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| It’s the first Christmas without her mother who died recently of breast cancer, so it’s understandable that Caroline Holt is feeling a bit depressed. Add in that her only sister, Daphne, announced that she is marrying a man she barely knows, it’s no wonder that Caroline feels out of place. While staying at the family cabin in upstate New York, she reads a letter sent to her mother from Aspen. It is a love letter that mentions them meeting again on New Year’s Eve. There is no name or return address, and curiosity gets the best of her because her mother never mentioned having a lover while she visited Aspen for a writer’s conference. On the spur of the moment, Caroline books a flight and hotel for Aspen. She plans to meet the mysterious lover at the appointed time on New Year's Eve. After arriving in Aspen, Caroline asks around if anyone remembers her mother. While she gets a couple of bites, it’s mostly a miss. She does meet Max, a local brewery owner. They begin to click, though Caroline tells herself she can’t get involved with him because she is leaving after the holidays. Caroline is a book editor, and her job is currently on the line, so she is looking for a potential manuscript. She happens to run into a local author whose locally printed book is so good, that she wants to help him submit it to her publisher. Daphne arrives in Aspen with her fiancé and announces that they will get married on New Year’s Day right here. Meanwhile, Caroline spends her downtime reading some letters she found in her mother’s possession. They are letters written over time by a woman named Nina and speaks about her growing relationship with Teddy. With so much going on in CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN, there is rarely a dull moment. Will Caroline find out who is her mother’s mysterious lover? And why was it a secret? There are a lot of mixed emotions for Caroline in CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN and readers will hope she finds closure. She admits that she hasn’t been up to par at work while grieving for her mother and her boss gives her a chance to regroup after the holidays. Running into the local author, Nick is an opportunity to find a diamond in the rough. She is helping him edit the book and then she will hand it over to her publisher. Nick has his own story to tell about a woman he once loved. That is what goes on a lot in this tale. Most everyone has a tale to tell, and readers get to hear about them. Meanwhile, Caroline’s relationship with Max slowly develops. She is hesitant to dive right in since she is only here temporarily. That issue doesn’t seem to bother him. We get to read about the sights and sounds of a bustling Aspen at Christmas with its luxurious resorts and restaurants. Caroline isn’t afraid to try things as Max shows her the best of the town. By the end of CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN, Caroline will have mixed feelings, especially as it grows closer to when she meets the mysterious lover. She fights with Daphne because she doesn’t think the fiancé is right for her. Is she right? Will there be a happily ever after for everyone by the end? Along the way, there are a few surprises. If you love a book that keeps you entertained and wants to find out what happens to everyone, then you will love CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN. Patti Fischer |
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CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN – Anita Hughes