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Charming in Chicago #3
Merry Christmas, Henry
Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream.
**Winner of 2013 Preditors and Editors Readers Choice Award for best short story**
**Winner of 2013 Preditors and Editors Readers Choice Award for best short story**
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
10 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Aubrey Wynne
101 books452 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas and Regency series have received multiple awards and nominated numerous times as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.
Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow. In 2020, she launched the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels. Her Regency detective series, Paddy’s Peelers, will launch early 2024.
Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow. In 2020, she launched the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels. Her Regency detective series, Paddy’s Peelers, will launch early 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
December 17, 2016
Christmas seems to generate tales of romance and fantasy. Aubrey Wynne’s short story,
Merry Christmas, Henry, is both. Henry, a night watchman at a Chicago museum, is a talented artist. His friendship with the Melinda, the owner of the museum, got him his dream job, which enables him to be close to fabulous works of art. His true passion is painting. Not only is he extremely talented, but he also uses his painting as a chance to escape his loneliness. He is shy and bears memories of a painful childhood. Melinda keeps trying unsuccessfully to fix him up with dates; he insists that he desires nothing and no one else at present.
This is not a “normal” romance story. Henry becomes enamored with a woman in a painting. While he seems to have good relationships with Melinda and her daughter and with the other watchman at the museum, his fascination with the woman he calls “Rebecca” seemed too obsessive to me. Yes, Henry is a gentle soul who is kind, talented, and deserving of love. There is sweetness and melancholy in the telling of his journey. The ending, while remarkable and unexpected, was too whimsical for me. But for those who like Christmas dreams to come true, this one should be a winner.
3 stars
Merry Christmas, Henry, is both. Henry, a night watchman at a Chicago museum, is a talented artist. His friendship with the Melinda, the owner of the museum, got him his dream job, which enables him to be close to fabulous works of art. His true passion is painting. Not only is he extremely talented, but he also uses his painting as a chance to escape his loneliness. He is shy and bears memories of a painful childhood. Melinda keeps trying unsuccessfully to fix him up with dates; he insists that he desires nothing and no one else at present.
This is not a “normal” romance story. Henry becomes enamored with a woman in a painting. While he seems to have good relationships with Melinda and her daughter and with the other watchman at the museum, his fascination with the woman he calls “Rebecca” seemed too obsessive to me. Yes, Henry is a gentle soul who is kind, talented, and deserving of love. There is sweetness and melancholy in the telling of his journey. The ending, while remarkable and unexpected, was too whimsical for me. But for those who like Christmas dreams to come true, this one should be a winner.
3 stars
December 24, 2013
Sigh.... I just finished Merry Christmas, Henry and am still wiping tears from my cheeks. And not in a bad way.
Henry is a lonely man. Treated badly as a child, his only retreat was into his paintings. "Henry the Trifling" he thinks of himself as being - insignificant, shy, and totally unassuming. A night museum guard, he spends his days painting beautiful paintings of the people he sees on his daily walks to the museum, setting them in beautiful, exotic settings. And his breaks for dinner in the museum? He spends with a painting of a beautiful, and yet melancholy woman on a windswept sea cliff. So goes Henry's life for more than twenty years.
What happens next in Henry's life is a beautiful Christmas tale that broke open my heart and filled it with joy.
I never, ever would have thought that this was Ms. Wynne's first short story to be published. Her writing is crisp, well formed sentences drawing you into the story and leading you on a breathless journey through melancholy out out the other side to the light of pure Christmas magic.
Grab this short story and curl up in your favorite chair, a cup of cocoa in your hand, Christmas music playing softly, a quilt across your lap. You won't be sorry. This will be one of your best Christmas presents to yourself ever.
Henry is a lonely man. Treated badly as a child, his only retreat was into his paintings. "Henry the Trifling" he thinks of himself as being - insignificant, shy, and totally unassuming. A night museum guard, he spends his days painting beautiful paintings of the people he sees on his daily walks to the museum, setting them in beautiful, exotic settings. And his breaks for dinner in the museum? He spends with a painting of a beautiful, and yet melancholy woman on a windswept sea cliff. So goes Henry's life for more than twenty years.
What happens next in Henry's life is a beautiful Christmas tale that broke open my heart and filled it with joy.
I never, ever would have thought that this was Ms. Wynne's first short story to be published. Her writing is crisp, well formed sentences drawing you into the story and leading you on a breathless journey through melancholy out out the other side to the light of pure Christmas magic.
Grab this short story and curl up in your favorite chair, a cup of cocoa in your hand, Christmas music playing softly, a quilt across your lap. You won't be sorry. This will be one of your best Christmas presents to yourself ever.
November 16, 2013
Her debut story, Merry Christmas, Henry is a skillfully told and beautiful tale. The short story is touching and has all the elements of a holiday piece you'll return to year after year. Aubrey also makes it very hard to believe that this her first published work.
And even though this not a paranormal piece exactly, the amount of mysticism will satisfy most paranormal readers and non-paranormal readers alike.
