Another Romance to Celebrate the Season: Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot

Christmas Roses
by Amanda Cabot
Copyright 2012
Revell Books
ISBN: 9780800720049
About the book:
Celia Anderson doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a traveling carpenter finds lodging at her boardinghouse, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle, though, to find roses during a harsh Wyoming winter.

But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .


My Thoughts:
I am a reluctant reader of novellas just because I feel that the characters never have enough time to develop and as such I don't really feel a connection to the story. By the time I start to care what might happen the story is over. Christmas Roses is a novella but I decided to give it a try since I have so enjoyed the holiday books I've read so far this season. Amanda Cabot is a talented writer whose past books I've liked however this story didn't quite keep my attention.

Let's start with the good, I loved the small-town 1880s setting. There's nothing quite like a story set in a close knit community for an escape when you're bombarded with hate and violence in the news everyday. It's nice to think of the good ol' days. I also liked Celia Anderson, our heroine, even though it seemed like she had a bit of an obsession with roses. I kept picturing the 1950s parlor in grandma's house and it gave me a chuckle although I'm certain that wasn't the author's intention. What I didn't care for was the lack of chemistry between Celia and Mark. There weren't really any tender moments between the two and in romance that is an absolute must! There was zero spark and the story just moved way too quickly. It was a sweet story with themes befitting Christmas such as forgiveness and God's plan for people's lives but the love story just didn't  grab me.

If you're looking for a short story to give as a gift or just something to read between wrapping gifts you might enjoy the book. If you're looking for romance I'd recommend Ms. Cabot's Texas Dreams series. All in all this was a decent story but I probably won't be reading it again but I do plan on reading more full length novels by this author and encourage you to check them out if you can.

To learn more about the author visit her WEBSITE.

~ My Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars ~

“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

 *I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

Happy Reading!


Comments

  1. RissiNovember 19, 2012 at 11:56 PM

    I agree with you about novellas, Renee. There is hardly ever enough time to develop characters and the story or prose suffers as a result.

    Christmas reads are quite charming though. Reading one right now also. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)November 20, 2012 at 7:49 PM

      I hope you like the story you're reading! I'll watch for the review. ;-)

      xoxo,
      Renee

      Delete
  2. MJ @ Creative Madness MamaNovember 20, 2012 at 1:22 AM

    I liked this one, but I can see what you mean. I guess I just like any quantity from Amanda Cabot. :) Have you read Liz Curtis Highs novella? That was a whirlwind of a Christmas romance. And now I'm reading Julie Lessman's A Light in the Window, but it counts more then a novella for Christmas since it is also a prequel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)November 20, 2012 at 7:50 PM

      I haven't read Liz's novella but I did read Julie's book and I loved it. Hope you are enjoying it!
      xoxo,
      Renee

      Delete
  3. Tales of WhimsyNovember 20, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    I heart novellas. I bet I would like this. Thanks for the review doll!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 20, 2012 at 11:28 PM

    I would love a chance to win this Christmas book by Amanda Cabot. Thanks!
    Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)November 21, 2012 at 9:17 PM

      Sorry Maxie, no giveaway this time but I do have some in the works so stay tuned!

      xoxo,
      Renee

      Delete
  5. Holly (2 Kids and Tired)November 20, 2012 at 11:48 PM

    Sorry you didn't care for this one, but I can see your reasoning. I loved this one. Maybe it was the day I read it, I don't know! I've gotten to the point that I look forward to the Christmas novellas because I can often read them in one sitting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)November 21, 2012 at 9:17 PM

      Hey, we all like and dislike different things right? I'm so glad that you enjoyed this one. :-)

      xoxo,
      Renee

      Delete
  6. Amanda CabotDecember 10, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    Thanks so much for your review. I learn something from each one, and I'd like to think that knowing what you liked and didn't like will make me a better writer.

    ReplyDelete

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