Community Corner

Wyckoff Author Pens Christmas Novella

Rob Skead has written several children's books, but wrote "The Light of Bethlehem" after having a dream set in the Ridgewood train station.

WYCKOFF, N.J. — The setting of author Rob Skead's latest book might be familiar to some people.

Skead's book "The Light of Bethlehem - A Christmas Novella" is set in Ridgewood and, it turns out, that is where his inspiration for the story originated. Actually, it came from a dream Skead had.

"I had a dream I was a drifter waking up on a cardboard box at the Ridgewood train station," Skead said. "I woke up with not much else but that short vision, yet I knew this scene was supposed to be a part of a Christmas story."

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Skead also shifted audiences with "Light of Bethlehem." Skead has written 11 books, including two set during the American Civil War, about children, for children. He has written eBooks in the “Elves Can’t Kick” series.

RELATED: Wyckoff Author Rob Skead Releases Children's eBook in Time for Holidays

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"I knew that this story was for adults, and since I normally get story ideas for children, my heart beat faster," Skead said. "I wanted this story to move the reader’s emotions, to represent Christmas in a way stories did many years ago, and reflect the trials of life, and the love and wonder of Christmas. I think I nailed it."

The story is about the pastor of Bethlehem Church, where the local pastor is challenged by John Turner, a man who hates churches who wanders into Bethlehem homeless and penniless.

"I’m confident the story will give you that special Christmas feeling we all long for this time of year," Skead said.

The book costs $1. It is available in electronic format from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.


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Book cover image courtesy of Rob Skead

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