Esther's Gift: A Mitford Christmas Story

Rating:
Summary: Good stocking stuffer
Review: It's difficult to rate a book such as this because it is only 37 pages long and takes a matter of minutes to read. It is recommended for fans of the Mitford Series, since readers will already be familiar with Esther Bolick, the main character, who bakes Mitford's favorite cake, The Orange Marmalade Layer Cake. Esther is contemplating her yearly baking schedule when she decides to have her husband Gene calculate the cost of each cake. She is appalled by the final figures, and vows to cut her giving list severely. As she listens to a Christmas carol, she begins to realize that the true cost of giving--and not giving--goes beyond monetary considerations.

Rating:
Summary: Sweet story for us Mitford addicts
Review: Thanks to Jan Karon for once again giving us a small taste of life in Mitford. This is an easy, quick read that leaves you smiling in your heart. As always, I wish there was more, but this wasn't meant to be a feast, simply a delicious snack!

Rating:
Summary: Jan Karon is selling out
Review: The story here is almost too short to be called short. It is teensy. It took me 15 minutes to read it in a book store. Did I enjoy it. Yes. I love all the Mitford books. But, Jan Karon should be ashamed of herself for presenting this teensy story and recipe as a book. However, I bet she'll make big bucks selling this bitsy thing as a Christmas stocking stuffer. Don't waste you money--read it in a library or a bookstore. Jan Karon, Father Tim would not approve!

Rating:
Summary: Simply Delightful!
Review: This is a great little book! The story is short, simple, but has a great message and is highly enjoyable. I recommend it as a fantastic gift for those friends and family who spread holiday cheer with their homemade baked goods. Make sure you give it to them well before Christmas!

Rating:
Summary: Jan Karon fans, we finally have the Orange Marmalade recipe.
Review: This is a nice little Christmas book for all who love Father Tim and the Mitford citizens. Jan Karon finally shares Esther's famous Orange Marmalade cake recipe. Remember the one that Father Tim loves, that was the special cake served at the reception when he and Cynthia were married. It's also the cake that almost ended his life. This is a must-have book for the true Jan Karon collector.

Rating:
Summary: Holiday Joy
Review: This is a wonderful Christmas Story with a beautiful spiritual core to it. I love books that have a spiritual theme. This is a great book about a family miracle. Another spiritual book I recommend is called, "I Talked To God And He Wants To Talk To You"

Rating:
Summary: Slight, but enjoyable read
Review: This is an attractive book which would be a nice little "extra" present for someone who enjoys the Mitford series. I have to caution potential buyers, though, that the story itself can be read in about 10 minutes, and may appeal most to readers familiar with the Mitford characters (if you're familiar with their various personalities, it adds to your enjoyment of the story--Karon doesn't have room here to go into any character development or much detail about anything.) I think it is worth Amazon's reduced price, but I wouldn't pay full price for it, even if it does contain the recipe for Esther's famous cake!

Rating:
Summary: Boring Waste of Time
Review: This was this first time I had read one of Mitford's books. While it is a quick read, it is also a dull and boring read -- not to mention a big waste of money. Read Grisham's Skipping Christmas for an uplifting, fun, and surprising Christmas story!

Rating:
Summary: Esther's Gift: A Mitford Christmas Story
Review: What a disappointment!! I have read everything Karon has written and this was nothing more than a cake recipe. Don't sell your readers short. Wait and write a story when you have something to say.

Rating:
Summary: What Happen ???
Review: What happen to the Jan Karon I used to love to read? Last year I was a little disappointed in THE MITFORD SNOMWAN but decided all of her books couldn't be perfect since the others were so great.However I was more disgusted than disapponted when I read this year's Christmas book.Personally this book was just a waste of time and money. There was no plot, no meaning. Please don't tell me the author is on her way out. Hopefully we will see more of the earlier Jan Karon-not anymore such as this one or the MITFORD SNOWMEN.Sorry to be so critical but that's the way I feel. Nex time I will be more selective before buying any more Jan Karon books.What a shame.