MRS. MIRACLE

Author: Debbie Macomber ISBN: 9780061083464 12/2009 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: AVON

Seth Webster's heart never healed after he lost his adored wife. Now, with Christmas approaching, wild twin boys to raise alone, a home in chaos, and the latest in a long line of exasperated housekeepers quitting in disgust, Seth needs more than help to keep his family togethe...he needs a miracle. And then a miracle arrives on his doorstep. Her name is Mrs. Merkle, but the kids call her "Mrs. Miracle"—and from the moment the warm, knowing, and very patient nanny appears, everything is different. Her sassy spirit is infectious, and it gives Seth the courage to approach Reba, a beautiful travel agent who's been hurt and betrayed, and is afraid to ever love again. Through the magic of faith—and with a little help from a children's Christmas pageant and a lot of encouragement from Mrs. Miracle—Seth and Reba might just be able to find a Christmas miracle of their very own: true love.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

MRS. MIRACLE is undoubtedly one of the sweetest Christmas romances I’ve read in a good, long while! I loved it, mostly because this story has everything one would expect to find in a holiday tale. There is romance (although the characters are forced to work pretty hard to claim it!), fun, and a huge dose of the magic that is the spirit of the season.

One of the best parts, for me at least, was the quotes at the beginning of each paragraph. Little nuggets of wisdom, dispensed “Mrs. Miracle” style, are each worthy of being scribbled onto note cards and referenced frequently. My favorite, one I reminded myself of only yesterday, was “Pick your friends, but not to pieces”. Now, how could anyone not love a woman who sees life that clearly?

When Mrs. Merkle arrives, looking like Mother Goose, into Seth Webster’s life she seems to be the answer to his prayers. A man wracked with grief for what is lost, he is too short-tempered and frazzled by the sudden appearance of his young twin sons in his life to deal with much else. His personal life is in turmoil, his heart is broken, and his sons swear like sailors. So, the nanny is very welcome in their household.

In short order, she has things running much more smoothly than they have in a long time, leaving Seth to deal with the pain he has pushed down for far too long. He is finally open, as well, to pursuing someone who has caught his attention. Unfortunately, Reba carries emotional baggage of her own. So much so, in fact, that there are times when it seems this pair might never get together!

Fortunately, Mrs. Miracle spreads charm and magic, and brings peace where it is needed most. I loved this book from beginning to end, and believe MRS. MIRACLE will bring joy to anyone who reads it. Well done!

Kay James