Customer Reviews

A Capital Holiday

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

"A Capital Holiday" is a good read and an enjoyable "feel good" book. It reminds me, especially the part about the cane, of the original "Miracle on 34th Street" film with Maureen O'Hara. The part about Christmas according to Obediah makes you take another look at the celebration of Christmas. Other than that, it is not a "deep" book, but fun. It is somewhat contrived but, no matter, forget that and you'll have fun with the vivid characters and learn a bit of history at the same time.

Presidential daughter Jocelyn Wakefield grows weary of living in a glass prison. She longs to escape, just once, to wander the tourist attractions of Washington D.C. and drink in the freedom most folks take for granted. Hosting too many state events, and being compared to Jacqueline Kennedy can have that effect. In a sudden burst of inspiration, Jocelyn enlists the aid of her grandmother, an old tunnel once used as part of the Underground Railroad, and transforms herself into an ordinary woman for twenty-four hours. Once she makes good her escape, however, a rather rambunctious dog trips up her plans. Literally.

The man who pulls her to her feet is political column writer Grady Tucker. In a time of the acerbic political humorist, Grady just pokes fun; bringing his targets with wit but without rancor. Yet Jocelyn fears that a representative of the very people she seeks to escape will blow her cover. A helpful passerby that remarkably resembles Santa Claus pauses to assists them. Soon Jocelyn finds herself grudgingly acknowledging her attraction to Grady. Unfortunately, her false identity makes any kind of relationship impossible.

Readers in need of a bit of entertaining fluff will find Janet Dailey's A CAPITAL HOLIDAY a lovely read. While impractical, and in wake of terrorist activities, entirely too dangerous, A CAPITAL HOLIDAY does live up to the need to escape and have fun. Main characters are captivating while secondary characters like the grandma and her butler add special zest. The lively spirit that pervades the novel pays its debt of gratitude when characters acknowledge "Roman Holiday" and "Miracle on 34th Street" for inspiration. Lighthearted and amusing, this comedy sparkles with starry-eyed holiday spirit, coming recommended.

I thought this book was a stupid waste of time ! I did finish it because I thought it would get better. No such luck.. Janet Dailey usually does better than this. Maybe she wasn't feeling so well. The best character was Obediah. I could picture him as santa claus.. He was warm, compassionate and funny. The rest of the characters were limp.I will say though I did feel sorry for Jocelyn Wakefield. I would not like to be in her shoes and thank heavens for Gog.

I am one of Janet's most devoted fans, but unfortunately I have to say that this was a real disappointment. I have read 250 pages so far and I just can't force myself to read any further. I long for the quality of Janet's books such as "Touch the Wind", "Ride the Thunder" and "Nightway". Her expertise lies in romance, horses and ranches. I got the feeling when I was reading this that her heart and soul wasn't in it when it was written. Don't waste your money - it's that bad. Also the spelling on the book cover has me puzzled. Shouldn't it be "Capitol Holiday" since we are speaking of our Nation's capitol?

I've enjoyed the Calder Series and was looking forward to this read. Very disappointing. A chore to get through. Tucker's "aw shucks" attitude was annoying, the rest of the book slow. It took ten pages to get a scraped knee cleaned up! Good White House history tidbits were the only salvation to this novel.

This book is the biggest waste of time in my ten years of reading romance....I was SOOOOOO disappointed. I am a major fan of the Calder series and have read some other Janet Dailey stuff. Based on her previous novels, I take her as a given author and have no problem purchasing her books....I certainly wasted my money on this one......PLEASE, don't bother!!!

After two years as the First Daughter, Jocelyn Wakefield cannot stand being the paragon of behavior that she must be while her father occupies the White House. Needing some breathing room, Jocelyn decides to escape the net of the Secret Service and the even worse trappings of the media circus that reports her every movement down to a sneeze. She plans to spend a day in town as just another Jane Doe American.

With the help of her grandmother, non-Jocelyn escapes her White House prison only to crash into political columnist Grady Tucker, who could easily destroy more than just her day off with a few strokes of his word processor. However, he finds Jocelyn more charming in person than as her father's hostess. Without her retinue of protectors and media maniacs, Grady and Jocelyn find they are attracted to one another. However, talk about the wrong side of the tracks. Can a nationally syndicated political reporter and the daughter of the President find the time, privacy, and trust to allow love to soar like a bird in the sky?

CAPITAL HOLIDAY is an Americanizing modern update of the classic "Roman Holiday" as Janet Dailey entertains the audience with her DC Holiday fluffy but fun story line. Fans of romantic romps will relish this tale because the lead couple seems like genuine individuals. However, with the horrific terrorists' incidents the First Daughter's actions now seem dangerous. Being from the Bronx, having been to the Twins, and having a beloved cousin Marion residing within a few blocks while not knowing how she is doing, I know the fears and anguish. My prayers go out to everyone.

Harriet Klausner

If you are looking for a good afternoon read, this is it. The heroine want to escape her life for a weekend and meets the love of her life while incognito. The story could have used a little more conflict -- since I love gory murder mysteries, what do you expect -- but it's a nice story.

The star of this story is its setting, and the beautifully descriptive way Janet Dailey presented it, almost as a travelogue. Adding to the enjoyment of the story are highly likeable characters, and a charming and magical Santa Claus incarnation. The story was a tad long and drawn out in places, so my only criticism is that it could have been 75 pages shorter. Otherwise, it's lighthearted fun reading, with a lovely insight into Washington DC.

Enjoyable book, with pleasant characters and an enjoyable plot.