Grab your hot chocolate, curl up by the fire and indulge. This piece is five heart-warming stars.
And even though this not a paranormal piece exactly, the amount of mysticism will satisfy most paranormal readers and non-paranormal readers alike.
Grab your hot chocolate, curl up by the fire and indulge. This piece is five heart-warming stars.
November 24, 2013
Heart Warming
This short story is extremely warming and heartfelt.
The main character Henry, has been a night guard for over twenty years at a museum in Chicago. His life is nondescript to say the least until the day two paintings are being donated. One is a priceless Rubens. But it was the larger, unknown artist’s work which caught his attention. It was of a woman sitting on a cliff, devoid of color or life. He couldn’t help but be drawn to the figure as she displayed in oil the same emotions he felt in life.
Being an artist himself, he decides to add a few details with the intention of giving her hope. His additions would provide him a Christmas present, he was convinced, would never happen in his life.
An excellent story of love, inspiration and hope.
This short story is extremely warming and heartfelt.
The main character Henry, has been a night guard for over twenty years at a museum in Chicago. His life is nondescript to say the least until the day two paintings are being donated. One is a priceless Rubens. But it was the larger, unknown artist’s work which caught his attention. It was of a woman sitting on a cliff, devoid of color or life. He couldn’t help but be drawn to the figure as she displayed in oil the same emotions he felt in life.
Being an artist himself, he decides to add a few details with the intention of giving her hope. His additions would provide him a Christmas present, he was convinced, would never happen in his life.
An excellent story of love, inspiration and hope.
December 15, 2014
Merry Christmas, Henry was a beautiful and captivating story of a man who finally found magic in life.
Henry is a shy and reserved guy who though lonely is quite content with his life. He works the night shifts at a museum, a job he clearly loves. When he is not working he is painting and creating new worlds. Having come from a not too great family, especially since his mother was always undermining his wishes and overlooking him, art becomes his escape. At at the age of ten he wanders into a gallery and becomes enchanted with the paintings. Since then art has been his pride and joy.
As a young man he came across a feisty young woman who quickly falls for his art and takes him to Chicago and henceforth, his life changes completely. Melody is not just his best friend but along with her daughter and Henry's Aunt Lucy, his only family. It surprises me how beautifully Aubrey Wynne managed to capture the essence of Henry's relationship with his Aunt, Melody and Katie, Melody's daughter.
Since he started working as a guard in the museum, the museum was gifted two paintings. One a beauty and another painting, not too striking of a woman. Henry soon falls in love with the painting and becomes obsessed over time.
Merry Christmas, Henry is a beautifully written story that tugs on your heart-strings and makes you believe in magic. Christmas is indeed a magical time, and Henry finds himself with the best Christmas present he could ever hope for. Merry Christmas, Henry chronicles the journey of a lonely man who finds a place for himself in the harsh world and in the end, ends up with true love.
Merry Christmas, Henry is quite vivid in it's imagery and has a soul to it that many seasoned writers can't capture. The exuberance of the story and it's characters leave you with a smile on your face and leaves you wanting more. A spellbinding story that makes you believe in magic and the beauty of human nature.
Henry is a shy and reserved guy who though lonely is quite content with his life. He works the night shifts at a museum, a job he clearly loves. When he is not working he is painting and creating new worlds. Having come from a not too great family, especially since his mother was always undermining his wishes and overlooking him, art becomes his escape. At at the age of ten he wanders into a gallery and becomes enchanted with the paintings. Since then art has been his pride and joy.
As a young man he came across a feisty young woman who quickly falls for his art and takes him to Chicago and henceforth, his life changes completely. Melody is not just his best friend but along with her daughter and Henry's Aunt Lucy, his only family. It surprises me how beautifully Aubrey Wynne managed to capture the essence of Henry's relationship with his Aunt, Melody and Katie, Melody's daughter.
Since he started working as a guard in the museum, the museum was gifted two paintings. One a beauty and another painting, not too striking of a woman. Henry soon falls in love with the painting and becomes obsessed over time.
Merry Christmas, Henry is a beautifully written story that tugs on your heart-strings and makes you believe in magic. Christmas is indeed a magical time, and Henry finds himself with the best Christmas present he could ever hope for. Merry Christmas, Henry chronicles the journey of a lonely man who finds a place for himself in the harsh world and in the end, ends up with true love.
Merry Christmas, Henry is quite vivid in it's imagery and has a soul to it that many seasoned writers can't capture. The exuberance of the story and it's characters leave you with a smile on your face and leaves you wanting more. A spellbinding story that makes you believe in magic and the beauty of human nature.
April 30, 2020
Merry Christmas, Henry is a beautiful, heart-wrenching short story about the magic of love and Christmas.
Henry is a lonely artist working as a night watchman at a museum in Chicago. He’s shy, especially when it comes to women, but that doesn’t get him down. Instead of talking to a beautiful woman, he commits her image to memory and goes home to paint her in his upstairs apartment.
