Tag: Christmas Novel

ECONOGAL > Christmas Novel
Posted on by Econogal

Sweet Romance

Cover of novel Snow Kissed by Rae Anne Thayne with a snow covered scene depicting a couple walking toward a home flanked by snow laden evergreensSnow Kissed by Rae Anne Thane is a newly released Christmas romance. The sweet love story is perfect reading for the holidays. The book is part of the Shelter Springs series yet works well as a stand-alone novel.

Holly Moore and Ryan Caldwell cross paths during a hectic December. Each living a life too full for relationships. Then romance catches them by surprise.

Single Mom Holly Moore

Holly is a divorcee, a small business owner and most important of all, single mom to Lydia. Five-year-old Lydia is a bubbling, outgoing special needs child surrounded by loving family and friends.

Holly harbors no ill will towards her ex. She just wishes he would take a bigger role in his daughter’s life. The rest of her family is not as magnanimous.

Ryan Caldwell

Ryan is a career military helicopter pilot. And a confirmed bachelor.  He is in Shelter Springs to care for his thirteen-year-old niece Audrey, while her mom Kim is in rehab after an accident. His loyalty to Kim stems from the loss of their mother when they were both young teens.

However, he must also interact with his estranged father who lives in nearby Haven Point with his second wife Diane, who broke both an arm and leg in the accident. Ryan genuinely likes Diane but has no desire to be around his father. Most importantly, he must care for Audrey.

Snow Kissed Romance

Holly and Ryan make a deal to help each other. Holly needs a date to a wedding she must attend since Lydia is the flower girl in her dad’s sister’s wedding. And Ryan needs help making Christmas bright for his niece and sister.

Idaho weather makes a romantic backdrop for the growing attraction between the pair. Snow kissed nights of family-oriented outings allow the attraction to grow. Naturally, both fight their feelings because a long-distance relationship is not easy.

Recommendation for Snow Kissed

I really enjoyed this sweet romance. This is the first Rae Anne Thayne novel I have read. The story is uplifting, the characters all show growth and the writing is suitable for teenagers to grandmothers. Furthermore, the book would be perfect in a Christmas stocking. Find a copy and enjoy!

Bright Lights, Big Christmas Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Christmas Time in the City

Cover of Bright Lights, Big City novel featuring outline of city buildings and a string of Christmas lights as a backdrop to title and author name.I found Mary Kay Andrews’ Bright Lights, Big Christmas on the new release table at my local library. The book is perfect for getting one in the mood for Christmas. A heart-warming story of friendship and new love, you won’t want to put it down. In fact, I read it cover to cover even though I started the novel just after supper.

Setting for Bright Lights, Big Christmas

The novel takes place in New York City, specifically the West Village. Each year for decades, the Tolliver family from North Carolina sells their Christmas trees in the same spot. Fixtures of the neighborhood from the Saturday after Thanksgiving until the trees are gone.

However, this year there is a late start. Old Jock Tolliver is ill. His somewhat estranged daughter, Kerry, is roped into helping her older brother. Her brother Murphy is like a stranger. Both are casualties of divorce, each raised by a different parent. However, Kerry and Murphy grudgingly form a bond in a neighborhood known for creating ties. Much of the story focuses on the pair discovering the talents of the other.

Storyline and Characters

Multiple challenges complicate this year’s sales. In addition to the late start, competition has moved in bringing pitfalls. But as the siblings overcome the obstacles thrown their way, they also forge new bonds.

Key to the story are the many residents of the street. Most know Murphy and befriend Kerry as well. Another thread to the tale is the budding relationship of Kerry and divorcee Patrick. He and ex-wife Gretchen move in and out of their flat while young son Austin stays put. Thus, providing stability for the precocious kid.

The final piece is the mysterious Heinz. Scruffy and possibly homeless, Heinz captures the devotion of Austin and the respect of Kerry. The cantankerous old man constructively critiques her artwork, pushing her to improve. Heinz disappears and everyone in the neighborhood contributes to the search.

Feel Good Novel

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is an uplifting novel perfect for reading during the Christmas season. Caring characters serve as a reminder the importance of family and friends. Andrews skill weaving plot and persona results in a page-turning novel sure to please both her long-time fans and those just discovering her writing. I highly recommend Bright Lights, Big Christmas.