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The Christmas Women
Twenty years disappear, and it is as if they are back in high school with all its insecurities, romance and dreams. When 38-year old Trudie Parks learns that her high school drama teacher is seriously ill, she immediately contacts her two best friends in high school, Kristen and Mary Ann. Together, they’d been known as “The Christmas Girls.” They’d produced and starred in the annual high school Christmas show, which their teacher, Mrs. Childs, had directed. Determined to show their love for Mrs. Childs, they plan a 20-year reunion to recreate the Christmas show for her. What they don’t anticipate is the complicated emotions this provokes, as former sweethearts appear and rekindle romance, painful memories and the sting of unrealized dreams. All three women must reassess their lives and their friendships, while struggling to produce the show, even while Mrs. Childs seems to grow weaker by the day. As Christmas Eve approaches, The Christmas Women prepare for an event that will take them and the audience to the farthest reaches of the human heart and resonate throughout the rest of their lives.
- GenresChristmas
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2014
55 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Elyse Douglas
44 books336 followersElyse Douglas is the pen name for the husband and wife writing team of Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse began writing poems and short stories at an early age and graduated with a Master's Degree in English Literature. Douglas grew up in a family of musicians, astrologers, and avid readers. Some of Elyse Douglas' novels include: "Time Change," The Summer Letters," "Daring Summer," The Christmas Eve Series" and "Time Stranger." They reside in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 22, 2014
I would like to thank Net Galley and the author/publisher, Elyse Douglas, for a free copy of The Christmas Women in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed The Christmas Women. I love reading thrillers, but I will often take a break and look for a good literary or women's fiction book to enjoy. When I saw this novel on Net Galley, I jumped at the chance to read it, and I was not disappointed! This is the story of Trudie Parks, a dental hygienist, who get the idea of resurrecting a Christmas show from her high school days of 20 years previous, in honor of her high school drama teacher who is very ill with cancer. Ultimately, about 40-50 students from Trudie's graduation class gather to pull off the Herculean task of putting on the show. The event brings back 20- year-old memories to those who participate, leading several to reevaluate their current lives.
There are a number of things to like about The Christmas Women. Ms. Douglas does a good job in developing her major characters. Though the story is mainly told through Trudie, the point of view shifts at times to better flesh out the supporting players, primarily Trudie's best friends Kristen and Mary Ann. The author is also very successful in creating the ambience of small town midwest America in the dead of winter. I also like the way the story aroused feelings of nostalgia for "the old days" in me. Though the setup was just a bit slow (the reason for 4 rather than 5 stars), once the main characters all arrived in town, the story really takes off, making it hard to put the book down. The ending was quite exhilarating and very satisfying--a perfect book for the upcoming holiday season.
I recommend The Christmas Women to anyone looking for an excellent feel-good book for Christmas time. I plan to check out other titles by Elyse Douglas.
I really enjoyed The Christmas Women. I love reading thrillers, but I will often take a break and look for a good literary or women's fiction book to enjoy. When I saw this novel on Net Galley, I jumped at the chance to read it, and I was not disappointed! This is the story of Trudie Parks, a dental hygienist, who get the idea of resurrecting a Christmas show from her high school days of 20 years previous, in honor of her high school drama teacher who is very ill with cancer. Ultimately, about 40-50 students from Trudie's graduation class gather to pull off the Herculean task of putting on the show. The event brings back 20- year-old memories to those who participate, leading several to reevaluate their current lives.
There are a number of things to like about The Christmas Women. Ms. Douglas does a good job in developing her major characters. Though the story is mainly told through Trudie, the point of view shifts at times to better flesh out the supporting players, primarily Trudie's best friends Kristen and Mary Ann. The author is also very successful in creating the ambience of small town midwest America in the dead of winter. I also like the way the story aroused feelings of nostalgia for "the old days" in me. Though the setup was just a bit slow (the reason for 4 rather than 5 stars), once the main characters all arrived in town, the story really takes off, making it hard to put the book down. The ending was quite exhilarating and very satisfying--a perfect book for the upcoming holiday season.
