Lakeshore Christmas

The Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 6

By: Susan Wiggs

Narrated by: Joyce Bean

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

The prim librarian is finally getting her chance to direct Avalon's annual holiday pageant, and she's determined to make it truly spectacular. But it might just require one of those Christmas miracles she's always read about.

The problem is her codirector is recovering former child star Eddie Haven, a long-haired, tattooed lump of coal in Maureen's pageant stocking. Eddie can't stand Christmas, but a court order from a judge has landed him right in the middle of the merrymaking.

Maureen and Eddie spar over every detail of the pageant, from casting troubled kids to Eddie's original - and distinctly untraditional - music. Is he trying to sabotage the performance to spite her? Or is she trying too hard to fit the show into her storybook-perfect notion of Christmas?

And how is it possible that they're falling in love?

Number-one New York Times best-selling author Susan Wiggs conjures the heartwarming holiday tale of two people looking beyond the disappointments of the past to the promise of the future. Amid the holiday bustle of crackling fires, caroling singers, and delicious secrets, the season of goodwill becomes the backdrop for Willow Lake's most unlikely love story yet.

©2009 Susan Wiggs (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Sweet Story

Somewhat predictable, but sweet Christmas read. The characters were a little bit one-sided. I guessed the “secret” about the mysterious character early on I was a but disappointed the writer did not do more with that character. But, if you want a Hallmark Christmas read, this is a well done book of that kind.

Not quite up to Wiggs standards

First, this is a nice Christmas story. However, I expected more of Susan Wiggs from previous books I had read by her. From the early parts of the story, I really expected the Chirstmas ghost/angel to have a bigger part in the outcome. This just didn't develop, leaving the predictable conclusion feeling empty. In other words, the ghost really could have been dropped without affecting the story, I think.

I think I kept waiting for more throughout the whole book.

Warm Christmas Story

I really enjoyed this story by Susan Wiggs, but it isn't as good as Debbie Macomber's Christmas books. I grew to love the librarian and identified very much with her and her safe choices, as well as her love of books and stories. Eddie, the former child star, who is so rough around the edges, like a lots of folks, turned out to be more than meets the eye. I do agree with the reviewer that said that there is some political correctness in Lakeshore Christmas . . . that isn't necessary.

Not so bah-humbug afterall

Any additional comments?

This is a very well written and put together story that will tug at your heart. Wiggs makes her story pop with her very vivid descriptions while carrying it forward with realistic events and warm Christmas cheer. That said, the story itself is far from stereotypical. It leaves you with a warm sense of contentment at the ending that will have you smiling.

I found the contrast between the two main characters simultaneously astounding and captivating. Wiggs definitely proves that opposites attract with these two. The interactions between the two are so real that when they finally do come together it seems so natural. The supporting cast was equally well developed. There was almost a secondary main couple in this tale. One can only assume that their story is a lead-in for future novels as this story doesn’t come to a conclusion, but rather just starts.

Overall, this imaginative and heartfelt tale will put you in the mood for Christmas and for romance.

Enjoyable

I selected one of the books the Lakeshore series on a lark from my local library and have gone on to read/listen to the entire Lakeshore Chronicles series. It's and enjoyable series when you are looking for light, easy reading/listening.

My Musings

I really struggled with Maureen’s character. For much of the book, she was just too much of the typical persona of a library, so prim and proper. However, I loved Eddie so much, not sure why he wanted her so much, but by gosh he did and fought for them. I wasn’t fond of the tone the narrator used for Maureen and that could have something to do with why I didn’t love her character. This does have a great ending. Happy reading and listening!

Okay except for main character

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The main character had an arc that was simply not believable. No one who is in drama or theatre could possibly be wounded by a love affair to the degree that this woman was, even a first love affair, unless she was living under a rock without any media her entire life (which makes the theatre thing rather implausible), or perhaps if this story took place in the early '50s or before. You can't have it both ways. Either you're a free spirit, or you're completely closed off and paranoid.

Would you ever listen to anything by Susan Wiggs again?

Probably not, although I could have sworn I'd read something of hers a few years ago that was entertaining.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't remember anything specific; ti was all pretty generic RO-mance.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

Reality. Something approaching the latter part of the 20th century and I don't mean more cell phones.

Any additional comments?

I suppose this might be enjoyable to pure RO-mance fans who don't require more than a labored approach to The Consummation and can ignore characters that really don't make much sense.

Fun

Fun read and puts you in the spirit. I checked off another Lakeshore book.

Wonderful story!

Loved this heart warming Christmas story…very uplifting and playful unfolding of the scenes…
I’d love to read more!

Christmas-in Wiggs Style

Great Christmas story