No Christmas Like the Present 

ebook, paperback

by Sierra Donovan

• Print Length: 257 pages
• Publisher: Zebra 
• Publication Date: October 7, 2014
• Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher Services
• ASIN: B00J7W1FSI

Lindsay Miller is knee-deep in Christmas cards and homemade fudge, but she's never felt more like a Grinch. Why can't Christmas be full of magic, like in her favorite movie, A Christmas Carol. . .?

. . .Enter Fred, a sexy and eccentric stranger who arrives at Lindsay's door out of the blue. Dressed like he just stepped out of a Dickens novel, complete with British accent, Fred claims he's a Messenger, sent from "Headquarters" to help her discover the joy of Christmas. But is Fred an angel from above--or just stone cold crazy?

Fred's used to dealing with skeptics. Telling a stranger you've been ordered to inspire holiday cheer is a tough sell. But there's a further complication. Fred's mission is to help Lindsay right the wrongs from her past that have been holding her back. But somehow along the way, they've become wildly attracted to each other--and falling in love is not part of the plan. Fred only has ‘til the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve to guide Lindsay to the magical future she deserves--even if it's a future without him. . .

My thoughts: First, the disclaimer. "I bought a copy of this book (but not from Amazon). All opinions are my own." That done, I fell in love with Ms. Donovan's book I read last Christmas (off Netgalley) and looked her up to see if she'd written anything else. NO CHRISTMAS LIKE THE PRESENT is a quirky, fun, clean romance, that is not CBA persay, but there are mentions of Christmas hymns and the baby in the manger. And it is clean. There is kisses, but nothing even remotely steamy, so if you like it mild, then this is your cup of tea. 

Christmas is the season of miracles and what could be more miraculous than a man "walking off the TV" and into your life. One who claims he is a "messenger, not an angel" to help her learn how to enjoy Christmas--and to reconcile with an old lover...  one she isn't even sure she wants to reconcile with. 

These characters are so realistic. I could so identify with Lindsay, caught up in the hustle and bustle and the "I must do this because it's tradition even if I don't enjoy it." Really, whats the point of sending out five hundred Christmas cards, each with a handwritten note, especially to people who don't even remember you?   Oh, Mrs. Pruitt, yes, she was my teacher in kindergarten a few decades ago but she MUST get a card from me or she'll be so hurt (even though she never sends me one....) You know.  Yeah. Silly. But true.  And Fred was so spontaneous and fun.  Ice skating by the light of the moon? Why not?  Everyone liked Fred. And no wonder. 

If you are looking for a fun, magical romance to read this Christmas, then NO CHRISTMAS LIKE THE PRESENT is one to consider. Available online at your favorite booksellers.  And yes, I'll look up more books by Ms. Donovan.