Very good and spot on review by @Timothy M.. This series of stories by @AC Benus was no doubt an extraordinary feat and a labor of love. Extremely detailed in their scenes. The reader is transported into the scene. You will be left spellbound with the nostalgia and whimsical tales. From simpler times where people actually connected and shared in the spirit of the holiday. Scale of 1-10, a very enthusiastic 100. 

When i first joined GA, and after posting my first poems, @AC Benus offered to read and edit for me. I think his second question was "How do you feel about department stores?"  That was in September 2015, or around that time.  I was lucky to be around as AC wrote these beautiful and accomplished novellas. He shared with me pictures and articles and recipes from his research.

Wonderful stories are built around this amazing department store, and the people who worked there. Christmas' rich in history, love, and beauty. @Timothy M.'s review is excellent as always and if you want to know the meaning and spirit of Christmas, then treat yourself.  Dip into the treasures AC Benus has gifted us with, read one or binge on all of them. If these stories don't put you in the Christmas spirit, nothing will. 

I love Christmas. Not just the presents and bright, sparkly lights, but the actual spirit of it. The magic and wonder and innocence. AC captured all of this in the Famous Barr series, and he shrouds it in love. Folks falling in love, discovering love and it’s beautiful. In doing so, I fell in love, with his words, the stories, the families, the bright, sparkly lights.... I was charmed and enchanted and entertained by his characters.

AC, I know worked tirelessly to gift us with these stories, and for me every page came alive.

So, thank you @AC Benus for sharing your incredible talent. 

Thank you @Timothy M. for just a wonderful,  review..

Now, go read the FB series people... ‘Tis the season after all.. 

Thank you, Renee, for posting this and keeping this feature going. We all appreciate your commitment to the GA community. 

But thank you, Tim, for this wonderful surprise. A lot has happened since I was posting these last December, and remembering the 1880 novella makes me think of dear @skinnydragon. We were working on the editing together right until he had to stop and see the doctor. That story will always be for him in many ways.

And thanks to all who have read, or might decide to read the Christmas at Famous-Barr series. Cheers to all of you!     

You're very welcome, buddy. I, too, shed a tear when I saw skinnydragon's comments, we'll miss him forever. It was nice to read Katie's Sketchbook again, I loved that you used @ColumbusGuy 's characters Jay and Miles in it.   I'm going to indulge in Wini next, she's such a brilliant character.

AC Benus's Famous Barr Christmas stories are epic, filled with unforgettable characters, real heart, and some emotional imagery that will capture your heart.  Famous Barr becomes a character itself in these stories.  It acts as more than a setting, it's like loving father, not speaking on stage, but definitely there nurturing the ensemble cast.  It's a joy you're sharing this and reminding readers of how wonderful it is.  I highly, highly recommend reading, and for me rereading, these treasures.  You'll have a new appreciate for this holiday season and what joys there are if you just embrace them.  Excellent choice Timothy M.!!!

Some of the best GA has to offer.