Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor is the first book in a new contemporary romance series by author Lisa Kleypas set in the Pacific Northwest, each book to feature the romantic tale of one of three brothers--Mark, Sam and Alex Nolan, as they find their happily ever afters. Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor is the story of the eldest of the brothers, Mark Nolan.Six months ago, the Nolan brothers' sister Victoria died in a tragic car accident. A single mother, Mark became the legal guardian of her young daughter Holly upon her death. Not exactly prepared for parenthood, Mark accepts his responsibility as Holly's guardian and is determined to do his best by her. He convinces his younger brother Sam to help him out and Mark and Holly move into Sam's big, old Victorian house for a while. The agreement is that Mark will help Sam with the restoration of the house while Sam helps Mark out with taking care of Holly. Alex has always been rather distant and closed, but has been even more so in his recent unhappy and troubled marriage.
Traumatized by her loss, Holly hasn't spoken a word since her mother's death, despite being under the loving care of her Uncle Mark. Now the brothers find Holly's letter to Santa asking for one thing for Christmas... a mom. Mark recognizes Holly's need for a mother figure in her life and thinks he can and should provide her with that. And why not? His girlfriend Shelby is very nice. He and Shelby have a very comfortable relationship and she would do just fine. Yet there's something warm, comforting and magical about the interesting and insightful woman from the toy store, Maggie Collins. Will Holly get her Christmas wish? Better yet, will Mark Nolan know the magic of love when he feels it?
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor is an adorable little story about opening your eyes to the magic of imagination and love discovered in unexpected places and the willingness to take a chance at finding happiness. There aren't any huge misunderstandings or major conflicts in the story. It's a simple feel good story about family, hope and love.
The Nolan brothers didn't grow up under the example of a healthy marriage between their parents nor did they have particularly warm or close relationships within their family. Yet the love of a six year old little girl can melt hearts and soften the most determined of bachelors. And maybe even draw the crankiest of uncles around for the holidays.
Maggie Collins learns a little something about love, hope and family in this story, too. Unlike the Nolan brothers, Maggie comes from a big family full of love and laughter so she already knows about that part and appreciates it very much, too. But Maggie is a widow who lost her husband to a difficult battle with cancer, so she also knows what's a stake when you open yourself up to the hope of a future life filled with love and happily ever after. She doesn't want to have to ever have to go through that again so is content to let her big family be her comfort and leave romantic love out of the picture for good. The magic of love, however, is stronger than Maggie's resolve to not fall for Mark Nolan.
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor is a very sweet and heart warming holiday romance. It's a quick, light read, nowhere near as much plot or character substance as Ms. Kleypas' previous contemporary novels, but enjoyable nonetheless. I can't imagine anyone reading this novel and not enjoying the hours spent in Friday Harbor with these characters, watching the Nolan brothers come together out of love for this little girl, hoping Maggie finds the strength to love again, and seeing Mark and Maggie falling in love along the way. It's impossible not to feel good about this little story.
As soon as you're finished reading Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, you're going to want to read the stories of the other two brothers, Sam and Alex Nolan. I'd say ask Santa for the next book in the Friday Harbor series, but I'm afraid we're going to have to wait for next Christmas for that wish to come true.
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor releases in hardcover and ebook tomorrow, October 26, 2010.
Visit author Lisa Kleypas at her website http://lisakleypas.com.
I'm going to have to stalk my library for this one. Sounds like a good read. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteBlessings for a good day!
Lovely Review!!! I am eager to read this one, and I can hardly wait for it to be available at the library!!!! Lisa Kleypas is by far one of my favorite authors to read from and I hope to read this for the holidays!!! Sounds like a keeper!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great review. I don't normally read Christmas stories but after reading your review here, I just might make an exception for this book. Plus, it is a Lisa Kleypas book - heh, heh, heh
ReplyDeleteLovely review Christine - thank you. I do like Christmas stories - I might have to save this until Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI am curious though as to why the publisher is releasing this book, a novella, in hardback. That seems...a little unfair.
This sounds like a great curl-by-the-fire story. Sometimes our biggest obstacles are ourselves! I'm interested to read this as well as the upcoming books about the two brothers! Thanx for a great review Christine!
ReplyDeleteNice review Christine. I've got this requested from the library so I should get it before Christmas. :) Too bad about waiting a whole year for the next book.
ReplyDeleteBrandy, you should definitely stalk your library for this book. It's very sweet.
ReplyDeleteLover of Romance, I would say this book is definitely one of Ms. Kleypas' mildest romances, but I enjoyed every minute. I just wish it was longer...
Kristie, Kristie!!! It's LISA KLEYPAS! You have to read it!! There's actually more page time on Thanksgiving than on Christmas if that makes a difference! LOL!
orannia, the book is super adorable, too short, and not at all heavy. Almost borders on chick lit. (ouch!) LOL! I hear you on the why a novella is releasing in hardcover at full hardcover price! I don't get it... other than the fact they know Lisa Kleypas fans will buy it.
firepages, you got it right! This story is exactly a curl-by-the-fire story. I hope you enjoy it if you get the chance to read it.
Leslie, it would also be perfect to read this over Thanksgiving weekend! ... errr... Thanksgiving evening. It's that quick of a read. But oh so sweet. :D
I actually don't know for sure when the next book comes out, but thought I read something on Twitter about waiting until late next year to for the next one. I certainly shouldn't put huge stock in something I think I read on twitter of all places. LOL!
Great review Christine. Seems you enjoyed it a lot :P So what do you think? Women fiction or contemporary romance? :P
ReplyDeletenath, I did enjoy this one a lot, but it is rather short and sweet. I almost want to say that Christmas at Friday Harbor is chick lit because it is mild if not fluffy. But I don't think it fits. Firstly because it isn't focused on the female protagonist at all, which I think is more indicative of chick lit. This story is actually more the male protagonist's story. The couple's HEA is also the main, if not singular, "purpose" of the story, so to me, that implies it's a romance.
ReplyDeleteI'll probably try to get it at the library, if the new library carries it. The plot arc sounds a lot like the Cheasapeake Saga by Nora Roberts though- 3 brothers living together to raise a kid, big old house.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa! This would be a good library book for you. Something light and sweet to read when you're up with the baby at 3 am! ;p
ReplyDeleteThis book's plot arc and that of Roberts' Cheasapeake Saga do indeed sound very similar! :)
Well...Lisa Kleypas PLUS the beautiful Pacific Northwest??? I'm practically drooling already. ;)
ReplyDeleteCiara, you will definitely enjoy the setting of this book! It takes place in the San Juan Islands area... which we didn't get the chance to visit while we were in the PNW over the summer! Next time. :)
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