My Review
For me, Christmas has come early this year because this book was a wonderful gift ushering in the season. I have to admit I am a bit skeptical when it comes to Christmas romance novels because after all there is only so much you can spin out of that yearly, albeit indeed special, occasion. But I’m more than glad that I have read this novel – my third by Kandy Shepherd, and certainly not my last – because it was utterly charming and disarming.
The story starts off straight and predictable enough: A rich-to-boot control freak, business tycoon and scrooge hires a sassy and sweet, spunky and intelligent party planner to organize a (Christmas) party and polish his public image. But hold it right there, this book isn’t all that typical. Because the scrooge isn’t a scrooge at all, because there are many things out of his control – not least his own heart – and because I put the word Christmas in brackets for a reason. As the story moves on, I learned why Dominic is so against admitting to charity and celebrating Christmas. I loved the backstory the author has provided for him, full of pain and lessons learned, of hurdles taken and a life shaped, of betrayals and tragedies. It seemed the perfect reason for why Dominic is the way he is – and the perfect chance to set many things straight. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with Dominic, for he showed more and more depth, is incredibly attractive, and seems like the ideal partner once you discover his true personality.
Andie as the heroine is holding her own against the hero. She knows what she wants, she’s great at her job, and she has her own tragic past to battle. Andie is truly the perfect match for Dominic, and I applaud it that she doesn’t give up easily.
The story itself isn’t the only thing I enjoyed about “Gift-Wrapped in Her Wedding Dress”. As usual, the author’s language flowed effortlessly, modern and clear but with a certain sophisticated edge that separates the great Harlequin romances from the rest. The characterization tiptoed the fine line between typical, authentic and imaginative, and the happy ending was so perfect I may just have sniffled a little while smiling from ear to ear. And let me tell you something: I’d love to read the stories of Andie’s friends from Party Queens!
Rating: 5/5
The story starts off straight and predictable enough: A rich-to-boot control freak, business tycoon and scrooge hires a sassy and sweet, spunky and intelligent party planner to organize a (Christmas) party and polish his public image. But hold it right there, this book isn’t all that typical. Because the scrooge isn’t a scrooge at all, because there are many things out of his control – not least his own heart – and because I put the word Christmas in brackets for a reason. As the story moves on, I learned why Dominic is so against admitting to charity and celebrating Christmas. I loved the backstory the author has provided for him, full of pain and lessons learned, of hurdles taken and a life shaped, of betrayals and tragedies. It seemed the perfect reason for why Dominic is the way he is – and the perfect chance to set many things straight. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with Dominic, for he showed more and more depth, is incredibly attractive, and seems like the ideal partner once you discover his true personality.
Andie as the heroine is holding her own against the hero. She knows what she wants, she’s great at her job, and she has her own tragic past to battle. Andie is truly the perfect match for Dominic, and I applaud it that she doesn’t give up easily.
The story itself isn’t the only thing I enjoyed about “Gift-Wrapped in Her Wedding Dress”. As usual, the author’s language flowed effortlessly, modern and clear but with a certain sophisticated edge that separates the great Harlequin romances from the rest. The characterization tiptoed the fine line between typical, authentic and imaginative, and the happy ending was so perfect I may just have sniffled a little while smiling from ear to ear. And let me tell you something: I’d love to read the stories of Andie’s friends from Party Queens!
Rating: 5/5
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