The 13th Gift Review: A True Story by Joanne Huist Smith That Captures the Spirit of Christmas #JoanneHuistSmith @PRHAudio

The 13th Gift is a true Christmas story that celebrates the healing power of kindness, family, and holiday miracles.

Summary:

The 13th Gift is a heartwarming true story by Joanne Huist Smith about how an unexpected act of kindness transformed her grieving family during their darkest Christmas. Following her husband’s sudden death, Joanne struggled to stay strong for her three children as the holidays loomed. Then, 12 days before Christmas, mysterious gifts began arriving on their doorstep, accompanied by notes from “True Friends.” As the Smiths worked together to uncover the identity of their benefactors, they found solace, unity, and hope, rediscovering the healing power of family and the magic of Christmas miracles.

My Thoughts:

Let me start by admitting that I rarely re-read books. With so many new stories waiting to be discovered, I usually prefer to move on to the next. But The 13th Gift is an exception. I first read this heartfelt story many years ago, and it left such an impression that it inspired me to create my own “12 Days of Christmas” for my parents during the COVID pandemic. This year, I decided to revisit the book—this time opting for the audiobook version, which is narrated by the author herself.

The 13th Gift is a true story of loss, love, and the unexpected ways we find hope. After the sudden death of her husband, Joanne Huist Smith is left grappling with grief while trying to stay strong for her three children. With Christmas fast approaching, their pain feels insurmountable—until mysterious gifts begin arriving on their doorstep 12 days before the holiday. Each gift is accompanied by a note from “True Friends,” sparking curiosity and offering a glimmer of joy to the struggling family. As the Smiths work together to uncover the identity of their secret benefactors, they also begin to find their way back to each other and to the healing power of hope.

Even on my second reading, this story touched my heart as deeply as the first time. The central message—that small acts of kindness can make an immeasurable difference—feels as powerful as ever. I was drawn into the mystery of the gifts: was this the work of one person, a family, or even multiple families? That sense of intrigue adds an enjoyable layer to the narrative. More importantly, watching Joanne and her children slowly thaw from their grief, rediscover the magic of Christmas, and begin to believe in a brighter future is profoundly moving. The story’s resolution, especially when the identity of the gifter is revealed, is both heartwarming and unforgettable.

The Narration:

The audiobook, narrated by the author, brings an extra layer of intimacy to the story. While Joanne Huist Smith is not a professional narrator, her heartfelt delivery makes up for any technical imperfections. There’s something uniquely personal about hearing an author recount her own experiences, and it added an authenticity that I truly appreciated. Whether you choose the printed book or the audiobook, The 13th Gift is a Christmas story you won’t want to miss.

Final Thoughts:

This book is a beautiful reminder of the miracles that can unfold during the holiday season and the transformative power of kindness. I’ll happily return to it again in the years to come.

A Similar Book You May Enjoy:

The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere