about the book

Long known for her passionate historical romances and stomach-flipping mysteries, New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin turns holiday memories into a gentle story of love, hope and courage in The Christmas Clock. The author’s first hardcover novel sensitively addresses the challenge of Alzheimer’s disease, and illustrates how love heals and restores hope, especially fitting during the holiday season.

Eight-year-old Teddy Sparks wants to buy his beloved grandmother, Lottie, an antique clock for Christmas—a clock that makes her smile with fond memories whenever she sees it in the downtown antique shop’s window. But while Lottie’s memories are increasingly slipping away, Teddy meets—and changes the lives of—several people in his town as tries to raise enough money to buy the clock.

One of these residents is Sylvia Winters, who just returned to Michigan after fleeing eight years before. She’d told her fiancé Joe Dixon that small-town living wasn’t for her. Syl, though, lied to Joe. She’d actually moved to Chicago to be treated for cervical cancer. Overcome by grief, Joe started drinking and accidently killed a man, a mistake that landed him in prison. Now Sylvia and Joe have both returned to Dreyerville. Will the magic of Christmas heal their broken hearts?

Floyd and Doris Culver help look after Teddy as Lottie’s Alzheimer’s progressively worsens. Married for decades, the couple lives separate lives, immersing themselves in their own hobbies. Can Christmas joy help them find their way back to each other?

As Alzheimer’s claims Lottie’s ability to care for her grandson, Teddy needs more than money—he needs a forever family. Will a little hope and a big dose of Christmas magic be enough to fulfill his holiday wishes?

Reading Group Guide