A review by crafalsk264
The Christmas Room by Catherine Anderson
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Cam McLendon has bought ranch land in the high Montana mountains and along with his 16 year old son (Caleb) and his mother (Maddie) have relocated from California. They are living in a compound of a RV, tents, and sheds until their two houses can be built on the property. After a long day of showing property to potential buyers, he decides to treat himself to dinner at a local cowboy bar. There he meets a beautiful girl named Kirsten Conacher, daughter of the meanest man in the county who has made it an art form to ruin the lives and careers of any man who looks twice at Kirsten. Of course, Cam and Kirsten are soon falling in love.
Their relationship soon comes under stress when Kirsten’s father, Sam, and Maddie, Cam’s mother, become sworn enemies over their children’s liaison. Maddie is also keeping a secret. She has been diagnosed with cancer and because of the deep wounds from her husband’s death of the same disease, she decides to go through her surgery and treatment by herself without telling anyone. As Cam and Kirsten work through their issues, their parents are becoming friends then loving companions. When a serious accident occurs on the Conacher ranch and Cam is severely injured protecting Kirsten, the entire family begins to become closer. All comes together as the Christmas holidays approach.
This is the first of Catherine Anderson’s books, I have read. The book is long but since two romances and a Scrooge-like conversion on Sam’s part it wasn’t too bad. However I do think it could have been considerably shorter. The characters are likable (or become that way). The story lines are complementary. Altogether a good holiday read. Recommend to readers of Christmas romances, contemporary Women’s literature, and family dynamics.