A Stubborn Sweetness and Other Stories for the Christmas Season, by Katherine Paterson

 (Hardcover, 200 pages, first published in 2013)

A Stubborn Sweetness and Other Stories for the Christmas Season is a collection of modern-day short stories by Katherine Paterson, award-winning author of Bridge to Terabithia and The Great Gilly Hopkins, both loved by children and adults for over twenty years.

This compilation includes stories of real-life people such as a shopping mall's night watchman, a lonely widower, a pregnant teenage runaway, a political prisoner in China, a grieving mother, and a privileged American, who have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas because of loss, pain, greed, or circumstances. Through unexpected and uplifting ways, each is reminded of the first Christmas story and the vision of hope and peace it offers the world. They realize that even in the darkness, the light and song of Christmas can be seen and heard.

This heart-warming gift book, filled with stories of realistic people finding hope, courage, and faith amidst life's circumstances, radiates the spirit of the season and reminds each of us what Christmas truly means. Originally written to be read during her church's Christmas Eve service, this collection of holiday stories is perfect for individuals, families, and churches to read and share during the season.

Redeemed Reader Cautions: "'My Name Is Joseph' has quite a bit of violence (including mention of rape) in it. It’s not graphic or explained in detail, but a young family is fleeing from a war zone. It’s better saved for teens." See Redeemed Reader's review here.

Ages: 13+