This is one of those times when the story itself doesn’t resonate deeply but I like the narration so much it elevates the final rating much higher than it would be as if I had simply read the story. Once again, Charlie David delivers an entertaining production that cuts some of the too-saccharine sweetness from the story, leaving only enjoyment in it’s wake. Thoroughly entertaining thanks to Charlie David!ģ.75 stars out of 5 NOTE: The rating is entirely due to Charlie David’s performance. All said though, I'll probably replay it in the near future, if for nothing more than to listen to Todd's confrontation with his step-father and mother. Would have liked to have heard Gabe's reaction. Also a little disappointed that Austin didn't appear in this one, since Todd pops up in Austin's book. Strangers one day to 'I love you' two days later? That's the part that really kept me from empathizing with and identifying with the characters. And that Gabe, given his past experiences, rolls along with it. What tampered my enthusiasm was (something of a spoiler ahead) was that in less than one week, Todd goes from 'I'm absolutely straight, though maybe a bit bi-curious, broke, jobless, lonely, and homeless' to the completely opposite extreme. The story is sweet, though in audio a bit confusing when Todd channels his step-father's voice or when he is unaware he's said something out loud. But then Charlie David could read the Bible to me, and I'd think it was sexy. Charlie David's characterization was the reincarnation of Topher Manning from Brad Boney's 'The Return', and that naive but smartass attitude and tone is something I could listen to all day.

I was hooked from the first word spoken by Todd Burton.

Christmas Cole by B.G. Thomas