His Last Christmas Gift
Debra Borchert
Le Vin Press (2025)
ISBN: 979-8989993130
Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Reader Views (10/2025)
His Last Christmas Gift by Debra Borchert shares a beautiful story about loss and new beginnings. Claire is grieving the loss of her husband while facing professional difficulties. After finding a mysterious photo in her late husband’s belongings, Claire realizes she must travel to France to help a young boy she has never met. With the support and encouragement of her best friend, Marti, Claire embarks on an emotional journey just weeks before Christmas. Readers are transported to France during the holiday season, filled with festive music, delightful markets, delicious treats, and a gorgeous chateau. The enchanting atmosphere enhances this heartwarming and uplifting story of second chances and found family.
While in France, Claire learns a lot about herself and her painful childhood as well as how her marriage may not have been what she thought it was. From Paris, Claire travels to a vineyard where she meets Luca, the boy from the photo, and Gilbert, the man who is raising him. Gilbert helps Claire unravel the mystery surrounding her husband’s involvement in Luca’s life, while Claire shares information with Gilbert that could potentially save the young boy’s life.
Claire is a highly likable and complex character. She is reeling from her husband’s sudden death while discovering secrets that were kept from her during her marriage, all the while trying to heal from the trauma of her past. Claire’s honesty and willingness to learn about herself are endearing and inspiring. Claire’s best friend, Marti, is a wise and protective friend who is always there for her. Gilbert has also experienced a great deal of sorrow in his life, yet he is a very caring and compassionate person whom Claire learns she can trust and possibly even fall in love with. Luca is a charming and intelligent young boy who is often wiser than his years.
Although the circumstances that brought these three together are unusual, their relationship feels genuine and meaningful. There is laughter as well as tears as this unlikely trio learns about and helps one another. Debra Borchert’s His Last Christmas Gift is a creative and original story that highlights the courage needed to overcome trials and the beauty of embracing new possibilities. This intriguing tale will be a hopeful read for the holiday season.