Second Chances in New Port Stephen
by TJ Alexander
I had enjoyed Alexander’s previous novels about a pair of roommates each finding love in Chef’s Choice and Chef’s Kiss. Second Chances in New Port Stephen though introduces a completely new set of characters following Eli Ward who returns to his hometown of New Port Stephen, Florida for the holidays. Although one character is a manager at a local restaurant this novel is less foodie focused. It felt like there was a lot of extra story going on with the former two novels including things like food competitions, while this one felt more heavily engaged in the relationship of the characters as they deal with their past and decide what they want for their future. The other books were fun and had likable characters, but I felt more emotionally invested in this novel. Eli hasn’t been back in his hometown for many years. During that time he transitioned, started a successfully comedy writing career that recently has stalled, and overcame an alcohol addiction. There are a lot of funny holiday moments with Eli and his family. His parents are shown as well meaning, though not overly perfect. When he encounters his childhood bff/high school ex-boyfriend, who is a divorced dad still nursing the hurt of his mother’s death, the holidays look like they may be come a bit jollier for them both.
Let it Crow! Let it Crow! Let it Crow!
by Donna Andrews
I had expected the long running Meg Langslow series by Donna Andrews to eventually have its blacksmith protagonist take part in some sort of reality competition now that there have been several successful ones irl. I wasn’t expecting, however, the storyline to be set during the holidays. In Let it Crow! Let it Crow! Let it Crow! Meg is asked to fill in for her mentor who was attacked just before filming. She hesitantly takes the role and also can’t help but take the opportunity to do some amateur sleuthing to find out who was the culprit in the attack. Then an even more serious crime is committed. This may not at all sound like appropriate Christmas fare, but the series is cozy and filled with quirky characters. The competition is being held at the castle like manor of a local famous retired musician whose music may have been dark, but whose heart is large and loves the holiday so in between filming there is gingerbread house building and sleigh rides. The grinchiness of the show’s producers is in contrast to Meg’s family and friends’ festiveness and provides some humorous moments throughout. I would recommend enjoying all the stories in order, but if you don’t have the time and are looking for a fun holiday read, this was a fun standout of the series for me.
A Merry Little Meet Cute
by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
In A Merry Little Meet Cute, Bee, a plus size adult film actress, sees her chance at a more mainstream career when she is offered the part in a family friendly Christmas movie. Nolan, a former boy band singer, also sees the holiday film as a second chance for his own career. Bee had a crush on Nolan and Nolan is a fan of Bee’s work as well. They both develop feelings for each other on set, but Bee’s past getting out could end both of their chances at success. There is a lot of farcical humor and sweet romance. Bee is everything a traditional holiday heroine is not, but her big heart will have you rooting for her and Nolan. I enjoyed this one when it came out last holiday season. I like that Julie Murphy and other romance authors and publishers are now putting more diversity in how their protagonists look and their backgrounds; I especially love that we can have plus size heroines who are loved for their bodies and not despite them.
Looking for a Holiday Book Discussion? We will be discussing Connie Willis’s holiday short story collection on December 21 at 6 PM at the Library’s Main Branch.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 