The Christmas Hourglass

In this heartwarming, giftable comfort read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans, a family shaken by loss experiences a life-changing season of new beginnings and Christmas magic on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

A time for family . . .

The holidays bring a storm of emotions for Thad Wright. Mere days before Christmas, his estranged daughter passes away—leaving behind a baby, Laura. And when Thad discovers that time is not on his beloved wife Lia’s side either, he takes Lia’s last plea to heart: that Laura is not raised by strangers, that he gives the child a loving home. As difficult as the months ahead are, Thad’s granddaughter is a singular source of light in an otherwise dark season.

And for making every Christmas wish come true . . .

Thad’s friends in Morehead City are there for him, including Akila, his coworker at the local hotel where he’s an assistant chef. She’s kind, comforting, gentle, and everything her teenage son, Juri, is not. In that boy, Thad sees the same rebellion that led his own daughter astray. Yet as Thad’s relationship with Akila deepens, he’s determined to forge a bond with the young, defiant aspiring musician. Soon, helping to make Juri’s dreams a reality is an unexpected wonder for Thad. It even begins to mend his own grieving heart.

As the year passes, another Christmas approaches. What will be a second one for Laura just might be a blessed milestone for Thad, Akila, and Juri, as well.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs