Silent Days, Holy Night

I am so happy to have discovered this new-to-me author. Silent Days, Holy Night is a poignant story told by Julia Russell as she remembers meeting Henry Lafferty as a ten-year-old girl and their growing relationship. Ever the inquisitive one, Julia was more than excited to meet the reclusive Mr. Lafferty, and was astonished to learn that he could neither walk, hear or speak, but after discovering their shared love of music, Julia was determined to learn to communicate with the man who would become her closest friend.

This story is reminiscent of the children's classic Pollyanna, made into a family favorite movie. It too has movie potential, but far beyond a predictable Hallmark Christmas movie. Silent Days, Holy Night deals with the messiness of growing up, reaching out to others and not giving up when it is difficult, and selflessness. Adults will enjoy this story, but it would also make a great family read-aloud during the holidays, providing great fodder for conversation.

I am grateful to NetGalley and Gilead Publishing for providing me with a copy of Silent Days, Holy Night in exchange for my honest opinion, which is that this is a wonderful holiday story. I was under no obligation to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

For me today was not a silent day, in fact it was quiet chaotic. Which I say so you know how peaceful it was to dive into this beautiful Christmas read and have a Holy Night.

Phyllis Clark Nichols voice catches me off guard as a writer who effortlessly creates a world that is believably good, where excessive plot and shock value doesn’t need to move the plot along, because it is moved by characters that enchant the mind of the reader. Her writing has such an elegant style which I have difficulty comparing to other writers. Her plots move a little slower, but that doesn’t keep me from being edge-of-my-seat interested. The fact that she can entertain an audience through the story of a young girl, is not a talent most writers can boast. The humanity she shows in her writing is universal, no matter the age of the character being written about.

I particularly love the tidbits of knowledge that she weaves into the story, like a history of the full moon being called a beaver moon and the detailed description of birds that one of the character observes.

Her books are not just to entertain but to be savoured, so we might see the goodness of God left in the world and try our best to honor Him more. I wouldn’t recommend this book for someone in need of a fast-paced read but more for someone who needs a book to feed their soul. Which, let’s face it, is all of us during this very broken time in the world and thankfully it is the perfect season to get into Christmas!

I also am excited that there is a recipe in the back of the book for the ~famous~ Grancie’s pound cake cookies!

Recommended reader: no age restriction due to content. I would recommend as the perfect book for someone looking for a calming read by the fire!

This is a very heartwarming book that will kept you turning the pages to see what happens next. It is very well written and makes you feel like you are there. You will love Julia, I could just picture her in my mind. You won't regret getting this book. Thank you Gilead Publishing via NetGalley for the free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion and I highly recommend this book.

Oh, how I loved this story, it renews your faith in humanity, and make sure you read to the end for the epilogue, it will bring tears to your eyes.
What a treat this story is, I enjoyed it from beginning to end, and wish it could have continued! This book brings a true meaning of Christmas, and the author places you right in the middle, as we walk with the main character, a precocious eleven-year-old Julia and a reclusive deaf man who has a gift of carving.
This book would make a wonderful movie, and I would be sure to watch!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gilead, and was not required to give a positive review.

As Julia Russell prepares for the Christmas gala at Emerald Crest, she recalls the events that led to her meeting Henry Lafferty the second, and the friendship that came from the meeting. Through everything that happened that year, she learned valuable lessons and helped one man and the rest of the town come together.

Phyllis Clark Nichols' Silent Days, Holy Night is a great book for several reasons. The story is entertaining and draws you in. Once I read a few pages, I wanted to keep going. The descriptions let you imagine what is going on and feel like you are there watching the events unfold.

The personality of each character is well developed and the characters are people you'd expect to meet in real life. The mannerisms and sayings of the Russell family reminded me of people I grew up around.

Beyond the plot, there are wholesome messages in the book. Faith, forgiveness, reaching out to and helping others, and the real meaning of Christmas are all woven into the story. Seeing how Mr. Lafferty, the Russells, and others work together and put their own conveniences aside to meet the needs of people serves as a reminder that we need to do the same during the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book gives you all the wonderful feels for the Christmas season. It is filled with warmth and the heartfelt giving spirit of Christmas. It shows how we can meet someone and they can change our whole outlook on life in the best way possible.

The story follows Julia from her present-day party prep to her reminiscing why the house, Emerald Crest, means so much to her. Sixteen years ago as a young girl, she came upon the property of Emerald Crest with her father. Being a curious and inquisitive child, she took interest in Mr. Lafferty and bridged the gap between generations and worked to dispel small town rumors.

