Well readers, most of my recent book reviews have been Booker prize winners. You see through reading I’m hoping to improve my vocabulary and my own writing. You see Annabelle Costa’s writing is my dirty little secret. As a guy, especially as an author that focuses on crime, I really shouldn’t love romance novels. It’s not the kind of thing I would admit to in front of my friends. Well, not with a straight face anyway. But I love hers.
Other novels I have to set times to read to ensure I get to the end. But her novels I can’t put down. They make me feel all gooey and happy inside. It’s strange, even I think so.
Her novels always involve a male character with a disability and this novella is no different. Dean is paraplegic and is still adjusting to his new life. His brother ropes him into working as a Santa at a mall, where he meets Callie, who is working as an elf. She doesn’t know that he is a wheelchair user as he is already sitting in Santa’s chair before she arrives. The writing is exquisite and humorous as it details their day working together.
There is a building romance between the two, but at times Dean seems to be prepared to let his disability get in the way. But we also learn that Dean is a good guy and after an act of bravery, he gets his girl. And that makes me feel good for reasons, I myself can’t understand.
There is also a humorous letter at the end from Santa.
The only negative is that it is quite short. I give it a score of 4 out 5.
I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Mark's Writing Corner 