Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Book Review: An O'Brien Family Christmas


Author: Sherryl Woods
Title: An O'Brien Family Christmas
Published: Sept 27, 2011
Publisher: Mira
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: Dating Matthew O'Brien—a playboy and a younger man—cost Laila Riley her career and her parents' respect. A high price, even for love—and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew's objections.

But the O'Brien family has other ideas, and they conspire to get Laila to join them on a Dublin holiday. It's a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about the trip. Matthew's bound to be there, and she's far from immune. What if she can't resist temptation?

Meanwhile, the O'Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell's unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?

Review: The Chesapeake Shores series is one of my very favorites. Sherryl Woods introduces you to the fabulous O'Brien clan. Each book is fine as a stand alone novel, but it is nice to have read some of the others, so that the family history is in your mind. If you haven't read any of them, that won't make much difference, after a few pages, the O'Brien's will feel like your family.

This story focuses on Laila and Matthew O'Brien as well as grandma Nell and Dillon O'Malley. There are always a few stories going on in each novel, but this one sticks to two.

I absolutely adored Matthew. He was is one of the few heros that knows what he wants from the get go, and that is Laila. Laila is a little bit harder to like, because she's so stubborn, and that stubbornness sometimes makes her act stupidly, or rather, rashly, giving up things she really wants.

The other love story is between grandma Nell and her ex beau, Dillon. The O'Malley clan is just as fun as the O'Brien's, and it wonderful to see love blossom for the couple that are in their twilight years, and how that love affects the feelings of the family. Mick's reaction to his mom's taking up with Dillon is priceless! Can you say, overprotective much?

You really come away from this book feeling good about life and the holiday. It is full of warm fuzzy feelings. Plus it reminds us all that family is so very important. Definitely a must read holiday novel!

Rating: 5 flowers

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