A charming little kid who lost her mom. A gorgeous man who's clueless about parenting but will do anything for his niece. A widow who has so much love to give. A small town where everybody knows everyone. A perfect recipe for a holiday read, if you ask me.
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor is the second book in my holiday reading list and it's a quick read. Despite this, Lisa Kleypas did a swell job in introducing her characters. Mark was a man who was fine with a stable relationship, the practical kind of guy who'd go for what he needs instead of what he wants. Maggie, on the other hand, is a naturally loving person but she has tried her hand at marriage and while it wasn't unsuccessful by any means, her husband's death drove her to think that she couldn't afford to give her heart to someone again. Holly, Mark's charming orphan niece, as you'd probably guessed, brings Mark and Maggie together but it's up to them to decide what to do with the attraction.
I loved all three main characters and the other minor ones -- even Shelby, Mark's girlfriend. It wasn't hard to imagine them, especially Holly. I picture a small, beautiful child with a toothy grin and I get choked up.
Mark and Maggie clearly had good chemistry and I liked that the romance wasn't forced. It took sweet time and it was great. It's easy to fall and be carried away with the holiday spirit but they also have a child to consider. I thought that was smart and realistic.
Despite Lisa Kleypas' fame, this is the first time I've read her work. Consider me a fan. I should mention though that this is the first book in the Friday Harbor series but don't let that fool you. It is totally fine if you don't read the next book immediately, no cliffhangers here. This book works as a stand-alone.
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor was also adapted to a Hallmark TV movie. It was called "Christmas Eve with Holly" and it aired in 2012. I did try to watch it via streaming but darn, it was obvious from the start that they changed a lot of details so I didn't finish it. I like the book so much that I just couldn't tolerate the changes.
So yeah. Read the book. It won't disappoint. :)
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OMGOSSSHHH!!! Joy i am so elated you did a review for this little gem by Lisa Kleypas...if you don't know yet i am a huge fan...i practically own an almost complete collection of all her works...the only 2 books i didn't own is the very earliest ones in the 80's hehehe!
ReplyDeletehowever, since this is ur first L.K. this one actually set a very different tone from her usual style. I actually didn't have a great impression when i first read it, coz it was really quite different from her usual style as i've said but when i've read it again from a diff. perspective later on i began to appreciate it even more. Kleypas started out in historical romance genre and lately she has ventured to contemporary romance...her first one was Sugar Daddy (don't let the title fool u though). Also...i think there was short film adaption of this book Christmas as Friday Harbor (in some channel but i forgot!)
I'm soooo glad you loved this, Joy. This book started my love for Lucky Harbor series. I honestly can't get enough. I hope you'll read the rest. :) They're fast reads, funny, sexy and fun. :)
ReplyDeleteAfter being horribly disappointed by 'Let it snow', I've been looking for a holiday-themed book to read next year. Maybe this will be it? (:
ReplyDelete- Love, Felicia
Oh no... You didn't like Let It Snow? :(
ReplyDeleteYeah, this one's good. Or Dash and Lily, maybe?
I want to, Joy! I'm very interested in reading Sam's (the brother) story so I wanna check out the next books.
ReplyDeleteYeah, there was a TV movie but it was disappointing. They changed a lot of details, it looked nothing like the book. I'm so excited to check out other works of Lisa Kleypas. I love how enthusiastic you are about her, Laila. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you discovered Lisa Kleypas, Joy. She is by far, my most favorite romance author. I admit though, this series is my least favorite of hers...I still enjoyed it though and this is definitely a great holiday read! Too bad my copy is in the Philippines :(
ReplyDeleteThat's so good to hear! I'm looking forward to picking up another Kleypas book. :) Thanks so much for visiting, Amir, and I'm glad you're back. :D
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