Christmas Ever After

Christmas Ever After by Elyse Douglas

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Buy it on Kindle Amazon 

Can 26-year-old JENNIFER TAYLOR overcome her past—the death of her fiancé that has left her bitter and angry? Will she accept the gift of an adventure from a mysterious woman before it’s too late: a trip to New York City on Christmas Eve, where she’ll meet three men who will change her life forever? 

My Review

Mrs. Frances Wintergreen is a Christmas Spirit who has been following Jennifer Taylor for quite some time. The story takes place in a little town of Willowbury New England. This Christmas the lovely woman wants to give Jennifer a Gift: An adventure in New York. She warns Jennifer what will happen to her if she doesn't accept her gift; that she will become just like Mrs. Stanton, the mean old woman who never has anything nice to say about anyone. Yes Jennifer was cold hearted, bitter and angry and resented all that Christmas represented for having lost the one person she had ever loved. It had turned her into a real Scrooge with a broken heart. In fact this tale is yet another version of the classic Christmas Carol.

She went to New York reluctantly after her Shop caves in but she didn't know what to expect only that she had reservations at the Plaza Hotel. Soon she finds herself chasing after a little boy all over the city! Nobody knows who this little boy is until the end, but he leads her all over town and plunges her into a secret world filled with horrible realities about her past, present, and future.

After learning the awful truths about herself, just like Ebenezer Scrooge, she too was released from all her fears, resentments and betrayals.

I didn't like Jennifer Taylor and I don't care if her Cards N' Stuff Gift Shop ever gets restored. I don't even like Alex Hartman nor do I care for the little boy who ran away from home and leads Jennifer on a wild goose chase straight into the hospital where she meets Alex and Jason for the first time . It takes her awhile to figure out who they are and I knew it before she did. They were the prodigal son and grandson of the Mayor of Willowbury who Jennifer had known personally back home. It was all too contrived . I enjoyed when she got a makeover. It was perfect timing . Coming from the downhill sleigh fiasco her hair was wet and in tangles. She did indeed need it and the nice dress and shoes gave her confidence. What I didn't like is that even though it was supposed to be a romatic adventure the falling in love part happened way too fast for me.

View all my reviews

 Goodreads Review

Willowbury is a quiet New England town, especially festive and picturesque during the Christmas season. Jennifer Taylor owns and operates a shop called Cards N’ Stuff. The death of her fiancé, on Christmas Eve the year before, has left her bitter and angry. A few days before Christmas, a mysterious woman named Mrs. Wintergreen stops by Jennifer’s shop and offers Jennifer the gift of an adventure. Jennifer refuses. After a violent snow storm destroys her shop, Jennifer finds Mrs. Wintergreen and, out of desperation, agrees to the adventure. In New York City on Christmas Eve, Jennifer confronts her past, present and future. She falls in love and her life changes forever.

About the Author 

 Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the husband and wife writing team of Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse's mother was a painter and her father a textile consultant. Elyse began writing poems and short stories at an early age, and graduated from Columbia University with a Master's Degree in English Literature. Douglas grew up in a family of musicians, astrologers and avid readers. His grandfather was a gifted humorist and storyteller from Kentucky. Elyse Douglas' four novels include: The Astrologer's Daughter, Wanting Rita, The Christmas Diary and Christmas Ever After. They live in New York City.

Twitter @Elyse_Douglas            Website