First published 2019
Young Gail Saxton grows up in 1940s poverty as her family converts their tiny house into rental apartments to survive. The Saxtons wear hand-me-downs and buy everything secondhand, yet they maintain their dignity through hard work and generosity toward others. Christmas approaches with little money for gifts, but Gail discovers that the most meaningful presents come wrapped in sacrifice and love. When a special doll enters her life, it teaches her lessons about renewal and caring for others that will stay with her forever. Based on the true childhood of Gail Saxton Miller, who later became a billionaire businesswoman and owner of the Utah Jazz, this story reveals how humble beginnings and family values can shape extraordinary futures. Wright shows how Christmas miracles happen not through expensive gifts but through the simple acts of love that transform ordinary moments into lasting memories.
Genres: christmas, family-life, historical-fiction, inspirational
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, rags-to-riches
Setting: Utah
Period: 1940s
32 pages · Kindle Edition · Shadow Mountain