What a lovely lovely story!
Mary Elizabeth Braddon is one of those forgotten authors in my opinion. She wrote about 80 novels, with her most famous being Lady Audley's Secret.
Her writing is smooth, emotional, and her characters are fully fleshed. Real. Authentic.
This 1893 short Christmas story was full of heart and will call to mind a Dickensian (though I dislike Dickens) image of a heartless and wealthy man at Christmas time.
In this story...
We see Sir John of Penylon Castle - a stoic, unemotional man who is a widower and estranged from his only surviving child, live without any Christmas cheer. A friend of his Mr. Danby decides to "hire" some children to bring cheer to the castle for the holiday season. The "hirelings" come and change everything. I won't spoil anything, but trust me... this is a wonderful story.
Make no mistake, this story goes much more deeply into the heart and soul of family separation, forgiveness, love, and second chances.
I have SO many Mary Elizabeth Braddon stories on my TBR, and reading this short story reminds me of why I love her writing and her storytelling.
If you are looking for a tale to bring you into the Christmas spirit, but one that has depth and compassion, pick this one up and help me reignite the Mary Elizabeth Braddon movement. (I just made that movement up).
Happy holiday 🎄 reading my slow living friends.
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