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Anna and Michael have been trying for years without success to have a baby. Now in her late thirties, Anna has given up on the hope of motherhood after heartbreaking miscarriages and shattered dreams. As Christmas nears, she has to consider the possibility that it might be time to empty out the nursery and convert it to a guest room. Amidst her heartache, Anna secretly struggles with strange health problems that have her very worried.
But, as often happens at Christmastime, there are miracles in store for Anna and Michael. As each tries to give the other the perfect Christmas gift the magic of Christmas is working its way into their lives. And what each of them unwraps for Christmas will surprise everyone.
Anna and Michael have everything they want in life except for one thing: a child. Now approaching her forties, and after trying almost every option, it looks as if that door appears to be closing for good. Just when Anna is ready to accept her fate, she fears that she has the same symptoms of an illness that claimed her mother. Worried that this is the last Christmas she will ever spend with her husband, she tries to do everything in her power to give him the best possible Christmas. She sacrifices what she cherishes the most to make him happy.<BR/><BR/>This is a sweet modern retelling of the classic story The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. It makes one wonder if you knew this was going to be your last Christmas what would you do to make it one to remember for your loved ones. I really liked the way that Anna wanted to do everything to make her husband happy even to the point of giving up what she loved the most. It's refreshing to see a Christmas story where the focus is on others and not on one's own self. I also appreciated her outburst during the mom's group as people need to be aware that couples without children are not always childless by choice. The only negative thing about this book was the way that Anna acted when she first thought she had cancer. If someone has had a history of cancer in their family and they start to believe they have the same symptoms, now is not the time to be a protector from bad news. She should have told her husband immediately and gone to see a doctor. Even if funds were short, this was not something to push back. Further more by keeping such an important secret like this from her husband would also hurt their relationship in the future. Other than that, it is a great way to spend an afternoon to get yourself ready for the holidays. This is a wonderful addition to the Christmas short stories that Melody Carlson has written throughout the years. It's a story that takes only a day to read yet the spirit of the Christmas season will remain with you throughout the entire year.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 24, 2008
Anna and Michael love one another and believe their lives are almost perfect except for two major things. First Anna has had recent health issues that have shaken the couple with the mortality reminder of how short life is each of the loving pair is more concerned over how her illness mentally harms the other. Second the pair is saddened over their seemingly inability to have children a desire both want. -------------- In their late thirties and having tried seemingly forever, they have given up on kids. Being pragmatic Anna considers changing their once planned nursery into a guest room. Meanwhile Anna and Michael consider what would be the ideal Christmas gift to give to their beloved mate to cheer them up.----------------- ALL I HAVE TO GIVE in some ways will remind the audience of the Gift of the Magi as an uplifting inspiring holiday drama. The support cast like Anna¿s sister enhances the plot by bringing enlightenment to the audience re how much the lead couple love one another. Anna and Michael are a wonderful duet who¿s caring for one another makes for a delightful warm Christmas tale of love.------------- Harriet Klausner
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 29, 2012
It was a great book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 22, 2012
A short Christmas read that was cute but predictable. Written by a Christian author.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.KrittersRamblings
Posted December 16, 2012
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
A Christian fiction author with a perfect short holiday story to read with friends. This novella is centered around a couple - Anna and Michael who have recently decided to end their pursuit to try to create a family with children; this is where this story begins as they enter the holiday season.
Anonymous
Posted April 8, 2011
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Anonymous
Posted December 24, 2012
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Overview
Anna and Michael have been trying for years without success to have a baby. Now in her late thirties, Anna has given up on the hope of motherhood after heartbreaking miscarriages and shattered dreams. As Christmas nears, she has to consider the possibility that it might be time to empty out the nursery and convert it to a guest room. Amidst her heartache, Anna secretly struggles with strange health problems that have her very worried.
But, as often happens at Christmastime, ...