For the past twenty years, his heart yearns for a sad woman in a painting hanging in the museum. There’s something about her that captures his heart and no other woman can compare. He only wishes he could add some color to her dreary painting. Maybe then, she’s look his way and smile. That’s when an idea blossoms in his heart. Can he? Will he get arrested? It’s worth the risk to bring some beauty to the love of his life.
Aubrey Wynne has penned one of the best short stories I’ve ever read. It’s filled with emotion, mystery, magic and all takes place at Christmastime in a museum. Henry is someone I can relate to as he’s an artist who discovers what life is all about. Love is a core theme in this moving story. The characters are fleshed out, the plot moves quickly and Wynne grabs the reader from the beginning and doesn’t let go. The ending came too quickly because I wanted to read more. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote: “His fingers itched to reach out and pull her from the painting and hold her, soothe her, give her comfort. Henry knew that if she could turn and face him, he would be looking at the most exquisite creature he’d ever seen. His hand shook as he reached out to touch the canvas.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
Henry is a lonely artist working as a night watchman at a museum in Chicago. He’s shy, especially when it comes to women, but that doesn’t get him down. Instead of talking to a beautiful woman, he commits her image to memory and goes home to paint her in his upstairs apartment.
For the past twenty years, his heart yearns for a sad woman in a painting hanging in the museum. There’s something about her that captures his heart and no other woman can compare. He only wishes he could add some color to her dreary painting. Maybe then, she’s look his way and smile. That’s when an idea blossoms in his heart. Can he? Will he get arrested? It’s worth the risk to bring some beauty to the love of his life.
Aubrey Wynne has penned one of the best short stories I’ve ever read. It’s filled with emotion, mystery, magic and all takes place at Christmastime in a museum. Henry is someone I can relate to as he’s an artist who discovers what life is all about. Love is a core theme in this moving story. The characters are fleshed out, the plot moves quickly and Wynne grabs the reader from the beginning and doesn’t let go. The ending came too quickly because I wanted to read more. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote: “His fingers itched to reach out and pull her from the painting and hold her, soothe her, give her comfort. Henry knew that if she could turn and face him, he would be looking at the most exquisite creature he’d ever seen. His hand shook as he reached out to touch the canvas.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
November 14, 2013
Merry Christmas Henry is a beautifully written short about love and devotion. Aubrey Wynne creates a character that's easy to fall in love with. Henry stole my heart and he still has it long after the story finished.
January 19, 2014
Merry Christmas, Henry is a sweet, tender romantic short story about the magic of love. Not a heart-warming tale just for Christmas, but anytime. With easy to relate to characters and vivid descriptions, the piece leaves you with a smile and a new Christmas tradition.
November 15, 2013
If you believe in Christmas miracles, then you will love this short story by new author Aubrey Wynne. It will leave you feeling warm and cozy inside.
April 14, 2014
This was an absolute gem of a short story. I read it over my morning cup of tea and loved it to pieces. It was whimsical, sweet and I can't wait to see what Ms. Wynne publishes next.
December 1, 2013
I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Characters: The two main characters are shy, withdrawn Henry and his friend Melinda. Henry is a kind, gentle middle-aged man who lives alone in a studio near his place of work, an art museum. I liked him immediately because although he preferred to spend his time alone, it was clear that he cared about the people he did come in contact with on a regular basis. Melinda is the owner of the museum and Henry's closest friend. She wants Henry to interact more, but understands him well enough to figure out that it may not happen.
Plot: Henry prepares to spend the holidays just the way he likes them: by himself, with a painting in the museum of a solemn woman in a bleak background. As Christmas draws nearer, he decides to add a few touches to the painting to add a little cheer around the woman that he is madly in love with and has named Rebecca. Pretty soon, he notices some odd things about his beloved painting...until Christmas, when something unexpected, but welcomed, happens. Merry Christmas, Henry is a cute, cheerful little tale about one man finding the companionship he deserves. The novel was interesting from beginning to end. The only thing that confused me is that sometimes the author and her characters would refer to Henry as Hank, and I wasn't sure why. I assume Hank was his alter ego, one created to help him paint, but it wasn't explained.
Writing: Wynne's talent shines through in this novel. Her descriptions are vivid and not too wordy. Henry and Melinda are sufficiently developed, easy to like characters. The story was told in just the right amount of pages - any longer would have been dragging and any shorter would not have been enough.
I recommend Merry Christmas, Henry to those in need of a pick-me-up during the holidays, which can be lonely and depressing for a lot of people. This descriptive, sweet story will bring a smile to your face at the end.
Characters: The two main characters are shy, withdrawn Henry and his friend Melinda. Henry is a kind, gentle middle-aged man who lives alone in a studio near his place of work, an art museum. I liked him immediately because although he preferred to spend his time alone, it was clear that he cared about the people he did come in contact with on a regular basis. Melinda is the owner of the museum and Henry's closest friend. She wants Henry to interact more, but understands him well enough to figure out that it may not happen.
