It began with a dare of sorts. Each man believed his job was tougher than the other and in many ways they were. Their jobs were certainly different. Pete was a pastor of a small-town church. His sister Grace his assistant, basically organizes his demanding schedule. Hank owned and operated a tavern in a neighboring town. Sole proprietor Hank ran his tavern without any outside help. Pete and Hank were best friends since grade school. Quite different career paths. Both are single, with no prospect in sight.
So at lunch, they were having a one-off on whose life was more difficult. And they decided to switch places for a week. Each one is pretty sure they had the more demanding schedule. This was of course the reason for their continued single status. As Pete deftly explains, both he and Hank dealt in spirits.
 
Pure Debbie Macomber. You can spot the humor a mile away. Of course, it is kind, caring, and friendly. But the premise is ripe for some out loud chuckles. THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT is a gift from one of my favorite authors. Debbie Macomber is one of my go-to writers when I want to sit back and enjoy a tale that just makes you feel good.
 
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT is framed as a story being told by Nana to her two adorable grandchildren. They adore their Nana who loves reading books. But this evening she is delighting them with an off-the-cuff tale. Nana is an amazing storyteller, perhaps fashioned after Debbie Macomber herself.
 
The book goes back and forth from the story to the present time. And Nana introduces some of the best characters to the grandkids. Dialog is crisp and compelling. Characters will steal your heart and the entire theme is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
 
Characters like Mrs. Millstone, Hank's fifth-grade teacher made me laugh out loud and stroke memories of my second-grade teacher, Mrs. D - not her real name. My Mrs. D had a unique talent of hitting the side of her desk with a ruler which proceeded to snap off a piece, which flew through the air and amazingly landed on the offending student's desk.
 
So enjoy this seasonal tale by the master Debbie Macomber. If you aren't already a fan, the Christmas spirit will do the trick. Scenes including members of a motorcycle bike group recalled a Facebook item I had once seen where this big burly biker reminds us that he is a son, husband, and father and how it hurts to see people gather their children in warning when in his presence. Teaches us a little about judging a book by its cover and still another warm wonderful Debbie Macomber moment.

Book Summary