The Christmas Hirelings

A treasured Christmas story. It belongs along side the likes of Charles Dickens The Christmas Carol. It is eloquently read by Jennifer Saunders. Her voice and vocal expressions bring to life this charming story. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her as my mind was imaging Victorian England. I found the story and the reading absolutely delightful.

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Best Book EVER!

Brilliant Christmas story. Couldn't put it down. Jennifer Saunders was spot on. So impressed with her many different voices. Simply delightful. Telling all my friends!

Delightful!

I was looking for a joyful Christmas story that wasn't too heavy, but also not just "fluff". This fit the bill. The story is engaging, though not unpredictable.

The Impossible Weight of Stature and Wealth

Sir John Penlyon had it all over Ebenezer Scrooge. He had married, had a family, KNEW what it was like to embrace little ones and hear their laughter and hold their tiny hands. But coming from a long line of Penlyon blood, certain things were JUST NOT DONE. And when his younger daughter ran off and married outside their class, well, that was it. Banished! Years passed. Sir John's oldest daughter and her husband died. He, himself became widowed for a second time, never gaining the son he had dreamed of. And here it was, Christmas quickly approaching again, in a big and grand house, with only himself, his niece and his good friend, Danby who had come to visit. Sir John, bored and alone, agreed to allow Danby to bring in some hirelings . . . children of good character to help his niece better enjoy the holidays, so long as they do not misbehave or bother his routine. He will pay the family who lends them out at Christmas, and Danby and his niece will decorate the grand home for the holidays. What the old fellow did not count on was little Moppet, worming her way deep into his heart . . . the wide eyed wonder of a child, with wisdom beyond her years, she sticks close beside Sir John's side, even when he writes his letters, making a tiny nest for herself in his study . . . until she falls gravely ill . . . This sets in motion a fear and sadness that has the entire house on edge, as two doctors attempt to save the little girl's life . . . and the listener is on the edge of the seat, wondering if the old and crusty Sir John's icy heart will finally melt before it is too late . . .