"Christmas Comes but Once a Year" is a heartwarming novel that captures the spirit of the holiday season. The story follows a struggling family as they navigate the challenges of the Christmas season, from financial hardships to personal conflicts. Despite their struggles, the family learns the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of coming together during this special time of year.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their emotional journey. The author, John Leighton, has a way of painting a vivid picture of the setting and creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia throughout the story. The plot is engaging and filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader hooked until the very end.

Overall, "Christmas Comes but Once a Year" is a delightful and uplifting read that reminds us of the power of love, family, and forgiveness. It is a perfect book to curl up with during the holiday season and is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.

Book Description:
A Christmas tale of John Brown's ghastly family (suburban snobs), Captain Bonaventure de Camp and his equally awful brood (a dubious crew), and poor Soavo Spohf, organist of St. Stiff the Martyr, gifted in musical ability but not blessed in looks or love.

No-one could call this a great work of literature, but it definitely raises a few chuckles and it also offers a fascinating glimpse into Christmas festivities and social mores in well-to-do households in the mid-19th century. (Introduction by Ruth Golding)