Review: The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh

Ian Collins is an old man without his son. Patrick Collins is a young boy without his father. On his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather's house. And he wants the dusty wooden soldier in Grandfather's attic--the one he is forbidden to touch.
Set in December of 1943, The Unfinished Gift is the engaging story of a family in need of forgiveness. With simple grace, it reminds us of the small things that affect powerful change in our hearts--a young boy's prayers, a shoe box of love letters, and even a half-carved soldier, long forgotten (summary from cover).

The writing and dialogue is a little choppy, and sometimes I felt like the story was developing at the speed of molasses. But once I become invested in the characters, especially the adorable 8-year-old Patrick, I found I really enjoyed The Unfinished Gift. My heart broke for Patrick as he was confronted with the death of his mother, his grandfather Ian's coldness and his father's absence at Christmastime. Like Katharine Townsend, the young social worker assigned to Patrick's case, I wanted to shake his grandfather and make him see what a special kid Patrick was. But as a stack of letters and an old wooden soldier slowly bring a change to Ian's heart, we see the loneliness and pain behind his cranky facade begin to lessen.

Each character in the book is marked by the loss of a family member, be it mother, wife, or son, but God is still able to bring about healing and reconciliation. This was a message that really resonated with me and made the story more moving. I wish the ending had been a little less simplistic, and some of the characters more fully formed, but I enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to starting the sequel, The Homecoming. I can't say I was moved to tears like the book jacket promised, but it did get me into the Christmas spirit.

Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars. If you're in the mood to curl up with a simply written and uplifting Christmas novel, this is the book for you. It's not flashy or action-packed but it is a sweet story about second chances.

This book was one of my selections for All About {n}'s Holiday Reading Challenge.
 
Source: personal copy

Review: The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig

Reginald “Turnip” Fitzhugh—often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation—has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, “Meet me at Farley Castle”, the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens’ modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate 12-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? And is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella and Turnip’s hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding? (summary from book cover)

I have been a big fan of Lauren Willig's historical romance for a while and the release of The Mischief of the Mistletoe happened to fit in nicely with All About {n}'s Holiday Reading Challenge. While this can be read as a stand-alone Christmas novel, it's much more fun when you have read the previous entries in the Pink Carnation series (six in all, starting with the Secret History of the Pink Carnation). I loved seeing the reappearance of some of my favorite characters from earlier books, like Lord and Lady Pinchingdale and the fearsome Dowager Duchess of Dovedale.

I had never found Turnip Fitzhugh to be a particularly romantic character, but Willig creates a depth that makes him very appealing by the end of the story. As Arabella and Turnip romp through various adventures I was caught up in their story and the setting of Regency era Bath, England. I also enjoyed seeing an appearance by the famous Jane Austen (as an old family friend of Arabella's) and how Willig seemed to capture her smart and comedic take on society.

Rating 5 out of 5 stars. This book reaffirmed Willig's place on my list of favorite authors. Witty and fun, with plenty of chemistry between the two main characters, this was the perfect start to the holiday season! I would highly recommend this for Jane Austen fans or anyone who enjoys a blend of historical romance and comedy.
source: personal copy

Holiday Reading Challenge!

For my first reading challenge, I'm going to be joining All About {n}'s Holiday Reading Challenge. You can find more details and a link to sign up here, but the basic idea is to read 1 to 5 holiday themed books between November 15 and December 31 and post reviews. I am going to try and push myself and read 5 books in that time period (eek!) Here are my current selections, which might change as I go through the challenge:

Santa Clawed by Rita Mae Brown

I'm a big fan of Brown's Mrs. Murphy mysteries so I'm looking forward to reading this Christmas-themed installment about the residents of Crozet, Virginia.

The Gift by Cecelia Ahern  

I received this book as a gift last Christmas but never got around to reading it during the holiday season. I haven't read any other Ahern books so I'm not sure what to expect!

The Mischief of the Misletoe by Lauren Willig

Just in time for this challenge is a new holiday-themed book from one of my favorite authors, which features Jane Austen and a bumbling hero named Turnip Fitzhugh.

The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh

I've heard great things about this book and its follow up,
The Homecoming. The jacket says to have tissues ready so I'm getting prepared for a good cry!

Tinsel: A Search for America's Christmas Present by Hank Stuever

I decided to throw a non-fiction book into the mix with this exploration of modern-day Christmas in Frisco, TX. I have no idea what to expect but am hoping the author doesn't spend the whole time making fun of Southerners!