The Third Christmas

First, there was the year without Christmas. The year Skye Haverford Blade died so mysteriously, leaving behind not only her husband but her young son. Now it's three years later. This Christmas—the third Christmas—Jean Young joins David Blade and his son, Chris, on their boat, the Skye. And she falls in love with both of them—the unsmiling man with too many secrets and the little boy longing for a mother's kiss. Despite her own fears, Jean thinks her love can save them, can give them back their joy in life—and in Christmas. Not only this Christmas, but every Christmas to come….

From two extraordinary talents, a beautifully crafted picture book for the Christmas season. The three wise men, or the three kings, are familiar figures in the Christmas tradition. Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park has taken the brief biblical references to the three as the starting point for a new story. In it we meet a boy who is learning his father’s trade; a man who gathers resin from certain trees; a merchant in the marketplace; and three strangers in brightly colored robes who are shopping for a gift for a baby. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline with exquisite paintings, this simple, moving tale of ordinary people involved in an extraordinary event brings new resonance to the well-known gift list of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The bestselling star of No, David! turns Christmas traditions upside down with laugh-aloud humor. Readers of all ages will vividly remember trying to peek at hidden gift packages; writing scrolls of wish lists to Santa; and struggling to behave at formal Christmas dinner parties. Always in the background, we know Santa Claus is watching, soon to decide if David deserves a shiny new fire truck or a lump of coal under the tree. From playing with delicate ornaments to standing in an endlessly long line for Santa, here are common Christmas activities--but with David's naughty trimmings. A surefire hit that is destined to be an annual classic.

Noelle, born on Christmas Day, and Matt meet under unusual circumstances. Despite their age difference, he vows to one day marry her. His wish is finally fulfilled on Christmas Eve. Soon after the wedding, her personality changes, producing alarming consequences. The celebration of Christmas becomes a turning point in their relationship.

William Spencer, who was born on Christmas, recounts three notable holidays--when he was a boy who still believed in Santa in 1930; as a family man, World War II veteran, and teacher in 1963; and as a widower alone with his memories in 2010.

Joe Wheeler's bestselling Christmas in My Heart series brings joy to readers by reawakening the true spirit of the season within themselves. His two previous collections make gifts that send a cherished message of love and help families establish a cozy holiday tradition of reading these stories together. In Christmas in My Heart: A Third Treasury, Wheeler offers more warm, tender, and beautiful stories, such as the tale of a young girl who dreams of getting a doll for Christmas or the story of the little orphan who radiates the love of holidays. No family will want to miss out on these lovely stories.

The Three Gifts of Christmas shares the beautiful story of Jesus's birth and how we can honor him and our own children for generations to come. With all the hustle and bustle surrounding the Christmas holiday, this is the perfect way to start a new family tradition that brings glory to our Father and simplicity to the season.

This book includes three fictional stories that center around individuals commonly referenced in the nativity events in the Bible. By dramatizing specific characters, the stories show how these individuals exercise faith and perseverance to overcome obstacles and accomplish their own divine purpose. The first story, "A Dove in Darkness," shows how Mary reacts to her divine calling and doubts her ability to raise Jesus. She worries about how Joseph will react when he discovers her condition and if he will understand his role in joining Mary to raise Jesus. The second story, "Honey from the Rock," shows how a shepherd feels betrayed for fathering a daughter with a deformed leg. When he witnesses the angelic announcement, the first thought he has is to take his daughter to the child in hopes she will be healed. The last story, "Star of Destiny," follows one of the wise men, Melchior, who is determined to find and worship the holy child even though his health is fragile, the weather is harsh, and many of his companions leave the caravan to return home. When he does find the Christ-child, he doubts this young boy could be the divine King foretold by scripture, but his doubts are proven wrong when he encounters the child who saves his life. Hopefully, these stories will increase the reader's faith and help them understand the personal sacrifices each person paid to play their part in the divine plan.