Readers will love this wonderful tale filled with life lessons, faith and comfort for the soul.

Julia is getting ready for a Christmas gala at a big mansion in West Virginia. And as she gets ready, she reminisces about how she came to this point. It all started 16 years ago when she was 10 and she first met the owner of this mansion. Mr. Lafferty was nothing more than a town legend when she met him. Rumors were he was an ogre who lived in a haunted house or something similar. So Julia is shocked to learn that her father is Mr. Lafferty II’s attorney, as her grandfather was attorney to Mr. Lafferty I. Julia does not meet an ogre when she has to accompany her father to the house because of the family’s car schedules. This girl with endless questions meets a man who is deaf and confined to a wheelchair but secretly has been the town’s greatest benefactor for years. Through Julia’s father he keeps tabs on who in town needs help and makes it happen, all anonymously. He also makes amazing bird sculptures and he is thrilled when Julia plays the piano because he can feel it if he touches the instrument. And it evidently brings back happy memories. Julia decides then and there she wants to get to know Mr. Lafferty more and find a way to thank him for all he has done for others without spilling the beans about his secret generosity. As older Julia continues to prepare for the party, she walks through memories about how that initial meeting with Mr. Lafferty, the months immediately following, and the first Christmas soon after changed many lives dramatically.

Anything I write about this book cannot do justice to it. I thought I was starting some cozy Christian Christmas romance based on the cover. But it isn’t a romance at all. It is a story about love and kindness changing lives. I’m not even sure whether to call it an adult novel or middle grade novel. About 3/4 of the story is told from 10 year old Julia’s perspective and the other ¼ is told from 26 year old Julia’s perspective. 10 year old Julia is quite smart and precocious though, so adults shouldn’t find her sections childish. And adult Julia is not so mature or adult-ish to preclude middle grade readers from finding her parts accessible and relatable. We’ll call it an any age story. Which seems fitting since the book is about a 10 year old befriending a kind but lonely 50 year old. It is truly an intergenerational novel. They both have much to learn from each other. Mr. Lafferty teaches Julia how to be still and calm (a minor miracle to her parents) in addition to sign language and wood carving. And by his actions he teaches her about giving to be kind and loving without wanting anything out of it, to focus on the good rather than the bad, and unconditional kindness and forgiveness. Julia teaches Mr. Lafferty to laugh and smile again, brings vibrancy and friendship to his life…and, well, I can’t spoil her Christmas surprise for him, but it is a very, very good one. And to see where they both end up 16 years after they first met is very touching (and cleverly done because the author lets us see both of them in the present without spoiling any of the reveals of how that Christmas affected their futures until she wants us to know). Make sure to have a box of tissues on hand for the ending. I like most of the side characters in this too. Julia’s parents are awesome in how they handle her (she’s way too smart for her own good as a 10 year old), and I like the influence that her paternal grandparents have in her life. Julia starts off returning insult for insult with a bully at school but in the end learns from Mr. Lafferty’s example of turning the other cheek. I wish Julia and her brother had shown some growth in their relationship in the past (she kind of treats him a bit poorly, talking all the time about how he doesn’t have much of a brain…of course he does not do much to prove to her otherwise). It was good to see that in the present the adult siblings seem to have a much better relationship. Finally, I liked how the author wove in a Christian Christmas message naturally via Julia’s Christmas surprise for Mr. Lafferty. I also liked how Julia’s understanding of God, Christian life, and prayer evolves over the course of the book. It isn’t the main message and not even really a main point any time it comes up, but there are little things she learns through watching and listening to others in the events that come along. It was tactfully done and adds to Julia’s character development. I really wish I could order this and get it in time for this Christmas season for our school library, but I think it won’t get here fast enough. Oh well, definitely ordering at least two copies to have on hand next Christmas because I’m recommending this one to everyone. If you’re looking for a non-romantic, touching holiday read that is good for anyone 8 to 108, you need to give this one a try.

Notes on content: No language issues (except two 5th graders trading creative insults). No sexual content. Two accidents in the past are mentioned, one that resulted in a fatality and serious injuries, and another that resulted in somewhat serious injuries. Neither is described in much detail.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Henry Lafferty the Second, aka HL2, aka H, was born deaf. When he was still a young boy, an accident put him in a wheelchair, never to walk again. Now close to sixty, he has spent the majority of his life in seclusion and silence. Despite the isolation he has experienced, he cared deeply for the people in the town. In addition to being a voracious reader and exquisite carver of birds, he has a special, secret talent.

