Can't Wait Wednesday No. 56: Lost for Words, by Stephanie Butland

Welcome to "Can't Wait Wednesday"!

This is a weekly event hosted by

Tressa @ Wishful Endings, and inspired by "Waiting On Wednesday", which used to be hosted by

 Jill @ Breaking the Spine.

For more information, please click HERE.

As in the previous meme, this one showcases future releases  we book  bloggers 
are eagerly anticipating!!
There's also a Linky widget, so participating blogs can link up!

Here's my choice for this week!

 Lost for Words

Stephanie Butland

Trade Paperback, 352 pages

Bonnier Books, Ltd.

     April 20, 2018      

Bibliophilia, Contemporary Fiction,

Romance,Women's Fiction 

About the Book

 The Lost for Words Bookshop is a compelling, irresistible, and heart-rending novel, perfect for fans of The Storied Life of AJ Fikry and The Little Paris Bookshop. 

 You can trust a book to keep your secret . . .

Loveday Cardew prefers books to people. If you look closely, you might glimpse the first lines of the novels she loves most tattooed on her skin. But there are things she'll never show you.

Fifteen years ago Loveday lost all she knew and loved in one unspeakable night. Now, she finds refuge in the unique little York bookshop where she works.

Everything is about to change for Loveday. Someone knows about her past. Someone is trying to send her a message. And she can't hide any longer.

Lost for Words is a compelling, irresistible and heart-rending novel, with the emotional intensity of The Shock of the Fall and all the charm of The Little Paris Bookshop and 84 Charing Cross Road.

 

Why I can't wait for this one!

OMG.......A book about a BOOKSTORE?! And a BOOKWORM who prefers books to people?! Heck, that was ME during my teens!! Lol. OF COURSE I WANT TO READ THIS. And I'm SO happy that I won't have to wait that long, either! This is one of those adult novels that really sounds more like an "angstsy" YA read.  PLUS I want to see how the romance fits into the story..... 'Nuff said!! 

About the Author

Stephanie Butland is a writer, who is thriving after breast cancer. (She used to say she was a survivor, but that was a bit lacking in joie de vivre.)
Although she’d never have chosen it, her dance with cancer has changed her life in many positive ways. Now she is happier, healthier, and more careful with her precious life and the precious people and things in it.

Her writing career began with her dance with cancer, and now she is  a novelist.

Aside from writing, she works as a speaker and trainer, and she works with charities to help raise awareness and money in the hope that cancer will soon be about as scary as a wart.

She lives in Northumberland, in the northeastern part of England.

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What do you think of my
choice this week? 
Please leave a comment and
let me know!

  

Book Review: Starry Night, by Debbie Macomber

Starry Night
Debbie Macomber
Mass Market Paperback, 331 pages
Ballantine Books, October, 2014
Christmas Fiction, Christmas Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction
Source: Barnes & Noble bookstore

Synopsis: 'Tis the season for romance, second chances, and Christmas cheer with this new novel from Debbie Macomber.
Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge: She can cover any topic she wants, but only if she first scores the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author. 

Living in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a megabestselling memoir about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone in the press, and no one even knows exactly where he lives. 

Digging deep into Finn's past, Carrie develops a theory on his whereabouts. It is the holidays, but her career is at stake, so she forsakes her family celebrations and flies out to snowy Alaska. When she finally finds Finn, she discovers a man both more charismatic and more stubborn than she even expected. And soon she is torn between pursuing the story of a lifetime and following her heart. 

Filled with all the comforts and joys of Christmastime, "Starry Night" is a delightful novel of finding happiness in the most surprising places.

My first Macomber novel was also a Christmas one -- Angels at the Table, which I read in late December of 2013, posting my review in January of 2014. So, when I came across Starry Night at a local Barnes & Noble bookstore, I grabbed it right away! I knew I was in for another great treat! 

Macomber is known as "the official storyteller of Christmas", and well she deserves that title! These two novels I've read were full of joy, humor, romance, and that special warmth that belongs only to this holiday.

In addition to all of the above, the two romantic leads were interesting and easy to like. Carrie Slayton is a journalist, while Finn Dalton is a writer whose memoir, Alone, has propelled him into bookish fame, in spite of which he prefers to remain as reclusive as he can. Both of these characters share a love of writing, in their own separate spheres. However, there are marked differences between them, as Carrie is a city girl, while Finn is the type of guy who thrives on wilderness survival.

