Book Review: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella by Donita K. Paul

Treat yourself to this delightful, magical read!

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella
by Donita K. Paul

• File Size: 432 KB
• Print Length: 242 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 5, 2010)
• Sold by: Random House LLC
• ASIN: B003EI2EIQ

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?
In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.
Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.
This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

Review:
Cora has accepted her lone life style having successfully removed herself from her negative family environment. She is preparing for Christmas with careful shopping, including a gift for the person whose name she selected at her work department. Her hunt for the right gifts has her stumbling upon a hidden shopping area on Sage Street and an unusual bookshop called Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s. While making her selections she is surprised when her boss’ boss, Simon Derrick, appears in the store. Cora arrives home and discovers a ticket to a Wizard’s Christmas Ball in her bag and she isn’t sure what to make of it.

All the young women at work show some interest in Simon, their handsome co-worker, but he is totally oblivious to the women in the office. Simon is surprised to see Cora at an obscure bookstore, but he is pleased when she helps with a gift recommendation. Simon arrives home to his warm, loving family. He is prepared to read a story to his specially challenged sister, Sandy. When he discovers a ticket to a Wizard’s Christmas Ball, Sandy declares her desire to go with him.

Cora and Simon keep bumping into each other and Cora agrees to give her ticket so Simon can take Sandy to the ball. The mysterious matchmakers at the bookstore and the antique costume store are set on making sure that Simon and Cora go to the old fashioned ball but they didn’t realize they would have to work so hard to get this off beat pair together.

We found this quickly moving story absolutely charming. Cora is no social butterfly and Simon is no playboy – far from it. They are loners who are good people who deserve to find loves of their own. Simon’s family members, especially Sandy, are lovely characters who add to the story with their warm personalities. The bookstore and costume dress crew are fun old men and ladies who have special skills at matchmaking. Their work with this pair will face a few challenges including Cora’s sister who makes an unexpected and unwelcome visit.

Although some might think it strange to include magical elements in a Christian story the author presents them as part of God’s ‘fantastical’ creation. It didn't bother me at all and the faith messages are sweet and simply shared.

All of the ladies in book club agreed that this was a delightful read. We are interested in trying other works by Ms. Paul. I recommend this to readers who enjoy light, fun romance with a touch of Godly magic.

This title was our Ladies Book Club in December. I had picked up inexpensive, irregular print copies for my friends and I was lucky to find the ebook on sale!

(If I can get a copy back from one of my ladies, I'll add a giveaway. Unfortunately the discounted prices are all gone.)