Book overview
Sixteen-year-old Leo has one goal for Christmas in Pine Creek: ignore it. Since his older sister left-taking the family's joy with her-Leo's world has been stuck in perpetual darkness, extinguishing his own creative spark. Now, the colorful displays of his small town feel like a mockery, and the only light he sees is cynicism.
But while clearing out his grandmother's attic, Leo discovers an artifact that defies his logic: a small, plain candle with a cryptic note:
"Burn this only for the light you can no longer see."
When Leo lights the wick, the candle doesn't grant wishes-it projects luminous visions of hidden goodness. He sees his mother's secret act of charity, his best friend's silent sacrifice, and his community's quiet acts of courage.
The Candle of Lost Light is forcing Leo to confront the truth: Pine Creek isn't dead; its kindness is just invisible.
As Leo works to amplify the unseen good in his town, the magical flame grows weaker. On Christmas Eve, with the candle burning down to its final nub, Leo faces the hardest vision yet: the broken heart of his sister, alone and ready to give up.
Leo has used the candle to save everyone else. Now, with the last flickers of light, he must choose: Can he find the courage to light his own path and save the one person he needs most, or will he let the final light be extinguished forever?
The Candle of Lost Light is a deeply emotional, visually evocative story about overcoming cynicism, embracing self-forgiveness, and finding the miraculous courage to believe in the goodness of the world. Perfect for readers who love heartfelt, subtly magical holiday fiction.