At the beginning of the novel, Carrie is chafing at the bit. She's heartily sick and tired of covering society events for her newspaper, the Chicago Herald, yearning to be given more important assignments, such as news stories interviews, and human interest stories. Her editor, however, seems intent on keeping her writing for the society page, and Carrie feels frustrated, as well as unappreciated.

Then comes an unexpected break in the form of a surprising assignment: if, her editor tells her, she can find and interview the elusive Dalton, she will then be able to choose any assignment she wants. So Carrie sets out to find the man -- by going to Alaska.

I loved Carrie's determination in seeking out this author that no other reporter had been able to interview before. She did her investigative work thoroughly, flying out to Seattle, seeking out and hiring a charter plane pilot to take her out to Finn's wilderness home. In order to take on this assignment, though, she unfortunately had to forego spending Thanksgiving with her family, but it was necessary for her to pay this price, if she wanted to get those meatier writing assignments.

I don't know if I would have gone as far as to not spend such an important holiday with my family for the sake of my career. Thankfully, her own family was very supportive of her in this decision, and it was a good thing they were, too, because of how everything worked out in the end! Not only did Carrie move on to a much better job, but she found the love of her life, who was equally supportive of her career.

Finn has been carrying some emotional burdens for most of his life, and they have kept him alienated from not only his mother, but most people, as well. As a result, he has serious trust issues, and totally resents being importuned by a nosy female reporter. The only being he fully trusts is his faithful, wolfish dog, whose rather quirky name is "Hennessey".

How these two finally meet and end up in a romantic relationship makes for some truly delightful reading! Initially there's plenty of friction, but this gradually begins to change. Beneath Finn's deceptively crusty exterior, Carrie discovers a sensitive, caring man who has been badly hurt, but, in spite of that, begins to open up to her. 

These two people were able to create a wonderfully supportive relationship with each other, in spite of their differences. In the process, they totally delighted this reader with the intensity of their love, not only for each other, but for their own unique ways of being themselves. They succeeded in not losing themselves in their relationship, but were able to navigate the tricky balance between enmeshment and independence which is the difficult-to-achieve ideal in any romantic relationship.

This was a whirlwind romance, with cute romantic gestures from Finn, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute! There were also tenderness, passion (although it was controlled, due to Macomber's Christian beliefs) and mutual respect on the part of the two leads. 

The secondary characters were great, as well! I loved Finn's mother, Joan, even though I had a hard time seeing how she could have done what she did, back when Finn was such a young boy. Still, she loved her son, and was desperate to have a relationship with him.

I also loved Carrie's mom. In spite of the fact that she wanted to see her daughter for Thanksgiving, she was nothing if not encouraging as Carrie set out on her mission of finding Finn Dalton.

Sawyer, the pilot who was Finn's closest friend, was interesting, although he wasn't featured often in the novel. I admired his staunch loyalty to Finn.

Although she was funny and mostly supportive of Carrie, her best friend at the newspaper, Sophie, did "put her foot in it" at one point in the plot. She tended to be a bit overprotective of Carrie, and gave her some very negative advice at times. Still, I thought she was a good foil for Carrie, and she really did have her friend's best interests at heart.

I loved the whole "cozyness" of this novel, in spite of the fact that the female protagonist had to go off into the wilds of Alaska. This novel just had all of that wonderful Christmas feeling that includes family ties and close friendships, as well as the inclusion of a serendipitous romance! Also, I loved the title, as it immediately reminded me of the famous Van Gogh painting of the very same title. And it was one special, starry night that the whole romance began, too.

Another huge plus for this book was that it was completely clean, having no sex scenes at all. I thought this was entirely appropriate for a book with a Christmas setting. In addition to this, there was no profanity, either, another huge plus, as I totally detest coming across such words as "the F bomb" in fiction!

The Epilogue is a very funny email Carrie sends to Sophie. It includes an "interview" with Finn in which he and Carrie keep drifting off track, with Carrie trying to be serious and stick to the interview, while Finn keeps teasing her. And Carrie has finally escaped society-page writing!

There's bonus material at the end of the book too -- an interview with the author, several samples of her annual Christmas letters to her family, and a cute, whimsical story titled "Lost and Found in Cedar Cove", about a dog with a very special mission. I greatly enjoyed reading all these extras, as well!

