Becoming Mrs. Claus: A Novel About Love, Choices, and Finding the Way Home

by P. Jo Anne Burgh

“It’s Santa magic, baby.”In the enchanting sequel to State v. Claus, Attorney Meg Riley finds herself plunged into the whirlwind realm of the North Pole, where the magic of Christmas meets the reality of daily life.Faced with the choice between her independent life in Connecticut and a future with the man she loves, Meg wrestles with the implications of marrying Santa himself, her beloved Ralph Claus. Because as wondrous as the North Pole may be, it’s a far cry from her familiar existence. Even the bliss of being with Ralph is overshadowed by logistical challenges, unexpected family drama, and the oddities of this extraordinary, yet bizarre, new world (fermented walrus, anyone?).Just when it seems that Meg and Ralph might finally live happily ever after, a devastating catastrophe shakes the very foundations of the Pole. Meg will need to muster every scrap of her ingenuity, legal expertise, and determination as she endeavors to restore harmony at the Pole, manage intricate Christmas preparations, and protect Santa—all while learning the true meaning of being Mrs. Claus.Becoming Mrs. Claus celebrates the joy of self-discovery, the generosity of second chances, and the transformative power of love and Christmas.“For those who’ve ever wondered, it turns out that Santa Claus isn’t much different from you or me. Nor is the Claus family. In Becoming Mrs. Claus, P. Jo Anne Burgh’s delightful follow-up to State v. Claus, she gives readers a family that, in its petty arguments, its stumblings, and its deep love for one another, we can all relate to. This is like no other Christmas story you have ever read, wonderfully imaginative, quite risqué, and, despite the elves and flying reindeer, so perfectlyhuman. I guarantee that after you’ve read this book, you’ll never see that jolly old elf in the same way again.” ~ William Kent Krueger, award-winning author of The River We Remember“Burgh’s characters live in the swirl of a magical existence blended with real life responsibilities. The result is a delightful concoction that’s as heartwarming as best hot chocolate. Becoming Mrs. Claus is an everywoman treat.” ~ Sophfronia Scott, author of Wild, Beautiful and Free“I was swept away by this whirlwind of a tale. P. Jo Anne Burgh creates a rich world full of charming characters and magical settings that will have you turning pages late into the night. Grab a cup of cocoa and immerse yourself in this delightful story about the power of love, forgiveness, and believing in things that can only be felt with the heart.” ~ Kiersten Schiffer, author of The Playlist Diaries series“P. Jo Anne Burgh’s Becoming Mrs. Claus is a fairytale for grown-ups looking to recapture the spirit of the Christmas season. The inevitable intrusions of life, death, and work are ever-present—but so too are the restorative powers of love, magic, and wonderment. To read this book is to find yourself believing in Santa and second chances all over again.” ~ John B. Valeri, Host and Benevolent Overlord of the Central Booking web series“. . . P. Jo Anne Burgh deftly weaves reality and fantasy into a world we might just already live in.” ~ D. Margaret Hoffman, author of the Saving Our Lives series

378 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2023

Reviews

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! Usually I can guess the plot line and easily predict any twists, but this one had me surprised! A friend recommended it and I’m so glad she did, because I was so eager to find out how it would end that I couldn’t even get out of my pajamas until I had finished today! What a page turner!❄️🎄☃️🧑‍🎄🤶It will definitely lift your Christmas spirits!

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better than the first book! The characters were more fleshed out and loveable and the story was more richly layered and engaging, with fewer distracting editorial issues in this one. The second chance storyline was so touching and moved me to tears! Maybe the story ends here, and it certainly is a lovely ending, but I would read a 3rd book in a heartbeat!

[Sheryl Dougherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I don't get too hung up on writing and can focus on the story because I loved this follow up to Santa vs Claus.
There were couple transition gaps and a portion, I won't say was slow, but it did meander. I loved the law aspects - though some were a lit bit too detailed, and a couple tangents that could have been left out completely. All that, for me, were not distracting enough to embrace the story.
Call me a sucker for Christmas magic and Santa - these books made the North Pole and the whole Claus operation pretty believable. To the point I may go stake out the field ( known drop off point of travelers from the pole)in my neighboring town of Marlborough in hopes of sighting a sleigh and reindeer.
A perfect book to finish on Christmas Eve.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Patricia McClure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story and a gentle read. Interesting characters who change and find their way back to each other.