She only wanted to make her mother smile again.
Christy Paxton is sixteen, grieving, and nearly out of hope. Ever since her little brother Tom died, her mother has barely spoken, lost in a fog of grief and guilt. With only a few dollars in her pocket, Christy is desperate to find the perfect birthday present... something that might bring her mom back to life.
Then a mysterious old man gives her a cryptic note and a riddle she can’t ignore. Because the gift her mother truly needs isn’t anything sold in stores. It’s something only Christy can find; if she can follow the clues, solve the riddle, and resist the dark temptations waiting to claim her soul.
Pursued by an evil figure offering money, power, and lies, Christy must rely on her faith, her courage, and a little heavenly help to complete her quest. Because in the end, it isn’t just her mother’s healing that hangs in the balance. It’s Christy’s own heart and future.
The Angel and the Gift is a heartfelt, redemptive novella about grief, love, faith, and the power of a single act of kindness to heal even the deepest wounds. Perfect for readers who love modern parables, coming-of-age spiritual journeys, and stories of hope in the face of darkness.
What readers are saying:
“Heartwarming, a profound message told in a simple, youthful way. A heart-warming tale sure to resonate with parents who have lost a child or children who have lost a sibling. Having lost a son myself, I can understand the pain and anguish of Christy’s mother. I wish I could have had my wife’s faith, or Christy’s. If the dialogue in the story seems a bit off, keep in mind that the author was only 16-years-old when he wrote it, still learning his craft and finding his literary voice. It is the message that counts. And he went on to become the best-selling author we now know as J.R. Rain.” —Amazon review
“A sweet, yet intriguing, story to pluck at your heartstrings! What a heartfelt, sweet story, a good-versus-evil struggle, and a cozy mystery all rolled into a single tale for middle-school kids to adults. There was danger, too, and risk of several types, and there was a profound ending. I loved how the mystery was solved, and also, how important changes evolved in the heroine’s heart. An ageless, poignant parable for our modern times. Must read. Five Stars!” —Amazon review
“This is my first book from the author later known as J.R. Rain, who wrote this when he was just 16-years-old and I must say, I’m looking forward to reading his ‘grown-up’ books. This novella was well constructed and kept me hooked until the last word. I was intrigued, then moved, and all in all, I had a lovely time reading this tale of the trappings of good versus evil. I would recommend this novella wholeheartedly!” —Amazon review
“Fantasy at its best! Christy Paxton is a gritty, determined little girl. With a little help from her angel she manages to triumph over evil. Fun teen tale told with spirit.” —Amazon review
