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I'm a writer and library worker who wears many hats. I believe a good book and a good piece of chocolate are the keys to a happy life.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Santa Maybe by Aubrey Mace


I just spent a very pleasant afternoon reading Santa Maybe by Aubrey Mace.

When I saw the back liner, I was completely hooked.

Dear Santa,

I’ve been a good girl this year. (Well . . . pretty good.) I have a nice life and there’s only one thing that I really want-one thing that’s missing. If you happen to have an extra one lying around your work shop, I would really like a husband. I promise to take good care of him.

Love, Abbie

It made me giggle and I prepared myself for some fun. Sure enough, a man shows up under Abbie’s Christmas tree with no memory of who he is, or how he got there.

Okay, it seems silly, but Christmas is all about believing in things that are bigger than life so I had to see how Aubrey would play out this scheme of hers. The answer? Splendidly.

Yes, this is most definitely another romance. Rest assured that I gave myself a healthy dose of books in the spirit of Halloween, so I was ready for Christmas and a little more mush. J My poor brain keeps telling me it shouldn’t be time to think about Christmas, but all the stores I’ve been in recently seem to say that’s not the case. Sigh. How time flies when you have your nose in a good book.

Given my Christmas reluctance, Santa Maybe turned out to be an excellent ice breaker for the season. It was just the right touch of humor, holiday fun, and of course, impossible relationships that end up conquering all. There were no overly sappy, cryptic morals such as “Tis better to give, than receive” and all its various cousins. Yes, it does have a Santa element, so those that are staunchly against holiday books may still be put off, but for the rest of us it’s just plain fun- no strings attached.

I did honestly wish for the Santa element to be explored a little more than it was. That was such a amusing part of the equation. I know it wasn’t really the point, but as I read I could see a hundred possibilities of fun in my head. What can I say? I’m a sucker for types of things. I still believe in fairy tales.

I do have a bone to pick with Aubrey though. Abbie is a baker. We get to read about all the yummy things she’s making, but there’s not a single stinking recipe in the entire book. That, to me, is cruel and unusual punishment. The least Aubrey could have done was tuck one in the back of the book, but, noooooo.

I came away very, very hungry. You’ve been given fair warning- be prepared to feed your inner cupcake monster while reading this one.

Great job, Aubrey! Now I’m torn: is Spare Change my favorite Aubrey Mace title or Santa Maybe? Hmmmmm.

3 comments:

Julianne said...

I agree with you whole heartedly about the recipe thing. I've known Aubrey for 20 years and love everything about her and so by default I love her writing, but I was supressing some pretty intense cravings the whole time I was reading. I also agree about choosing which is my favorite. I loved Spare Change, thought My Fairy Grandmother was an amazingly imaginative tale, and read Santa Maybe twice in the first week I had it. Definitely good stuff from Aubrey!

Heather Justesen said...

I also loved the book--and I had to go bake a bunch of cupcakes after reading it too!

Judaloo said...

Hmmmm....Might have to add these to my list!!