Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

A Christmas Reborn: A New Era in Scrooge's Redemption by Scott A. Johnson follows Ebenezer Scrooge, who assumes responsibility for the welfare of his late nephew Fred’s family and the broader impoverished population of London. Scrooge mentors children, particularly Tom, providing education, moral guidance, and creative opportunities, while supporting Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim. Scrooge faces opposition from industrial magnates who seek to discredit him, with threats to his reputation and challenges to his charitable programs. But when Tom is framed for theft in a scheme orchestrated by corrupt city leaders, Scrooge must try to intervene in the legal system and expose a conspiracy. He must safeguard Tom from London’s elite and the very real possibility of Tom's transportation to the penal colonies in Australia.

A Christmas Reborn by Scott A. Johnson is a thoughtful continuation of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Johnson imbues the sequel with a new wave of the supernatural and social conscience. I love the visits from The Wanderer and Jacob Marley, who, in a nod to the original, appear to guide Scrooge through visions of London’s possible futures, showing him that his actions can shape lives far beyond this era. Johnson makes the story his own when accusations against Tom for theft lead to a frightening arrest during a Christmas gathering. The Victorian period details and laws are all on point, and between the ghostly visitations, moral awakening, and tangible acts of kindness, this book is a celebration of hope, unity, and the transformative power of giving, leaving readers joyful and uplifted by the enduring spirit of Christmas.