In future, I will make sure to include at least one Macomber Christmas novel every time that most wonderful of holidays rolls around! I know it will help me to enjoy this beautiful season that much more! And this particular novel is definitely one of Macomber's best! Kudos to her! 
MY RATING:

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers, with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Thirteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2017, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include If Not for You (March), Any Dream Will Do (August), and Merry and Bright (October). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published two bestselling cookbooks, an adult coloring book, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved, and five have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series, which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

Macomber owns "The Grey House Café", which also features a gift shop and a Hallmark Gold Crown store inside. It is located in the Village Square campus, which also serves as Debbie’s corporate headquarters.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

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Book Review: Falling for You at Christmas, by Kristin Wallace

Falling For You At Christmas
(Shellwater Key Book 1.75)
Kristin Wallace
Kindle Edition, 137 pages
Write Notions, Inc.
November 7, 2016
Christian Fiction, Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Women's Fiction
Source: Amazon

Synopsis: “I’ve always wanted you, even when I didn’t know your name or who you would turn out to be…I didn’t know that the pregnant woman who came barreling through the lobby would turn my world upside down in a matter of days.”

A Nativity story for the modern day, set in the sleepy town of Shellwater Key, Florida. 

One expectant mother. One gorgeous innkeeper. One Lamb, two Shepherds, and a King. Three days that will change her life forever.  

Pregnant, single, and alone at Christmas, Cassie Stevens decides to take a holiday vacation in Shellwater Key before her baby is born. But then her reservation is lost and she finds there is literally no room left at the inn. Thankfully, single innkeeper, Jared Latham, offers to let Cassie stay with him and his young daughter. She won’t have to sleep in a manger, but being in such close proximity to the gorgeous and caring Jared might be more dangerous to her peace of mind…and heart.

But the magic of the season can change everything. Cassie is suddenly surrounded by a group of friends, who all seem to have names relating to another important birth long ago. And when Christmas Eve brings an unexpected delivery, Cassie will discover that miracles are still possible, even in modern times.

This delightful novella has been another WONDERFUL Christmas read this year! I really connected with and LOVED the characters, whether major or minor. Furthermore, even though I would prefer to spend my Christmases in a cozy cabin up north while snow fell softly outside, I did love the setting of this novel -- a laid-back small town in Florida, which is where I happen to live.

Shellwater Key is a fictional town invented by Kristin Wallace, as she has stated herself. However, it's obviously based on places like the Florida Keys, Naples, Fort Myers, and really, any mellow, slow-paced, beach town in the state. (Not Miami though, which has gradually been turning into a little New York City!)

While reading this short, and utterly engaging story, I temporarily put away my fantasies of a Vermont Christmas, and allowed myself to thoroughly enjoy this Florida one, with the balmy ocean breezes and tight-knit friends and families. The warmth was not only in the weather, but in the welcoming atmosphere of the people and places of Shellwater Key.

Cassie and Jared are such a great couple! Both have been burned in their past romantic relationships, but both are also equally willing to move on and start fresh. This is especially the case with Cassie, who is determined to raise her daughter all by herself, with no help from the disgusting boyfriend who abandoned her as soon as he found out she was pregnant. Nor can she count on help from her own family. Her mother has passed away from breast cancer, and her father's attention is totally focused on his new second wife, who very obviously resents Cassie, and does everything in her power to keep her father from being occupied with his daughter's needs. So Cassie's ebullience and optimism, in spite of her situation, are truly inspiring, and immediately draw Jared's attention. 

Jared is himself an inspiring character. He's totally devoted to his young daughter, Tara, who is herself a total delight. Jared is also a very attractive, decent guy, one who wouldn't dream of doing anything to hurt a woman. Needless to say, he's also funny, and appreciates Cassie's own sense of humor. Also, he's as far from being a condescending misogynist as any guy can be. He's caring and patient with Cassie, and is also a great listener. So where is Shellwater Key again? Lol.

These two terrific characters are surrounded by equally terrific secondary characters. I especially loved the fact that several of them had names directly related to the story of the birth of Jesus. Jared's mother's name, for example, is Mary. Amelia Lamb, one of the guests at the inn, quickly becomes Cassie's friend and gives her wise pregnancy (and love) advice. Her name is just as coincidental as the other names in this quirky, cute, and totally heartwarming Christmas story. There's also Jesus, (pronounced "He-Soos", with "he" as in "hen", and "soos" as in "soothe"). His last name is Velazquez, and he's the father of Gabrielle, the chef at the "Original Inn on the Strip", the place where Cassie has chosen to take her Christmas vacation. This inn is located along the Gulf of Mexico. And there are more characters whose names are related to the first Christmas, such as the Shepherds, and the "King" -- Henry Stuart, owner of an auto dealership and known as "King of the Deal". 

