Review: Defending Christmas by Carol Ross

Defending Christmas
By Carol Ross
12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas


Summary

Christmas Town’s city attorney Lincoln Vasser suspects the multi-million-dollar lawsuit threatening the town is a fraud, but he needs help proving it. Private Investigator Jax Marshall comes highly recommended, but when Lincoln hires her he can’t quite figure out why. Her laid-back attitude, questionable work ethic, and apparent unconcern for the urgency of the case rub him the wrong way. It doesn't make sense for him to be attracted to her.

Jax Marshall knows that taking a case for the arrogant Lincoln Vasser is a mistake. But when he makes her an offer much more tempting than money, she agrees. She soon wishes she hadn’t. The guy is demanding and uptight, and, worst of all, he keeps trying to tell her how to do her job! He's almost completely unlikable. Almost.

Finding a way to work together is difficult enough, admitting that they’re falling in love is going to take an extra nudge of the very Christmas Town magic they’re trying to save.


My thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella by Carol Ross from the 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas collection! Defending Christmas takes a city lawyer, private investigator, a potential lawsuit that threatens the town – adds in a little fantasy – and spins an enchanting story. Some characters from previous books are present and other storylines alluded to, but this story stands alone. Defending Christmas is well written and clean, a truly heartwarming read during all the busyness of the Christmas season.

I’ve always been drawn to the New England area, so Christmas Town, Maine is a very appealing setting. It has a great community ambiance and I’d love to read more from this Christmas collection. Lincoln and Jax are well-drawn characters, surprising to find in a novella-length story. While they come across a little strong and self-willed at first, it doesn’t take long before their rough edges soften and they bring out the best in each other. The chemistry between them is great and I loved the lively conversation, snappy banter back and forth.

Lincoln knew his attachment to the stocking was

irrational. It didn’t even make sense to him. But every 

time he looked at it, he felt a morsel of hope.

Best of all is the magic Christmas stocking with its gentle message that only a few could see, including Jax and Lincoln – the calling to find one’s reason or purpose. I can’t speak for other stories in this series, but they’re written by Harlequin Heartwarming authors and should be enjoyable.

I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Carol Ross lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. She adores the Pacific Northwest because it provides her with endless opportunities for the activities she loves—hiking, running, skiing, and spending time outdoors.

Although she enjoys reading in many genres, she writes what she loves the most—romance, especially light-hearted stories about the fun, flirty, and often-tumultuous path toward a happily ever after.

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