I recommend The Christmas Women to anyone looking for an excellent feel-good book for Christmas time. I plan to check out other titles by Elyse Douglas.
March 4, 2015
3.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. I love happy Christmas stories. They put me in a good mood. They make me happy. This book made me happy.
The Christmas Women was a sweet story. I liked the romance, the friendship, the show for the retired teacher who touched so many lives. I enjoyed the suspense. It was a fun read. Was it predictable? Yes. But that’s okay. I don’t mind that when I’m reading stories like this. And it did remind me of White Christmas a tiny bit — mainly the show for the retired teacher. I felt that some of the characters’ actions and thoughts weren’t quite realistic enough for me. But those things did not affect my enjoyment at all. I kept reading The Christmas Women, and I didn’t want to put it down until it was over.
Would I recommend it: If you like happily ever after Christmas stories, then you will enjoy this book!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/10/ch...
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. I love happy Christmas stories. They put me in a good mood. They make me happy. This book made me happy.
The Christmas Women was a sweet story. I liked the romance, the friendship, the show for the retired teacher who touched so many lives. I enjoyed the suspense. It was a fun read. Was it predictable? Yes. But that’s okay. I don’t mind that when I’m reading stories like this. And it did remind me of White Christmas a tiny bit — mainly the show for the retired teacher. I felt that some of the characters’ actions and thoughts weren’t quite realistic enough for me. But those things did not affect my enjoyment at all. I kept reading The Christmas Women, and I didn’t want to put it down until it was over.
Would I recommend it: If you like happily ever after Christmas stories, then you will enjoy this book!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/10/ch...
October 25, 2014
It's sweet, for the most part predictable and smacks of "The Music Man," "White Christmas" and "Grease." In short, which it is at just 219 pages, it's a nice book to read before the holiday season. A friend here at Goodreads recommended it just as I was looking for something to counter the effects of a heavy-handed war-action thriller, and when I learned it's free with my Kindle Unlimited membership, I downloaded it immediately (the regular price is $2.99).
When Trudie Parks, a former student of retired high school drama teacher Myrna Childs, learns that her beloved teacher may have terminal cancer, she contacts two of her best friends from way back then (Trudie is 38, unmarried and living in her late father's house). The three, all stars of the annual Childs-directed Christmas show, at the time were so close that they were dubbed "The Christmas Girls," although they've since scattered to other parts of the country and rarely see each other. Moved to do something to honor their former teacher, the three decide to recreate the show 20 years after the fact.
As they contact the classmates who were involved in the original production to bring about a reenactment, they come face-to-face with old rivalries, old dreams and (big surprise!) old romances. Will they manage to pull it all together, deal with their ghosts from the past and stage a smashing show? And, given their teacher's weakening condition, can they do it in time?
As I implied at the outset, there aren't many big surprises here - not that there's anything wrong with that. And I admit to feeling special connections as I read along. To begin with, the setting is a small town called Deer Lake, Ohio, just south of Columbus. As an almost lifelong Buckeye who grew up not far from our wonderful capital city, I've never heard of Deer Lake, although Deer Creek State Park is in the approximate area. But the subject matter struck close to home as well; both my husband, a retired high school English teacher, and our daughter, a middle school language arts teacher, have been heavily involved in high school play production (our daughter still is).
For years, we've lived through all the excitement, last-minute glitches, personality clashes and anticipation of opening nights; and not a few of the classmates in this book - including the hometown clown turned well-known Hollywood actor - resonated in my own memory bank. I know firsthand how much work, time and frazzled nerves are involved - and I also know that no matter how apprehensive teacher-directors may be on opening night, parents, grandparents and friends will know for certain that the students they came to see are nothing short of Bing Crosby, Shirley Jones, John Travolta or Olivia Newton-John.
