10.17.2021

Saving Ebenezer by S. Daniel Smith // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Saving Ebenezer

Author: S. Daniel Smith

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: October 12, 2021

Much had changed in seven years. Scrooge had given all to rid himself of the guilt and shame of his miserly ways. Nearly saved Tiny Tim, too, who was only slightly bigger at his death than Christmas Eve seven years prior. Scrooge had the best doctors working on the boy’s condition, all of them happy to have Scrooge pay for this treatment or that, but never quite figuring out exactly what was wrong. Still, Tim had started the pathway of a bright future.

Until pneumonia struck. In a fortnight, Tim had gone from spry and hopeful to weak and discouraged. And then dead.

As Ebenezer Scrooge watched the simple casket lowered into the near-frozen muck on December 20^th, 1850, there could be no mistaking the fact that a piece of him was being buried as well.

And that was why Ebenezer Scrooge was angry.

The old Scrooge was back. Joy had given away to sorrow in the meanest of ways, for it sprung upon the old man with such ferocity that he had no defense. Powerless, and angry, that was Ebenezer Scrooge, all right. Joy had given way quickly to pain and sorrow, the likes of which Ebenezer Scrooge had never experienced before.

Ebenezer Scrooge, heartbroken and frustrated, begins to ask questions about faith. Much like the original story, he is given a guide to help him find the answers. As he struggles to understand death, sorrow, and poverty in terms of faith, he finds one answer to all his questions: Jesus Christ. The book ends with Ebenezer finding faith, health, and love.

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

Seven years ago Scrooge had three nightly visitors that showed him the past, present and future, and since Scrooge has worked hard to make up for his past wrongs. But despite the best doctors that money can buy and Scrooge's change of heart, Tiny Tim is dead. Could it be possible that Scrooge missed something those seven years ago?

A well done novella realistically revisits the world of Dicken's most well loved Christmas story. I liked how the author authentically imitates Dicken's style, but also makes the language more accessible for modern readers. I liked that this story brings back many of the familiar faces from the original classic.

Overall, a well written sequel to a beloved classic, it does an excellent job of staying true to the original while also daring to dive deeper and ask questions of faith and mortality. Inspiring and full of hope, this was the perfect twist on a classic. Definitely recommend, this Christmas Carol revisited!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Dan Smith is a Christian, a husband, a father, a career US Navy sailor, and freelance writer living in Virginia Beach, VA with his wife and three children. His publishing history goes back 21 years, when he was first published in the magazine Pentecostal Messenger.

Dan specializes in writing about life in the military, especially as it affects Christians in service. He has also tackled the issue of cystic fibrosis, the autism spectrum, and a host of other topics.

More from Dan

“I have always loved the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. From the original novella to The Muppets, I’ve been fascinated by the story. Only one thing was truly missing, and that was the real hope Christians find in Jesus Christ. In that way, Saving Ebenezer: The Continuing Saga of a man named Scrooge is my offering to my Lord. I did my best to retain the style and language of the original, as well as to stay true to the original story and characters, while offering a glimpse at the hope we have in Jesus.

The biggest reason I wrote the book is to show the need for Christ. I do my best to keep from being preachy, and I believe you’ll find the book entertaining with a point. I can’t wait to hear what you think!”