Sandy M’s review of Romancing Rudy Raindear (Secret Santas, Book 3) by Mary Leo
Contemporary Holiday Romance published by Pryde Multimedia 18 Nov 14
I’m a big Erin Quinn fan, so when I came across her holiday story, Kissing Kris Kringle, and then discovered it’s part of a three-book holiday collection – and because I had such fun reading it – I wanted to head back to North Pole, Maine as soon as I could. That poor little town has been suffering from lack of tourists and lack of Christmas cheer and miracles. Suddenly some magic is popping up, targeting three friends who decide to party a bit too hard just before the big day.
Before I get started, I have to say that I somehow got my wires crossed and thought Romancing Rudy Raindear is the second book in the series, but it’s actually the third, with Naughty St. Nick in the middle. But this in no way inhibited my enjoyment when it comes to these characters and their learning all over again what Christmas truly means.
Rudy is back in North Pole, for his own reasons only. Seems he’s involved in a very lucrative real estate deal, which all hinges on him convincing his grandfather to sell the family bakery. Rudy figures since the business is struggling – as most in town are – his grandpa should be ready and willing to get rid of it. But before he can make anything happen, Rudy finds himself on Santa’s naughty list. Apparently the meeting with the man himself wasn’t a dream, and now Rudy is cursed with a red-glowing nose, ala his reindeer namesake, when he utters even the smallest of fibs.
Jenny Bells is also in North Pole on a mission – for Mrs. Claus. See, Sugar Plum’s Bakery makes Santa’s favorite cookie every year, and Rudy’s grandfather can’t find the recipe book his late wife kept hidden throughout the year. So before Santa takes off on his Christmas trek, Jenny needs to locate that book. Running into Rudy isn’t part of the plan, especially when he comes clean about the naughty list. The man learns fast when it comes to that red nose, and they begin to work together to take care of those outside issues, as well as what is growing between them after all these years.
This is another delightful Christmas short story that brings the holiday spirit to life with fun and old-fashioned honesty and loyalty. Jenny is her own woman – who wouldn’t be working for Mrs. Claus – and she doesn’t let Rudy get away with anything. But he knows a good thing when he sees it, especially when he’s wanted that good thing for a number of years. He grabs this sudden opportunity with both hands and doesn’t let go. I really enjoyed the ending with Santa and the memories it evokes for our characters.
Even though Christmas is now upon us, read these books anyway. They’ll bring a smile to your face and put love in your heart.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Rudy Raindear thought he’d left North Pole, Maine in his rear-view mirror. After several years, he’s returned to convince his beloved grandfather to retire and sell his struggling bakery, Sugar Plums–the linchpin in a potentially lucrative real estate deal–great for Rudy, devastating for the town.
But all is not what it seems in this magical Christmas town, especially after Rudy lands on Santa’s Naughty List. Suddenly Rudy’s nose is turning red for the tiniest of white lies and the one girl he wanted to impress, Jenny Bells, is on his case for trying to close Santa’s favorite bakery.
What’s a guy to do?
Start baking and just maybe Rudy can save the bakery, and convince Jenny that sometimes, being a little naughty, is oh-so nice.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