Plot: Henry prepares to spend the holidays just the way he likes them: by himself, with a painting in the museum of a solemn woman in a bleak background. As Christmas draws nearer, he decides to add a few touches to the painting to add a little cheer around the woman that he is madly in love with and has named Rebecca. Pretty soon, he notices some odd things about his beloved painting...until Christmas, when something unexpected, but welcomed, happens. Merry Christmas, Henry is a cute, cheerful little tale about one man finding the companionship he deserves. The novel was interesting from beginning to end. The only thing that confused me is that sometimes the author and her characters would refer to Henry as Hank, and I wasn't sure why. I assume Hank was his alter ego, one created to help him paint, but it wasn't explained.
Writing: Wynne's talent shines through in this novel. Her descriptions are vivid and not too wordy. Henry and Melinda are sufficiently developed, easy to like characters. The story was told in just the right amount of pages - any longer would have been dragging and any shorter would not have been enough.
I recommend Merry Christmas, Henry to those in need of a pick-me-up during the holidays, which can be lonely and depressing for a lot of people. This descriptive, sweet story will bring a smile to your face at the end.
August 15, 2014
If you want a heartwarming, delightful, heartfelt and truly inspiring story of pure optimism, goodness, love and hope which you can just read over a cup of your morning coffee, Merry Christmas, Henry by Aubrey Wynne may just be the right read for you. Short, sweet and just plain inspiring, this absolute gem of a great story shouldn’t be passed up.
Beautifully written, it is about Henry who is a night guard at a Chicago museum. He leads a quiet life occupying the fourth floor of a dilapidated building, without any eventful happening. But that is about to change when two priceless paintings are donated by a rich collector to the museum. One was a priceless Rubens but it was the unknown painting of a woman which drew his attention. She sat on the edge of a rocky cliff, her face slightly turned as if looking over the edge. Her legs were out to the side, knees bent, a long, olive-colored skirt spread around her haphazardly as if blown by the wind. The stormy ocean breakers rushed between jagged rocks then turned into frothy waves that lapped at the sand. The details in the picture were crisp and stark, the color was minimal - just the woman on a cliff with the turbulent water below. But the overall effect created a hauntingly beautiful scene.
The woman in the painting changed Henry’s life. It is a beautiful story. The author’s wordplay and narrative makes the story come alive. It is a story that will linger long after the book is gone.
Beautifully written, it is about Henry who is a night guard at a Chicago museum. He leads a quiet life occupying the fourth floor of a dilapidated building, without any eventful happening. But that is about to change when two priceless paintings are donated by a rich collector to the museum. One was a priceless Rubens but it was the unknown painting of a woman which drew his attention. She sat on the edge of a rocky cliff, her face slightly turned as if looking over the edge. Her legs were out to the side, knees bent, a long, olive-colored skirt spread around her haphazardly as if blown by the wind. The stormy ocean breakers rushed between jagged rocks then turned into frothy waves that lapped at the sand. The details in the picture were crisp and stark, the color was minimal - just the woman on a cliff with the turbulent water below. But the overall effect created a hauntingly beautiful scene.
The woman in the painting changed Henry’s life. It is a beautiful story. The author’s wordplay and narrative makes the story come alive. It is a story that will linger long after the book is gone.
October 7, 2015
An extremely gifted artist, Henry, also doubles as night guard at a local museum. He is painfully shy and content with his life, as quiet and isolated as it is. With one true friend to take him under her wing once every week and during holidays, Henry is free to live his life painting and protecting the museum, and spending every moment he can falling love with a woman in a painting. For years, Henry talks to the woman on a cliff and tries to picture her life, what makes her so forlorn and how can he make her happy. With a mission in mind he takes to adding subtle changes to the paintings, slowly adding something every night up to Christmas Eve, which is the night he realizes that the picture is now complete and is it his imagination? Or does this beautiful woman now wear a smile?
Not one my favorite books, the writing was beautiful, but I felt like there should be so much more to the story. I realize it was a short story, and there is only so much that can be said. However, where was the romance? Why couldn’t the painting come alive? Why couldn’t he actually interact with her? Obviously we stepped away from a realistic book, so why not bring the painting to life. I feel the story line was there; it just didn’t come to life and didn’t have a true romantic feeling to it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not one my favorite books, the writing was beautiful, but I felt like there should be so much more to the story. I realize it was a short story, and there is only so much that can be said. However, where was the romance? Why couldn’t the painting come alive? Why couldn’t he actually interact with her? Obviously we stepped away from a realistic book, so why not bring the painting to life. I feel the story line was there; it just didn’t come to life and didn’t have a true romantic feeling to it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2015
This is a darling short story that's perfect to read in a sitting to get in the holiday spirit. Henry is a loner--one who is extremely talented as an artist. He quietly works diligently at his job as a museum security guard at nights and falls in love with a woman from a painting. For twenty years, he pines for her. When he decides to give himself a gift, as well as brightening this lonely woman's surroundings, he finds a Christmas miracle.
