During the Christmas Season, many authors seem to desire a place in the many books as offered during that time of the year. Some of these books are extremely good and well-written; however, I do question others. As a result of some of these Christmas Books arriving in our Library, I’ve selected three that may put the reader in the Christmas Spirit.
The first is by Debbie Macomber, a very popular writer with many of our female readers. Her book is entitled DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW, and evidently someone from Hollywood thought it was worth while turning into a television show. Sorry, but I found the book not so hot with weak characters and definitely a weak plot that starts with a “grad” student in San Francisco frantically seeking a car rental to drive to Seattle for a visit with her Mother. Sadly, nothing is available EXCEPT one car that she would have to share with a strange man. OK, it’s Christmas, but no young woman in her right mind would put herself at risk while driving through three states with a perfect stranger. She arrives in Seattle, none the worse for wear, and the male character and she form a bond that possibly continues in San Francisco.
The second book is one written by the outstanding artist, Thomas Kinkade with the assistance of Katherine Spencer, and called the CHRISTMAS ANGEL, a book in the Cape Light series. The premise of this book is entirely believable as are the characters; yes, a “feel good” book, but the reader becomes enchanted with the cast of residents of this seaside town; particularly the mayor, Emily, her husband, Dan, and the Reverend Ben of the local church. The plot begins with Emily on her way to her office, as she notices an addition to the crèche in front of the church. Stopping her car to investigate, she finds a baby of approximately 3 months of age, waiting in the manger for someone to claim her. And very believable happenings continue from that date.
The author, Dorothea Benton Frank is one of my favorite writers; most of her books are set in a stunning area of South Carolina near Charleston. She speaks of the area, the people, their traditions and many idiosyncrasies that evolve. Her book, THE CHRISTMAS PEARL is a completely delightful book; once you start it, it is impossible to put down. The plot traces the life of the Matriarch of a beautiful home in Charleston whose daughter with husband has moved into the home. And at Christmas Time, the grandchildren and greatgrands have joined Ms. Theodora in her home for their holiday celebration.
But with the addition of this dysfunctional family has Ms. Theodora (at 93) wishing for the return to the life as she knew it when she was a child; the celebration of every day mainly due to the combined efforts of her mother and their housekeeper, Pearl, a descendant of the Gullahs in the low tide area of South Carolina. Ms. Theodora details the combined efforts of mother and daughter and housekeeper for the decorations displayed; the cookies and other holiday sweets enjoyed.
Not only is this book a delight to read and enjoy, but it contains many of the recipes of the residents of South Carolina, and one or more will make your holiday amazing!
But the best of all the Christmas literature is the story, THE GIFT OF THE MAGI by O. Henry. This is the tale of a newlywed couple who are limited on funds, but totally extravagant on love. The author writes of the beauty of the young woman with her starring feature, her beautiful long hair. And her husband’s pride and joy of a possession is the pocket watch as given to him by his elderly relative. How these two celebrate Christmas with their gifts to each other is the example of overwhelming and unselfish love and joy, something we can always demonstrate.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND FUN FILLED 2016!
See you in our Library!
“When an old person dies, a Library burns down!”
Karin Gillespie
