What an absolutely beautiful book that will stay with me forever~ Sheila
When a mysterious older gentleman moves to Golden, Georgia, little is known about him other than that he goes by the name Theo.
When in a coffee shop one morning, where 92 framed sketches of various residents are on display, Theo comes up with the idea to purchase each of these portraits and gift them to their “rightful owners” – the person in the frame. And what a wide variety of people! An accountant, a custodian, a landlord, a bookstore owner, a street musician, a one armed mixolist, a young girl, and a homeless woman, just to name a few.
As Theo sets out on his mission, each sketched person is invited to meet. All Theo asks in return is that they sit with him and tell him about themselves… stories are told, long-lasting hurts are shared, treasured memories revealed, and in the process, lives are changed.
This is my planned first book of 2026. Only recently did this book draw my attention – and in an even shorter time, when a friend posted about this book on social media, the deal was sealed. Not only did I need to read this, but the timing, the beginning of a New Year, seemed to be perfect.
Having just finished this book yesterday afternoon, I am fresh from the words and all the feels. As I think about this today, I honestly don’t know if I can name another recent book that I have read that left me feeling this emotional, inspired, and with chills.
What a perfect book to start the year with. Beautifully and thoughtfully written. May we all take each day as a gift and a chance to quietly make a difference in a positive way. May we all long for Heaven the way that Theo does – and may we be the type of people that bring a little bit of Heaven to earth.
Absolutely read this book.
Rated: 5 out of 5
Read Author Before: No
Read Author Again: Maybe – this feels so good I kind of don’t want to touch it 🙂
Themes: Faith, Hope, Spiritualness, Selflessness, Kindness
Book Club Worthy – YES, and if I have anything to say about it – it absolutely will be. There is so, so much that would make for great discussion here.
Book Journey 
I hadn’t really noticed this book until I was in B&N and someone picked it up, looked at her friend and said, “I heard this book was good”. Of course then I had to see what book it was. The cover is so unassuming (yes, we do judge a book by it’s cover sometimes). But reading the blurb piqued my interest. And now everywhere I look is someone talking about this book, so… I have a copy coming. Nice review (and another reason to be eager to start this book)
It only recently came on my radar as well ( now – I can picture the movie… 😀 )
I’m always a little cautious around the holidays to take on something that might be hard on me – but this was so beautifully written and if I could picture a world of such people like Theo – such generosity with wanting nothing in return – how much everyone’s (including Theos) lives were enhanced.
Enjoy!