Dawn Flemington

Sometimes when the same, or very similar bad things, happen to two people, their reactions are totally different. This story is a great example of one man, Haven, who has had some awful festive seasons, turning into a total Grinch. Sander, on the other hand, has had an arguably even worse time, yet he celebrates his heart out and tries to make Christmas special for as many people in need of cheering up as he can. This year, he takes on Haven as a "special project", and I have to say, the stubborn man doesn't make it easy for Sander!

Haven can sure use some Christmas cheer, as miserable as the festive season has been for him in the last two years. He is not expecting anything better this year, and when he gets stranded in a blizzard because his car doesn't start, then gets mugged while he tries to walk home, he knows he's in for it yet again. The thing is – even when Sanders rescues him and is nothing but nice, Haven remains cold and almost nasty. Rather than at least slowly opening up, when he sees one example of the great guy Sander is after the other, he remains grumpy and outright rude. That certainly did not endear him to me!

Sander is determined to make Christmas great, and in an example of the true spirit of Christmas, he makes it, mostly about others. Donating toys to kids in need, supplies and blankets to a shelter and countless other examples made it pretty clear he is a great guy. Even though he doesn't make a lot of money and can hardly afford his apartment, every extra cent goes into Christmas gifts for others. He is also a lot nicer to Haven than the grump deserves, and I have no idea how he kept it up. But there is a secret Sander is hiding, and when the truth comes out, I was close to tears. It makes him even more special to be trying so hard.

If you like stories about Christmas Grinches being taught a lesson to improve their attitude, if you enjoy reading about men who put their all into making Christmas just perfect – for everyone else, and if you're looking for a read with a lot of grumbling, some action, and a thankfully happy ending, then you will probably like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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