A Christmas Scandal
Grade : B

Sometimes I just want to wring characters’ necks for being so stubborn. This was one of those books. I really liked A Christmas Scandal by Jane Goodger, but if the characters just swallowed their pride and were honest, it would have been significantly shorter.

In a previous book, Maggie Pierce met Lord Edward Hollings when he came to America with his friend to marry. They made a symbiotic agreement: he would pretend to court her to keep title-hungry mothers at bay, and his interest would dissuade an unfavorable suitor of Maggie’s. What neither counted on, though, was falling in love – and both of them refused to admit their feelings to another. Now, however, things have changed. Hollings has returned to England, and Maggie’s life is in shambles after her father's embezzlement conviction sent him to prison. Destitute and alone, Maggie and her mother seize the opportunity to visit Maggie’s friend (the heroine of Marry Christmas) in England for an extended house party – to which Edward is invited.

Neither of their feelings have changed, but due to circumstances, misunderstandings, and shielded emotions, neither confess to one another. Maggie also has a secret, one she is haunted by and ashamed of. When she is forced to confront this incident from her past, it could change her future forever.

Edward and Maggie were both compelling characters—flawed, insecure, but ultimately well meaning. Motivations unravel through the course of the book (though perhaps not as subtly and gracefully as others have managed), and though both are frustratingly stubborn, they’re also sympathetic and understandable. The two have a real connection, and their love for each other is palpable. I only wish the first part of their relationship was more detailed in this book. I don’t know how much of a plot line they got in Marry Christmas, but here the beginning of their story is told through flashbacks, which is frustrating to someone who was unfamiliar with the characters. I wanted to experience them first falling in love, but that has already happened by the time this book opens.

The author used a subtle irony that I enjoyed and a number of period details that gave a more complete image of the time, like the primitive and imperfect late Victorian technological innovations of indoor heating and telephones. However, pacing was sometimes a bit off and the writing not as smooth as it could have been. A few plot points felt unnecessary, and some characterizations – particularly that of Maggie’s mother – edged on the ridiculous and TSTL. I couldn’t decide if she was legitimately mentally ill, or just blind to everything around her, but either way the characterization fell awkwardly in the middle, not addressing her potential shattered nerves or perceptions of reality, and showing her just making incredibly stupid choices.

I loved Maggie. I loved Edward. I loved them together. Those who have no patience for misunderstandings and lack of communication may not like this book, but I thought it was a sweet and emotional holiday romance.

Reviewed by Jane Granville
Grade : B

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date : December 10, 2009

Publication Date: 2009

Review Tags: Holiday romance

Recent Comments …

Jane Granville

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
What's your opinion?x
()
x