All that said, it was an enjoyable read for me. I do, however, have one tiny nit to pick: At one point, the author says one of the classmates left to attend "Perdue." Unless he secretly was taking classes in chicken plucking, I suspect he really went to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where the overall undergraduate engineering programs are ranked 9th nationally.
When Trudie Parks, a former student of retired high school drama teacher Myrna Childs, learns that her beloved teacher may have terminal cancer, she contacts two of her best friends from way back then (Trudie is 38, unmarried and living in her late father's house). The three, all stars of the annual Childs-directed Christmas show, at the time were so close that they were dubbed "The Christmas Girls," although they've since scattered to other parts of the country and rarely see each other. Moved to do something to honor their former teacher, the three decide to recreate the show 20 years after the fact.
As they contact the classmates who were involved in the original production to bring about a reenactment, they come face-to-face with old rivalries, old dreams and (big surprise!) old romances. Will they manage to pull it all together, deal with their ghosts from the past and stage a smashing show? And, given their teacher's weakening condition, can they do it in time?
As I implied at the outset, there aren't many big surprises here - not that there's anything wrong with that. And I admit to feeling special connections as I read along. To begin with, the setting is a small town called Deer Lake, Ohio, just south of Columbus. As an almost lifelong Buckeye who grew up not far from our wonderful capital city, I've never heard of Deer Lake, although Deer Creek State Park is in the approximate area. But the subject matter struck close to home as well; both my husband, a retired high school English teacher, and our daughter, a middle school language arts teacher, have been heavily involved in high school play production (our daughter still is).
For years, we've lived through all the excitement, last-minute glitches, personality clashes and anticipation of opening nights; and not a few of the classmates in this book - including the hometown clown turned well-known Hollywood actor - resonated in my own memory bank. I know firsthand how much work, time and frazzled nerves are involved - and I also know that no matter how apprehensive teacher-directors may be on opening night, parents, grandparents and friends will know for certain that the students they came to see are nothing short of Bing Crosby, Shirley Jones, John Travolta or Olivia Newton-John.
All that said, it was an enjoyable read for me. I do, however, have one tiny nit to pick: At one point, the author says one of the classmates left to attend "Perdue." Unless he secretly was taking classes in chicken plucking, I suspect he really went to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where the overall undergraduate engineering programs are ranked 9th nationally.
December 16, 2014
I loved this book. I waited a bit to read it because I wanted to read it during the Christmas time and I am so glad I did! While this would be a great read anytime of the year it was fantastic to read it and enjoy the bits about Christmas plays, carols, the spirit moving everyone to help others, etc.
The three women were extremely easy to relate to. They all had regrets or thoughts that I think all women reflect on, even men perhaps, as they reach different parts of their life. What ifs, if onlys, etc. as we see our life go one way or the other. I loved the struggle that each character faced within family, friends and their past as they worked to move past it to get to where they wanted to be and to help someone they admired and loved from their past. Mrs. Childs..oh my goodness what a wonderful character and fully developed part of the story. Everyone should be so lucky to have a teacher who has that type of impact on during and after school.
My least favorite woman was Kristen and the reason is because the writing and development of her character was so on point that I just wanted to kick her. I mean not making up her mind, being selfish, etc. seemed to be her mo the ENTIRE story...not just high school, but then she finds a way to make me like even her at the end of the story. Seriously though the route she takes in this story is so convoluted and I loved it. I went from not liking her to liking her to hating her to loving her to only liking her! No other character had me so torn about my opinion on them.
The men of this story..oh the men...how fantastic was it that these men were realistic and not over the top. They helped make this story feel like it could happen and that the everyday romance and love could exist. My favorite was how all the men found a way to address what went wrong or where everyone veered in high school to fix the relationships. Jon and his role in this story was complex and made him one of my favorites. At times I laughed at his audacity, gasped at his callousness, cringed when I thought he responded a certain way to Trudie near the end and wanted to applaud when he helped make the ending of this book so fantastic.
