This short book of 108 pages, A Stranger for Christmas by Carol Lynn Pearson, first captured my attention because it was a little book and the title was intriguing. The story tells of two old ladies who find themselves left alone in a nursing home during the Christmas season. Only one had a good life with children and grandchildren who are alive and love her. She is certain that any of her children would take in a stranger from a nursing home for Christmas. After all, she taught them Christian values of showing kindness to strangers. She remembers that her son had said many times, "There's always room for one more."

However, her roommate believes that people are too busy and their lives are too full to bother with a stranger. She makes up a story on the spot, complete with fictional name in a fictional nursing home in the children's town; dares her roommate to call any of her children and ask if they would get that person and take them into their home for Christmas. Doubts arise as their excuses thrive. Then something unexpected happens to change their lives forever.

I found this book to be an excellent read and very entertaining. I highly recommend it.

Ilene Gunn moved back to her native Iowa from California about three years ago. This is her second review for us. We appreciate her contribution.