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A Tin Train Christmas
The author of the heartwarming "Growing Season" novels brings you this old-fashioned story of family and faith to brighten your holidays! The toy train in the catalog was everything two young boys could wish colorful, shiny, and the perfect vehicle for their wild imaginations. But was it meant to be theirs? As the Great Depression's shadows deepen over the Midwest, Horace and Wilbur begin to worry that Santa might not stop at their farm. But with a little faith and their parents’ love, the boys just might discover the true spirit of Christmas. And there's At the end of the story, you'll discover three holiday recipes handed down in the author's family!
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About the author
Melanie Lageschulte
28 books291 followersMelanie Lageschulte is the author of the "Growing Season" women's fiction series. She grew up on an acreage in northern Iowa with a menagerie of four-footed friends. She’s spent much of her professional life telling the stories of Iowa and its residents, including several years as a features reporter and editor for the Des Moines Register. Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in American history from the University of Iowa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 20, 2017
Terribly biased, of course, since I wrote this. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. And try the recipes at the end!
December 4, 2017
I loved this story about a struggling family during Christmas in 1933. It was a wonderful story about love. I especially liked how Wilbur, the older brother protected his younger brother Horace from learning about Santa's nonexistence and spoiling his Chirstmas. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 5, 2020
For someone whose parents lived in the depression years and heard their stories, this was a novella that spoke to my heart and that I recommend for anyone who is too young to understand that this time in our US history brought out the best in many people. Although this is a short book, it said everything I had hoped it would. I think I will read it every Christmas.
December 20, 2017
Incredibly beautiful story
This may be short fiction but it's long on Christmas cheer! The characters come to life and you can almost put yourself into the scenes. I hope Lageschulte writes more Christmas stories like this.
This may be short fiction but it's long on Christmas cheer! The characters come to life and you can almost put yourself into the scenes. I hope Lageschulte writes more Christmas stories like this.
December 5, 2017
Holiday season
A fun quick read that reminds us of the reasons for the season. Christ, family, neighbors, hard work and above all service to our fellow man. Loved sitting by the fire in a warm home reading this book this cold evening.
A fun quick read that reminds us of the reasons for the season. Christ, family, neighbors, hard work and above all service to our fellow man. Loved sitting by the fire in a warm home reading this book this cold evening.
December 9, 2017
A lovely story about family, Faith and thankfulness at Christmas
What a delightful story. It was sweet and adorable. Warmed your soul while not being cheesy at all. I enjoyed it very much, it was so sweet. A great, quick Christmas read that I would certainly recommend.
What a delightful story. It was sweet and adorable. Warmed your soul while not being cheesy at all. I enjoyed it very much, it was so sweet. A great, quick Christmas read that I would certainly recommend.
November 30, 2017
Everywhere All the Time
What a beautiful Christmas story that brings the past right into the present. It is a very refreshing book to read.
What a beautiful Christmas story that brings the past right into the present. It is a very refreshing book to read.
December 18, 2018
Great read!
Very cozy story. Characters came to life. I highly recommend. I remember the cold winter weather in 1960’s Illinois. This book had a way of taking me back.
Very cozy story. Characters came to life. I highly recommend. I remember the cold winter weather in 1960’s Illinois. This book had a way of taking me back.
December 18, 2023
This was a good short story showing how people keep believing during hard times.
December 1, 2018
A trip back to my childhood
I cannot tell you how wonderful these books are! I grew up on a farm near Monmouth, Illinois. I am now edging towards 70 years old, and now live in central PA. The mountains here are beautiful, but I miss the flat land of Illinois. Mostly I miss the horizon. Nothing starts or ends your days as much as being able to witness the sunrise and sunset. Every word you write takes me back to the farm I grew up on and makes me realize how much I truly miss that life. I can only ask that you never stop writing. I cannot wait for you next book. In fact I will download your newest one tomorrow, December 1st! Please keep them coming! Thank you for allowing me to relive my childhood. Maybe you could write them faster. I can't get enough of them!!!
