Christmas Wishes and Holiday Kisses

Eliza is an angel on a mission! She has been promised that if she can successfully complete this one last assignment that she would be reunited with her parents on the other side of heaven. All she has to do is convince widower Jason Abbott that she will be a competent caregiver for his daughter Angel and his terminally ill mother, Vera. There’s only one catch with this job - Eliza cannot become personally involved with Jason at all, or she will lose her chance to be with her parents forever. Of course with “The Big Guy” on her side, Eliza has no problem charming her way into employment with the Abbotts and she quickly grows to love the entire family. As for Jason, although he is still tormented with grief about his late wife, he feels an undeniably strong attraction to Eliza, and his mother Vera is determined to make Eliza her new daughter-in-law before her passing. With her angelic supervisor Glory’s constant reminders about the need to resist Jason, Eliza fiercely tries to resist any romantic involvement with Jason. There’s only one problem! Aren’t angels supposed to grant CHRISTMAS WISHES AND HOLIDAY KISSES?

Wow! Ms. McDonough has written an absolutely marvelous enchanting holiday tale that bears reading year-round. This reviewer alternately laughed and cried during the reading of this tale and was on tenterhooks trying to figure out just how Ms. McDonough would resolve the conflict presented at the very beginning of the story. Not to worry, though, because the ending was even more satisfying than this reviewer had hoped for. Ms. McDonough has rendered her story telling including heavenly visitors most plausible without being sanctimonious or cloying. This story is sweet but has enough spice in it to liven it up. Eliza’s cooking lessons with Vera hold a hint of hilarity that make Vera’s impending demise bearable and not overly weighty. The surprising revelations that come throughout the story make it enthralling as well. Even non-believers may find themselves wondering if these heavenly beings truly exist because Ms. McDonough’s storyline is so realistic in its rendition. Jason was an extremely sympathetic character and many readers will find themselves wanting to extend the comfort this wonderful man is in need of. Bravo, Ms. McDonough, Bravo! Highly recommended!

March 2007