CHRISTMAS LETTERS

Author: Debbie Macomber ISBN: 0778323498 10/2006 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: MIRA

Katherine O'Connor often spends her days at a cozy cafe on Blossom Street in Seattle -- where she writes Christmas letters for other people. She's good at making their everyday lives sound more interesting. More humorous. More dramatic. But for Dr. Wynn Jeffries, who also frequents the cafe, Christmas means lies and deception. In fact, the renowned child psychologist recommends that parents "Bury Santa Under the Sleigh." Katherine, however, feels that his parenting philosophy is one big mistake -- at least, based on her four-year-old twin nieces, who are being raised according to his "Free Child" methods. She argues with Wynn about his theories, while he argues that her letters are nothing but lies. They disagree about practically everything—and yet, somehow, they don't really want to stop arguing. As the days—and nights—move closer to Christmas, Katherine and Wynn both discover that love means accepting your differences. And Christmas is about the things you share . . .

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Debbie Macomber returns to Blossom Street with her latest wonderful Christmas tale. This year, Dr. Wynn Jeffries, a childless child psychologist, is the Christmas Grinch, since his popular book has him being called the new Dr. Spock. Hugely influential on parents, he is changing family lives across America. He advocates allowing children to do whatever they want and not telling them fantasies—like trying to get them to believe in Santa Claus.

This has his neighbor, Katherine O'Connor, very upset, since her sister's twin cousins have turned from well-behaved children to terrors under the new "Free Child" regime. Not to mention she loves Christmas and hates to see her family miss out! She has gotten herself into trouble both in public and with her family arguing against his methods, and doesn't hesitate to give him a piece of her mind when they meet for the first time.

Unfortunately, their neighbor is convinced they are perfect for each other, and it turns out they are! They are soon dating, despite their disagreements about Wynn's work.

This is a very funny book! It doesn't take long to read, and is a wonderful break from holiday chaos. Enjoy...

Heather Hiestand