Book Review: The Christmas Women by Elyse Douglas

Summary:
When 38-year old Trudie Parks learns that her high school drama teacher is seriously ill, she immediately contacts her two best friends in high school, Kristen and Mary Ann. Together, they'd been known as "The Christmas Girls." They'd produced and starred in the annual high school Christmas show, which their teacher, Mrs. Childs, had directed. Determined to show their love for Mrs. Childs, they plan a 20-year reunion to recreate the Christmas show for her. What they don't anticipate is the complicated emotions this provokes, as former sweethearts appear and rekindle romance, painful memories and the sting of unrealized dreams. All three women must reassess their lives and their friendships, while struggling to produce the show, even while Mrs. Childs seems to grow weaker by the day. As Christmas Eve approaches, The Christmas Women prepare for an event that will take them and the audience to the farthest reaches of the human heart and resonate throughout the rest of their lives.
 
Release Date: July 30, 2014
Age Group: Adult
Source: Review copy from author
Reviewed By: Kelli
 
Review:
I've read Elyse Douglas before---her previous book, The Christmas Town was a great read (read my review here).  I was looking forward to The Christmas Women, expecting a good story with great characterization and lots of warm-fuzzy feelings.  And Douglas definitely delivered!

The Christmas Women was such a sweet story.  It really tugged at my heartstrings, and made me laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time).  I loved that the main characters want to honor their teacher in such a huge way.  Speaking of the characters, Douglas did a great job with the characterization.  I loved each main character for their different personalities.  They were realistically flawed and all quite likable.  The cast of characters and their antics was my favorite aspect of this book.

The conflict resolution was perfect for the story.  I liked the way Douglas tied up all of the characters' stories, not in a too-perfect kind of way, but in a realistic yet still happy way. 

The Christmas Women was a great read, and it's sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.  I really enjoyed this sweet story and look forward to reading more from Elyse Douglas.

  

No comments:

Post a Comment

Word verification stinks--- but spammers are worse. Thank you for your patience!