Lakeshore Christmas
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs conjures a heartwarming holiday tale of two people looking beyond the disappointments of the past to the promise of the future, in Lakeshore Christmas, the latest installment in the author’s Lakeshore Chronicles series. The book can be read as a continuation of this delightful series, or as a stand-alone novel.
Avalon librarian Maureen Davenport loves Christmas. For her, it’s a magical time of year when everyone seems to come together and people can forget their worries—like the fact that the library is going to be shut down. But this Christmas promises to be more special than usual. This year, Maureen has been given the opportunity to direct Avalon’s annual Christmas pageant. But there is one lump of coal in her stocking—and his name is Eddie Haven.
Eddie Haven hates Christmas. It might have something to do with the fact that he is the former child star of The Christmas Caper—one of the most popular movies ever made and a perennial favorite on TV this time of year. Or it might have something to do with “The Runaway Reindeer,” the song he sang in the film, which continued to haunt him through his ensuing career as a musician. Perhaps it is because he has been dumped three times—once in the midst of proposing—during the season he derisively calls ex-mas. Or maybe it has something to do with the fact that three years ago he barely survived a drunken car crash into the town’s Heart of the Mountains Church and its Nativity scene.
As penance for that crash, Eddie was court-ordered to help out with Avalon’s Christmas pageant. Not only does Maureen want him to help audition the children and cast parts, but she has already told people that Eddie will be performing a new carol that he is writing specifically for the pageant.
Snowballs hit the fan when Maureen and Eddie disagree on just about everything to do with the production—from the decidedly untraditional composition to the casting of the characters. Can two such dissimilar personalities overcome their differences about Christmas and each other to make the pageant a success?
Here's what MotherTalk reviewers are saying about Lakeshore Christmas:
Crazy Dog's Life says: "A prim librarian who maybe isn't so prim after all? A long-haired rebel who maybe isn't quite the rebel everyone thinks he is? An annual pageant, snow and the magic of Christmas. It's a novel that has all the elements of one of my favorite, private pleasures - reading well-written fiction, while curled up on the couch in my PJ's with a cup of coffee."
Daisy Crazy Living says: "Maureen Davenport lives and breathes two things - the library, where she is the librarian, and Christmas. This Christmas season she is so excited about the opportunity to direct the town's annual Christmas pageant...Her only struggle is that her assigned co-directer is Eddie Haven."
She's Becoming Doughmesstic says: "Throughout the story we are introduced to several local townspeople, all with stories of their own. It was such an easy read, and this is the perfect time of year to get a copy. Foodies – you’ll like this feature…They had a cookie exchange in the book, and in the back, you’ll find several great recipes for cookies inspired by the characters. I have yet to try any of them, but so many sound yummy!"
Dragonflies n' Daydreams says: "Susan Wiggs' is one of my MOST favorite authors and her Lakeshore Chronicles series is my fave of hers. When I read her books I feel as if I am in the story. The characters are real to me. That's the kind of books I go for...I want to feel like it's happening, not like I'm just reading it. . . I love a good Christmas book. And this one so far is the best this season."
Simple Inspirations says: "It is a feel good holiday story that anyone who cherishes or dreads the holidays can relate to. . . Throw in the library closing and some blackmail, a desperate fund raiser, a few great side stories full of hope and the mysterious and amazing Jabez who changes them all —> you have a good Sunday afternoon read. It brings the magic of the holidays to life. Two thumbs up and a five star recommendation to anyone who loves a good read."
Five By The Sea says: "Susan Wiggs brings to life each scene and character with vivid description. Each character is beautifully developed with detailed personalities and situations that are completely believable. The interaction between her characters is well thought out and holds the reader’s attention. I could see each character and scene in my mind. I really enjoyed the main characters, Maureen and Eddie, and their struggles to deal with their own personal problems and perceptions. Wiggs clearly portrayed the position of public libraries and their importance to all communities in the past and the present."
Fractured Toy says: "Lakeshore Christmas is author Susan Wiggs latest installment in the Lakeshore Chronicles Series. Ms. Wiggs is a #1 NY Times Bestselling Author and USA Today Bestselling Author that's written yet another delightful book that will land you in the spirit of Christmas. It's a cocoa and fluffy slippers, fireside and dim light kind of story that takes you on holiday. It's the kind of book that you would want to take on the train or plane, home for Christmas."
