This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol by Leonard Szymczak is a profound retelling that expands on Charles Dickens's classic novel, A Christmas Carol. It centers on Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge's former business partner. The story begins with Marley's death and follows his transformation and redemption arc. Initially, Jacob doesn’t believe he is dead as he sees his lifeless body on the floor. He is visited by Fan, a woman he abandoned due to his love of money. Jacob embarks on a whirlwind journey through the past, present, and future. He reflects on his beginnings, realizes he was mistaken about his mother, witnesses the way he is treated during his death, and confronts the dark consequences of his actions. Throughout this journey, we witness a Christmas miracle and learn about the importance of compassion, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol is a poignant tale that explores love, forgiveness, and empathy. It offers readers deep insights into Marley's transformative journey before he encounters Scrooge as a ghostly figure in A Christmas Carol. Only a skilled writer can redeem and humanize a well-known villainous character, turning him into a relatable and multi-dimensional figure. Leonard Szymczak masterfully portrays Marley not merely as a symbol of greed and selfishness, but as a complex individual burdened by regret. This allows readers to understand his remorse and desire for redemption. The story shows the author's creativity and ability to craft an engaging narrative from simple ideas. It emphasizes that transformation is possible through reflection and compassion, making Marley’s character a compelling reminder of the potential for change within everyone, regardless of past sins. The book also highlights the importance of giving and sharing, not just during the festive season. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of Charles Dickens's work and anyone who appreciates stories of redemption, empathy, and the human capacity for change.
