The story of Melody Carlsons An Irish Christmas is one of intrigue, human depth, and challenged relationships. In this book the reader encounters two main characters. The first is a recently widowed woman named Colleen Frederick. The second is Jamie Frederick, Colleens son, who is of college age and just wrapping up the last of his school days.
Carlson writes very well. Her characters are not only three-dimensional but also amusing and realistic. Readers identify with their stresses, goals, hopes, frustrations, and ambitions. They have problems, just like normal people. Because of this, the reader is able to understand and sympathize with both the mom and son. Carlson writes the book in a very refreshing manner, shifting back and forth between Jamie and Colleens points of view in sharing one is as first person from two perspectives.
Jamie and Colleen both have secrets theyre keeping from each other. And, with the death of Hal, Jamies father and Colleens husband, the situation doesnt get any easier for either of them. Jamie decides he wants to join the Air Force, much to his mothers dismay, and Colleen eventually sells the old family business and is in the process of selling the family house, too. And, on top of all that, the stress continues to build for both of them because of the guilt they are feeling about their secrecy. Eventually, those secrets break loose, and the story takes a shocking turn of events.
An Irish Christmas is a warming story filled with human nature, faith, and understanding. There are valuable lessons to be learned from this tale about maturity, patience, and genuine love. It is a short book, and very fast-paced. And with the tension building between the two main characters and their secret confessions, the reader is sure to stay engaged and intrigued. Women will be more likely to pick up this book, but men can get a lot of enjoyment out of it too. -- Joshua Wagner, Christian Book Previews.com
