I was reading this mid November and felt it was very timely. I have not felt Christmassy and this year is going to be special. My grand daughter and grandson along with my daughter and son in law are visiting for Christmas and I really need to get into the spirit of things to deal with two lively children! My family is appalled that I gave up on Christmas the moment they all emigrated but I never felt it was worth it for just two of us!!! This book put me right in the mood.
The story revolves around an Inn during Christmas week. The family is in chaos. Kelley and Mitzi who own the inn have had a marital crisis. Mitzi was caught in bed with George (Santa Claus at the Inn for twelve years) and Kelley feels that this is unforgivable. Twelve years and its a Christmas fling! she is now leaving him. On top of that their son is in Afghanistan on his first deployment and tension is high about his safety. There is then Patrick, Kevin and Ava the three step siblings who are having major crisis's of their own all happening exactly at the same time. On top of that their mother the first Mrs Kelley decides to come in to save things and this makes for a very unusual Christmas.
It is not a happily ever after ending actually but it certainly kept my spirits high. The characters were all distinctly individualistic ones, the story line and setting was credible and the warmth of the season crept through the whole book.
Sent to me by Netgalley courtesy of Hodder and Stoughton for an unbiased review.
I'm currently reading The Castaways by this author and it's ok. I thought I would really enjoy the characters who are a bit younger than me, but they just don't appeal to me, other than the one who is a farmer. Never can tell when you pick up a book, some times they don't work, but there is always that chance that it really clicks and it magically transports you into the story. Glad that this book did that for you and Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy her books so I'll add this one to my TBR list. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
ReplyDeleteWow sounds full of drama but good it had some Christmas spirit in there. Christmas will be fabulous with two active children - they always make a difference so glad they are visiting you at that time.
ReplyDeleteThe story continues in Winter Stroll!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like quite a read! I've been wanting to try this author for some time now. I am glad you found some Christmas spirit after reading the book. :-) I am so excited for you that your family will be visiting. It will be a very special Christmas indeed!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds lovely, just what I need to get my Christmas spirit going. Glad you found yours, you will have a very special Christmas with your family!
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