mom, far more realistic than a road trip to Las Vegas with Tom Cruise as a long lost brother.

The romance that emerges between key characters is refreshingly human. Points of conflict and possible loss are not traumatic but arise from the flaws that hinder everyday people.

This book tells a good story while opening a window on a significant health and family issue, without becoming didactic or preachy. Great warmth and humanity with surprising depth for a romantic novel.

[Anne Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is was a truly a pleasure to read this book for review. Linda Wood Rondeau chose to write about an autistic boy, a subject near and dear to my heart. There are so many different levels and types of autism, and the incidences of autistic children seem to be increasing exponentially. If you read this novella, you might be one step closer to understanding the people who have to live with it.

Reporter Alexis Jennings is Gib's sister and caregiver since their parents died. The autistic boy has a hero worship going for movie star and singer Ethan Jacobs. She promises Gib a chance to meet his hero if he will stop "borrowing" things from the stores and lighting fires.

The fact is, Ethan Jacobs wants to meet and get to know Gib and his sister. He requests Alexis to be the reporter who interviews him. He is sworn to secrecy, and he can't tell Alexis why he takes every opportunity to be around them.

She's no dummy. She begins to realize something is odd about this developing relationship.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives insight on life when trying to parent a child with disabilities

This is a light read and a decent romance. After reading this, one will have a better understanding of the difficulties a family encounters just in trying to keep an autistic child safe and why a person could reach adulthood without a grasp of God's or society's standards of right and wrong, such as respecting another's right to personal property. I work with adults in group homes and would be interested in a deeper study, but the reader with no experience with autism who is looking for a short romance will enjoy this book and benefit from reading it.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Prayer was such a wonderful read! It will touch the heart of anyone who knows a child, and will affect the heart of any caregiver that has a special needs child. This book shows how you can love and be devoted to a child and frustrated at the same time. It's a story of love, forgiveness, redemption and starting over. A beautifully written book with characters that are easy to be with and easy to identify with. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christian romance coupled with a story of a sister trying to care for her autistic adopted brother after the death of their parents. I enjoyed the story, but I kept wondering about the age of the boy. Some things pointed to a pre-teen but his legal troubles made me think he was older. Wondering distracted me from the story.