Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Christmas joy is a matter of perspective. For some, it’s the happiest time of the year. For others, not so much.

Twenty-nine-year-old Mick, the son of crack addicts, isn’t exactly a dyed-in-the-wool Scrooge. Mick’s been on his own from childhood. As a teen, he even lived in a shelter, where for a short time he had a boyfriend.

After the boyfriend left, Mick squatted in the historic Orpheum Theater. While living there as its self-appointed custodian, Mick has watched others celebrate the holidays from a distance, never able to share in their merriment.

Only his Technicolor dreams enliven his dull, clandestine life until one day the world around him begins to change.

Mick is surprised when a man named Jim buys the Orpheum and plans to restore it. Something about Jim rekindles Mick’s longing for a better life and a little holiday magic for himself.

Can Jim give Mick the hope he needs to accept his happily ever after?

 

 

First edition published by Dreamspinner Press, December 2016.

 

Book Review

Mick, of 'The Orpheum Miracle' by Pat Henshaw, has been homeless most of his life. He is fortunate enough to get a job at the old Orpheum theatre. Since the Orpheum is the closest thing he has to a home, Mick tries his best to keep the place looking as well as he can. It's getting near Christmas time and what should be a happy time, it isn't one for Mick who has no money and no family to have Christmas with. As sad as this time of year is for him, he can still think back to a few good memories. One involves a young man with whom he had his first kiss and his first love. He's never forgotten him even though he basically disappeared one day and Mick never saw or heard from him again. Mick may be down but he's not out. He still dreams of starting over and having a better life. Maybe this Christmas will be the one and he will get his miracle.

There have been several owners since Mick has started working at the theatre, so he doesn't think much about it when it changes hands again. The new owner is pleased with the work Mick and the cleanup crew have accomplished and gives them all cash for a job well done, which Mick thinks is unusually considerate. Mick swears that he's met this man before but can't figure out where that would have been. But when the owner asks him to go out and eat with him, Mick almost swallows his tongue. Mick wonders who this man is and why he would be interested in Mick having an opportunity to improve his life? To his amazement, the owner wants to hear all about his life and if he has plans for the future. With the owner's help, Mick becomes manager of the Orpheum and begins to dream about having a better life. But when the Christmas season starts to creep up on him, Mick has to wonder—if he decides to believe that good things can happen, is he just fooling himself?

This story is well written, with lots of information and emotion squeezed into such a short story. I felt like I knew Mick and my heart broke for him and all the other children whose families can't afford Christmas. It is a good reminder that everyone doesn't have it as well as others do. Thanks, Pat, for the great holiday story and the exceptionally happy ending.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 8123 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	23-December-2020
Price	$1.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.jms-books.com/pat-henshaw-c-224_462/the-orpheum-miracle-p-3615.html