Although there's a touch of fantasy, this story is wonderfully heartwarming. Henry is a great character with a lot to offer. I love the way the story unfolds and the way Henry is portrayed. There's a lot of emotion and detail given to the way Henry thinks and acts and I enjoyed getting to know him intimately. This story is reminiscent to the movies Somewhere in Time (Collector's Edition) and Mr. Krueger's Christmas.
Content: some mild language; very mild romance; nothing violent or religious. Clean!
*I received a copy from ebooksforreview.com in exchange for an honest review*
Although there's a touch of fantasy, this story is wonderfully heartwarming. Henry is a great character with a lot to offer. I love the way the story unfolds and the way Henry is portrayed. There's a lot of emotion and detail given to the way Henry thinks and acts and I enjoyed getting to know him intimately. This story is reminiscent to the movies Somewhere in Time (Collector's Edition) and Mr. Krueger's Christmas.
Content: some mild language; very mild romance; nothing violent or religious. Clean!
*I received a copy from ebooksforreview.com in exchange for an honest review*
November 12, 2013
A lovely time of year, when the Christmas season comes along. When family and friends come together and romance blooms and miracles happen. It's always been like that for Henry...
Henry has everything he could wish for, his best friend Miranda and the love of his life for all eternity. His love, not your average woman, speaks to him through a canvas. Not only does he see her but he feels her loneliness and sadness as if it were his own.
His life, forever changed, as he fills in the gaps through his paintings. Miranda has never seen anyone with more talent, than Henry with his love for his portraits. A thought occurs to him one day, acting on instinct and listening to a whisper of love and devotion. He must make her happy, his love, his Rebecca...
Henry has everything he could wish for, his best friend Miranda and the love of his life for all eternity. His love, not your average woman, speaks to him through a canvas. Not only does he see her but he feels her loneliness and sadness as if it were his own.
His life, forever changed, as he fills in the gaps through his paintings. Miranda has never seen anyone with more talent, than Henry with his love for his portraits. A thought occurs to him one day, acting on instinct and listening to a whisper of love and devotion. He must make her happy, his love, his Rebecca...
November 4, 2015
Merry Christmas, Henry is a short story that has an unexpected turn.
Henry is an artist who lives alone. He works in an art museum to pay the bills, but his heart is in his painting. At the museum is a painting that he admires. It features a lady who is alone. He feels connected to her and speaks to her. His fascination with the lady in the painting prevents him from having a real relationship.
The story has melancholy feel to it. It is as if Henry is waiting for his life to happen. The book is well written and interesting. The ending was very different from what I expected it to be.
Henry is an artist who lives alone. He works in an art museum to pay the bills, but his heart is in his painting. At the museum is a painting that he admires. It features a lady who is alone. He feels connected to her and speaks to her. His fascination with the lady in the painting prevents him from having a real relationship.
The story has melancholy feel to it. It is as if Henry is waiting for his life to happen. The book is well written and interesting. The ending was very different from what I expected it to be.
February 3, 2014
This short story left me in aw and wonder. It was beautiful and touched my heart. Puts the true meaning to you can find true love in many forms. I would love to see this painting before and after from this story.
April 15, 2014
A romantic tale of love a man searching for meaning in his life and finding in a magical, unexpected place. Well written and perfectly plotted Merry Christmas, Henry was a great short story to curl up and read any time of year.
November 16, 2013
A lovely bitter-sweet story with a touch of magic. Perfect for the holiday season – when wishes just might come true.
January 21, 2014
Awesome short story by a favorite author & colleague!! Way to go Chris!!!!!! Great read!!
November 10, 2015
This is Aubrey Wynne’s debut work that originally was published in the Christmas anthology Holiday Hopes. She manages to make a short work feel like a complete novel and not make the reader feel like they needed more. This story was a sweet tender heartwarming Christmas story with a psychologically damaged hero with a melancholy history.
You get to know Henry intimately and the aforementioned background history that has made him the man he is. He is a crippling shy loner that is unnoticed by others and doesn’t believe in himself. He works as an after closing night shift guard at a Chicago art museum. The only thing that prevents him from being a total recluse is his very long time BFF Melinda and Melinda’s daughter Katie whom never let too much time go by without talking to him or seeing him. He also has an Aunt Lucy in New York whom he is in constant written correspondence with. Other than that he spends all his free time outside work painting. Henry is an exceptionally gifted artist that has the ability to look into the souls of the subjects he paints and personify and embody whatever emotions of that person in lifelike incarnation on the canvas. During his free time alone at work though, he enjoys spending time around a painting of a woman in an hauntingly desolate background whose distress and sorrow he feels a kindred feeling with. He has been visiting this painting every shift break since it arrived 10 years ago and even has named the beautiful subject in the painting Rebecca.
I really thought I could predict the direction this story was going and the final resolution ending, but it wasn’t either the two predictable directions or endings I thought. I have mixed feelings about the actual ending. 99% of readers will probably swoon in delight, sigh, or cry tears of joy at the eternal happily ever after ending that I admit really did fit Henry. I think because I have a professional mental health background, it prejudiced me with what I wanted to happen, and the ending just personally for me wasn't my idea of an eternal happily ever after. For those whom don’t tend to over psychoanalyze fictional characters though (laughing), they will love the Rod Serling-like ending and this will be a yearly holiday time reread. I am interested in reading more from this author.
