The Aloha Christmas
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Sugar spoke, “Good, Frazier. You've remembered some important things.”
Surprised, he asked, “You mean what I've told you will help?”
“It will do more than help; it may be the key to the mystery.”
“How?”
“The grower mentioned a long trip.”
“Right.”
“He also mentioned decorations.”
“Yeah, I know,” replied Frazier. “Sounds ridiculous.”
“You've missed the point,” she said impatiently.
“What point? Don't get snooty, Sugar. Just because you have grand ideas about Sequoias, don’t think you're so smart.”
“We don't have time for arguments. Think!! What is the purpose of a tree farm?”
“Lumber for building.”
“Sometimes. But, think again.”
“Wood for making paper,” he was becoming annoyed.
Sugar persisted, “What have you longed for? It’s the dream of every tree.”
“To be a boat.”
Honestly, she thought, is this guy for real? Sighing, she asked, “Would a boat be decorated?”
“Yep, in some ports they decorate boats with flowers when they launch.”
“Such a waste,” she scolded. “Picture this: a tree with lights, colored ornaments, garlands, rhinestones. . .” Closing her eyes, she spoke as if in a dream.
Frazier tried to imagine what she described, but was distracted by the look on Sugar’s face. “Uhum,” Frazier cleared his throat to get her attention.
Embarrassed, she said, “Lots of rhinestones!”
“Rhinestones?”
“Not just rhinestones. This is every tree’s dream. Lights, ornaments, glamour, attention!” Hands raised, she hummed a few notes of Oh, Christmas Tree!
“Not my dream. Nonsense! I've been living on the hillside all my life. If I can't be a boat then take me back to the hillside! Rhinestones? Never gonna happen!”
“To be a boat is a good dream. Maybe one tree can have several dreams. Your hillside was great but did you ever think of living anywhere else?”
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Frazier and Sugar’s paths collide unexpectedly in an escape-proof trap of suspense. Clueless as to where they are or where they are going, their trunks have been axed. Bereft, they must accept the reality that they will die. Extreme opposites in their beliefs, values, and goals, there could never be a more mismatched pair. Arizona-born Frazier grumbles and grouses with every breath! Yet Denver-sophisticate Sugar defies despair with insistence that their dreams may yet be realized – an insistence which both provokes and comforts Frazier. She insists that goodness can reach beyond their bleak circumstances to exceed their greatest hopes.
Comparing conversations overheard as they were taken from their tree farms, they become convinced they are bound for Hawaii. Thoughts of being in Hawaii provide a much needed distraction as they journey across the Pacific Ocean.
This story stretches the imagination to look beyond the obvious and consider what Good may be cloaked in even the darkest despair! What does Christmas have to do with any of this? Therein lies the mystery.
About the Author
Beverly Henderson grew up in flat, arid west Texas with dreams of one day living in a landscape surrounded by trees! Her travels as a career Army wife opened opportunities to teach children and women in Hawaii, Germany, Belgium, and parts of the South and Pacific Northwest. Taken from her own life experiences, this book is written to encourage faith and trust as anchors for children (and anyone bold enough to remember being a child) facing life’s inevitable uncertainties. Henderson and her husband live in Texas and are parents of one remarkable daughter, in-laws to a wonderful son, and have two granddaughters who put a silver lining on all of life’s clouds.
Joy Noguess is an illustrator and animator born and raised in rugged west Texas. The daughter of a rancher, she has always been fond of exploring nature and observing animals, two subjects which often appear in her works. With a bold sense of adventure, she has also traveled around the world, visiting over fifteen countries.She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Animation from the Art Institute of Austin. When not working on whimsical animation or illustrations, she enjoys hiking through the Austin greenbelt with her family and creating works of art in a variety of mediums.