THE MODERN MAGI

This holiday yarn is everything a Christmas story should be: it is inspiring without being heavy-handed; it features a principal character who is loving but also realistically flawed; and it engagingly reminds readers of the true meaning of Christmas. Annabelle Perkins, a middle-aged single woman whose parents have recently died, tries to fulfill one of her mother's dreams by signing up for a holiday trip to the Holy Land. But year after year, Annabelle finds herself giving her hard-earned savings to others who need the money more. In a story that is reminiscent of Henry van Dyke's "The Other Wise Man," Annabelle finds that she already knows how to celebrate the Christ child, whether or not she makes it to Bethlehem. (Sept.)

FYI:Loyola is also simultaneously releasing two other Pearson classics, A Stranger for Christmas (ISBN 0-8294-1762-1) and A Christmas Thief (ISBN 0-8294-1764-8). All three books have the same price and gift-book packaging.