Merry Ex-Mas

by Sheila Roberts

Christmas in Icicle Falls... Between Yuletide traditions, winter sports and mistletoe hanging everywhere, Christmas is the best time of year in Icicle Falls, Washington. But this year it's not so merry-for three of its residents, anyway.
Cass Wilkes, owner of the Gingerbread Haus bakery, was looking forward to her daughter, Danielle's, wedding...until Dani announced that she wants her father, Cass's ex, to walk her down the aisle. Seriously? And, since every B and B is full, it looks like he, his trophy wife and their yappy little dog will be staying with Cass.
Her friend Charlene Albach arrives at their weekly chick-flick night in shock. She's just seen the ghost of Christmas past: her ex-husband, Richard, who left her a year ago, running off with the hostess from her restaurant, Zelda's, to start a new life (and restaurant) in Seattle. Now the hostess is history and he wants to kiss and make up. Hide the mistletoe!
And bring out the hot buttered rum, because the holidays aren't so easy for Ella O'Brien, either. Ella, who's newly divorced, is still sharing the house with her ex while they wait for the place to sell, and they are still fighting over all the things they fought over when they were married. The love is gone. Isn't it?
But Christmas has a way of working its magic. One of these women is about to rediscover love, another is going to remember what's important in life and the third will find a new dream in the new year. Merry Ex-mas, ladies!
Between Yuletide traditions, winter sports and mistletoe hanging everywhere, Christmas is the best time of year in Icicle Falls, Washington. But this year it's not so merry-for three of its residents, anyway (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I have to honestly tell you, I think this is my first ever story with a Christmas theme. I could not have picked a better place to start than with a story based in Icicle Falls. I have really gotten to like the folks in this town. I like how the author writes what her characters are really thinking on the inside versus how they are acting on the outside. You know, when internally you’re thinking “what the heck” or “no way” or “stick it” but on the outside we are saying “why sure!” or “gee, thanks” or “I’d love to”.

These are fun reads when you want something light that will make you feel good. I’m pretty sure I’m going to hang out in Icicle Falls for many years to come.

Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased opinion.

Publish date: October 30, 2012