My first read for the Holiday Challenge that I joined is
The Gift by
Nora Roberts. This is my first sampling of her work. I am staggered by the sheer number of books this woman has written! Just click on her name above, and you'll see what I mean!
The Gift contains two stories,
Home for Christmas and
All I Want for Christmas. While they're pretty predictable, they're exactly the kind of heartwarming stories I was looking for in a Christmas read. There are even a few recipes to kick it off!
Home for ChristmasJason has been away from his small hometown of Quiet Valley for 10 years, making a living for himself in the journalism world. He decides to come back home, trying to get in touch with his roots, preparing himself for the changes he knew must have taken place. His old girlfriend Faith had gotten married in the meantime, he already knew. What he finds when he gets to town is that she's had a daughter, but is no longer married. Faith has established a living for herself with a doll store, always her dream job. Confronted with Faith's now available state, Jason is in turmoil as all the old feelings come back and wonders if she feels for him. He's captivated by Faith's daughter Clara, and slowly Jason and Faith come to terms with the feelings they still have for each other. There is one last secret of Faith's that they must work through, can Jason forgive her for hiding it from him? (Well of course, because that's what is supposed to happen in a Magic of Christmas story, duh!)
All I want for ChristmasZeke and Zack have been good all year, so they know that Santa just has to give them what they want for Christmas this year. Their request is a tough one, so they're giving Santa extra time to work it out: they want a mom, and not just any mom, but THE MOM! They don't really remember their real mother, she left them and their father when they were tiny, leaving Mac Taylor to raise his twin sons all alone. When music teacher Nell Davis comes to town, the boys believe that Santa has granted their wish, now it all depends on their Dad, and he can fix anything. Mac is hesitant though, all his time has been centered around the boys and giving them the best life possible, and he doesn't want to open them all up to being hurt again. Will he be able to overcome his fears and let Nell into their lives? (I know you're pretty sure he will, again with that Magic of Christmas thing!)
And now it's time for the giveaway! I'm ready to pass my copy on to make a new friend! It is a gently used hardback, dustjacket intact and
Bookcrossing labeled. The only thing is that they had put some sparkly stuff as the ribbon and it's flaking off for some reason, but no actual damage, just wanted to warn you in case that matters! ;) While I would love a journal entry from you on Bookcrossing.com, it's not required, and the book is yours to do with as you please. To enter, just tell me what your favorite Christmas thing is, whether it's a certain cookie or dessert, a certain carol or activity, whatever it is that gets you in the mood. I will choose a winner on Dec. 12th, so I can get it mailed out to you before the big day!