Sensuality content: None.
Source: Review copy in exchange for my 100% honest opinion.
You get to know Henry intimately and the aforementioned background history that has made him the man he is. He is a crippling shy loner that is unnoticed by others and doesn’t believe in himself. He works as an after closing night shift guard at a Chicago art museum. The only thing that prevents him from being a total recluse is his very long time BFF Melinda and Melinda’s daughter Katie whom never let too much time go by without talking to him or seeing him. He also has an Aunt Lucy in New York whom he is in constant written correspondence with. Other than that he spends all his free time outside work painting. Henry is an exceptionally gifted artist that has the ability to look into the souls of the subjects he paints and personify and embody whatever emotions of that person in lifelike incarnation on the canvas. During his free time alone at work though, he enjoys spending time around a painting of a woman in an hauntingly desolate background whose distress and sorrow he feels a kindred feeling with. He has been visiting this painting every shift break since it arrived 10 years ago and even has named the beautiful subject in the painting Rebecca.
I really thought I could predict the direction this story was going and the final resolution ending, but it wasn’t either the two predictable directions or endings I thought. I have mixed feelings about the actual ending. 99% of readers will probably swoon in delight, sigh, or cry tears of joy at the eternal happily ever after ending that I admit really did fit Henry. I think because I have a professional mental health background, it prejudiced me with what I wanted to happen, and the ending just personally for me wasn't my idea of an eternal happily ever after. For those whom don’t tend to over psychoanalyze fictional characters though (laughing), they will love the Rod Serling-like ending and this will be a yearly holiday time reread. I am interested in reading more from this author.
Sensuality content: None.
Source: Review copy in exchange for my 100% honest opinion.
November 3, 2014
[Full disclosure: I requested and received a free ebook in conjunction with the review tour in exchange for an honest review.]
Normally I’m not in the mood for Christmas books until at least December 20th. However, I put my grumbling aside about having to review a Christmas story while it’s still warm out and decided to take a chance on Aubrey Wynne’s short story. The blurb sounded interesting enough, so I figured I’d give it a go.
You know, in the end I was not disappointed in the least. Aubrey Wynne somehow managed to give me that warm and Christmassy feeling in the middle of October, which is certainly a testament to her writing skill. Yes, Merry Christmas, Henry is your typical heartwarming semi-sappy story about Christmas and the magic surrounding it, but I still loved it. It’s nice to read a story where the good guy gets what he deserves and life improves for him after having a hard life.
Henry is a pretty three dimensional character, especially considering the fact that this is a short story. He’s a shy and retiring artist who passionately loves his work at the museum. One day he becomes obsessed with a woman in an obscure painting in the back of the gallery and can’t get her out of his head. He visits her, talks to her and generally thinks of her as real. As Christmas approaches, the pull becomes stronger and stronger. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say that anything can happen on Christmas Eve in Aubrey Wynne’s world.
The plot was fairly fast-paced since it was a short story, but at the same time I feel like I knew the main characters intimately. There was no one-time info dump, but rather an organic growth of Henry’s sad backstory and the events leading up to his getting a job in the museum. By the end, you really do feel like you know him intimately and Aubrey Wynne spins such a beautiful tale that you can’t help but cheer for the heartwarming ending.
In short, it’s the perfect Christmas story. Even in October.
I give this short story 5/5 stars.
Normally I’m not in the mood for Christmas books until at least December 20th. However, I put my grumbling aside about having to review a Christmas story while it’s still warm out and decided to take a chance on Aubrey Wynne’s short story. The blurb sounded interesting enough, so I figured I’d give it a go.
You know, in the end I was not disappointed in the least. Aubrey Wynne somehow managed to give me that warm and Christmassy feeling in the middle of October, which is certainly a testament to her writing skill. Yes, Merry Christmas, Henry is your typical heartwarming semi-sappy story about Christmas and the magic surrounding it, but I still loved it. It’s nice to read a story where the good guy gets what he deserves and life improves for him after having a hard life.
Henry is a pretty three dimensional character, especially considering the fact that this is a short story. He’s a shy and retiring artist who passionately loves his work at the museum. One day he becomes obsessed with a woman in an obscure painting in the back of the gallery and can’t get her out of his head. He visits her, talks to her and generally thinks of her as real. As Christmas approaches, the pull becomes stronger and stronger. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say that anything can happen on Christmas Eve in Aubrey Wynne’s world.
The plot was fairly fast-paced since it was a short story, but at the same time I feel like I knew the main characters intimately. There was no one-time info dump, but rather an organic growth of Henry’s sad backstory and the events leading up to his getting a job in the museum. By the end, you really do feel like you know him intimately and Aubrey Wynne spins such a beautiful tale that you can’t help but cheer for the heartwarming ending.
In short, it’s the perfect Christmas story. Even in October.
