BookLook Review
“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, and the seagull.

She has written more than 40 books and has won many awards including two RITA awards from the Romance Writers of America for Best Regency of the Year.

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.