The Noel Stranger
I love to read Christmas books around the holidays and this was my pick for this year. I had never read a Richard Paul Evans book, so I didn’t have any idea of what it would be like. I only knew the types of books I read in the past – the Hallmark-y Christmas stories, sappy yet sweet – perfect for what I like to read in December. So when I started to read this book, I was expecting something similar to that. But immediately I felt this book was different.
Maggie Walther is reeling from the discovery that her councilman husband has just been arrested for bigamy. Unbeknownst to her, he had a whole family, kids included, in Colorado. She was horrified and humiliated. He was a local government official, so a lot of people knew them and a story like this was bound to make the headlines of all local news. Maggie retreated into herself and stayed in her house for weeks, avoiding people and the problems her husband caused.
Finally, her friend talked her into getting out – even if it’s just to get a Christmas tree. Maggie reluctantly agreed, knowing that she would at some point have to rejoin her community. She found a local tree lot and there she met Andrew, the tall, handsome and funny Christmas tree salesman. Maggie is drawn to him immediately and went out of her way to talk to him, even if it was out of character for her. He was invited to her house for dinner and the relationship went full force from there.
I found this to be very suspicious. Maybe it’s because I read too many thrillers or maybe it’s the warnings that Maggie’s friend gave her, but I felt there was something wrong with this guy. He seemed secretive, and a little too good to be true. I got really
5 Cozy Holiday Reads
hahaha, I am always suspicious of overly friendly people who pop out of nowhere. I agree–too many thrillers and mysteries! And, 90% of the time, my call is spot-on! My husband thinks I’m a witch, but I’m like, “I just READ a lot. A LOT.” 🙂
Sounds like a fun and different Christmas read! Thanks for the review!