I give this short story 5/5 stars.
December 14, 2014
4.5/5
Henry is a quiet, unassuming, shy man who works the night shift at a museum in Chicago as a security guard. Since he was ten, art has been his escape and source of joy. As a young man he came across a zesty woman who became his best friend, and who procured for him the job he loves. One night, two paintings are gifted to the museum, and of the two, the second, unremarkable one by an unknown artist captivates him and becomes his obsession. Years pass by as Henry continues with his lonely yet content life, until one Christmas when a miracle truly occurs and changes everything.
Merry Christmas, Henry caught my attention as soon as I read a sample preview. It is a small book which can easily be finished in a short while. It is a beautifully written, heart-warming and bittersweet tale of a lonely man with a gentle heart who finally finds a place for himself. The characters, the story, the atmosphere as soon as you read the first line hook you, and pull you further in. It’s a living, breathing tale wonderfully written where despite the short length you immediately appreciate the skill and the richness of the character.
The tender narrative and vivid descriptions make the story come alive. It’s hard to believe this is the author’s first published work. The writing is crisp, mature and leaves you wanting more. A great read for anytime of the year.
Review posted on Gemstreet Reviews
Henry is a quiet, unassuming, shy man who works the night shift at a museum in Chicago as a security guard. Since he was ten, art has been his escape and source of joy. As a young man he came across a zesty woman who became his best friend, and who procured for him the job he loves. One night, two paintings are gifted to the museum, and of the two, the second, unremarkable one by an unknown artist captivates him and becomes his obsession. Years pass by as Henry continues with his lonely yet content life, until one Christmas when a miracle truly occurs and changes everything.
Merry Christmas, Henry caught my attention as soon as I read a sample preview. It is a small book which can easily be finished in a short while. It is a beautifully written, heart-warming and bittersweet tale of a lonely man with a gentle heart who finally finds a place for himself. The characters, the story, the atmosphere as soon as you read the first line hook you, and pull you further in. It’s a living, breathing tale wonderfully written where despite the short length you immediately appreciate the skill and the richness of the character.
The tender narrative and vivid descriptions make the story come alive. It’s hard to believe this is the author’s first published work. The writing is crisp, mature and leaves you wanting more. A great read for anytime of the year.
Review posted on Gemstreet Reviews
September 29, 2014
Henry is very shy but a very talented in the art of painting that works in a museum as a security guard and falls in love with a portrait painting of a woman sitting on a cliff by the ocean. Henry’s obsession lasts over ten years as he has his breaks and lunches near the painting and speaking to her as if she can hear his every word. What worries Henry is the drab and depressing background on the canvas he considers too dark for the lovely face of the woman and being the gifted artist he is, Henry has an idea for the woman and her surrounding background that has mesmerized him for so long. With surprising results, the painting becomes a crowd pleaser with no one realizing or recognizing its beauty beforehand, but his best friend Melinda does after Henry disappears.
Merry Christmas, Henry is a heartwarming short story of a shy but gifted man who takes his talent and uses it where and how he knows best. Aubrey Wynne shares a short story of undying love that warms the heart for the main character who is content in his life. This novel is well worth the read to place on your next to read list for the fall and great as a gifting opportunity.
I received this book free through Masquerade Book Tours in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
Merry Christmas, Henry is a heartwarming short story of a shy but gifted man who takes his talent and uses it where and how he knows best. Aubrey Wynne shares a short story of undying love that warms the heart for the main character who is content in his life. This novel is well worth the read to place on your next to read list for the fall and great as a gifting opportunity.
I received this book free through Masquerade Book Tours in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
January 17, 2016
Title: Merry Christmas, Henry
Author: Aubrey Wynne
Publisher: Melange Books, LLC.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"Merry Christmas, Henry" by Aubrey Wynne...
"Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream."
What I liked from this read...
This is a very wonderful Christmas holiday romantic read, however I think this one can be read anytime. I found "Merry Christmas, Henry" was a well written story and this short page turner that flows very smoothly and will definitely keep your attention to the end. It was beautiful how this author was able to show us that you can find love in so many forms. The details were excellent as you will be drawn into a wonderful story of this character named Henry. As Henry becomes more and more obsessed with the painting...well I will stop here because I don't want to spoil it but there will be some 'magic of love' which really makes this read so beautiful and special.
Author: Aubrey Wynne
Publisher: Melange Books, LLC.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"Merry Christmas, Henry" by Aubrey Wynne...
"Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream."
What I liked from this read...
This is a very wonderful Christmas holiday romantic read, however I think this one can be read anytime. I found "Merry Christmas, Henry" was a well written story and this short page turner that flows very smoothly and will definitely keep your attention to the end. It was beautiful how this author was able to show us that you can find love in so many forms. The details were excellent as you will be drawn into a wonderful story of this character named Henry. As Henry becomes more and more obsessed with the painting...well I will stop here because I don't want to spoil it but there will be some 'magic of love' which really makes this read so beautiful and special.
