Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella [Hardcover]

Donita K. Paul (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 5, 2010

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?
 
In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.
 
Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.
 
This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Expertly weaving together fantasy, romance and Biblical truths, Donita K. Paul penned the best-selling, fan-favorite DragonKeeper Chronicles series. After retiring early from teaching, she began a second career as an award-winning author and loves serving as a mentor for new writers of all ages. And when she’s not putting pen to paper, Donita makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys spending time with her grandsons, cooking, beading, stamping, and knitting.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1st Printing edition (October 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307458997
• ISBN-13: 978-0307458995
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.9 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (205 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,010,844 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Donita K. Paul retired early from teaching school, but soon got bored! The result: a determination to start a new career. Now she is an award-winning novelist writing Christian Romance and Fantasy. Her website is http://www.donitakpaul.com/author/bio.html.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Charming Story October 23, 2010

By Brenda Casto

Format:Hardcover

A lovely novella with a beautiful cover,a new to me author Donita K. Paul writes a charming story that will definitely put you in the holiday spirit.

When Cora Crowder finds herself needing a book for an uncle's Christmas gift she heads into the Warner,Werner, Wizbotterdad book store. She has no idea that she will wind up on the receiving end of the stores matchmaking scheme to throw her and her boss Simon together.

I loved this book, it had the right balance of romance, fantasy along with a great underlying spiritual message. The characters were fabulous, and I loved the cat.

A delightful Christmas romance that will get you in the holiday spirit,and would be great read anytime of the year. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul December 13, 2010

By Simple Little Home

Format:Hardcover

This was an absolutely adorable book. Loved. It. I have to say, it's not everyday that you read a christian book about magic and wizards! This was a really light read and I finished it in 3 days of bedtime reading - so I could have easily read it in a few hours time if I wasn't sleepy! Perfect light holiday 'warm fuzzies' book.

The character AND plot development, I felt, were both stellar. It was very whimsical and romantic and both the dialogue and storyline flowed well. I even really liked both the cover (beautiful!) and the dust jacket (it just felt nice... and, hey, how many book reviews do YOU read that talk about the dust jacket?)Also, the main character shares the same not-so-common name as my daughter, so that won it a few extra brownie points too. ;-)

So, here's the basic storyline:

When Cora Crowder, who is a relatively new believer, needs a Christmas gift for her uncle, she discovers Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad's bookshop in a part of town that she didn't know existed. While she is there she bumps into her boss, Simon Derrick. Simon is a no-nonsense anti-social type at work, but at home he is a happy, loving, attentive brother to her special needs sister, Sandy.

While they are both in the bookstore the co-owners - father and son - exchange conspiratorial glances and cryptic comments regarding Cora and Simon. The two don't think a lot of the behavior, chalking it up to the owners being somewhat eccentric, and thus go their separate ways. They both discover later that they've each received tickets to The Christmas Ball. That's when strange 'coincidences' start occurring that keep bringing Simon and Cora back together.

And that is where I'll leave you, as I don't want to spoil the ending (I hate it when people do that). I highly recommend this book - two thumbs WAY up. I'll definitely be seeking out Donita K. Paul's other titles for some fun reading in the near future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars cute story! November 17, 2010

By Krazy Kat Lady

Format:Hardcover

This book is a light, easy read that I could have easily finished in one day, but I chose not to rush my reading. The focus in the book is on Cora and Simon's budding romance.

I can honestly say I never expected to read a Christian book that involved wizards and magic! It was very unique in that regards. It didn't bother me at all, just surprised me. The wizardry and magic was not the main focus of the story, but served as a way to get the couple together (fyi, for those who think they might not enjoy the magical aspect of the story).

All of that being said, I found the characters likable and I felt that I got to know them a bit. I really enjoyed Simon's character for being close to his family, especially his sister Sandy.

This book does switch back and forth between Cora and Simon, something I usually dislike, but the author makes it work well in this case. She doesn't switch back too soon. Very well written, kudos to the author!

If you're looking for a sweet, cute and romantic book for the holidays, this book is for you.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.