This was an easy and immensely enjoyable read. I did read it in one night, but it also has impressed me with how often I have thought about the main story, the side stories and its characters since I finished it a few days ago. I would recommend this book and author to anyone looking for a light holiday read.
Full review at www.meghanvarner.blogspot.com
The three women were extremely easy to relate to. They all had regrets or thoughts that I think all women reflect on, even men perhaps, as they reach different parts of their life. What ifs, if onlys, etc. as we see our life go one way or the other. I loved the struggle that each character faced within family, friends and their past as they worked to move past it to get to where they wanted to be and to help someone they admired and loved from their past. Mrs. Childs..oh my goodness what a wonderful character and fully developed part of the story. Everyone should be so lucky to have a teacher who has that type of impact on during and after school.
My least favorite woman was Kristen and the reason is because the writing and development of her character was so on point that I just wanted to kick her. I mean not making up her mind, being selfish, etc. seemed to be her mo the ENTIRE story...not just high school, but then she finds a way to make me like even her at the end of the story. Seriously though the route she takes in this story is so convoluted and I loved it. I went from not liking her to liking her to hating her to loving her to only liking her! No other character had me so torn about my opinion on them.
The men of this story..oh the men...how fantastic was it that these men were realistic and not over the top. They helped make this story feel like it could happen and that the everyday romance and love could exist. My favorite was how all the men found a way to address what went wrong or where everyone veered in high school to fix the relationships. Jon and his role in this story was complex and made him one of my favorites. At times I laughed at his audacity, gasped at his callousness, cringed when I thought he responded a certain way to Trudie near the end and wanted to applaud when he helped make the ending of this book so fantastic.
This was an easy and immensely enjoyable read. I did read it in one night, but it also has impressed me with how often I have thought about the main story, the side stories and its characters since I finished it a few days ago. I would recommend this book and author to anyone looking for a light holiday read.
Full review at www.meghanvarner.blogspot.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2014
Title: The Christmas Women
Author: Elyse Douglas
Publisher: E. D.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:
"The Christmas Women" by Elyse Douglas
Book Description....
"When 38-year old Trudie Parks learns that her high school drama teacher is seriously ill, she immediately contacts her two best friends in high school, Kristen and Mary Ann. Together, they'd been known as "The Christmas Girls." They'd produced and starred in the annual high school Christmas show, which their teacher, Mrs. Childs, had directed.
Determined to show their love for Mrs. Childs, they plan a 20-year reunion to recreate the Christmas show for her. What they don't anticipate is the complicated emotions this provokes, as former sweethearts appear and rekindle romance, painful memories and the sting of unrealized dreams. All three women must reassess their lives and their friendships, while struggling to produce the show, even while Mrs. Childs seems to grow weaker by the day.
As Christmas Eve approaches, The Christmas Women prepare for an event that will take them and the audience to the farthest reaches of the human heart and resonate throughout the rest of their lives."
What I liked about the read....
This was quite a interesting story of three women who had been childhood friends and were known as 'The Christmas Girls' now twenty years later are back together again in their hometown due to a teacher, Mrs. Childs who is ill. Trudie, Kristen and Mary Ann have come back to perform their Christmas show. This will turn out to be some reunion where alumnus and their families. Many old feelings will come about as they put together this Christmas show as there will be some twist and turns going on. With saying that I will stop here and say pick up "The Christmas Women" to see how this is presented by this author to the reader. From the read you will see how good this story is especially during the Christmas holidays and how these three ladies were able to come together to give a excellent successful production for their teacher. In the end you will be given a wonderful Christmas story. Would I recommend? YES!
Author: Elyse Douglas
Publisher: E. D.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:
"The Christmas Women" by Elyse Douglas
Book Description....
"When 38-year old Trudie Parks learns that her high school drama teacher is seriously ill, she immediately contacts her two best friends in high school, Kristen and Mary Ann. Together, they'd been known as "The Christmas Girls." They'd produced and starred in the annual high school Christmas show, which their teacher, Mrs. Childs, had directed.
