Rediscovering Holiday Magic: Review of Viola Shipman’s A Sugarplum Christmas @viola_shipman @GraydonHouse

A Sugarplum Christmas is a heartwarming tale of loss, memories, and the magic of rediscovering the joy of Christmas.

Summary:

Debbie Hutchins hides her disillusionment with the holidays behind her online persona, the Sugarplum Fairy, selling old holiday decorations for profit. Once a Christmas dreamer who cherished her nutcracker collection and dreamed of a magical future, Debbie lost her festive spirit after her grandmother’s death. When she stumbles upon a set of vintage nutcrackers and a note revealing their sentimental value, Debbie sets out to reunite the collection with its rightful owner. In doing so, she embarks on a journey of healing and rediscovers the magic of the holidays.

My Thoughts:

A Sugarplum Christmas is a heartwarming novella that beautifully captures the magic of the holidays, while also diving into the bittersweet memories and emotions tied to family. It tells the story of Debbie Hutchins, a woman who has lost her Christmas spirit after the passing of her beloved grandmother. The only trace of festivity in her life is through her online persona, the Sugarplum Fairy, where she buys and resells worn-out holiday decorations for a profit.

What really touched me was how Shipman weaves the relationship between Debbie and her grandmother throughout the story. The bond they shared, especially during Christmas and their love for The Nutcracker ballet, feels real and tangible. The vivid descriptions of their shared moments are heartening, and you can feel the loss Debbie carries long after her grandmother’s passing. The nutcrackers in the story hold deep meaning for Debbie, symbols of a childhood spent dreaming of a colorful and fantastical future.

Debbie’s journey to rediscover her love for the holidays begins when she stumbles upon a collection of vintage nutcrackers—each one a reminder of the love and magic she once felt. Shipman skillfully uses this moment to unlock Debbie’s emotional walls and bring her back to a time when Christmas was filled with wonder and possibility.

One of the most touching aspects of the book is Debbie’s decision to reunite the nutcrackers with their rightful owner after finding a series of heartfelt notes. It becomes more than just a business transaction—it’s an act of kindness that heals not only the grieving family but Debbie herself. This small act of generosity awakens something within her, reminding her of the Christmas dreamer that still exists inside.

This novella resonated with me as Shipman once again reflects on the love and memories tied to his own late grandmother. It’s a gentle reminder that even when the holidays feel painful or hollow, there’s always a chance for healing and rediscovery.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming holiday read that reminds you of the importance of family and the joy that can be rediscovered even after loss, A Sugarplum Christmas is a perfect choice.

Other Holiday Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Viola Shipman:

The Wishing Bridge

The Secret of Snow