I see many reviewers liked this book, but I just can't get on the bandwagon. The story is good, but the point of view suffers in my opinion. The narrative is written with a distant feel to it and that meant that I never felt I engaged with the characters--and because of that, I found it hard to care what happened to Patrick. And I should, I really should, care what happens to a 7 year old boy who's just lost his mother and whose father is in Europe flying missions in WWII--but the author didn't make me care about him. ( )

In 'The Unfinished Gift: A Novel' Walsh writes a story reminiscent of O'Henry's 'Gift of A Magi'. There's that same warmth of the season, the faith in others and lessons learned. As you read the story you're grabbed by characters who are utterly believable and who you want to read more about. Patrick's faith is one that all children have and that somewhere along the way we as grown-ups somehow lose, much like Patrick's grandfather. At the end of the story I was hoping and praying for some type of good news and was satisfied with the ending. Will look forward to reading more of Walsh's writings in the future. ( )

Heartwarming Christmas Read!

Seven year old Patrick Collins is suddenly alone. With the death of his mother and his father away fighting in the war, he is taken to live with a grandfather he has never known. His grandfather is a grouchy bitter old man and quite frankly Patrick does not like him.

What has made Ian Collins so bitter? What does he have against his only grandson? Why can’t he accept and love Patrick?

This story was an emotional ride for me. It brought me to tears.

The Unfinished Gift is the first book I have read by this author. I immediately ordered the sequel called, The Homecoming. I can’t wait to read it!

If you haven’t read this book yet, I urge you to buy it. I highly recommend it! ( )

What a wonderful and moving story! ian Collins is a crusty and bitter old man who doesn't have a good word for anyone. When his daughter-in-law dies just before Christmas, Ian is stuck with his 7 year old grandson...just until his son, Shaun, a WWII B-17 pilot, can be found. Patrick arrives to a cold house, in more ways that one. When he goes to the attic with his grandfather, Patrick discovers a partially carved and unpainted WWI soldier. He wants nothing more for Christmas (except for his father to return quickly and rescue him from this house). But Ian yells at Patrick for bringing the soldier down from the attic. When Patrick tries a 2nd time to keep the soldier, he discovers a telegram saying his father is missing in action over Germany. Now Patrick wants two things for Christmas-his father's safe return home and the WWI soldier. He doesn't pray for his grandfather's heart to thaw. That seems impossible. ( )

Great story line, very good characters, moves quickly and has depth in thought. Would recommend! ( )