Mel Wisman’s life was supposed to be starting over again with her grown children out of the house and time to travel with her husband of over 25 years. But life had other plans when her father’s forgetfulness forces Mel to find different living arrangements for him. Guilt turns to curiosity when she learns some of the nursing home’s residents, including her father, think Mrs. Claus resides at the home.
The reader journeys in time, visiting the North Pole, to meet young Adaline, aka Mrs. Claus. Assisting Adaline are a few native elves, a spunky snowy owl and an endearing penguin. When Mel and Adaline, finally meet, Mel must decide if she believes in the magic of Christmas in order to rescue the iconic figure. But not everyone wants Mel to be successful in the endeavor of returning Mrs. Claus to the North Pole. This would shift power from the hands of evil. A burglary, a murder, and a disappearance mean more is at stake than Mel could imagine.
Just as young Adaline had to prove solitude, strength, balance, and sacrifice in the North Pole, Mel will find herself on a parallel path. With the help of some “old folks”, it becomes evident her personal life is changing for the better, including a potential love interest after a devastating discovery in her marriage.
The Lost Claus is intended to be the middle of a trilogy, but has stand-alone potential. I’m a big fan of CS Lewis and one of his quotes comes to mind, “One day you’ll be old enough to believe in fairy tales again.” When I’m asked, who is the audience for The Lost Claus, honestly, the answer is anyone and everyone who wants to believe in magic.