The coincidence with the names is not the only one that reminds the reader of that first Christmas. There's also the very obvious fact that, when Cassie arrives, there's literally no room at the inn, due to a glitch in the inn's computer. Her reservation has been lost in the system somehow. Of course, Jared, the handsome innkeeper, immediately comes to the rescue, offering to share his room, where he lives with his daughter, with Cassie. So it is that Cassie starts feeling like part of his family right away, although she does fight against her feelings. She simply can't believe that a true Christmas miracle could happen for her. She also can't believe how accepting and welcoming these strangers, now turned into friends, are toward her. Everyone makes sure to make her feel at home, whether they're guests at the inn, or locals.

While some might say that this story seems a pretty predictable one, I would affirm that, in spite of that, it's an absolutely absorbing, enchanting one, as well. This is the type of holiday reading that gives me those very much needed warm fuzzies!

This lovely little novel could not be complete without a Nativity play, and it's also very fitting that Cassie suddenly realizes, during the play, that her baby will most likely be her own precious Christmas present....

Reading Falling For You At Christmas will place the sentimental reader (like me!) in danger of shedding some tears of joy, sharing in the laughter, and feeling the spiritual and emotional warmth of this beautiful season. So by all means, fix yourself some hot chocolate, or perhaps a lemonade, if it's hot enough for it, sit back, and allow yourself to enjoy this sweet gem of a holiday treat! Kudos to Ms. Wallace!  

MY RATING:

 Growing up, Kristin devoured books like bags of Dove Dark Chocolate. Her first Golden Book led to Laura Ingalls Wilder, Nancy Drew, Encyclopedia Brown, C.S. Lewis and the Sweet Valley High series. Later, she discovered romance novels and fell in love all over again. It was no surprise, then, that Kristin would one day try her hand at writing them. She writes inspirational romance and women’s fiction filled with love, laughter and a leap of faith. When she’s not writing her next novel, Kristin works as an advertising copywriter for clients that have included the Miami Marlins, Discovery Networks, The Peabody Hotel, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises and Sea World. She also enjoys singing in her church choir and worship team and playing flute in a community orchestra.

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Book Review: A Heart for the Holidays, by Dana Volney

A Heart for the Holidays
Dana Volney
Kindle Edition, 121 pages
Crimson Romance
November 21, 2016
Christmas Fiction, Christmas Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Contemporary Romance,Novella,
Women's Fiction

Synopsis:
Silver Morgenstern had a thriving, meaningful career as a surgeon working for charity organizations in war-torn countries. Then her life changed with one flick of the wrist. Now she's back in Wyoming, serving as an administrator at the local hospital. But shuffling paperwork is nothing compared to saving lives.

Five years ago, Fisher Tibbs founded the successful social program Combat Children's Hunger. Giving back to kids brings a sparkle to his eye, especially after the loss of his own young daughter, but it can't mend the very real fissure in his heart. Ready to see his child again, he's preparing and planning a future for CCH that he won't get to witness.

But when Fisher's application to be removed from the heart transplant list comes across Silver's desk, her next mission is clear: convince him life is worth the fight. But she never expects that the struggle to rescue his heart might just save her own.

What a wonderful, inspiring, romantic read, and so full of the Christmas spirit, too! I wanted to enjoy something quick, yet satisfying, so I could fit in several Christmas books this season. This short novel fit the bill perfectly!

The romantic leads were skillfully and realistically depicted, in spite of the short length involved here. Both were great people, both full of life, and charismatic. Most important of all, they shared one very important value: that of improving and saving people's lives.

Silver has been dealing with the loss of her surgical practice for some time now. Along with that loss has come a restlessness, a sense of emptiness, as she feels she's not making that much of a difference in the world as a hospital administrator. When she learns that a heart patient who is on a transplant waiting list wants his name taken off the list, she decides to investigate, as well as to attempt to convince him to change his mind. Suddenly, she has a purpose again. She is determined to personally make sure that this man stays on that list.

Fisher Tibbs has found meaning in his own life -- to some extent, as he's still mourning the loss of his young daughter. He finds it very rewarding to interact with the children and staff at his charitable organization, which is so needed in the town. He's a well-known and well-respected citizen, but no one is aware of the deep grief that burdens him. Finally, in spite of the rewarding feelings he gets from the CCH, he decides that what he really wants is to allow his life to come to an end.

