Friday, November 20, 2009

An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson


Holiday 2009 Reading Challenge Book One

An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson


Its the early 60's and our story begins with Colleen, whose life is spinning out of control. She just lost her husband, and her relationship with her young adult son Jamie is crumbling. Should she confess to him the secret that has been haunting her for twenty years? It will change everything if she does. Jamie on the other hand has been hiding a few secrets of his own. For two years he has been faking going to college, even faked a graduation and has spent all his tuition money on music lessons and trying to start a band. After the death of his father Jamie is back home helping his mom tie up some lose strings. At a loss for where he’s at in life or if he should confess to his mom about school, President Kennedy is shot and it causes him to take a big look at his life. When he announces his plans to join the military, Colleen is scared and furious; she decides it's time for the two of them to take a trip together--to Ireland. The truth they discover there could fulfill both their dreams in a way neither ever thought possible.

Well.....if I could bottle this book in a can Id call it "Irish Fluff-n-luff". It was a fast and easy read, full of sap and happiness that every holiday book should have. I had fun reading this cute story told from Colleen and Jamie’s perspectives. The writing was very simple and had that Hallmark Movie feel to it.........the story had some drama but everything was very predictable. I didn’t like Jamie at first but once he stopped being a lying weasel and found himself taking responsibility for his life and actually finding a purpose I found myself liking him a bit more. There were some interesting facts about Ireland that I learned and someday before I die I will go see this beautiful country!!

For being a fluffy Christmas story the book had some serious issues in it, lying, deceit, (having so much money I can do anything I want) forbidden and lost love.......Although seriousness aside everything was knit together so perfectly it made the serious issues seem like a joke. I found the style of this book not something I would read on regular basis but for a nice hour of sipping my tea it was fine.

2.5/5 Fiction-Christmas, Family Drama
To sign up for the Holiday Challenge visit All About {N}

6 comments:

  1. For some reason, I love reading/watching anything about Ireland. And it's about Christmas too! This needs to be in my TBR pile. Great review. :)

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  2. Great review. I might just have to check it out.

    ♥Nely

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  3. Good review. I like how you balanced out the pros and cons of the book. It makes me excited to start my challenge books!

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  4. Alyssa Kirk @ Teens Read and WriteNovember 21, 2009 at 2:22 AM

    Sounds cute but (even though I'm Irish) I probably don't have time for this one. I'll just have to enjoy your review!

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  5. Christmas is a good time to read books that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and this sounds like one of those books. Good review.

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  6. Great review...I think I'll pass on this one due to your review!

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