Review: More Than Just Typical Christmas Fluff
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 24, 2012
Let me start off by saying that, being in the mood to read a Christmas themed story, I came across 'Silent Night' by happenstance, having previously been familiar with neither the series nor the author. When I realized it was an "in-between" filler type novella for an already established set of novels, I became more than a little disappointed, however, that sentiment did not last very long. All the elements came together so artfully, I forgot this was meant to be a short novella, and for an entirely too brief time, had the pleasure of meeting Lady Julia and her rather eccentric family.This was not a traditional mystery, though that was easily overlooked since my preference is for strongly character driven books in lieu of other aspects, anyhow. On that note, I sheepishly admit that I often give a pass to historical fiction with leading female characters for two reasons - first, the women tend to be an unrealistic walking anachronism who generally become obnoxious and annoying in the author's attempt to make them "strong". It often seems contrived and has become extremely off putting to read about a 18th-19th century woman acting like she stepped out of a 21st century gutter. Lady Julia was refreshingly intelligent, her own woman if you will, without being exaggeratedly brash. Secondly, in such novels, the male characterizations inevitably suffer in a perhaps unconscious attempt to make the female leads look better.This author focused on giving us very human, realistic, vivid, intelligent, quirky characters all around, so that everyone came off as strong on the page. With her somewhat humourous writing style and ability to make the reader experience what her characters are feeling, it was the icing on an already sweet cake. I also appreciated that scene with Lady Julia and Rose making the potpourri while the latter told the story of how she came to be a reformed prostitute. It resonated so strongly of hope, that scene alone put me in a Christmas mood.Every so often I will come across a historical so authentic, it pulls the reader into the past. This was one such rare gem, managing to draw me in like few else have, and for all purposes it was the late nineteenth century if only in my mind. This is the mark of an exceptionally gifted writer, and for that alone, it was worth the read. Without a doubt, this is one I will come back to when I need an escape, or when I could do with a reminder as to what the true meaning of keeping Christmas in your heart is really about. In short, (possibly too late for that, though) I've a strong feeling I will be reading the entirety of this series very soon. I did not get my fill of Lady Julia and Brisbane.