
The Reindeer Keeper
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Sarah Zimmerman
About this listen
Abbey senses something special about the little man tending to the reindeer who, along with a century-old farmhouse, a barn full of animals, and fields abounding in woods and pasture, was a gift to Abbey from a stranger. Abbey and her husband, Steve, move in just before the holidays. They have been together since the '60s, eloping when Steve returned from Vietnam. Now with Abbey’s cancer in remission, they’re looking forward to their boys coming home for Christmas.
Turns out this Christmas proves to be more magical than anticipated as Abbey realizes an understanding never thought possible through the rekindling of a belief rooted in childhood. Of course it's who delivers this gift on Christmas Eve that gives Abbey and Steve the strength to face their greatest challenge.
About the author: Barbara Briggs Ward is the author/illustrator of The Really, Really Hairy Flight of Snarly Sally and Snarly Sally's Garden of ABCs. Her projects include illustrating And Then There Was Hope and The Brain Reigns for the New York State Office of Mental Health. She has been a featured author/illustrator on Mountain Lake PBS in Plattsburgh, New York, and Target's Book Festival in Boston and New York City. She has been published in Highlights for Children, McCall’s, and The Crafts Report. An essay led to a feature in Ladies' Home Journal. Her story, "In Anticipation of Doll Beds", was accepted into the Chicken Soup of the Soul: Christmas Magic, released October 2010.
Suzanne Langelier-Lebeda is an award-winning graphic designer/illustrator. She earned national awards for art and publication design as a coordinator of publications at the State University of Potsdam. Her projects have included illustrations for the National Park Service Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitors Center, Georgia; Renee Fleming Benefit Concert Materials, New York City; Adirondack Life and Country Living Gardener magazines; St. Lawrence University; Clarkson University; and graphic design for the permanent exhibit on History and Traditions at SUNY Potsdam. She is a member of the Adirondack Artists’ Guild in Saranac Lake, New York. In her fine artwork she primarily concentrates on contemplative nature studies that explore intimations in nature by integrating watercolor, drawing, writing, and digital photography.
©2010 Barbara Briggs Ward (P)2020 Barbara Briggs WardListeners also enjoyed...
-
Christmas Bells
- A Novel
- By: Jennifer Chiaverini
- Narrated by: Christina Moore
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1860 the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow family celebrated Christmas at Craigie House, their home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The publication of Longfellow's classic Revolutionary War poem, "Paul Revere's Ride", was less than a month hence, and the country's grave political unrest weighed heavily on his mind. Yet with his beloved wife, Fanny, and their five adored children at his side, the delights of the season prevailed.
-
-
I had a hard time following the story line
- By ypsiabby on 05-27-16
-
Recycled Hope
- By: Linda Drugan
- Narrated by: Kristen Clemmer
- Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Now a middle-aged woman facing inevitable old age, Linda relishes reminiscing about her childhood and what people commonly refers to as the good old days. This is especially prevalent when she gets together with her siblings and their now extended families. On one particular Saturday afternoon’s visit to her mother’s townhouse, which is located on what was once the McDowell’s Farm, Linda is reminded of the events that transpired there when she was just a young girl growing up in the '60s.
-
-
Recycled Hope
- By Deedra on 02-16-21
By: Linda Drugan
-
The Snowman Maker
- By: Barbara Briggs Ward
- Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman
- Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Over the years, Ben and Ellie never had a problem communicating. So when Ben seems distant, Ellie's confused. Her instinct tells her it has something to do with the contents of an old cardboard box his father insisted Ben take before he passed away. With the children grown, Ben's evasiveness adds to Ellie wishing the holidays were over. But it's Christmas—the season of hope and love rekindled—especially when going back to a wondrous place on a winter's night in the old sleigh decorated in pine boughs and silver bells.
-
-
Very Underwhelming Story
- By D. Sugars on 01-08-25
-
Letters from Father Christmas
- By: J. R. R. Tolkien
- Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, John Moffatt, Christian Rodska
- Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Can you imagine writing to Father Christmas and actually getting a reply? Every year, the children of J.R.R. Tolkien would write to Father Christmas, and the letters they received told wonderful stories of his adventures at the North Pole. These humorous tales are brought to life by Derek Jacobi as Father Christmas, John Moffatt as Polar Bear, and Christian Rodska as Ilbereth the Elf, complete with specially composed music.
-
-
A fun little read.