I cannot tell you how wonderful these books are! I grew up on a farm near Monmouth, Illinois. I am now edging towards 70 years old, and now live in central PA. The mountains here are beautiful, but I miss the flat land of Illinois. Mostly I miss the horizon. Nothing starts or ends your days as much as being able to witness the sunrise and sunset. Every word you write takes me back to the farm I grew up on and makes me realize how much I truly miss that life. I can only ask that you never stop writing. I cannot wait for you next book. In fact I will download your newest one tomorrow, December 1st! Please keep them coming! Thank you for allowing me to relive my childhood. Maybe you could write them faster. I can't get enough of them!!!
December 12, 2019
The perfect Christmas read. This story could turn into a true classic. The author did a great job of crafting a world and characters the readers actually care about in the course of a short story. That is not at all an easy feat.
It's a Christmas tale set during the depression in rural Iowa. From what I understand the setting and some of the characters from a novel series, but you need no prior knowledge of that to enjoy this story. It works great as a standalone. The author did a fantastic job of portraying life on a farm during the Great Depression and also showing the true meaning of Christmas Spirit. I don't want to go too deep and get into spoiler territory, but if you enjoy classic style Christmas tales you need to check this one out. Highly recommended.
It's a Christmas tale set during the depression in rural Iowa. From what I understand the setting and some of the characters from a novel series, but you need no prior knowledge of that to enjoy this story. It works great as a standalone. The author did a fantastic job of portraying life on a farm during the Great Depression and also showing the true meaning of Christmas Spirit. I don't want to go too deep and get into spoiler territory, but if you enjoy classic style Christmas tales you need to check this one out. Highly recommended.
November 29, 2018
The Christmas wish
This book is a great book about having faith in God. This family was very poor. The choice was buying a train set for their sons for Christmas or food for the winter. The boys understood this year their parents did not have much money. So instead of complaining to their parents the boys prayed to God. Christmas came and there was not a train under the tree. But when their neighbors come to their house to help celebrate Christmas they brought a train set the was their sons when he was young. The boys knew their prayers were answer. It was a beautiful train set.
This book is a great book about having faith in God. This family was very poor. The choice was buying a train set for their sons for Christmas or food for the winter. The boys understood this year their parents did not have much money. So instead of complaining to their parents the boys prayed to God. Christmas came and there was not a train under the tree. But when their neighbors come to their house to help celebrate Christmas they brought a train set the was their sons when he was young. The boys knew their prayers were answer. It was a beautiful train set.
December 7, 2018
A perfect Christmas story
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
When reading this story, many will get teary, remembering Christmas stories from their great & grandparents of their traditional Christmas celebrations. Some of them are so sad, but all found joy in their families. I hope you enjoy this story & think upon it while celebrating Christmas. Christ is why we celebrate, and family is more important than gifts. Miracles happen each day, just look around.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
When reading this story, many will get teary, remembering Christmas stories from their great & grandparents of their traditional Christmas celebrations. Some of them are so sad, but all found joy in their families. I hope you enjoy this story & think upon it while celebrating Christmas. Christ is why we celebrate, and family is more important than gifts. Miracles happen each day, just look around.
January 13, 2019
The Depression is still hitting people hard in 1932. Six year old Horace and 8 year old Wilbur know their parents are struggling but can't help but wish for a Tin Train Set from Santa Claus. While Wilbur knows the truth about Santa, Horace does not. Wilbur has been sworn to secrecy and tries to let his brother know that even Santa can't always deliver what we wish for. As some elderly neighbors join the family for Christmas dinner both Horace and Wilbur learn that miracles can happen.
A very sweet Christmas story.
A very sweet Christmas story.
December 10, 2018
I'm not usually one for short stories. I either want them over or I want them to continue. But this one is different. We're going back in time to when Horace and Wilbur are just kids during the depression and it just felt real. You can feel the disappointment of the kids and the discouragement of the parents. But you can also feel the sincerity when they offer what little they have, when they give from the heart. It was an excellent story.
December 27, 2017
Sweet but seems focused on a younger sudience.
Well hmmm. Sweet story but honestly nothing earth shattering here. The writing seemed a bit laborious ... conversations between characters seemed redundant rather than enlightening. I didn't enjoy it well enough to explore this authors other works.
