Review: From "Red Adept Reviews"
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 23, 2011
Plot/Storyline: 5 StarsIf you enjoy romance along with a twist on a classic tale, you won't go wrong with this modern-day interpretation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Daphne, a young woman who has lost her life before her time, must help Nathaniel, a Scrooge-like businessman, find his Christmas spirit.Most of the story takes place in Nathaniel's office. Daphne uses various accoutrements to play the parts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. In between these visions, Nathaniel and Daphne fall in love. However, they can't be together because Daphne only has a few hours in her current body, then must choose another.There was a relative of Nathaniel who is the "Tiny Tim" of this story, but I can't tell more so that it can remain a surprise.  The Bob Cratchitt of this story is a humorous revelation.My only complaint about the book was the rather long, detailed sex scene in the middle. The story was too cute and family friendly to contain it. There was a lot of innuendo leading up to it, so it wasn't the act that surprised so much as the several pages of detail in which it was described. However, I do know that it is expected in a lot of romances, so I won't take any points off for it.Whenever I read Dickens' A Christmas Carol, or see a movie based on it, I always, always cry at the end when Scrooge goes around giving everyone presents. This novel had the same effect on me. I think, in some ways, it tugged even harder on the heart strings because of some complete strangers that Nathaniel finds out about.The ending? Well, all I can say is, "God bless us, every one."Characters: 5 StarsNathaniel was a great Scrooge. He reminded me more of Bill Murray in Scrooged than the one created by Dickens. All of the scenes from Christmases past and present provided plenty of insight to give his character depth and understanding from the reader.Daphne was less well developed, but equally interesting. Most important, the two characters played well off of each other. There was a good mix of chemistry for a believable love affair.Writing Style: 5 StarsThe writing style was pretty straightforward without a lot of bells and whistles, i.e. long, drawn-out descriptions. It made for a fun, easy read, which is just what I want in a holiday novel. The dialogue was exceptionally well done, especially for a romance. One of my turn-offs in romance novels is the cheesy things the characters say to each other. That wasn't found here. Sure, there was some lovey-dovey stuff said, but it didn't go off the deep end into abject corniness.