chronicreader96's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was a charming collection of novellas that were super easy to pick up and put down as the feeling suited.
The collection consists of:
- Holly’s holiday (Holly and her elf love to matchmake during Christmas, but when a spy comes to town fate has different plans)
- Carol’s Christmas (a retelling of A Christmas Carol involving a young surgeon in desperate need of guidance)
- Stella’s Star (Stella ends up in an accident that causes her to lose all memory of who she is, she crashes the Christmas of a local family, but something more sinister is lurking nearby)
Unfortunately, I started reading this collection during a difficult time in my life, which very well may have affected my enjoyment of the books. That being said, I loved the unique take of spirits leading couples into romances. It does require some suspension of belief, but it added a lovely magical quality that was just what I needed. These are nice and quick novellas, that are not mentally taxing and can be read easily.
I particularly enjoyed Carol’s Christmas, I loved the take on a classic author in such a modern and unique way. It felt a little cheesy at times, but I didn’t mind that because I was enjoying the journey! I also enjoyed Stella’s Star as it was the first book I’ve ever read involving amnesia! Having recently studied amnesia I found it particularly fun to relate what I’d learnt to this story, even though it was fiction! Overall, I enjoyed this collection and will definitely be reading more books by this author. I wasn’t blown away by any of the stories, but they kept me amused and I liked that I could dip in and out as the mood struck.
I would recommend this collection to fans of paranormal romance and Christmas novellas. I want to thank CB Samet and Voracious Readers Only for allowing me to read a copy of this book so I could give my personal thoughts.
Content Warnings
Minor: Car accident, Gun violence, War, and Violence
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