The Birthday Gift is an intriguing novella by Betty Collier. Mrs. Williams's life drastically changes when she is told her husband Bill was murdered in the Middle East. He was so excited to return home with a special gift for their daughter, Bella. Although grieving for the loss of her husband, Mrs. Williams knows she must be strong to care for Bella. She gets support from family and finds comfort in reading spiritual verses. An unexpected video call from her dead husband to Bella on her 16th birthday not only leaves them bewildered but gives them a few responses to questions they thought would remain unanswered. Bill’s memorial service is also a turning point in Mrs. Williams's life when she listens to Bella’s emotional tribute to her father.

Coping with tragedy is never easy, and we often wonder how we will ever cope without our loved one. Mrs. Williams and Bella both dealt with it differently, in remarkable ways. They have a strong Christian faith that made it possible through the tearful times. The Birthday Gift by Betty Collier is a sad, but uplifting short story that will bring out your emotions. It’s a Christian based theme containing intrigue and beautifully written. The cover illustration is so attractive looking too. I found the scripture quotes and the tributes very moving. I would certainly give The Birthday Gift to persons coping with the loss of family or friends. I think it’s more than a story, but also a light handbook for the bereaved.

Mrs. Williams answers the front door to some shocking news, which causes her to have some sort of cardiac issue. She’s rushed to the hospital and during her recovery her recollection of the events leading up to her medical condition resurfaces. Her husband, Bill, was murdered in London while en route home; her daughter, Bella, was looking forward to her sixteenth birthday party; and both are looking forward to discovering the precious treasure Bill found in the Middle East for his daughter’s birthday. But the greatest gift they both inherit from this tragedy is a renewed faith in God and his Son, Jesus; the best gift of all.

Betty Collier’s novel, The Birthday Gift, is very thought-provoking and inspirational. The plot begins with a tragedy that gradually unravels as the details of the murder, the investigation, and the special gift come to light. The story is told in the third person narrative and the characters are well developed. It is interesting that the author begins each chapter (except the last) with the words, “Mrs. Williams”, directing the reader’s attention back to the main character and focusing on her grief and recovery. Mrs. Williams, of course, is the main character, the one who is presented with a devastating shock that alters her perspective on life. Through reevaluating her faith and realizing, through studying her husband’s birthday gift to their daughter, what the most precious gift of all is, she reluctantly comes to terms with the fact that she must forgive before she can move on in her faith. Sometimes, this is a very difficult thing to do. But her character, in particular, shines through to give readers hope, especially in an era where so much is not right in the world and we all must learn to accept the greatest gift of all and to forgive. A simple but powerful story.