As one of six children growing up on a small Michigan farm in the 1970s, author Janet Defever knew that hard work was part of life on a farm. Boys and girls were equally responsible for work in the barns and fields, but household chores fell only to the girls. The disparity made Defever bitter and resentful, but the grievances of an eleven-year-old were seldom entertained. She envied her friends in town who were allowed to play sports and join the Girl Scouts, but Mom was clear about the differences: Those were things for the town kids; we had work to do.

It was five days before Christmas, and a request for the girls to do the dishes turned into a knock-down-drag-out between sisters—and was overheard by Santa himself. Gifts and candy seemed very unlikely.

Second Chance Christmas is the true story of that Christmas in 1971 and the lesson that unfolded over the following year. Being accepted for exactly who you are will always be a greater gift than anything found beneath a Christmas tree. And sometimes, a tangible reminder of that unconditional acceptance shows up … just when you need it the most.

Illustrator Tajín Robles is an artist living in Traverse City, Michigan. This is his third illustrated children’s book. Find more of his work at TajinRobles.com.