As I've mentioned before, I really love holiday stories and so I jumped at the chance to review this book. I actually like all sorts of different kinds of stories at Christmas...I even indulge in quite a bit of Harlequin reading for the holidays. If you've ever had a time period in your life where nothing felt like Christmas, you might understand the value of books that bring the spirit of the holidays to life. Which is to say, that's what I prefer. Stories that are about hope and love and compassion and generosity and miracles and family and friendship.
But I also enjoy a good fun story with lots of laughs and Over the Holidays is a bit more to that side. It's funny and cute and easy to read, but there is a fair bit of crass language and too much on the commerical side of Christmas to make it the perfect Christmas read. But it's a fun one for when you're just starting to anticipate the upcoming holidays.
There's a big cast of characters in the book, and maybe only too many different perspectives. Vanessa and her sister Thea, Vanessa's sister-in-law, Vanessa's niece...well you get the picture.
Basically this book is about how the holidays are hectic, busy, and never quite what you expect. It sort of reminded me of one of those original Lifetime movies. It was fun, but not necessarily my style of Christmas book.
Rating: 3.75/5
Things You Might Want to Know: Lots of language, and some sex
Source of Book: Publisher provided review copy
Publisher: Pocket Books (Simon and Schuster)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Review: Over the Holidays by Sandra Harper
Posted by Amy at 7:34 AM
Labels: Book Reviews
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10 comments:
I like holiday stories too and recommend a series Merline Lovelace did, linked by a travel agency. If I recall correctly, The 14th and Forever, was the first in this series.
Good morning/afternoon/evening Amy :-)
I wish you much luck with your readathon. I have signed up this year for the first time, although I am not reading but cheerleading.
This first hour I am going to orientate myself a bit, check out the blogs participating, hanging out on Twitter and so on. I might sneak in a bit of reading here and there, but my main thing is to cheer so GO! GO! GO!
I really like holiday stories, too! Too early, though. It is only October... :)
Hey, Amy! I hope you're having fun reading!
I'm usually too snarky to enjoy earnest holiday movies and books, but I think I might try adding a few holiday books to my list this year. This book sounds like a good way for me to ease into this genere.
Hope all is going well now that we are into the 5th hour of the Read-a-Thon :) Cheering from Copenhagen, Denmark...
This book sounds good - I think it's too bad the author found it necessary to include language like that in it.
I thought it was a terrific read. Fun, irreverent, witty. So what's with all the complaints about the "bad language?" Only one character, Thea, uses the occasional F-word, and it's in the context of her messed up life. Haven't any of you known someone like that? Get real, people.
Sounds like a light, fun read... and I do adore the cover! The commercialism might get to me, though.
Over the Holidays had a Christian emblem on it at my library. This is not a Christian Book. Would have been a good story without bad language.
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