BookLook Review
“Carla Kelly’s Christmas Collection”
“Carla Kelly’s Christmas Collection”
When author Carla Kelly moved to Utah
we got another state treasure. She’s right up there with the Tabernacle Choir, Arches
National Park
She has written more than 40 books and has won many awards including twoRITA
awards from the Romance Writers of America for Best Regency of the Year.
She has written more than 40 books and has won many awards including two
When I asked Kelly why she wrote a collection of romance
stories about Christmas she replied, “From ‘The Little Match Girl’ to Della in ‘A
Gift of the Magi,' Christmas stories make the season for me. It's a privilege
to write my own, because anything goes at Christmas.”
Her book titled “Carla Kelly’s Christmas Collection”
contains four Regency romance stories that I absolutely loved. I’m not a
romance novel reader so this was an unexpected pleasure. Each story has a
Christmas theme and is just the right length for holiday reading with a cup of
cocoa in front of a cozy fire.
The first story, “The Christmas Ornament”, begins in London
in 1815 as two gentlemen plot to bring their adult children together in
marriage. A socially awkward son who is too wrapped up in academics and an
intelligent daughter who is too well-read to be considered a proper wife, are
an entertaining pair.
“Make a Joyful Noise” reminds the reader that love conquers
all as two people who have suffered greatly find love. Kelly shares her love of
Welsh singers by weaving these musicians into the choir competition.
“An Object of Charity” brings the reader to the coast and
the hardship of those who sail the seas. It is a story of families and
forgiveness and of course romance.
In the opening scene of “The Three Kings”, the reader meets the
English noblewoman Lady Sarah who has been caught in Spain
by the French army. Her bravery and compassion make her a great character and a
true romantic heroine.
This book is appropriate for all the ladies on your list
from young adults to grandmas. Readers will enjoy talking about the stories and
defending their favorite of the four.
Women love to get a book for Christmas because it gives us
an excuse to postpone housework and ignore requests for meals saying, “I’m
enjoying the Christmas book you gave me so much I just can’t put it down.” Don’t ever give a self-help book to a woman
for Christmas – it’s like a mop and a bucket. Give them a sweet, sentimental romance
novel instead.
If you’d like to join me and purchase the majority of your
Christmas gifts from local companies this year, go to the Cedar Fort outlet
store on the west side of I15, at 2373 W. 700 S. Springville Call (801)
489-4084 for hours and more information.
