The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber – a Review

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Description:
Peter Armstrong and Hank Colfax are best friends, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Peter, the local pastor who is dedicated to his community, spending time visiting the flock, attending meetings, and, with the holiday season approaching, preparing for the Christmas service and live nativity. As a bartender, Hank serves a much different customer base at his family-owned tavern, including a handful of lonely regulars and the local biker gang.

When Peter scoffs that Hank has it easy compared to him, the two decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve. To their surprise, the responsibilities of a bartender and a pastor are similar, but taking on the other’s work is more difficult than either Peter or Hank expected. As the two begin to see each other in a new light–and each discovers a new love to cherish–their lives are forever changed.

In The Christmas Spirit, Debbie Macomber celebrates the true meaning of the holidays and the inclusive community spirit that binds us all.

Review:

The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber is another of her wonderful delightful novels that take place during the Christmas holidays. The story centers on two men, who have been best friends since their elementary school days, which each choosing a different path in life.   Hank Colfax runs a popular family-owned tavern; Peter Armstrong is a local pastor, dedicated to his faith and community. They meet weekly at a restaurant (Mom’s Place), and both discuss who has the harder job. Peter claims that Hank has it easier compared to him, and the two best friends decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve.  To both of their surprise, they discover that things are more difficult than they expected.

Peter has to deal at the tavern with regulars, who insist he knows nothing about pouring beer, causing long delays; he also meets the local bikers, who spend lots of time at the bar; not to mention the young women who work at a strip club.  This was a fun story how they learn about Peter being a pastor, and help him along the way. 

Hank takes over Peter’s job, and has to deal with Peter’s sister, who is very difficult.  Hank knows that Grace has changed over the years, but he finds that he still has a crush on her; he will slowly get her to open up and relax more.  Hank also must deal with a mean old lady, who after meeting Hank, decides she will no longer donate to the church or pay for the new roof.  When Grace learns about this, she is beside herself, but Hank convinces her that the old lady is cruel and has no faith, especially not helping her family. When Hank meets the board, he makes some suggestions to make more money (bingo, etc), with Grace beginning to realize how Hank was making things better.

While Hank begins to win Grace over, Peter meets Millie, who works at the restaurant.  Millie needs a job to pay the bills, and Peter offers her a job to help at the Bar; with Hank’s approval.  Slowly, both men find love during the course of the week.  This really was a wonderful feel-good story.  It was also wonderful how everyone joined together (at the bar and church) to plan a wonderful Christmas Party, with many from the bar and church going out of their way to brings things together.

I really loved most of the characters, and totally enjoyed this story. The Christmas Spirit was a quick and wonderful story, centered on the holidays and community spirit.  The Christmas Spirit was so very well written by Debbie Macomber. I suggest you read this sweet wonderful story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher