It's Christmas Eve, 1933, on Spencer's mountain.

Olivia Spencer, along with her eight "thoroughbred" children, is anxiously waiting for their father's return home.

Old man Winter is wreaking havoc, but life persists despite the hardships and difficulties of the Great Depression.

Not to mention the apprehension that shakes each of them to the core, especially Olivia.

"The Homecoming" is a touching story about that Christmas Eve on Spencer Mountain, inviting us into their daily lives.

There are chores to do, childhood rivalries to deal with, and festive preparations underway.

There's even a harrowing encounter with an aggressive buck that Clay-boy faces while searching for the perfect Christmas tree.

The family is also on a quest for the patriarch, Clay.

And finally, a Christmas miracle occurs at midnight.

But what the family didn't anticipate was the real miracle that followed.

Originally published in 1970 by Earl Hamner, Jr., CBS recognized its potential and produced and aired the movie in 1971.

With some subtle changes to the characters' names, it launched a franchise that America would come to know and love as "The Waltons."

If you haven't seen the movie or read the book, I highly recommend both, especially during the holidays.

"The Homecoming" will fill your heart with love and the spirit of the season.

This is a short story that artfully blends and at times even contradicts Hamner's original Spencer's Mountain book.

It takes the reader on a journey through a bygone era, a time that was simpler and perhaps more in tune with the fundamental values that hold a family together.

Despite the differences from the original work, this story manages to capture the essence of family and the importance of those values.

The characters come alive on the page, their joys and sorrows palpable, making it an engaging and enjoyable read.

It reminds us that in a world that is constantly changing, the power of family and the values that we hold dear can remain a constant source of strength and comfort.

Whether you are a fan of the original Spencer's Mountain or simply looking for a heartwarming story about family, this short story is well worth the read.

Hamner's 1970 book, which later became "The Homecoming: A Christmas Story", a 1971 made-for-TV movie and served as the pilot for the long-running CBS television drama The Waltons, tells a heartwarming story. It's set on a long-ago Christmas Eve in the Depression era. A large family awaits the return of the patriarch, who has been working in the big city. As the hours pass and there's no sign of her husband, the mother grows increasingly worried and sends her oldest son out into a storm to search for his father. There are concerns that he might have stopped for some bootleg whiskey or gotten involved in a game of cards at the Negro church, details that weren't emphasized much in the TV adaptation. Meanwhile, the younger children are more focused on thoughts of Santa and whether barnyard animals can speak at midnight.

Even though, except for the mother, all the characters have different names, it's difficult not to picture the cast of The Waltons while reading this. Given that one of the girls in the book is named Pattie-Cake, the decision to change the names is understandable. Undoubtedly, "Good night, John-Boy" sounds far better than "Good night, Clay-Boy".

Although I recall enjoying Spencer's Mountain in my teens, Hamner's writing in this particular work is rather unimpressive. It feels like a short story that has been stretched to book length. I'll be adding this book to my "movie was better" shelf and might even go in search of the DVD to relive the story in a more engaging way.

I absolutely LOVE this book. It has become a wonderful tradition for me to read it every single December.

The moment I pick up this book, I am immediately transported into a world filled with magic and wonder. The story is so captivating that I find myself completely immersed in it from the very first page.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their adventures always leave me on the edge of my seat. I love how the author has crafted such a beautiful and engaging narrative that keeps me coming back for more year after year.

This book truly holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to reading it every December with great anticipation. It is a source of joy and comfort for me during the holiday season, and I will continue to cherish it for many years to come.

What a fun, short read!

Our family absolutely loved "The Waltons". It was such a clean and wholesome show that the whole family could enjoy together.

It's truly a pity that there aren't many shows like this on TV today. In a world where so much of the content can be inappropriate or overly violent, "The Waltons" stood out as a refreshing and heartwarming option.

We would gather around the TV every week, eagerly anticipating the next episode. The characters were so well-developed and relatable, and the stories always had a valuable lesson or message.

Watching "The Waltons" not only provided entertainment but also brought our family closer together. It was a shared experience that we will always cherish.

I hope that more shows like "The Waltons" will be created in the future, so that families can once again enjoy quality programming that is both enjoyable and educational.

Continuing adventure as Clay-Boy Spencer deals with love, life, hardships and reality.

Clay-Boy Spencer's journey is a captivating one that unfolds with all the elements that make a story truly engaging. Love plays a significant role in his life, adding both joy and complexity. He experiences the highs and lows of relationships, learning valuable lessons along the way.

Life throws various hardships at him, testing his strength and resilience. But Clay-Boy doesn't back down easily. He faces each challenge head-on, determined to overcome them and grow as a person.

Reality also has its way of intruding on his dreams and aspirations. He has to make tough choices and adapt to the changing circumstances around him.

Readers should also try Spencer's Mountain. It offers a unique perspective on life, love, and the human spirit. The story is filled with vivid characters and a richly detailed setting that will transport you to another world. So, don't miss out on this wonderful adventure.