Enter Julia. This precocious young girl had a bigger heart than most. When she tags along with her attorney father as he meets with his client, Mr. Lafferty, she is immediately drawn to him. She discovers that he is able to experience the music from the piano as she plays and that he recognizes the song. Realizing also that she can communicate with him if she learns sign language, she insinuates herself into his life, and his heart.

There is so much to love about this special book! I can't bring myself to call it heartwarming because that seems insufficient to describe the deep love that Julia and Mr. Lafferty develop for one another and the richness of this story of friendship and trust.

There is a mystery as windows of the mansion are broken by an unknown source and search and rescue mission that has to be executed.

In the world of the deaf, a sign name is something special. It is given to one by a deaf person an embodies much more than just a name. Parts of personality shine through. The sign name given to Henry by his mother spoke to me of her love for him. The sign name he gave to Julia was not only a great honor, it was absolutely perfect for her. I can only hope that if I were ever given one, it would be similar.

Many stories that have "Christmas" in the name or that are marketed as Christmas stories fall far short of that title in my opinion. Silent Days, Holy Night embodies everything a Christmas story should be. It is a story of friendship, of sacrifice, of giving of one's self and speaks of the great love that God had for us that He sent us His son so He might lead us to a relationship with Him.

This is now the second book by this author that I have read (in just a few months even). I am now more convinced than ever that I need to read everything that she writes!!

If you are looking for a story that is truly a Christmas story, I strongly encourage you to read this!

Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols is the most delightful heart-warming Christian tale that will ignite a flame in every heart. It is a tale about “a man whose heart pumps goodness” and a little girl whose heart explodes with care and compassion.
The novel shows that age is no barrier to friendship nor is gender or disability. The lead characters use sign language as one is deaf, and also in a wheelchair but lives life to the full as he quietly makes a difference in the lives of others.
Loss of hearing does not mean that a song cannot be felt. Songs can be enjoyed using other senses.
The novel is told in the first person enabling the reader to experience the tale through the eyes of a child. This reminds the reader that the world can be approached with a child-like faith and wonder. This delightful child is wise beyond her years and full of compassion for the world around her.
The novel shows that where there are needs, they are met, quietly and secretly. This reminds the reader of Jesus’ words to do our good deeds in secret so that only our heavenly Father sees what we do.
Eleven year old Julia is a real live wire. She is open, caring and very knowledgeable. I really loved her. I loved that she noticed the world about her and set out to make it a better place.
People fear the different. Ignorance and fear may motivate actions for evil. We need to be open and kind to all those who are journeying through life.
Faith is important. “Grancie prayed like God was right there in the front seat.” God walks beside us through life. We should live our lives with this in mind.
Christmas is a season of goodwill where hearts and minds can be changed.
I adore Phyllis Clark Nichols writings. She always leaves me smiling and wanting more. Her stories are not just warm, fuzzy tales but have life lessons for us all to learn as faith is lived out. We see love in action.
Just wonderful.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

We all dream of the Christmas holiday where we can just sit with family by the warm fire,chat,eat some Christmas delicacies and just relax with soft Christmas music playing in the background. Unfortunately for many of us as much as we want it, it's just a dream. The holidays are one of the busiest and most hectic times of the year. But I encourage you to slow down for just a bit in your holiday preparations and read this book . It's novella length and a quick read so enjoy and really reflect on what the season is about. This book is so heartwarming and full of compassion and the story is told through the eyes of a child. A wonderful must read Christmas book you'll want to read every year! I really enjoyed seeing the recipes in the back of the book and can't wait to try the iced pumpkin cookies!

Silent Days, Holy Night is a book that will definitely tug on your heart strings. The main character Julia, is a little imp and she forms and extraordinary bond with a differentially abled man who lives in the house atop the hill. As the story unfolds, Julia discovers the reasons behind Mr. Lafferty's isolation and it makes her even more determined to brighten his days. Christmas is fast approaching and her opportunity to make a change is coming closer but things slowly start to go out of control.

I think Silent Days Holy Night is a perfect read as Christmas draws closer. It reminds us to look around and brighten someone else's day. Phyllis Clark Nichols captures the characters personalities so beautifully which makes the book hard to put down. I don't often say this but it is a book that I could read over and over again!

Snuggle up in a chair with your tea or cocoa and immerse yourself in a Christmas book that combines a touch of mystery with an abundance of good will and cheer.

My Thoughts:

I just wanted to keep reading this. It's written from the perspective of an eleven year old girl with a very big vocabulary and a very big heart. Sometimes as adults we don't really see what is going on around us. We're too busy with the business of life. Sometimes a child, an elderly person, or, if we take time to truly observe and listen, even we ourselves can see real needs for kindness, love, attention, time.

