Rachel Knight was only seven when she decided to do her bit for the environment and plant her holiday spruce trees, instead of discarding them when Christmas was over.

Much to her delight, her uncle dedicated an unused field on his farm for the trees, and it became a symbol of hope for her. The hope was not only for the trees to live on, but for Rachel's family life to improve, since it was coasting along on a cloud of alcoholism and discord.

Her father and uncle transported and planted every Christmas tree after that to The Christmas Field, representing the years as they passed. Some years were joyful, and some were sorrowful. Several small crosses also lay amongst the replanted trees.

As time went on, life became a terrible struggle for Rachel, and sometimes seemed insurmountable. She was brave and strong, however, and the path she carved for herself was a courageous one.

Christmas is often depicted as a Hallmark card or movie, full of celebrations, laughter, and making merry. But in reality, this doesn't happen for a lot of people, especially children, who are caught in the crossfire of marital strife, alcohol abuse, and parental stress.

This timeless story about old anger and childhood sorrow is also a story about holiday joy, deep love, and hard-won forgiveness, all things that should comprise Christmas day, and every day of our lives.

(About the Author)

Barb Bissonette lives in the picturesque village of Washago, Ontario. She is a retired nurse of forty years and has always enjoyed writing. This is her sixth novel.