A really short novella is based on the Spencers of Virginia and one Christmas when Pa was coming home from a job in another town. However, John-Boy goes out to find Pa, only to be lost.

This simple yet engaging story serves as the foundation for the beloved old TV show, "Walton's Mountain." The charm of the Spencers' family and their rural life in Virginia during that particular Christmas season is palpable.

I found myself taking a long time to read this novella because I had a bad habit of leaving it in places where I wasn't. It would often get misplaced, and I'd have to search for it before I could continue. But despite the interruptions, the story still managed to capture my attention and draw me into the world of the Spencers.

The anticipation of Pa's return and the worry that John-Boy's disappearance causes add an element of drama and excitement to the narrative. It makes me eager to know what will happen next and how the family will cope with these challenges.

Overall, this novella is a delightful read that offers a glimpse into a bygone era and the simple pleasures and difficulties of family life. It's no wonder that it inspired such a popular and enduring TV show.

A well-written, touching, and endearing Christmas story unfolds. It is about a family residing in Virginia during the Great Depression.

On a side note, this book, along with Spencer's Mountain, served as an inspiration for the long-running TV series The Waltons! The events of the story occur over the course of one fateful Christmas Eve in the year 1933.

This is precisely the kind of story that will bestow upon you a warm and cozy Christmas feeling. It is the perfect choice for reading by the fire or beside the Christmas tree while sipping a cup of hot chocolate.

In my opinion, this story is a classic and has a permanent place on my bookshelf. It has the power to transport you to a different time and place, filled with the spirit of Christmas and the love and togetherness of a family, despite the hardships of the Great Depression.

If you are longing for a nice and wonderful Christmas story, then this one is truly perfect.

For those who have watched the Waltons Homecoming, indeed, this is the very book. It is a short and uncomplicated book that focuses on the family's attempt to figure out where their father is on Christmas Eve and why he hasn't returned home yet.

Certainly, it provides a great sense of warmth and well-being during this time of the year. Even though I don't have a particular preference for "classics", I thoroughly enjoy this story.

I truly hope to share it with my kids when they are old enough to understand and appreciate its charm.

This simple yet touching tale has the power to bring joy and a sense of togetherness, making it a great addition to any Christmas reading list.

Whether you are looking for a heartwarming story to read by the fire or a book to share with your loved ones, this one is sure to deliver.

So, pick up this book and let the magic of Christmas unfold within its pages.

How often can one truly claim that a book has had such a profound impact on the course of their life that it even influenced the location of their birth? Well, back in 1999, that's precisely what happened to me. My parents were deeply moved by the warm and loving atmosphere that Hamner so beautifully captures in this remarkable book.

Not only did the book have a powerful effect on them, but it also inspired the beloved TV show, The Walton's. Set on the Christmas Eve of 1933, this novel is, at its heart, a coming-of-age tale of young Clay-boy Spencer. With his father missing, Clay-boy is forced to confront his own manhood and grow up in ways he never expected.

The author has artfully painted each character and scene, endowing them with distinct quirks and idiosyncrasies that make them feel incredibly real. For me, it was incredibly nostalgic to read the scenes that I remember watching in movie form every Christmas as a child. However, even those who haven't seen The Waltons will surely appreciate the story for its vivid and powerful depiction of the value of community. It shows how, in times of trouble and uncertainty, the support and love of those around us can make all the difference.

This book is truly a masterpiece that has touched the lives of countless readers and viewers alike.

I'm an extremely enthusiastic fan of The Homecoming. The 1970 TV version was truly the catalyst that led to The Waltons being developed into a series. I absolutely adored it! It was one of those shows that I could watch with my elderly Mother without any discomfort. This was because it was a clean and decent show, and she could easily relate to it.

I really enjoyed this book. However, it's important to note that it is NOT The Waltons, and readers should not anticipate it to be identical to the original TV movie.

In fact, the TV movie is better. This simply implies that a team of editors and writers enhanced the truth to make it more captivating to watch.

When reading the book, you did sense the genuine story. It was well-written and effortless to read. I managed to finish it in less than an hour, but then again, I am indeed a very fast reader, and I derived a great deal of pleasure from it.

It's not the exact The Homecoming that you've watched every Christmas, but it still manages to bring a smile to your face and makes you feel the warmth of love.

An Enjoyable Homespun Story by the Originator of The Waltons

The Waltons is a well-known and beloved series that has captured the hearts of many. Its originator has crafted yet another enjoyable homespun story that is sure to delight readers.

This story takes us into the lives of a simple family, filled with the warmth and charm that is characteristic of The Waltons. We follow their daily adventures, their joys and sorrows, and we come to know and love each member of the family.

The writing is engaging and vivid, painting a picture of a bygone era that is both nostalgic and heartwarming. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to become invested in their lives.

Overall, this is a wonderful story that will transport you to a simpler time and leave you with a smile on your face. It is a must-read for fans of The Waltons and anyone who enjoys a good homespun tale.