How Silver goes about her self-imposed mission of saving Fisher's life, and in the process, falling in love with him, as he does with her, is a beautiful story. These are two of the most loving, giving people I've ever come across in romantic fiction! And I was so happy that the author focused on the bigger picture right along with the romance! The reader not only gets a window into the personalities of these two characters, but also into the workings of the organization founded by Fisher, and its positive effects on the children of the town.

In a way this story reminded me of the classic Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life". Not that there is any similarity in the plots of each. The theme, however, is the same: the importance of each human life, and the far-reaching effects of one life on the lives of others. Just as George, in the film, is deterred from committing suicide, and comes to understand how his life has positively impacted the lives of others, so Fisher is deterred from letting his heart fail, and comes to see how his own life has positively affected the lives of all the children who would not have had decent meals were it not for his social program.

I was happy to see that, although there was obviously strong physical attraction between Silver and Fisher, the author did not include any sex scenes -- graphic or otherwise -- in this short novel. Instead, she concentrated on personality dynamics, as well as on the emotional currents between the two leads, as well as on how each handled their own search for ultimate meaning. 

In short, this novel packs quite a bit of idealism, as well as philosophical weight, in only 121 pages, along with the holiday romance! I also like the double meaning in the title -- the physical heart, and the spiritual synonym of the word "compassion".

Short, sweet, clean, and highly inspirational (which is ironic, since Volney does not write Christian romance novels), this is a real Christmas treat! 

     

MY RATING:

 

 Dana Volney lets her imagination roam free in Wyoming, where she writes romance and helps local businesses succeed with her marketing/consulting company. Splitting her time between telling sexy, fast-paced suspense stories and sweet holiday romances, she likes to try new adventures in real life whenever she can (which, let's face it, means tasting all sorts of delicious cuisines). Dana is bold, adventurous, and -- by her own admission -- good with plants, having kept a dwarf lemon tree alive for six months.

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Book Review: The Heart of Christmas, by Mary Balogh, Nicola Cornick, and Courtney Milan

The Heart of Christmas 
Mary Balogh, Nicola Cornick, Courtney Milan
Mass Market Paperback, 
378 pages
HQN Books, Sept. 22, 2009
Anthologies, Christmas Romance, Historical Romance, Holiday Romance, Women's Fiction
Source: Amazon

Synopsis:  
"A Handful of Gold", by Mary Balogh  Not only is Julian Dare dashing and wealthy, but he's the heir to an earldom. So what do you get a man who has everything? Innocent and comely Verity Ewing plans on giving Julian her heart—the most precious gift of all. (Previously published in The Gifts of Christmas Anthology)

"The Season for Suitors" (Tallants, #3.5) by Nicola Cornick  After some close encounters with rakes in which she was nearly compromised, heiress Clara Davenport realizes that she needs some expert advice. And who better for the job than Sebastian Fleet, the most notorious rake in town? But the tutelage doesn't go quite as planned, as both Sebastian and Clara find it difficult to remain objective when it comes to lessons of the heart! (Previously published in Christmas Keepsakes Anthology)

"This Wicked Gift" (Carhart, #0.5) by Courtney Milan
Lavinia Spencer has been saving her hard-earned pennies to provide her family with Christmas dinner. Days before the holiday, her brother is swindled, leaving them owing more than they can ever repay. Until a mysterious benefactor offers to settle the debt. Innocent Lavinia is stunned by what the dashing William White wants in return. Will she exchange a wicked gift for her family's fortune?

I have discovered, in the course of my reading 'career', that anthologies can contain very uneven offerings for the reader. Such is the case here, unfortunately. Thankfully, the first story is by Mary Balogh, who is, in my humble opinion, the incomparable Queen of Regency Romance. Her stories always make me feel ecstatic that I know the English language, as she uses it in beautiful, well-written prose. Her characterizations are no less masterful; her characters are vivid and real, their challenges interesting, as well as heart-rending at times.

The rest of this volume did not quite live up to the standards set by Balogh. The second story, while cute and humorous, did not contain enough of the Christmas spirit to make me happy, while the third was, to be honest, a total disappointment...... 

Balogh has sometimes been criticized for using well-worn tropes and melodramatic plots. Why, then, do I find her fiction so delightful, so utterly compelling? It could be that I don't mind at all having my emotions stirred to the point of tears. And Balogh is very competent at making this reader cry -- at times with heartfelt sorrow, at others with total joy. So what's wrong with that, I ask? But there's more to it than that. Balogh is very skillful at using predictable plots and breathing new life into them, so that they actually become fresh and new. A book penned by her is an automatic buy for me!

