Nora Bonesteel’s Christmas Past
A Ballad Novella
Sharyn McCrumb
Abingdon Press, October 2014
ISBN 978-1-4267-5421-0 Hardcover
From the publisher—
When someone buys the old Honeycutt house, Nora Bonesteel is glad to see some life brought back to the old mansion, even if it is by summer people. But when they decide to stay through Christmas, they find more than old memories in the walls.
On Christmas Eve, Sheriff Spencer Arrowood and Deputy Joe LeDonne find themselves on an unwelcome call to arrest an elderly man for a minor offense. As they attempt to do their duty, while doing the right thing for a neighbor, it begins to look like they may all spend Christmas away from home.
Two companion stories that really are not related except that a few of the people know each other and they’re in the same mountain location offer a brief but gentle look at the Christmas season. Sheriff Spencer Arrowood and his deputy, Joe LeDonne, are tasked with arresting a traffic offender on Christmas Eve with snow approaching and the elderly Nora Bonesteel, who has the Sight, is asked by a “snowbird” neighbor to find out why peculiar things are happening with her Christmas decorations.
Both stories, on the surface, would seem to be rather simplistic and they actually are but there’s a kernel of meaning in each that reflects the best of home and hearth, so to speak. At times, the stories drag a little but it’s nice to spend time again with Nora and the Sheriff and Joe (as cranky and cynical as the last might be) and absorb some of the Appalachian sensibility Sharyn McCrumb conveys so well. Is there mystery here or perhaps fantasy? Yes, in a very mild way, but it’s far more about the characters and the setting. The appeal is in these people and their community and I always enjoy returning to Appalachia and, in particular, to Ashe Mountain.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, November 2014.
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Buried Under Books 
Sharyn McCrumb’s ballad stories are among my favorites. She makes me miss the people and the landscape of a place I love, and at the same time makes me feel as though I’m home again.
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I had sort of forgotten about Nora Bonesteel. I wonder if there has a gap in the books or if I just haven’t run across them for awhile. Would love to win this one!
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I’ve read a number of Sharyn McCrumb’s books and loved them—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book!
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I enjoyed the interview and have enjoyed Sharyn McCrumb’s books in the past but haven’t read one in quite awhile.
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Nora Bonesteel is a wonderful character – strong and sill and sadly aware of so many things. I remember in one book she referred to rolling death, coming for a long time. (My paraphrasing is probably off, but that’s my memory of it.) The expression has stuck with me.
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I haven’t read any books in this series but after seeing your review I need to add it to my to be read list. Thanks for a great review and pointing out how two stories are not related but yet have some common factors.
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Sharyn McCrumb and Christmas, an excellent combination to be sure. I would love to win this one!
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I’d love to read this book! Love Nora Bonesteel. And Sharyn McCrumb’s books are great.
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My mother collects and re-reads Christmas mysteries. This would be great for her. And then I can read it too.
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Another unknown (to me) writer who has flare for creating a believable mystery. Appreciate opportunity to learn about background and would appreciate being considered to read & review.
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This is a terrific series and Ms McCrumb makes me want to move to the mountains and live near Nora, just so I can learn all the important things in life from her.
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Don’t know if have all of Sharon McCrumb’s books, but I have a lot. Nora Bonesteel is a particular favorite. I hope I win, but if not, I will get the book.
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I love Nora Bonesteel. I’d love to win!
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The book sounds great and something good to read at holiday time
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I have read all of McCrumb’s book and look forward to this one.
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I also have not read this author before. I saw the blog post and was intrigued because it is a Christmas story. Guess I’m adding a new author to my reading list. Have a great Thanksgiving.
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I’ve never read any of her books. This sounds like a good one to start with. Thank you for the giveaway!
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I have enjoyed reading all of McCrumb’s books, and Nora is a character that always intrigued me. Looking forward to reading this book also.
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