Comedian and motivational speaker Andrews has crafted a breezy little fantasy reminiscent of It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol.
Our hero, the likable David Ponder, finds himself at a midlife crossroads: events beyond his control have deprived him of money and his job. With a wife and daughter to support, he becomes seriously distraught and contemplates suicide. A car crash precipitates the imaginary (or is it real?) journey that forms the bulk of the book-individual visits with seven historical notables. Each offers our titular "traveler" gifts in the form of written "Decisions for Success," which he then absorbs. For example, Anne Frank's "gift" vividly demonstrates that happiness is a choice. At book's end, there is a strong element of faith, but Andrews uses a light touch. Readable and less sentimental than Richard Paul Evans's The Christmas Box, this will find a ready audience.