No. of pages: 305
Rating: 8/10
Synopsis: Lou Suffern is practised in the art of concealment. He is, also, always overstretched, trying to do too many things at once. His overburdened schedule gives him few moments of peace, even in his sleep. And when he spends time at home with his wife and family, he is always distracted, and, mentally, somewhere else. On a cold winter morning, Lou is on his way to work when he encounters Gabe, a homeless street dweller, sitting outside an office building. Lou is intrigued by him, and contrives to get him a job in the post room. But this act of charity rebounds on him, and Gabe’s presence begins to grate on Lou - particularly when he discovers that the latter seems capable of being in two places at the same time. Christmas is drawing near, and before the season is over, Lou’s life will be irrevocably change by the casual act of kindness he has performed.
Review: Lou Suffern is a very busy business man, so busy in fact he's completely lost touch with his family, even his wife and children. On the way to work one morning, Lou meets Gabe, the homeless man that lives outside his work building. Gabe tries to helps Lou wake up and realise what he's missing, but Lou doesn't like what he's seeing...
I really enjoyed this, and thought it was a lovely book to read over Christmas. I particularly enjoyed the way in which the characters evolved and how it would completely change the family dynamic each time. I liked the moral message incorporated into the story to spend your time wisely as you can never get it back or change what you've done in the past. Would recommend to fans of Ahern's or chick-lit books, it's something to enjoy, but will also make you think too.