October 5, 2015
This was a short, sweet, quirky Christmas story. Henry is unnoticed, insignificant, and painfully shy. His mother always told him he wouldn't amount to anything so even though he is a talented artist, he doesn't believe in himself. He has a really good friend Melinda and her daughter Katie, who is like a niece to him. He also has an Aunt Lucy who always sends him letters. He has his job as a security guard which pays the bills, and he has his painting which gives him purpose. And he has the lady in the painting.
He has been drawn to the lady in the painting ever since she was donated to the museum where he works. He has named her "Rebecca" an fFor years he has talked to her and spent time with her.
This was a sweet story, but I wasn't crazy about the direction the story took. To say more than that would probably be a spoiler so I will leave it at that.
Content: Clean
Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
He has been drawn to the lady in the painting ever since she was donated to the museum where he works. He has named her "Rebecca" an fFor years he has talked to her and spent time with her.
This was a sweet story, but I wasn't crazy about the direction the story took. To say more than that would probably be a spoiler so I will leave it at that.
Content: Clean
Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
August 17, 2014
I think what grabbed me most about this story was just the pure human aspect to it, that maybe on some level we can all relate to. Ms. Wynne has created a living, breathing character in Henry. He's shy, a bit of a loner, and we get get this glimpse of a man, who, like so many of us, is just going through the motions in life. Henry works as a security guard at a museum when the painting first arrives. In it, is a woman who captures his imagination. As Henry grows more obsessed with the woman in the painting, it is both sad and beautiful at the same time. The magic that comes next is unexpected, but it is what makes this story truly special...and I won't spoil it ;) I know it's technically a holiday story, but If you're looking for a quick read--ANY time of year, I would definitely recommend this!
March 2, 2015
This review is for: Merry Christmas, Henry (Kindle Edition)
In her debut publication, author Aubrey Wynne creates a hero, Henry, that each and every one would love to have as a best friend (or in the case of females, perhaps a closer relationship). It is a tale of a man, under-appreciated by many who know him, but because of the adversity in his own early life has developed a true artist's eye and a caring and gentle spirit.
Writing this review is difficult because I don't want to give too much of the plot and spoil it for someone else. The writing is excellent. The pacing flawless. The story flows so smoothly that I read it in one sitting and was left wanting more. And, I envied the woman who captured Henry's heart.
A beautiful, touching, absolutely perfect Christmas read! A great 'stocking stuffer' to give to others!!
In her debut publication, author Aubrey Wynne creates a hero, Henry, that each and every one would love to have as a best friend (or in the case of females, perhaps a closer relationship). It is a tale of a man, under-appreciated by many who know him, but because of the adversity in his own early life has developed a true artist's eye and a caring and gentle spirit.
Writing this review is difficult because I don't want to give too much of the plot and spoil it for someone else. The writing is excellent. The pacing flawless. The story flows so smoothly that I read it in one sitting and was left wanting more. And, I envied the woman who captured Henry's heart.
A beautiful, touching, absolutely perfect Christmas read! A great 'stocking stuffer' to give to others!!
September 17, 2015
Reading this short tale was almost like watching an enchanting little holiday movie on television.
Henry's relationship with the woman in a museum painting is something like Chuck Noland's bond with the volleyball Wilson in the film Cast Away. The relationship is unreal, but it makes enough sense for the audience looking/reading on to go with it after a while. The story has a fitting mix of melancholy and hope and magic that culminates into what I expected, but in a way I didn't expect.
Here's a nice, quick story for anyone looking for a dose of strangely sweet Christmas whimsy.
__________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ebooks for Review in exchange for an honest review.
Henry's relationship with the woman in a museum painting is something like Chuck Noland's bond with the volleyball Wilson in the film Cast Away. The relationship is unreal, but it makes enough sense for the audience looking/reading on to go with it after a while. The story has a fitting mix of melancholy and hope and magic that culminates into what I expected, but in a way I didn't expect.
Here's a nice, quick story for anyone looking for a dose of strangely sweet Christmas whimsy.
__________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ebooks for Review in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2015
This book was so cute! It's a super quick, easy holiday read. Perfect for anyone looking for a quick novella to get them into the Christmas spirit.
Although it's short, you definitely get a feel for the characters and even some glimpses into their pasts and their connections with each other. Henry is definitely a relatable and endearing character with his way that he's been able to lose himself in his art to get away from his tough life. I loved getting to "see" Rebecca, the woman in the painting that's captured Henry's interest, through Henry's eyes and his progression through the story with his love for her painting. With just a dash of some pop-culture references, this story is cute from beginning to end.
*I received this e-book for free in exchange for an honest review*
Although it's short, you definitely get a feel for the characters and even some glimpses into their pasts and their connections with each other. Henry is definitely a relatable and endearing character with his way that he's been able to lose himself in his art to get away from his tough life. I loved getting to "see" Rebecca, the woman in the painting that's captured Henry's interest, through Henry's eyes and his progression through the story with his love for her painting. With just a dash of some pop-culture references, this story is cute from beginning to end.
*I received this e-book for free in exchange for an honest review*
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