It’s a Wonderful Christmas
Author: Jasmine Cresswell, Colleen Collins, Kathleen Long
Copyright: 2007 (344 pages)
Series: Harlequin Special Release
Sensuality: Kisses
Violence: None
An anthology of three stories, each based on a popular Christmas-themed story: A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, and It’s a Wonderful Life. Of the original stories, I’m least familiar with Miracle on 34th Street. However, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of Colleen’s story. Besides the theme of retelling a Christmas classic, the stories had something else in common: three of the main protagonists are employed in the same profession as their fathers, all who had died rather suddenly. Two of the stories are set in modern-day New Jersey and feature protagonists getting a second chance with the person they love. Kathleen Long is the only author that I’ve read before.
“An American Carol” by Jasmine Cresswell
Summary: A New Jersey businessman, Charles D. Brentwood — a descendant of Dickens — finds himself living his famous ancestor’s novel.
Comments: I thought the author did an excellent job, given the format, depicting the transformation of Charles from the miserly businessman back into the man he was before his father died. Charles’s mother, and his relationship with her, could have been fleshed out more, since it was so important to how and why Charles became such a cold and unfeeling person. The author gave Gloria, the under appreciated assistant, more modern worries: illegal alien parents afraid of deportation. Since her parents are illegals, they have no health insurance. And because Charles is such a miser, there is no company health plan.
“Miracle on Bannock Street” by Colleen Collins
Summary: Private investigator Stella Gray, star witness in “Santa Claus”‘s mental competence hearing, is given temporary custody of a troubled boy who is facing being sent to a juvenile facility. Though it seems that Stella enjoys her work, she misses the connection of family, especially once Bobby comes into her life.
Comments: Because of the flexible story line of the original, Miracle can be adapted to any time and place. The author set her story in 1955 Denver, and I think it works well for the story. The ending is a bit corny, but it’s a Christmas story — it’s expected. 
“It’s a Wonderful Night” by Kathleen Long
Summary: Dr. Merri Downey wishes she left Dodge behind her for good, when she had the chance. Matt Riley wishes that too, and is doing what he can to make her go away. Both are shown what would have happened to their lives, and the people of Dodge, had things gone differently.
Comments: This was my favorite. Because of the format, major adjustments had to be made for this adaptation to work. I liked that both Merri and Matt had to see the difference Merri made in everyone’s life. Merri wanted out of Dodge because she didn’t think she could do great things there. Matt, who resented Merri choosing medical school and leaving Dodge over him, still held a grudge against her and never fully appreciated what Merri did for the town. They both make the wish that she had left for good after her father’s funeral. In the end, Merri realizes she is doing great things, and Matt finally lets go of his resentment to see that he still loves Merri. Great read.
Started: 30 November 2007
Finished: 14 December 2007
Enjoyed it!
Rating:
careers
Moonlight and Mistletoe
Author: Louise Allen
Copyright: 2005, Harlequin (296 pages)
Series: Historical #830
Sensuality: Subtle
Violence: nothing significant
Where & When: Regency England; December 1814
Who: Hester Lattimer and Guy Westrope, Earl of Buckland
Summary (back blurb): Local ghost stories would not scare Hester from her new house —- especially not at Christmas! Though her heart told her to trust the mysterious earl, she knew she had to be wary. Even if Guy as not behind the strange events, letting him get too close would inevitably reveal her scandalous past!
Comments: I chose this book because I had enjoyed two other books written by Ms. Allen. Her heroines are usually rational women and her heroes are usually strong without being too Alpha: they aren’t afraid to admit they’ve made a mistake.
Hester is impetuous and kind-hearted young woman. She bought Moon House after seeing it only once, when she passed through the village of Winterbourne St. Swithin. She is determined to make it a home and establish herself respectfully in the neighborhood. Her household consists of Susan, her housemaid; Miss Maria Prudhome, her companion/chaperone; and Jethro Ackland, her teenage butler/groom. They no sooner arrive at their new home when Hester is called upon by the Earl of Buckland
Guy is interested in Moon House. He learned, too late, that it was on the market. He has come to Winterbourne St. Swithin with the hope of persuading the new owner to sell it to him. Hester refuses, of course. Guy won’t tell her why he’s interested in the house, and he is not discouraged by her answer either. He doesn’t get far into his campaign to change her mind when strange things begin to happen at Moon House. Before long, Guy, Hester, and her household are working together to solve the mystery and expose the guilty party. Guy also comes to realize that he’s more interested in courting Hester than trying to persuade her to sell the house. He’s falling in love.
Hester is also attracted to him but is hesitant to encourage it, due to the undeserved smear on her reputation. Guy’s initial reaction to the rumors regarding her past gives her the impression that he believes them instead of trusting in her. Hester refuses to explain the situation to a man who claims to love her one moment, but then doesn’t trust her the next. Guy quickly realizes that he blundered and must convince her he loves her, despite the rumors.
Though the story is set in December, the primary focus is on the mystery and not the holiday season. I thought it was obvious who the guilty party was and how the culprit was getting into the house to cause mischief. The “why” of Guy’s interest in the house, and the motive for “ghostly” activity were easy to guess if you paid attention to the clues. I enjoyed the book. There were some cute moments and Guy could be witty at times.
Favorite Quotes:
“Your clothes must be filthy.”
“My valet sent me out in my second-best housebreaking outfit.”
– Hester, Guy
Guy suppressed a smile. The automatic reaction of the household to any emergency appeared to be to put the kettle on.
– Guy’s observation of Hester’s staff
“I must win some sort of prize for the most wretchedly timed proposal ever. You are cold, shaken, hurt and we are standing in a filthy barn at midnight. I think I must take you home, call again and attempt to do this once more in form.”
– Guy
Started: 13 November 2007
Finished: 30 November 2007
Enjoyed it!
Rating:
feed