Determined to show their love for Mrs. Childs, they plan a 20-year reunion to recreate the Christmas show for her. What they don't anticipate is the complicated emotions this provokes, as former sweethearts appear and rekindle romance, painful memories and the sting of unrealized dreams. All three women must reassess their lives and their friendships, while struggling to produce the show, even while Mrs. Childs seems to grow weaker by the day.
As Christmas Eve approaches, The Christmas Women prepare for an event that will take them and the audience to the farthest reaches of the human heart and resonate throughout the rest of their lives."
What I liked about the read....
This was quite a interesting story of three women who had been childhood friends and were known as 'The Christmas Girls' now twenty years later are back together again in their hometown due to a teacher, Mrs. Childs who is ill. Trudie, Kristen and Mary Ann have come back to perform their Christmas show. This will turn out to be some reunion where alumnus and their families. Many old feelings will come about as they put together this Christmas show as there will be some twist and turns going on. With saying that I will stop here and say pick up "The Christmas Women" to see how this is presented by this author to the reader. From the read you will see how good this story is especially during the Christmas holidays and how these three ladies were able to come together to give a excellent successful production for their teacher. In the end you will be given a wonderful Christmas story. Would I recommend? YES!
December 21, 2014
I've read Elyse Douglas before---her previous book, The Christmas Town was a great read. I was looking forward to The Christmas Women, expecting a good story with great characterization and lots of warm-fuzzy feelings. And Douglas definitely delivered!
The Christmas Women was such a sweet story. It really tugged at my heartstrings, and made me laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time). I loved that the main characters want to honor their teacher in such a huge way. Speaking of the characters, Douglas did a great job with the characterization. I loved each main character for their different personalities. They were realistically flawed and all quite likable. The cast of characters and their antics was my favorite aspect of this book.
The conflict resolution was perfect for the story. I liked the way Douglas tied up all of the characters' stories, not in a too-perfect kind of way, but in a realistic yet still happy way.
The Christmas Women was a great read, and it's sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed this sweet story and look forward to reading more from Elyse Douglas.
The Christmas Women was such a sweet story. It really tugged at my heartstrings, and made me laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time). I loved that the main characters want to honor their teacher in such a huge way. Speaking of the characters, Douglas did a great job with the characterization. I loved each main character for their different personalities. They were realistically flawed and all quite likable. The cast of characters and their antics was my favorite aspect of this book.
The conflict resolution was perfect for the story. I liked the way Douglas tied up all of the characters' stories, not in a too-perfect kind of way, but in a realistic yet still happy way.
The Christmas Women was a great read, and it's sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed this sweet story and look forward to reading more from Elyse Douglas.
January 10, 2015
As I read the author's biography, I was surprised to read that Elyse Douglas is actually a husband/wife writing team. I had already written the review in my head, but when I read this, my thoughts started to wander and I began thinking of the story in an entirely different way.
Throughout the story, which involves a Christmas high school reunion, there is the usual high school drama that seems to unfold no matter how old we get. I tend to think it quite easy to picture a woman writing about all of the melodrama, but now, thinking of a man collaborating on it, the story takes on a different spin.
I enjoyed reading The Christmas Women. The storyline was interesting and the writing was good. There was friendship and romance, humor and otherwise. The story will have you laughing and then crying. Even though the Christmas season has passed, it would still be a great book to read.
I am giving The Christmas Women five stars.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Throughout the story, which involves a Christmas high school reunion, there is the usual high school drama that seems to unfold no matter how old we get. I tend to think it quite easy to picture a woman writing about all of the melodrama, but now, thinking of a man collaborating on it, the story takes on a different spin.
I enjoyed reading The Christmas Women. The storyline was interesting and the writing was good. There was friendship and romance, humor and otherwise. The story will have you laughing and then crying. Even though the Christmas season has passed, it would still be a great book to read.