This first story is poignant and touching, and yes, it elicited happy tears from me. Verity Ewing is a wonderful protagonist! She does what she needs to do in order to ensure that her little sister has the medicines she so desperately needs. With great hesitation, Verity decides to step over the line, accepting the handsome Julian Dare's invitation to spend Christmas with him in the country -- for a price. 

Disguising her identity, Verity joins Julian and his friend, who has his own woman with him, at the friend's country home. But events do not flow smoothly, as planned, and Verity becomes a sort of "Christmas muse", as she pulls everyone into the Christmas spirit. 

Julian is a wonderful character in his own right. A confirmed rake, he is gradually transformed by Verity's innocent Christmas joy. His habitual cynical outlook on life gives way to the possibility of real love, instead of simply lust.

In the end, these two find true love together, as well as the real meaning of Christmas. Of course, cynics might scoff. And yet, I found this story to be so magical, so utterly wonderful, so full of the true essence of the Christmas spirit, that I don't hesitate to give it FIVE sparkling stars!!

The second story was of a different sort altogether. It was more of a comedy of errors, in a way. Clara and Sebastian -- especially Sebastian -- stumble their way into love in a series of rather comical, yet endearing events that culminate in wedding preparations. 

The funny thing here is that Sebastian staunchly insists that he is not at all ready for marriage, as he has a scandalous reputation as London's biggest rake. Yet, Clara cunningly and lovingly leads him to the realization that he really does love her, that he really can't live without her. 

What I didn't like about this story was that it could have taken place at any time of year. Aside from several references to snow, not much else in the story was related to Christmas. True, one of the characters gave a Christmas ball at one point, but again, there was very little holiday spirit present. I did like the characterizations and humor in the story, but I will give it FOUR stars because of the lack of Christmas spirit in the plot.

The third story was, in my honest opinion, appalling. There was very little mention of Christmas in this one, too.

This story started out in a deceptively cute way. Lavinia Spencer, who is a librarian at her father's small library, has a crush on one of the patrons -- William White, who frequently comes in to borrow books. I thought I was in for a sweet little Christmas romance......NOT. 

When William finds out that Lavinia's brother has foolishly squandered the money Lavinia was saving for Christmas expenses, and thereby incurred a debt for the family, he does something SO disgusting and repulsive, I could not like the character afterward. What he does is to blackmail Lavinia into having sex with him, telling her that, since he has purchased the debt, he will forgive it if she consents.

Now, the thing is, William does have feelings for Lavinia, as she does for him. But what kind of thing is this to do to a woman a man claims to have feelings for? What he does is to humiliate her, to reduce her to a body he uses for his own pleasure. The fact that he is filled with remorse afterward really doesn't matter to me at all. Also irrelevant to me is the further fact that Lavinia KNEW the debt was invalid, and gave herself to him willingly. This made me even angrier. How could she knowingly have allowed herself to be used by this guy she had such a crush on? And after calling him a "blackguard", too!

The rest of this story was a rather pathetic attempt on the author's part to "redeem" William in the eyes of the reader. There are a couple of events that present him acting in an honorable manner. But the damage was done, in my opinion; I simply could NOT like William after that scene with Lavinia. In fact, I HATED him. And adding to my anger was the fact that Lavinia had a very matter-of-fact attitude toward that sordid scene of COERCED sex. She was not outraged. Nor did she feel depressed afterward. She willingly cooperated with William's scheme, even as she knew that she really didn't have to. Apparently, she did it for love, with the intention of making him see that he DID love her. This is totally ABSURD. 

There was nothing related to Christmas in this story, either, beyond the fact that Lavinia was saving up her pennies for the holiday. The sordid beginning of this story was certainly not fitting for a collection of Christmas stories. I never finished this one, as I was much too disgusted to do so. I know, though, the obligatory "happily ever after" was present at the end, because I did peek. UGH.

I would give this story only ONE star, as it was extremely disappointing. Also, it left a VERY bad taste in my mouth, so to speak.

In short, had it not been for the Balogh story, which was the shining exception, I would have given this collection a much lower rating -- probably one or two stars. Furthermore, I really do wish I could pull the Balogh story out and put the second one in a separate volume. As for the last story, I would really LOVE to throw it right in the trash. It certainly doesn't belong in a collection of Christmas stories!

Since the Balogh story has previously been published in two other anthologies, mentioned in the synopsis, I'm going to check them both out and see if either of those collections is better. If one of them is, then I will be donating The Heart of Christmas (which really does NOT represent what the title states) to my local Goodwill store. And then I will buy one of those two other collections!

MY RATING: