A Timeless Holiday Classic Touching the Hearts of Thousands of Readers over the years…
Website: www.SpecialGuestChristmas.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This Christmas celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this beloved holiday classic. The Special Guest, written by Lee Allen and illustrated by Donna Campbell Allen, is a timeless story that still warms the hearts of readers both young and old. The story is perhaps best described by the former National Director of Angel Tree— “Much more than a well-written Christmas story… The Special Guest sprinkles the principles of forgiveness with the wonder of Christmas!” Al Bassett, 1995.
Lee tells how he was inspired to write this special story back in 1992. “It was a gift for my two grade school children at the time. Their mother and I had gone thru a divorce. I wanted to create a story that could show my children the power of forgiveness when these things things…” After reading it to his children and the extended family it went on the shelf.
Then over Christmas 1994, newly remarried to Donna, the two decided to publish Lee’s story. It was agreed Donna, an artist and professional illustrator, would create illustrations for each chapter to set the scene. The book was published in time for Christmas 1995. They distributed the book locally in their hometown of Richmond, displaying it in Ukrop’s Super Markets (thus Food-Krop’s in the story). With 6,500 books sold locally over that holiday, news reached publishers in New York. The Allens decided on the team at Kensington Publishing, who pulled out all the stops to release two hardcover editions nationally, with a printing of 300,000 books. As well, the book was published internationally, including an edition in Japanese.
That same year Hollywood came courting, with major studios showing interest. The Allens would end up agreeing to a CBS movie of the week production. When the story was dramatically changed by the producers, von Zerneck Sertner Films, Lee and Donna agreed to give them “chain of title” while keeping the dramatic rights. Their goal then and now was a full feature film, creating â modern day “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Lee and Donna have released this 30th Anniversary edition as part of starting the movie project in 2025. At the same time, as the proud parents of five grown, married children, and grandparents, currently to five (with more to come), they wanted to dedicate this 30th Anniversary release to the grandkids. Who, by the way, affectionately call them Munia and Bunel (Romanian for grandma and grandpa), after the two oldest grandkids spent time in Romania with their parents assigned there with the State Department.
With the new release of The Special Guest, the Allens invite both new readers and long-time fans. to discover the magic of the season, with a story told from the heart. Print and electronic editions are available in hardcover, paperback and e-book online thru Amazon, Barnes & Noble, along with all other major distributors. As well, an audiobook version is currently available at AMPlify Audiobooks, while released on Audible / other major audiobook platforms over the holidays.
For anyone interested in interviewing the Allens, they can be reached at contact@SpecialGuestChristmas.com. As well, Lee can be reached at (757) 600-1525. The Allens welcome the opportunity to share with audiences the above… how they came to publish The Special Guest.
