Christmas Past: When the Power of Love Reaches Across Time

by Robert Vaughan

John and Madison Carmichael's success in their careers has come at a high price at they are on the brink of divorce. To soften the blow for their two children, they decide to spend one final Christmas together as a family. Responding to a travel brochure, they set off to "Celebrate Christmas Past" in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with a group of historical re-enactors. Tensions worsen when their car breaks down, but a horse-drawn carriage arrives and delivers them to the home of Judge Andrew Norton and family, where their Victorian Christmas begins. With none of the comforts or distractions of contemporary life, John and Madison rediscover each other and the love they once felt. But upon their return to "modern civilization," the Carmichaels learn that the nineteenth-century house has been empty and boarded up for more than thirty-five years. Could it be that a miracle from "Christmas Past" has brought their family together again?

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 2003

About the author

Robert Vaughan is an American writer. He has also written a series of contemporary and historical romance novels under several pseudonyms including "Paula Moore" and "Paula Fairman". His father served in the military and Robert followed him in the 1950s, entering army aviation. He served until the Vietnam War and won numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with several oak-leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, and several other medals.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.

Reviews

[Carole Jarvis]

I enjoyed Christmas Past by Robert Vaughan and wish stories like this were being published today. In a time where most Christmas stories seem to be romances, Christmas Past uses the dual timeline to take the Carmichael family back to a small Tennessee community on December 24, 1893. The characters and setting with its historical detail are appealing. I'd say that Jesus, the Light of the World, is the main character as we see how the gospel message touches lives in need - a troubled marriage in this case.

It's hard to go into much depth in the novella format, which resulted in the Carmichaels giving up on their marriage too quickly, and the resolution coming together a little too neatly. Still, I loved the story and its message of light and hope. There's also some well-crafted twists at the end.

[Kathy]

Let no man out asunder

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. God works in mysterious ways and He proved it in this book. I think anyone who reads this book would ask themselves if it could be real, or was it just for entertainment. Read it and enjoy and ask yourself "Could it be real?"

[Sally Andrews]

Sweet story of another day and age, where love and life are simpler.

I liked it, but I wish it'd been developed a bit more. The Carmichaels were too ready to give up on their relationship, and too easily healed.

[Chantel]

Read this for book club. My review disappeared from this site. I'll try to write a new review soon but suffice it to say unless you are a brainwashed Christian, you are unlikely to enjoy the book.

[Heather]

This is exactly the kind of story you want to read this time of year. Well written and heartwarming without being shallow.