The Miracle on Ebenezer Street

This is my new favorite middle grade Christmas Book. It is such a fun and heartwarming adventure told in the classic A Christmas Carol Style, but with its own unique and exciting twists.

*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, Puffin – Random House UK and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*This is clearly an ideal story to read at Christmas-time, but its messages are actually perfectly applicable all year round.George is clinging desperately to the magic of childhood, despite the tragic loss of his beloved mother, and with the assistance of his young-at-heart Nan. Unfortunately, his dad is unable to deal with his grief at the loss, other than by shutting down, shutting George out, and banning all kinds of celebrations… including, or especially, Christmas. Can George find his dad’s softer side again and rekindle some Christmas joy for their family? Finding Marley’s shop of magical curiosities might help there!Loosely inspired by Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol – hence the familiar names – this is a magical adventure for middle grade readers upwards, that deals with some very heavy issues in a sensitive, but light-hearted way. There is nothing maudlin in this story of elves, paintings coming to life, and a very special snow globe. Instead there is an atmosphere of pervasive hope, determination and the innocent, childlike spirit of happy Christmases.Perfect for middle-grade readers, reading as a family at bedtime, or gifting at Christmas, this book is a magical, fun-filled – but touchingly emotional – festive adventure that will stay with you, leaving you full of warm, fuzzy feelings and hope that there is always a fairylight at the end of the darkest tunnel.'George’s breath fogged against the snow globe.This wasn’t just any snowman.It was George’s snowman.The three of them had made it together at Nan’s old house on Christmas Eve morning, heaving and stacking and packing and chiselling, their laughter chattering happily through their teeth, while his father’s nose turned red and his mother’s fingers went numb.He looks like a Fred, doesn’t he darling?Our perfectly imperfect Fred.'– Catherine Doyle, The Miracle on Ebenezer StreetReview by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog

Wow! This was everything & more! I love how the author did this reimagining of A Christmas Carol. She didn’t do what so many others have done before her, but she made it her own while at the same time paying homage to the core of the classic that makes it a classic. I absolutely loved this. I read a few pages before bed yesterday, & then finished the rest in one sitting today. This is so full of heart, magic, believing, & Christmas goodness. William is so great. He is such an amazing kid who just wants LIFE back. Life with all the colors of it. Full of laughter, happiness, friends, love, memories, & FAMILY. He lost his mom 3 years earlier. The person his dad became afterwards..it’s like he lost him too. His dad canceled Christmas, memories & other family. William just wants him to remember how it was before. His Nana Flo is the BEST! She is my favorite. What a great grandma! I also loved Walter, Marley, Tricksie, & Randolph soooo much. Every detail of this was perfection. I’m so happy I got to read it this year before Christmas. A grand adventure full of heart & all the heartwarming feels that does the original proud. HIGHLY recommend! Absolutely stunning cover & illustrations above every chapter heading too by Pedro Riquelme.💜

This was such an enchanting read, full of warmth and humor!If you're looking for a magical little festive read filled with curiosities then I really recommend this story. It leaves you with a deep sense of gratitude, there are so many things and people to be thankful for both in and out of the festive season and as this story depicts, it's all too easy to live in black and white and to forget how vibrant the world can be.This is a must for anyone who loves magic, who loves Christmas and is eager to snuggle down with a hot chocolate and a good adventure.

Story line was good but didn't find it interesting to read, my daughter didn't like it as it was a sad story according to her, though book binding and cover page is attractive

What a merrily, magical middle grade version of 'A Christmas Carol', but modernised. This was such an enchanting read and I know that it's going to be re-read and enjoyed by my children and I for many Christmases to come, it's such a heart wrenching yet heartwarming tale and I really feel for little George bless his heart, and Flo... she is such a special character. If you're looking for a magical little festive read filled with curiosities then I really do recommend this story, it also leaves you with a deep sense of gratitude and humbled feelings after reading it, there are so many things and people to be thankful for both in and out of the festive season and as this story depicts, it's all to easy to live in black and white and to forget how vibrant the world can be.

Absolutely loved it my grandson had a class zoom meeting with the author before Christmas and he told me about this book not ashamed to say this 53 year old woman had a tear in her eye at the end. Book is now with the same grandson for him to read

Instead of Advent calendars this year, I decided to get my nieces & nephew a Christmas book each. I bought this one for my 9 yr old niece, but having read it myself, I think boys would enjoy this too. The first chapter gives it a bit of a slow start & there are a couple of references to older things, but from chapter two it really takes off. The only problem is that it's hard to put down. Don't be surprised if any child you buy it for has finished it within a week.The author has done a wonderful job of putting a modern twist on a traditional story. I really don't want to give any spoilers here. But I am going to buy two more, one for my now 6 yr old niece & another for my 6yr old nephew, to give to them when they're 9yrs old. This would make a great early chapter book for children of 9+ yrs.

This is such a wonderful story. It has heart, Christmas glitter and is a fantastic homage to Dickens. I was utterly transported and committed to the characters. Catherine Doyle writes with warmth and creates atmosphere beautifully. Whole-heartedly recommend.