Well hmmm. Sweet story but honestly nothing earth shattering here. The writing seemed a bit laborious ... conversations between characters seemed redundant rather than enlightening. I didn't enjoy it well enough to explore this authors other works.
November 25, 2018
I like to read feel-good (sometimes sappy) books about Christmas. It is the only time of year I indulge in these types of books. Most Christmas books are of the romance kind, so I am happy when I find one that is not. This was a short, quick read about children believing in Santa, family and friends at Christmastime. Sweet and 3.2 stars from me.
December 11, 2018
A heart warming short story about Christmas wishes
Currently residing in rural Iowa it was easy to picture the cold winter weather. Also, growing up on a farm in Northwestern Kansas, the simple festivities during the Christmas season helped me visualize the story the author presented in this story. Christmas is about celebrating love and hope with family.
Currently residing in rural Iowa it was easy to picture the cold winter weather. Also, growing up on a farm in Northwestern Kansas, the simple festivities during the Christmas season helped me visualize the story the author presented in this story. Christmas is about celebrating love and hope with family.
December 3, 2017
Suitable for older middle-grade readers to adult, Lageschulte’s short story will fill you heart with Christmas spirit and remind us all that some have so little but can find a way to share. This was my first book by Lageschulte but I’ll be back for more in the new year.
July 1, 2018
Loved this book. The brothers return for the Christmas holidays! It takes place at a time so many families were having bad times. All seemed to be short on on income and living from one day to the next. But dreams do come true in many mysterious ways. Will bring tears!
July 4, 2018
A joy to read.
I loved this story. It was so sweet how the boys took card of each other during a time when there was not any money for Christmas. From what my parents and grandparents said it was right on.
I loved this story. It was so sweet how the boys took card of each other during a time when there was not any money for Christmas. From what my parents and grandparents said it was right on.
September 24, 2018
Nice little story!
I wanted to read this book after Growing Season so I could know a little more about Wilbur and Horace. Although this story is short, it was just enough! On to the next book!
I wanted to read this book after Growing Season so I could know a little more about Wilbur and Horace. Although this story is short, it was just enough! On to the next book!
November 27, 2018
Reading one of this author’s stories is like coming home and being wrapped in a cozy blanket in front of a warm fire. And drinking hot cocoa with marshmallows. Can’t wait to read The Peaceful Season next on my list.
November 30, 2018
A wonderful Christmas story set during the 1930's in Iowa. Though times were hard, with chilly winters living on a farm, yet families survived. One cold, hard winter on a Christmas morning was a miracle for two little boys. I really enjoyed this heart warming story! I highly recommend this book!
December 7, 2018
Santa always comes
Christmas, in the depression years, certainly brought challenges, but children still look forward to the surprises Santa delivers. A delightful tale of the benefits of the season.
Christmas, in the depression years, certainly brought challenges, but children still look forward to the surprises Santa delivers. A delightful tale of the benefits of the season.
December 26, 2018
Nice story for Christmas
Enjoyed the story about people living in a difficult period of time and enjoying what they have. They live their faith, love their families and neighbors. Short but sweet.
Enjoyed the story about people living in a difficult period of time and enjoying what they have. They live their faith, love their families and neighbors. Short but sweet.
November 29, 2019
Very sweet story for the Christmas season that would make an excellent family read-aloud. This book would definitely fit the description of “good and beautiful.” I wouldn’t mind reading more from this author.
November 30, 2017
A beautiful story for Christmas
Love is powerful and this story is full of love. During the trying times when money is short, miracles do happen.
Love is powerful and this story is full of love. During the trying times when money is short, miracles do happen.
December 17, 2017
Joyful
Heartwarming festive season short story that visits the past, creating nostalgia for simpler times, to share the true spirit of Christmas.
Heartwarming festive season short story that visits the past, creating nostalgia for simpler times, to share the true spirit of Christmas.
July 8, 2018
Lovely novella
Touched my heart as I was born in 1931, youngest of seven children. We lived in the city and my dad worked, but times were hard but mom made it all work. God is good.
Touched my heart as I was born in 1931, youngest of seven children. We lived in the city and my dad worked, but times were hard but mom made it all work. God is good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews