Reviewed by Cocktails and Books on
JoAnn Ross starts with “Christmas in Shelter Bay,” the story of Cole Douchett and Kelli Carpenter, the story of two lifelong friends who get stuck together for the holidays. Home on leave from the Marines, Cole is at a loss of what direction he wants his life and career to go, but he knows he wants to make up with his former friend Kelli because the previous Christmas ended in an argument. A conspiracy by the town matchmakers leaves the two stuck in the same cabin, and both friends are forced to work through their differences and try to figure out what their relationship will be. Kelli reminds me of one of those old souls who knows exactly what she wants, mainly Cole, and shows a maturity beyond her years to try to get it. Although Cole has feelings for Kelli he fights them for several reasons, and has to determine whether he is better off with her or without her in his life.
“A Seaside Christmas” by Susan Donovan tells the tale of TV producer Nathaniel Ravelle and local business owner Annie Parker, whose story sounds more like a myth. While in town to investigate the local mermaid lore, Nathaniel stumbles into Annie’s shop, and what ensues is a hilarious mix of magic and mayhem. Although both are struck dumb by their instant attraction, their previous relationships and current career goals serve as stumbling blocks. Annie is well known for her short affairs that generally only last through a season, while Nathaniel struggles with his restlessness with both his life and career choices. Both have to overcome their own insecurities to see if their relationship is worth having, but their story will grip you until the end. Add to this as colorful cast of characters, including a mermaid fan club, and you have a Christmas story sure to entertain.
Luann Mclane tells the story of high school sweethearts Clint and Ava in “Mistletoe on Main Street.” Fifteen years have gone by with very little contact between the two former lovebirds because Clint lived in California and never kept in touch with Ava, but he is back and ready to reconnect with the one he loves. His plan to woo her is touching, and his reasons for staying away for so long will make your heart break for him. Ava seems like the kind of girl you would want to be friends with, and you can’t help but want the best for her. The two try to muddle through past hurt and previous mistakes to see if their love is worth saving.
“The Christmas Gift” by Alexis Morgan, tells the story of a reclusive artist who has lost his gift and a colorful baker in a small town outside Seattle. Seth Kyser is in Snowberry Creek to take a much needed vacation after his artistic muse seems to be gone. All he wants is to reclaim his talent, but what he finds is Bridey, the local bakery owner. He desperately needs a friend away from the artistic world, and you can really feel his yearning for some normalcy as he connects with someone else. Bridey understands that desire for something more, having stepped down from her fast paced prestigious restaurant career for the slower pace of Snowberry Creek, but she is unaware that the guy she believed to be unemployed is not so. The only issue I had was the fact that he did not disclose his identity to Bridey until almost too late because of his own insecurities and his lack of trust in a woman who had proven herself to him several times already. Despite that, it was a book sure to brighten the holiday spirits.
Reviewed by Lucy for Cocktails and Books
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- 12 October, 2013: Reviewed