It's finally starting to feel like Fall. In the mornings I wake up and it's cold out and by afternoon it's sunny and warm again. In the evenings I've been enjoying curling up on the couch with my dog Hazel and an episode or two of The Office
I haven't started listening to Christmas music yet, although that will be coming soon. Instead, I've been partaking in the reading of Christmas fiction. Today's book review of Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson was a pleasure to write because it was a wonderful story to read.
It made me feel good and it helped distract me from all of the craziness going on in the world (The upcoming election, the pandemic, senseless killings). What could be better than that?
She never dreamed her holiday would include her hometown, a dog, or a firefighter.
But a mysterious charm bracelet predicted it all…
Ashley’s supposed to be having the Christmas of her dreams. After four years of working at an upscale jewelry store in Manhattan, she’s finally going to get a little velvet box of her own―from her boyfriend Jeremy, who’s taking her on a romantic trip to Paris. What could go wrong?
Well, everything.
Ashley heads home to Owl Lake instead, falling asleep on the train ride there…and waking up with a beautiful antique charm bracelet on her wrist. Soon, she realizes that each silver charm predicts an event that happens in real life. What does this mean for her and Jeremy…or her and Aidan, her former high school boyfriend, who’s now a local firefighter? Is there still a chance that she could have the perfect Christmas?
My Thoughts
Now, I know this is a little bit obvious to say because this book is being published by Hallmark Publishing, but I could totally see this book as a Hallmark Christmas movie.
In a way, it kind of reminded me of the ABC Family Christmas Movie that my Mom and I are such big fans of: Snowglobe. Not because the plots are in any way similar, but because in each of these stories has a sense of magic to it. You don't know why, but you know that there's something magical going on.
And I love that! But let's go back to the beginning.
Ashley is a twenty something young woman living in New York City, who goes home for the holidays after a sudden break up with her boyfriend. After three years, they realize that they both want different things for their futures. Ashley wants to know that they're headed for marriage, while Jeremy wants to travel and make money and live a life of grandeur.
That leaves Ashley with the decision to either stay with Jeremy and go to Paris for Christmas, or head home to her hometown of Owl Lake and spend the time with her family. On the train ride home, she meets a mysterious stranger who leaves her with a very special gift: an antique charm bracelet.
Ashley is completely flustered by the gift. How could a stranger leave her something so priceless and beautiful? But when she slips the bracelet on her wrist, that's when Christmas truly begins.
I loved Ashley's family. Her Mom and Dad were so sweet and I loved how excited they were by Ashley's surprise visit.
Some other things I loved about this story:
- Owl Lake. It sounded like a really cute, snowy small town.
- Ashley's new dog, Fruitcake (because who doesn't love a romance novel with an awesome dog in it?)
- Aidan. He's Ashley's ex boyfriend and he just might be the one that got away. Ashley keeps finding herself running into him around town. He even winds up saving her a few times. He clearly doesn't trust Ashley in the beginning but as the two open up to each other over town, I felt that they made a really cute match.
- Mya, Ashley's best friend. She was super supportive and helpful to Ashley. All heroines need a helpful best friend to give them good love advice! Haha.
If you're looking for a fresh Christmas romance to get you into the holiday spirit, I highly recommend Christmas Charms. It's a unique story that felt really magical. Maybe even magical enough to become a movie. (I'm looking at you, Hallmark!)
Until next time,
Marian
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