A Versailles Christmas-Tide

"A Versailles Christmas-Tide" by Mary Stuart Boyd is a historical story set in France during the winter, where family relationships and holiday customs take center stage as a family faces difficulties while trying to celebrate Christmas. As the main characters excitedly prepare for their son's happy return from school in Versailles, the unexpected news of his illness, scarlet fever, changes everything, sending them hurrying to Versailles. Their journey is filled with anxiety, but also includes a funny meeting with a clumsy young woman named Placidia, who adds some humor to the tense situation. After this, the family focuses on sharing some Christmas joy with their sick son and another boy in the hospital, mixing themes of care, affection, and the moving spirit of Christmas despite the challenges they face.