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The Christmas Pearl
Theodora is the matriarch of a family that has grown into a bunch of truculent knuckleheads. While she's finally gotten them all together in South Carolina to celebrate, this Christmas looks nothing like the extravagant, homey holidays of her childhood.What happened to the days when Christmas meant tables groaning with home-cooked goodies, over-the-top decorations, and long chats in front of the fire with Pearl, her grandmother's beloved housekeeper and closest confidante?Luckily for Theodora, a special someone who heard her plea for help arrives, with pockets full of enough Gullah magic and common sense to make Theodora's Christmas the love-filled miracle it's meant to be.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2007
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About the author
Dorothea Benton Frank
61 books5,167 followersDorothea Benton Frank was a New York Times best-selling American novelist of Southern fiction. She worked in the apparel industry from 1972 until 1985 and then organized fundraisers as a volunteer, before becoming a novelist.
She is best known as the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
She is best known as the author of twenty novels placed in and around the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 989 reviews
December 17, 2015
Narrator was good, language describing past Christmases was beautiful. Book concept was horribly flawed.
The fantasy was not the 'Christmas miracle'...the fantasy is that the family's black cook and housekeeper, who had spent her life serving her employers, would need to 'earn her wings' some 80 years after her death by coming back and doing more cooking and cleaning. It never occurs to the 93 year old narrator, or the author, apparently, that Pearl would have family or loved ones of her own whose lives might need help, instead she has to fix the spoiled, wealthy, privileged white jerks.
Both the adult males in the book are verbally abusive cheaters. The son-in-law flat out admits he married the daughter for her money and stately southern home, and the mother basically blames this on her daughter not being pretty enough to get a better husband. I guess only attractive women deserve love. Even in a 'Christmas Miracle Fantasy.'
The cheating and verbal abuse is somehow subtly blamed on the wives, for not handling their husbands properly. As if the only way to handle someone who cheats and abuses you is not to dump him. And this book is classified by some people as a Romance??
The granddaughter has separated from her husband, takes drugs, and shops obsessively.
I could not stand to listen past this (2/3 of the way through the book) but I'm assuming that the black cook is going to magically fix all the problems of the spoiled white jerks between Christmas Eve morning and Christmas Day, by a combination of black wisdom, Gullah magic, and finger snapping angelic miracles.
For people who have seen or experienced abuse, drug addiction and other difficulties in life while also being poor, and Not living in a big house where someone else does the cooking and cleaning, it really isn't 'entertaining' to watch rich people's problems being solved for them.
A privileged, southern, white 'Mary Sue' of epic proportions.
The fantasy was not the 'Christmas miracle'...the fantasy is that the family's black cook and housekeeper, who had spent her life serving her employers, would need to 'earn her wings' some 80 years after her death by coming back and doing more cooking and cleaning. It never occurs to the 93 year old narrator, or the author, apparently, that Pearl would have family or loved ones of her own whose lives might need help, instead she has to fix the spoiled, wealthy, privileged white jerks.
Both the adult males in the book are verbally abusive cheaters. The son-in-law flat out admits he married the daughter for her money and stately southern home, and the mother basically blames this on her daughter not being pretty enough to get a better husband. I guess only attractive women deserve love. Even in a 'Christmas Miracle Fantasy.'
The cheating and verbal abuse is somehow subtly blamed on the wives, for not handling their husbands properly. As if the only way to handle someone who cheats and abuses you is not to dump him. And this book is classified by some people as a Romance??
The granddaughter has separated from her husband, takes drugs, and shops obsessively.
I could not stand to listen past this (2/3 of the way through the book) but I'm assuming that the black cook is going to magically fix all the problems of the spoiled white jerks between Christmas Eve morning and Christmas Day, by a combination of black wisdom, Gullah magic, and finger snapping angelic miracles.
For people who have seen or experienced abuse, drug addiction and other difficulties in life while also being poor, and Not living in a big house where someone else does the cooking and cleaning, it really isn't 'entertaining' to watch rich people's problems being solved for them.
A privileged, southern, white 'Mary Sue' of epic proportions.
