The Zebra in the Manger — Karen Hall

Eleanor Hamilton's husband, Drew, had always called Christmas a magical time of year. Now, the tree is decorated, Christmas Eve church bells are tolling, and Drew has not come home. Couldn't the Foreign Office have sent another one of their spies on this dangerous mission? So far, Eleanor has been creative in her explanations to the children, but now her despair threatens to overwhelm her. When her daughter's whimsical story and a friend's legend give her a bit of hope, practical Eleanor must truly believe that Christmas is about the very best magic there is: love.