30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Three tales of romance, holiday cheer, and second chances, December 23, 2005
What's better than a tale filled with romance, holiday cheer, and second chances? Three of them.
In Jane Green's "Vacation," Sarah Evans faces the reality that at 36 her life is not even close to what she had envisioned. After eight years of marriage, two children, and relocating from Manhattan to the suburbs, she has lost some of her spark. And she's no longer attracted to her husband Eddie, who has transformed from studly to sloppy, works long hours, and barely interacts with the family when he's at home. When Eddie's job sends him to Chicago, Sarah decides it's time for a trial separation. Being on her own brings its rewards, as she gets a new job, indulges in a long-overdue makeover, and spends time with her kids. But Sarah comes to realize that she misses Eddie, who has been experiencing some changes of his own. Soon Christmas is fast approaching, and it seems that this year Sarah and Eddie just might be hoping for the same thing.
A first wife, a second wife, the man in the middle, and two graduates of Vilma Veeter's Bitchcraft Class make for an entertaining read in Jennifer Coburn's "The Second Wife of Reilly." When Sarah fell in love with Reilly O'Shaugnessay, she had no idea that six months after their marriage she would go off the deep end. Convinced that Reilly's former wife Prudence is going to make a play for him, Sarah devises a plan to find her husband's ex a man of her own. After all, she reasons, it's the holiday season and everyone deserves a happy ending. Sarah joins forces with her best friend and a new acquaintance to accomplish the task. What she never expects is that her life will be changed by one of Prudence's perspective suitors.
Liz Ireland proves you can always go home again in "Mistletoe and Holly" but that it might not be what you're expecting. Every December, Holly Ellis thinks, "This is the year I won't be on the fringes." Holly has always felt inadequate when compared to her older brother and younger sister, and it's only more acute during her family's picture-perfect "Norman Rockwell" Christmas extravaganzas. This year, though, instead of showing up with her best friend, Isaac, Holly arrives at her parents' home with her new boyfriend, Jason, in tow --- a gorgeous, successful man she's certain will validate her standing in the family.
But instead of the over-the-top festivities she's promised him (and has often ridiculed), the house is devoid of decorations, her brother's marriage has broken up, and her mother makes a surprising announcement. Worst of all, there's no mistletoe to serve as the backdrop for a romantic moment with her beau. As Holly tries to process the unexpected changes, it's not Jason she turns to for comfort. Her holiday sweetheart is none other than Isaac...and he even comes with his own mistletoe.
For the characters in these three engaging stories, this Christmas brings a bevy of surprises --- romantic and otherwise. For readers, THIS CHRISTMAS brings a trio of tales that will resonate long after the eggnog is gone and the gifts have been opened.
--- Reviewed by Shannon McKenna
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Best short story collection that I have ever read!, December 13, 2005
I am not a big fan of short story collections, I have read quite a few in the past and have never been too impressed with any of them but for some reason I still feel compelled to purchase them in hope that "this one will be different". Well `THIS CHRISTMAS' was definitely different! This is the best short story collection that I have ever read hands down. Each story put a smile on my face and kept me totally enthralled. I like that there were only three stories to this collection so I was able to actually care about these characters and what happened to them. My favorite story was `MISTLETOE AND HOLLY' by Liz Ireland, this story which was the longest of the three was smart, funny and heartwarming. `THIS CHRISTMAS' is a definite must read to get you going for the holiday season!
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
three well written comedic family dramas, October 25, 2005
"Vacation" by Jane Green. Manhattan realtor Sarah feels her spouse Eddie is a stranger even after eight years together and two children. She rarely remembers the happy moments that they shared as she believes their two children who she loves have nuked their relationship. At the same time Eddie finds his self-esteem on empty. Deciding to separate, this looks like the last Christmas that Sarah and Eddie will remain married barring a Yuletide miracle.
"The Second Wife of Reilly" by Jennifer Coburn. When Prudence went to Ann Arbor for a reunion she had a weekend fling with her college lover and ended her marriage to Reilly, but feeling guilty as her husband did nothing wrong, she searches for a new spouse for him. Six months later second wife Sarah decides to insure wacky Prudence stays out of their lives by turning the tables and searching for a husband for the first wife.
"Mistletoe and Holly" by Liz Ireland. Holly loves spending Christmas with her family, but afterward feels lonely as her two sisters and brother always have someone with them before, during, and after. This year Holly takes Jason with her, but as the days go by she has doubts as he fits in very nicely with her picture perfect family while she does not and even under the mistletoe her mind wanders back to work.
These are three well written comedic family dramas that are fun frolics for sub-genre readers; however any vacation time could have been the setting as the Christmas holiday gala is not essential to these three fine novellas.
Harriet Klausner
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