Blue Christmas

by Lorraine Bartlett

Christmas used to be a joyous time for Judi Straub, but that was before her parents passed away and her siblings became too busy to socialize with their old maid sister. Holidays spent with friends were a nightmare. Then one late December Judi won an all-expense-paid-trip to Puerto Rico where Harry Howell swept her off her feet. But her fantasy of happily-ever-after was quickly derailed. Would Judi always have a Blue Christmas?

Genres: Christmas

Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2013

About the author

The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorraine Bartlett’s pen name Lorna Barrett on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her in her readers' hearts. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series, and now the Tales of Telenia fantasy saga, and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the descriptions and links to all her works, and sign up for her emailed newsletter here: http://www.lorrainebartlett.com

She lives in Rochester, NY, with her husband and two cats.

Reviews

[Sue Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you believe in happily ever after, this book is for you, but be sure you have tissue beside you. It's a short easy read and Lorraine has written it wonderfully. You won't see the ending coming, but when you do, maybe for just a minute, you'll believe.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short easy read with a happy ending. If you do not believe in wishes, you just might when you finish reading this story. Have a tissue handy for the tears.

[Lorraine Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote it. I like it.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judi Straub is living the life that many people do, that of being in your mid-years, living alone, slightly depressed, after having cared for your parents until their passing. Waking up, Judi realizes that she is fortunate to have a solid job, Administrative Assistant for a fortune 500 company, but she is taken advantage of by her co-workers and boss. Judi has a nice home but nothing special. Judi is under appreciated by her selfish sister, Pam and equally distant brother, Bill.

Then one Christmas, magic happens, well as much magic as Judi is used to expecting...she wins a trip to Puerto Rico. Of course it has been downgraded, once the head boss learns he can't take the trip, and she must pay for meals etc., but still magic!

Once there Judi realizes that she has not changed anything except the geography, until, a man attracted to sea glass happens upon her. Magic...but is it?

I found this short story reminiscent of a great movie, An Affair to Remember. I enjoyed the tale but really wished it was longer so I could see what will happen in the future with Judi and Harry. I hope it was Magic!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this short story and felt like I could really relate to the main character, Judi. My only complaint is that I wanted it to be longer and give more detail on Judi and Harry. Nice to know that dreams can come true.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judi's family is the worst, so when she gets the chance to take off for Puerto Rico over the holidays, she jumps on it. She meets a very mysterious man and falls in love. Is he who he claims to be? Very good short story.

[Natasha Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story. My only complaint is it should have been longer.

[Mary Jo Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually bought this book with 3 others combined and called A Very Romantic Christmas. Found it on Amazon and thought it would be a fun holiday read. They are quick and fun to read.

[Pamela Priest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the short stories by Lorraine. This one is excellent, you feel for the main character and want her to have a good Xmas!

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in Happy Holidays?

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are several short stories in this book, all of which I have read before but did not review for some reason.

I don't remember anything about We're so Sorry Uncle Albert or Bah! Humbug however Blue Christmas is an okay story.

Judi Straub is preparing to celebrate Christmas alone when her sister convinces her to join her and her family. As Judi suspected, Christmas was a disaster...........the food all came out of boxes and cans, she spent a great deal of time cleaning pots (was that why she was invited?) and one fight after another broke out. She swore to never do it again.

The next year she won a ticket to Puerto Rico in an office raffle. She was elated but knew it wouldn't be the same as being with family. When she meets a man who sweeps her off her feet she is sure it won't last and knows she needs to be careful. When she leaves to go home she does not hear from him for months. Wondering what happened to him she returns to Puerto Rico only to get the surprise of her life.