December 18, 2013
An easy read, The Christmas Pearl is a traditional, nostalgic trip down the memory lane of Christmas. I liked that it made me reflect on Christmas past, present and future, what Christmas means to me as I age.
The main character Theodora, 93 yrs. old, yearns for days gone by when Christmas was home cooked meals, a beautiful creche, a real tree decorated with hand made ornaments, yummy cookies, and the belief that anything, "anything" at all was possible. Theodora is to spend this Christmas with her "darling daughter and family" whose idea of celebration is far from her expectations. "Who cared what an old lady thought?" But maybe, just maybe something magical will happen and Theodora will get her wish for a Christmas like the old days.
Theodora's description of setting up the creche made the book for me. This is a protestant household but the creche was given to her family by a Catholic friend. It was a reminder of the what Christmas is about.
"On Christmas morning we added the Baby Jesus, the shepherds that night, and then we took them away at the beginning of January when the kings arrived. The shepherds had to go back to work didn't they?"
Set in the south, The Christmas Pearl is warm and welcoming.
The main character Theodora, 93 yrs. old, yearns for days gone by when Christmas was home cooked meals, a beautiful creche, a real tree decorated with hand made ornaments, yummy cookies, and the belief that anything, "anything" at all was possible. Theodora is to spend this Christmas with her "darling daughter and family" whose idea of celebration is far from her expectations. "Who cared what an old lady thought?" But maybe, just maybe something magical will happen and Theodora will get her wish for a Christmas like the old days.
Theodora's description of setting up the creche made the book for me. This is a protestant household but the creche was given to her family by a Catholic friend. It was a reminder of the what Christmas is about.
"On Christmas morning we added the Baby Jesus, the shepherds that night, and then we took them away at the beginning of January when the kings arrived. The shepherds had to go back to work didn't they?"
Set in the south, The Christmas Pearl is warm and welcoming.
dnf
December 17, 2015Not my cuppa! Maybe if I was 93 years old I would have enjoyed it!
December 18, 2015
"Everyone you love is just a thought away." Such lovely words, especially for those of us who are missing loved ones during this holiday season. (Hey, Mom, I'm thinking of you.)
A charming book full of forgiveness, restoration, and Christmas magic.
A charming book full of forgiveness, restoration, and Christmas magic.
December 16, 2016
While this is not a very long book I thought it was just perfect to get the message across. The message is be kind and understanding towards your family.
November 26, 2018
This is the Christmas story that I have wanting to read this season. I picked the book up at the Womans's Guild Christmas bazaar here expecting a kitchy, cutsey story and while reading the story was thrilled that I found the story that touched my heart...
November 26 2018
I have to confess--I adore Christmas stories. All kinds. And I can read them throughout the whole year. But I also have a love/hate relationship with Dorothea Benton Franks books. So last year, after looking at this book for a while, I got lucky and found this book second hand...and in hardback! (So lucky as I am not able to read my books on a e-reader). I also have a passion for second hand books, absolutely love it when when people write musings in it. My version has such scribblings in it. I do not know why the person let this wonderful book go, but I am thankful to have it. Last year I swore that I will read it again--and read it in the Christmas season. It has once again working its magic on me! Who knows, maybe this Christmas story will be one that I read every year...
November 26 2018
I have to confess--I adore Christmas stories. All kinds. And I can read them throughout the whole year. But I also have a love/hate relationship with Dorothea Benton Franks books. So last year, after looking at this book for a while, I got lucky and found this book second hand...and in hardback! (So lucky as I am not able to read my books on a e-reader). I also have a passion for second hand books, absolutely love it when when people write musings in it. My version has such scribblings in it. I do not know why the person let this wonderful book go, but I am thankful to have it. Last year I swore that I will read it again--and read it in the Christmas season. It has once again working its magic on me! Who knows, maybe this Christmas story will be one that I read every year...
December 13, 2016
I semi-loved and semi-loathed this. Part of me relates A LOT to the 93-year-old protagonist who loves tradition, manners and morals. The other part of me winced at her old-fashioned views on a woman's place in the home. This is the first Dorothea Benton Frank book I have read, and I did enjoy the setting and a lot of her humor. I may check out another DBF non-seasonal novel at some point down the line.