I am giving The Christmas Women five stars.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2014
This is a real feel good Christmas story. Trudie discovers that her old High School drama teacher is seriously ill and decides that with her friends she should put on a Christmas show for her. It turns into a 20 year reunion for her classmates and we get to learn more about them in the preceding years and back into the present. It fills you with the magic of Christmas and the feeling in a small town with all the ex students coming together to plan a special show for their teacher.
We go through their dreams for the future, friction between certain characters and romance. The characters are really well drawn and you get to know them and get drawn into the preparation and anticipation for the Christmas Eve show.
With many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of the book to review
We go through their dreams for the future, friction between certain characters and romance. The characters are really well drawn and you get to know them and get drawn into the preparation and anticipation for the Christmas Eve show.
With many thanks to Net Galley for a copy of the book to review
October 20, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Elyse Douglas' book The Christmas Women is a must read. It is about three former childhood friends who come back together after finding out that a former teacher of theirs is very ill. They decide to have a twenty year reunion and re-create the Christmas show that they had done years before. There are many twists and turns. Old feeling and painful memories come back. As you turn the pages you find which ending happens .. Happy? Sad? I gave this book 5 stars but it does deserve more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look forward to more from Elyse Douglas.
Elyse Douglas' book The Christmas Women is a must read. It is about three former childhood friends who come back together after finding out that a former teacher of theirs is very ill. They decide to have a twenty year reunion and re-create the Christmas show that they had done years before. There are many twists and turns. Old feeling and painful memories come back. As you turn the pages you find which ending happens .. Happy? Sad? I gave this book 5 stars but it does deserve more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look forward to more from Elyse Douglas.
September 8, 2018
Trudie Parks is one of the 'Christmas Girls' from her high school drama group. She finds out that her favorite teacher, Mrs. Childs is very ill and immediately calls the other 'Christmas Girls' that she hasn't seen since high school. They get together and stage the play that Mrs. Childs directed for their school play 20 years earlier. The 20 years disappear and it is if they are back in high school with all its insecurities, romance and dreams.
Great book. Full of Christmas spirit.
Great book. Full of Christmas spirit.
July 13, 2015
An amazing story! Emotionally set of how 3 best friends reunite. Loved this book!!
February 12, 2024
Hi, everyone. I'm so excited to share the latest book I read by Elyse Douglas.
She's one of my favorite authors, and I've now devoured all her books on Amazon. I can't wait for her next release, 'Time Lost,' on February 26th. But for now, let me tell you about 'The Christmas Women,' the most heartwarming book I've read in a long time. It made me cry, laugh, and cheer for the characters. It's a beautiful, fun story about friendship, love, and gratitude. The book follows three women who were best friends in high school and had a wonderful drama teacher who inspired them. Years later, they find out that their teacher has breast cancer and is not doing well after surgery and radiation. They decide they want to honor her by putting on a Christmas show with their old classmates and friends. As they work on the project, they face personal challenges and dilemmas. They wonder about their choices, their regrets, and their dreams.
This book touched my heart in so many ways. I loved the bond between the women and their teacher. I loved the romance, the humor, and the drama. And I loved the ending! It was perfect! If you're looking for a book that will make you feel good and warm your soul, you should definitely get 'The Christmas Women.' It's a beautiful gift for yourself or someone you love.
• ASIN: B00MSVF3LK
• Publisher: Author
• Publication Date: 12/15/2014
• File Size: 429 KB
• Print Length: 293 pages
• Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction, Women's Romance Fiction
She's one of my favorite authors, and I've now devoured all her books on Amazon. I can't wait for her next release, 'Time Lost,' on February 26th. But for now, let me tell you about 'The Christmas Women,' the most heartwarming book I've read in a long time. It made me cry, laugh, and cheer for the characters. It's a beautiful, fun story about friendship, love, and gratitude. The book follows three women who were best friends in high school and had a wonderful drama teacher who inspired them. Years later, they find out that their teacher has breast cancer and is not doing well after surgery and radiation. They decide they want to honor her by putting on a Christmas show with their old classmates and friends. As they work on the project, they face personal challenges and dilemmas. They wonder about their choices, their regrets, and their dreams.
