Synopsis
At Christmas time, it seems as though a woman's work is never done. Trimming the tree, mailing the cards, schlepping to the mall, the endless wrapping - bah humbug! So this year, Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to go on strike. If their husbands and families want a nice holiday filled with parties, decorations, and presents - well, they'll just have to do it themselves.
The boycott soon takes on a life of its own when a reporter picks up the story and more women join in. But as Christmas Day approaches, Joy, Laura, and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together.
The boycott soon takes on a life of its own when a reporter picks up the story and more women join in. But as Christmas Day approaches, Joy, Laura, and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together.
Published December 2nd 2014 by Piatkus (first published October 30th 2007)
Review
When Clara offered me the chance to read one of Sheila Robert's three Christmas books being released today, I jumped at the chance I love Christmas reads but do not often get to fit them in around all the craziness of the season. It was tough choosing one but On strike for Christmas sounded perfect, who does not or has not ever felt like packing it in and going on strike for Christmas I know I have. (I will include the synopsis of the other two books after my review, I hope to read these through the rest of December, fingers crossed!)
As soon as i started reading this book, I was captivated. I did not put it down except too put tea in the oven. The only thing missing was a roaring coal fire! Unfortunately our electric one doesn't quite give the feeling the same. This book is a heart warming, fun, cozy read, at times i was laughing out loud, others i was fighting tears. It is a perfect Christmas read. In fact so much it has lifted my christmas spirit so much i plan to tackle some more Christmas shopping i have put off the past week.
The book follows an array of different characters from a small town and their Christmas stories. They all are in different situations and are all so relatable. Even the poor men that get the Christmas duties dumped on them, Even if I am more like Bob when it comes to socializing I also have alot of Joy in me. You can see where both sides are coming from in all of the different characters stories. I like the fact that we are following the strike from lots of POV'S, not only are they relatable all of the characters are realistic and by the end you feel like you know all of them so well and they all grow throughout the book, learning invaluable lessons. Its rare when you just cannot pick a favourite character from a book but this is one of those times. It is also so hard to pick a favourite moment as there is just too many situations they all find themselves in that are simply priceless. Glen LOL the stuff he gets himself into still makes me chuckle. He reminds me so much of my husband.
The book is an easy, enjoyable read full of wit and paced perfectly. It has the right mix of fun and seriousness in. I loved the terminology the characters used and the playfulness in the author's writing. I think not only the Grinch's out there but the Yulezilla's would all enjoy and get something out of this charming festive read.
I'm so glad my husband is a big kid at Christmas and does help out or I might have just joined in the strike this year. I think that as you read not only do the characters learn and grow but for Christmas stress heads like me or those less inclined to help out their other half's learn too. Christmas does not have to be perfect or a one person job. Having a perfect Christmas would not be perfect without the people who mean the most around you. Appreciate everyone in your life and all the things they do do for you or with you. Even if you are otherwise inclined.
My Rating : 
To Buy Links
Sheila's other Christmas releases today
When Kiley Gray discovers an enchanting snow globe in an antique shop, she has no idea how much her life is about to change. For years, the snow globe has passed from generation to generation, somehow always landing in the hands of a person in special need of a Christmas miracle.
Kiley could use a miracle herself. This year, all she wants for Christmas is someone to love. A hopeful shake leads her on an adventure that makes a believer out of her. When Kiley shares the story of the snow globe with her best friends-two women with problems of their own-they don't believe it. But they're about to discover that at Christmastime, sometimes the impossible becomes possible and miracles really do come true.
When a guy is in trouble, he starts making deals with his Creator . . . and Ambrose the cat is no exception. In danger of losing his ninth and final life, Ambrose makes a desperate plea to the universe. He'll do anything if he can just survive and enjoy a nice long, final life. His prayer is answered when a stranger comes along and saves him-and now it looks like he has to hold up his end of the bargain.
The stranger turns out to be a firefighter named Zach, who's in need of some serious romantic help. If Ambrose can just bring Zach together with Merilee, the nice lady who works at Pet Palace, it's bound to earn him a healthy ninth life. Unfortunately for Ambrose, his mission is a lot harder than he ever thought. Merriliee is way too shy to make the first move on a ladies man like Zach, and Zach thinks he's all wrong for a nice girl like Merrilee. Now it's going to take all of Ambrose's feline wiles-and maybe even a good old fashioned Christmas miracle-to make them both realize that what they're looking for is right in front of their eyes.
Author Links
No comments:
Post a Comment