Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Baby, Let It Snow by Beverly Jenkins & Elaine Overton
Contemporary Romance published by Kimani Romance 18 Oct 11
I cannot say no to holiday-themed romances; and given the sheer volume that romance publishers churn out every year, it looks like I’m not the only reader with this affliction. No line in the Harlequin universe is immune to this slathering on of holiday cheer, and this offering from Kimani features romance veteran Jenkins, along with Overton, who has several category romances under her belt.
I’ll Be Home For Christmas by Beverly Jenkins
Dina Caldwell and Morgan Todd grew up next door to each other in the same Detroit neighborhood. She went on to become a major Broadway star, and he’s the hottest celebrity chef in the business. It would be natural that these two beautiful people would fall in love and get engaged. Until Dina gets smacked in the face with a tabloid and photographic evidence of Morgan’s cheating ways. She calls the whole thing off, and four years later she still hasn’t spoken to him. However, his little sister is getting married, and Dina cannot miss the wedding of such a close family friend. She’s just going to have to suck it up and somehow survive the magnetic attraction she has with Morgan. But how well will she resist when she discovers that the bad boy is mending his ways and that he wants her back?
What I tend to really like about Jenkins’ romances are her cast of characters. This story features a wonderful family dynamic, with two close-knit families who are the best of friends. I also think it’s impossible for Jenkins to write a story that doesn’t feature a strong sense of community.
The problem here is that Morgan was a cheater and he broke Dina’s heart. Yes, he apologizes. Yes, he’s mending his ways. However, the whole thing seems to wrap up a little too easily. It’s possible I am a vindictive soul – but I wanted more groveling here. Oh, and having the hero crawl naked through broken glass might have been nice too. But it is a nice reunion story, with a lovely sense of place and a tender holiday feel. For the less vindictive among you, that may be enough.
Grade: C
Second Chance Christmas by Elaine Overton
With both their parents now gone, Diana Rogers and her brother Shawn are left to run the family winery-slash-bed-and-breakfast. Unbeknowst to Diana, Shawn has other plans for his life and has sold his 50% of the business to none other than Robert Fenton.
Robert lived a nomadic childhood, but the happiest years were at the winery – until Diana’s Daddy found out he was boff’ing his baby girl, and before you can say smear campaign, Robert was hitting the road again. Now, several years later, he’s a big honkin’ success in the hotel business, but he’s got one thing on his mind. Yep, revenge. Even though the old goat is dead. How’s that for some typical romance hero logic? Anyway, once he’s back at the winery and sees Diana again? Yeah, revenge begins to take a back seat.
I know some readers cannot tolerate the revenge plot, but it works fairly well here in a shorter format. Robert begins to reevaluate his motives once he sees Diana again and realizes he’s never gotten over her. Also, Diana is a suspicious soul, and isn’t about to play doormat to Robert, who she is convinced is “up to something.”
That being said, I feel like the past isn’t rehashed enough here. What Diana’s Daddy did to Robert was pretty sneaky and underhanded, and the couple never really talks about it. They gloss over it, and given the severity of the nature, I guess I want a big, dramatic scene. Readers do get such a scene, but only after Diana learns the truth about Robert’s original motives and, in true romance heroine logic, runs away. Sigh. But the story had its moments, even though the execution didn’t always work for me.
Grade: C+
These are quick, holiday-themed reads that feature a strong sense of community and family. For readers who don’t want Christmas shoved down their throats, both authors focus more on Thanksgiving, family camaraderie, and throw in snow storms to liven up their climactic finishes. I’ll also admit that being a Michigan girl at heart, I love that both of these stories take place in my home state. Like being home for the holidays but cheaper and less annoying than the airlines.
Overall Grade: C
Summary:
Four wish lists. Two holiday stories. The most wonderful time of the year.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Beverly Jenkins
Three years ago, Broadway star Dina Caldwell and celebrity chef Morgan Todd were passionately in love. Now America’s onetime favorite couple are about to be reunited in Morgan’s Detroit hometown for the holidays. Is this the season for forgiving and forgetting? With sizzling kisses under the mistletoe, Morgan vows to make this a Christmas Dina will never forget!
Second Chance Christmas by Elaine Overton
Diana Rogers is ready for some holiday R & R. Until Robert Fenton comes home for Christmas. The handsome, powerful hotelier has plans to take over her beloved family winery. But this is the season for miracles. And Diana’s seductive ex-lover has his own secret wish list—one that includes a second chance with the woman he’s never stopped loving.