This book touched my heart in so many ways. I loved the bond between the women and their teacher. I loved the romance, the humor, and the drama. And I loved the ending! It was perfect! If you're looking for a book that will make you feel good and warm your soul, you should definitely get 'The Christmas Women.' It's a beautiful gift for yourself or someone you love.
• ASIN: B00MSVF3LK
• Publisher: Author
• Publication Date: 12/15/2014
• File Size: 429 KB
• Print Length: 293 pages
• Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction, Women's Romance Fiction
December 14, 2022
Tears of warmth and joy........
Elise Douglas has outdone herself once again. Her writings are magical in their depth. And what magic arose when an entire town came together to do some rollicking good. The celebration of the teaching skills of Mrs. Child's, a drama coach , and her cheerleading skills to each of her students really made a difference in all their lives. I cried, laughed, revered the poignant scenes and celebrated the humanism of it all. We'll Done and a very Merry Christmas to all.
Elise Douglas has outdone herself once again. Her writings are magical in their depth. And what magic arose when an entire town came together to do some rollicking good. The celebration of the teaching skills of Mrs. Child's, a drama coach , and her cheerleading skills to each of her students really made a difference in all their lives. I cried, laughed, revered the poignant scenes and celebrated the humanism of it all. We'll Done and a very Merry Christmas to all.
August 31, 2020
The Christmas Women
Else did it again writing a lovely Christmas story. Trudie, Mary Ann, and Kristen doing a Christmas play 20 years after the first time just as a gift for a teacher that they all loved. Jon Ketch a movie star that also was in the play came. Trudie and Jon became engaged for New Years eve
Else did it again writing a lovely Christmas story. Trudie, Mary Ann, and Kristen doing a Christmas play 20 years after the first time just as a gift for a teacher that they all loved. Jon Ketch a movie star that also was in the play came. Trudie and Jon became engaged for New Years eve
December 22, 2025
The Christmas women. Very slow developing story, certainly not a page turner. Actually it is boring.Details that no one could care about fill pages with blather. I tried my best but this nothing happening was boring me to death, so I quit after 16 chapters of garbage.
October 7, 2020
I ENJOY IMMENSELY ALL OF MS. DOUGLAS' BOOKS ON TT
October 5, 2014
This is a good book about three women who produced and performed in their school's Christmas shows as teenagers and were known as the Christmas Girls. Twenty years later, when one of them learns that their old drama teacher is very ill with cancer she contacts the other two Christmas Girls to let them know about their ex-teacher's illness. They decide to show this wonderful woman how much they care for her but putting on a Christmas show for her just like the old ones they used to have. When they let all of the teacher's old students know about the show, everyone wants to participate and it becomes a 20th reunion. Old friends and loves reunite but everyone keeps the Christmas spirit and put on a wonderful show.
This would be a wonderful book to read at Christmas time. It would definitely help put you in the Christmas spirit. The authors show the three Christmas Women come together and work tirelessly to put on a show for their beloved teacher at a very busy time of year. You could feel the kindness and good feelings from everyone involved in the production to make it a success for their teacher. The good will rubbed off on the Christmas Women's personal lives as well and we got to see HEAs for them.
I liked the character development of the three Christmas Women and that we got to know about them as girls and in the past 20 years as well. However, I would like to have had more details on Trudie's personal feelings since I was surprised at who she ended up with. But even with that surprise, the ending was really good and left me in tears.
Please note I received a complementary copy of The Christmas Women in exchange for my honest review.
This would be a wonderful book to read at Christmas time. It would definitely help put you in the Christmas spirit. The authors show the three Christmas Women come together and work tirelessly to put on a show for their beloved teacher at a very busy time of year. You could feel the kindness and good feelings from everyone involved in the production to make it a success for their teacher. The good will rubbed off on the Christmas Women's personal lives as well and we got to see HEAs for them.
