• Title: The Thursday Night Club: A Tale of Christmas Spirit 
• Author: Steven Manchester
• Format: Kindle 152 pages
• Publisher: The Story Plant
• Published: 18 November 2014
• Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Spiritual Fiction, Christmas
• ASIN: B00OPAFGV4
• Source: Gifted for Review
• Buy: Amazon|Nook

In an apple core (The Bookworm’s version of a nutshell)

A wonderful Christmas tale to be savoured by the whole family, that will warm your hearts in a way no fireplace can.

Summary

Five college friends, three men and two women, have been getting together every Thursday night to share humble meals and an abundance of laughter. But when tragedy takes one of them, leaving the others to question the fairness of life, the Thursday Night Club decides to embark on a contest in the memory of the generous spirit of their fallen brother. The objective of the contest is simple: whoever performs the kindest deed by Christmas night wins the pot – four quarters. And there are only two conditions: the benevolent deed must be anonymous, and it cannot cost a single penny to pull off.

As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.

A story of Christmas spirit that will strike a chord in your heart any time of year, The Thursday Night Club will make you look at the holiday season in new ways.

My Thoughts

This is the first novella of Steven’s that I’m reading. He really made a Keep It Short and Sweet story of it too, and one that takes place close to Christmastime, making it a perfect little read to be enjoyed with your loved ones. It centers around five very different friends from different walks of life who come together every Thursday to partake of joy, laughter, and a few games of cards over stories shared.

But their faith and humanity are tested when the most giving of the lot has his life cut short and it’s up to the four remaining comrades to gather their strengths and their beliefs in their fallen friend to put their lives back in order. And it’s through a contest to honour their friend, that these four find themselves and which sets them on paths none of them had ever experienced or dreamt of being a part of. The goal: simply to do good. But not just good, to be the best amongst the four of them. And to do it anonymously. The prize: four quarters. But it’s what ensues that changes their lives forever.

The Thursday Night Club is a story that can be read at any time of the year, rain or shine, night or day and it would still shine as bright. But having it set so close to Christmastime makes us sit back and cherish what we have, and what we can do with what we have been given in life. It makes us realise that miracles come in many shapes and sizes, and that we must never give up hope. And also to remember the impact that can come from a single good deed, if we’d just get up and try. A classic Steven Manchester tale, perfect to be shared or savoured, slowly.

Steven Manchester is the published author of the #1 best seller, Twelve Months, as well as A Christmas Wish (the holiday prequel to Goodnight, Brian). He is also written Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of his short stories were selected “101 Best” for Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

Check out Steven’s other books:

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