Side note, the audiobook is read extremely well by a charming narrator. I found myself smiling a lot at her giggles and inflections.
Side note, the audiobook is read extremely well by a charming narrator. I found myself smiling a lot at her giggles and inflections.
December 3, 2023
Christmas 2023 - Naughty.
What it's about: The zombie of a long-dead maid returns to the Charleston home she used to work for, to terrorize the inhabitants at Christmas. NOT REALLY! But sort of.
What I thought: It turns out that in a Christmas story, there CAN be too much magic. Nothing about this crazy thing appealed to me. It wasn't heartwarming, it was just weird. The characters were all horrible and I didn't buy their miraculous transformation at the end. At least it was short.
What it's about: The zombie of a long-dead maid returns to the Charleston home she used to work for, to terrorize the inhabitants at Christmas. NOT REALLY! But sort of.
What I thought: It turns out that in a Christmas story, there CAN be too much magic. Nothing about this crazy thing appealed to me. It wasn't heartwarming, it was just weird. The characters were all horrible and I didn't buy their miraculous transformation at the end. At least it was short.
December 12, 2022
Fun holiday story.
December 27, 2013
Theodora is the elderly matriarch of an old Southern family. She is nostalgic for the Christmas celebrations of her childhood. She fondly remembers the weeks of preparation to decorate, cook, and fashion gifts, all of which just heightened the anticipation. Now her 60-something daughter and son-in-law (Barbara & Cleland) are living with her in the family's Charleston mansion. And their two grown children – Camille and George – have arrived with their families: children Andrew and Teddie, and George's third wife, Lynnette. Despite the season all they do is snipe at one another, complain and generally misbehave.
Don't they realize this may be Theodora's last Christmas? Can't they put aside their mean-spiritedness and truculent behavior for a few days? Theodora doesn't know how to get the kind of Christmas she wants – the kind that she had with her own grandmother, and her grandmother's housekeeper, Pearl.
I did like the messages Dorothea Benton Frank was trying to impart here: a focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the value of family, the meaning behind traditions; but I didn't think she did a good job of imparting those lessons.
Even so, I was with the story up until the magic started happening. Theodora just irritated me. By her own account she did little but wring her hands for 60 years over her descendants's bad behavior. She confesses to having failed to help her daughter grow up to be a woman, a mother, a wife, a matriarch. So suddenly, because a ghost of her grandmother's housekeeper arrives, all is going to be perfect? I disliked the family. I didn't relate to the excesses of their lifestyle or way of celebrating, and I didn't believe in their transformation.
It was a quick read, and it did make me think of my own family traditions and celebrations, so I give it 2 stars.
Don't they realize this may be Theodora's last Christmas? Can't they put aside their mean-spiritedness and truculent behavior for a few days? Theodora doesn't know how to get the kind of Christmas she wants – the kind that she had with her own grandmother, and her grandmother's housekeeper, Pearl.
I did like the messages Dorothea Benton Frank was trying to impart here: a focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the value of family, the meaning behind traditions; but I didn't think she did a good job of imparting those lessons.
Even so, I was with the story up until the magic started happening. Theodora just irritated me. By her own account she did little but wring her hands for 60 years over her descendants's bad behavior. She confesses to having failed to help her daughter grow up to be a woman, a mother, a wife, a matriarch. So suddenly, because a ghost of her grandmother's housekeeper arrives, all is going to be perfect? I disliked the family. I didn't relate to the excesses of their lifestyle or way of celebrating, and I didn't believe in their transformation.
It was a quick read, and it did make me think of my own family traditions and celebrations, so I give it 2 stars.
February 7, 2023
Ever a fan of seasonal reads, this was a quick treat. . .still it didn't bear too close of a look. The old mama of a crazy clan put up with a lot from them, and to be truthful, she was no "gem" herself, I thought. The best part was her "ghost" of Southern life past, Pearl who came back from ? to help? Theodora through the family gathering.
So that's where I got stymied. . .These are white folk acting badly, with the needy matriarch leaning on her old nurse / housekeeper / confidant / fixer, a black woman who'd died a long time ago. But - who'd come back to help Theodora through this holiday gathering. It was a conundrum, and certainly raised all the flags in my white self that this was not exactly . . . .correct? Even for fiction?
Anyway. It mixed me up, uncomfortableness was had, but when I just considered them two old ladies (one alive, one dead - yeah, see it doesn't really get much better). . . I was glad it was a short read. I think this one time through will do me. Merry Christmas!
So that's where I got stymied. . .These are white folk acting badly, with the needy matriarch leaning on her old nurse / housekeeper / confidant / fixer, a black woman who'd died a long time ago. But - who'd come back to help Theodora through this holiday gathering. It was a conundrum, and certainly raised all the flags in my white self that this was not exactly . . . .correct? Even for fiction?
Anyway. It mixed me up, uncomfortableness was had, but when I just considered them two old ladies (one alive, one dead - yeah, see it doesn't really get much better). . . I was glad it was a short read. I think this one time through will do me. Merry Christmas!
August 19, 2016
A short and heartwarming story for the season. Set in the low country of South Carolina Theodora longs for the Christmas of past when preparation, family and food took precedence. Thorough future generations her family has grown and started their own tacky holiday celebrations that frustrate the elderly women. The book starts out nostalgic on 12/23. Then Christmas Eve starts off like the old days with the arrival of her former maid angelic Pearl whose magical gifts transform the house and festivities into a wonderful backdrop until the special punch gets the family telling the truth and lashing out ugly details of what they really think. On Christmas Day daughter Barbara with a new take-charge attitude transforms the family into a caring and loving group while they enjoy the treasured snow that blankets the day.
A really enjoyable read with the right mix of nostalgia, tradition, family feuds, magic, spirituality and recipes in the back.
December 31, 2016
A sort of Christmas Carol-esque tale about a dysfunctional southern family who needs a ghost intervention to set them straight and find the true meaning of Christmas. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and have to be honest - I was a little distracted. But the story was so simple that I don't feel like I *really* missed anything. It was a fine book, but nothing ground-breaking or even very memorable. But very Christmassy, so that was nice and definitely what I was in the mood for. :)
December 20, 2016
Today was my first post-chemo trip to our historic public library. For the last six months, my library visits have been on line only as I borrowed and downloaded books to my Kindle. I picked up The Christmas Pearl to add to my take-home pile, but the joy of being back at the library made me find a seat in the Study Hall and read this book in one sitting. Well worth both the reading time and the time spent simply enjoying the library.
December 18, 2018
A typical Christmas read, full of magic and miracles that normally it would be too sweet for my taste, but …it’s Christmas time, so some sugar overload is allowed!
2 stars rounded up because of the festive recipes at the end of the book for mint julep, cheese straws, sands, rum balls, etc. I might even try some this year.
2 stars rounded up because of the festive recipes at the end of the book for mint julep, cheese straws, sands, rum balls, etc. I might even try some this year.
December 5, 2018
A beautiful Christmas story. Great on audio.
December 9, 2009
Ninety-three year old, Theodora has seen and lived through a lot. So when she gathers all of her children, grand children and great, grand children together for the holidays at her home, she lets them all know she will not put up with their attitudes. Though, it won’t be easy. Luckily for Theodora, she has an extra pair of hands in her friend and house keeper,
Pearl. Pearl is just as sassy as Theodora; expect that Pearl wins people over with her kindness. Whereas, Theodora just speaks her mind.
The Christmas Pearl is the first book I have read by author, Dorothea Benton Frank. I hard a very hard time getting into the story or the characters. I could see why Theodora had a sharp tongue. Her children and their kids were spoiled brats. That really turned me off quickly. Not to mention that there wasn’t much of a story line. In fact, I am sad to report but I only got about half way and gave up on this book. I kept reading it hoping it would get better but it didn’t. Not much Christmas cheer found in this novel.
Pearl. Pearl is just as sassy as Theodora; expect that Pearl wins people over with her kindness. Whereas, Theodora just speaks her mind.
The Christmas Pearl is the first book I have read by author, Dorothea Benton Frank. I hard a very hard time getting into the story or the characters. I could see why Theodora had a sharp tongue. Her children and their kids were spoiled brats. That really turned me off quickly. Not to mention that there wasn’t much of a story line. In fact, I am sad to report but I only got about half way and gave up on this book. I kept reading it hoping it would get better but it didn’t. Not much Christmas cheer found in this novel.
November 25, 2018
This Christmas tale rambles on with little focus or direction. Perhaps because it is told from the point of view of a 93-year-old woman, that was the reason. After a slow start, there really wasn’t much more to it. Pearl was a jewel, but there wasn’t enough of her and there was way too much Theodora.
January 10, 2010
This was a short, easy to read, imaginative story that will put you in the Christmas spirit. The characters may remind you of individuals you are acquainted with and how they may react to holiday get-togethers. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christmas fiction.
December 22, 2020
The premise had promise, but it was just very averagely executed...
December 15, 2018
Pour on the southern cheese... but a cute Christmas story nonetheless. Definitely gave me all the Hallmark Christmas vibes!
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Still spry at ninety-three, Theodora has lived long enough to see her family grow into an insufferable bunch of truculent knuckleheads. Having finally gathered the whole bickering brood together for the holidays at her South Carolina home, the grand matriarch pines wistfully for those extravagant, homey Christmases of her childhood. How she misses the tables groaning with home-cooked goodies, the over-the-top decorations, those long, lovely fireside chats with Pearl, her grandmother's beloved housekeeper and closest confidante. These days, where is the love and the joy . . . and the peace?
But this is, after all, a magical time. Someone very special has heard Theodora's plea—and is about to arrive at her door with pockets full of Gullah magic and enough common sense to transform this Christmas into the miracle it's truly meant to be.
REVIEW: With a touch of Debbie Macomber's three angels, a toss of Dickens' Christmas Carol, and with a hint of "Gullah magic", Frank has put together and wonderful Christmas read. Theodora, the matriarch of the family, at 93 is still living in the family mansion. Her family, including son, daughter, and grandchildren are all a tech oriented, materialistically focused, group who don't begin to love one another but would rather spend their time arguing and carping at one another. Rude, defiant, and uncaring, all are very self-centered. Growing up her best friend had been Pearl, the family housekeeper and cook, who passed several years ago. Now Pearl reappears as an angel with an assignment to straighten this family out to get her wings. Pearl's delightful "Gullah" magic adds a wonderful touch of magic throughout the story. Her personality is strong, forthright and loving which leads Theodora's recalcitrant children to take a deep look at themselves and their attitudes. She is able to turn what could have been a disastrous Christmas in to a Christmas filled with love, joy and care for one another and a true Christmas spirit.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "...this small sea of dissatisfied faces bobbing before me like wontons in a bowl of soup, lives of privilege, good health, safety, reasonable intelligence--and what? They didn't have a toothpick of gratitude for all they had been given."
"Books were my passion, and my escape from the madness." (Wonder how many of us this one fits LOL!)
"My dear friend, there are so many things that are a waste of time and money in today's world, it would make your head spin.
"All anybody in this life wants beyond good health and enough money to live is love and respect.
But this is, after all, a magical time. Someone very special has heard Theodora's plea—and is about to arrive at her door with pockets full of Gullah magic and enough common sense to transform this Christmas into the miracle it's truly meant to be.
REVIEW: With a touch of Debbie Macomber's three angels, a toss of Dickens' Christmas Carol, and with a hint of "Gullah magic", Frank has put together and wonderful Christmas read. Theodora, the matriarch of the family, at 93 is still living in the family mansion. Her family, including son, daughter, and grandchildren are all a tech oriented, materialistically focused, group who don't begin to love one another but would rather spend their time arguing and carping at one another. Rude, defiant, and uncaring, all are very self-centered. Growing up her best friend had been Pearl, the family housekeeper and cook, who passed several years ago. Now Pearl reappears as an angel with an assignment to straighten this family out to get her wings. Pearl's delightful "Gullah" magic adds a wonderful touch of magic throughout the story. Her personality is strong, forthright and loving which leads Theodora's recalcitrant children to take a deep look at themselves and their attitudes. She is able to turn what could have been a disastrous Christmas in to a Christmas filled with love, joy and care for one another and a true Christmas spirit.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "...this small sea of dissatisfied faces bobbing before me like wontons in a bowl of soup, lives of privilege, good health, safety, reasonable intelligence--and what? They didn't have a toothpick of gratitude for all they had been given."
