Jeff Sexton
If Charles Dickens Wrote A Hallmarkie Christmas RomCom. Seriously, this is one of those Christmas Hallmarkie type tales that in its basic set up brings to mind almost a modern version of A Christmas Carol... but as a romcom rather than a "glimpse" based drama. Here, Bailey works her usual comedic genius in the various situations Maggie finds herself in, even if the ultimate outcome (not just the romantic one, but the specific plot one) was rather obvious almost from the moment the "problem" is introduced in the tale. But there again: Hallmarkie. As in, such obvious outcomes are damn near a reason to read the book to begin with - there won't be much unexpected here, and what does show up unexpectedly will be used for either comedy or light drama that won't really go much of anywhere other than to add a few dozen more pages to the tale.
I will note that as someone in tech who actually experienced an unexpected "reduction" earlier this year, this one hit a touch harder than many for me personally - and given the blood bath that tech has been experiencing these last few years, this will likely be the case for many readers. One of the better things here though is that Bailey captures our world so well that one begins to suspect she may have been one of us before beginning her writing career.
Ultimately a feel good Christmas romcom, this is going to be exactly what some people want... and exactly what at least a few others want to avoid. Know thyself and which camp you're in and read (or not) accordingly. :D
Very much recommended.
Originally posted at bookanon.com.
If Charles Dickens Wrote A Hallmarkie Christmas RomCom. Seriously, this is one of those Christmas Hallmarkie type tales that in its basic set up brings to mind almost a modern version of A Christmas Carol... but as a romcom rather than a "glimpse" based drama. Here, Bailey works her usual comedic genius in the various situations Maggie finds herself in, even if the ultimate outcome (not just the romantic one, but the specific plot one) was rather obvious almost from the moment the "problem" is introduced in the tale. But there again: Hallmarkie. As in, such obvious outcomes are damn near a reason to read the book to begin with - there won't be much unexpected here, and what does show up unexpectedly will be used for either comedy or light drama that won't really go much of anywhere other than to add a few dozen more pages to the tale.
I will note that as someone in tech who actually experienced an unexpected "reduction" earlier this year, this one hit a touch harder than many for me personally - and given the blood bath that tech has been experiencing these last few years, this will likely be the case for many readers. One of the better things here though is that Bailey captures our world so well that one begins to suspect she may have been one of us before beginning her writing career.
Ultimately a feel good Christmas romcom, this is going to be exactly what some people want... and exactly what at least a few others want to avoid. Know thyself and which camp you're in and read (or not) accordingly. :D
Very much recommended.
Originally posted at bookanon.com.