An elderly monk in Fifteenth Century Florence creates a relic that becomes a family heirloom and aids a discouraged twelve-year old boy five hundred years later.
Through family tragedy, isolation from his parents, and an increasing awareness of evil, Carter Mason's cynicism and despair heighten. As the Holidays draw near, he is despondent that even this joyful season no longer holds the power over him it once did.
To his mother's horror, the secret she had kept from her husband and children begins to reveal itself two days prior to Christmas, requiring each family member to question their beliefs in light of the miraculous event two thousand years earlier.
"Don't you remember all the stories Nana told us? About our ancestors who passed it down from one generation to the next? It's a symbol of our family being able to make the best of difficult circumstances."
"I guess so."
"Just because I don't believe in what it commemorates, Cart, doesn't mean I can't appreciate the special meaning it has for our family."
Carter bit his lip, and looked upward. He sighed, then placed his father's present under the tree. Returning to the sofa, and reclining near Carolyn, he scratched his head. “How long have we had it?"
Carolyn shrugged.
"Hundred years?" Carter asked.
"At least.”
“Two hundred?”
“It’s possible. What’s your point, Cart?”
“We just studied a bit of the crusades in school. The Brits and some other Europeans wanted to control Jerusalem because of the historical significance, right?”
Carolyn tilted her head toward Carter, her eyes inviting him to proceed.
“That’s a thousand years ago. And we know they were fighting against the Muslims who looked to Mohammed as their teacher. But even Mohammed recognized and respected Jesus and he lived and wrote in the six hundreds.
“Then there’s the Roman Empire, persecuting Christians up through the third century. You follow enough years back, you eventually come to Jesus who started it all. I mean, how can we deny that?”
Carolyn brushed her hair behind her ears, the sign Carter had learned meant she was thinking, contemplating, calculating a response. “How can I deny that?” she asked.
“Exactly,” Carter said.
“I don’t. I don’t deny he lived, Cart. I don’t think many people do or can. Like you said, there’s too much evidence for anybody to seriously deny it. But accepting that he lived is very different than accepting what people have come to believe about him.”
“You mean what we learn at church? What’s in the Bible?”
Carolyn’s eyes fixed on Carter. “That’s right.”
Carter sighed. “But why? Why do you believe other historical documents are genuine, but not the Bible? Why hold it to a higher standard than say Aristotle or Plato?”
Loved it!
December 15, 2023
OMG what a beautiful book! I did not expect it at all. It's an entertaining book that will also strengthen your spirituality and perspective about life. Loved it!
A Magical Christmas
Adventure
December 10, 2023
'The Crèche' is a captivating debut novel that seamlessly blends fantasy and tragedy into a profoundly moving Christmas tale. This book is a triumph in storytelling, weaving together the lives of a family in turmoil with a touch of magical whimsy, making it a remarkable read that stands out from the ordinary.The author brilliantly takes the reader on a journey alongside each family member, allowing us to intimately experience their struggles with questions of good and evil. The novel’s unique approach to exploring these themes through the lens of a family drama set against the backdrop of the Christmas season is both refreshing and deeply engaging.One of the most striking aspects of 'The Crèche' is its ability to provoke thought and inspire, particularly through its well-crafted dialogues. The excerpt featuring Carolyn’s contemplative response to Carter’s assertions about faith and belief encapsulates the book's essence: a profound exploration of spirituality, truth, and the complexity of human belief.
A Magical Christmas Story
November 21, 2023
What sets "The Creche" apart is its ability to seamlessly blend elements of fantasy and tragedy with the ordinary struggles of a family. The narrative explores the complexities of accepting the historical existence of a figure while questioning the beliefs surrounding him. The author navigates through these layers skillfully, creating a multi-dimensional, thought-provoking, and enchanting Christmas adventure.
A nice change for Christmas stories you are normally used to
November 17, 2023
This book offers a nice alternative if you are looking for a wholesome Christmas Story this year. It tells the stories of each family member in a family, dealing with interesting subjects in their relationship with each other and with themselves. A good recommendation for this time of the year.
Just in Time for Christmas
November 8, 2023
The Crèche is a story that takes place around the holidays and will bring you lots of enjoyment this christmas. It is full of twists and can get a bit sad it times but the author always brings it back. It also really well developed characters with strong women taking a special place in the story. Really awesome!