Review: A sweet Christmas romance with a dash of humour
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 25, 2013
I don’t usually read novellas. I like to get my teeth into lengthy novels of 80k+ and really invest myself in the characters. When the opportunity came up to read Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe though, I couldn’t resist. I was in the mood for some romantic pre-Christmas reading and this novella definitely ticks that box.Lily is immediately likeable. She’s just the right balance of feisty and funny. When Damon arrives in town and sets up shop opposite, Lily’s determination to fight for her business is strong. So strong, in fact, that a number of very amusing scenes follow as she takes on Damon in a humourous version of what could almost be described as Small Town Retailer Survivor.Damon is nothing short of delicious. A sense of humour, a hard working attitude and a sensitivity belied by a past that he keeps quiet about, much to Lily’s frustration.It was an absolute pleasure reading about Lily and Damon, and watching them fall in love with one another. There’s a great support cast in Lily’s friend and co-worker. The plot kept you wanting to read more and the questions around Damon’s past are cleverly interwoven providing just the right amount of mystery and conflict.Overall, a very enjoyable read. And you never know, I might become a convert of novellas if this is the standard I can expect.*I was given a copy of this novella in return for a honest review.