written by Harriet Klausner on 16/08/2005
Once Upon a Christmas
Lisa Plumley
Zebra, Oct 2005, $6.99
ISBN: 0821778609
"Mistletoe and Holly". When her boyfriend Brad dumps her because she never does anything spontaneous, accountant Holly thinks he will come to his senses. Meanwhile her best friend arranges for her to share a room in Saguaro Vista with her cousin, English Professor Sam, as both are visiting for the holidays. Sparks fly between them that could light up all the Christmas trees in the country.
"Christmas Honeymoon". Stacy is upset that her cousin Janie dumped an all expense paid Vegas honeymoon on her, a wedding present from Aunt Gertrude, while the newlyweds sneak off to the Bahamas. The groom Richard has sent his friend Dylan to the same suite at the Atmosphere Hotel. Dylan plans to not screw up this time, as he wants his beloved ex-wife back with him forever.
"A Baby for Christmas". For three years Chloe has secretly loved her neighbor and best friend Nick. So when the inventor gets drunk to forget his woes, she takes him home. They sleep together, but he forgets in the morning that they did. Hurt and disappointed Chloe hides the truth even when she realizes she is carrying his baby.
These three Yuletide tales are enjoyable contemporary romances, that star wonderful lead protagonists struggling with love, once decisions are made that go contrary to forging permanent relationships. Lisa Plumley gifts her fans with early Christmas presents.