- By James on 06-30-14
By: J. R. R. Tolkien
-
Sleigh Bells Ring
- A Novel
- By: RaeAnne Thayne
- Narrated by: Stacy Gonzalez
- Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Angel’s View Ranch has always been special to Annelise McCade. Once upon a time, it was her family’s land, until her grandfather sold it to billionaire Wallace Sheridan. Now employed as the live-in caretaker, Annie is just trying to make it through the holidays with both her sanity and her niece's and nephew’s faith in the magic of Christmas intact.
-
-
Terrible narration
- By Watson Family on 11-25-21
By: RaeAnne Thayne
-
The Christmas Train
- By: David Baldacci
- Narrated by: Tim Matheson
- Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to L.A. in time for Christmas. Forced to take the train across the country because of a slight "misunderstanding" at airport security, he begins a journey of self-discovery and rude awakenings, mysterious goings-on and thrilling adventures, screwball escapades and holiday magic.
-
-
On A Whim For Fun
- By Patricia B Tripoli on 09-25-07
By: David Baldacci
-
Christmas Bells
- A Novel
- By: Jennifer Chiaverini
- Narrated by: Christina Moore
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1860 the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow family celebrated Christmas at Craigie House, their home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The publication of Longfellow's classic Revolutionary War poem, "Paul Revere's Ride", was less than a month hence, and the country's grave political unrest weighed heavily on his mind. Yet with his beloved wife, Fanny, and their five adored children at his side, the delights of the season prevailed.
-
-
I had a hard time following the story line
- By ypsiabby on 05-27-16
-
Recycled Hope
- By: Linda Drugan
- Narrated by: Kristen Clemmer
- Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Now a middle-aged woman facing inevitable old age, Linda relishes reminiscing about her childhood and what people commonly refers to as the good old days. This is especially prevalent when she gets together with her siblings and their now extended families. On one particular Saturday afternoon’s visit to her mother’s townhouse, which is located on what was once the McDowell’s Farm, Linda is reminded of the events that transpired there when she was just a young girl growing up in the '60s.
-
-
Recycled Hope
- By Deedra on 02-16-21
By: Linda Drugan
-
The Snowman Maker
- By: Barbara Briggs Ward
- Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman
- Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Over the years, Ben and Ellie never had a problem communicating. So when Ben seems distant, Ellie's confused. Her instinct tells her it has something to do with the contents of an old cardboard box his father insisted Ben take before he passed away. With the children grown, Ben's evasiveness adds to Ellie wishing the holidays were over. But it's Christmas—the season of hope and love rekindled—especially when going back to a wondrous place on a winter's night in the old sleigh decorated in pine boughs and silver bells.
-
-
Very Underwhelming Story
- By D. Sugars on 01-08-25
-
Letters from Father Christmas
- By: J. R. R. Tolkien
- Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, John Moffatt, Christian Rodska
- Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Can you imagine writing to Father Christmas and actually getting a reply? Every year, the children of J.R.R. Tolkien would write to Father Christmas, and the letters they received told wonderful stories of his adventures at the North Pole. These humorous tales are brought to life by Derek Jacobi as Father Christmas, John Moffatt as Polar Bear, and Christian Rodska as Ilbereth the Elf, complete with specially composed music.
-
-
A fun little read.
- By James on 06-30-14
By: J. R. R. Tolkien
-
Sleigh Bells Ring
- A Novel
- By: RaeAnne Thayne
- Narrated by: Stacy Gonzalez
- Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Angel’s View Ranch has always been special to Annelise McCade. Once upon a time, it was her family’s land, until her grandfather sold it to billionaire Wallace Sheridan. Now employed as the live-in caretaker, Annie is just trying to make it through the holidays with both her sanity and her niece's and nephew’s faith in the magic of Christmas intact.
-
-
Terrible narration
- By Watson Family on 11-25-21
By: RaeAnne Thayne
-
The Christmas Train
- By: David Baldacci
- Narrated by: Tim Matheson
- Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to L.A. in time for Christmas. Forced to take the train across the country because of a slight "misunderstanding" at airport security, he begins a journey of self-discovery and rude awakenings, mysterious goings-on and thrilling adventures, screwball escapades and holiday magic.
-
-
On A Whim For Fun
- By Patricia B Tripoli on 09-25-07
By: David Baldacci
-
Dear Santa
- A Novel
- By: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Keylor Leigh, Debbie Macomber
- Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling particularly joyful when she returns home to Wenatchee, Washington, for Christmas. The man she thought was “the one” has cheated on her with her best friend, and she feels completely devoid of creativity in her graphic design job. Not even carolers or Christmas cookies can cheer her up - but Lindy’s mother, Ellen, remembers an old tradition that might lift her daughter's spirits.
-
-
One of my favorites
- By C. Parke on 11-18-21
By: Debbie Macomber
-
A Redbird Christmas
- A Novel
- By: Fannie Flagg
- Narrated by: Fannie Flagg
- Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Deep in the southernmost part of Alabama, along the banks of a lazy winding river, lies the sleepy little community known as Lost River, a place that time itself seems to have forgotten. After a startling diagnosis from his doctor, Oswald T. Campbell leaves behind the cold and damp of the oncoming Chicago winter to spend what he believes will be his last Christmas in the warm and welcoming town of Lost River. There he meets the postman who delivers mail by boat, the store owner who nurses a broken heart, the ladies of the Mystic Order of the Royal Polka Dots Secret Society.
-
-
A sad bittersweet story
- By Sara on 12-20-13
By: Fannie Flagg
-
A Christmas Memory
- By: Richard Paul Evans
- Narrated by: Richard Paul Evans
- Length: 3 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It’s 1967, and for young Richard it’s a time of heartbreak and turmoil. Over the span of a few months, his brother, Mark, is killed in Vietnam; his father loses his job and moves the family from California to his grandmother’s abandoned home in Utah; and his parents make the painful decision to separate. With uncertainty rattling every corner of his life, Richard does his best to remain strong—but when he’s run down by bullies at his new school, he meets Mr. Foster, an elderly neighbor who chases off the bullies and invites Richard in for a cup of cocoa.
-
-
Heartfelt memory
- By Diane on 12-06-22
-
The White Christmas Inn
- By: Colleen Wright
- Narrated by: Samantha Desz
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A New England inn seems like the picture-perfect place to spend the holidays. But when a snowstorm shuts the roads and keeps them all inside, the guests find themselves worrying that this Christmas may not be exactly what they dreamed. As the characters’ stories intertwine, they start to find hope where they thought it had been lost. With faith, and a little bit of Christmas magic, the inn - and its inhabitants - might just make it through the holidays after all.
-
-
Wonderful Christmas Fare!
- By sharon on 12-04-18
By: Colleen Wright
-
The Christmas Spirit
- A Novel
- By: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Eliza Foss
- Length: 5 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Peter Armstrong and Hank Colfax are best friends, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Peter, the local pastor who is dedicated to his community, spending time visiting the flock, attending meetings, and, with the holiday season approaching, preparing for the Christmas service and live nativity. As a bartender, Hank serves a much different customer base at his family-owned tavern, including a handful of lonely regulars and the local biker gang. When Peter scoffs that Hank has it easy compared to him, the two decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve.
-
-
I usually love her…but some of this was downright inappropriate
- By Erin & Austin on 12-05-22
By: Debbie Macomber
-
An Ivy Hill Christmas
- Tales from Ivy Hill Novella
- By: Julie Klassen
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Jasicki
- Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill's most prominent family, hasn't been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life - unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.
-
-
An Ivy Hill Christmas
- By andi on 12-06-20
By: Julie Klassen
-
The Winter Horses
- By: Philip Kerr
- Narrated by: James Langton
- Length: 6 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It will soon be another cold winter in the Ukraine. But it's 1941, and things are different this year. Max, the devoted caretaker of an animal preserve, must learn to live with the Nazis who have overtaken this precious land. He must also learn to keep secrets - for there is a girl, Kalinka, who is hiding in the park.
-
-
Beautifully Written and not overdone
- By LCNanny on 11-21-16
By: Philip Kerr
-
The Children's Blizzard
- A Novel
- By: Melanie Benjamin
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The morning of January 12, 1888, was unusually mild, following a punishing cold spell. It was warm enough for the homesteaders of the Dakota Territory to venture out again and for their children to return to school without their heavy coats - leaving them unprepared when disaster struck. At the hour when most prairie schools were letting out for the day, a terrifying, fast-moving blizzard blew in without warning. Schoolteachers as young as 16 were suddenly faced with life-and-death decisions.
