Another Christmas Carol

In the bustling streets of Philadelphia, where the echoes of history blend with the modern-day hustle, a tale unfolds—one that intertwines the ethereal with the mundane, the miraculous with the ordinary. Another Christmas Carol, inspired by Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, invites us to peer beyond the veil of reality and into the heart of a not-so-nice woman named Ellie Printh.

The Story

In this story we meet Ellie, a 53-year-old heart transplant survivor, is a formidable business owner. Her wealth shields her from the warmth of human connection, and she wears her misanthropy like armor. Love is an alien concept, and kindness is a currency she rarely trades. But fate has other plans for Ellie.

On the anniversary of the life-saving operation performed seven Christmas Eves prior, Ellie receives an unexpected visitor—a spectral messenger from the beyond. The spirit, once the equally irascible heart donor, warns her of impending visitations. Three ghosts, emissaries of time and redemption, will seek her out on this hallowed night.

The Trio of Spirits:

As the clock chimes midnight, Ellie embarks on a spectral odyssey. She confronts her own stubbornness, her walls of indifference, and the echoes of childhood trauma. The ghosts guide her through poignant moments, forcing her to witness both beauty and pain. But can a heart calcified by years of self-imposed solitude soften? Can redemption find its way into the crevices of a hardened soul?

Another Christmas Carol delves into universal themes of forgiveness, empathy and resilience. John Derr’s prose dances between nostalgia and urgency. His characters breathe, bleed, and evolve. The streets of Philadelphia come alive—the snow-kissed alleys, the flickering lamplights, and the secrets whispered by the wind. And, as Ellie grapples with her spectral companions, readers are reminded that redemption is not reserved for the saintly—it awaits even the most obstinate souls.

Another Christmas Carol transcends seasons. Whether read by a crackling fireplace or beneath the summer sun, its message lingers—an invitation to thaw the frost within, to embrace the warmth of connection, and to believe that change is possible—even for those who seem irreparably stuck. This heartfelt novel invites us to ponder: Are we all, in our own ways, misanthropic souls in need of reclamation?

So take a step into Ellie’s world. Let the spirits guide you. And perhaps, just perhaps, you’ll find your own heart echoing with the promise of renewal.

Sources:

https://www.amazon.com/Another-Christmas-Carol-Charles-Dickens/dp/1737498804
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/another-christmas-carol