The Christmas of 1957

"It was 1957 when I saw something that I wasn't meant to see." In Diane S. Craver's new novel, this enticing opening creates strong anticipation and establishes the long line of tension throughout the story. What did the narrator see? And what effects will her discovery have? When Debra Reeves, the seven-year-old heroine, unearths the secret her beloved father has been hiding for many years, Debby is forced to confront his "disability" then find her own solution to it.

Set on a farm near Findlay, Ohio, this fictional memoir takes the reader through a troubled time in a loving family beset with problems. In addition to Debby's concern for her father, her older sister, Gail, is in love with a man Debby doesn't like. Her middle sister, Kathy, who wanted to be a dancer, struggles with the physical infirmity that has crippled her every bit as much as their father's once-secret flaw limits him. Debby's brother, Carl, worries about his commitment to the army--indeed, about his entire future. Even their mother, Lucille Reeves, although devoted to her children and husband, now hopes to broaden her personal horizons. And then there's new neighbor James Sherman, a teacher and would-be writer wracked by guilt over his own family tragedy, who clearly needs to become whole again, possibly in this tightknit group.

But it is Justin Reeves himself who works to overcome the deficiency his small daughter Debby has discovered and who, with her help (and just maybe a guardian angel's), gives their family its best Christmas present ever...the true meaning of love.

This is Diane S. Craver's second book, and her heartwarming characters, her obvious spiritual faith as well as theirs, her telling details of family life, bring both tears and laughter to the reader. Based on a real-life incident, The Christmas of 1957 is a touching slice of life.

- Leigh Riker

Based on a true story from the author Diane Craver's own childhood, The Christmas of 1957 is a compelling novel about a father who battles with a disability, yet overcomes it and reaches out to his family on Christmas Day, giving them a unique and special gift. A tender, uplifting, superbly written story of courage, strength, and caring. The Christmas of 1957 is highly recommended reading.

- Midwest Book Review. *****

It really captures a time and place, a nostalgia for a more innocent time. The writing has the immediacy and emotional honesty of memoir - even though this work is fictionalized. Uplifting and positive. Real charm and warmth.

- Valerie Susan Hayward
Editorial Consultant and former Harlequin Senior Editor