-
-
Homesteaders
- By Phyllis Relyea on 01-22-21
By: Melanie Benjamin
-
Falling Stars
- By: Fern Michaels
- Narrated by: Susan Bennett
- Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Emily Ammerman has always felt at home amid the ski runs and slopes of Snowdrift Summit, the Colorado resort her family has operated for decades. Snow is her element, and she doesn’t hesitate when a new client asks her to train him to ski The Plunge, one of Colorado’s most treacherous runs. But Zach Ryder is no regular client. On screen, he’s famous for starring as a daring CIA officer who always saves the day. In real life, he’s just as handsome and charming as his alter ego, though not everyone is impressed.
-
-
So Boring and Sappy:(
- By Lisa on 12-07-23
By: Fern Michaels
-
Once There Were Wolves
- A Novel
- By: Charlotte McConaghy
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Inti Flynn arrives in Scotland with her twin sister, Aggie, to lead a team of biologists tasked with reintroducing fourteen gray wolves into the remote Highlands. She hopes to heal not only the dying landscape, but Aggie, too, unmade by the terrible secrets that drove the sisters out of Alaska. Inti is not the woman she once was, either, changed by the harm she’s witnessed—inflicted by humans on both the wild and each other. Yet as the wolves surprise everyone by thriving, Inti begins to let her guard down, even opening herself up to the possibility of love.
-
-
Takes a dive into dark
- By Linda Ottey on 08-10-21
-
The Clause in Christmas
- A Poppy Creek Novel, Book 1
- By: Rachael Bloome
- Narrated by: E. L. Beckett
- Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cassie Hayward hates Christmas. Especially this year. No job. Flat broke. And an ex most definitely on the naughty list. The unexpected inheritance of a charming Victorian cottage in the small town of Poppy Creek may be the Christmas miracle Cassie needs. Except for one itty-bitty problem: a clause in the will. To inherit the house, Cassie must complete a series of festive tasks every day in December leading up to Christmas. All overseen by the handsome, Christmas-loving lawyer Luke Davis.
-
-
Excellent storytelling
- By Nancy - Phoenix, AZ on 01-06-25
By: Rachael Bloome
-
The Christmas Promise
- By: Richard Paul Evans
- Narrated by: Helene Maksoud
- Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the night of her high school graduation, Richelle Bach’s father gives her and her identical twin sister, Michelle, matching opal necklaces. “These opals look identical,” he tells them, “but the fire inside each is completely unique - just like the two of you.” Indeed, the two sisters couldn’t be more different, and their paths diverge as they embark on adulthood. Years pass, until - at their father’s behest - they both come home for Christmas. What happens then forever damages their relationship, and Richelle vows never to see or speak to her sister again.
-
-
Richelle
- By Kara Lundin on 12-14-21
What listeners say about The Reindeer Keeper
Highly rated for:
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- mlfinch
- 01-03-21
Wonderful Short Story
A wonderful shirt story. Not necessarily a traditional Christmas story. A tear jerker at times.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Traywil
- 01-03-21
Heart warming but predictable
Well written book and narration was good
Read this around the holidays and it certainly has a charm to it.
Was a little too predictable but a worthwhile read ❤️
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Bobbie J. Johnston
- 09-16-21
Reindeer keeper
This was the best book & saddest book I’ve listen too
Really enjoyed the story behind the scene. The preforming voice did an awesome job in telling the story made you feel as through you were right there.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jann
- 12-07-21
Loved it!
I didn’t realize the direction it would take me, I cried and I pondered.
I like the way the author wrapped up the ending.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- 1booklover
- 11-29-22
I loved it
trigger warning. death from cancer. I lost my daughter to cancer. that part was hard
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Nancy
- 01-07-22
Beautiful story but it includes sadness.
I truly enjoyed everything about the Reindeer Keeper. But please note that the story contains the full circle of life.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 08-16-23
Cozy read
This is a sweet story, almost fairytale-like, but also very down-to-earth. Perfect for a winter afternoon. Looking forward to reading to the next stories in the series.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lea Rae Walls
- 12-06-23
like a hallmark movie
The story of death was reality based but the remainder a dream and make believe.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- D. Sugars
- 12-05-23
A Lovely Christmas Story
This was a charming story with both happiness and sadness. But it leaves you with a feeling of warmth.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- kanga2012
- 11-28-20
I am a believer
I hope if you read my review that you are also a believer. If you do, you will love this story. The story gave me joy, made me sad, and made me wish everyone would hear or read it. Thank you Barbara for a heartfelt tale.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful