Debbie Macomber, When Christmas Comes

When Christmas Comes

Debbie Macomber

Mira, Nov 2004, Nov 2004, $14.95, 256 pp.

ISBN: 0778320901

Since her daughter Heather, a Harvard student, is unable to visit her, widow schoolteacher Emily Springer decides to cross the country to see her in Boston, although she is concerned over costs. She arranges over the internet to swap houses with Harvard history professor Charles Brewster who hates the Yuletide holidays. To Charles' bah humbug chagrin, Leavenworth, Washington, including Emily's home, comes out of a Christmas catalogue.

Meanwhile, Emily's friend Faith Kerrigan travels to Leavenworth to spend time with her while Charles' brother Ray travels from New York to Boston to spend time with him. Adding to the mix-up is that Emily's daughter is in Florida. As the two couples (Emily and Ray, and Charles and Faith) fall in love, each learns the real meaning of the holiday: that miracles occur when love is present.

This is an uplifting holiday tale that uses coincidences to make the point that miracles exist when love blossoms. Fans will appreciate the differences between each member of the lead quartet as each looks at Christmas from a different perspective. Though some readers might feel there is too much sappy fluff (it is a holiday tale), readers who enjoy a warm, inspirational tale will appreciate this fine Happy Holidays interlude.

Harriet Klausner