From Frank to Frivolous says: "I think I would characterize Lakeshore Christmas as the perfect airport or airplane read, and I mean that as a compliment, truly. In my opinion, a successful airport read needs a few key elements: it should be absorbing but not require too much close attention; it should move quickly toward resolution, the sort of book that can be finished in a few flights; and it should meet the reader's expectations. Lakeshore Christmas fits all three bills."
Here We Go Again says: "I was really interested in Maureen's background story. (If I told you what it was, that would be a spoiler.) I didn't feel like it was contrived to add intrigue to the story, but it actually seemed to fit with her character and make sense for being there. I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was a good appetizer for the upcoming holiday season."
Ladybug Soup says: "This book is the latest installment in Wiggs' Lakeshore Series, which I have not read yet, but after reading this book I will definitely be picking a couple up! You don't have to be familiar with the series to enjoy this book either, which is nice for someone who hasn't been introduced to her before. .. This book was great for me to escape into before bedtime....watching the characters grow and come together as a community was very inspiring, especially this time of year. I would highly recommend The Lakeshore Christmas to book lovers everywhere! Susan does a great job at keeping her readers entertained and interested in the characters she creates! I must say, when the story was over I didn't want it to end!"
Life As Lou says: "I love how reading can take you to a different place and time and let you be in someone else’s shoes for a few hours. I love the thrill of vicarious living! Lakeshore Christmas came at such a great time because I just needed a few hours to chill, and this book is perfect for that. It has a little mystery, a little nostalgia, a likable heroine, and a story that is the perfect little escape from the craziness of life at this time of year. It put me in the holiday spirit, and was the kind of story I could read after a long long and feel the stress melt away."
Live, Laugh, Blog says: "This is a wonderfully romantic Christmas book that will keep you captivated from beginning to end. When you put the book down, you’ll be disappointed to not have your Christmas tree decorated and no snow on the ground! It truly helped my week of bed rest fly by and my only disappointment in this book is that it ended so quickly!"
Watch us grow! says: "It took me about 2 pages to be completely swept up into this story. I'm a sucker for a good romance novel, and this one did not disappoint. I found a little bit of myself in each character, their lives weaving in and out of one another. . .Susan has a way of making you believe in angels, Christmas miracles, and love. I found myself alternately laughing and crying, and really not wanting to put the book down!"
Seeryus Mama says: "I enjoyed this book from start to finish! I can’t wait to see what’s to come with Daisy and Juilian (he’s dreamy!). It’s a sweet holiday romance that will touch your heart and get your Christmas spirit kicked into high gear."
Slackermama says: "Despite being part of a series of books, I never once felt like I was picking a story up halfway through. The author did a splendid job of summarizing past stories and getting you comfortable and friendly with the town and it’s inhabitants. Never once did I feel there was a joke I was missing out on, a common problem with reading a book mid-series. This book was an easy, quick and fun read. I was rather disappointed when I was finished because that meant a) I would have to leave these lovely characters behind and b) I now no longer had anything to read before bed!"
My Little Patch of Sunshine says: "I thoroughly enjoyed the story and found it sweet without being cloying. The story kept me turning the page, and I tucked into my bag more than once so I could read while waiting in line or before a meeting."
Redneck Diva says: "I didn't realize until after I finished it that this book is part of the Lakeshore Chronicles series, but I had no problem getting involved with the characters, so it's evident that the story can also be read as a stand-alone novel. I have every intention of looking into more books by the author, Susan Wiggs, and reading the rest of the Lakeshore Chronicles. Next time there's a forecast of snow, go check out this book (or better yet buy it!), pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, grab your favorite blanket, curl up in the window seat and enjoy Lakeshore Christmas."
Boojoos & Aprilcots says: "...But I did walk away feeling warm and fuzzy, nostalgic about my own Christmas pageant experiences throughout the years, and eager to pull out the Christmas decorations and hum a carol or two. So I guess the little Christmas book did its job."
A Nut In A Nutshell says: "I was having a particularly blue day when I started reading Lakeshore Christmas by Susan Wiggs, and it was exactly what I needed. There's something about a holiday story that lifts my spirits, and this was no exception. . .Throw in the simplicity and charm of a small town and a very special angel, and it really does turn out to be a magical Christmas after all."
Blackbelt Mama says: "What is it about small town America that draws us towards it? Is it the simple life that we really all desire, or is it the honest people we imagine living there, or the great sense of fellowship? I find myself drawn to stories set in these small towns, being pulled into a life I think I would enjoy immensely. . . Lakeshore Christmas makes you want to get those decorations out and start baking cookies. Grab a cup of tea and your coziest blanket and enjoy a heartwarming and fulfilling novel!"
A Mom's Take on Things says: "
