The Christmas Keepsake by Annie Rains

What a wonderful light read for the Christmas season! It has that feel of fitting in with a fire, falling snow, hot cocoa and everything that is good and magical during the holidays. With the well done vocal talents of Ann Richardson, all of Annie Rains’ characters spring to life and weave a treasured tale around the listener. You can definitely see the familiar patterns of many a Christmas tale and song within it, but that adds to the charm.

Mallory Blue’s Grandmother, Nan, is suffering from dementia and is falling into the long dark of a dying brain. Still, with moments of lucidity and perfectly functioning memories, she aids Mallory with snippets of the past that fit into the tale her journal weaves. There is an accompanying box of special treasured Xmas tree decorations, all placed lovingly into the box, wrapped and numbered, so that Mallory can place them on the tree in order and know what. They stood for and once meant to her Nan. 

Annie treats the subject of dementia with both respect and heartfelt kindness, allowing those who haven’t experienced it a glimpse into how it can change the lives of those involved. Christmas is a tough time of year for many people, and this novel will definitely pick you up and give you something good to feel happy about. 

It’s filled with a small town vibe, twists and turns galore, Christmas, family and even second chances. What more could one ask for from a feel good seasonal book?

Thanks to both the Hachette Book Group and NetGalley for the advance ARC in return for an honest review.

Narrator Ann Richardson

10 hours 30 mins