"Books were my passion, and my escape from the madness." (Wonder how many of us this one fits LOL!)
"My dear friend, there are so many things that are a waste of time and money in today's world, it would make your head spin.
"All anybody in this life wants beyond good health and enough money to live is love and respect.
December 19, 2011
This was a quick read. It was not a really well written story, but I did enjoy the idea of the story. Theodora is a ninety-something matriarch of a fine southern family. She had become increasingly frustrated with her family and the frustration is growing with each day leading up to Christmas. She finds herself constantly reflecting on and missing the Christmases of her youth.
When the family cook has an emergency in her own family, she calls is a substitute to cover Christmas Eve and Christmas day for her. Theodora is shocked to find out that the fill in is none other than Pearl, the much loved housekeeper of her youth. Pearl has come to earn her wings as she repairs the relationships and traditions of Theodora's family.
The story is not well flushed out and resolutions are made with extreme simplicity. But I loved the lessons that Pearl taught and how she brought the family's attention back to the true meaning of Christmas. I was able to forgive many of the book's faults because of the messages that were expressed in the story. I also loved the recipes that are included in the back of the book.
When the family cook has an emergency in her own family, she calls is a substitute to cover Christmas Eve and Christmas day for her. Theodora is shocked to find out that the fill in is none other than Pearl, the much loved housekeeper of her youth. Pearl has come to earn her wings as she repairs the relationships and traditions of Theodora's family.
The story is not well flushed out and resolutions are made with extreme simplicity. But I loved the lessons that Pearl taught and how she brought the family's attention back to the true meaning of Christmas. I was able to forgive many of the book's faults because of the messages that were expressed in the story. I also loved the recipes that are included in the back of the book.
January 28, 2016
I loved this book, but I will tell you right up front that it is not for everyone. It is, obviously, a holiday themed book but it is also very sentimental. While the characters do go through personal struggles, they work through them with the help of Pearl, the all knowing angel of a maid. This material reminds me of the kind of movies Hallmark would make back in the 80's.....when they only made 2 or 3 a year not 2 or 3 a week. It is just a good sweet story of a family conquering their worst enemies...themselves and coming out better for it.
December 19, 2015
Great book to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Wonderful, so detailed in descriptions I could smell and taste and see all the Christmas preparations and meals. The story was fun and something that I would like to see happen in a lot of families. I especially liked the idea that our loved ones that shaved died are only a thought away. Great book.
Wonderful, so detailed in descriptions I could smell and taste and see all the Christmas preparations and meals. The story was fun and something that I would like to see happen in a lot of families. I especially liked the idea that our loved ones that shaved died are only a thought away. Great book.
December 22, 2015
Such a lovely Christmas story told in the Deep South. Christmas is always magical but even more so when Pearl, former cook/housekeeper returns from the beyond to give 93 year old Theodora a Christmas miracle. The story was a little syrupy sweet but why not? It's Christmas!
December 6, 2016
A wealthy family waiting to celebrate Christmas, a tree trimmed with modern ornaments, a bratty child, a 93 year old who remembers Christmas during her childhood and a beloved housekeeper of her long gone parents ; put all together and you have a story you will not want to stop reading.
December 13, 2018
Funny and heart-warming. Can you ask for much better? Especially for a holiday book. This may just be my new favorite Christmas story. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was just perfect.
December 12, 2019
I love hearing about Christmas in 1912 seems so simple and then reality hits you like a ton of bricks and it's cell phones and rude people.
Anyways I loved Ms. Theodora we might have been best friends
Anyways I loved Ms. Theodora we might have been best friends
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2020
Short and sweet book to get you in a Christmas mood!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 989 reviews