A Christmas Castle Paperback – October 1, 2014

Simply put, this is a beautiful, sweet and magnificent novella. It is full of bittersweet nostalgia, and more than a hint of the mysterious, and with a sense of something slowly unfolding that just may end up being bigger than the sum of its parts. The best way to enjoy this is slowly, as if you are sitting near the older participants while eavesdropping while they are carrying on their conversation full of memories and the solving of a mystery. This little book does not move swiftly, and it's all the better for it. Relax, read at a gentle pace, and be prepared to finish with an overwhelming sense of awe, knowing that meer words are not possible, and would never be able to express what's going on in your mind upon completion. Take that moment or two of silence and bask, ponder and reflect. I read this on Christmas Eve night, and the hour had turned over by the time I finished, so it was barely Christmas morning. I could not think of a better time to have finished this. Merry Christmas indeed. Highly recommended!

I am a few years older than Jack, and while I didn't grow up in a coastal town I do remember my eight-year-old Christmas, the year of Jack's birth, the snow fort I built, the childhood crush on the little girl who moved away and the uncontrollable events that changed my life forever. Prestopnik magically evoked the precious and pivotal moments of my life as I enter its closing decades and isn't that what a well written story should do?

The ending gave me goose pimples. This author needs more exposure! Absolutely fantastic writer. The physical book would make a wonderful Christmas gift.

I downloaded this novella several years ago but didn't read it until October 2019. I was born the same year as the protagonist, Jack so I thought it would be interesting to read about what would be happening in 2048. Although the book doesn't get into too much detail of every day life in the future, it was an interesting read.My only complaint is that there was a lot of jumping around from past, present, this person, that person, etc. You just need to keep up with it all. Beautiful ending.

At times cheesy but nonetheless a sweet story. At first I thought some of the timelines in the story seemed to be unlikely, but as the story unfolded I noticed some really nice phrasing and really liked the ending which came as softly as the snow falling outside.For mature readers, I’m not sure millennials would appreciate the references to the era - the story revolves around an event in 1966.

The book is mostly about two older people reminiscing and how the actions of one led to the birth of the other. This idea drew my interest, but it was a long time in coming to its conclusion. I almost quit several times because the story wandered off on details of their past but not giving more info on premise. Finally, it got around to it! Overall nice story and ending, but I could do with less filler in the middle.

This story shows how the choices you make can effect not only your life but the lives of others as well. A real ripple of life. I enjoyed reading how the stories played out and connected.

Christmas is only a few week away as I read this. Thank you for a delightful read and the pleasant dreams it brought. You triggered a wonderful collection of memories and dreams that I will pass on to my kids, grandkids, and to my wife as well.Maybe I’m a bit early but I pray your Christmas, and mine, meet the level your story has set forth.

Une plongée dans les souvenirs de jeunesse, la nostalgie du passé. Les allers-retours entre le présent et les réminiscences des personnages sont très bien menés et entretiennent un certain suspens. L'histoire nous rappelle que toutes nos actions, nos choix, ont un effet, reconnu ou pas, tout est imbriqué. Le style est simple et agréable (pas le mien, malheureusement, désolée) et j'ai complètement visualisé les scènes décrites. Une histoire amusante et touchante.

A gentle story which shows that a single action can change life for others. The characters interact well with each other. This would be a lovely book to read at Christmas in front of a blazing fire.

I really need this novella. The characters are engaging and the plot is bitter sweet, with childhood memories hijacking both the main character and the reader.

I love this gentle story of a past Christmas and how it affected others and led to retold family stories each Christmas. Lovely to read at Christmas.