I liked the character development of the three Christmas Women and that we got to know about them as girls and in the past 20 years as well. However, I would like to have had more details on Trudie's personal feelings since I was surprised at who she ended up with. But even with that surprise, the ending was really good and left me in tears.
Please note I received a complementary copy of The Christmas Women in exchange for my honest review.
November 27, 2014
Christmas romance? Chick lit? Contemporary romance? This book was hard to pin down, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
When Trudie finds out her favourite teacher from high school has breast cancer it makes her examine her own life as she nears forty. Mrs. Childs had not only taught them drama, but their worth. Trudie and her friends had been The Christmas girls in the school productions and now as they work to bring everyone together to do a Christmas show for Mrs. Childs it’s clear, they’re The Christmas Women.
Weird things amuse me sometimes, in this case, a simple spelling mistake (gee, thank goodness I never make those, heavy sarcasm implied) gave me a chuckle. The line was something like, his cologne was musty and sexy. I don’t know about you, but musty is not a scent I find sexy, it actually makes me have issues breathing and not for a good reason. I know, it was supposed to say ‘musky’, but it reminds us in life, even one letter can make a big difference.
Lots of surprises, especially the ending and I can’t dislike the whole book for the ending, I’m sure the authors (Elyse Douglas is a pen name for a husband and wife writing team, Douglas Pennington and Elyse Parmentier) had their reasoning, I just didn’t get it.
This book was intended to make the reader think about the stages of life, a little heavy for your average Christmas romance, perhaps, but enjoyable all the same.
Shades of White Christmas? Definitely, but without the great music.
When Trudie finds out her favourite teacher from high school has breast cancer it makes her examine her own life as she nears forty. Mrs. Childs had not only taught them drama, but their worth. Trudie and her friends had been The Christmas girls in the school productions and now as they work to bring everyone together to do a Christmas show for Mrs. Childs it’s clear, they’re The Christmas Women.
Weird things amuse me sometimes, in this case, a simple spelling mistake (gee, thank goodness I never make those, heavy sarcasm implied) gave me a chuckle. The line was something like, his cologne was musty and sexy. I don’t know about you, but musty is not a scent I find sexy, it actually makes me have issues breathing and not for a good reason. I know, it was supposed to say ‘musky’, but it reminds us in life, even one letter can make a big difference.
Lots of surprises, especially the ending and I can’t dislike the whole book for the ending, I’m sure the authors (Elyse Douglas is a pen name for a husband and wife writing team, Douglas Pennington and Elyse Parmentier) had their reasoning, I just didn’t get it.
This book was intended to make the reader think about the stages of life, a little heavy for your average Christmas romance, perhaps, but enjoyable all the same.
Shades of White Christmas? Definitely, but without the great music.
January 3, 2016
Trudie, Kristen and Mary Ann were known as "The Christmas Girls" at their former high school. Upon learning that their high school drama teacher is seriously ill friends come together to put on one more show. With this show many things are revealed and relived. Life is not all that it once seemed or what was to be. This holiday read is filled with much emotional give and take. This was my first read from Douglas. She brought a touching light to the holiday season.
Thanks to NetGalley and the delightful Holiday Read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the delightful Holiday Read.
November 12, 2014
Trudie has learned that her favorite high school teacher is fighting cancer and after 20 years she visits and decides to cheer her up. She contacts her two best friends, Kristen and Maryann, and they revive Mrs. Childs Christmas show. They contact fellow graduates and soon the production has bloomed into an extravaganza and keeping it a secret in their small town is becoming extremely hard. As classmates from far away arrive to help, some old memories and heartaches surface. A feelgood, cheer you up read.
December 1, 2014
This was a good book, except towards the end, there was one scene, that I wish they would have left me outside the bedroom door. Other that that, I enjoyed the book, the reunion and stage she they put on for their former drama teacher. Had to reduce the stars because of the one part.
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