November 3, 2020
NetGalley
Christmas Stories #18
ISBN: 9780593129586
Ballantine/Random House
Digital, arc, fiction, historical fiction, novella
192 pages
11/4-11/8
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Ballantine/Random House in exchange for an unbiased review.
I enjoyed this short story based during Christmas time of 1872 in England. In a very devote religious community, Celia Hooper who married late in life to John Hooper tries desperately to uncover the truth about a self righteous man, Seth Marlowe. Celia learns that he is recently engaged to marry her best friend Clementine Appleby, who is unaware of his shady past. Clementine is a sweet and generous woman who spends her time helping others especially the homeless and less desirable.
Celia is overwhelmed with the blessings she has even though it wasn’t an easy path for her. She had met her husband while he was investigating the murder of her cousin, Katherine, at the hands of her spouse Harry Exeter. John Hooper is called upon once again to help uncover truth and provide justice when past events surface regarding Seth Marlowe before he came to Thames.
Although the story is predictable, it was still a delightful read with the quaintness of a small English village during the holidays. The atmosphere and setting provided a backdrop for the themes of repentance and forgiveness to shine. It reminds us that no one is perfect and that the hardest part is owning our imperfections. There can be no meaningful restitution or resolution otherwise.
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