About The Snowman Maker
Released October 1st, 2013
Over the years Ben and Ellie never had a problem communicating. So when Ben seems distant, Ellie's confused; sensing it has something to do with the contents of an old cardboard box his father insisted he take before he passed away. With the children grown, Ben's evasiveness adds to Ellie wishing the holidays were over.
But it's Christmas-the time when hearts are rekindled-especially when going back to a wondrous place on a winter's night in the old sleigh decorated in pine boughs and silver bells-the very sleigh that carried a little boy and that cardboard box on a Christmas Eve journey so long ago.
"After reading The Reindeer Keeper, this ("The Snowman Maker") was an incredible sequel. I felt as though I fell into the story and stood at the periphery of the action, watching the story play out. The love between the characters was palpable and I found myself crying through many parts of the story. It was lovely how Barbara tied The Reindeer Keeper into this story… subtle but enough to know the continuation of The Reindeer Keeper's characters. The book was heart-warming and I really wanted to be part of Ben and Ellie's family and their unconditional love for each other and others."
- Goodreads Review; February, 2015
"When Barbara Briggs Ward writes about sleighs, bells, and pine boughs, be prepared for a journey into the depths of the human heart..." - Jody Maier - Adult Services Librarian, Riverfront Library, Yonkers, NY and Top Amazon Reviewer
A Heartfelt Message from A Reader:
January 5th, 2015
"Hi Barbara: My husband and I just wanted to share that we finished reading The Snowman Maker yesterday. Our weekend here in Pennsylvania was a rainy, sleety, raw day on Saturday, and yesterday, Sunday, foggy most of the day. So, with a fire in our fireplace, and book in hand, we took our imaginations and entered into the story.
First let me tell you that last year, we read The Reindeer Keeper. What I mean by 'read' is that we read the book, out loud, to each other. (taking turns reading several chapters, then passing the book to the other to read) The Reindeer Keeper was a fantastic emotional story, that I have to say, Phil read it out loud to me more than I could read it to him. Although he had to stop a spell and get his 'voice' back, he was able to continue, where, when I tried, I couldn't get the words blubbered out.
The Snowman Maker is a gem. What a wonderful Hallmark movie that would make. If only it would!!! Again, Phil did most of the reading. My ole sentimental self wouldn't allow my voice to get too many of the words out. I have attached 2 sketch photos that we took while we enjoyed reading, and listening, to The Snowman Maker.
As my husband read the story, the picture window I was facing suddenly became the screen, and I no longer saw the beautiful valley out front of our place, but instead, saw each and every scene he read. I could picture it all from the orphanage, the tents, the snow covered hills, the horses, the sleigh, the reindeer and more
We clicked with each character and felt the feelings they felt. The outcome, which we sort of put together as we read along, was emotional, precious, happy, and a throat-clogging great finish
Christmas is a special time of year for my husband Phil and I, and ever since we've been married (almost 43 years) we make each and every one of them special. We might be in our 60's, but that 'little kid' in us, comes thru each year. Thanks to both of our childhood memories of those Christmas's long ago, well, let me say we've been very blessed.
We can't wait to see what you are going to write next and hope there will be another book soon that we can read to each other for this coming Christmas season."
First let me tell you that last year, we read The Reindeer Keeper. What I mean by 'read' is that we read the book, out loud, to each other. (taking turns reading several chapters, then passing the book to the other to read) The Reindeer Keeper was a fantastic emotional story, that I have to say, Phil read it out loud to me more than I could read it to him. Although he had to stop a spell and get his 'voice' back, he was able to continue, where, when I tried, I couldn't get the words blubbered out.
The Snowman Maker is a gem. What a wonderful Hallmark movie that would make. If only it would!!! Again, Phil did most of the reading. My ole sentimental self wouldn't allow my voice to get too many of the words out. I have attached 2 sketch photos that we took while we enjoyed reading, and listening, to The Snowman Maker.
As my husband read the story, the picture window I was facing suddenly became the screen, and I no longer saw the beautiful valley out front of our place, but instead, saw each and every scene he read. I could picture it all from the orphanage, the tents, the snow covered hills, the horses, the sleigh, the reindeer and more
We clicked with each character and felt the feelings they felt. The outcome, which we sort of put together as we read along, was emotional, precious, happy, and a throat-clogging great finish
Christmas is a special time of year for my husband Phil and I, and ever since we've been married (almost 43 years) we make each and every one of them special. We might be in our 60's, but that 'little kid' in us, comes thru each year. Thanks to both of our childhood memories of those Christmas's long ago, well, let me say we've been very blessed.
We can't wait to see what you are going to write next and hope there will be another book soon that we can read to each other for this coming Christmas season."
