The Judge Who Stole Christmas

WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS INFORMATION THAT SOME MAY CONSIDER SPOILERS.

RANDY SINGER

Stats for my copy: Hardback, WaterBrook Press, 2005.

How acquired: Bought.

First line: “Doggone it,” grunted Thomas, glancing toward the Holstein as the big fella lifted its tail.

(For the Goodreads synopsis, scroll to the bottom of this post.)

My thoughts: I'm not a religious person, and I found it hard to relate to or even really sympathize with Thomas. I think mostly because of the snippet of back story we were given, about how his and Theresa's two year old son had died of appendicitis because they prayed for three days before finally seeking medical care. If I hadn't known that, I probably would've more easily sympathized with his won't-back-down stance.

I did like Jasmine, and her struggle - balancing life and coming to terms with choosing the high paying corporate law job over making a difference in her hometown - was played out well. The judge...well, of course in the end it came down to putting her personal feelings aside and following the letter of the law, but why did she have to be so rude and condescending in the meantime? Though that was probably a defense mechanism she had learned to employ.

Overall, it was an okay read. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it.

Goodreads synopsis: It starts innocently enough in the town square of Possum, Virginia. But it ends up as a spectacular national scandal: Can a federal judge outlaw Christmas? Thomas Hammond and his wife play Joseph and Mary in the annual live nativity scene in their hometown. But a federal judge rules the display unconstitutional – and a Christmas showdown ensues. Thomas refuses to abide by the court order...and ends up in jail. From the courtrooms of Virginia to the talk shows of New York City, the battle escalates into a national media spectacle. Caught in the middle is law student Jasmine Woodfaulk – assigned to represent Thomas as part of her school's legal aid clinic. Only a surprising series of events – nearly as humbling and unexpected as the origins of the season itself – can reconcile a stubborn father, a crusading law student and a recalcitrant judge.