Susie has had a crush on her boss for the year she has worked for the company. Her best friend, Mark, comes over after work but she is off hand with him, and he leaves her apartment. The next day her boss tells her she is going to a charity function with him, so she asks Mark's advice for an outfit. Since he does not answer her calls all weekend, she buys lunch and goes to his worksite. Will he be happy? Will Susie be happy? Who will she choose--her boss or her best friend?

This story was so short that everything happens so fast. I never had a sense of the characters. I had no idea of who she should be with. I assume she made the right choice, but this was a vignette where I knew what was happening but not what emotions were being felt. I would like to see this expanded and more character and plot development.

Mr. Dickens and His Carol: A Novel - Sam...

Charles Dickens is having financial problems. His last book did not sell well. His publishers are threatening to deduct money from his royalties for their loss. They tell him he must write a Christmas story with less than two months before Christmas. He has lost his muse. At home, his wife is having baby number six. She is obsessed with their Christmas party. His children are obsessed with what they want for Christmas. Charles has lost his way and his good cheer for Christmas. He is fighting with everyone. He does not want to write a Christmas story but needs the money. Can he find his muse? Can he find the spirit of Christmas?

I loved this story. I felt like I was in Dickens' London. I love the nods to his other works, words, and characters. The characters of Dickens, his family, his friends, and his rivals were wonderful. I felt like I knew them and loved or hated them. I liked how he had to go back to the beginning to find his story. I enjoyed his interactions with Eleanor who points out what he feels, what he's missing, and what he needs. She is so spot on.

This book resonated with me. I will tell you to keep the tissue handy. You will need it. These people were so real to me. I hated leaving them. This is a keeper. Maybe not one I can read every Christmas season but one that needs a re-read and someone else to discuss it with each reading. There is so much there. So much wisdom, so much delight.

My annual reading of A Christmas Carol. I always enjoy watching Scrooge change his ways. This time I picked up some new things that Scrooge says and does. Didn't expect that after all these years of reading it. Worth reading. The Christmas season would not be complete without reading this.

A counting book for toddlers using the carol, The 12 Days of Christmas.  As you read the book with your child, the child can count along with the verses of the carol.  The illustrations are bright and colorful.  Each page corresponds to a verse with each animal or person doing something different and wearing different outfits.  This is a cute book for your toddler and a good way toa remember the song for you.