The Shoe Box by Francine Rivers:

Ms. Rivers once created her own "God Box" for talking with God. Whenever something was bothering Rivers she would write a prayer about it and slip it in her decorated cardboard box. It was this personal God Box that gave her the idea for writing this compelling Christmas story about a foster child named Timmy who’s only valued possession is a shoebox.


We begin this lovely little story with the arrival of Timmy at his new home with a young Christian couple, who will be his foster parents due to the fact that dad is in jail, and his mother not by fault of her own is penniless, she willingly puts Timmy into foster care so they don’t live on the streets together.

Timmy's only possession: a old crusty shoe box..... Of course everyone is curious about this 6-year-old's mysterious box. What could be inside? But knowing that his privacy is one of the few things Timmy has left, they decide not to pry. The story uses the backdrop of Timmy's foster family, church community, and the dedication of his birth mother to illustrate what Christian faith can do. Throughout the pages of this tiny tale we read personal thoughts from Rivers, who shares her thoughts on nativity scenes and special things about Christmas. Also Rivers includes plenty of her favorite Christmas recipes and why they are special to her.

The Christmas pageant finale is a true heart warmer for all believers. This was a lovely light read and I enjoyed reading it. I love Francine and her writing, if none of you have read Redeeming Love....I highly suggest you go grab yourself a copy....you can read my review here.

4/5 Christian Christmas, book 3 of my Holiday Reading Challege hosted by Nely at All About {N}