The Unfinished Gift
written by Dan Walsh
Published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780800719241
I just finished reading the book, The Unfinished Gift, by Dan Walsh. I am reviewing this book on my own. I borrowed this book from our local library.
The story begins a week before Christmas in 1943. Seven year-old Patrick Collins has just lost his mother in an automobile accident. His father, Shawn, is a fighter pilot, serving his country in the war overseas. Patrick is brought to stay with his grandfather, Ian Collins, until his father is notified and returns from Europe. Katherine Townsend is the social worker assigned to Patrick's case. Although she is trained to be objective, she finds her heart warming to the young Patrick. Patrick has never met his grandfather due to a falling out between Shawn and Ian Collins years before Patrick's birth. Ian is bitter and blames Patrick's mother for coming between father and son. He sees Patrick as an inconvenience, and is cold and unfeeling toward him. Ian is a widower, and made a deathbed promise to her that he would reconcile with their son. However, he is stubborn, and has become comfortably numb in his bitter state.
While searching for Christmas decorations in the attic, Patrick finds an unfinished, yet beautifully carved wooden soldier. He is scolded by his grandfather and warned the object is off limits to him. The wooden soldier becomes a desire of little Patrick's heart, right next to seeing his father again and leaving his grandfather's cold and unloving home. Patrick does find comfort and nurturing from the next door neighbor, Mrs. Fortini, and his caseworker, Miss Townsend. Katherine knows she is risking her job by getting emotionally involved, but she is willing to risk it for this little boy who has captured her heart.
Then, terrible news from overseas rattles both Katherine and Ian. Ian, in a quest to know his son, reads Shawn's letters to his wife. He learns that all was not as he had always thought, and is confronted with his own stubbornness. His heart begins to thaw, and he wants to make things right with his grandson.
He then learns that Patrick has run away from his home, right in the middle of a blizzard. Desperate to find him, he offers a substantial reward. Katherine, who has come to the Collins' home to check on Patrick's welfare, bands together with Ian and Mrs. Fortini in an effort to bring Patrick safely home.
I don't think I should share any more details, except to say that the remainder of the story is beautifully written, and touched my heart. I don't want to be a "plot spoiler", even if I am not sure exactly what that means! :) I felt the book was wrapped up well, and enjoyed the addition and portrayal of Ezra Jeffries and his family. I would love to see how they prospered after these events. I also felt that this story is not over. I would love to see more of Katherine Townsend's story, and to see her find happiness. This is going to be one of my new Christmas favorites! Be sure to have tissues nearby. You WILL need them!
