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A collection of witty and wonderful holiday stories just in time for Christmas, thor who has won more Hugos and Nebulas that anyone else in the world. Welcome, as one of Bantam's most innovative authors reminds us gently -- and often humorously -- of the true meaning of Christmas. Whether it is a humorous dig at those lengthy Christmas newsletters, or a quietly poignant look at Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem; a tale of personal epiphany, or a sly demonstration of why Miracle on 34th Street (the original version) is really a better movie than It's a Wonderful Life; or even a send-up of the classics from A Christmas Carol to Agatha Christie, Connie Willis' trademark wit and keen observation of human nature makes us laugh and makes us cry -- and manages to remind us of what we all too often forget: what really makes the Christmas season so special. This enchanting collection of eight tales -- two of which are original to this collection -- begins with the title story, "Miracle, " where an office worker hopes that her handsome colleague will finally notice her at the company Christmas party. But her carefully devised plans go awry when her guardian angel takes it upon himself to show her the true meaning of love. In the cautionary tale of "In Coppelius's Toyshop, " the motto "what goes around comes around" serves as an eerie reminder to a jaded narcissist who finds himself trapped in a crowded toy store at Christmastime. In the touching "Adaptation, " the Ghosts of Christmas Present and Christmas Ye To Come pay a visit to a lonely bookstore clerk who discovers that the best gift of all is to give -- even when his one wish for the holidays doesn't come true. "Inn" presents theinspiring story of a choir singer who gives shelter on a cold winter night to a homeless man and his pregnant wife -- only to learn later that there's much more to the couple than meets the eye. And "Epiphany" follows three unwitting, modern day wisemen on a quest unlike any they've ever experienced. A treasure to cherish any time of the year, this collection boldly reimagines the stories of Christmas while serving as a testament to Connie Willis' unique genius and masterful skill in vividly bringing the extraordinary to life while conveying the power of human compassion and love.

"[D]rolleries and epiphanies galore. Put this at the top of your Must buy holiday shopping list."

Kirkus, 09/01/1999

"If there is anything to criticize in this collection, it is that it's too short--more stories would certainly have been a welcome addition. But Willis compensates by offering a gift at the book's end--a list of Christmas books and movies to enjoy on cold December nights. It is this generous spirit, of both the writer and her stories, that will keep readers returning to MIRACLE AND OTHER CHRISTMAS STORIES every year."

A. M. Dellamonica, scifi.com, 11/1/1999

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