I love Christmas - Christmas movies, books, music, everything, so I was excited to read Donita K. Paul's novella, "Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball!" This hardcover book has a beautiful Christmas scene on the cover as well as being a magical Christmas romance. Christmas is a magical time of year, but for some people it is a time of stress and painful memories instead of spending quality time together with family. Cora had difficulty getting into the Christmas spirit and she hated the frenzy of Christmas shopping. Cora had her entire life organized and protected until one day she stumbles upon an interesting bookshop on the even more interesting Sage Street. While browsing for a gift, Cora runs into her boss' boss, Simon in the same shop. Simon, ever so serious and socially lacking Simon, is also shopping for a gift. Both Cora and Simon receive a ticket to an annual Christmas Ball, a ball that is a well-kept secret, but has a unique history and stories associated with it. Neither knew that these tickets would be only the beginning of changes in their lives as through these tickets not only do Simon and Cora spend time together outside of the office, but with Sandy, Simon's sister as well. Cora's sister arrives in town causing chaos and may be the one to disrupt the plan of the ball's organizers if she has her way.
This book is so fun to read and is just a feel-good, magical Christmas story! Sandy's character plays such a vital role throughout the story and with the relationship that grows between Simon and Cora. Sandy and the shop owners are minor characters, but really play huge roles and are really a team working together. Sage Street adds mystery, romance and beautiful imagery throughout the story. I would love to have a Sage Street to walk down, window shop on and enjoy it's treats. It is a place that appears as if it belongs in another era, is uncrowded and filled with beautiful shops with unusual owners and wares. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to get into the Christmas spirit!
* “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”
Thank you for the review, Kristie. I love the way you described Cora having her entire life organized and protected. Most people can see the organization, but don't realize it is one of the ways this wounded young woman protects herself. I suppose working with children at risk gave you additional insight. In my mind, I modeled Sage Street after an unusual shopping mall in Houston that my mother and I would go to. I wonder if it is still there, forty years later. I pray for you and your family to have a blessed Christmas. It should be extra fun with that beautiful daughter adding to your joy.
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