Calling Mrs Christmas – by Carole Matthews

Original Cover

My own copy

The blurb:

Cassie Smith has been out of work for a while but she has an idea. Drawing on her love of Christmas, she begins charging for small things: wrapping presents; writing cards; tree-decorating. She's soon in huge demand and Cassie's business, Calling Mrs Christmas, is born.

Carter Randall wants to make Christmas special for his children so he enlists Cassie's help, and his lavish requests start taking up all her time. Thank goodness she can rely on her partner Jim to handle the rest of her clients.

When Carter asks Cassie to join them on a trip to Lapland, she knows she shouldn't go. As much as tries, Cassie can't deny how drawn she is to Carter and everything he has to offer, but she still loves her warm-hearted Jim. Suddenly Cassie finds herself facing a heart-breaking choice that could change her entire life.

My Opinion:

First of all: I think the title of this book is just so gorgeous, loved it and the cover is so beautiful as well. I didn’t even read the blurb, I just bought it and I am so glad I did.

Cassie is such a lovely heroine and Carole describes her and her feelings perfectly. Cassie is in a bad place when the book starts: no money, no job…

But then she has a great idea for a business and her light instantly came on again. A business for Christmas preparations, called Calling Mrs Christmas. Such a great idea and I loved her passion for it, really the perfect job for Cassie.

Jim is Cassie’s boyfriend and he is such a sweetheart. Such a great character and so caring, he seemed so perfect for Cassie, until Carter came along.

Carter is Cassie’s biggest client; he is rich and drop dead gorgeous. That client is taking up most of Cassie’s time and it’s really hard to cope with that for Jim.

Then Carter wants to take Cassie on the trip to Lapland she organised for him and his kids. She agrees. The night before she leaves, Jim and Cassie have a row. I felt so sad, her leaving for Lapland without having talked to Jim again.

And then there is Lapland, beautiful Lapland. They way Carole described the landscapes, the sights and all the activities was just amazing. I instantly fell in love with this country. It made me wanna go there and see the Northern Lights. I hope one day I can. The Icehotel, the huskeys and everything, it’s sounds so awesome.

It was great to see how much fun Carter’s kids had and also Carter and Cassie. And: they got closer to each other and to me they seemed so wonderful together. The attraction was definitely there. But what about Jim?

I was really looking forward to reading more, just because I wanted to know whether it’s Jim or Carter for Cassie and I can tell you, Carole didn’t make it easy, but she made the story more interesting and attractive like that.

I seriously had no idea who Cassie was going to pick, because both man had their spark. Well, I guess in the end she really saw what’s important in life and I believe that’s a fantastic thing to end a story with.

In this case the quote “Reading is dreaming with open eyes” totally describes how I felt through out the story. I could imagine this life and world so easily and I am so glad Carole introduced us to the lovely Lapland. This story is really fascinating, vivid and full of extraordinary moments. LOVED IT!!! <3 <3 <3

Rating:

My possible cast:

Cassie: Katharine McPhee

Jim: Oliver Jackson-Cohen

Carter: James Franco

Carole Matthews on Twitter: @carolematthews
Website: http://www.carolematthews.com