Book Review: Caitlyn's Christmas Wish by Laura L. Walker

This is a quick, enjoyable, sweet Christmas romance.
Caitlyn's Christmas Wish
by Laura L. Walker

File Size: 4127 KB
Print Length: 122 pages
Publication Date: November 15, 2016
ASIN: B01M2CD0G3
Genre: Romance, Christmas
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Right Family, Wrong Brother - Just when former model and single mother Caitlyn Drevier Reel has finally put her life on track after a divorce and a six-month stint in rehab, her ex-in-laws extend an invitation to spend Christmas with the family. After all, she reasons, her ex-husband Grant is constantly on the road with his band and it's only fair to allow them to get to know her young son. What Caitlyn isn't prepared for, however, is the spark of attraction she feels for Ridge, Grant's older brother, or the wonderful sense of belonging to their family once again. Ridge, who is recovering from his own personal heartache, seems to feel the same way. As they work together to ensure the success of the Winter Festival his parents have organized for their small Wyoming town, Caitlyn begins to envision a bright future. But will Grant's unexpected arrival at this family get-together keep her Christmas wish from coming true? Caitlyn's Christmas Wish is an inspirational romance novella that will have you reaching for a mug of hot cocoa as you get into the holiday mood.

Review:
Caitlyn was a child model ‘managed’ by her determined mother. Caitlyn was prone to eating disorders in her attempt to stay thin enough to suit her mother and the camera. She was excited to get a break from her parents when she married Grant, an up and coming music star. But it didn’t take long for the romance to wear thin while he was on the road with his band. He partied hard and was caught in unfaithful situations. Caitlyn chose divorce and, with the warm, steady support of her ex-in-laws, she went into rehab to get her own life on track.

Caitlyn was pregnant when she and Grant separated and he has taken no time to be with her or their son. She has accepted the invitation from her ex-in-laws to spend Christmas with their family (minus Grant). The small town is in full festival mode with seasonal events organized by her ex-mother-in-law and ex-father-in-law, who is the Mayor. Caitlyn is warmly greeted by Grant’s older brother, Ridge.

Ridge has had his own marital troubles with an ex-wife who battered his ego. He is thrilled to help Caitlyn and her eight-month-old son. His affections grow as they spend time together and he becomes even more protective of mother and son when Grant shows up unexpectedly. Grant is clearly up to something, putting suspicions in Caitlyn’s mind and making it clear he is interested in winning her back, even if she comes with a small creature that he has no idea how to handle.

The story-line may not be new but it is nicely handled with the Christmas events making a busy backdrop. The story is told in third person pov but alternates with some scenes focused on Ridge, although most are with Caitlyn. This read very quickly and I liked the little bit of mystery the author built into Grant’s presence. I particularly enjoyed how she revealed and resolved his issues with a bit of light religious reminders. There is a nice blend of the true focus of Christmas with some sweet Christmas magic.

This is a light, enjoyable romance that I recommend, especially to those who enjoy a “Hallmark” like story. I liked the cover a lot too. I would like to try more titles by Ms. Walker, especially when I am in the mood for a clean, sweet romance.

I received this title from the author.