Last year, I read Christmas at Grey Sage. It was a balm to my soul during a difficult time of my life. I didn't want it to end. The characters just drew me into the story in such a way that I wanted to know what happened next and next and next. Silent Days, Holy Night is just like that. The Russell family is a giving, loving family, that has taught service and caring by example. It's what I've tried to do with my children as well.

This is a book that captures the spirit of Christmas—kindness, friendship, and the love of Christ. I highly recommend this book.

#SilentDaysHolyNight #NetGalley

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this access to this e-book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A beautifully written Christmas tale. I loved the plot! I enjoyed the author’s writing and look forward to reading more of her books. I highly recommend this inspirational book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my eARC. This is my unbiased review.

This is a poignant tale of a young girl finding the path of her life changing at the young age of eleven. He lives in the old mansion Emerald Crest. Lavish parties were once part of this buildings history. When the mansion falls silent, whispers about the inhabitant at the mansion run rampant. Julia wants to find out what happened. She steps foot in the castle to find out the man who lives there in deaf and in a wheelchair. However, he is also one of the most extraordinary men she has met. Wanting to bring an end to the rumors, Julia vows to make Emerald Crest lively again.
This is story of forgiveness, selflessness, and not giving up. I couldn't stop changing the pages to see what would be the outcome. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required

I so very much enjoyed Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols. The story is SO well-written, the plot is highly engaging, and the characters are just the absolute best. This is a story that will stick with me long after the final page has been read. If you are looking for an endearing and charming Christmas novel, then Silent Days, Holy Night is the book for you!

The main character of this novel is Julia. Julia is a ten-year old genius and is one of the best-written children I’ve ever read. I adore Julia’s character. As a teacher of many, many years, Julia’s character is the exact type of kid I love to teach — the highly intelligent, thoughtful, straight-A kiddo. I love these types of kids so much because they never want to stop learning. Julia teaches the reader many wonderful things throughout this story, but one concept really stuck with me. There is a moment where she discusses a science experiment she conducted on leaves. The experiment is cool and definitely worth learning about, but what I love so much about this moment is when Julia makes this point: “There’s always more to a leaf than we can see.” What a smart little girl! This thought applies to everything really, especially people.

I recently finished a Bible study that discussed the notion of divine appointments. The study explained that every day we interact in some way with many different kinds of people. Some people we see in our day are constants like spouses, children, coworkers, and friends. We fully know why God put those people into our lives. But thrown in the mix throughout our day are strangers. People we see walking past us. People who stop us for directions. People we accidentally bump into. People we pass by in the grocery store. The list goes on and on. The idea in the Bible study is that God purposely puts these people in our path. There are no mistakes with God. Perhaps these people are there for a divine appointment? The thing is, we humans view most everything at face value — we only see the outside of the leaf so to speak. We forget that like leaves people have more to them than what we initially see with our eyes. So, we view a stranger walking down the street as merely a person walking down the street. Maybe we notice something about his/her clothing, or the way the person has styled his/her hair, but do we ever think, “Did God put that person in my line of sight for a reason?” Perhaps God puts people in our path because there is more to the moment than meets the eye. Perhaps they need a quick prayer from a stranger to help them get through their day? In the novel, Julia meets a stranger and that meeting changes her life forever, but only because Julia is willing to look past the surface and see into who this person really is. This is definitely something I need to work on in myself. I need to be a little more like Julia!

There are moments in our life that change us and we will never be the same again. Some moments are positive forces of change, but some are negative. I will never forget the day I graduated from college, began my first “real” job, met my best friend, married my husband, gave birth to my daughter, etc. I also will never forget 9/11, the day my brother died, the day I lost a student in a horrific accident, or the day my best friend was diagnosed with a rare cancer. All of these moments have changed my life. Consider your life for a moment — I am betting you could immediately name off several positives and negatives that come to your mind. The most interesting idea from Silent Days, Holy Night is that moments are not made in a vacuum. Moments happen and affect others around us too. Moments make humans a community. Julia meets a lovely gentleman who changes her life forever, but his influence on her changes the lives of her entire community as well. This really made me stop and consider how I act in my day, and how those actions affect my community. Am I building my community up, or tearing it down? What a great question to reflect upon this holiday season.

Silent Days, Holy Night is a fantastic holiday read that I cannot recommend enough. There is so much goodness packed into only 240 pages. I leave Silent Days, Holy Night feeling hopeful and contented, and having learned quite a few timely messages. I give this book a hearty 5 STARS!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Just Read Tours. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.